Tag Archives: Automotive

This amphibious electric vehicle has the smarts for practical urban mobility needs

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Electric, Hydrogen and Hybrid vehicles are going to partly solve the environmental crisis, but the fact remains, the number of vehicles on the roads isn’t going to reduce. The battle for every inch of road space will intensify in the future, no matter how desperately the compact concept vehicles try to gain popularity.

The only viable solution then left are the flying cars which I’m now a great fan of due to their mostly impractical approach to things in real-life conditions when air space is going to get crowded. One probable solution for tropical regions in particular is an amphibious vehicle that’ll bypass traffic congestions on freeways for timely travel schedules.

Designer: Bernardo Pereira

The CROSSER V1 is designed keeping in mind the commuting needs of coastal cities. The primary idea of this kind of transportation is to have flexibility of transportation in such regions for speedy commuting. The fact that this is an electric vehicle reduces the amount of noise created, and also the levels of pollution. The fleet of CROSSER vehicles creates a customized service for inhabitants of urban cities to meet the 24×7 hour needs of every kind of user.

According to the designer, the rise in sea level will eventually lead most of the world’s population to migrate to these regions and look for viable means of earning livelihood. This will lead to an increase in road congestion and pressurize the already overburdened mobility systems. Thus, leading to the dire need for new mobility solutions when owning a private vehicle will no longer be of interest to the majority of Populus.

The future of mobility will be dominated by diverse needs that depend on the user’s travel intention, interaction and lifestyle. This leads to a transition that allows for interconnected mobility systems that are in line with sustainable practices and technologies. Bernardo initially created four different iterations for this concept and the final design is this amphibious transportation service that serves the users. The vehicle has an intelligent navigation system that takes the fastest route, either on land or water.

The CROSSER is developed to be an adaptable service that goes beyond passenger transportation and bears modular features for modifying the interiors depending on the needs of the user. By default, the vehicle comes with a four-seat configuration with a display to beam all the route information, weather and warnings. The vehicle boasting a panoramic view has seats with sensors and adjustable headrests.

When it’s time to tread on the waters, the CROSSER V1 employs the suspension system to raise the maximum height angle by 90 degrees. Everything is done autonomously aided by the LiDAR and Radar sensors, without the need to stop the vehicle. The in-built dual cameras with a 150-degree viewing angle further add to the feed of the user’s display. This whole system not only aids in water travel but also identifies obstacles on land.

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The Saltsaun NW Trailer Lets You Have A Sauna Anywhere And Everywhere You Go

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Meet the all-new Saltsaun NW trailer, a sauna that you can hitch up and tow anywhere with you. You can use the sauna in your backyard, or wherever you like. The NW trailer is influenced by the covered wagons that used to roam Oregon, and it is designed to be a versatile on-/off road trailer, allowing a Himalayan salt-lined cedar wood sauna to be attached behind any vehicle. There is an option of an electric or wood stove, for when you’re traveling on or off-grid.

Designer: Bend Teardrop

The Saltsaun NW trailer isn’t the first of its kind, but it does have a very appealing and unique design with impressive amenities and capabilities that truly set it apart. The trailer consists of a highway-speed-capable and off-road-ready square-tube chassis that measures 6×8 feet. The trailer measures 13 inches and rides on 15-inch wheels. The roof of the Saltsaun NW features the design and construction skills we saw in the teardrop trailer by Bend, which creates a rounded-roof body, quite similar to a solid-roofed covered wagon.

The trailer is made from cedar wood locally sourced in the Pacific Northwest. It features a large checker plate panel up front, with aluminum paneling below, and a corrugated metal roof scaffolding that provides protection to the wood from the hazards of road and weather. The roof also shelters a small porch with two integrated seats which are designed for cooling off.

The Saltsaun NW trailer can house four to five adults on its benches. The focal point of the design is the electric or wood stove that can set the temperature between 100 and 200 °F (38 to 93 °C).  The trailer’s electric model features a 3-kW steam-ready heater that can be plugged into a 110-V outlet with a recommended 20-A+ output., whereas the wooden stove model is intended to be an off-grid solution, and it is equipped with a rock basket for steaming, as well as a deep-cycle battery, and 100-W solar panel for the interior/exterior lighting.

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Experience True Van-Life Luxury with this Tailor-Made Camping Box for All Your Needs

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Campervans have their own set of advantages, but it’s a fixed construction you cannot choose to part with when you want to use the vehicle for everyday street life. This shortcoming may have given birth to the idea of slide-in camping solutions that convert the vans into campers when the wilderness calls. Over the years, with the transforming needs of adventurers, these camping solutions have evolved so much so that a company in Austria has now designed a full-proof camping box to fit at the back of your vehicle and leave you wanting nothing more.

Built with the notion of bringing real-life luxury to the road, the CampBoks slide-in camping solution comprises a fully equipped slide-out kitchen, foldable bed, sliding dining with a cantilevered bench and table, outdoor shower, and an optional, portable toilet. With all these amenities, the CampBoks can transform any ordinary van into a capable camper for wherever your adventure may take you.

Designer: CampBoks

The comprehensive camping box slides onto the seat rails of, or can be fitted into, a range of vehicles such as the Ford Transit, VW Transporter, Mercedes V-Class, Renault Trafic and the like. The versatile Camboks kit, with all its versatility, adds some weight to the back of your vehicle: It weighs 140 kg, which is more than the ordinary options on the market. But the features you get with this one, I’m sure we won’t mind the extra few kilos.

The traditional camper slide-in can keep the weight in measure since they come with limited facilities such as a bed and perhaps a kitchen. The CamBoks adds to these customary features with outdoor dining, a compact work table, and a full-fledged kitchen and fits snugly in a midsize van.

The CampBoks is designed and manufactured entirely in Austria with three compartmentalizations. The driver-side section comprises a slide-out kitchen provided with a single-burner Primus gas stove, small worktable, 15-L refrigerator box, and sink with a faucet that using an attachment can double as an outdoor shower.  The compartment in the middle has a sliding table which is provided with two benches – sliding out – from the two main sections on either side of the table. In the passenger side section, CampBoks provides a slide-out with three Euroboxes you can use for bulk storage.

Toward the inside, you have a folding A-frame bed, which folds in to form a sofa on either side (toward the inside of the vehicle and the tailgate). By the night, it can lay flat to transform into a full-size bed for a couple. You get under-bed storage plus two 12-L fresh water canisters slipped in underneath. Alongside the comfy bed (useable in seating position as well) you get a side-mounted swivel table that can be your additional dining or work desk, depending on your mood and weather. With all its features and an additional option to include a dry separating toilet, the CampBoks starts at approximately $7,000.

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Lamborghini Countach LP400 replica flaunts intricate scissor doors and rear-view periscope mirror

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The Lamborghini Countach LP400 was the first generation of its kind and way ahead of time in terms of design given it debuted way back in 1974. Those scissor doors and the rear-view periscope mirror that vanished into the roof, just like the periscope of a submarine captured the imagination of performance car lovers. Fast forward to the current day and Lambo is basking in the glory of the Revuelto plug-in hybrid supercar.

Amalgam Collection, a brand out of Bristol, UK, renowned for making the most detailed scale model replicas of famous four-wheelers like the Ferrari 296 GT3 sportscar has again caught our attention. This time they’ve created intricate 1:8 scale models of both the Revuelto and Countach LP400. Since we like things classic, so for now our focus is the nostalgic LP400 scale model that’s handmade to perfection with thousands of precisely engineered parts completing the build.

Designer: Amalgam Collection

As expected from the scale model builder, this fully-opening scale replica took almost 400 hours of the craftspeople’s time and skillful effort. The design took shape from the original CAD models and digital scan files provided. Further details were obtained from the thousands of pictures of the classic 4.0-liter V12-powered supercar. If we overlook the 250-400 hours of creating each of the scale model units, the initial time input to develop the tooling for vehicles that the maker has never before made alone takes a mind-boggling 2,500 – 4,000 hours!

According to Amalgam, the exterior and interior of the car will be accurately replicated to the last visible detail. These include the color of the seat stitching, brake calipers, steering wheel, speaker indents, manual shifter, license plates, and even the ashtray in the center console. Predictably, the front trunk has a spare tire and the headlights can be toggled between up and down position.

They further added that their long-term collaboration with Lamborghini  permits them full access to “the brand’s paint codes, color samples, and every personalized detail to ensure their model matches their full-size counterpart.”

There will be a limited number of 199 units of the scale model Countach LP400 in Giallo Fly yellow or Rosso red color options. This model is priced at approximately $19,900 for automotive collectors willing to pay any price for such intricate works of art. You could buy a real sedan for that price tag!

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The GoPro GoKart’s built-in Action Cameras capture your race like never before

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It makes absolute sense. The company that has a brand built around action and adrenaline should be in the racing business… no? After all, isn’t that exactly what Red Bull is doing? Designed by Sean Gao, the GoKart imagines a world in which GoPro goes automotive. The racing cart isn’t like anything we’ve ever seen before. It sports a gorgeously modern design with sleek surfaces that blend into each other… but the kart’s secret sauce is the fact that it has multiple action cameras integrated into its design, capturing your race from multiple PoVs. Designed for thrill but also for entertainment, the kart captures multiple streams from different angles, allowing viewers (or even the driver) to enjoy the race like never before. Easily the coolest thing to happen to karting since Mario Kart.

Designer: Sean Gao

The GoPro GoKart is a modern-day racing vehicle that brings karting into the future. Sure, you could do the rounds of a track on a gasoline-guzzling hunk of metal and fiberglass… but nothing quite beats racing around in these bad-boys. The GoPro GoKart is gorgeous to look at, sporting an uber-slick design that’s just about as gorgeous as a high-end racecar. You’ve got flowing surfaces that create the kart’s beautiful silhouette, with metal and carbon-fiber paneling that reflects light with a soft matte glow that’s subtly classy. Meanwhile, the kart comes outfitted with razor-thin headlights and taillights too, so night-time won’t stop your races.

Where the GoKart functionally differs from other karts, however, is in the inclusion of multiple wide-angle action cameras a la GoPro. These cameras can be found on the front, sides, and rear of the car, capturing multiple angles during the race. The result, breathtaking moments for both riders as well as the audience to enjoy during or even after the race. Gao proposes building an entire racing track around the kart too, with a multi-level course that are studded with cameras that add to the race feed.

The car’s cameras help capture the action right from the driving seat. A front-facing camera documents the track ahead, while a rear camera lets you see your opponents biting the dust. Cameras on the side document a much more high-stakes experience, letting you see two cars going head-to-head side by side.

The kart seats one, but aside from just a simple cockpit with a wheel and pedals, you’ve also got a dashboard with information, controls, and settings. A space underneath the steering wheel (or yoke, rather) lets you dock your smartphone, which starts the car and lets it authenticate its driver. The yoke’s central dashboard lets you see racing stats, as well as quickly toggle camera views to see what’s happening behind you. Meanwhile, video footage also gets sent to your phone, allowing you to replay your highlights after the race and share the footage with friends and fans.

Ultimately for Gao, the GoKart is a massive branding exercise for GoPro, letting it reinforce its position as the apex action-camera company. It also creates a separate channel that exists independent of the action camera business, building a sport that can be followed by dedicated fans. This helps solidify the brand, which has seen some weakening following a few corporate scandals and the rise of other companies like Insta360 and Kandao. Moreover, the karts are pretty much billboards on wheels for GoPro’s cameras, letting people experience their brilliance in the form of high-octane kart racing. If anyone at GoPro is reading this, give Sean a call…

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Top 10 E-Scooters That Are Designed To Transform & Improve Urban Commuting

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E-scooters are like the e-bike’s friendly little brother! They are easier to ride, sleek, and also seem more approachable. Weaving through traffic is super easy with them, letting you finally bid adieu to traffic jams. And if you choose an electric scooter as your preferred means of transportation, then you’re also cutting down on fossil-fuel consumption, and being a major support to planet Earth. In an ode to scooters and their immense functionality, we’ve curated a collection of innovative and nifty scooter designs that seem to be slowly taking over the automotive industry. Ride on!

1. S32 EV

Say hello to the S32 EV, an electric scooter that transforms into an e-rikshaw and vice versa! This innovative automotive is designed for the Indian subcontinent, and it has an interchangeable body frame which is truly a first for the industry. The transition takes less than three minutes, owing to the specially engineered spring-loaded mechanism, which transforms the three-wheeled e-rickshaw into an electric scooter.

2. The Infinite Machine P1 Electric Scooter

Dubbed the Infinite Machine P1 Electric Scooter, this Cybertruck-inspired E-scooter by techie brothers Eddie and Joseph Cohen is made out of anodized aluminum and steel composition. It has integrated Apple CarPlay which allows turn-by-turn navigation alerts or lets you play your favorite tunes on the go. The scooter’s GPS and remote locking capability eliminate all chances of theft, as the culprit can be quickly tracked down. It is a future-proof automotive, that resonates with the emotions and likings of Gen-Z.

3. Omni Scooter

Called the Omni Scooter, this electric scooter is centered around the likes, preferences, and aspirations of Generation Z. It was designed in close collaboration with BMW Designworks Munich, Germany. The commuter was constructed with a bottom-up approach, and it caters to the communication element with this scooter, offering the tools to shape their own unique culture. What makes this scooter even more interesting and unique, is that it changes colors and graphics in real-time.

4. The Stilride 1 Electric Scooter

The Stilride 1 electric scooter is created by folding a single piece of stainless steel. It is a unique two-wheeler that looks like a piece of art, while also being environmentally conscious owing to its sustainable construction process. No pieces have been welded together to create the final shape, which makes the scooter ultra-lightweight, ensuring it only weighs 286 pounds including the battery. Since there are fewer parts, the Stilride 1 electric scooter is easily recyclable.

5. Yamaev’s Scooter Concept

This innovative eye-catching tricycle scooter concept features a unique rectangular side profile that slices through the air the same way a credit card would swipe through a payment machine. It also has a different wheel setup feature with a massive front wheel that surrounds the scooter’s transparent bubble-shaped cockpit and two rear wheels that separate for stability at lower speeds, and connect at higher speeds for maneuverability.

6. Nano & Nano+ Model

This electric scooter is made from Rolex Steel, and it is polished in an attractive silver finish, giving the scooter an appealing and lasting impression. The designers created two variants of the electric scooter – the Nano variant which has a max speed of 45 km/h, and the Nano+ model which can go at a speed of 75 km/h. The range on both the variants is the same as they both can clock 60 miles on a full charge of 4.2 kWh battery, which can be charged in four hours.

7. Rena Max E-scooter

Called the Rena Max e-scooter, this fully electric scooter is designed for Middle-Eastern and North African delivery personnel.  Since the scooter is designed for delivery services, it features a digitally lockable carry box that has temperature control, modular shelving, and insulation. It has a climate-controlled environment which ensures that the food or beverage being delivered is fresh and in good condition.

8. Gyro Canopy e

Honda’s Gyro Canopy e is a revamp of its popular Gyro three-wheeled business scooter line. The scooter looks quite similar to a concept Honda introduced back at the 2011 Motor Show. The Canopy e features an electric powertrain, as well as swappable batteries that enable the delivery personnel using them (targetted for delivery systems), to easily and efficiently swap them out, instead of waiting for them to recharge.

9. Scootility

Called the Scootility, this e-scooter with its compact size and narrow footprint in traffic is designed to deliver medication or supplies in affected areas where other forms of transport cannot find access. The Scootility has full suspension and wheels that measure 16 inches on the front and 13 inches on the back. It has a smaller wheel size which creates more space for a cargo box on this scooter with utility as its priority.

10. BeoSpeed

The BeoSpeed has a polished, clean exterior that has a durable hefty weight with a stainless steel coat. The BeoSpeed mixes the modern and classic and has natural leather seating and handlebars that are inspired by Bang & Olufsen’s headphone cushions. The electric scooter is equipped with smooth edges, minimal wheels, and stripped-back leather accents that give it a retro personality.

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Electric SV Rover hypertruck is a Land Rover on steroids that’ll also get V8-powered variant

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When a four-wheeler has taken 14 years of rigorous design and development, it is bound to be impressive. Meet the SV Rover by California-based firm with a positive history of pushing the boundaries when it comes to building performance vehicles having a silhouette of iconic rides that generations adore.

The SV Rover is a spitting image of the classic Land Rover Defender 90 in form but underneath it packs a powerful electric drivetrain that’s tailored for any kind of harsh terrain. The inspiration for this hypertruck – the Defender 90 – was introduced to the world as a Baja truck but later on, Land Rover morphed it into a street legal hypertruck.

Designer: Scarbo Vintage

According to CEO Joe Scarbo, the SV Rover is a perfect amalgam of “off-road power, maneuverability and capability.” He adds that the electric performance vehicle is a classic British four-wheeler at heart with the muscle and technology of American vehicles. Thus, making this an ideal four-wheeled heavyweight you can bank on for a sublime driving experience, “beyond anything this side of a trophy truck.”  The nostalgic form of the truck is complemented by the choice of taking home either the all-electric version delivering over 1,000hp (from the 750kW and 75 kWh battery) or the mid-engine supercharged V8 engine. The EV version will come mated with eight-speed automatic paddle shifters.

Both these variants will have high-speed desert racing and low-speed technical off-roading features. Also, they’ll come with massive wheel arches, 40-inch tires on 20-inch forged wheels, pushrod suspension with air ride for height adjustable control, front & rear differential and classic contoured LED headlights. On the inside, the electric Hypertruck gets a 12.8-inch infotainment and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Comfort is not a concern with the bucket seats, and the Alcantara interior honed by the billet aluminum accents gives it a contemporary yet stylish character.

Other features include a push-button start, power windows, automatic climate control and power door locks. Although Scarbo Vintage has not revealed any official pricing it is rumored to start at $1.5 million with the option to go custom crazy for build-on order freedom. The question is how it’ll stack up against the Rivian R1T and the Cybertruck with a starting price of $90,000 and $61,000 respectively. Of, course Scarbo is confident they are offering something better to charge that exorbitant amount of cash. Also, there’s word yet on the slated launch date, so we have our hawk eyes set on that information.

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This ultra-luxurious superyacht boasts a lower level deck with panoramic glass walls

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Superyachts at their core are synonymous with supreme luxury and a lifestyle that is all about living life large. Mostly privately owned by the filthy rich, these high-end vessels are loaded with extravagant amenities, helipads, multiple decks, and lavish accommodations for the guests and crew.

While you expect all these luxuries and tons more in a superyacht, rarely does one come across a vessel that’s a notch superior to the rest. Meet The Arc, is a concept yacht designed keeping in mind the demanding comforts and keen eye for design of the wealthy individuals.

Designer: Ali Cam

The superyacht is highlighted by the organic contours that contrast with the sharp edges. It’s like a hypercar of the yacht world with regard to luxury and comfort. There are three levels on the vessel each serving its purpose for the occasion. The most eye-popping of them all is the lower deck that in part houses the individual rooms and the hue deck with transparent glass facades on both sides. This matte black section is the place to enjoy your evening meals and a drink.

The second level is an open deck area for engaging with the open seas and lounging in the warmth of the sun. The secondary sail of the vessel is pinned on the front to prevent any obstruction of the open views. The rear section has an enclosed lounging section if you like things to be muted down. Move to the top level of the superyacht and you are welcomed by the open swimming pool and relaxing area. The main sail of The Arc sits at a pivot point right in the middle of the lounging area which is a clever design inclusion for conversation starters.

The design theme of the superyacht is a flowing Sierra of black and titanium grey that brings a sense of luxury and speed into one. I love the lower level deck that gives open views of the seas while protecting one from the elements because the weather is not always bright and sunny!

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The Tesla Cybertruck just encountered one enemy it can’t defeat… Rust.

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Representational Image via Midjourney

As multiple users are pointing out on internet forums, the vastly popular pickup truck from Tesla has seemingly met its one foe. While the car can apparently beat pretty much any odds, deflecting bullets and being able to overtake a Porsche 911 while towing another Porsche 911, it does have one rather unfortunate flaw. It catches rust.

Users have begun pointing out that the Cybertruck’s ultra-powerful exterior (which can take on a Tommy gun) can’t withstand inclement weather, causing spots of rust on the surface. Images circulating on the CybertruckOwnersClub website show the exterior exhibiting signs of rust spotting after just 2 days of driving in the rain. California has been experiencing record-breaking torrential rainfall over the past few weeks, and apparently, the bulletproof exterior of the EV wasn’t up to the task. The images show spotting on Sacramento-based truck-owner Max’s Cybertruck.

Image Credits: CybertruckOwnersClub Forum

There is, however, a lot of speculation of whether this is rust, or ‘rail dust’. A lot of cars experience a similar spotting phenomenon when transported by trains. Metal specks from the train wheels fly off while the train’s in motion, landing on horizontal surfaces of the car. These specks then begin rusting, causing a similar spotting on cars.

The problem lies with inconsistency, as not everyone seems to be facing the same problem immediately (given that everyone’s also experiencing different weather). If indeed this is a sign of rusting, only time will tell if that may prove to be a problem for all Cybertrucks in the future. Specifically, it is essential to promptly remove contaminants like oil and acidic substances, including tar and bird droppings, using a solvent that contains alcohol. Following this initial cleaning step, it is advisable to wash the area with either pure water or soap that has been balanced for pH levels. Such cleansing practices are recommended after every long ride (which not many people are keen about since the Cybertruck was touted as an incredibly robust vehicle). Users, however, are recommending NOT using Windex to clean the car, since it contains ammonia that may actually cause or accelerate rusting. Some users have reported signs of success using Bar Keepers Friend.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned for more information.

Representational Image via Midjourney

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Aston Martin officially unveils track-special Vantage GT3 for its 2024 racing calendar

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Aston Martin chose the present day to reveal three of its new car models designed for three different platforms. Yes, the new generation of the Vantage is here alongside the GT3 version of the road racer and of course, the brand new AMR24 F1 that’ll hit the paddock for the 2024 Formula-1 season.

Our focus however is set on the Vantage GT3 that briefly made its debut in Daytona last month. The official reveal of the race track-oriented car developed in collaboration between Aston Martin Racing (AMR) and Aston Martin Performance Technologies (AMPT) happened today, and it replaces the outgoing Vantage GT3 that debuted in 2018. The latest version comes with an upgraded chassis, improved aerodynamics, and obvious cosmetic changes – making it more appealing.

Designer: Aston Martin

The striking GT3 has a very attractive nose section highlighted by the fender-mounted headlights. It gets even more boxy with the fenders having integrated louvers and a massive wing complemented by the new diffuser. The circuit-oriented car gets the same aluminum chassis as its road-legal counterpart. Every mechanical part is covered by carbon fiber panels, lending the performance vehicle a good balance of power-to-weight ratio.

GT3 also gets the same twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 as the more toned-down Vantage but the unit is tweaked to comply with the FIA GT3 class regulations. Suspension on this one is majorly improved from the last model to give it better handling characteristics. This results in way better driving dynamics of the GT3 for professional and novice drivers as well. Also, the British marque promises the car has more stable braking and wears its tires more evenly.

According to Gustavo Betelli Racing Head of Performance at Aston Martin, the new GT3 is adapt for any “circuit, on any tire, and with any driver.” As we saw during the 24 Hours of Daytona the three Vantage GT3’s seemed like a complete package on the track. The number of cars in this lineup will be produced to a limited number of 30 by the end of season 2024.

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