Tag Archives: Sports Car

2024 Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato Debuts Exclusive Livery – All-Terrain Luxury Meets Design at Milan Design Week

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At Milan Design Week 2024, Lamborghini unveiled the ‘All Terrain’ Ad Personam series for the Huracán Sterrato in a dazzling display that redefined what a super sports car can be. This limited edition series, featuring 12 uniquely designed vehicles, brilliantly reflects the earth’s varied landscapes through sophisticated design and technological advancements.

Designer: Lamborghini’s Ad Personam studio + Centro Stile

Stephan Winkelmann, CEO of Lamborghini, highlighted the Sterrato’s dual nature at the event. He emphasized its capacity as both a performance vehicle and an adventurous explorer, capable of forging new paths with the same ease as it races down a track. The design of the Sterrato, a product of the collaborative genius of Lamborghini’s Ad Personam studio and Centro Stile, embodies this ethos. Each version of the car is painted in a matte camouflage scheme that corresponds to different environments: NEVE (snow), SABBIA (sand), BOSCO (green track), and TERRA (gravel), further accentuated by a matte black finish on the roof, bonnet, and lower body, accented with unique colors, 19” matte black forged rims, and custom caliper colors.

Inside, the Sterrato continues its thematic journey with dark chrome, carbon twill, and Alcantara finishes, enhanced with custom graphics and an Ad Personam plate that reflects the external livery. Mitja Borkert, Head of Design, shared, “The All-Terrain Sterrato is a true Lamborghini in its dynamic abilities and surprises by delivering the unexpected. It’s a joy to drive and ready for any adventure.”

The Milan presentation featured a dramatic stage display with a giant Trompe L’Oeil, created by an Italian artist, setting a perfect backdrop that echoed the power of nature and the promise of adventure.

I must admit, I’m quite envious that Tim Stevens had the opportunity to experience the Sterrato firsthand. In his review, Tim applauded the vehicle for its exceptional all-weather performance, dramatic styling, and the immersive sound of its 5.2-liter V10 engine. Though he pointed out some visibility issues and the absence of ‘Corsa mode,’ the Sterrato was praised for its robust performance across diverse conditions and its distinctive styling that builds on the legacy of the LM002.

He described the interior as maintaining Lamborghini’s luxurious standards with bespoke elements that cater to both comfort and style. The car’s raised suspension and specialized Bridgestone Dueler AT002 tires exemplify its readiness for rugged terrain, while the powerful V10 engine assures a thrilling drive wherever you may roam.

Milan Design Week certainly wouldn’t have felt complete without these gorgeous, beastly performance cars making their mark. And for those now compelled to own one, a quick note: the 12 cars in this special Ad Personam series are already sold out, highlighting the allure and exclusive appeal of the Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato.

The event concluded with the unveiling of the Huracán Sterrato, demonstrating Lamborghini’s commitment to innovating car design and performance and marking an exciting new chapter in its legacy, which continues to challenge automotive conventions by merging aesthetic elegance with superior engineering.

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Nissan unveils Max-Out sports convertible concept oozing out Tron Legacy elements

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Like other leading automotive manufacturers’ sustainability is at the top of Nissan’s agenda too. Reason enough for them to launch a series of vehicles at the Nissan Futures event in Yokohama, Japan from February 4th to March 1st.

Our attention however is focused on one right now, the Max-Out all-electric convertible roadster. This Tron-like sports car of the future was initially just a digital blueprint more than a year ago when initially revealed. Now, finally, the two-seater Nissan has come to life for good.

Designer: Nissan

The core idea behind its design is to feel one with the vehicle, bringing a sense of openness by offering a very “enhanced and dynamic” driving experience every time the driver hits the pedal. As far as looks go, the futuristic appeal in the form of a digital landscape is undeniable, but the retro elements balance out the overall personality. The wheels, headlights and taillight have an 80s sci-fi character, while the rectangular front section, side profile, and the interiors have a definitive future-forward design.

There’s a lot of neon blue and neon green used in the exterior and the interior to amplify that hypnotic digital landscape appeal further. The dashboard gets a wide digital screen for seamless multitasking, and the sporty yoke-like steering wheel makes me want to play Overture by Daft Punk and feel the muted electric motor of the Max-Out revving at full blast on a freeway.

That said Nissan hasn’t released any information about the powertrain, electric battery or the probable range of the convertible. Nor is there any word on when this ride will hit the production lines, if it ever does. The only thing marked down y Nissan is that they will create 23 electrified models by 2030 for motorheads – 15 of them will be fully electric. Also, they have a serious vision of a 50 percent electrification mix along with the Infinity brands in the ending phase of the decade.

So, we are looking at a probable situation where the elements of Max-Out will be in some way or another other implemented in a production version. Still, it is good to imagine we’ll have roofless electric cars with steering wheels and normal aesthetics – not something that’s straight out of a creative designer’s pipedreams!

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This glistening electric sports car with a concealed driver’s cabin is fit for our cyberpunk future

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Well-known Chinese automotive pro GAC Group has just popped up an advanced design studio in Milan which is their first ever in Europe. While there are no plans to open one in the US as of now, the complete focus of the event centered on the flamboyant two-seater concept to dive into the countless surprises set on the horizon.

The roofless electric sports car strikes a good balance between The Need for Speed craving, and minimalism defining the aesthetics of vehicles in a decade’s time. Latter being spotlighted by the flat avant-garde shape resembling a flashy coffee table.

Designer: GAC Design

The semblance of Italian automotive influence from the 80s and their previous in-house concept cars is understandable. The show car dubbed GAC Barchetta is the first one in the Car Culture series that debuted in the design district of Milan in Via Tortona, with a vision to celebrate Italy’s abundant car culture. We should get to see more such interesting concepts coming from GAC Design, and for now, this two-seater EV has set the bar really up high.

The open-wheel design of the two-seater EV has a flattened chassis with no windshield to get the minimal aesthetics going. According to the design team, the car is divided into three parts. The flat chassis being one of them, contains compact batteries, something akin to a smartphone battery. Secondly, there is the streamlined body courtesy of the robust mono-material aluminum frame, keeping everything lightweight and visually timeless.

The third one is the ultra-futuristic interior that comes with a drive-by-wire steering wheel that doubles as the heads-up display for showing vital information like speed and battery levels. To keep the minimalism going, driver and passenger seats are crafted from recycled plastic material. Unlike the usual sports car seats, they gravitate to a shell weighing only 6.6 pounds. When GAC Barchetta is parked or not in use, the steering wheel and panels slide into the cabin. The futuristic headrests and the rear-view mirrors also slide into the body shell, making the EV seem completely flat.

According to Stéphane Janin, design director of GAC Advanced Design Milan; they have concrete plans to create such “innovative projects every year” during the design week. While we desperately wanted to learn more about the technical specifications like the battery capacity and the power delivery ratio, for now, we’ll have to do with the visual treat that this concept EV has turned out to be!

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DeLorean Model JZD gull-winged coupe all set to revive memories of classic DMC-12

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After a lull of decades, DeLorean Motor Company finally pulled the wraps off of its grand tourer and created quite a buzz. The American automotive swagger revealed the electric coupe Christened Alpha5 after a gap of nearly four decades and now yet another DeLorean beacons above the horizon. However, it’s not a DMC product, but rather a marque by Kat DeLorean – the daughter of the original brand’s namesake.

A direct lineage to John DeLorean, the new brand dubbed DeLorean Next Generation Motors (DNG) has teased its first model all set to become a reality in 2023. Watch the Model-JZD (an acronym for John Zachary DeLorean) all set to revive the nostalgic memories of the classic DMC-12. Gosh, it looks so similar to the sports car that shot to fame after its appearance in the Back to the Future franchise!

Designer: DNG Motors

As per the currently available details, the DMC-12 knockoff will roll on the production lines in January 2023 at Kat’s backed company at the Detroit, Michigan factory. Going by the timeline, the official unveiling is expected by the end of next year, probably in time for the festive season. Despite being so close to production, the details of the gull-winged Model JZD are scanty, as not much has been let out in the official press release. One thing that’s been made clear is the fact that DeLorean Next Generation Motors is in no way associated with the DeLorean Motor Company.

Even at this point in time, it is not clear if the coupe will be powered by an internal combustion engine, an all-electric powertrain, or a hybrid of both. According to them, the new company is “not supported or endorsed in any way by John DeLorean and we do not wish to be associated with their actions against his Legacy.” Speaking of which, Kat has an engineering background and has been closely associated with her father’s iconic designs. Therefore, the Model JZD is also deep-rooted in the values of “quality, safety, longevity, and affordability” of John who passed away in 2005.

In her Instagram post, Kat clearly speaks passionately about her dream to build this company and give back to society. She very passionately says that these cars will fuel everyone’s dreams, and the more successful Model JZD will be, the more opportunities it’ll create for upcoming models under the brand name.

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Tech-infused 2024 Ford Mustang is more powerful, can be revved remotely for bragging rights

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Seventh-generation Mustang is here for hardcore enthusiasts who get goosebumps just by the mild growl of the Pony Car. The 2024 Ford mustang is here with a toned muscular look (the four-wheeler has been working out it seems) and tech-infused interiors.

Ever since the first Ford Mustang rolled out six decades earlier. The Stag has been the love of purists who appreciate the raw muscle power in cars. This will most likely be the last gasoline-powered Mustang and I can’t have enough gratitude.

Designer: Ford

The bodywork is now edgier and loses some of the contours, confirming its appeal to the new generation. Of course, the 2024 Mustang retains the attractive proportions of its predecessors, and that’s a big relief. The front end is inspired by the original Mustang with a more squarish aesthetic. That’s contrasted by the headlights with tri-bar LED elements and the three-bar taillights which are even more prominent now. The rear overhang is now shorter and the hips are slightly wider for that sex appeal.

The interiors are where Ford has taken the 2024 Mustang to the next level with a more driver-centric layout highlighted by the digital displays. The top-end trims get a chunky 12.4-inch gauge cluster and a 13.2-inch touchscreen. Clearly, Ford wants to attract generation-Z who have seen a lot of modern interiors in high-end games. That’s because the Forza Motorsport-inspired animations and user interface are pretty obvious. The driver can toggle between instrument panel designs with the option to get that nostalgic retro dials on the  ’87–’93 Fox-body Mustangs.

The physical materials on the Mustang have also been bumped up with doors and dash wrapped in a leather-like material and inclusions like the sporty carbon-weave pattern for the trims. The plastic material here is laser etched so it’s superior in its own rights.

The 2024 Mustang will come in the coupe and convertible options – both available in EcoBoost turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four or a Coyote 5.0-liter V-8 engine variants. The V8-powered GT versions are more powerful with the big front-end grille and intakes. The EcoBoost engine brings revamped fuel-delivery and ignition systems for better efficiency, higher compression ratio, updated turbocharger and other improvements.

The Coyote engine is one the most powerful on a Mustang yet as the V8 should be able to churn out 480 horses and 420 pound-feet of torque. The engine comes with a six-speed manual transmission mated to a robust dual-mass flywheel. One interesting feature of the seventh-generation muscle car is the ability to remotely rev the engine with the key fob for bragging rights!

Ford has not let a word out on how much the 2024 Mustang will cost when finally rolled out in 2023, but it should be more akin to the outgoing versions. The current base EcoBoost model is priced at $29,000 and the top-end trim goes for $57,000.

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Ariel’s Batman-worthy electric supercar is a performance centered beast

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British automotive manufacturer Ariel is more inclined towards producing a batch of 100 cars a year like the Atom, providing quality over quantity to a select group of purists. A few years ago, they promised an electric sports car is coming the automotive lovers’ way, and even amid the heavy air of speculation, they’ve finally done it.

Ariel has released the first ever electric vehicle that looks nothing like a conventional EV would. In fact, it is more inclined towards the Batmobile genre, so it could also be portrayed as a clean-energy vehicle for the vigilante, it’s that freakin’ badass!

Designer: Ariel

This stealth supercar dubbed HIPECAR comes with the promise of High Performance Carbon Reduction (that’s where the name convention comes from) without giving up on agility and lightweight characteristics too much. For now, the sportscar is in the prototype stage and the first production version will be released in a couple of years’ time.

The supercar having aluminum monocoque with carbon-fiber body parts will have a Cosworth-sourced 62-kilowatt-hour battery capable of powering the beast for a range of 150 miles. The option to peak this figure will come in the form of a Cosworth turbine range extender producing 35 kW of power. HIPECAR will be available in the all-wheel drive option, with four motors for each wheel delivering a total of 1,1180 horsepower, or the rear-wheel drive with two motors. Top end trim of the sportscar will be capable of going from 0-60 mph in just 2.09 seconds flat and 100 mph in 4.4 seconds. Ariel is confident that with the torque vectoring system these numbers could be bettered.

The body and chassis of the HIPECAR are more advanced compared to the likes of Atom and Nomad. The total weight of HIPECAR will be approximately 3,307 pounds for the all-wheel drive variant and 3,086 pounds for the normal version. The suspension has a variable-sized double wishbone structure and there are AP Racing brakes get the six pistons at the front and four at the back. Since we are talking of a track-performance sports car, the driver will have regenerative braking, adjustable traction control and torque vectoring at disposal.

If you were wondering what’s the reason for that flamboyant exterior? Well, Ariel apparently achieves an optimum drag efficiency and airflow for cooling. The vertical fins at each corner and the centerline of the rear deck along with the roof-mounted scoop for airflow help achieve all the performance.

The HIPECAR is slated for the European and Australian markets when eventually the launch happens. For people in North America, there’s no good news as the sports car might not show up in this part of the world. There are no pricing figures yet for the Ariel sportscar but they say it should cost less than $840k!

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BMW IM Vision is the perfect cocktail EV for street circuits

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BMW is edging forward into the future in both ecologically sustainable design and vehicle performance with the BMW i and the M series respectively. While the former is focused on shaping the future for a holistic approach to designing zero-emission vehicles, the latter is more inclined towards peak performance on the professional circuits and eligible street tracks.

When you mash up these polar opposites, the result is a supercar that’s high on striking looks to kill and a drivetrain meant to have the least impact on the environment. Perhaps the perfect cocktail for a practical beastly ride that actually seems intended for purists. Meet the hybrid BMW IM Vision sports car tailored for the rush of speed while being sensibly powered by an advanced electric engine. The highest possible efficiency level fused with the sharp looks and mind-boggling horsepower and bhp – well, that’s a rare combination anyone would fall for!

Designer: Rizu Koley

The design is inspired by the aerodynamic figure of the future-proof fighter planes like Stealth bomber – which explains the sharp geometric shapes on this one. The exposed structure is influenced by the clear view mono cabin of the war machines. Obviously, the DNA of both the BMW i and M series cars is very apparent in the front grille section, the sidepods, and the sporty rear with that big spoiler.

I can’t help but appreciate the exposed front wheels which give way to a side cutout for air channeling to the electric engine to churn out better performance at the most efficient rating. While the paper-thin low ride height won’t make you steer this baby on the outskirts of the city, it’s better advised to keep it within the confines of a race circuit. After all, you don’t want to hit a speed breaker or bump on the streets and damage the underside.

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Lancia Vision Alpha concept is a glimpse of brand’s lost glory rejuvenated

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Lancia has had its share of highs and then unfortunate lows as it didn’t manage to strike the right notes with the more modern auto lovers. Thankfully, they are making a comeback in 2024 in collaboration with Alfa Romeo and DS – a piece of heartening news for Lancia fans on the 115th anniversary last year.

What the jointly collaborated brand will offer is still in question, but I hope it is a sports coupe or a striking roadster that’ll turn the tables for the Italian automotive legend. Laszlo Varga’s Lancia Vision Alpha concept adds excitement to this already good news – a sports car with the brand’s DNA with the right blend of modern aesthetics. I’m sure design experts at Lancia will be watching this in incognito mode already to derive some inspiration.

Designer: Laszlo Varga

While we all have a fair idea already about where they are heading – electric obviously – clean energy-powered performance cars will have many takers. It’s like jumping onto the EV future without forgetting the roots of the company. The Vision Alpha’s front end has slim LED headlights and the horizontal vents (it could hint at an internal combustion-powered drivetrain) remind me of the original Stratos in more ways than not. The angular design of the Stratos has been subdued to a fair extent with the rounded edges for a more contoured aesthetics.

The designer has put a lot of work into designing the concept from scratch, and the level of detail is impressive. This sports car gives off that tell-tale redemption vibe – challenging other futuristic cars to up their game before any imminent launches in the next couple of years or so. Back to reality though, Lancia could play it safe and release more consumer-oriented models to initially capture the interest and then later on go to release such luxury models once the waters calm down.

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Limited Edition Porsche 911 Sport Classic reincarnates retro 70s vibe in a modern roadster

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Porsche fans are in for another chance to claim ownership of the iconic 911 Carrera RS 2.7 DNA that manages to turn heads in the 21st century too. They’ve just revealed the limited edition 911 Sport Classic based on the retro-styled coupe of the 1970s, and I cannot stop staring at cit already in pictures. Based on the Type-992 wide-body 911 Turbo S, this limited-edition version for the North American market by the German sports car powerhouse is definitely more than the last 911 Sports Classic (Type-997 model) which just had 250 examples and was sold out within 48 hours. This one though will be up for grabs for 1,250 lucky buyers.

The contoured Porsche is made under the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur division and speaking on this project Alexander Fabig, Vice President of Individualization and Classic, said; “The Heritage Design models represent the most emotionally driven concepts of the Porsche product strategy. This unique approach sees the Style Porsche design department working with Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur to reinterpret iconic 911 models and equipment from the 1950s through to the 1980s and to revive design features from those decades.”

Designer: Porsche

This sports car is a 911 at its core powered by the 3.7-liter twin-turbo flat-six engine churning out 543 HP mated to a seven-speed gearbox. On the outside, it looks like the Sport Classic with the Ducktail Carrera RS 2.7 styled rear spoiler, front hood, and a cheesy double-bubble roof, all made out of carbon fiber reinforced plastic. Those twin stripes, 60 roundels, Fuchs-style rims, and the gold-toned 911 Sport Classic badging on the rear deck truly set it apart. Keeping the Classic’s essence alive, the air intake is done from ahead of the spoiler and the engine grille. The ride height on this exclusive model will be 10 mm lower courtesy of the Porsche Active Suspension Management Sport.

The interior too gets the retro treatment with the two-tone Black and Classic Cognac embellished in aniline leather. Those seat centers and door panels get the Porsche houndstooth-like B7W Pepita cloth, and buyers can also go for the all-black interior but that is too boring, I think. The classic also gets the plaque above the glove box showing the car’s serial number, the door still plates with the Sport Classic logo, and the retro green armrest. The 70s theme carries on to the tachometer having retro-styled numerals and needles. Other unique inclusions are a sport Chrono clock, embossed headrests, sun visors and air-vent slats.

Buyers will get to choose their 911 Sport Classic draped in exclusive Sport Grey Metallic skin with contrasting stripes in light Sport Grey. Else they can go for the Black, Agate Grey Metallic and Gentian Blue Metallic color options. Those who don’t mind the complete flair can go for the “PORSCHE” script and white lollipop decals with numerals. Ones who manage to grab this classic reinterpretation will also get the chance to buy an equally rare Chronograph 911 Sport Classic watch (matching the limited-edition vehicle) by Porsche Design.

The 2023 Porsche 911 Sport Classic will come at a starting price tag of approximately $287,000 USD and deliveries will start in July 2022.

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This sleek car concept sports a panoramic glass windshield that opens up like a dragster!

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A sports car built around the sleek prowling stance of one of the fastest animals on the planet. A set of wheels that you’d want to ride the city on an autumn night!

The future is going to be wild, and so will be the automobiles in a few decades. While we’ve come across countless concepts that are crazy enough to envision what’s to come, some go the extra mile in making us all believe what’s coming. Likewise, the GAC U concept by car exterior designer Anthony Zhao is a spitting image of the future commuting – dominated by exquisite shapes and sporty character.

The two-seater concept here is a sports car that doesn’t pursue speed, rather, it zooms in on the experience of riding a flamboyant vehicle in a slightly laid-back position to enjoy the view all around. It does have an entry and exit mechanism like the drag racing monsters – the Top Fuel dragsters that are commonly referred to as the kings of sports. Claustrophobic riders should stay clear of this elegant racing machine though, it has very constricted interior space that’s completely encapsulated by the panoramic glass windshield.

Inspiration for the core design is from the stance of a leopard when it is prying on its next meal. That’s very much evident in the low front position and the high rear section. It makes sense from the seating comfort perspective as well, since the driver has a slightly higher head position to get an optimum view of the road ahead. The car has no bumper, in fact, the windshield is the bumper and vice-versa. This expands the heads-up view of the road ahead. The GAC-U concept has a very low ride height (understandable as it’s a sports car), so other than the race track, you can only think of taking it for a spin in a metropolis with smooth roads.

The big wheels and the simple geometric-influenced design of the concept are a treat for the eyes. Anthony has created a mock-up design of the concept sports car and we absolutely love it. We do want to see it in the real-sized version – a prototype someday!

Designer: Anthony Zhao

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