The Enigmatic AREx: Unraveling IDR's Supercar Legacy

UNIQUE ONES - Ever pondered the untold stories in the realm of automobiles, especially in the heart of the United States? Amidst the dazzling array of cars gracing our streets today, a fascinating revelation emerges – until the 1980s and 1990s, America lacked a bona fide supercar capable of challenging European juggernauts like Lamborghini, Ferrari, or Porsche. 

The AREx is a unique-shaped two seater American sports car crafted by IDR in collaboration with Gale Banks Engineering, and launched in 1991. (Picture from: Classic And Recreation Sports Cars)

While brands like Vector made valiant attempts, one enigmatic journey often slips through the cracks – Industrial Design Research (IDR) hailing from the scenic Laguna Beach, California.

Weighing in at approximately 1,180 kilograms, the IDR AREx stretched 440 centimeters in length, 203 centimeters in width, and stood at 109 centimeters in height. (Picture from: Classic And Recreation Sports Cars)

In the year 1983, David Stollery laid the foundation of IDR, armed with a rich background sculpted by roles at Opel, Chevrolet, Mazda, Renault, and Subaru. Stollery, a key player in the inauguration of the Calty Toyota styling center, led the charge for seven transformative years.

Nestled beneath its hood, a 5.7-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine from General Motors roared to life, unleashing a formidable 590 horsepower. (Picture from: Classic And Recreation Sports Cars)

IDR's foray into the automotive arena commenced with three-wheeled marvels propelled by motorcycle engines. Fast forward to 1991, the stages of Detroit and Las Vegas bore witness to the grand unveiling of AREx, a sports roadster that would rewrite the narrative. This two-seater prototype wasn't merely a car; it embodied over a decade of meticulous craftsmanship and refinement, crafted in collaboration with Gale Banks Engineering. The acronym AREx signified American Roadster Experimental, encapsulating the audacious spirit fueling its inception.

The IDR AREx featuring a sleek two-seater layout riding on a conventional tubular box frame chassis, adorned with an open-top fiberglass body showcasing scissor doors. (Picture from: Official BanksPower)

Now, let's delve into the aesthetic allure of AREx. Envision a sleek two-seater prototype riding on a conventional tubular box frame chassis, adorned with an open-top fiberglass body showcasing scissor doors. Weighing in at approximately 1,180 kilograms, the car stretched 440 centimeters in length, 203 centimeters in width, and stood at 109 centimeters in height. 

Inside the IDR AREx, adorned with rich black genuine leather, featuring a sporty style steering wheel and a sleek dashboard arrangement centered around a drive-focused instrument panel.. (Picture from: Official BanksPower)

Nestled beneath its hood, a 5.7-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine from General Motors roared to life, unleashing a formidable 590 horsepower. Power seamlessly coursed through a 5-speed ZF gearbox, propelling the AREx from 0 to 60 miles per hour in an astonishing 3.4 seconds. It conquered the quarter mile in 10.8 seconds and boasted a top speed of 345 km/h.

Nestled beneath its hood, a 5.7-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine from General Motors roared to life, unleashing a formidable 590 horsepower. (Picture from: Official BanksPower)

Yet, here's where intrigue takes center stage. Despite AREx boasting readiness for production, IDR opted not to thrust it into the automotive spotlight. Why? IDR asserted from the get-go that the project primarily served as a showcase of their prowess and a promotional vehicle for the brand. The precise production count remains shrouded in mystery, with speculation hinting at the existence of a solitary unit, undergoing transformations that oscillated between a vibrant red and a sleek silver.

Unfortunately, the IDR AREx seemingly vanished from public view, eschewing appearances at prestigious events and American elegance competitions post its initial revelation. (Picture from: Autogen.pl)

As is customary with one-of-a-kind prototypes, extracting concrete details proves to be a challenging pursuit. The AREx seemingly vanished from public view, eschewing appearances at prestigious events and American elegance competitions post its initial revelation.

This enigmatic disappearance only amplifies the allure of AREx, an unsung hero in the annals of American automotive history. While it may not have graced production lines, AREx proudly stands as a testament to IDR's audacity and ambition, leaving an indelible imprint on the canvas of automotive design. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | INDESRE | OFFICIAL BANKSPOWER | AUTOGEN.PL | CLASSIC AND RECREATION SPORTS CARS | CARSTYLING.RU ]

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