📢New BEAST - The anticipation for the Nilu27 supercar designed by Sasha Selipanov has been building ever since the first teaser surfaced online in May 2024. Selipanov, known for his work with Bugatti and Koenigsegg, has captivated the automotive world with the promise of a new V12-powered, manually-driven hypercar. Scheduled for its grand premiere on August 15, 2024, at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, this car has enthusiasts eagerly waiting to see its full form.
The Nilu27 is a new V12-powered, manually-driven hypercar designed by Sasha Selipanov and sets its debut at the prestigious 2024 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. (Picture from: TopGear)
At the heart of this hypercar lies a 6.5-litre, naturally aspirated V12 engine, developed in collaboration with New Zealand’s Hartley Engines. This powertrain, designed to rev close to 12,000 rpm, represents a delicate balance between peak performance and reliability. Nelson Harley, founder of Hartley Engines, describes it as a bespoke creation, emphasizing its aggressive cams, port flow, lightweight components, and exotic materials. This engine is expected to deliver an exhilarating driving experience.
The Nilu27 hypercar's design includes advanced engineering features such as double wishbone and pushrod suspension, a carbon monocoque with aluminum-alloy tubular subframes, and a custom-built tub. (Picture from: TopGear)
Selipanov asserts that Nilu27, is driven by experience and emotion rather than mere numbers. However, with an output exceeding 1,000 bhp and a curb weight of around 1,200 kg, the car’s specifications are undeniably impressive. Power is transmitted through a seven-speed, open-gate, longitudinally-mounted manual gearbox, promising a raw and engaging driving experience.
The Nilu27 hypercar exterior boasts tight angles and small crevices, contributing to a sleek and aerodynamic profile. (Picture from: TopGear)
The hypercar's design includes advanced engineering features such as double wishbone and pushrod suspension, a carbon monocoque with aluminum-alloy tubular subframes, and a custom-built tub. While these elements are common in high-performance vehicles, the design truly sets this car apart. The exterior boasts tight angles and small crevices, contributing to a sleek and aerodynamic profile. The exposed mechanical rear end enhances cooling and gives the car a distinctive look.
The Nilu27 hypercar interior is minimalistic, with the only computerized element being the digital rear-view mirror. Everything else remains traditional, enhancing the raw driving experience. (Picture from: TopGear)
A notable feature is the 12-into-1 exhaust headers, which are prominently displayed and culminate in high, centrally-positioned triple Inconel exhaust tips. The car rides on 20/21in AppTech center-lock wheels paired with Brembo carbon ceramic brakes and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, ensuring top-tier performance on the road or track.
The Nilu27 hypercar access to the cabin is via gull-wing doors, revealing a space inspired by late Sixties Le Mans prototypes like the Ferrari 330 P4. (Picture from: TopGear)
Access to the cabin is via gull-wing doors, revealing a space inspired by late Sixties Le Mans prototypes like the Ferrari 330 P4. The fixed, sunken seats create a tight but purposeful environment. The interior is minimalistic, with the only computerized element being the digital rear-view mirror. Everything else remains traditional, enhancing the raw driving experience.
The Nilu27 is powered by a 6.5-litre, naturally aspirated V12 engine, developed in collaboration with New Zealand’s Hartley Engines. (Picture from: TopGear)
Selipanov’s vision for the car is clear: to create a vehicle that is thrilling and accessible, without requiring extreme physical prowess. He wants a car that excites the senses and provides an old-school, no-nonsense driving experience. This philosophy stems from his own experiences with high-performance vehicles, where he found more joy in stripped-down, straightforward cars than in overly refined supercars.
A notable feature of the Nilu27 hypercar is the 12-into-1 exhaust headers, which are prominently displayed and culminate in high, centrally-positioned triple Inconel exhaust tips. (Picture from: TopGear)
The Nilu27 will initially be produced in a limited run of 15 track-only launch editions, followed by 54 street-legal units. While the price remains unconfirmed, the car's debut at Pebble Beach will likely spark significant interest and demand. Production is expected to begin in Irvine, California by Aria Group shortly after the reveal. | jRLjz9qhOV4 |
As the world moves forward, the combination of futuristic design and analog driving experience offered by the Nilu27 may well become highly sought after. The anticipation for its debut is a testament to the enduring allure of innovative and passionate automotive design. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HARDLINE27 | NILU27| TOPGEAR | ]
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📢Mysterious ONES🫵 - Stumbling upon intriguing stories while surfing the web is always a delight, and a recent Facebook post by Jeep Captain on July 7, 2024, is no exception. It recounted the tale of the Packard Clipper Eight sedan allegedly had owned by General Douglas MacArthur, a prominent American military figure during World War II. This story, however, has sparked a mix of fascination and skepticism among the public.
The 1942 Packard Clipper Eight sedan, allegedly owned by General Douglas MacArthur during World War II, is believed to be one of the replicas made by David Schmitt. (Picture from: Jeep Captain in Facebook)
In 1942, General Douglas MacArthur was said to have ordered a Packard Clipper Eight sedan, equipped with nearly every available option, including air conditioning, overdrive, and a radio. According to the tale, MacArthur did not simply order the car; he saved it from being disassembled for its parts to build PT boats, claiming it as war material. It's said that the base price of the car, initially $1,341, nearly doubled to $2,600. The car remained in MacArthur's possession until 1948, when he gifted it to his driver.
The Army staff car, a 1942 Clipper used by Gen. Douglas MacArthur, resides at America’s Packard Museum. (Picture from: NYTimes)
For the next three decades, the car languished in a barn in Texas. How come? MacArthur had arranged for the car to be shipped to San Diego via the aircraft carrier Princeton, and from there, it was transported on a military flatbed to Fort Sam Houston, Texas, before being released to his driver in Dallas. The driver intended to have the military hardware removed and the car repainted, but he passed away before this could happen. The car was left untouched for years, and it's said still containing MacArthur's old army hat and his famous corncob pipe.
The 1947 Packard Custom Super Clipper Eight Army Staff Car, a replica of the 1942 WWII Army staff car used by US General Douglas MacArthur, was crafted by David Schmitt.(Picture from: Schmitt)
Despite the captivating narrative, the article fails to provide the current location or owner of the car, is believed to be one of the replicas made by David Schmitt. However, according to the NYTimes, the original 1942 Packard Clipper Eight sedan once used by Gen. Douglas MacArthur is currently housed in America's Packard Museum.
The replica of the 1942 WWII Army staff car used by US General Douglas MacArthur is adorned with an impeccably maintained blue interior including MacArthur's old army hat and his famous corncob pipe. (Picture from: Schmitt)
Moreover, a reader's comment on the Facebook post vehemently denies the story, labeling it as fake. The commenter, a member of the Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), claimed to have debunked the story along with his friend, Darwin Lumley. They pointed out several inconsistencies, such as MacArthur's preference for Cadillacs and the fact that the ship purportedly bringing the Packard back to the United States was sunk off Luzon in Leyte Gulf before the car could have been shipped.
The 1934 Cadillac V16 Series 90 Fleetwood Transformable Town Car Cabriolet, used by Manuel L. Quezon from 1934-1937 and then by General Douglas MacArthur, may now reside in a museum in the Philippines. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
The debunkers highlighted further discrepancies, noting that MacArthur favored Cadillacs during his time in the Philippines, where he owned two Cadillacswith the license plates USA-1 and USA-2. Additionally, the improbability of the Packard making its way back to the USA aboard a sunken vessel raises serious doubts about the authenticity of the story.
The 1950 Chrysler Crown Imperial limousine served as General MacArthur’s personal staff car during its heyday. (Picture from: Hagerty)
Another interesting point raised was the rarity of the 1942 Packard. Most car companies introduced their new models in November, but Packard launched their line in March. Due to the war, all 1942 Packards were immediately requisitioned as war material, with their engines being used in PT boats—two engines per boat. Only a small number remained as staff cars, and the majority of these ended up in Burma (now Myanmar). There, parts inventories and small-scale machine shops kept the 1942 Packards in use as taxis until the 1980s.
The 1950 Chrysler Crown Imperial limousine that served as General MacArthur’s personal staff car now sits on display at the MacArthur Memorial Museum. (Picture from: Philstar)
The tale of General MacArthur's Packard Clipper Eight sedan is undoubtedly a fascinating one, filled with historical intrigue and mystery. Whether true or not, it underscores the allure and mystique surrounding rare wartime vehicles and their supposed ties to legendary figures. Even if the story has been debunked, it remains a captivating piece of automotive folklore, sparking the imagination and curiosity of car enthusiasts and history buffs alike. What do you think?*** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AMERICASPACKARDMUSEUM | MACARTHURMEMORIAL | HAGERTY | JEEPCAPTAIN | OCALAAUTOREPAIRS | NYTIMES | SCHMITT | PHILSTAR | WIKIPEDIA | AUTOHISTORY.ORG ]
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⚠️Unseen BEAST💥 - Audi's remarkable success in the world of motorsport is undeniable, particularly from 2000 to 2014. During this period, Audi prototypes triumphed at the 24 Hours of Le Mans 13 times. If such dominance had occurred in the ’90s, it's conceivable that Audi would have developed a road-going version of its best racing cars.
The Audi Skorpion Concept, a vehicle envisioned to outshine models like the 911 GT1 or CLK-GTR and based on the Audi DTM racing car, sat on display at the Horch Museum in Zwickau, Germany. (Picture from: TheDrive)
In 2013, Audi explored the concept of developing a high-end sports car named the Audi Skorpion, a vehicle envisioned to outshine models such the 911 GT1 or CLK-GTR and based on the Audi DTM racing car. Positioned as a halo vehicle above the Audi R8, the Skorpion aimed to combine track performance with luxury and exclusivity. However, due to unspecified challenges, the ambitious "Project Skorpion" was eventually shelved.
This non-functional design study of the Audi Skorpion provides a glimpse into what could have been if it had been brought into production. (Picture from: id.Motor1)
The Skorpion, as it was internally named, recently made an appearance in Audi’s Horch Museum in Zwickau, Germany. This non-functional design study offers a glimpse into what could have been. The museum shared several images of the Skorpion, evoking a bittersweet reflection on this unrealized vision. The Skorpion was envisioned as a street version of the R18 TDI series, similar to the Porsche 911 GT1 Straßenversion or the Mercedes CLK-GTR. It was intended to sit above the R8 in Audi's lineup of road cars.
The Audi Skorpion was envisioned as a street version of the R18 TDI series, similar to the 911 GT1 Strassenversion or the Mercedes CLK-GTR. (Picture from: TheDrive)
Like its sibling R18 in between 2010 and 2013, Skorpion featured a 3.7-liter turbocharged diesel V6 with hybrid power. This combination could have made the Skorpiona unique diesel hypercar, likely the only one of its kind. Audi had previously explored this concept with the R8 V12 TDI, which never reached production due to cost issues. The Skorpion project aimed to bring Audi’s race-winning diesel technology to a limited number of affluent customers, with plans to build only 333 units.
The Audi Skorpion's design resembles that of a Le Mans prototype but is more compact, featuring a shortened wheelbase and a chunkier body. (Picture from: TheDrive)
The Skorpion's design resembles that of a Le Mans prototype but is more compact, with a shortened wheelbase and a chunkier body. Unlike the R18, which was designed for maximum downforce with extensive air channels, the Skorpion’s design focused more on aesthetics suitable for road use. While the R18's design was not universally admired, especially towards the end of its career, the Skorpion’s design offered a much more appealing visual.
The Audi Skorpion’s design offered a much more appealing visual and focused more on aesthetics suitable for road use. (Picture from: id.Motor1)
By 2013, Audi's dream of a production diesel hypercar was shelved. Even if the project had progressed further, it would have faced significant challenges, especially following the Dieselgate scandal that impacted Volkswagen Group's plans. The cancellation of the Skorpion project remains a point of lament for automotive enthusiasts. For those who saw the rumors and renderings about a decade ago and wondered what happened, the Skorpion's appearance in the Horch Museum can at least provide some relief and logical answers.
Project Skorpion can be viewed as a road-going iteration of the Audi R18 e-tron Quattro, marking the pinnacle of Audi's endurance racing dominance.(Picture from: AutoRepublika)
Audi's exploration into creating a road-going hypercar from its racing technology highlights the brand's innovative spirit and ambition. Although the Skorpion never came to fruition, it stands as a testament to Audi’s forward-thinking approach and its commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering. This glimpse into what could have been serves as a reminder of the possibilities that lie ahead in the automotive industry.
This is how the Audi R18 racing car looked by the end of its tenure while in raced the 2016 24 Hours of Le Mans race.(Picture from: TheDrive)
The Skorpion’s story is a fascinating chapter in Audi's history. It symbolizes a blend of ambition and innovation, showcasing what happens when a brand dares to dream beyond conventional limits. Even though the Skorpion remains a concept, its legacy inspires continued innovation and serves as a beacon of what might be achieved with bold vision and engineering prowess.
Audi's journey in motorsport and their attempt to translate racing success into a road-going hypercar underscores the brand's dedication to excellence and innovation. The Skorpion, while never realized, represents a bold vision of what Audi could achieve. As we look to the future, Audi’s ambitious spirit continues to drive the company forward, promising exciting developments in automotive technology and design. The Skorpion will always be a symbol of what might have been, sparking the imagination and inspiring future endeavors in the automotive world. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUDICLUBNA | ID.MOTOR1 | THEDRIVE | SUPERCARBLONDIE | AUTOREPUBLIKA ]
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🫵Rare Classic GEMS💰 - Amidst the glitz and glamour of the automotive expo, one classic car stands out as the epitome of automotive artistry: the 1949 Delahaye 175 S Roadster. This stunning vehicle has graced numerous prestigious showcases for both vintage and contemporary luxury cars, drawing collectors and car enthusiasts from around the world.
The 1949 Delahaye 175 S Roadster bodied by Saoutchik has graced numerous prestigious showcases for both vintage and contemporary luxury cars, drawing collectors and car enthusiasts from around the world. (Picture from: HotCars)
The 1949 Delahaye 175 S Roadster is a creation of the legendary automotive stylist and coachbuilder Jacques Saoutchik. Saoutchik's remarkable journey from a cabinet maker in Ukraine to a top-tier designer in Paris highlights his extraordinary talent and vision. His designs, known for their unique blend of elegance and innovation, have left a lasting impact on the automotive world, making this roadster a highly coveted collector's item.
The 1949 Delahaye 175 S Saoutchik Roadster in its prime on the concours circuit. (Picture from: NewAtlas)
Commissioned by the flamboyant English collector Sir John Gaul, the Delahaye 175 S Roadster boasts an exceptional design. Built on the first post-war Delahaye chassis, it features a powerful 4,455 cc inline six-cylinder engine that produces 165 horsepower. This engine, combined with a four-speed electro-mechanically actuated Cotal Preselector gearbox and advanced suspension systems, made it a technological marvel of its time. The 116-inch wheelbase added to its grandeur, giving it an imposing presence on the road.
The 1949 Delahaye 175 S 2-seat roadster which was owned by English movie star Diana Dors. (Picture from: Pinterest)
The car made its debut at the 1949 Paris Auto Show, where it quickly garnered accolades and admiration. It continued to dominate the European concours circuit, winning prestigious awards in Paris, Monte Carlo, and San Remo. Its success extended beyond its early years; in 2006, after a meticulous restoration, it won best-in-class at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and the People’s Choice award at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance.
The 1949 Delahaye 175 S Saoutchik Roadster symbolized the resurgence of French automotive excellence and craftsmanship. (Picture from: HotCars)
After its initial exhibition tour, the Delahaye 175 S Roadster passed through the hands of several notable owners, including actress Diana Dors. Each owner added to its storied history, enhancing its allure and mystique. Despite the financial challenges following World War II, this car remained a symbol of opulence and artistic excellence, showcasing the resilience and creativity of its era.
The 1949 Delahaye 175 S Saoutchik Roadster showcased the blend of performance, luxury, and artistry that characterized the best of post-war automotive design. (Picture from: HotCars)
This extraordinary vehicle will be auctioned at RM Auctions’ ‘Sports & Classics of Monterey’ event, with expectations of fetching between $4 million and $6 million. For those who find the price daunting, replicas are available from Delahaye USA for around $500,000. However, owning the original means possessing a piece of automotive history that combines rarity, exquisite design, and advanced engineering.
The 1949 Delahaye 175 S Saoutchik Roadster featuring an eye-catching, comfortable, and exotic interior with blue-white leather, it offers a wonderful driving experience and superlative styling on a competition-quality chassis. (Picture from: NewAtlas)
The Delahaye 175 S Roadster's significance extends beyond its beauty and performance. It represents the pinnacle of post-war automotive luxury and innovation. Delahaye, a French luxury automobile manufacturer, produced only a limited number of these cars between 1947 and 1950, with fewer than 50 of the 175 S chassis and even fewer bodied as roadsters by renowned coachbuilders. This rarity adds to its allure and value among collectors.
The 1949 Delahaye 175 S Saoutchik Roadster boasts a harmonious blend of intricate designs, including rows of knobs and a unique lucite see-through steering wheel. (Picture from: NewAtlas)
The historical importance of the Delahaye 175 S Roadster is immense. Introduced during a period of recovery and renewal after World War II, it symbolized the resurgence of French automotive excellence and craftsmanship. It showcased the blend of performance, luxury, and artistry that characterized the best of post-war automotive design.
The 1949 Delahaye 175 S Saoutchik Roadster propeled by a powerful 4,455 cc inline six-cylinder engine that produces 165 horsepower. (Picture from: NewAtlas)
Today, the Delahaye 175 S Roadster continues to be a prized possession for collectors and enthusiasts. It frequently appears at prestigious car shows, auctions, and concours events worldwide. Its combination of rarity, historical significance, and stunning design makes it one of the most valuable and coveted classic cars. Well-preserved or meticulously restored examples have fetched multi-million dollar prices at auctions, reflecting its enduring appeal and legacy. | onaqRca8Q04 | SRp7r7lIU6k |
Today, 1949 Delahaye 175 S Saoutchik Roadster continues to be a prized possession for collectors and enthusiasts. (Picture from: NewAtlas)
In the annals of automotive history, the Delahaye 175 S Roadster holds a special place. Its influence is seen not only in car collections but also in books, exhibitions, and documentaries celebrating classic cars and the golden age of coachbuilding. Its unique design and engineering continue to inspire car enthusiasts and designers alike.
As this remarkable car goes under the auctioneer’s hammer once more, it reaffirms its status as one of the most extraordinary and desirable classic cars in the world. The Delahaye 175 S Roadster is not just a vehicle; it is a masterpiece of automotive art, a symbol of luxury, performance, and artistic excellence that will continue to captivate and inspire for generations to come. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | NEWATLAS | HOTCARS | WIKIPEDIA ]
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Wait & See - The quest to improve vehicle performance often revolves around reducing weight. Heavy cars need more power to move, leading to wider designs and fatter tires to handle the energy, which ultimately consumes more resources and increases pollution. This dilemma isn’t new to automotive enthusiasts.
Riversimple now aims to tackle the 'weight crisis' in a revolutionary way with a new supercar. (Picture from: TopGear)
Seven years ago, an automotive startup in Wales called Riversimple sought to change this narrative. Known for the innovative Rasa, Riversimple now aims to tackle the 'weight crisis' in a revolutionary way with a new supercar. This supercar is unique because it weighs just 620kg and is powered by hydrogen, promising impressive efficiency and performance.
The supercars will use the same 70kg carbonfibre chassis as the Riversimple Rasa, pictured.(Picture from: Autocar)
Riversimple founder and chief engineer Hugo Spowers MBE described this vehicle as a solution to excessive power and an opportunity to redefine sports cars for the modern era. The supercar will use technology akin to the Rasa, featuring a carbon fiber chassis with four inboard electric motors and a hydrogen fuel cell that generates 29kW of electrical power. This fuel cell can be refilled in just five minutes, complemented by supercapacitors and 800V architecture.
The Riversimple team posed with the completed frame and chassis of the Rasa. (Picture from: Riversimple)
Despite the modest power output of around 39bhp, the supercar’s lightweight and aerodynamically optimized body negate the need for high horsepower to achieve speed. Riversimple aims for rapid acceleration, targeting 0-60mph in 3.5 seconds, 0-100mph in 6.4 seconds, and a top speed of 100mph. The company believes that a higher top speed would compromise the vehicle's efficiency and dynamics.
The car’s low mass, especially its low unsprung mass, contributes to exceptional driving dynamics. This lightweight design also extends the range, with Riversimple estimating a range of 410 miles on a single hydrogen refill. The supercar promises not only efficiency but also immense driving pleasure.
The Riversimple Rasa stands out as one of the most environmentally friendly models, both in terms of emissions and the materials used. (Picture from: Riversimple)
Adding to its innovative approach, Riversimple is collaborating with students from Coventry University to design the car's body and interior. The best student proposals might be used in the final design, blending cutting-edge technology with fresh, creative perspectives.
Riversimple plans to produce only a limited number of these supercars, between 10 and 20 units, each priced as a rare collectible. This exclusivity ensures that the car remains a unique blend of efficiency, style, and advanced engineering. For a reminder of Riversimple’s innovation, here is a video of the Rasa, which was first launched seven years ago.
In summary, Riversimple's new hydrogen-powered supercar represents a bold step towards redefining what sports cars can be in the 21st century. By focusing on lightweight construction and sustainable technology, this vehicle offers a glimpse into the future of high-performance, eco-friendly driving. This innovative approach might just inspire other manufacturers to reconsider the balance between power, weight, and efficiency in their designs. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | RIVERSIMPLE | TOPGEAR | AUTOCAR | DEZEEN | CONCEPTCARZ ]
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Weird ONES - From Japanese automotive manufacturers, we are spoiled by a variety of impressive automotive products. One of the most fascinating sights in Japan is the array of unique and charming small cars, known as Kei cars, produced by famous manufacturers such as Daihatsu, Honda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Suzuki, and Toyota.
Yamaha also ventured into the kei-car market segment with a unique offering, the YM MobileMates Ami, in 1991. (Picture from: SmallCarsClub)
However, there is one well-known Japanese brand that typically does not come to mind when thinking about four-wheeled vehicles: Yamaha Motor Company. Famous for its musical instruments and motorcycles, Yamaha has made a surprising yet noteworthy entry into the world of cars with the Yamaha OX99-11 and the Yamaha Sports Ride Concept.
The YM MobileMates Ami, a peculiar micro coupé inspired by the design of the Ferrari F40, was essentially a modified version of the Daihatsu Opti. (Picture from: GridOto)
Yamaha's journey into the automotive industry started much earlier than the OX99-11. In 1967, Yamaha played a significant role in developing Japan's first true sports car, the Toyota 2000GT. Over the years, Yamaha also designed and supplied various engines to other automakers, including the renowned 3.0-liter V6 and 3.4-liter V8 units for the Ford Taurus SHO. Despite these achievements, Yamaha never fully embraced the production of four-wheeled vehicles, focusing instead on their strengths in motorcycles and engines.
The
YM MobileMates Ami, a peculiar micro coupé inspired by the design of
the Ferrari F40, was essentially a modified version of the Daihatsu
Opti. (Picture from: GridOto)
The love for small cars in Japan is immense, particularly for the Kei cars. These compact vehicles are beloved for their small size and efficient engines, typically around 660 cc. Kei cars are a staple of Japanese automotive culture, known for their practicality and charm. Interestingly, Yamaha also dipped its toes into this market segment with a unique offering in 1991.
When the YM MobileMates Ami is compared directly with the Ferrari F40, the design is strikingly similar, though it is smaller and more whimsical. (Picture from: SmallCarsClub)
YM MobileMates, a branch of Yamaha Motor Company, introduced the Ami (stylized as "ami"), a peculiar micro coupé inspired by the design of the Ferrari F40. The Ami was essentially a modified version of the Daihatsu Opti, featuring a faux mid-engine design and an exaggerated rear spoiler. This tiny car, with its whimsical Ferrari-inspired appearance, boasted the same engine as the Opti – a 40.5 kW (54 hp) SOHC or DOHC 12-valve engine.
The tiny YM MobileMates Ami with its whimsical Ferrari-inspired appearance, boasted the same engine as the Opti – a 40.5 kW (54 hp) SOHC or DOHC 12-valve engine. (Picture from: BeForward)
The transformation from the Daihatsu Opti to the Ami involved significant modifications. While the doors and front fenders remained the same, the roof was reshaped into an arched design, and the rear end was equipped with fake air intakes to mimic a mid-engine layout. The four round taillights unmistakably paid homage to Ferrari, giving the Ami a distinctive look that was hard to ignore.
The YM MobileMates Ami also featured with a dummy mid-engine design body coupled with a spoiler that is the same height with its rounded roof. (Picture from: DrivenToWrite)
Initially, Yamaha planned to produce 600 units of the Ami, priced at 2.15 million yen. However, the market had more affordable alternatives, such as the Autozam AZ-1 and Suzuki Cappuccino, which were priced around 1.4 million yen. Interestingly, the car was sold exclusively in the Tokyo area through an event ticket supplier called Ticket Pia. Consequently, the Ami struggled to find buyers, and only three units were sold, making it an extremely rare and collectible vehicle. | QCCTj-71WOQ |
In an era where many cars feel overly serious and uniform, the Yamaha Ami stands out as a delightful exception. Its whimsical design and limited production make it a unique gem in automotive history, a testament to Yamaha's innovative spirit and willingness to explore beyond its traditional boundaries. The Ami remains a charming reminder that even in the world of cars, there's always room for fun and creativity. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HANDWIKI | SMALLCARSCLUB | DRIVENTOWRITE | OV9 | BEFORWARD ]
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As the world moves forward, the combination of futuristic design and analog driving experience offered by the Nilu27 may well become highly sought after. The anticipation for its debut is a testament to the enduring allure of innovative and passionate automotive design. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HARDLINE27 | NILU27 | TOPGEAR | ]
