Pagani Utopia Roadster: The Pinnacle of Hypercar Excellence

📢New Supercar - Two years ago,  Pagani amazed the automotive world with the launch of the Utopia coupe. Now, Pagani is ready to captivate once again with the introduction of the Pagani Utopia Roadster. This new hypercar is set to be unveiled during this year’s Monterey Car Week, showcasing Pagani's dedication to technological innovation and timeless design. The Utopia Roadster, available in both open and closed configurations, promises the same high performance and agility as its coupe counterpart.

The Pagani Utopia Roadster is set to be unveiled during this year’s Monterey Car Week, showcasing Pagani's dedication to technological innovation and timeless design. (Picture from: CarAndDriver)

Weighing just 1,280 kg (approximately 2,800 lbs), the Utopia Roadster is a marvel of lightweight engineering. It features a Pagani V12 engine, celebrating mechanical purity without hybrid support. The car also includes the innovative Pirelli Cyber Tyre system, which uses advanced sensors to provide real-time communication between the tires and the vehicle, enhancing safety and performance.

The Pagani Utopia Roadster's body rests on a monocoque chassis redesigned to optimize rigidity without adding weight, ensuring both open and closed versions deliver unparalleled performance. (Picture from: TopGear)

Customization is a hallmark of Pagani vehicles, and the Utopia Roadster is no exception. Each car can be tailored to the owner's preferences, ensuring every Utopia Roadster is unique. The model to be showcased at Monterey will be in striking Habanero Red and will feature the optional Sport Pack, highlighting its blend of sportiness and elegance.

The Pagani Utopia Roadster features elegant butterfly doors, a sophisticated suspension system, and luxurious interior details, all contributing to an exhilarating and intuitive driving experience. (Picture from: TopGear)

Horacio Pagani, the creative genius behind the brand, emphasized the meticulous attention to detail in the Utopia Roadster’s design and engineering. The monocoque chassis has been redesigned to optimize rigidity without adding weight, ensuring that both the open and closed versions of the car deliver unparalleled performance.

The Pagani Utopia Roadster captivates with its luxurious interior details, creating a driving experience that is both exhilarating and intuitive. (Picture from: TopGear)

The design team, working closely with Pagani, ensured that the Utopia Roadster retains the elegance and sophistication of the coupe. The car features elegant butterfly doors, a sophisticated suspension system, and luxurious interior details, all contributing to an exhilarating and intuitive driving experience. Only 130 examples of the Utopia Roadster will be produced, with prices starting at $3,355,000 USD.

The Pagani Utopia Roadster a Pagani V12 engine, celebrating mechanical purity without hybrid support. (Picture from: TopGear)

Pagani's new creation is more than just a car; it's a statement of art and engineering. Each Utopia Roadster embodies Pagani's philosophy of blending beauty with performance. The anticipation for its unveiling at Monterey Car Week is palpable, with enthusiasts eager to see how Pagani has once again pushed the boundaries of automotive excellence. The Utopia Roadster is poised to become a collector's dream, a testament to Pagani's relentless pursuit of perfection.

The Pagani Utopia Roadster features an innovative Pirelli Cyber Tyre system, enhancing safety through advanced sensor technology that allows real-time communication between the tires and the vehicle. (Picture from: TopGear)

As the Monterey Car Week approaches, excitement builds among car enthusiasts and collectors. The Utopia Roadster promises to be a highlight, drawing attention with its stunning design and exceptional performance. The combination of advanced technology and bespoke craftsmanship ensures that the Utopia Roadster will leave a lasting impression on all who see it.

Only 130 examples of the Pagani Utopia Roadster will be produced, with prices starting at $3,355,000 USD. (Picture from: TopGear)

Pagani's dedication to innovation and artistry is evident in every aspect of the Utopia Roadster. From its powerful V12 engine to its advanced Pirelli Cyber Tyre system, every detail is designed to deliver an unparalleled driving experience. The limited production run ensures exclusivity, making each Utopia Roadster a rare and valuable piece of automotive history. | _ElSvNH1fUQ |

The upcoming reveal at Monterey Car Week is not just about showcasing a new car; it's about celebrating the spirit of innovation and the pursuit of excellence that defines Pagani. The Utopia Roadster stands as a testament to what can be achieved when passion and precision come together. As the world eagerly awaits its debut, the Utopia Roadster promises to set new standards in the world of hypercars, leaving an indelible mark on the automotive landscape. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | PAGANI | AUTOBLOG | EVO.CO.UK | TOPGEAR | HYPERBEAST | MOTOR1 | CARANDDRIVER ]

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Meet the Hyptec SSR: A New Era in Electric Supercars

📢New Electric BEAST - The 2024 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) wrapped up on July 28, 2024 in Tangerang, leaving behind a trail of excitement and innovation. As automotive enthusiasts flocked to witness the latest in vehicle technology, one standout was AION, a rising star in the electric vehicle (EV) world. The company made headlines with its striking Hyptec SSR supercar, showcasing a blend of cutting-edge technology and sleek design.

The Hyptec SSR's exterior looks elegant in its Titanium Crystal Yellow finish, and showcasing a blend of cutting-edge technology and sleek design at the GIIAS 2024. (Picture from: Liputan6)

AION, a relatively new player in Indonesia’s automotive scene, introduced the Hyptec SSR at GIIAS 2024. This supercar, under the Hyptec brand, has a design that resembles high-end sports cars like Lamborghini. It reflects GAC AION’s dedication to advanced technology and luxury. Originally known as the GAC Aion Hyper SSR, this model has been rebranded as Hyptec for its export journey. Despite the name change, the differences between the export and domestic versions of the supercar are minimal, ensuring consistency in quality and performance.

The Hyptec SSR supercar boasts AirWing Taillights and diamond-coated headlights add a touch of futuristic elegance, making it not only a high-performance vehicle but also a statement of luxury. (Picture from: JawaPos)

The Hyptec SSR boasts impressive dimensions with a length of 4,583 mm, a width of 1,988 mm, and a height of 1,238 mm. It sits on a 2,650 mm wheelbase and features a 900-volt SiC chip-based platform. This technology supports an electric drive system that achieves a remarkable efficiency of 94.5 percent. With an electric motor capable of generating over 900 kW of power and a peak torque of up to 12,000 Nm, the Hyptec SSR accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 1.9 seconds.

The Hyptec SSR supercar features automatic wind-suction butterfly doors that open and close with a touch, showcasing its blend of functionality and style. (Picture from: YangCanggih)

A unique aspect of the Hyptec SSR is its lightweight carbon fiber body, which is significantly lighter than traditional steel but boasts a tensile strength 3.5 to 5 times greater. This lightweight construction enhances the car’s center of gravity, leading to superior handling and stability. The car’s aerodynamic design is further complemented by a light coefficient exceeding 1.72, placing it among the best in its class.

The Hyptec SSR's interior looks elegant and more intriguing with its Black, Orange and Black hues, featuring bi-level instrument panels and exposed tubular structures throughout. (Picture from: Liputan6)

In addition to its performance and design, the Hyptec SSR features automatic wind-suction butterfly doors that open and close with a touch, showcasing its blend of functionality and style. The vehicle is available in six striking exterior colors—Quantum Red, Hyper Orange, Titanium Crystal Yellow, Auroral Green, Phantom Blue, and Phantom Carbon Fiber Black—and three interior hues: Black, Orange, and Black. The car’s AirWing Taillights and diamond-coated headlights add a touch of futuristic elegance, making it not only a high-performance vehicle but also a statement of luxury.

AION's booth at GIIAS 2024 featured a range of their production cars, including the Hyptec HT, Hyptec SSR, AION Y Plus, and AION ES. (Picture from: SetirKanan)

Andy Ciu, CEO of AION Indonesia, highlighted the significance of their presence at GIIAS 2024. “The Hyptec SSR represents our commitment to bringing the latest innovations from GAC AION to the Indonesian market,” he shared. Ciu is confident that this EV will make waves in the automotive sector, catering to the growing demand for high-tech electric vehicles in the region. | uyspnKO3kcM |

The Hyptec SSR made its debut in Thailand in December 2023 and is priced between 1.28 million yuan (about Rp. 2.89 billion) and 1.68 million yuan (approximately Rp. 3.8 billion) in China. As automotive enthusiasts eagerly await its potential introduction to the world beyond China, including Indonesia, the Hyptec SSR is set to make a significant impact. Whether it will be a game-changer in the local market remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: AION’s latest supercar has certainly set a high bar for innovation and luxury in the EV segment. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUE SOURCES | CARNEWSCHINA | LIPUTAN6 | JAWAPOS | YANGCANGGIH | SETIRKANAN ]

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The Lister Jaguar XJ-S 'Le Mans': Forgotten V12 Marvels

💣Forgotten BEAST💣 - The end of the V12 engine era is imminent, a reality that car enthusiasts are slowly coming to terms with. Despite the incredible engineering behind 12-cylinder powerplants, they struggle to compete with electric motors' instant torque and silent operation. Even Ferrari's new 'piccolo V12,' a 2.9-litre V6 engine in the 296 GTB, is receiving accolades instead of criticism. The charm of the V12 is now more evident than ever, a sentiment heightened by the rarity of new V12 models like the upcoming Aventador. The automotive world is seeing fewer of these magnificent engines, making the ones still available all the more special.

The Lister Jaguar XJ-S 'Le Mans' emerged in 1989 after six years of development, embodying the raw power and sophistication that make V12 engines so revered, while boasting a proper manual transmission, widebody kit, and impressive wheels. (Picture from: RoadAndTrack)

One of the most impressive V12 engines ever installed in a production car can be found in the 1985 Jaguar XJ-S. This engine is larger than those in any Lamborghini, Ferrari, or even the McLaren F1. The only engine that rivals its size is the V12 in the Pagani Zonda. For aficionados of twelve-cylinder engines, the 1985 Jaguar XJ-S is a dream come true, embodying the raw power and sophistication that makes V12 engines so revered.

With only 20 units produced, the Lister Jaguar XJ-S 'Le Mans' was a rare gem in the automotive world, debuting just before the firm introduced its legendary Storm race car. (Picture from: ShmooAutomotive)

Lister is a name synonymous with excellence in sports car racing history. The Lister-Jaguar, designed by Brian Lister, dominated its first full racing season in 1957. In the following decades, Lister cars became a force in GT racing worldwide. By the early 1980s, Lister expanded its legacy to road cars, with highly modified XJ-S models marketed as Lister-Jaguars, thanks to agreements with BLE Automotive and WP Automotive.

The Lister Jaguar XJ-S 'Le Mans' featured a wider track, 17-inch Lister-branded alloy wheels under flared fenders, and wider bumpers for a refined look. (Picture from: PistoHeads)

The culmination of Lister's efforts occurred in 1989 after six years of development. Dubbed the Lister Le Mans, it featured a bored-out version of the XJS V12 engine paired with not one but two superchargers. The car also boasted a widebody kit, an impressive set of wheels, and a proper manual transmission. 

This was not merely a modified XJ-S but a thoroughly re-engineered supercar. The only original parts retained were the doors, windscreen glass, front suspension uprights, wishbones, and alternator. With only 20 units produced, the Lister Le Mans was a rare gem in the automotive world, debuting just before the firm introduced its legendary Storm race car.

Inside, the Lister Jaguar XJ-S 'Le Mans' features a luxurious Lister Recaro leather interior. (Picture from: PistoHeads)

The Lister Le Mans featured a wider track, 17-inch Lister-branded alloy wheels under flared fenders, and wider bumpers for a refined look. It also boasted a new suspension setup and AP Racing brakes on all four corners, ensuring superb handling and stopping power. The car was named to celebrate Jaguar's success at the Le Mans race in the late 1980s, transforming the Jaguar XJ-S into a 200 mph supercar.

Under the hood, the Lister Le Mans housed a 7.0-litre version of Jaguar's V12 engine, reworked to produce 604 bhp and a similar torque figure, ensuring breathtaking acceleration in any gear. The suspension, brakes, wheels, and tires were all upgraded to handle the immense power, while a sleek body kit maintained stability at high speeds.

The Lister Jaguar XJ-S 'Le Mans,' powered by a reworked 7.0-litre V12 engine producing 604 bhp, accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds. (Picture from: PistoHeads)

The basic XJ-S body underwent extensive modifications, including large alloy wheels, restyled rear buttresses, and a variety of ground-hugging skirts and spoilers. Inside, the car featured a luxurious Lister Recaro leather interior.

For those who found the standard V12 Jaguar engine lacking, Lister offered a comprehensive tuning package. This included modified fuel injection with additional injectors and throttle bodies, a tweaked engine management system, gas-flowed heads with larger valves, and a nitrided crankshaft. Cosworth conrods and special forged pistons were used, along with new bearings and a modified oil system, to reliably deliver 604 bhp.

The Lister Jaguar XJ-S 'Le Mans' was not merely a modified XJ-S but a thoroughly re-engineered supercar. (Picture from: ShmooAutomotive)

The result was a car capable of a 0-100 km/h sprint in just 4.5 seconds, outperforming contemporaries like the Ferrari Testarossa and Lamborghini Countach. The Lister Le Mans stood as a testament to the brilliance of V12 engineering and the dedication of those who sought to push automotive boundaries.

The Lister Jaguar XJ-S 'Le Mans' was built on the basic XJ-S body, which underwent extensive modifications, including large alloy wheels, restyled rear buttresses, and various ground-hugging skirts and spoilers. (Picture from: ShmooAutomotive)

As the automotive industry shifts towards more environmentally friendly technologies, the V12 engine's days are numbered. However, the legacy of these powerful machines lives on in the memories of enthusiasts and the history of remarkable cars like the Lister Le Mans. This era of automotive excellence may be ending, but its impact will be remembered for generations to come.

The Lister Jaguar XJ-S 'Le Mans' stood as a testament to the brilliance of V12 engineering and the dedication of those who sought to push automotive boundaries. (Picture from: PistoHeads)

In this ever-evolving landscape of automotive technology, the V12 engine remains a symbol of an era defined by power, innovation, and passion. The transition to electric and more efficient engines is inevitable, but the legacy of the V12 will continue to inspire and captivate those who appreciate the artistry of automotive engineering.

As we look forward to new advancements, the story of the V12 will always hold a special place in the hearts of car enthusiasts. The grandeur of the V12 era, marked by remarkable cars like the Lister Le Mans, ensures its spirit will endure even as the automotive world transforms. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | LISTER | PISTONHEADS | ROADANDTRACK | CLASSICINSIDER | BONHAMS | SHMOOAUTOMOTIVE | DIECASTXCHANGE ]

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Honda HP-X: The 1980s Concept That Inspired the NSX

💪Forgotten ONES⚒️ - In the world of automobiles, Honda Motor Co. stands out as a Japanese manufacturer known for its diverse range of products, from motorcycles to cars and even airplanes. Among Honda's many impressive creations, the Honda HP-X often escapes the spotlight. This innovative and futuristic concept car made its debut at the 1984 Turin Motor Show, captivating those who saw it.

The Honda HP-X was an innovative and futuristic concept car that debuted at the 1984 Turin Motor Show. (Picture from: OldConceptCars)

The HP-X immediately grabs attention with its unique design, resembling a sleek wedge or a piece of prop wood. Its side profile showcases a flat front that thickens towards the rear. A striking feature of the HP-X is its extensive use of seamless glass, which covers nearly a third of the car's body. This glass design merges the front, side, and rear panels into one continuous piece, without any intervening pillars.

The Honda HP-X boasts a unique design, reminiscent of a wedge or a sleek piece of prop wood, with side profile reveals a flatter front that gradually thickens towards the back. (Picture from: OldConceptCars)

This seamless glass design serves multiple purposes, acting as both the canopy of the car and the entrance to its cabin. The subtle extension at the rear, similar to a spoiler, adds a touch of elegance to the vehicle. The innovative entry mechanism involves sections of the glass lifting up, much like a jet plane's cockpit canopy, allowing easy access for the driver.

The concept car earned the name HP-X, where "HP" stands for Honda Pininfarina, emphasizing this fruitful collaboration between the two entities. (Picture from: OldConceptCars)

The Honda HP-X earned its name from the collaboration between Honda and Pininfarina, with "HP" standing for Honda Pininfarina. This partnership was instrumental in creating the car's distinctive design and advanced features. Despite its compact dimensions, the HP-X boasts impressive aerodynamics, with a drag coefficient of only 0.25. Measuring 426.5 cm in length, 177 cm in width, and 112.5 cm in height, with a wheelbase of 225 cm, the HP-X is slightly larger than the Mazda MX-5 Miata.

The Honda HP-X measures 426.5 cm in length, 177 cm in width, 112.5 cm in height, with a wheelbase of 225 cm. (Picture from: OldConceptCars)

The mid-engine configuration of the HP-X, situated just behind the cabin, houses a 2,000 cc V6 engine, originally developed for Formula 2 racing. This powerful engine highlights Honda's commitment to performance and innovation. Over time, the concepts and design elements of the HP-X contributed to the development of the iconic Honda NSX, which inherited many of the HP-X's groundbreaking features.

The Honda HP-X cabin, adorned with a red, white, and black interior and featuring a futuristic steering wheel, had screens displaying real-time telemetry, GPS, and road condition warnings using sonar. (Picture from: CarAndDriver)

Although the HP-X concept never entered production, it significantly influenced the design and technology of future Honda models. The first-generation NSX, sold globally as a Honda and with an Acura badge in the United States, is a testament to the lasting impact of the HP-X. Honda enthusiasts and automotive history buffs eagerly anticipate seeing the HP-X concept in person once again at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance on August 18, 2024.

The Honda HP-X powered by a mid-mounted a 2,000 cc V6 engine configuration situated just behind the cabin. (Picture from: OldConceptCars)

The Honda HP-X remains a fascinating piece of automotive history, showcasing the visionary collaboration between Honda and Pininfarina. Despite not achieving widespread recognition, the HP-X played a crucial role in shaping the future of automotive design and innovation. Its legacy lives on through the NSX and continues to inspire car enthusiasts and designers alike.

The Honda HP-X is a reminder of the endless possibilities in automotive design and engineering. Its unique features and innovative design make it a standout in Honda's history, illustrating the company's dedication to pushing the boundaries of what is possible. As we look to the future, the spirit of the HP-X continues to drive innovation and creativity in the automotive world. *** [EKA [02082023] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | OLDCONCEPTCARS | CARANDDRIVER ]

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Abarth 600e Scorpionissima: Celebrating 75 Years with the Fastest EV

Anniversary GIFT - When we celebrate a milestone, receiving a special gift adds to the joy. Similarly, the Italian manufacturer Abarth marked its 75th anniversary with a unique gift to its community. Founded in 1949 by Carlo Abarth in Turin, Italy, this company initially focused on modifying and tuning Fiat cars for racing. 

The Nuova Abarth 600e Scorpionissima is set to debut in Milan, bringing an explosive combination of performance and unique style. (Picture from: Overdrive.in)

Abarth cars have always stood out for their powerful engines and exceptional performance. They are often equipped with turbocharged engines that deliver impressive power relative to their size. To celebrate its milestone, Abarth unveiled three original photos of the Abarth 600e Scorpionissima. This electric car, their fastest yet, features an electric motor producing up to 240 hp, a Mechanical Limited Slip Differential, and various racing features.

The limited-edition Nuova Abarth 600e Scorpionissima embodies the essence of Abarth with its aggressive design and features, promising a thrilling drive. (Picture from: id.Motor1)

In a release from Parent Company Stellantis, dated March 31, 2024, the Abarth 600e Scorpionissima's interior is described as sporty and luxurious. The dashboard plate, adorned with Abarth graphics and exclusive patterns, alongside a dark cabin environment, are its main features. The "threatening" scorpion logo on the steering wheel and colored stitching add to the mysterious and sporty impression.

The new Abarth 600e is an exciting addition to the iconic Italian brand's lineup. The launch model, a special edition called 'Scorpionissima,' will be limited to just 1,949 units. It is the high-performance version of Abarth's new electric Fiat 600e, which was launched last year.

The interior of the Nuova Abarth 600e Scorpionissima offers an irresistible blend of performance, comfort, and style, cementing its status as a sports car icon. (Picture from: id.Motor1)

Despite its 240 hp (in the Scorpionissima version), the 600e stands as the most powerful Abarth model. Staying true to the hot hatch concept, it includes a mechanical limited-slip differential to improve traction. Abarth has collaborated with Hankook, the tire supplier for the Formula E racing series, to design the 600e's tires.

Enhancements include larger tires on 20-inch wheels and a more robust braking system. True to Abarth tradition, there is a giant ‘Abarth’ sticker above the side sills and a neon green scorpion emblem on the front fenders.

The interior of the Nuova Abarth 600e Scorpionissima features state-of-the-art onboard technology, including an intuitive infotainment system and a digital display that provides crucial driving information. (Picture from: FleeTime.it)

The launch edition Scorpionissima features an exclusive Hypnotic Purple paint, inspired by the hypnotic effect after a puncture, highlighting its aggressive nature. An aerodynamic rear spoiler is designed to maximize performance. Assuming the battery is the same as the Fiat version, the Abarth 600e is expected to have a 54-kWh lithium-ion battery, offering a range of around 400 km on the European WLTP test cycle.

The racing spirit of the Abarth 600e Scorpionissima is evident in its special racing-inspired seats and a sporty steering wheel wrapped in leather and Alcantara. Rear passenger footrests serve as additional storage space, ambient lighting enhances the cabin's luxury, and a 10-inch head unit with navigation accompanies the journey.

The Abarth 600e Scorpionissima. (Picture from: id.Motor1)

The infotainment system, featuring special Abarth graphics, displays a performance meter page and settings to enable or disable the distinctive "Abarth sound" via the Sound Generator. This feature enhances the unique and enjoyable driving experience. | jmfYr2hyEI4 |

Abarth invites fans to anticipate the full reveal of the aggressive Abarth 600e, promising it to be the fastest Abarth ever! This celebration of innovation and performance marks a new era for Abarth, as they blend their rich heritage with the future of electric mobility. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | STELLANTIS | ABARTH.NL | QUATTRORUOTE.IT | AUTOEDIZIONE.NL | FLEETIME.IT | OVERDRIVE.IN | ID.MOTOR1 ]

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Rare Mid-Engine SAAB Sports Prototype: A Hidden Gem of Late Eighties

⛔Rare GEMS💣 - There are many stories about unique sports cars that remain relatively unknown to the public, especially those crafted by automakers from Northern Europe, such as Sweden. One such example is the concept car launched by SAAB Automobile in the late 1980s, which boasted a distinctive design. Despite its uniqueness, this car did not achieve widespread recognition or a significant breakthrough, resulting in its obscurity among automotive enthusiasts.

The SAAB UNO 001, also known as the Catlin, emerged from its Trollhättan-based builder's garage in 1989, with up to three units produced. (Picture from: BringATrailer)

This remarkable vehicle, identified alternately as the SAAB UNO 001 - Catlin, first emerged from its Trollhättan-based builder's garage in 1989. It is believed to be the first of three prototypes, although information is somewhat inconsistent. The car features a custom steel tube frame beneath its attractive steel bodywork, with mechanics primarily based on the pre-GM SAAB 900, including its turbocharged four-cylinder engine, gearbox, and suspension.

The SAAB UNO 001, features shark gill intakes behind the doors that are mirrored by vents on the B-pillars, enhancing its sporty aesthetic. (Picture from: SAAB Planet)

The car's journey is a bit mysterious, with some sources suggesting it was either restored or completed in 2009. Despite the conflicting details, it is clear that the vehicle was built to a high standard. The design has been compared to a blend of the contemporary Mazda RX-7, Chevrolet Camaro, Acura NSX, and Eagle Talon, though it bears a stronger resemblance to the Peugeot 406 coupe and Opel Calibra.

The SAAB UNO 001 features a custom steel tube frame beneath its attractive steel bodywork, which embodies the design essence of the late 1980s. (Picture from: SAAB Planet)

A noteworthy aspect of the car is its steel bodywork, which is quintessentially a product of the late 1980s. The design language incorporates themes from several European manufacturers of the time, particularly Peugeot and Opel. An older image shows the car with smaller wheels but otherwise identical to its current configuration, highlighting the round fuel door on the upper right corner of the front lid, which allows access to the fuel tank without needing to open the entire panel.

The interior of the vehicle features period-correct Recaro seats, commendable fit and finish, and a dashboard equipped with serious-looking white-on-black VDO gauges, power windows, and locks. (Picture from: SAAB Planet)

The rear design features a neatly integrated wing and segmented taillights that blend seamlessly into a central grille, showcasing classic period styling. The car's overall finish is impressive for a hand-built prototype developed on a limited budget of 3 million Swedish Krona (SEK), which is roughly equivalent to the US $345,000 in 2018 terms.

The SAAB UNO 001 - Catlin, is powered by a 175-horsepower Saab 900-sourced four-cylinder mid-mounted engine, specifically a later 16-valve twin-cam version.. (Picture from: SAAB Planet)

Modern enhancements, such as the likely 17-inch wheels, suit the car well. The shark gill intakes behind the doors are mirrored by vents on the B-pillars, adding to its sporty aesthetic. The interior is equipped with period-correct Recaro seats, and the overall fit and finish are commendable for a vehicle of this nature. The dashboard features numerous serious-looking white-on-black VDO gauges, along with power windows and locks. Air conditioning seems to be part of the package, and under the front "frunk" lid, there are a pair of brake boosters.

Modern upgrades, like the probable 17-inch wheels, complement the SAAB UNO 001 - Catlin perfectly. (Picture from: TeknikensVarld)

Powering the car is a 175 horsepower Saab 900-sourced four-cylinder engine, specifically a later 16-valve twin-cam version. Enthusiasts hope it provides an enjoyable driving experience despite its rarity. Alternatively, it would make a fantastic addition to a local SAAB heritage museum.

The rear design boasts a neatly integrated wing and segmented taillights that seamlessly blend into a central grille, showcasing classic period styling. (Picture from: SAAB Planet)

Back in 2018, the car was listed on sale in Trollhättan, Sweden, and available for 179,900 SEK (approximately the US $20,600). At the time, it has accumulated just under 3,000 kilometers, and it appears to be road-registered and ready for use. However, to this day, the outcome of the car's sale remains unknown. | MF35ai3rUG0 |

This unique sports car, with its rich history and striking design, stands as a testament to the creativity and innovation of Northern European automakers. Though it may not have achieved widespread fame, the UNO 001 remains a symbol of what can be accomplished with vision and ingenuity. As it awaits its next chapter, it continues to inspire those who appreciate the art and science of automotive design. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SAABCARMUSEUM | BRINGATRAILER | SAAB PLANET | TEKNIKENSVARLD ]

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