Tag Archives: roadster

This one-off hotrod makes it to the finals of Hot Wheels 2023 Legends Tour!

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What is time for a dedicated automotive enthusiast? Well, it’s just a number, especially when you’ve put 18 years of tears and sweat into a build. Reason enough for Hot Wheels to acknowledge the build and move it forward to the final round of the 2023 Legends Tour!

Meet Michael Scire of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, who stunned onlookers with his custom-modified Camaro at the Legends Tour stop in Atlanta, Georgia. Originally purchased as a 1981 Chevrolet Camaro when Michael was just 15 years old, the classic car underwent 18 years of hand-crafted perfection into a glossy green hotrod of dreams. And just for the record, it’s 18 inches shorter than the donor Camaro it was built on!

Designer: Michael Scire

The transformation holds even more weight since there was an added layer of challenge for Michael who suffered from spine injury during the make. He was ably helped by his close friend and father to bring this one-of-a-kind classic to life. To give this cool roadster a distinctive Hot Wheels-ish vibe, he modified the front end to have a big grille and contoured headlights. The open front wheels stamp the classic Hotrod DNA onto the Camaro which otherwise flaunts a muscle car character.

The classic Hotrod influence doesn’t end there, as the modified Camaro gets six round lights at the rear and big pods on both sides get rearview mirrors. There are no doors on this one – not by chance but by choice – and for that reason, the driver and passenger need to be agile enough to hop in easily.

The Interior has also been thoroughly worked upon here as Michael choose a three-spoke steering wheel to keep the masculine theme going. The same follows down to the instrument cluster and the gear selector salvaged from a more modern ride. Just so that the riders don’t get bored, the hotrod is fitted with a Pioneer head unit. The seats of the modified Camaro have been reinforced with more cushioning to alleviate pressure from Scire’s spine which is totally understandable.

For now, Hot Wheels hasn’t revealed the full specs list of the roadster and just a few little details are known. There’s a hand-built 350-cubic-inch 5.7-liter V8 which is a part of the Small Block engine family. The choice holds relevance since it is easier to tune and exhale through a custom-made exhaust system with side-mounted outlets. Also, the automatic transmission of the Camaro has been retained here. All this suggests the hotrod will be faster than the donor car, and it’s stunning to look at after all!

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This RWD electric roadster reignites charm of the classic era bygone

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Defined by their inherent raw nature, the classic roadsters were defined by their aesthetic elegance, elongated hood and absence of fixed roof. Their timeless design showcases the craftsmanship of a bygone era and the spirited driving experience for automotive enthusiasts. Modern reinterpretations of classic roadsters are inevitable and this concept complements the enduring appeal to transcend generations.

This concept developed for GAC Concept Car Culture Series resonates with the bold appeal of 1970s roadsters that marked a golden era for the genre of vehicles. Christened GAC CCS1, the ultra-modern roadster has retracting roof unlike the ones we’ve seen thus far. It slides horizontally back into the housing to open-up the two-seater configuration. That means it is only meant to be driven with no roof on configuration.

Designer: Alexis Poncelet

The rear wheel motor propels this electric performance roadster forward with elegance. It’s like a push-back toy car but with life-like proportions. Contoured yet sharp lines flowing down the length lend this car a harmonious appealing aesthetic. Glued close to the tarmac and aided by a spoiler, the electric roadster should have excellent traction and stability control.

Performance is at the heart of the GAC CCS1. The selection boasts powerful engines, advanced suspension systems, and intelligent drivetrain technology, ensuring an exhilarating driving experience. Whether navigating tight roads or accelerating on open highways, the electric roadster delivers impressive performance and precise handling.

When viewed from an elevated position, the concept has a flat look, while the side profile reveals a very sharp character. I’d even go the length to deem this a sliced bullet cruising through urban landscapes, catching glances from all sides.

 

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This muscular impersonation of Polestar O2 is one impressive roadster in the making

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Polestar is making steady progress in reinforcing its stronghold in the electric vehicle market with EVs like Polestar 2 fairing better than the Tesla Model 3. The Polestar O2 concept with its own drone has further reignited the general direction in which EV roadsters are heading.

The convertible has left the automotive community wondering why this is not a production version that the Swedish-Chinese automaker is considering bringing to the roads well before 2026. Now another electric car concept has left me wondering what if Polestar actually pushes this one on the production lines? Would other EV makers have to up their game to beat a roadster like this one?

Designer: Devam Jangra

This is Polestar Concept roadster penned to fuel Polestar’s future-forward vision backed by balanced design aesthetics. The approach to make cars exciting to look at and drive as well, is very important in a landscape dominated by similar-looking electric four-wheelers. Devam’s creation has a very apparent inspiration from the O2 but with a more contoured shape, and of course, a more sports car-like personality.

The two-seater performance EV has a broad stance like the Ferrari Enzo or the Renault RS 01 to make the presence felt in a street race. Those mean headlights stare you in the face as the cockpit narrows down to amplify the performance-oriented posture. The rear has a sharp flowing aesthetic complemented by unibody taillights like an inverted spoiler on a Formula-1 car. The muscular middle section of the roadster gives off a very toned look which adds overall impressive character to this Polestar.

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Final Lamborghini Aventador roadster is a tribute to the legacy of V12 powered Miura

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Lamborghini supercars and V12 engines have been a match made in heaven ever since the 350 GT was introduced in 1963. Now, after almost six decades, the Italian automotive powerhouse is letting go of the 12-cylinder powertrain with a one-off special version. And it is really unique by all means!

This is the Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae Roadster that is a left-hand drive Lambo paying tribute to the Miura P400 Roadster. For eager automotive fanatics, the 1968 one-of-one drop-top Miura was a show car revealed at the Brussels Motor Show. Not surprising that the Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae Roadster comes in Azzuro Flake paint that draped the Miura back then. The brand has added a glitter element to it though, for the obvious homologation purpose.

Designer: Lamborghini

The exclusive element of this Lamborghini roadster doesn’t end there – it has a roof and rear engine painted in shiny black carbon fiber – a perpetual reminder of Miura’s roofless design. For a more convincing connection between the two, there is the rocker cover in Grigio Liqueo with a Nero Aldebaran pinstripe that stretches out from the front to the rear diffuser. To emulate the Miura’s look, the Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae Roadster has the striking Aldebaran livery on the bonnet. There’s also the semblance of a black-painted scoop of the Miura, the matte back tailpipes and the shiny silver with black calipers.

The interiors get exclusive treatment as well in the form of leather seats, trim throughout (dashboard included) in Bianco Leda leather with complementary Nero Aldebaran, and the headrest done in Nero Aldebaran. Inspiration from the Miura is evident in the form of badges on the dashboard and side rocker. The retro-inspiration carries down to the steering wheel, vintage-themed analog instrument cluster and the classic stickshift shift knob.

Everything about this modern roadster is special – right from its one-off color to the interior which traverses riders to a golden era. Clearly, Lamborghini wants to make the legacy of the V12-powered cars a part of history.

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This transforming Audi roadster morphs into a Segway-like city commuter

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The number of vehicles on the roads is increasing at a fast pace, and there’s no stopping the menace anytime soon. That’s why much emphasis has been on the personal commuter and shape-shifting vehicles which can cater to the driving and traffic conditions.

Yet another concept from this school of thought is the Audi Vista, designed to go from a full-blown roadster (with no retracting roof, mind you) to a more compact commuter on demand. The latter holds merit for crowded cities and tough parking spots. Even more so, when there’s only a couple navigating around the city in this niche Audi roadster.

Designer: Hyunsik Moon

This transforming electric vehicle makes use of Audi Quattro technology to bring forth these two varying experiences. There are four exposed seats on the Audi Vista for the driver and passengers to enjoy the open views while traveling. This however will not be the preferred mode of transport in inclement weather conditions. Driving input is done via a central console which is as simple as moving one hand for everything right from accelerating to braking. Of course, there’s the autonomous mode tracking to prevent the consequences of any unintended inputs.

In the Segway mode up to two riders can travel in the city in standing mode. So, it’s strictly for short trips to the grocery store or at maximum stretch, an evening skirmish to the outskirts of city limits. The transition from the Roadster mode to the Segway mode takes mere seconds, which is a good option to have when you get stuck amid city accident chaos.

Hyunsik imagines this off-beat design in a bunch of peppy colors to appeal to the next-gen riders, but will it be practical enough for real-life scenarios? Instances when the riders want to have shade above their heads or feel cozy when relentless rain is jarring the cityscape?

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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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This swanky hot rod got the looks to kill with a powerful heart beating under its hood

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If you’ve got a thing for hot rods, then this muscular roadster will be the fresh pipedream you wish somehow makes it into reality. Automotive giants need to realize how badly we need such hot rods to be widely available in the market.

Modifying a roadster car for better performance, or as I should say “automobile of 1948 or earlier that has undergone some modernization to the engine, transmission, interior, or anything else” – in line with the National Street Rod Association’s definition, is a hot rod. The trend of hot rod cars sprung up in America when classic or even modern four-wheelers underwent a metamorphosis with large engines optimized for speed. No doubt motorheads would give anything to own a hot rod, isn’t it true?

Designer: Kevin Kaufhold

My love with hot rod cars evoked from my childhood days, playing around with Hot Wheels cars that were my priced possessions, way beyond any other toy. This concept hot rod dubbed Fratoria instantly evoked the good old memories, and I felt the urge to express my emotions. It looks to be based on the most famous hot rod choice for tuners – yes, I’m talking about the Ford Model T. Preserving the classic character of the iconic four-wheeler, but giving it a very measured modern look, the designer creates a worthy wallpaper racer, shining in its metallic silver and grey combo.

The big rear exhaust has the typical Batmobile feels, and the livery all over the body makes it ready for a WRC Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. The hot rod assumes a belligerent stance from the front, while the side profile has the classic long-bodied form. The driver’s cockpit is reinforced with structurally strong yet lightweight material just in case the car goes for a tumble off the road. Overall, the details of this beautiful roadster are well crafted and radiate a powerful presence on the road.

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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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Stunning Tesla Hypercar concept puts the EV company squarely in the luxury automotive category

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The Tesla Muskrat Hypercar Concept makes the Roadster look like a dune buggy.

From the mind of automotive virtuoso Khyzyl Saleem, the Tesla Muskrat (a name unanimously chosen by Saleem’s IG followers) puts a little meat on the Roadster, making it stand its own against other hypercars like the ones from Czinger, Rimac, Polestar & Evija. The Muskrat builds on the Roadster’s base but with a few key modifications that really bring out the car’s wild side. After all, for a car that’s literally touted to be equipped with rocket thrusters, it should absolutely look the part, no?

The Tesla Muskrat concept takes on a whole new organic approach, combining cues from the Roadster, other hypercars, as well as Saleem’s own creative efforts. The bodywork isn’t shy to showcase its curves, with a white-on-black interplay that brings out the car’s contrast thanks to the massive vents on the hood, and the almost McLaren-inspired headlight cutouts that descend into the air intakes at the base, on either side of the Tesla logo on the front. The front also showcases the Muskrat’s unapologetically eye-catching front bumper with its massive underbite. The bumper extends downwards as well as to the front, creating an unmistakably large lower lip that definitely adds to the hypercar’s silhouette.

The rear of the car seems incredibly interesting too. The taillight’s overall design remains untouched, but the bodywork around it gets Saleem’s signature overhaul. The rear’s a lot wider, and instead of rounding off like it does on the Tesla Roadster, the Muskrat concept has an upward-facing tail, clearly visible on the side profile below. It does a wonderful job of visually balancing out the frontal lip, and parting lines near the C pillar hint at the presence of an automatic spoiler.

Designer: Khyzyl Saleem

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The Lamborghini Navetta Volante concept is what you get when the Italians decide to make their version of the Tesla Model S

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With its edgy Urus-meets-Model-S design, the Navetta Volante concept is the perfect blend between Lamborghini’s raging-bull sports cars and a street-friendly high-end sedan. The concept comes from the mind of Jamil Ahmed, an automotive designer who’s love-affair with the Lamborghini brand started when he saw a Diablo for the first time back when he was younger. The Navetta Volante, which translates to Flying Shuttle, comes with a 2+2 design (hence the term Shuttle) and feels like a cross between the Urus, and what Jamil cites as his true inspiration for the car, a lesser-known Lamborghini concept from 2008 – the Estoque.

The Estoque came as quite a surprise in 2008, since it was a clear deviation from what Lamborghini had built its reputation on – 2-door sportscars. The first-ever 4-door modern Lamborghini to be unveiled to the public, the Estoque never made it to production, however the chairman of Lamborghini, Stephan Winkelmann was spotted saying that they hadn’t ruled out a 4-door Lamborghini in the future. A decade later, the company launched Urus – a 4-door SUV aimed at diversifying Lamborghini’s lineup. Jamil’s Navetta Volante concept sits square between the Estoque and the Urus – borrowing the super-saloon proportions from the former, and the design language from the latter.

Jamil clearly sees the Estoque as Lamborghini’s missed opportunity to build a street-friendly car for the average joe (with the right amounts of money to spend). “I believe at the time of the Estoque, 4 door super saloons were quite interesting and I guess it would have fit very well along with the Rapide, Panamera, and Quattroporte”, Jamil casually mentions. The Navetta Volante, however, represents what the Estoque would evolve into in today’s day and age. The designer imagines it with a Plug-In Hybrid Drivetrain, pitting it against other hybrid cars, and taking aim at Tesla’s own Model S – which holds the coveted spot among today’s super-saloons. “As we merge rapidly into the electric era, we know Lamborghini will have to make the transition at some point, I knew the Navetta Volante platform would be perfect for that transition due to its practical nature.”

Running on a hybrid powertrain, the car comes with the signature large air-intakes underneath Y-shaped headlights (both iconic Lamborghini features). It sports two charging ports, one on each side underneath the rear-view mirrors, making it convenient to charge your car no matter where the power station is located.

The taillights present a unique deviation. Unlike the Estoque or Urus’ Y-shaped taillights, the Navetta Volante uses three hexagonal shapes, staying square within Lamborghini’s language while clearly thinking outside the box.

Clearly built for a variety of scenarios (other than racing), the car comes with a skylight on the top, and the designer’s even visualized what the Navetta Volante would look like with a luggage carrier on the top. One would argue that any sort of consumer-based embellishment corrupts the car’s bad-boy attitude, but then again, the Navetta Volante wasn’t designed for the race track – it was made for streets, roads, and highways. Even for its broad approach, the Navetta Volante looks like it has the spirit of the raging bull in it. Its edgy, racy design would arguably put the Tesla Model S to shame… now if only Lamborghini built the damn thing!

Designer: Jamil Ahmed