Beautiful ONES - The 1960s, with its miniskirts, the electrifying music of Jimi Hendrix, and the spirit of the summer of love, exuded an unparalleled grooviness. It was a time when the world emerged from post-war austerity, ushering in a newfound sense of optimism.
Elvis Presley's Pink Cadillac Fleetwood Series 60 at Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee. (Picture from: EncirclePhotos)
This creative resurgence extended beyond music and fashion; it extended to the automotive industry as well. In this article, we'll delve into the mesmerizing world of '60s cars, celebrating their timeless beauty and the era's glamorous culture.
10. Austin Mini 850 Mark I
The Austin Mini 850 Mark I, produced by the British Motor Corporation (BMC), is an enduring icon of the 1960s. This compact car, known for its sliding windows, external door hinges, and distinctive "moustache" grille, revolutionized automotive design. Its space-saving front-wheel-drive layout allowed 80% of the floorpan area to be dedicated to passengers and luggage, influencing generations of car makers.
1963 Austin Mini 850 Mark I. (Picture from: BringATrailer)
Often
compared to the Volkswagen Beetle, the Mini captured the hearts of
many, including the legendary Beatles who favored it over the Beetle. It
stands as a testament to British automotive innovation and style during
the swinging '60s. 9. Buick Riviera
Introduced in October 1962, the Buick Riviera stretched out luxuriously at 208 inches. Its rear-slanted nose, low-profile roofline, and wide roof pillars gave it a distinctive appearance. The headlamps seamlessly integrated into the grille, maintaining the car's sharp profile.
Designed to rival Ford Thunderbird, the Buick Riviera exuded a refined masculinity with its sleek side-vents and assertive front grille. Inside, it boasted four bucket seats, a center console, and a floor-mounted shifter.
The upholstery options included vinyl, cloth/vinyl, or leather/vinyl, providing a touch of elegance. Rear passengers could exit using the second set of inside door handles, and the radio speaker was ingeniously placed between the rear seats due to the dashboard's space constraints.
8. Pontiac Firebird
The Pontiac Firebird, in production from 1967 to 2002, shared the stage with its sibling, the Chevrolet Camaro. These pony cars sported various four-cylinder, six-cylinder, and V8 engines sourced from GM divisions, offering a diverse range of powertrains. The Firebird's integrated bumpers and distinctive "slit" taillights, inspired by the Pontiac GTO, defined its unique identity.
Originally conceived as a "consolation prize" for Pontiac, which had initially sought to create a two-seat sports car, the Firebird shared the F-body platform with Chevrolet to avoid competing with the Corvette directly. It became a symbol of American muscle and style during the swinging '60s.
7. Austin-Healey 3000
Manufactured from 1959 to late 1967, the Austin-Healey 3000 was a beloved two-door soft-top roadster offered to American enthusiasts. Often referred to as the "big Healey" to distinguish it from its smaller sibling, the Bugeye Sprite, this model featured a robust 2.9-liter C-Series straight-six engine generating 124 horsepower.
Equipped with twin SU carburetors, Girling front disc brakes, and optional features like adjustable steering, overdrive-equipped gearbox, wire wheels, and two-tone paint, the Austin-Healey 3000 provided a thrilling driving experience. Even Jay Leno counts himself among its enthusiasts.
6. Cadillac Series 62 Eldorado
Elvis Presley's favorite car, the Cadillac Series 62 Eldorado, epitomized understated elegance. Departing from the flamboyant tailfins and aerospace-inspired designs of the late '50s, this model embraced a leaner, more linear aesthetic. With its sculptured sides, distinctive tail lights, and cornering lights, this one-year-only production bodystyle exuded sophistication. It featured a massive 6,390 cc (390 cubic inch) V8 engine producing 325 horsepower, reflecting Cadillac's commitment to performance and style.
1962 Cadillac Series 62 Eldorado. (Picture from: Hemmings)
Inspired by the space program and the era of jet engines, the Series 62 Eldorado was a symbol of technological progress and luxury. Despite its size, it navigated with a 24-foot turning radius, making it a true testament to '60s automotive engineering.
1962 Cadillac Series 62 Eldorado. (Picture from: Hemmings)
In the 1960s, these iconic cars embodied the spirit of the era—bold, innovative, and undeniably stylish. From the compact charm of the Austin Mini 850 Mark I to the understated elegance of the Cadillac Series 62 Eldorado, each car had its unique allure. As we look back on these classics, we're reminded of a time when the world was groovy, and the cars were nothing short of legendary. (Jump to Next-Part.)*** [EKA [27022013] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DAILYTOP10 | BRINGATRAILER | CLASSICAUTOMALL | MOTORTREND | CARGURUS | ENCIRCLEPHOTOS | HEMMINGS ]
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Last of A Kind - De Tomaso is an Italian premium car brand that has been coloring the world's racing and exotic cars since long time ago by many their cars. The automotive company based in Modena, Italy was founded by Alejandro De Tomaso in 1959.
De Tomaso Guarà coupé powered by a Ford's V8 engine and legal to drive in California USA. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
As quoted of Wikipedia, after repeatedly undergoing management changes related to the shares ownership in the company, most recently in 2014 the De Tomaso brand was acquired by a company based in Hong Kong is called Ideal Team Ventures and in 2019 they managed to make and launching a beautiful, retro-style supercar called De Tomaso P72.
De Tomaso Guarà convertible spider of the 1998 powered by a BMW's V8 engine of which 4 units were ever built. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
But did you know that throughout the 1990s, Alejandro De Tomaso, the brand's founder is also known to have kept designing exotic cars before he passed away in the 2006. As the last car project he worked on was De Tomaso Guarà, and debuted at the 1993 Geneva Motor Show.
De Tomaso Guarà convertible spider of the 1998 powered by a BMW's V8 engine of which 4 units were ever built. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
As is well known, the De Tomaso Guarà was launched after the legendary De Tomaso Pantera model was discontinued in the 1993. Furthermore, the Guarà is designed by Carlo Gaino, a designer of Synthesis Design, an Italian design house and made based on the Maserati Barchetta Stradale prototype of the 1991 which is also the Gaino's designed result.
De Tomaso Guarà barchetta of the 1996 powered by a BMW's V8 engine of which 10 units were ever built. (Picture from: Bringatrailer)
And, initially only available in coupé body-style, then they made also roadster and open-top barchetta body styles. The latter was made to fit the coupé but without a proper roof and windshield and only a small air deflector provided adequate protection for the passenger and driver of the winds and those car should be driven by using the helmet.
De Tomaso Guarà barchetta of the 1996 powered by a BMW's V8 engine of which 10 units were ever built. (Picture from: Bringatrailer)
The Guarà's interior is upholstered in leather and features two racing bucket seats with optional six-point racing harness. Most of the interior components are sourced from BMW. The Guará has a steering wheel and pedals that are manually adjusted according to the owner's preferred driving position.
De Tomaso Guarà barchetta of the 1996 powered by a BMW's V8 engine of which 10 units were ever built. (Picture from: Bringatrailer)
The car's body shell made of Fibreglass, Kevlar, and other composite materials, fitted to an aluminium-made backbone chassis. While, the car's suspension is featured with independent upper-lower wishbone with pushrod front and rear end suspension having rose-joints designed by famed Formula-1 car engineer Enrique Scalabroni.
De Tomaso Guarà barchetta of the 1996 powered by a BMW's V8 engine of which 10 units were ever built. (Picture from: Bringatrailer)
As the driving force, on the early models used a BMW-sourced V8 engine, and for the post-1998 models featured a post-1998 models featured a heavier, Ford-sourced engine of the same configuration. The Guarà is known for its highly agile handling which makes it a bit too "nervous" for the average driver. It could accelerate from zero to 100 kph in a claimed 5.0 seconds and had a top speed of 274 kph.
During its production period ranging from 1994 to 2004, De Tomaso Guarà reportedly produced in limited number of 52 units only, ie 10 were the open top barchettas, 4 were the convertible spiders, and the rest 38 cars were coupés. *** [EKA[01042021] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SYNTHESISDESIGN | WIKIPEDIA | BRINGATRAILER ]
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New EV - In a rapid and determined stride towards the future, Xiaomi, the renowned tech giant, has embarked on a transformative journey into the world of electric vehicles (EVs). The green signal from the Chinese government has set the wheels in motion, with Xiaomi already conducting prototype electric car production trials, signaling its intentions loud and clear. Anticipated to hit the roads next year, Xiaomi's electric car venture is stirring excitement and curiosity among both tech enthusiasts and the automotive industry.
Xiaomi, the renowned tech giant, has embarked on a transformative journey into the world of electric vehicles (EVs). (Picture from: ArenaEV)
As previously reported of CarNewsChina, the Xiaomi MS11 'Modena' electric sedan is set to receive an extended-range variant equipped with a robust 101 kWh ternary battery (NMC), enabling an impressive range of 800 kilometers. Additionally, it is expected to support rapid 800V DC charging. Nonetheless, it's worth noting that this enhanced battery pack adds a substantial amount of weight to the vehicle.
The Xiaomi MS11 electric sedan likely to be named Modena is set to receive an
extended-range variant equipped with a robust 101 kWh ternary battery
(NMC), enabling an impressive range of 800 kilometers. (Picture from: ArenaEV)
Carving a significant milestone in this venture, Xiaomi has commenced the production of up to 50 prototype cars every Sunday. These prototypes have undergone rigorous testing, adhering to the stringent standards set by the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Technology (MIIT). This meticulous testing ensures that Xiaomi's foray into the electric car market is met with reliability and safety at its core.
Xiaomi's maiden EV has reportedly finished its summer and winter testing and apparently, things are looking up. (Picture from: ArenaEV)
However, to take the next significant step towards official production, Xiaomi must fulfill several crucial prerequisites. Chief among them is obtaining the coveted National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) license. Recently, Xiaomi secured this crucial license, marking a pivotal moment in its journey. With the NDRC certificate in hand, Xiaomi is poised to commence the production of their electric cars on a grand scale.
Xiaomi's maiden EV has reportedly finished its summer and winter testing and apparently, things are looking up. (Picture from: ArenaEV)
In preparation for the exciting road ahead, Xiaomi has also made strategic human resource investments. They have hired a workforce of 100 individuals dedicated to the assembly of electric cars. This initial recruitment wave is a precursor to Xiaomi's plans to bring aboard seasoned technicians from various automotive brands. These skilled experts will play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth transition to large-scale production.
Once the electric car manufacturing facility is fully operational, Xiaomi aims to achieve a monthly production output of an impressive 10,000 units. (Picture from: BlackXperience)
Xiaomi's entry into the automotive industry, particularly in the electric car segment, underscores their unwavering commitment to innovation and sustainable technology. The company has allocated a substantial investment of up to $10 million over the span of a decade to realize their vision.
Once the electric car manufacturing facility is fully operational, Xiaomi aims to achieve a monthly production output of an impressive 10,000 units. In terms of annual targets, Xiaomi has set its sights on a remarkable production figure of up to 150,000 units. This ambitious endeavor signifies a significant leap for Xiaomi into the electric car market, showcasing their determination and long-term vision.
Xiaomi's upcoming electric car is also slated to feature a lidar sensor and be powered by Qualcomm's 8295 chip. The vehicle is set to hit the Chinese market next year, with pricing ranging from RMB260,000 to RMB350,000 (equivalent to approximately Rp.544 million to Rp.732 million).
As Xiaomi accelerates towards a future powered by sustainable mobility, the tech giant's electric car venture is undoubtedly a testament to their relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation. With all systems in place and the road ahead promising, Xiaomi is poised to revolutionize the electric car industry and redefine the future of mobility. Stay tuned for the unveiling of Xiaomi's electric car, set to hit the streets and electrify the automotive world in the near future. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ARENAEV | CARNEWSCHINA ]
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Rare ONES - Greetings, fellow enthusiasts of the open road! When we think of Ducati, we envision sleek, powerful motorcycles born from Italian craftsmanship. Yet, amid Ducati's storied history of iconic two-wheelers, one notable absence stands out – scooters. The question arises: Why has Ducati, a marque celebrated for its legendary motorcycles, chosen never to venture into the world of scooters?
1953 Ducati Cruiser 175 unveiled at the Milan Motorcycle Exhibition 1952. (Picture from: Autoevolution)
To explore this intriguing journey, let's embark on a retrospective ride through Ducati's flirtations with scooters. It began back in the 1950s, when Ducati, in collaboration with Innocenti, the famed Lambretta scooter manufacturer, introduced the charming Ducati Lambretino. Although it is more similar to a moped than a scooter, it was an alternative stylish two-wheel rides for people back then.
1953 Ducati Cruiser 175 powered by a four-stroke engine and a continuously variable transmission. (Picture from: Autoevolution)
Ducati ventured further into the scooter realm with the Ducati Cruiser 175, unveiled at the Milan Motorcycle Exhibition 1952. A marvel of its time, this twist-and-go scooter produced a respectable 7.5 PS (7.4 hp) of power, propelling riders to a maximum speed of 50 kph (31.07 mph). Equipped with a four-stroke engine and a continuously variable transmission, the Cruiser 175 was a technological front-runner compared to its two-stroke, manual-shifting competitors like Vespa and Lambretta.
The Ducati Brio featured with the classic round headlight and a slightly boxier
front. (Picture from: MotorcycleSpec)
However, despite its sophistication, the Cruiser 175 failed to capture the market's heart. In the aftermath of World War II, the Italian market was still recovering, and consumers favored more affordable options. Tragically, production halted in 1954 after a mere 1,000 units were produced, consigning the Cruiser 175 to obscurity.
The Ducati Brio designed by Gio Ponti, the visionary behind the Fiat
600, and debuted in 1963. (Picture from: MotorcycleSpec)
Fast forward a decade, and the Italian' motorbike maker made another scooter attempt with the Ducati Brio 48 in 1963. Designed by Gio Ponti, the visionary behind the Fiat 600, the Brio was a two-stroke, fan-cooled 48cc wonder. Its design, reminiscent of the Piaggio Vespa, sported the classic round headlight, but with a slightly boxier front.
1963 Ducati Brio 48 powered by a two-stroke, fan-cooled 48cc drivetrain, claimed has an impressive fuel efficiency, covering 220 km (136.7 miles) on a single tank at a top speed of 40 kph (24.85 mph). (Picture from: MotorcycleSpec)
The Brio 48 showcased impressive fuel efficiency, covering 220 km (136.7 miles) on a single tank at a top speed of 40 kph (24.85 mph). In 1964, Ducati introduced the Brio 100, upping the ante with a 100cc engine and enhanced luxury touches. The Brio 100 even became the official ride of the Bologna traffic police.
In 1964, Ducati introduced the Brio 100, upping the ante with a 100cc engine and enhanced luxury touches. (Picture from: MotorcycleSpec)
Alas, Ducati's Brio scooters suffered the same fate as their predecessor, the Cruiser 175. They failed to gain traction in the market, unable to outshine Vespa and Lambretta models. Consequently, production ceased in 1968, sealing the fate of Ducati's scooter ambitions.
The Ducati Brio, unlike its competitors, features an engine mounted on the frame and connected to the rear wheel via a chain drive. (Picture from: MotorcycleSpec)
So, why does Ducati abstain from the scooter segment today? It seems the brand's history of scooter endeavors has taught valuable lessons. Ducati's core identity is intrinsically tied to high-performance motorcycles. With their focus on innovation, power, and style, scooters may simply not align with Ducati's DNA.
In conclusion, while Ducati's flirtations with scooters may have yielded intriguing models, their motorcycle prowess remains unparalleled. As the saying goes, "Stick to what you're good at," and Ducati continues to excel in crafting exceptional motorcycles, leaving the scooter world to other marques.
New EV - In the rapidly evolving landscape of electric vehicles, competition is no longer confined to the realm of affordable and long-range cars. Lotus, the renowned British car manufacturer, has entered the arena with its groundbreaking creation: the Lotus Emeya (formerly known as the Type 133), a four-door electric sports sedan poised to set new standards in performance and luxury.
The Lotus Emeya (formerly known as the Type 133) is a four-door electric hyper GT poised to set new standards in performance and luxury. (Picture from: Tempo)
Scheduled to commence production next year, the Lotus Emeya is targeting a unique niche of automotive enthusiasts—those who crave speed and exhilaration but are now inclined towards eco-friendly electric propulsion.
Details about the Lotus Emeya have been shrouded in secrecy, with Lotus keeping enthusiasts and the automotive world at large on the edge of their seats. What we do know is that this electrifying marvel will harness the power of two electric motors, delivering an impressive four-wheel-drive experience.
The Lotus Emeya's occupants are greeted with a luxurious interior clad in a combination of white leather and gray accents. (Picture from: Tempo)
The Emeya's dual electric motors are expected to generate a remarkable 905 horsepower and a staggering 985 Newton-meters of torque. These astonishing figures translate to a jaw-dropping acceleration, propelling the vehicle from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in a mere 2.78 seconds, culminating in an impressive top speed of 256 kilometers per hour.
The Lotus Emeya exudes a blend of modernity and aggression, with its angular and edgy aesthetic reminiscent of the Eletre. (Picture from: Tempo)
While these figures may ignite skepticism among some enthusiasts, given Lotus's penchant for underreporting performance metrics, it's essential to note that other models, such as the Lotus Eletre R, have claimed speeds of up to 265 kilometers per hour. To aid its aerodynamics at high speeds, the Lotus Emeya features a discreet retractable spoiler that deploys when the car reaches its zenith velocity.
Powering this electrifying beast is a robust 102 kWh battery pack, which, intriguingly, offers some of the fastest charging capabilities in today's electric car landscape. (Picture from: Tempo)
Powering this electrifying beast is a robust 102 kWh battery pack, which, intriguingly, offers some of the fastest charging capabilities in today's electric car landscape. With rapid charging, the Emeya can recharge from 0 to 80 percent capacity in a mere 8 minutes, setting new standards for convenience and efficiency.
To aid its aerodynamics at high speeds, the Lotus Emeya features a discreet retractable spoiler that deploys when the car reaches its zenith velocity. (Picture from: Tempo)
In terms of design, the Emeya exudes a blend of modernity and aggression, with its angular and edgy aesthetic reminiscent of the Eletre. Striking slender headlamps, a pronounced bonnet, and an assertive front grille with an integrated diffuser showcase its sporty demeanor. The vehicle's profile boasts camera-based mirrors, flush door handles, and sleek black A pillars that gracefully cascade towards the roof. At the rear, elongated LED taillights provide a clean and sophisticated finish.
At the Lotus Emeya's rear, elongated LED taillights provide a clean and sophisticated finish. (Picture from: Tempo)
Inside the Emeya, occupants are greeted with a luxurious interior clad in a combination of white leather and gray accents. The centerpiece of the cabin is a wide-screen dashboard display that seamlessly integrates cutting-edge technology with style. Notably, Lotus has prioritized sustainability by introducing a new type of thread, marking a pioneering move towards eco-conscious automotive interiors.
Production details are slated to be unveiled in the fourth quarter of 2023, with manufacturing set to commence in 2024 at Geely's state-of-the-art facility in Wuhan, China—a site already responsible for producing the Eletre. As anticipation builds, the automotive world eagerly awaits the arrival of the Lotus Emeya, a symbol of innovation, power, and sustainable luxury in the electric vehicle realm. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | LOTUSCARS | CARSCOOPS | AUTOCAR | ID.MOTOR1 ]
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New EV - Mercedes-Benz is making waves in the electric vehicle (EV) world with the announcement of a more budget-friendly sibling to its highly-anticipated G-Class all-electric SUV. CEO Ola Kallenius dropped the exciting news at the IAA Mobility 2023 event in Munich, revealing that this new EV will be a smaller and more affordable version of the iconic G-Wagon, promising a "fun to drive" experience.
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class EQG Concept made its debut at the IAA Mobility 2021. (Picture from: Engadget)
This development is a direct offshoot of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class EQG concept introduced at IAA Mobility 2021. It's worth noting that Mercedes-Benz has been quietly planning a compact, all-electric G-Wagon for quite some time, and it might even bear the moniker "g-Class," emphasizing its smaller stature with a lowercase "g." Kallenius, in an interview with CNBC, likened this new model to the "daughter or son of the big-G."
Mercedes-Benz has been planning a smaller all-electric G-Wagon for several years, and suggests that the variant could go by the name "g-Class" with a purposeful lowercase "g.". (Picture from: CarAndDriver)
While specific details are somewhat scarce at this stage, one thing is clear: the "baby" G-Class EV will embrace a fully electric powertrain and is likely to offer all-wheel drive. Kallenius's assertion that it will be a thrill to drive hints at the exciting performance it's set to deliver.
The Concept EQG is fitted with a lockable box in place of the traditional spare wheel housing, to store the charging cable and provide some additional storage but we still expect the EQG to offer a rear-mounted spare tire, unlike the concept. (Picture from: CarAndDriver)
As for the price point, the current Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUV starts at a hefty $140,000, making it clear that there's ample room to introduce a more affordable alternative. However, for mass-market appeal, a modest reduction to the $100,000 to $120,000 range may not be enough. The exact pricing strategy remains shrouded in mystery.
The EQG is expected to be powered by four electric motors, one near each wheel, that will be individually controllable, which should improve on- and off-road driving performance. (Picture from: CarAndDriver)
Excitement is building for this diminutive wonder, but patience is required. The vehicle's powertrain will likely be built upon the forthcoming MB.EA platform, an in-house battery technology being developed by Mercedes-Benz. Unfortunately, this platform isn't expected to underpin vehicles until 2025, which implies that the smaller, more budget-friendly G-Class EV won't hit the market until at least 2026.
In conclusion, Mercedes-Benz's move to create an affordable, compact electric version of its iconic G-Wagon is a significant step towards making electric luxury more accessible. While details remain limited, the promise of a "fun to drive" experience and the potential for a lower price point are undoubtedly intriguing. As the automotive world continues to embrace electrification, Mercedes-Benz's new offering could be a game-changer in the luxury EV segment, once it finally hits the roads in 2026. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MERCEDES-BENZ | ENGADGET | CARANDDRIVER ]
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This creative resurgence extended beyond music and fashion; it extended to the automotive industry as well. In this article, we'll delve into the mesmerizing world of '60s cars, celebrating their timeless beauty and the era's glamorous culture.
In the 1960s, these iconic cars embodied the spirit of the era—bold, innovative, and undeniably stylish. From the compact charm of the Austin Mini 850 Mark I to the understated elegance of the Cadillac Series 62 Eldorado, each car had its unique allure. As we look back on these classics, we're reminded of a time when the world was groovy, and the cars were nothing short of legendary. (Jump to Next-Part.) *** [EKA [27022013] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DAILYTOP10 | BRINGATRAILER | CLASSICAUTOMALL | MOTORTREND | CARGURUS | ENCIRCLEPHOTOS | HEMMINGS ]
