Ferrari’s hatchback success – the FF – needs to watch out! Callaway Cars, a reputable custom-coachbuilder, has just finalized a few renderings of a Chevrolet C7 Corvette Stingray in shooting brake form. The objective behind the design was to create a long-roof version of the Corvette with more interior room and a “unique style.”
The use of carbon fiber in the newly-added structure will keep weight down to a minimum, helping the car break Callaway’s top speed target of (more…)
We’ve all heard the news that Lamborghini was prepping a special unveiling for the 2013 Geneva Motor Show in celebration of its 50th anniversary. And this is supposedly it! Meet the Veneno (“poison” in Spanish).
Built on the Aventador’s carbon-fiber monocoque chassis, the Veneno utilizes an upgraded version of Lambo’s 6.5-liter naturally-aspirated V12 that produces 740hp instead of 700hp. Mated to a 7-speed autobox, with power transmitted to all four wheels, the super-secret Lambo can hit a top speed of (more…)
As per an announcement from W Motors, it seems that the Lykan Hypersport supercar has exceeded all expectations when it came to demand. Especially when one considers the heavy $3.4 million dollars price tag. W Motors was planning on only building seven units of the Lykan Hypersport, but after the 2013 Qatar Motor Show unveiling, have received more than 100 orders!
A 750hp mid-mounted twin turbo flat-six engine capable of achieving 0-100km/h times in 2.7 seconds and a top speed of (more…)
Months ago, I wrote about an ambitious plan set out by W Motors, a Beirut-based company, to tackle the world of exclusive supercars. Many were suspicious of their ability to actually make it a reality, but my reason for not jumping onto that bandwagon was due to the list of credible partners they had on board for the project. Companies like RUF Automobile, Studiotorino and Magna Steyr Italia – to name a few – are not small fish. If the project had the funds behind it, I believed it could survive.
Now, it looks like W Motors are set to launch the LykanHypersport on the 29th of January at the Qatar Motor Show. If the images shown here even slightly resemble the real car, then W Motors could have a (more…)
I anticipate the unveiling of the production Honda NSX - or Acura NSX depending on which part of the world you’re in – at each motor show. Maybe it’s cause I really want to see the final version of this Japanese legend. At this point in time, the NSX Concept’s overall design sits very well within Acura’s design philosophy, not so much Honda’s. Then again, America will be the car’s biggest market so their satisfaction is a priority.
Overall, the NSX Concept is aesthetically pleasing. The car’s razor-sharp attitude is executed very well with just the right amount of aggressive lines and curves used throughout the design. I’m not a fan of the wheels, but I’m pretty sure the production model’s will look a lot different (I hope).
I think the car’s side angle is its most human, if you will. The sharp lines suddenly break for a flowing, curving roofline. A little softness never hurt anybody, and in the case of the NSX Concept it definitely (more…)
Everyone remembers Ferrari’s Enzo supercar as the brand’s last big hoorah! Well, now there’s a new contender on its way – rumored to be named the F150 – with more power, less weight and loads of new gadgets including F1-based KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) technology.
According to Ferrari’s online magazine, the Enzo’s successor would utilize a carbon fiber monocoque chassis using four different types of the composite. Power is expected to come from (more…)
Due to my travels, I haven’t had the chance to cover BMW’s unveiling of the Concept 4 Series. I have made no secret of my disappointment towards BMW’s decision to drop the 3 Series name from future 2-door models as that would mean no more M3 coupes. However, once I saw the Concept 4 Series images, my anger quickly changed to calmness.
The design cues speak for themselves. And I am confident that this concept isn’t too far off from what we’ll be seeing when the production model rolls out.
The concept is longer, wider and sleeker than the outgoing model. The roofline is also lower highlighting the car’s (more…)
It has been a long time coming. Since the successful launch of Ferrari’s 458 Italia, I can recall quite a few times rumors surfaced about Porsche’s desire to challenge the Italian automaker’s mid-engined beauty.
It seems that the dream is now a reality as Porsche CEO Matthias Muller has finally confirmed it. Rightfully so, Muller sees a massive gap between the 911 GT2RS and the soon-to-be-released (more…)
Leaked ahead of its official launch at the Paris Motor Show, these images prove rumors stating Porsche were developing a shooting brake concept were true. And the Panamera body-style is the one to benefit from these design tweaks.
Called the Panamera Sport Turismo, the concept car is expected to utilize a hybrid system. I would guess that the system could be the same one used in the (more…)
When news broke out that the McLaren F1′s successor had been unveiled, I ran to my computer like a child running frantically to the ice cream man. Finally! McLaren’s follow up to the F1, which inspired a generation of automotive designers and engineers, had arrived. Then I read that the McLaren P1 concept car is a “design study”. Whatever they say, this is as close to the production model as it gets.
The new McLaren does not retain its successor’s 3-seat configuration, nor does it have a mighty BMW V12 in the rear. The P1 will have two seats, while power will come courtesy of the same V8 found in the MP4-12C; however, it’s expected to have significantly more power with 800hp on tap. McLaren have come out and said that the objective was not to build the fastest car in the world, a la Bugatti. Instead, they focused on building the best all round supercar.
Reporters that have seen the car in person said that the overall size is actually similar to (more…)
An automotive recap of a relatively quiet August. Here we go:
The new Range Rover
This is the 4×4 many were waiting to see. A new Range Rover model is a huge deal, especially in our markets. Not only is the new big-body Range easy on the eyes, it’s also easier on the scales. Weighing in at approximately 320 kilograms less than its predecessor, the new Range Rover benefits from an all-aluminum unibody and chassis structures. A V8 engine is definitely in the Range Rover’s destiny, but nothing official has been announced as of yet. I’m sure we’ll find out a lot more at the upcoming car shows this month.
Porsche 991 Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S
Available in coupe and cabriolet guise, the Carrera 4 / 4s model gives us a bit of insight as to what the 911 Turbo’s rear arches will look like, excluding aero bits and pieces. This particular model is more fuel efficient than the outgoing 997 Carrera 4, as well as lighter.
2013 Volkswagen Golf
It’s no secret that the Golf is VW’s best selling car. And that’s why this 7th-gen version of the Golf has a lot riding on its shoulders. Judging from the looks and developments regarding weight decrease, refined engineering and more efficient engine choices, it seems that the new Golf will have no problem living up to the public’s expectations.
McLaren X1 Concept
Supposedly built for a Middle Eastern client by McLaren Special Operations, the X1 is a concept vehicle which is a mega head-turner. Based on the MP4-12C, the X1′s designer says that he used the 1953 Chrysler D’Elegance Ghia, 1959 Buick Electra and 1939 Mercedes-Benz 540K – to name a few – as inspiration. All I know is, this car would do so well if it was headed for mass production.
Yup! You read it right! From Beirut, Lebanon come W Motors who are set to be the premier manufacturer of hyper cars in the region. At the helm of the project is Ralph R Debbas, who graduated from Coventry University School of Art and Design with a major in Automotive Design. He also has received numerous awards for concepts he worked on in Europe.
Now, before going and dismissing this as just another load of BS, it’s only fair to take a look at the list of allied partners and suppliers tied into the project: RUF Automobile Germany, Magna Steyr Torino and (more…)
Firstly, let me clarify that all the pictures used in this post are artist renderings. However, the good news is that BMW USA confirmed that there will be a 2013 M6 Gran Coupe. This means that the 6-Series Gran Coupe model will be upgraded with all the visual cues we’ve grown to love from BMW’s M division: flared fenders, larger intakes, M wheels, and last but not least, the (more…)
Aston Martin has just unveiled the Project AM310 concept car, where most in the industry believe it’s a visual preview to the brand’s next DBS model.
The new Aston should see extensive use of carbon fiber technology which has trickled down from the production One-77. The taillights and side vents also (more…)
BMW and Zagato, the famous Italian coachbuilder, have collaborated once again to produce a one-off concept. This isn’t the first time these two respectable brands team up as the start of their relationship dates back to the 1950s.
Those who are familiar with BMW’s catalog will instantly recognize that this coupé is based on the Z4 model. Zagato’s touch sees an addition of flowing lines, complimenting the long bonnet and the signature “double bubble” roof.
The exterior is painted in Rosso Vivace, a finish that ranges from a brilliant red color to (more…)
Your Thoughts!