📢New Breakthrough - The revival of the Bertone automotive design house has created quite a stir with the launch of the Bertone GB110 high-performance luxury car. Unveiled digitally in December 2022, this remarkable vehicle has captivated enthusiasts and industry experts alike. The design, led by Andrea Mocellin, showcases Bertone's innovative spirit and commitment to environmental sustainability by using synthetic fuel derived from plastic waste.
The unveiling of the Bertone GB110 at the Top Marques Monaco 2024, is coincided with the celebration of Bertone's 110th anniversary, and also a tribute to Giovanni Bertone, the founder of Carrozzeria Bertone.. (Picture from: CarDesignNews)
Forbidden Breed - Creativity should be like an endless ocean, but in reality, it faces relative limitations. When confronted with the constraints of intellectual property rights, creative individuals often face tough choices. These choices can halt the creative process and sometimes result in sanctions from rights holders to prevent others from following suit.
Reuben Bemrose made an unusual modification to a badly damaged 1995 Ferrari 456 GT, similar to the one in the picture, by swapping its V12 engine with a Mazda RX-7's 13B rotary engine.(Picture from: 1News.co.nz)
A gentleman in New Zealand embarked on a unique automotive project, modifying a Ferrari 456 GT in an unusual way. Instead of retaining the original engine, he opted for a Mazda Rotary engine. This intriguing transformation was a challenging and enjoyable creative process for him, though Ferrari, as the brand owner, did not receive it well.
Reuben Bemrose completed his Ferrari 456 GT's unusual modification, dubbed 'Rotorrari,' in two weeks at a cost of around NZD $13,000 (approximately Rp. 116 million). (Picture from: Autoevolution)
The story began with a 1995 Ferrari 456 GT, a four-passenger Grand Tourer powered by a 5.5-liter V12 engine and a six-speed manual transmission. In its prime, it was one of the fastest four-seater cars globally, capable of producing up to 442 PS, a significant achievement in the mid-90s.
Bemrose's Ferrari 456 GT front end was reconstructed with the addition of a new tubular steel frame and the placement of a 13B rotary engine. (Picture from: Autoevolution)
Years later, Reuben Bemrose, the owner of R's Garage workshop, found a neglected, damaged Ferrari 456 GT, seemingly beyond economical repair. However, he saw an opportunity to give the car a second life with an unconventional twist: replacing the V12 with a Wankel 13B Rotary engine. He bought it and completed an unusual modification in two weeks at a cost of around NZD $13,000 (approximately Rp. 116 million). Bemrose explained to 1News, "I thought it would be fun." The transformed Ferrari, now called Rotorrari, made its debut at New Zealand's largest rotary festival back in the 2020.
Reuben Bemrose posed with his modified Ferrari 456 GT during an interview with local media 1News. (Picture from: Autoevolution)
The sight of a Ferrari 456 GT with a Mazda engine attracted significant attention. The unusual modification, characterized by the rotary engine's distinct "brap-brap" sound, quickly became a media sensation and the uproar reached Ferrari, who contacted Bemrose with strong words but did not issue a formal cease-and-desist letter. Bemrose recounted how he found the damaged Ferrari, worth over $100,000 when functional. Acquiring it for almost nothing due to its condition, he was inspired to replace the malfunctioning V12 with the Wankel engine, driven by curiosity and fun rather than practicality.
Bemrose acknowledged Ferrari's protectiveness over their brand. "I understand they are quite protective about their image and brand," he said. "I just took the iconic V12 out of the car and put in the iconic New Zealand engine.” He added humorously, “I think they felt that I was damaging the brand image, but I wasn't."
A view of the Mazda RX-7's 13B rotary engine installed in the Ferrari's engine bay.(Picture from: Autoevolution)
Ferrari's strict stance on brand integrity is well-known. This isn't the first time the Italian automaker has intervened in owner modifications. Jean 'Beurlys' Blaton was never again allowed to own a Prancing Horse-badged sports car after he modified the legendary Ferrari F40 LM into the Ferrari F40 LM Barchetta. Similarly, DJ Deadmau5 faced backlash for altering the logo on his 458 Italia, humorously renamed "Purrari."
Despite Ferrari's displeasure, Bemrose offered a tongue-in-cheek apology while wearing Ferrari merchandise. He expressed respect for Ferrari's brand protection, humorously saying, “Dear Ferrari, I am very sorry, I did not mean to disparage your brand. Can't you see I just want to be friends?”
A side view of the Mazda RX-7's 13B rotary engine installed in the Ferrari's engine bay. (Picture from: Autoevolution)
While Ferrari may not find the situation amusing, Bemrose's playful approach and the resulting Rotorrari have left a lasting impression on car enthusiasts worldwide. This project underscores the creative spirit and boldness that drive automotive innovation, even if it occasionally ruffles the feathers of iconic brands. Bemrose's ingenuity and willingness to push boundaries exemplify the passion and excitement that fuel the world of car enthusiasts. His work on the Rotorrari serves as a reminder that creativity knows no bounds, even when it challenges established norms and brand identities.
The fascinating journey of this Ferrari 456 GT, from a neglected piece of automotive history to a vibrant, roaring drift car, captures the imagination of many. Bemrose's fun fearless approach to modifications demonstrates that sometimes, the most remarkable innovations come from thinking outside the box. The Rotorrari stands as a testament to the power of creativity and the joy of pushing the limits, inspiring future car enthusiasts to explore their own unique paths. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | 1NEWS.CO.NZ | WHICHCAR.AU | AUTOEVOLUTION | THEDRIVE ]
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📢New BEAST - In the competitive world of automotive manufacturing, capturing the interest of potential buyers often involves a clever nod to the past. Car makers sometimes evoke the glory days of legendary vehicles from famous racing events, infusing their modern creations with iconic design elements from these classics. This blend of nostalgia and contemporary engineering not only attracts enthusiasts but also bridges generations of car lovers.
The Kimera Evo38 has been created as a “what would have been” if the 037’s lineage had continued. (Picture from: VOI.id)
Kimera Automobili has adeptly utilized this strategy with the launch of their Kimera EVO37 sports car in 2021, paying homage to the revered Lancia Rally 037. The company has now introduced its latest masterpiece, the Kimera EVO38. This updated model brings more power, a standard all-wheel drive system, and subtle yet significant styling refinements to the table.
The Kimera EVO37 is built by Kimera Automobili as much as 37 unit to commemorate the glory of the legendary Italian rally car, the Lancia Rally 037. (Picture from: AutoExpress)
While the EVO37 featured a rear-wheel-drive setup, the EVO38 channels its impressive power to all four wheels. This is achieved through a sophisticated electro-hydraulic differential lock system. Reminiscent of systems used in previous World Rally Championship (WRC) cars, this allows drivers to calibrate the differential from the cabin, tailoring the driving experience to suit various conditions.
The Lancia Rally 037 is a mid-engine sports rally car specially built by Lancia in the early 1980s to compete in the FIA Group B World Rally Championship. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
According to CarBuzz, this system's ability to adjust traction distribution between the front and rear axles is a game-changer. On narrow, damp, winding roads, for instance, power can be distributed evenly to enhance stability and control. This adaptability ensures that the EVO38 is not just a powerful machine but also a versatile one.
The Kimera Evo38 boasts enhanced suspension with motorized shock absorbers and a new system to prevent damage to the lower bumper. (Picture from: VOI.id)
The Italian manufacturer has gone beyond just improving the drivetrain. The EVO38 boasts enhanced suspension with motorized shock absorbers and a new system to prevent damage to the lower bumper. The front shock absorbers are modern and conventional, while the rear retains the distinctive centrally positioned shock absorbers with double side springs. This setup is reminiscent of the spectacular Group B rally cars of the 1980s, reinforcing the car's heritage.
The Kimera Evo38 model brings more power, a standard all-wheel drive system, and subtle yet significant styling refinements to the table. (Picture from: Carscoops)
Under the hood, the EVO38 features significant improvements. The 2.1-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged and supercharged engine now delivers a robust 600 horsepower, a notable increase of 100 hp over the EVO37. The torque stands at 580 Nm, with 400 Nm available at just 2,000 rpm. These enhancements are courtesy of a larger turbocharger, new valves, camshaft, springs, and an electronically controlled blow-off valve. For those seeking a more exhilarating sound, Kimera offers a custom exhaust option, though it does not increase power.
Under
the hood, the EVO38 features significant improvements. The 2.1-liter,
four-cylinder turbocharged and supercharged engine now delivers a robust
600 horsepower, a notable increase of 100 hp over the EVO37. (Picture from: Carscoops)
The EVO38 comes with a six-speed manual transmission featuring shorter ratios than the EVO37, making it more suitable for mixed road use rather than just circuits. For those preferring an even more unique driving experience, an electrically driven sequential transmission is available as an option.
The EVO38's power-to-weight ratio remains competitive with high-performance cars like the Ferrari Roma and the Mazda MX-5 Miata.(Picture from: Carscoops)
To maintain the car's agility and performance, Kimera has kept the weight around 1 ton, similar to the RWD EVO37. This ensures that the EVO38's power-to-weight ratio remains competitive with high-performance cars like the Ferrari Roma and the Mazda MX-5 Miata.
To maintain the car's agility and performance, Kimera has kept the weight around 1 ton, similar to the RWD EVO37..(Picture from: Carscoops)
Kimera's latest creation will be produced in a limited run of just 38 units, adding to its exclusivity and allure. While the price per unit has not been disclosed, for reference, the base price of the EVO37 released in 2021 was €540,000, approximately Rp. 9.1 billion at the current exchange rate. | 8s0b65cwxDE |
The introduction of the Kimera EVO38 exemplifies how blending the best elements of the past with cutting-edge technology can create a vehicle that resonates with both nostalgia and modern performance demands. This limited-edition sports car not only honors its legendary predecessor but also sets a new benchmark in the world of high-performance automobiles. As Kimera Automobili continues to innovate, car enthusiasts can look forward to even more exciting developments from this visionary manufacturer. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | KIMERA-AUTOMOBILI | CARBUZZ | CARSCOOPS | AUTOCAR.CO.UK ]
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ONE-OFF - Even if you have heard about it before, we are sure that some of you might not be familiar with it. The Italian coachbuilder Pietro Frua created the only four-door Lamborghini in existence in 1978. Known as the Frua Faena, this unique vehicle was built on a reinforced 1974 Espada Series II chassis (nr. 18224). The name Faena is derived from bullfighting; it signifies a series of passes performed by a matador using his sword and cape to demonstrate skill before the bull meets its end.
The Frua Faena, crafted by Italian coachbuilder Pietro Frua in 1978, is the only four-door Lamborghini ever made. (Picture from: OldCarConcept)
Pietro Frua took eight months to craft this four-door Lamborghini, stretching the standard Espada chassis by 178 mm (7 inches) to accommodate rear seats, resulting in a car that measured 4586 mm (18 feet) in length. This modification added 200 kg (440 pounds) to the total weight.
The 1978 Lamborghini Frua was crafted based on an elongated chassis of the 1974 Lamborghini Espada 400GT. (Picture from: Hagerty)
The Frua Faena made its debut at the 57th Salone Internazionale dell’Automobile in Turin during the spring of 1978, and evoked a range of reactions. Some visitors were captivated by its design, while others were less impressed. However, automotive journalist Max Stoop noted, "Frua managed once more to put a four-door, elongated Berlina on a Gran Turismo chassis and to equip it with four comfortable seats without compromising the car's shape."
The Frua Faena measured 4586 mm (18 feet) in length, with the modifications adding 200 kg (440 pounds) to its total weight. (Picture from: OldCarConcept)
It was shown again to the public at the 1980 Geneva Auto Show. The car's front lines were clean, featuring large headlights in twin pop-up units, but the rear design was less appealing, despite including a sliding sunroof. This feature contrasted with the unusual glass panel found on a specific Espada model.
The Frua Faena made its debut at the 57th Salone Internazionale dell’Automobile in Turin during the spring of 1978, and evoked a range of reactions. (Picture from: OldCarConcept)
Despite being described as a four-door coupé, the Faena had many characteristics of a shooting-brake, or estate car. Like the Espada, its hatchback cargo compartment was open to the rear seat passengers. Unfortunately, the Frua Faena was not a commercial success. Although it was expertly built, Frua's hope for limited production did not materialize, making this show car the only one ever produced.
Although described as a four-door coupé, the Faena had many characteristics of a shooting-brake or estate car. (Picture from: OldCarConcept)
After the Geneva Auto Show, the Faena was sold to Lambo-Motor AG in Basel, which then sold it to a German collector. This collector still owns the car, although it remains registered in Switzerland. In 1996, the Faena was displayed at the Pullicino Classics in London, where it was admired in very good condition despite not being restored.
The Frua Faena's hatchback cargo compartment was open to the rear seat passengers. (Picture from: OldCarConcept)
The story of the Frua Faena is a testament to the innovative spirit and craftsmanship of Pietro Frua. It stands as a unique piece of automotive history, embodying the creativity and ambition of its creator. While it never saw mass production, the Faena remains a fascinating chapter in Lamborghini's storied legacy, a reminder of what can be achieved when vision and skill converge. | 8cppoBl6FrM |
For those lucky enough to see it in person, the Frua Faena is a striking example of automotive artistry, an enduring symbol of a bygone era in car design. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | PIETRO-FRUA.DE | OLDCONCEPTCARS | MYCARQUEST | LAMBOCARS | CARSTYLING.RU ]
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📢New BEAST - The automotive world is evolving rapidly, with groundbreaking developments occurring globally. This dynamic landscape has fueled fierce competition among industry players, pushing them to showcase their most impressive creations, particularly in the realm of supercars. The latest entrant in this high-octane race is the Adamastor Furia, a supercar from Portugal that is making waves for its bold ambition and distinctive engineering.
The Adamastor Furia, acclaimed as Portugal's inaugural supercar, shares a visual likeness with the Valkyrie from afar. (Picture from: RevistaCars)
For those not inclined to shell out approximately £2.5 million for an Aston Martin Valkyrie, the Adamastor Furia offers a compelling alternative. Priced at €1.6 million plus tax, this supercar comes from an unknown startup, yet it promises to deliver an exhilarating performance on par with some of the industry's stalwarts.
The Adamastor Furia features a lightweight carbon fiber chassis, resulting in a sleek pre-fluid weight of around 1,100kg. (Picture from: TopGear)
The Adamastor Furia, touted as Portugal's first supercar, bears a resemblance to the Valkyrie when viewed from a distance. Its power comes from a Ford-sourced 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine, producing around 650bhp and 421lb ft of torque. This robust engine is complemented by a lightweight carbon fiber chassis, giving the Furiaa svelte pre-fluid weight of about 1,100kg.
The
Adamastor Furia stands out with its aerodynamics, including a Venturi
effect floor that generates a downforce of 1,000kg at 155mph. (Picture from: RevistaCars)
These specifications translate to impressive performance metrics: a top speed exceeding 186mph and a 0-100mph acceleration time of approximately 3.5 seconds. While these numbers are impressive, they don't quite break new ground in the supercar arena.
One of the Furia's standout features is its aerodynamics, notably the Venturi effect floor, which contributes to a downforce figure of 1,000kg at 155mph. To enhance driving stability and control, the car is equipped with ABS and traction control systems.
For enhanced driving stability and control, the Adamastor Furia comes equipped with advanced ABS and traction control systems. (Picture from: TopGear)
Adamastor plans to produce only 60 units of the Furia, assuming they can secure enough buyers. The company ambitiously aims to compete with renowned brands such as Aston Martin, Pagani, Koenigsegg, and Rimac.
Adamastor P003RL, launched in 2018 by the Portuguese automotive firm, is their first sports car featuring a compact engine. (Picture from: BlackXperience)
Adamastor's base of operations is north of Porto, where they have a history of manufacturing carbon fiber components for various industries, including automotive, wind energy, and beyond. Their pivot to the supercar market is a significant shift, marking a bold step in their corporate evolution. Back in 2018, Adamastor announced their intention to develop a sports car named the P003RL, but the burgeoning supercar market has now become their primary focus.
The
Adamastor Furia is propelled by a Ford-sourced 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6
engine, delivering approximately 650bhp and 421 lb-ft of torque. (Picture from: TopGear)
If you're in the market for a supercar and intrigued by unique offerings, another option to consider is the Praga Bohema. This Czech supercar features a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 engine from the Nissan GT-R, delivering around 700bhp and paired with a lightweight design for outstanding performance.
The Adamastor Furia exemplifies the remarkable outcomes achievable through vision and determination, blending performance, design, and exclusivity seamlessly. (Picture from: TopGear)
The journey of Adamastor is an inspiring tale of ambition and innovation. As they strive to carve out a niche in the competitive supercar market, their story resonates with the spirit of pioneering new frontiers. The Adamastor Furia, with its unique blend of performance, design, and exclusivity, stands as a testament to what can be achieved with vision and determination.
Adamastor intends to manufacture just 60 units of the Furia, contingent upon securing sufficient buyers. (Picture from: TopGear)
In the world of supercars, where performance and prestige are paramount, the Adamastor Furia offers a refreshing alternative to the established giants. For those looking for a unique, high-performance vehicle that breaks the mold of traditional supercar expectations, the Furia is a contender worth considering.
And for those who appreciate a different kind of innovation, the Praga Bohema provides another fascinating option. Whether these cars will become mainstays in the supercar hall of fame remains to be seen, but they undoubtedly add exciting new dimensions to the ever-evolving landscape of automotive excellence. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ADAMSTOR SUPERCARS | TOPGEAR | REVISTACARS ]
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Forgotten ONES - Mad Max stands as one of the most iconic films of the 20th century, captivating audiences with its post-apocalyptic narrative and thrilling car chases. Recently, the franchise welcomed a new installment, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, which reignited fans' enthusiasm. Among the memorable elements of these films is the legendary car, the matt black V8 Interceptor, a symbol of power and resilience in the harsh, dystopian world of Mad Max.
The 1977 Ford XC Falcon Panel Van fitted with the original concept Arcadipane Concorde Kit part of which would later to be fitted to Mad Max's V8 Interceptor. (Picture from: Carporn in Reddit)
The V8 Interceptor made its first appearance at the climax of Mad Max and continued to play a significant role in the first half of Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior. Its legacy extended into Mad Max: Fury Road, where it was transformed into the off-road, bare metal version known as the Razor Cola. This transformation added another layer to the car's storied history, enhancing its rugged appeal.
The Ford Falcon XB GT Coupe "V8 Interceptor," also known as the Pursuit Special, was built on a 1973 Ford Falcon XB GT Coupe featuring a distinctive Concorde-style nose designed by Peter Arcadipane. (Picture from: StreetMachine)
The V8 Interceptor remains a beloved icon among Mad Max fans, symbolizing the gritty, rebellious spirit of the films. Its evolution from a Ford Falcon XB GT Coupe to the rugged Razor Cola embodies the ingenuity and creativity of the designers behind the scenes. As Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga continues to captivate audiences, the legacy of the V8 Interceptor and the visionary minds that brought it to life will undoubtedly endure.
This is the Razor Cola, a bare metal version of the off-road monster and an evolution of the Ford Falcon XB GT Coupe "V8 Interceptor," featured in Mad Max: Fury Road. (Picture from: Razor Cola in Facebook)
Based on the 1973 Ford Falcon XB GT Coupe, the V8 Interceptor was a masterpiece of modification. The Main Force Patrol, the fictional police force in the film, outfitted the car with a unique front fascia designed by Peter Arcadipane. This front fascia was originally featured on the Ford XC Falcon Concorde Show Van, a unique car creation of Peter Arcadipane and Kevin Patterson, who designed the front end and handled fabrication. Initially showcased at the 1977 Melbourne International Motor Show, the car garnered significant media attention.
The Ford XC Falcon Concorde Show Van, with its unique front end designed by Peter Arcadipane and fabricated by Kevin Patterson, debuted at the 1977 Melbourne International Motor Show. (Picture from: StreetMachine)
The one-off Falcon panel van, based on a 1977 Ford XC Falcon, was painted at Sam Midgley's Automotive Painting and Restoration workshop in Coburg, Victoria. Despite its initial purpose as a showpiece, the van’s practical design resonated with audiences. Aparantly, Arcadipane's innovative design did not end with the show car. He sold the fibreglass body kit, enabling other XC panel vans to be “Concorde-ized,” thus spreading his vision beyond the original model.
The one-off Falcon panel van, built on a 1977 Ford XC Falcon, was painted at Sam Midgley's Automotive Painting and Restoration workshop in Coburg, Victoria. (Picture from: Silodrome in Facebook)
In Australia, panel vans were common but not typically luxurious or upmarket. They were utilitarian, primarily used by tradesmen like plumbers or couriers. These vehicles featured a single row of seats and ample cargo space, designed for transporting tools and materials rather than passengers. Unlike the shooting brakes, panel vans lacked through access from the cabin to the rear, solidifying their role as workhorses rather than recreational vehicles.
The
Peter Arcadipane's Ford Falcon XC Concorde Panel Van, designed as
a show car for Ford, featured a fibreglass bodykit that was later made
available for sale, allowing any XC panel van to be transformed into a
"Concorde-ized" masterpiece. (Picture from: CarsThatNeverMadeItEtc)
Although the original Concorde show van met an unfortunate end, reportedly crushed after the 1978 Perth Motor Show, its legacy lived on through the surviving body kit moulds. These moulds preserved the innovative design and allowed for the creation of similar vehicles, ensuring that Arcadipane's work continued to inspire car enthusiasts and designers.
This is Peter Arcadipane's Ford Falcon XC Concorde Panel Van concept, which unfortunately never made it into production.(Picture from: Gashetka)
Peter Arcadipane's influence on the automotive world extended beyond Australia. Born in Italy and raised in New South Wales, Australia, Arcadipane worked as a design consultant across several countries, including the US, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan. His contributions to car design, particularly in the Mad Max series, left an indelible mark on the industry. | -POSMvTeOds |
In the ever-evolving landscape of film and automotive design, the story of the one-off Falcon panel van and its next incarnation, the V8 Interceptor, showcases the power of innovation and passion. It reminds us that even in the most desolate futures, creativity and determination can produce something truly extraordinary. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | THENATIONALNEWS | CARPORN | CARSTHATNEVERMADEITETC | STREETMACHINE | MADMAX.FANDOM | SILODROME ]
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