The Tajima EV Mini Sport is an all electric single seater mini formula 1 looking vehicle price around $23,000 USD (without battery) and weighs 300kgs using steel tube space frame and resin bathtub like body. The EV has a motor output of 0.59KW, delivered to the rear wheels via a drive belt which can be powered by lead or lithium polymer batteries delivering ranges of 25km (lead battery costs $2500 USD) or 90km (lithium battery costs $5500 USD) It produces a top speed of 70km/h. The Tajima Motor Corp is run by Japanese race driver Nobuhiro Tajima.

[Source: MadWhips.com]

Wowza! Last week was the week of multi Lamborghini Concepts matched by a pretty cool looking one-off Ferrari P540 Superfast Aperta! First we saw the Lamborghini Toro Concept, then the Lamborghini Madura and now the Lamborghini Ankonian Concept! The Ankonian is by far my favorite even if it’s only a outrageously murdered out looking Lamborghini Concept (for now). I definitely think it’s far sexier than the Lamborghini Reventon.

This concept was created by 21 year old Slavche Tanevski (student) at the Munich University of Applied Sciences. Led by Professor Dr. Othmar Wickenheiser, the 4th semester theme was a Lamborghini Raw Materials Project.

Slavche named the Ankonian after a special kind of bull which has black hair following hte Lamborghini brand which names their cars after famed bulls. He designed it using traditional clay molding (vs CAD Modeling) and took him 6 months yielding this spectacular result and getting the attention of Lamborghini (Audi)!

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[Source: cardesign.ru (tranlated here)]

Checkout this futuristic looking Lamborghini Madura concept created by Slavche Tanevsky, a student at the Munich University of Applied Sciences. The Madura is named after an Indonesian island famous for bull races. It was created via collaboration with Lamborghini & Audi designers for Lamborghini’s raw materials project.

According to Slavche, “The Madura is a proposal for the first hybrid Lamborghini scheduled for 2016. Doing a car more efficient and more nature-friendly, doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be exciting, good-looking and fast. (But) in my opinion this new propulsion system should be represented on the looks of the car.”

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[Source: WorldCarFans.com]

The Lamborghini Toro LA690-4 is a modern concept interpretation of the 1960 Lamborghini Espada aimed to compete against the Aston Martin One 77 and the newly minted Lexus LFA.

The designer Amadou Ndiaye stated that the LA 690-4 designation stands for “Longitudinale Anteriore” which translates to “Front Longitudinal” in English, while “690″ refers to the V12 engine’s fictional output and ‘4′ to the car’s all-wheel drive system. Similar nomenclature is used with the Lamborghini Murcielago LP series which indicates the engine’s Longitudinale Posteriore, or “Rear Longitudinal” position and orientation within the current LP lineup of Lamborghini’s.

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[Source: CarScoop.com]

Here are all the current Meccan Exciter Supercar renderings released so far. It’s design was just currently completed. All required CAD/CAM drawings and specs have been completed and are ready to proceed with the production of a rolling prototype. There are expected to be 3 versions of the Meccan Exciter available: Hard Top, Targa Top, and a Competition model.

The Meccan Exciter utilizes a tubular chassis with extensive Carbon Fiber body work. The car will house a GM Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel engine tuned by Banks Engineering mated to either a Gearfox or Xtrac Sequential transmission. This engine should be tuned to deliver 650hp and 800ft-lbs of torque.

The Meccan Exciter is planned to be built in Toronto Canada at the now decommissioned Downsview Airforce Base. They would sell customer competition cars as well as field their own team. They are currently seeking an investor to fund the build of the first car.

Popa Lucian (aka Sleepy) intended to build this car together with Christopher Mahoney a former superbike racer, who has worked with the team at HTT and helped design the HTT Plethore. Popa graduated top of his class from Machine Engineering Faculty at the Technical University “Gh. Asachi” in Romani and is currently pursuing his masters degree in CAD design.

[Source: Popa Lucian]

The name Jeremie Paret might ring some bells if you follow CarZi. Last September of 2008 we introduced Jeremie’s first project the Jeremie Paret Lamborghini Gallardo LP560. Jeremie has now produced and released this pictures and details of his own modified version of the Porsche Cayenne called the BALROG and I must say it looks BAD ASS!

The Porsche Cayenne Balrog Pictures is an aggressive wide bodied update package for the Cayenne. Jeremie spent 8 months researching the market as well as his potential clients in order to deliver you this elegant yet aggressive design package. The update includes a new bold “in your face” front clip which is not only form fitting but also functional which allows for improved cooling of hte Cayenne’s intercoolers and front brakes. It has Turbo side lights and BMW’esque angel eye/corona style fog lamps to further increase it’s sexyness.

The wide body kit allows for some large wheels which would further improve road stability and most likely ride comfort, even if you are sacrificing some fuel economy. On its ass end are a spoiller and diffuser increasing aerodynamic downforce keeping you securely planted to the pavement. (Or concrete roads for that matter).

Custom interior, engine tuning and new wheels are also available custom designed via Jeremie per your request. For more information contact Jeremie at BalrogsGarage.com.

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[Source: JeremieParet.com, Photos by Arnaud Taquet and Guillaume Janvier.]

Here are the first live pictures, specs and a detailed review of the Corvette C6 Z06 based Spada Codatronca Prototype that delivers 505 hp via it’s Corvette LS7. I am not going to sugar coat my initial thoughts; I think this pseudo-exotic is absolutely hideous! I really hope that when I get a chance to see this monster in person (designed by legendary Italian designer Ercole Spada, known for his work with Ferrari, Lamborghini, Zagato, and Aston Martin) that I will change my point of view.

The price tag is more expensive than a Corvette ZR1 or Corvette C6RS and despite it sporting a hidden high tech roll cage that uses a special coating to bond to the frame (like on a Ferrari) this beast weighs just under 3000 lbs (1350 kgs).

The interior is somewhat bearable, handcrafted in Turin using alcantara, leather, and aluminum as you can see in the photo above. The seats are apparently stylish and supportive despite their fixed back (I wonder how tall a human would fit in here?). Furthermore the aluminum accented dials and LCD gauges are matched in the styling and design of a wrist watch that comes with the car. The F1 inspired dash has 80 input logging channels with 40 GB to log the data which includes inputs for steering angle, G meter, speedo, gear selection.

Moton Suspension Technology helped develop and engineer the Spada Codatronca’s unique suspension which features electronically controlled sway bars with a cockpit dial for: rain, soft, medium, or hard ride modes. Further adjustable sway bars, coil overs, and fully independent suspension yield what some call a telepathic road feel.

The rear end is a real piece of work (straight out of high school shop class imho) which integrates handmade aluminum exhaust tips and bi-xenon headlamps and LED F1 inspired brake lights. It’s airplane like rear end helps it surpass the Z06 drag coefficient and ultimately its top speed. For the normally aspirated version the top speed is said to be 211 mph (340 km/h) and 220mph (355 km/h) when supercharged.

The Codatronca has 8 piston front and 4 piston Brembo calipers coupled with lightweight 15 inch front and 14 inch rear rotors. Lightweight 19 inch racing OZ allow wheels covered in Pirelli Pzero Corsa tires (285/35/19 front, 345/35/19 rear) keep this ugly duckling glued to the road.

Spada also plans to sell a TS version (Turismo Sportivo) with a naturally aspirated modified LS7 which will output 630hp and 670 lb-ft of torque.

Another engine package called the TSV (Turismo Super Veloce) will sport a twin screw C38 Rotrex supercharger with intercooler rumored to produce 750hp and 950 lb-ft of torque!

[Source: GMHighTechPerformance.com]

Romanian industrial designer Iulian Bumbu has just released these Lamborghini Insecta concept pictures, inspired by insect exoskeletons. It is his take on what future Lamborghini styling might look like.

Iulian explains “The idea was to create an extreme race-oriented supercar with a style that introduces softer and more organic lines and integrate them into the geometrical style of Lamborghini.”

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[Source: WorldCarFans.com]

Earlier this year Josh Mcrae posted an article about Jon Sibal’s BMW M1 Concept Car and some sketches that went along with it. Yesterday 300_Sled from MadWhips.com submitted some live pictures of the BMW M1 Concept which he took at the Melbourne International Motorshow in Australia. Enjoy!

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[Source: 300_sled @ MadWhips.com]

Aston Martin revived their dormant Lagonda by introducing a new concept at the Geneva International Motor Show for their 100th anniversary. The Lagonda Concept is a 4WD crossover which draws on inspiration from historic Lagonda models yet is very futuristic looking sporting 22 inch wheels and an unspecified V12 engine which should be powered via flex-fuel and hybrid come production.

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[Source: WorldCarFans.com]

The mystery of the Transformers 2 Corvette spied on set was finally revealed at the Chicago Auto Show this week. This Corvette Sting Ray Concept plays homage to the classic split window 1963 Corvette Sting Ray. It will be used in the upcoming Transformers 2 movie as the Autobot Sideswipe.

There are 100% NO plans for this cars production (wink wink). Transformers director Michael Bay apparently toured GM styling studios looking for new characters for the movie and was so impressed by the Sting Ray Concept he had to create the character Sideswipe so that he could incorporate it into the movie!

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[Source: WoldCarFans.com]

From artist Jon Sibal comes a fantastic concept based off the BMW M1 Homage Concept Car that was revealed back in 2008. With styling cues that can kill the unprepared as well as the interesting use of such a huge wing, I do believe Sibal makes the original Homage car look COMPLETELY boring with this new rendition. Below is his detailed story of how he went about designing the BMW M1 PROCAR Concept.

Jon Sibal Explains

“As a BMW fanatic, I was excited when BMW Group Design unveiled the design study M1 Hommage Concept Car at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2008 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the legendary M1 by Giugiaro. My first thoughts were “Oh cool, what about the ProCar?”

“Seeing an original M1 dressed in a ProCar body kit in person, I knew a race version of the new M1 could be a very interesting idea. Needless to say, BMW is due for a supercar of their own to compete with the likes of Audi’s R8, Mercedes Benz’s SLR 722, Porsche CGT, Lexus LF-A etc.”

“So I got working on a full rendering on how an M1 Hommage ProCar might look like if it were ever produced.”

The Design Process – Rebirth of an Icon
“I began the process by studying the different angles of the M1 Concept Car to get a feel for the lines, shapes and curvature of the body. And with any BMW concept car, the design and contours are all new which required a ProCar body kit that suits these lines properly. The “flamed surface” is very evident so to properly convert this M1 to the ProCar, all of these design elements needed to be considered. I sketched out a new wide body kit design making sure that it stays true to the BMW design language by continuing the new lines of the concept car. The front fascia was also modified and given the updated ProCar look. So with Photoshop CS, the new design was applied and rendered. The BMW M1 ProCar is basically a raced-out version of the original street M1 so the addition of the race rear wing was important to complete the conversion along with new super deep dish wheels.”

“Regardless of the accuracy of my speculation to the actual BMW Group Design Team’s design, it will just be awesome to see the M1 ProCar tearing up it up in the ‘ring.”

Fuel to the fire
“The day right before I finished the M1 ProCar rendering, BMW announced the BMW M1 Procar revival at Hockenheim.”

[Source: JonSibal.com]

Source:

This Honda S2000 Sports Modulo concept will be on display at this week’s upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon 2009. Not sure what I ultimately think about the look of body kit on this S2000 concept so I will reserve judgment until I see it in person later this week.

I will be attending the Tokyo Auto Salon 2009 to take at least 4000+ photos for your enjoyment just like I did at both the 2008 Essen Motor Show in Germany and 2008 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

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[Source: AutoBlog.com]

This is the first set of official press photos of the upcoming Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss. We can expect to see it live in person at the 2009 NAIAS in mid January. A JAW DROPPER ill have to say yes, a MIND BLOWER another yes. It seems to me that they really let loose with this one. Deadly aggressive are the only words that come to mind. No top ads that extra edge of exotic that no car right now has. Only 75 will be made.

Crashing this machine would certainly mean a quick end to your life, yet what a way to go. Of course the SLR McLaren Stirling Moss will be a limited production car, just under 100 will be made, 75 to be exact. Retail on it will be around 750,000 Euros which touches 1.070.000 million USD.

—————— PRESS RELEASE ——————

Stuttgart– Mercedes-Benz and McLaren are adding the crowning glory to the model family of their highly successful SLR super sports car with a new, uncompromisingly spectacular car. There is neither a roof nor a windscreen to separate the driver and passenger from the outside world; they enjoy unadulterated high-speed excitement with all the attributes of a speedster.

The new SLR Stirling Moss is also characterised by the most sophisticated technology and a breathtaking design which reinterprets the SLR legend. With 478 kW/650 hp the SLR Stirling Moss accelerates its V8 supercharged engine from standstill to 100 km/h in less than 3.5 seconds, and has a top speed of 350 km/h – no other series-production car is at the same time so open and so fast. This extreme concept makes the new high-performance sports car a legitimate bearer of the name of the British motor racing legend and Mille Miglia record-holder Stirling Moss, who drove the legendary Mercedes-Benz SLR racing cars from victory to victory during the 1950s.

The exclusive SLR Stirling Moss rounds off the current SLR family and is limited to 75 units. It is priced at 750,000 euros. The SLR Roadster will cease to be manufactured at the end of May 2009 as planned, and production of the SLR Stirling Moss will commence in June 2009.

Three letters are all it takes to make car fans’ hearts beat faster: SLR. In the 1950s the Mercedes-Benz SLR 300 celebrated victory after victory. It won the Mille Miglia and the Targa Florio as well as the Tourist Trophy. It was driven by the stars of the time: Juan Manual Fangio and Karl Kling – and, first and foremost, by the British racing driver Stirling Moss. At ten hours, seven minutes and 48 seconds he still holds the Mille Miglia record.

This is why the modern-day version of the legendary SLR carries the additional words “Stirling Moss” in its name. As the new SLR Stirling Moss unites the character of the current SLR models with the fascination of the SLR of 1955. The core values of both the historical and the present-day SLR models include an exciting new design, innovative technology, high-class materials displaying perfect craftsmanship, and, above all: a unique driving experience for all the senses.

Whilst the 300 SLR earned its spurs on racing circuits the world over, the new member of the SLR family is not designed for the racetrack. Although it sets new standards in terms of technology, performance and excitement – just like its forebears – it is aimed at individuals who have exquisite requirements and nurture very special dreams.

Highly puristic concept without a roof or a windscreen

Remaining totally true to the specifications of the 300 SLR, the new Silver Arrow’s equipment is extremely sophisticated and yet at the same time decidedly spartan, doing without both a roof and side windows. There are just two wind deflectors a couple of centimetres in height to protect the driver and passenger from the airflow. Two air scoops integrated into the bodywork serve as roll-over bars. With this extreme concept the new SLR Stirling Moss is visually very different from all the other vehicles which belong to the elite sports car class.

Just like the legendary racing vehicles of yesteryear, the SLR Stirling Moss dazzles with its superlative performance. Accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in less than 3.5 seconds and with a top speed of 350 km/h this puristic high-performance sports car denotes completely new dimensions in open-top driving. And not just because of the impressive performance figures; every time drivers take to the wheel of the SLR Stirling Moss their senses are addressed with a previously unheard of intensity, conveying a driving experience in its purest and most sensual form. This automotive thoroughbred thus facilitates the kind of open-air feeling that is utterly unique for a road-going vehicle.

Exciting design reminiscent of the SLR racing cars

The SLR Stirling Moss, its entire bodywork made of fine lightweight carbon fibre, represents a stand-alone design concept. Whilst the Mercedes-Benz designers were working on the body of the new SLR Stirling Moss, they were fully aware every single moment that they were creating a vehicle with a top speed of 350 km/h. At the same time this supreme athlete is highly reminiscent of the SLR racing cars from the 1950s, whose design idiom still never fails to impress to this day.

The SLR Stirling Moss sports an exciting, pronounced arrow-shaped form and is characterised by an elongated bonnet and a compact, muscular rear. As there is no windscreen, the exterior and interior flow smoothly into one. The bonnet also stretches from its striking tip right down into the interior, giving the vehicle body a distinctly sleek air. Even when standing still, the sports car radiates such dynamism that the observer immediately falls under its spell.

Further eye-catching features include two air scoops behind the driver and passenger. They carry additional roll-over bars, also uniting the traditional and the modern. The wings are powerfully contoured. Black-painted ventilation “gills” sitting facet-like on the sides and on the bonnet also cite the legend. A thrilling interplay of light and shadow ensues through the expressive lines, underlining the dynamic overall impression. Exactly as they were on the shining historical example, the side skirts on the new SLR Stirling Moss are also very high. This prompted the designers’ decision in favour of folding swing-wing doors which open forwards.

The vehicle can be closed by two tonneau covers which are carried in the boot. When both tonneau covers and the doors are closed the SLR Stirling Moss resembles a sculpture.

In keeping with the puristic exterior of the vehicle, the interior is also reduced to the bare essentials. Surfaces penetrating each other in the instrument panel and doors make for an exciting atmosphere and resonate perfectionism. A mixture of high-class authentic materials such as carbon fibre, aluminium and fine-quality leather sets the style here. An aluminium plate carries the engraved signature of Stirling Moss and covers the area around the shift lever.

Innovative technology and polished aerodynamic concept

Developers working on the Stirling Moss were able to fall back on a wealth of experience gathered when producing the SLR Coupé and Roadster, in particular where the technical base was concerned, with its extravagant carbon-fibre design, high-performance suspension and throaty V8 engine. The common denominator uniting the Stirling Moss with the other members of the SLR family is the aerodynamic concept with a closed underbody and a diffuser in the rear bumper for maximum possible downforce at the rear axle – with one difference: the diffuser here is considerably larger than that on the coupé and roadster.

Thanks to the high-precision work carried out in the wind tunnel, the SLR Stirling Moss always generates sufficient downforce for extremely safe handling. But the driver can also manually operate the AIRBRAKE in order to increase the contact pressure further, during particularly sporty driving, for example. The AIRBRAKE is also raised during powerful braking at speeds above 120 km/h, so as to stabilise the vehicle even more in such situations, thus facilitating maximum possible deceleration.

Limited to 75 units – the SLR models’ crowning glory

The new SLR Stirling Moss is the kind of high-calibre speedster coveted by the sporting gentry and enthusiasts alike. At the same time it is a collector’s item which marks the pinnacle of an era and, for the foreseeable future, at least, the final curtain for the SLR. In May 2009 production of the SLR models will cease; only a total of 75 units of the Stirling Moss will be manufactured between June and December 2009, bearing chassis numbers from 1 to 75. Not only does this exclusive vehicle represent the conclusion of the current SLR family; it also serves as a very special thank you to the most loyal of SLR customers, for they are the only ones able to acquire a Stirling Moss.

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[Source: AutoBlog.com]

As most of you know by now the 2009 addition of the NAIAS will be without quite a few manufacturers for example Ferrari and Rolls Royce. On the positive side we can expect to see something quite special from Audi.

The supposed Audi A7 concept will be unveiled along side with the new Audi R8 V10. No official photos have be published as of yet so these concept images will have to suffice until mid January 2009. There are rumblings that the A7 will eventually become the companies flagship model. All that i know is that i am REALLY excited about what Audi has in store for us in the next several years.

The new A7, is speculated to have the choice of a 204 horsepower 2.8 liter engine, a supercharged 300 hp 3.0, and a 4.2-liter V8 pumping out nearly 400 hp. Audi has previously announced an A7 RS with a 600 hp twin-turbo 5.2 liter V10.

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[Source: WorldCarFans.com, Autoblog.it]