Totem Automobili, known for its impeccable craftsmanship and innovative automotive creations, has once again captured the essence of automotive history with the unveiling of its latest masterpiece: the GTAmodificata. This limited edition marvel pays homage to the legendary Alfa Romeo GTAm, blending classic aesthetics with cutting-edge technology to redefine the boundaries of automotive excellence.
Originally produced in limited quantities from 1965 to 1969, the Alfa Romeo GTA has always held a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts worldwide. Totem Automobili’s passion for reviving automotive icons shines through in their GTA-based restomods, and the GTAmodificata takes this dedication to the next level.
Designer: Totem Automobili
The GTAmodificata has a potent 3.2-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine for a heart, meticulously crafted by Italtecnica Engineering. Boasting an impressive 810 horsepower and 538 ft-lbs of torque, this powerhouse propels the car from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 2.6 seconds, with a top speed exceeding 186 mph. Yet, performance isn’t the only hallmark of this masterpiece. Weighing in at just 2,414 pounds, the GTAmodificata achieves a remarkable power-to-weight ratio, delivering exhilarating performance while retaining impeccable handling dynamics.
Crafted around a custom-built carbon-fiber monocoque, the GTAmodificata seamlessly blends lightweight construction with structural rigidity, resulting in a driving experience that’s as thrilling as it is refined. Custom-engineered billet aluminum double wishbone suspension units and R53 dampers ensure precise handling and stability, while bespoke carbon fiber bodywork, adorned with a metallic carbon finish, exudes timeless elegance.
The interior of the GTAmodificata features custom seats, instrumentation, and dash, trimmed in exquisite leather and Alcantara, enveloping occupants in comfort and style. Carbon fiber accents throughout the cabin underscore the car’s performance-focused ethos, while advanced LED lighting adds a modern flair.
Limited to just five units worldwide, the Totem Automobili GTAmodificata is easily one of the most exclusive cars we’ve featured on this website. Priced at €1,100,000 (~$1,203,000), this masterpiece represents a pinnacle of automotive engineering and design, surpassing its predecessors in both performance and prestige.
There are many hugely popular campervan base models around the world, but one that essentially overshadows them all, and has camping enthusiasts styling their own creations around it, is the Volkswagen van. VW-inspired campers have their takers in plenty thereof Type 2 founders, Hearth Gardella and Ryan Schassen, have created a VW-themed pop-up camping trailer from aircraft steel construction in a compact form factor that is faster to build.
The RV builders based in Woodburn, Oregon, Type 2, is hoping to create a sizable inroad in the expensive and heavier tow-campers with their T2.3 which thrives on its “lightweight, affordable, and timeless design.” Currently available for preorder for a non-refundable $1,000 deposit, T2.3 comes in three different variants with one classic pop-up roof that enhances the internal standing headroom to 6 feet 4 inches.
Modeled after the 1940s Volkswagen bus, the T2.3’s design replaces fiberglass construction with aero-grade steel panels. This keeps the camper lightweight and adds to its durability. With the use of steel panels, the camper with its pop-up roof is faster to manufacture and fairly easy to tow behind a small electric vehicle.
Measuring 9 feet 6 inches long and 5 feet wide, the camper weighs under 980 lbs in all three options (detailed below). Outfitted with three windows on each side, and a single door toward the back half, the camper has a liftgate hatch. For more space inside comprising a convertible U-shaped sofa, an expandable kitchen counter, and a rear window seat (in the entry-level Sleeper model), the T2.3’s entire roof rises above.
Adding an outdoor shower system and 1-gallon electric hot water heater to the Sleeper and we have the T2.3 Sleeper Plus. The most exciting option is the Kitchenette model. The rear window seat here is removed to accommodate a full L-shaped kitchen complete with a dining table, induction cooktop, and stainless-steel sink. Of course, the change in features makes for a change in the pricing structure as well. The Sleeper model starts at $29,950, the Sleeper Plus scales the figure to $35,000, while the one with a kitchenette will set you back $39,000.
Amidst the bustling corridors of the 2024 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, sustainable innovation company Orbic has unveiled a device that will radically alter last-mile and intra-urban commutes forever: the world’s first 5G-enabled eBike, equipped with AI for object avoidance and collision detection.
Orbic’s leap into the eBike sector practically reshapes how we perceive mobility, safety, and connectivity on two wheels. “Introducing Orbic’s 5G e-Bike at MWC Barcelona is part of our innovation pipeline that implements advanced technology to expand connectivity and enhance user experiences,” said Mike Narula, President and CEO of Orbic. “By integrating 5G connectivity and AI technology, we aim to redefine the riding experience, making it safer, more connected, and environmentally responsible whether on city streets, in suburban neighborhoods or the challenging terrain of mountain trails. The 5G e-Bike represents a significant leap forward in electronic mobility, and we are excited about bringing this new technology to cities across the globe.”
Central to the eBike’s design is its AI-powered avoidance detection system, featuring a sensor with a 140-degree field of view at the rear, which actively monitors for potential hazards and alerts riders through audible and visual warnings. This focus on safety is further supported by the eBike’s array of cameras: a 64MP front-facing camera for capturing and livestreaming (yes, the Orbic bike has its own built-in action camera!), an 8MP camera on the front display ideal for video calls, and a 2MP rear camera dedicated to enhancing safety through collision avoidance and object detection.
The eBike’s frontal camera array
A rear camera helps with vehicle detection
Stuck in traffic? The touchscreen can be used for entertainment too!
Additionally, the eBike boasts a 7-inch, all-weather touchscreen display that provides riders with essential information such as battery status, speed, and navigation data, ensuring attention remains on the road. The eBike’s 5G connectivity not only minimizes lag for a responsive user experience but also enriches the riding experience by enabling features like live streaming, trail sharing, bike-to-bike communication, and real-time navigation.
Orbic’s 5G eBike reveal at MWC 2024 represents a seismic shift in eco-friendly transportation, operating without fossil fuels and emitting no carbon, aligning with the company’s dedication to sustainable technology development. This approach offers riders a guilt-free mode of transportation that doesn’t compromise on innovation or performance.
Traversing snowy terrains is now going to be even more fun and environmentally friendly with the Vidde Mobility electric snowmobile. Designed in collaboration with Pininfarina the vehicle makes minimal noise without compromising on the power delivery of a conventional gas-powered snowmobile.
According to Vidde founded by Christian Lystrup, the terrain vehicles around the globe create 30 megatons of CO2 every year. Out of which over “two-thirds of the total emissions produced by the entire country of Sweden.” The Vidde Alfa is deemed to solve this with an initial footprint of less than 100g co2/ km compared to the 550g co2/km of any gas-powered snowmobile. The vehicle is slated for a late 2024 release for a price tag with a wider production horizon planned for 2025. It was launched on February 18, 2024, at IceHotel in Swedish Lapland.
Standing out from the rest as a trailblazer of the snowmobile industry, this snowmobile is groundbreaking when it comes to eco-friendly performance. The electric snowmobile comes loaded with a battery heating system for operation at a low temperature of -39 degrees Celsius. For the looks, Pininfarina influence is apparent with a distinctive bold orange and white-hued theme on the sleek body shell placed on the runner and treads finished in industrial black.
The collaborative effort is focused on identifying a solution that elevates the pleasure of driving and making sure it is functional and attractive keeping in mind the longevity of use. This electric snowmobile will be tested at the vast expanse of Swedish Lapland by the Icehotel for the remainder of the season to get real-time data in real conditions. According to Christian, the first batch of units are signed up and there are some limited slots left to pre-book the Vidde snowmobile.
According to Annika Fredriksson CEO of Swedish Lapland Visitors Board, “During the winter a lot of people use snowmobiles for both personal and professional purposes. If we can turn all these snowmobiles into electrified versions it would have a hugely positive effect on nature and wildlife, both for the reduced CO2 emissions and sound disturbance. This fills us with hope and will play a part in reaching our sustainability goals for 2030.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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…
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.
