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Audi skysphere concept – The future is wide open 2021

Audi skysphere concept (2021)

Audi has unveiled the first member of a new family of concept vehicles, a spectacular roadster. Audi skysphere concept is the name of the electric-powered, two-door convertible whose lines lead directly to the Audi design of tomorrow. With it, the brand is illustrating its vision for the progressive luxury segment of the future, in which the interior becomes an interactive space and the vehicle a platform for captivating experiences. This is being made possible thanks to autonomous driving, a revolutionary redesign of the interior, and a seamless digital ecosystem.

The Audi skysphere concept shows how the brand is redefining luxury in the future – it’s no longer just about driving. The concept car was designed with the clear objective of offering its occupants captivating and world-class experiences.

Static photo,
Colour: Stage Light

To give passengers the maximum amount of freedom, the Audi skysphere concept was designed for two different driving experiences: a grand touring experience and a sports experience. This makes use of a spectacular technical detail – the variable wheelbase. Electric motors and a sophisticated mechanism with body and frame components that slide into one another make it possible to vary the wheelbase itself and the exterior length of the car by 250 millimeters. At the same time, the vehicle’s ground clearance is adjusted by 10 millimeters to enhance comfort and driving dynamics.

With the touch of button, the driver can take advantage of their freedom and choose their own driving experience– either they pilot their 4.94-meter-long e-roadster themselves in “Sports” mode with a reduced wheelbase, while the rear-wheel steering ensures that the vehicle remains extremely agile despite its dimensions. Or they can choose to be chauffeured around in a 5.19-meter GT in the autonomous “Grand Touring” driving mode while enjoying the sky and the scenery, maximum legroom, and the services offered by a seamlessly integrated digital ecosystem.

In this mode, the steering wheel and pedals move into an invisible area; the feeling of space in the concept car opens up completely new realms of possibility for such a sporty convertible. Meanwhile, the Audi skysphere automatically keeps an eye on the road and traffic with its sensor system and drives the occupants safely to their destination.

Static photo,
Colour: Stage Light

Similar to how the interior design offers a new, contemporary interpretation of luxury, digitization and the ecosystem open up unprecedented levels of freedom and worlds of experience for the vehicle’s passengers. Thanks to Audi’s own services and the ability to integrate digital services, the possibilities are nearly endless. In addition, the passengers can share their experience on the road with friends via social media, with images of the interior and the surrounding area. The vehicle also takes care of everyday tasks that go beyond the ride itself. For example, the autonomous Audi skysphere concept picks up its passengers with information about their current destination and independently handles parking and charging.

Static photo,
Colour: Stage Light

Audi skysphere to be unveiled on its home turf in California

The Audi skysphere concept will make its public debut on August 13, 2021, as part of Monterey Car Week – on the legendary fairways of the Pebble Beach golf course. This means the vehicle’s unveiling in California is taking place more or less on its home turf. This is because the concept car was conceived and designed at the Audi Design Studio in Malibu, just a stone’s throw away from the Pacific Coast Highway, the legendary coastal road that connects the suburbs of Los Angeles with northern California. Studio manager Gael Buzyn and his team are the creative minds behind the project. A legendary classic model from the company’s own history – the Horch 853 roadster – served as the inspiration for the new groundbreaking model. The impressive convertible, which is also around 5.20 meters in length, was not only the definition of modern luxury in the 1930s, but also won the Concours d’Elegance in Pebble Beach in 2009.

But the visual inspiration from its predecessor is limited to the concept car’s dimensions and typical proportions with a rather compact cabin and long front end. A look under the hood of the Horch reveals an imposing straight-eight engine with a displacement of 5 liters. The Audi skysphere, on the other hand, mainly has electric drive components between the front axle and the windshield, such as the charger and the DC/DC converter, plus the actuators and electronic and mechanical components for the adaptive wheelbase. It also features a spacious trunk filled with two golf bags specially designed for the concept car.

Static photo,
Colour: Stage Light

The drive system: 465 kW of power

“New technologies like electrification, digitalization, and autonomous driving gave us the opportunity to create an experience that goes way beyond the one that typical roadsters offer today,” said design project manager Gael Buzyn.

An electric motor positioned on the powered rear axle is responsible for delivering power to the wheels of the Audi skysphere. A total of 465 kilowatts of power and 750 Newton meters of torque have an easy time with the roadster, which only weighs around 1,800 kilograms. The weight distribution of around 60 percent on the powered rear axle results in ample traction and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just four seconds, if required.

The Audi skysphere’s battery modules are primarily positioned behind the cabin – an ideal configuration for the vehicle’s center of gravity and agility. Further modules can be found between the seats in the center tunnel of the skysphere interior – another position chosen in favor of vehicle dynamics. The battery’s capacity is expected to be more than 80 kWh, giving the car a range of more than 500 kilometers according to the WLTP standard, at least in the economical GT mode.

Static photo,
Colour: Stage Light

The chassis: rear-wheel steering and adaptive air suspension

The vehicle features double wishbone axles in the front and the rear. The upper and lower wishbones are forged or cast from aluminum. Steering takes place via a steer-by-wire system that controls both the front and the rear wheels. Because the system is not mechanically connected to the front axle, the driver can select different steering ratios and steering settings – all at the touch of a button. This allows the steering to be adjusted from extremely direct to comfortable, but also from high self-aligning forces to minimal self-aligning forces, for example when parking. The rear-axle steering and adaptive wheelbase also contribute to the car’s small turning radius.

A long-established Audi chassis technology ensures that the suspension delivers the necessary level of versatility – the latest evolutionary stage of Audi’s adaptive air suspension has been implemented in the concept car and features three independent air chambers to provide a comfortable base suspension. Individual chambers can be deactivated for a more sporty ride with fast acceleration. The result is that the characteristic curve of the spring becomes more progressive, reducing roll and pitch to a minimum. Lowering the body by 10 mm reduces aerodynamic drag – particularly relevant when driving long distances.

The Audi skysphere’s active suspension plays a key role in the versatility of the car’s handling characteristics. When simply coasting along, the individual wheels are selectively raised or lowered to compensate for unevenness and undulations in the road surface – the result of a symbiosis between the navigation system’s digital predictions and the active chassis’ sophisticated control and actuation systems. Mounted on aerodynamically styled 23-inch alloy rims, the 285/30 tires strike a perfect balance between suitability for long-distance trips thanks to minimal rolling resistance and a sporty, active driving style with high longitudinal and lateral acceleration.

Design Sketch

The exterior: reverence without retro

When it comes to their footprint – 5.23 meters in length versus 5.19; a width of 1.85 versus 2.00 meters – it is easy to see the similarity between the legendary Horch 853 convertible and the Audi skysphere. A striking difference, on the other hand, can be found in their height – the legendary Horch, with its iconic design, towered up to 1.77 meters depending on the body shape, while its autonomous descendant, the Audi skysphere, ducks down to the road in Sport mode at 1.23 meters flat, with an optimized center of gravity and aerodynamics. The concept car pays its respects to the classic model without merely remaining a retro imitation.

After all, apart from its dimensions, it’s the lines that make a real difference. With its wide curved and flared wheel arches typical of the brand, the skysphere emphasizes the wide track – a visible indication of its dynamic talents. Viewed from the side, the proportions are impressive with a long hood and – especially at the front – a short overhang. The surfaces of the wheel arches and front hood are organically curved. The rear end was developed in a wind tunnel and combines elements of a speedster and a shooting brake with large glass surfaces in a traditional streamlined design. Two overnight bags designed specifically for the Audi skysphere find space under the glass, and are held in place with straps that are stretched in a crosswise pattern.

The front end – although no longer serving as a radiator grill – clearly features the brand’s typical Singleframe and the three-dimensionally designed, illuminated emblem with the four rings. The entire Singleframe and also the adjacent surfaces on the sides are designed with white LED elements to literally act as a stage for visual effects – both functional effects as well as moving welcome sequences when the vehicle is opened and closed.

Detail

Gentle dimming and a structured, rhythmically pulsating light produce an elegant effect. The daytime running lights in the side front sections, in turn, give the lighting units a resolute, focused “gaze.” If the wheelbase is changed, the LEDs in the front and rear display a specially composed dynamic sequence.

The rear end is also dominated by a digitally controlled LED surface that extends across the entire width of the vehicle. Countless red LEDs are scattered like rubies across the vertical rear surface. Reflections create dynamic lighting and shadow effects when the lighting units are switched on and off.

Upon changing the wheelbase and thus the operating mode from GT to Sport, the light signature also changes and sends a clear indication of the changed character of the Audi skysphere concept, particularly in the area around the Singleframe.

A characteristic feature of the side view are the rocker panels, which seem to protrude into the rear wheel arch – a necessary feature when varying the wheelbase actually pushes it backwards. The rocker panel is attached to the front end of the car, and as it moves, the panel also slides to the rear under the fixed door. In the process, the wheelbase is reduced from the standard size of an A8 L to the significantly more compact size of the curve-compatible Audi RS 5 – 25 centimeters make all the difference. And not just technically, but also visually and, above all, in terms of the driving experience.

There’s no doubt that the Audi skysphere concept has two personalities – a GT and a luxury sports car. The key differences, however, can only be enjoyed in the interior, because here, behind the rear-hinged and wide-opening doors, the Audi skysphere offers highly contrasting experiences.

The interior: two spheres of experience in one

When it comes to the three upcoming concept cars Audi skysphere, Audi grandsphere, and Audi urbansphere, the brand is placing the space that surrounds the passengers (“sphere”) and which becomes an experience for them – the interior – at the center of its designs. This is because all three vehicles are designed for level 4 autonomous driving – meaning that in certain defined road and traffic situations, the driver can delegate complete responsibility to the car and no longer has to intervene.

As a result, control elements such as the steering wheel and pedals can be swiveled into an invisible position and thereby completely removed from the interior. And passengers, including the one in the front left seat, can enjoy a new form of freedom – the freedom to relax in the open air, enjoy the scenery and the wind, or interact with the Internet and the world thanks to the connection with the digital ecosystem in the Audi skysphere.

Free of controls, the interior appears as a light, spacious environment, inspired in many areas by the Art Deco universe. The comfortable seats boast the visual elegance of designer furnishings, yet they fulfill the functions of an car seat in driving mode without any compromises – side support and safety features are part of the package. They are upholstered in sustainably produced microfiber fabric and, thanks to their variable position in the interior, offer the kind of freedom to move and legroom that can otherwise only be experienced when flying first class on an airplane. Environmentally certified eucalyptus wood and synthetically produced imitation leather are other sustainably manufactured materials that contribute to creating an unparalleled experience in the vehicle’s interior.

Should the Audi skysphere concept be used in driver-operated mode, then the interior transforms into an ergonomically perfect driving machine cockpit. Together with the chassis and body, the instrument panel and the monitor panel on the center console also move to the rear. The driver finds all the controls, including the steering wheel and pedals, in the position that best suits them.

Large touch monitor surfaces – 1415 mm wide, 180 mm high – on the dashboard and in the upper area of the center console are used to operate the vehicle and infotainment systems. In Grand Touring mode, this can be used to display content from the Internet, video conferences, or streamed movies. Small touch panels in the doors are used to operate the air conditioning.

A high-quality sound system – befitting of this luxury convertible – delivers concert hall audio quality even when the vehicle is in motion. The speakers are hidden behind the door panels; a few more in the rear interior wall even produce surround sound. The shape of the headrests prevents turbulence and also annoying wind noise.

The vehicle experience: luxury without limits

Audi skysphere, Audi grandsphere, and, coming in 2022, Audi urbansphere are the three concept cars that the brand with the four rings is using to showcase its vision of progressive luxury. In the process, Audi is creating a vehicle experience that goes far beyond the purpose of merely spending time in a car to get from point A to point B, and even far beyond the driving experience itself.

These concept cars feature a new design that ultimately reimagines the interior, the passenger compartment, as the center of the vehicle and no longer subordinates the passenger experience to the requirements of the technology. This is reflected in the variable layout of the interior, the disappearance of the controls, and the sheer expanse of the cabin. In Grand Touring mode, this not only allows both passengers to enjoy a smooth and pleasant journey, but also combines it with new service offerings. These can be used to access a variety of service options related to the current trip – such as designing a spectacular scenic route, as well as restaurant or hotel options.

Customized infotainment options are also available, such as linking the on-board streaming service to music and video providers used at home. And in a further step, Audi also aims to provide personalized and exclusive options for users of its luxury cars in the future – such as concerts, cultural events, or even sporting events that are only available upon special invitation. In this way, a vehicle like the Audi skysphere concept will become a platform for experiences that expand horizons beyond the mere ride in just a few years.

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MARC PHILIPP GEMBALLA GOES INTERGALACTIC WITH THE ALL-NEW MARSIEN: THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE SUPERCAR

MARC PHILIPP GEMBALLA GOES INTERGALACTIC WITH THE ALL-NEW MARSIEN:
THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE SUPERCAR

Full reveal, specification and images of young entrepreneur Marc Philipp Gemballa’s first completely bespoke production-ready off-road capable supercar, named MARSIEN


• Inspired by the legendary Paris Dakar rally era, the MARSIEN enables the ultimate driving experience for both on and of road use, creating a completely new supercar segment
• The vehicle has been developed in collaboration with internationally-renown automotive partners including performance exhaust manufacturer Akrapovič, suspension pioneer KW Automotive and Porsche engine specialist RUF Automobile
• MARSIEN, formerly known as ‘Project Sandbox’, perfectly blends all the comforts of a modern-day supercar with incomparable off-road capabilities
• A flawless combination of futuristic yet timeless design and cutting-edge technology
• Watch the launch film at marcphilippgemballa.com/launchfilm
• Download the high-resolution gallery of images here Leonberg, 14th July 2021: Today, Marc Philipp Gemballa has revealed its off-road capable, bespoke supercar to the world and confirmed its production name: MARSIEN.  With his newly founded company MARC PHILIPP GEMBALLA GmbH (not associated in any form with Gemballa GmbH), the 27-year-old entrepreneur and son of late Uwe Gemballa has launched his very first production ready supercar named MARSIEN starting a new era in 2021.

A NEW ERA BEGINS
Growing up in an environment where building the fastest and most powerful production car on the planet and setting the next world record on the Nürburgring was key, now over a decade down the road, the market has changed radically. Marc Philipp believes the horsepower game is over, that tuning is done by the OEMs themselves and that the market is constantly being flooded with an
influx of new supercars with brandishing hyped horsepower figures. Marc Philipp realised, when aiming to build a successful company for the future and not just toss the next imitator product
onto the market, he needed to come up with something very special for his clients.

AN ENTIRELY NEW CONCEPT – DEFINING A NEW SUPERCAR SEGMENT
Inspired by the legendary Paris Dakar rally era and more than two years of intense design and engineering development has resulted in the young entrepreneur’s first project: an ultramodern
yet timeless looking supercar.

The new concept of the vehicle forms a hybrid between a modern-day supercar with all its comfort and day-to-day practicality combined with off-road capabilities enabling the ultimate
driving experience for both on and off-road with the latest technologies.


BASED ON THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY

Looking for the latest cutting-edge platform featuring state-of-the-art technology for their first project and with the need of the base vehicle to be equipped with a modern and sophisticated all-wheel drive system to master the intense challenges in the off-road terrain, the all-new

Porsche 992 Turbo S

provided the perfect base to realise the young entrepreneur’s vision. © MARC PHILIPP GEMBALLA GmbH / Oskar Bakke & Victor Goico
Manufactured in Germany, tested in the sand dunes of the Arabian desert and available to clients worldwide, production is limited to just 40 units with more than half of the small series production sold prior to launch.


THE NAME – MARSIEN © MARC PHILIPP GEMBALLA GmbH / Oskar Bakke & Victor Goico
With its outstanding design, cutting-edge technology and strong performance, the name of the vehicle needed the right moniker to capture its unique qualities and reflect the characteristics and
DNA of the vehicle.

During the intense test phase in the beautiful Al Faya desert, the development team was amazed by the stunning red desert sand in combination with the sharp fossil rocks and mountain
backdrops shaping the landscape of the desert making it very special and unlike any other. “We felt like as if we were in an entirely different universe,” says Marc Philipp Gemballa. The Al Faya
desert located in the emirate of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates has been famous ever since for its unique and extremely red desert sand and Mars-like environment visually. “Since it looked
and felt like we were on Mars paired with the futuristic design and the vehicle’s off-road capabilities, we couldn’t think of a more fitting name for our first project.” The name ‘MARSIEN’was born – derived from the French word ‘Martian’ or ‘from Mars’.

© MARC PHILIPP GEMBALLA GmbH / Oskar Bakke & Victor Goico The MARSIEN features a full carbon fibre body. All exterior components are produced in pure carbon fibre, exclusively designed for performance, light weight and cooling. Each body panel is manufactured by a leading German carbon fibre specialist who also supplies leading OEM supercar manufacturers and several leading Formula one teams. For the design, Marc Philipp Gemballa left nothing to chance and brought on board designer and Porsche aficionado Alan Derosier, known for his stunning Porsche 908 design study, who has been responsible for the ultra-modern yet timeless looking design of the MARSIEN. His artistry can be found in every smooth curve and sophisticated lines of the MARSIEN’s spectacular and timeless design.

Besides the full carbon fibre body, the exterior features functional design upgrades such as a completely bespoke taillight. Featuring the latest LED technology, the rear light has been
developed together with light specialist GERG Lighthouse, enabling a completely holistic design appearance of the MARSIEN. The shape of the MARSIEN had to prove its aerodynamic efficiency and undergo intensive CFD

(Computational Fluid Dynamics) analysis. A development effort that is crucial for optimum driving dynamics at all speeds, efficiency, and maximum safety. A task which has been accomplished by
engineering partner KLK, who has gained expertise in developing aerodynamics for LMP1, Formula E, and Formula One racing teams for over 20 years. The MARSIEN is currently undergoing full road homologation process by renown and certified German technical service provider FAKT, who has been integrally involved in the development of the body. Marc Philipp Gemballa’s technical team are working hand in hand with FAKT to ensure the vehicle successfully passes the relevant crash tests required for approval and road homologation in Europe (including Switzerland), Middle East, the USA, as well as other major global markets in the future.

The MARSIEN’s rear design features a completely new developed and bespoke taillight The exterior paint is applied by a state-of-the-art and certified paint shop via a team that is able
to fulfil the most daring customer colour requests. The launch vehicle has been painted in an elaborate tripe layer pearl white with special metallic flakes and received additional protection
through a ceramic coating.

Combined with the standard exposed carbon fibre components such as the front splitter with side flaps, side sills, wing mirrors, the air intakes and outtakes, decklid as well as the exhaust frame
and rear diffuser with rear flaps; the conversion has been created to take a sophisticated and overall dynamic appearance. There is also the offer a fully exposed carbon fibre body on request
as part of its special options list. For the ones this is not enough, there is also the option to have a fully exposed carbon fibre body.

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THRILLING NEW OPTIONAL BESPOKE SPECIFICATION REVEALED FOR LIMITED EDITION ASTON MARTIN V12 SPEEDSTER  

THRILLING NEW OPTIONAL BESPOKE SPECIFICATION REVEALED FOR LIMITED EDITION ASTON MARTIN V12 SPEEDSTER

  • Historic DBR1 optional specification offered for visceral open cockpit sports car
  • Meticulously crafted details pay homage to 1959 Le Mans winning original   
  • 88 examples of the Aston Martin V12 Speedster to be built

28 April 2021, Gaydon, UK: Aston Martin is revealing today more details of its forthcoming V12 Speedster – the open cockpit celebration of the British luxury sports car brand’s proud past and exciting future.

Just 88 examples of the Aston Martin V12 Speedster are available to buyers worldwide and today the brand is unveiling details of a custom specification that is certain to underscore the cars’ instant collector’s item status.

The new car aligns gracefully with a heritage that features not only the exceptional DBR1, but also the breathtaking CC100 which was unveiled in 2013 as a stunning celebration of Aston Martin’s century of sports car excellence – reflecting the sporting heritage and exceptional design capability woven throughout well over 100 years of Aston Martin history.

The DBR1 is, to date, the most successful racing machine constructed by Aston Martin, having triumphed in the 1959 staging of both the 24 hours of Le Mans and the 1,000 km of Nürburgring, also winning the latter in 1957 and 1958.

After its debut in 1956 the DBR1 recorded a string of famous victories, including at the Spa Sportscar Race (1957, Tony Brooks); the Goodwood Tourist Trophy (1958, Sir Stirling Moss, Tony Brookes; 1959, Sir Stirling Moss, Carroll Shelby, Jack Fairman); and the 1000 Km at the Nurburgring (1959, Sir Stirling Moss and Jack Fairman) in the same year as that famous Le Mans triumph which culminated in Aston Martin taking the World Sportscar Championship.


Although a car made for competitive racing, the DBR1 was also a precursor for some of the marque’s most well-known heritage ‘DB’ road cars. It was styled in-house by a highly talented designer, Frank Feeley, and, working alongside Chief Racing Designer Ted Cutting, represents what is unquestionably his ‘finest hour’ – indeed the shape of the DBR1 remains one of the most beautiful and graceful of all time.

At the car’s heart from 1958 onwards lay a 2,992 cc straight six engine mated to a David Brown five-speed gearbox. It was capable of powering this c. 800 kg sports car to an estimated top speed in excess of 150 mph.

Produced as a pure racing model – not directly derived from a road car – just five examples of DBR1 were built: four used to such commanding effect by the Aston Martin Works’ team, and a single car for private use.

With such a rich and important history it’s no surprise, then, that the brand should choose to create a dedicated optional DBR1 specification for it’s new V12 Speedster.

Featuring cleverly integrated custom elements reminiscent of the Le Mans winning race car, the Aston Martin V12 Speedster DBR1 specification offers highlights such as the iconic Aston
Martin Racing Green paint finish, Clubsport White pinstripe and roundels, a Satin Silver anodised grille with Clubsport lipstick graphic, Conker saddle leather and Viridian Green technical textile/Caithness leather. All these features hint at the period attributes that made DBR1 the undisputed icon it remains today.

Unique Aston Martin Racing Green driver and passenger helmets sit under transparent ‘windows’, while solid silver ‘wings’ badges glint beneath transparent enamel. The finely judged application of gloss carbon fibre, Caithness Green leather and satin silver brushed aluminium switchgear in the V12 Speedster’s open cabin underline the tasteful homage to a true motoring great.

Satin black diamond turned 21-inch centre lock wheels are a feature of this specialist specification, which each Aston Martin V12 Speedster spending more than 50 hours in the painting process alone at the brand’s advanced paint facility.

Outlining the rationale behind this V12 Speedster tribute specification, Aston Martin Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman said: “Emotion and exclusivity are at the heart of this car. A rare and exceptional Aston Martin, It has  been engineered to offer a visceral driving experience that belies its elegant, artistic shape.
 
“Creating a bespoke specification that nods to the glory of the DBR1 has been a huge privilege for my team and I, and I very much look forward to seeing these cars being driven with the same enthusiasm that we have applied to their design.”

At the new car’s heart lies a high-performance variant of Aston Martin’s now iconic, 5.2-litre V12 Twin-Turbo engine, capable of generating an output of around 700 PS and 753 Nm. Offering a compelling breadth of performance, superb response and thrilling V12 soundtrack, the engine is mated to a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission mounted towards the rear of the car.

This translates into a 0-62 mph time in the order of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 198 mph – no mean feat in a car devoid of roof or windscreen.

Orders are now being taken for the DBR1 custom V12 Speedsters, each being hand built at the company’s Gaydon headquarters, with deliveries expected to begin in mid 2021.

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SPOFEC ROLLS ROYCE WRAITH BLACK BADGE OVERDOSE

SPOFEC ROLLS ROYCE

WRAITH OVERDOSE BLACK BADGE

 

Black, wide, powerful and exclusive: SPOFEC offers a strictly limited edition of only three SPOFEC OVERDOSE models worldwide based on the Rolls-Royce Black Badge Wraith.

The thrilling looks of this GT are coined by the spectacular widebody version with components made of carbon and 22-inch SPOFEC SP2 hi-tech forged wheels, which Vossen produces especially for this supercar. The coupe’s twelve-cylinder twin-turbo powerplant is uprated to 527 kW / 717 hp peak power and a peak torque of 986 Nm. This enables the OVERDOSE to sprint from rest to 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds. In addition, there is a lowering module for the air suspension, which lowers the ride height of the two-door by about 40 millimeters.

SPOFEC ROLLS ROYCE WRAITH BLACK BADGE OVERDOSE

Black, wide, powerful and exclusive: SPOFEC offers a strictly limited edition of only three SPOFEC OVERDOSE models worldwide based on the Rolls-Royce Black Badge Wraith. The thrilling looks of this GT are coined by the spectacular widebody version with components made of carbon and 22-inch SPOFEC SP2 hi-tech forged wheels, which Vossen produces especially for this supercar. The coupe’s twelve-cylinder twin-turbo powerplant is uprated to 527 kW / 717 hp peak power and a peak torque of 986 Nm. This enables the OVERDOSE to sprint from rest to 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds. In addition, there is a lowering module for the air suspension, which lowers the ride height of the two-door by about 40 millimeters.

SPOFEC refines all current Rolls-Royce models. The brand name is composed of the first letters of the “SPirit OF Ecstasy,” the legendary radiator figure of the luxury cars from Goodwood. For the Black Badge Wraith, the German automotive refinement specialist is creating an OVERDOSE Limited Edition of just three cars. The carbon widebody that gives this supercar its name was shaped in cooperation with German designer Vittorio Strosek. The hi-tech compound from Formula 1 racing offers a perfect combination of low weight and high strength, while the high-end finish of these composite components guarantees a flawless fit and surface quality as well as optimal paintability. The wider front and rear fenders are instantly fascinating.

They give the 2+2-seater a width of 208 centimeters at the rear axle, surpassing the production car by 13 centimeters. To this end, SPOFEC developed curved extensions for the rear sidewalls, which seamlessly attach to the production bodywork. They create space for concave 10.5Jx22 forged wheels, which are fitted with high-performance tires of size 295/30 ZR 22. To match the vehicle, the SPOFEC SP2 wheels featuring nine pairs of double-spokes and a large cover that conceals the wheel bolts are painted black. US company Vossen, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of hi-tech wheels, is responsible for the design and production. The OVERDOSE front fenders create the space required to install 9.5Jx22 wheels fitted with 265/35 ZR 22 tires. The fenders replace the production components in their entirety and add seven centimeters to the width of the Wraith at the front.

Special rocker panels create a perfect transition between the front and rear OVERDOSE fenders. What is more, they also emphasize the thrilling wasp waist and give the British luxury coupe an even lower and sleeker stance. An air intake on each side supplies the rear brakes with cooling air. The automotive refinement specialist also developed special SPOFEC OVERDOSE fascias for the wider front and rear fenders, which completely replace the production bumpers. The carbon front fascia not only gives the Wraith an even more striking face, it also reduces front-axle lift at high speeds. The OVERDOSE rear bumper likewise is a perfect fit with the two fender flares, giving the fastback a decidedly sporty look from the rear as well. A naked-carbon spoiler lip on the trunk lid can round off the athletic look. The SPOFEC performance upgrade is available to make the Rolls-Royce Black Badge Wraith’s 6.6-liter twin-turbo twelve-cylinder even livelier. The processor-driven N-TRONIC module controls the engine with special mapping for injection and ignition and increases the boost pressure as well. With an output of 527 kW / 717 hp at 5,700 rpm and a peak torque of 986 Nm, on tap at a low 1,800 rpm, the upgraded luxury coupe slings itself from zero – 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds. The top speed remains electronically limited to 250 km/h due to the high vehicle weight. The optimized power delivery of the V12 over the entire rev range ensures an even more superior driving experience. The SPOFEC OVERDOSE also offers a further plus when it comes to agile handling. To this end, the SPOFEC chassis engineers developed a special control module for the production air suspension. It lowers the ride height of the coupe by around 40 millimeters up to a speed of 140 km/h. At speeds higher than that, the body is automatically raised back up to the original level. SPOFEC also individualizes the interior of the Rolls-Royce Coupe by customer request.

www.novitecgroup.com

 

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“Porsche Unseen” provides a glimpse of unreleased concept cars
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“Porsche Unseen” provides a glimpse of unreleased concept cars

“Porsche Unseen” provides a glimpse of unreleased concept cars

Stuttgart, Germany. Under the title “Porsche Unseen”, Porsche is for the first time publishing design studies from 2005 to 2019 which have until now been kept under lock and key. The sports car manufacturer is showing spectacular visions of 15 different cars. The early studies cover the segments “Spin-offs“, “Little rebels“, “Hyper cars“ and “What’s next?”. In this way, Porsche is offering an exclusive insight into its design process – from the very first drawing to the finished model ready for series production.

“Porsche Unseen” provides a glimpse of unreleased concept cars

“Porsche Unseen” provides a glimpse of unreleased concept cars

“People all over the world love the timeless and innovative design of our sports cars,” says Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board at Porsche AG. “Visionary concept studies are the foundation of this success: they provide the pool of ideas for the Porsche design of tomorrow, and combine our strong tradition with trailblazing future technologies.”

“Porsche Unseen” provides a glimpse of unreleased concept cars

“Porsche Unseen” provides a glimpse of unreleased concept cars

The previously unpublished design studies are being presented exclusively by the Porsche Newsroom in a series of articles. The 911:Magazine web TV format has also dedicated an episode to selected studies and examines the connection between the studies and the current production models together with Porsche Chief Designer Michael Mauer. For fans of the brand, the book entitled “Porsche Unseen” is released today by the Delius Klasing publishing house. Interested readers are given a detailed look behind the scenes of Style Porsche. A selection of studies will also be on display later for fans to admire live: the Porsche Museum will be integrating the models in the exhibition in 2021.


The design process: from the first drawing to the drivable prototype
The design process starts with a sketch. This is visualised in the next step as a 3D model. As soon as an idea is to be developed further, small models are produced in a scale of 1:3, then followed by hard models in the scale 1:1. “The virtual world is the first step, but you especially have to experience the unusual models in reality in order to understand whether a car has small, large or surprising proportions,” says Michael Mauer, Vice President Style Porsche. In contrast to the development of a production model where several models are always developed with different styling formats, the vision projects, on the other hand, concentrate on a single vision model which serves as a protagonist for the central idea.


“Porsche intentionally has just a single design studio – located in the direct proximity of development,” says Michael Mauer. “Weissach is our epicentre. Instead of opening advanced design studios in the distant metropolises of North America and Asia, our designers come from all over the world to Porsche in Weissach in order to create the latest production sports cars and automotive visions at the heart of the brand. More than 120 designers, experts for interior, exterior, colours and materials, model builders, modellers and study engineers work in the Porsche Design Studio.

“Porsche Unseen” provides a glimpse of unreleased concept cars

“Porsche Unseen” provides a glimpse of unreleased concept cars

The design studies: on a journey of the mind into the future of mobility
“When it comes to the visions we develop, it is not about bringing every car onto the road. Instead, it is more a question of establishing creative space and a relationship with the future,” says Michael Mauer when describing the design process and adds: “There are two possibilities for continuing to develop as a brand: either you improve your products from the present, that is to say step-by-step. However, it is difficult to be really innovative in this process. Or you give free rein to your creativity. The idea is to let your thoughts jump to the day after tomorrow, and to then move back from there to tomorrow.”

Based on this idea, Porsche develops the product and brand identity which characterises and secures the appearance of all models in the long term. The design language for future models develops from the long-term vision. In this process, the higher-level goal is to combine the Porsche design DNA with state-of-the-art vehicle engineering. On the one hand, this secures the innovative capability of future Porsche models and, on the other, also provides an evolutionary reference to the rich history of Porsche. A closer look at some examples:

The Porsche 919 Street (2017; 1:1 clay model) was developed on the basis of the technology used in the Porsche 919 Hybrid, promising to make the exhilarating driving experience of the LMP1 race car available to amateur drivers. Under the outer shell are the carbon monocoque and powerful 900 PS hybrid racing drivetrain that helped the Porsche 919 to achieve numerous victories at Le Mans. The dimensions and wheelbase were also the same as on the race car.

With its spartan, puristic cockpit, the characteristic radiator grilles over the mid engine, red graphic elements and the suggested fins at the rear, the compact Porsche Vision Spyder (2019; 1:1 hard model) clearly calls to mind the Porsche 550-1500 RS Spyder from 1954. At the same time, the study was intended to further develop the design identity of Porsche and provide a pool of ideas for future details – for example, the ultra-modern roll bar.


The Porsche vision “Renndienst” (2018; 1:1 hard model) is the free interpretation of a family-friendly space concept for up to six persons. The design team designed a futuristic “space shuttle“ with exciting proportions. The study shows how the Porsche design DNA with its characteristic surface modelling can be transferred to an unknown vehicle segment for the brand. In the interior, passengers find a comfortable and modular travel cabin. The driver sits in a central driver’s seat. The all-electric drive technology is located in the underbody. As a result, passengers can enjoy an unexpectedly generous space and travel experience combined with Porsche-like flair.

The book “Porsche Unseen” is now available from retailers with the ISBN number 978-3-667-11980-3. The design studies are presented in detail over 328 pages with impressive photos from Stefan Bogner and informative text by Jan Karl Baedeker. It is published by Delius Klasing Verlag and is also available in the Porsche Museum shop.

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بوجاتي بوليد – ماذا لو …

طورت Bugatti سيارة رياضية فائقة السرعة تركز على الحلبة مع نسبة وزن إلى قوة غير مسبوقة تبلغ 0.67 كجم فقط لكل PS؟

مخفضة ، خام ، أصيلة. من خلال المفهوم التكنولوجي لسيارة Bugatti Bolide1 ، تقدم الشركة الفرنسية المصنعة للسيارات الفاخرة الآن إجابة على سؤال ماذا لو قامت Bugatti ببناء سيارة خفيفة بشكل جذري حول محركها الأيقوني W16 سعة 8.0 لتر؟ الدراسة التجريبية لسيارة Bugatti Bolide هي سيارة رياضية فائقة السرعة موجهة إلى حلبات السباق تتميز بمحرك W16 مشتق من سلسلة الإنتاج مثل مجموعة نقل الحركة مقترنة بهيكل ضئيل للحصول على أقصى قوة سفلية. لذلك تعد بتقديم أفضل أداء بوجاتي.

الفكرة – ماذا لو؟ تجربة.

“تمثل Bugatti السعي المستمر للابتكارات التكنولوجية – بما يتماشى مع قيم العلامة التجارية للشركة المتمثلة في التميز والشجاعة والتفاني. و Bugatti لا تقف مكتوفة الأيدي. نحن نهدف دائمًا إلى أهداف جديدة ومثيرة ، والسؤال الذي نضعه دائمًا في الاعتبار هو: ماذا لو؟ ” يقول ستيفان وينكلمان ، رئيس بوجاتي.

“سألنا أنفسنا كيف يمكننا أن ندرك محرك W16 العظيم كرمز تقني للعلامة التجارية في أنقى صورها – بأربع عجلات فقط ، ومحرك ، وعلبة تروس ، وعجلة قيادة ، وباعتبارها الرفاهية الوحيدة ، مقعدان. كانت الجوانب المهمة لاعتباراتنا هي ضبط مجموعة نقل الحركة الأيقونية لدينا دون أي قيود فيما يتعلق بنسبة الوزن إلى القوة. نتج عن هذه الاعتبارات بوجاتي بوليد. تجربة لا هوادة فيها ، أصيلة ، Pur Sang ، في تفردها الغاشم ، تثير الإعجاب قبل كل شيء بالأداء العالي والوزن المنخفض وتجربة القيادة في بُعد جديد تمامًا. قيادة Bolide مثل الركوب على قذيفة مدفع “.

التكنولوجيا – مجموعة نقل الحركة مصممة خصيصًا لحلبات السباق

“Bolide هي الإجابة النهائية على السؤال حول ماذا لو قامت Bugatti ببناء سيارة رياضية فائقة السرعة تركز على المضمار وتفي بمتطلبات السلامة في الاتحاد الدولي للسيارات. تم تصميمه حول مجموعة نقل الحركة W16 مع أقل بنية للجسم وبيانات أداء لا تصدق. النتيجة: أصغر هيكل ممكن لمركبة ذات أداء مذهل تتيح لـ W16 أن تصبح حقًا بمفردها “، يشرح ستيفان إلروت ، عضو مجلس إدارة بوجاتي ورئيس التطوير التقني. “تم تكثيف كل خبرة بوجاتي في Bugatti Bolide. لذلك فهي مصدر معلومات مبتكر لتقنيات المستقبل. وبالتالي فإن بولييد هو أكثر من مجرد تمرين فكري.

يقول فرانك جوتزكي: “فيما يتعلق بالتكنولوجيا والتنظيم ، كان Bolide أحد أكثر المشاريع طموحًا في مسيرتي المهنية”. بعد أن لعب دورًا حاسمًا في تطوير Veyron 16.4 و Chiron، كان المهندس مسؤولًا أيضًا عن المفهوم التقني لبولييد. في غضون ثمانية أشهر فقط ، ابتكر سيارة جديدة تمامًا حول مجموعة نقل الحركة المعروفة جيدًا بوجاتي W16 ، والتي تم تعديلها بشكل كبير للمشروع.

 

يُعد المحرك ذو الأسطوانة W16 سعة 8.0 لتر بقوة 1850 حصانًا وعزم الدوران 1850 نيوتن مترًا في قلبه. صممت بوجاتي محرك الأقراص خصيصًا للاستخدام على مضمار السباق وحسنت المحرك وعلبة التروس على وجه الخصوص من أجل سرعات أعلى للمحرك. يتضمن ذلك ، من بين أمور أخرى ، فك نظام السحب والعادم لتحقيق خاصية استجابة أسرع وأكثر عفوية وشديدة. تم تجهيز الشواحن التوربينية الأربعة المطورة حديثًا بشفرات مُحسَّنة من أجل زيادة ضغط الدعم والطاقة عند سرعات المحرك الأعلى. من أجل تحقيق التشحيم الأمثل حتى في ظل قوى الطرد المركزي العالية للغاية ، تم تحسين دائرة الزيت ، وضغط الزيت ، وصمامات الفحص ، والحواجز ، وخزانات الزيت ، وخزانات الزيت ، وتصميم المضخة لتزييت الحوض الجاف. يتم أيضًا تقليل وزن نظام القيادة بشكل كبير في نفس الوقت.

بدلاً من التبريد البيني من الماء إلى الهواء ، تتمتع Bugatti Bolide بتبريد داخلي من الهواء إلى الهواء مع التبريد المسبق بالماء لتحقيق الأداء الأمثل على مضمار السباق. يتم التدفق من الأمام عبر مجرى هواء داخلي وآخر خارجي على كل جانب من جوانب السيارة. يوفر مبردا الماء ، اللذان تم ترتيبهما أمام المحور الأمامي ، نظام مشعاع أكثر فاعلية من حيث التدفق مما هو معتاد حتى في الصيغة 1. ثلاثة مبردات زيت مبردة بالهواء للمحرك وناقل الحركة والتفاضل بالماء مسبقًا يقلل التبريد من درجة الحرارة حتى في دورات السباق ذات المتطلبات الديناميكية. تعمل الضواغط الشعاعية المروحية من التيتانيوم الكربوني المطورة حديثًا والهجينة على تهوية وتبريد نظام مكابح السباق عالي الأداء.

1850 PS و 1240 كجم – نسبة الوزن إلى القوة 0.67 كجم / PS

من أجل تحقيق وزن جاف يبلغ 1240 كجم ، تم سحب جميع المحطات فيما يتعلق بالمواد وعمليات الإنتاج المستخدمة ، سواء من حيث ما هو ممكن حاليًا وما سيكون ممكنًا في المستقبل.

كل البراغي وعناصر التثبيت في Bolide مصنوعة بالكامل من التيتانيوم. بالإضافة إلى ذلك ، يتم استخدام مكونات وظيفية مجوفة رقيقة الجدران مصنوعة من سبائك التيتانيوم الفضائية في العديد من الأماكن. تنشأ هذه الطابعة من طابعة ثلاثية الأبعاد وهي رقيقة للغاية بسماكة جدار تصل إلى 0.5 ملم. ومع ذلك ، فهي لا تزال مستقرة للغاية مع قوة شد تبلغ 1250 نيوتن لكل مليمتر مربع. تجمع المكونات الهجينة ، مثل عمود التشغيل الإضافي الذي يبلغ طوله 0.5 مترًا ، بين ألياف الكربون عالية القوة والألياف شديدة الصلابة مع تركيبات نهائية من التيتانيوم مطبوعة ثلاثية الأبعاد ويمكنها تحمل درجة حرارة تشغيل مستمرة تصل إلى 260 درجة مئوية. في هذا المثال ، يؤدي هذا إلى تقليل الوزن بحوالي النصف إلى 1.5 كيلوغرام ، وبسبب تقليل الكتل الدوارة ، يزيد من قدرة المحرك على سرعة الدوران في نفس الوقت. يتم نقل القوى المؤثرة على الأجنحة الأمامية والخلفية بواسطة عناصر تيتانيوم خفيفة الوزن ولكنها شديدة الصلابة. يبلغ وزنها 600 جرام فقط في المقدمة و 325 جرامًا في الخلف.

الابتكار العالمي هو الجلد الخارجي القابل للتحويل لمغرفة السحب الموجودة على السطح ، والتي توفر تحسينًا نشطًا لتدفق الهواء. إذا تم قيادة السيارة بسرعة بطيئة ، فإن سطح المجرفة يظل أملسًا. في المقابل ، ينتفخ مجال من الفقاعات عند القيادة بسرعات عالية. هذا يقلل من السحب الديناميكي الهوائي للمغرفة بنسبة 10 بالمائة ويضمن انخفاضًا بنسبة 17 بالمائة في قوى الرفع. بالإضافة إلى ذلك ، تم تحسين التدفق إلى الجناح الخلفي. عند سرعة 320 كم / ساعة ، تبلغ القوة السفلية 1800 كجم في الجناح الخلفي و 800 كجم في الجناح الأمامي.

كما هو الحال في الفورمولا 1 ، يتباطأ Bolide مع مكابح السباق بأقراص وطلاءات من السيراميك. تزن ملاقط الفرامل 2.4 كجم فقط لكل منها. تزن الحافات الأمامية المصنوعة من المغنيسيوم المزودة بقفل مركزي 7.4 كجم ، بينما تزن الإطارات الخلفية 8.4 كجم – مع حجم إطار عريض جدًا يبلغ 340 ملم على المحور الأمامي و 400 ملم على المحور الخلفي (تشيرون: 285 ملم في الأمام و 355 ملم في الخلف). يعمل نظام الرافعة الذي يعمل بالهواء المضغوط مع أربعة مكابس على تسهيل تغيير الإطارات ، ويسمح نظام التزود بالوقود السريع بإعادة التزود بالوقود بالضغط.

من بين أمور أخرى ، يضمن نظام حركية قضيب الدفع مع مخمدات أفقية معالجة دقيقة. يتم ترتيب خزانات الزيت داخل المخمدات ، مما يحسن الديناميكا الهوائية. يبلغ وزن قضبان الدفع 100 جرام فقط ، وقد تم تصميمها كهيكل خفيف الوزن من التيتانيوم ذو جدران رقيقة ومُحسّن للتدفق مع حمل مشبك يبلغ 3.5 طن ، وهو ما يتوافق مع وزن جاف يبلغ تقريبًا اثنين من Chirons. تتمتع أذرع التحكم الملحومة المصنوعة من الفولاذ المقاوم للصدأ من الدرجة الفضائية بقوة شد تبلغ 1200 نيوتن لكل مليمتر مربع ، كما أنها مصممة أيضًا كمقاطع جانبية للجناح.

أحادي خفيف مصنوع من الكربون

طور فريق Bugatti لوحة أحادية خفيفة مصنوعة من الكربون حول محرك الأقراص. كما تم تصنيع الواجهة الأمامية المتكاملة ذات الحواف من ألياف الكربون عالية القوة ، مثلها مثل الهيكل السفلي الفعال من الناحية الديناميكية الهوائية والهيكل الأحادي نفسه. تبلغ قوة شد الألياف المفردة للألياف 6750 نيوتن لكل مليمتر مربع ، وتبلغ صلابة الألياف الواحدة 350 ألف نيوتن لكل مليمتر مربع. هذه تمثل الأرقام التي تم التوصل إليها فقط في صناعة الطيران. يوفر الإطار الخلفي ، المصمم كمجموعة فولاذية ملحومة ، أقصى مقاومة شد تبلغ 1200 نيوتن لكل مليمتر مربع ، على الرغم من سماكة الجدار التي لا تزيد عن 1 ملم – وهذا ممكن من خلال استخدام الفولاذ المقاوم للصدأ عالي القوة ، والذي يكون بخلاف ذلك فقط المستخدمة في الطيران.

مع ارتفاع إجمالي يبلغ 995 ملم فقط ، فإن Bugatti Bolide هي بالضبط نفس ارتفاع Bugatti Type 35 التاريخي ، اعتمادًا على عجلة القيادة والزجاج الأمامي المقطوع ، وحوالي 300 ملم أكثر تسطحًا من Chiron. يبلغ طول قاعدة العجلات 2.75 متر وعرضها 1.99 متر. كما هو الحال في سيارات السباق LMP1 ، يقوم الركاب بطي الأبواب المفصلية في المقدمة بزاوية ، والجلوس على عتبة لا يزيد عرضها عن 70 ملم ، كما هو الحال في النوع 35 ، ثم وضع أقدامهم في الداخل. بفضل جدار جانبي يقل بحوالي 150 ملم عن جدار النوع 35 ، فإن الإجراء سريع وسهل – للسائقين حتى ارتفاع جسم يصل إلى مترين.

يتم ضمان السلامة من خلال معدات السلامة المصممة وفقًا للوائح الاتحاد الدولي للسيارات. وتشمل هذه التوافق مع جهاز HANS ، ونظام إطفاء حريق أوتوماتيكي ، وجهاز سحب ، وإعادة التزود بالوقود بالضغط مع مثانة وقود ، وأقفال مركزية للعجلات ، ونوافذ خفيفة الوزن من البولي كربونات ، ونظام تسخير من ست نقاط. تم تصميم الأرضيات الجانبية أحادية الهيكل المزودة بأنابيب تبريد كربونية مدمجة في نفس الوقت لتكون هياكل صدمات جانبية وتقوية هيكلية للأحادية. يمكن للسائق رؤية جميع البيانات ذات الصلة على شاشة عرض رياضة السيارات. للحصول على وضع جلوس مثالي ، يمكن تحريك كل من الدواسات ومسند قدم الراكب بمقدار 150 ملم.

التصميم – جوهر الشكل يتبع الأداء

الدراسة التجريبية لسيارة Bugatti Bolide هي أيضًا مشروع خاص جدًا لأخيم أنشيدت ، مدير التصميم في بوجاتي. “خلال 16 عامًا في Bugatti ، لم أعمل مطلقًا على مفهوم أكثر تطرفًا.” تم تصميم تصميم Bolide بشكل جذري لفكرة البناء خفيف الوزن ، وبالتالي فإن مبدأ التصميم يتبع الهدف الرئيسي المتمثل في تحقيق نسبة وزن إلى قوة رائعة تبلغ 0.67 كجم لكل PS.

“إنها المرة الأولى التي يتمتع فيها فريقي بحرية ابتكار تصميم بسيط للغاية حول محرك W16. والنتيجة هي النسبة الأكثر استفزازًا لسيارة بوجاتي الحديثة على الإطلاق والجوهر المقطر لروح تصميم بوجاتي التي يتبع الشكل الأداء “، كما يقول أنشيدت. “بوجاتي بولييد ، مع ذلك ، مشروع مدفوع تقنيًا أكثر من كونه مصممًا بالأسلوب.”

كان التحدي الأسلوبي هو تحويل المتطلبات الثابتة للديناميكا الهوائية والبناء الخفيف الوزن إلى جمالية تعكس الحمض النووي الفريد من نوعه بوجاتي ، ولكن في الوقت نفسه يوضح الطموح المتمثل في نسبة وزن إلى قوة رائعة. المظهر العام تهيمن عليه مجاري الهواء التي تذكرنا بسيارات سباق الفورمولا 1 المتطورة ديناميكيًا أكثر من السيارات الرياضية الكلاسيكية. تعد الواجهة الأمامية التي تبدو وكأنها تخريمية ونصف مفتوحة مثالًا صارخًا على الجمع بين خبرة مجاري الهواء ومتطلبات البناء خفيفة الوزن والديناميكيات الجمالية.

يتضح التأثير الدراماتيكي للنسب الإجمالية من خلال الارتفاع الإجمالي المناسب للديناميكيات الهوائية البالغ 995 ملم فقط. تسمح مقاعد السائق الرياضية الفائقة بالشكل المنخفض المتدلي لطائرة تحلق على ارتفاع منخفض. لذلك ليس من المستغرب أن يستحضر مظهر Bugatti Bolide ما يسمى بـ X-planes لتاريخ الطيران ويظهر توقيع X واضحًا من كل منظور. يذكرنا بشكل غير مباشر بالطائرة النفاثة Bell X-1 التي كان يقودها الكابتن تشارلز “تشاك” ييغر عام 1947 ، وهو أول شخص يكسر حاجز الصوت بسرعة 1.06 ماخ. تتميز سيارة بوجاتي بوليد “X-periment” بشكل سيارة سباق محسّنة ديناميكيًا لا هوادة فيها وتقدم أداءً رياضيًا فائقًا – دون أي تلميح من الفخامة.

كما هو الحال مع سيارات Bugatti الأخرى ، يستخدم فريق تصميم Bugatti أيضًا تقسيم اللون في Bolide. مقارنة بالنماذج الأخرى ، تزداد حصة أجزاء الكربون المرئية بنسبة تصل إلى 60 بالمائة. تم طلاء حوالي 40 بالمائة فقط من الأسطح – في إعادة تفسير للعبة French Racing Blue التاريخية.

“منذ خمسة عشر عامًا ، نجحت بوجاتي في إنشاء شريحة جديدة مع Veyron 16.4: فئة السيارة الرياضية الفائقة الفائقة. مع إطلاق Chiron في عام 2016 ، قمنا بتطوير هذا القطاع بشكل منهجي. تشهد النماذج على القوة والأناقة ، حيث تجمع بشكل فريد بين التكنولوجيا والتصميم والفخامة والجودة في تركيبة غير معروفة حتى الآن “، يوضح أنشيدت. “في المقابل ، فإن Bugatti Bolide متمردة تمامًا. من الواضح أن هدفها الوحيد هو نقل القوة النقية لمحرك W16 بشكل بصري وتقني خالٍ من الغش. مخففة ، خام ، وأصلية – مثل الساشيمي الطازج “.

الحمض النووي – بوجاتي نوع 35

مع النوع 35 ، أنتجت بوجاتي واحدة من أنجح سيارات السباق على الإطلاق. حققت السيارة الرياضية المكشوفة أكثر من 2000 انتصار بين عامي 1924 و 1930. واليوم ، يعد الطراز 35 أسطورة في تاريخ السباقات. لقد كان لا يضاهى من حيث التكنولوجيا والتصميم والأداء في وقته – ولا يزال حتى اليوم. استخدم Ettore Bugatti محمل أسطواني مزدوج وآلية كرنك ثلاثية الكرات لأول مرة. سمح ذلك للمحرك بالدوران بسرعة تصل إلى 6000 دورة في الدقيقة لتحريك المكابس الثمانية. زاد اثنان من الكربورات الطاقة إلى 95 PS. باستخدام هذا المحرك ، تمكنت السيارات الأولى من النوع 35 من الوصول إلى سرعات تزيد عن 190 كم / ساعة. في الطرازات التطورية من النوع 35 B الأحدث بمحرك سعة 2.3 لتر وضاغط ثماني الأسطوانات ، زاد خرج الطاقة إلى 140 حصانًا ، وحققت بوجاتي سرعة قصوى تزيد عن 215 كم / ساعة.

بالإضافة إلى قوتها المذهلة ، اشتهرت المحركات في المقام الأول بموثوقيتها وقدرتها على التحمل. وخفتهم. لم يتنازل Ettore Bugatti عندما يتعلق الأمر ببناء خفيف الوزن وأفضل قابلية قيادة ممكنة. قام بتطوير عجلات خاصة ذات حركة سلسة لتقليل الكتل غير المعلقة ، ونتيجة لذلك ، تحسين استجابة التعليق. يزن المحور الأمامي الجديد المجوف والمطروق 10 كيلوغرامات فقط ومع ذلك كان لا يزال مستقرًا. تزن Bugatti Type 35 الجاهزة للسباق حوالي 750 كجم فقط. تحفة من حيث نسبة الوزن إلى القوة.

الحكم – مسار المنحى أصيل من العصر الحديث

Bugatti Bolide هو المفهوم التكنولوجي الذي لا مثيل له لسيارة Bugatti الرياضية الفائقة التي تركز على الحلبة. يضمن الجمع بين 1850 PS و 1240 كجم من الوزن الجاف نسبة لا تصدق من الوزن إلى القوة. هذا يضع Bolide بمحركها W16 في القمة المطلقة من حيث محركات الاحتراق المستخدمة في هندسة السيارات. “لأول مرة ، نعرض ما يمكن لمحرك W16 فعله حقًا. لقد حررنا السيارة من جميع الأمتعة وقمنا بتوضيح ودمج المحرك مع أخف هيكل ممكن لإنشاء سيارة بوجاتي المطلقة ولضمان تجربة القيادة المطلقة. مع Bolide ، نقدم تفسيرنا لسيارة Bugatti في العصر الحديث لعشاق Bugatti في جميع أنحاء العالم ، وأخيراً نجعل أمنياتهم الأكثر حماسة تتحقق “، يوضح ستيفان وينكلمان.

لم يتم تحديد ما إذا كانت Bugatti Bolide ستدخل في سلسلة الإنتاج أم لا.

 

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2020 TUATARA HYPERCARS

2020 TUATARA HYPERCARS DEBUT

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA

The SSC Tuatara is a hypercar that alters reality on several automotive design and engineering fronts. The Tuatara project, code named “Exceed”, began in 2009, when SSC North America Founder and CEO Jerod Shelby began to look to the future for a successor to the company’s record-breaking SSC Ultimate Aero, which held the Guinness World Record for Fastest Production Car in the World from 2007 to 2010. From there, he assembled a collaboration of industry leading individuals and firms to enhance the SSC engineering team.

“The team had to reflect the achievements that we set out to accomplish, which is why we gathered the best in the industry to push the vision of the Tuatara forward. The team has not only achieved that original vision, but has surpassed it by an incredible margin.” – Jerod Shelby, CEO / Lead Designer

The body and aerodynamics of the Tuatara were designed in collaboration with world renowned automotive designer Jason Castriota. Penning the design of legacy brand automobiles such as Maserati and Ferrari, his insight into timeless and striking form would help move the SSC brand forward with a hypercar design that would endure the test of time. Likewise, the science of aerodynamics and thermal efficiency had to not only blend seamlessly into the artful exterior, but be pushed to new limits, ensuring an unparalleled coefficient of drag.

“The resulting aerodynamics package sets the Tuatara apart from our competitors. Not only does the car boast a class leading 0.279 drag coefficient, but also maintains an identical aero balance from 100 mph to well over 300 mph, resulting in an incredibly stable and predictable car that instills absolute confidence in the driver.” – Jason Castriota

Beneath the carbon fiber skin of the Tuatara is a robust carbon fiber monocoque, engineered with safety, durability, performance, and aesthetics in mind. The monocoque brings all of the critical sub-assemblies together into an aggregated form, as well as contours to the shape of the ergonomic cockpit surrounding the driver and passenger. Composed entirely of carbon fiber, the light weight frame provides uncompromising safety thanks to its systematic crash structures and durable design. The beautiful carbon fiber composition was not left to be unnoticed, as exposed areas of the monocoque are visible, both subtly and notably across the car. For over a century, Washington State has been a global leader in aerospace innovation. SSC North America tapped into this extraordinary potential by collaborating with aerospace design firms and suppliers based in Washington that could provide carbon fiber components that meet the strict aerospace standards. Further collaboration between the SSC engineering team and Nevada based Customs Factory bolstered the design, engineering, and development of the lightweight Tuatara skeleton, an all carbon work of art leading the hypercar industry for safety and performance.

Jerod and his team at SSC North America are founded on the pursuit of extreme performance. As such, the vision of the Tuatara embodied creating a hypercar with unprecedented power, speed, and versatility. Furthermore, the powerplant had to be as unique as the Tuatara itself and the driving experience it affords. SSC North America engineers started from the ground up, designing a bespoke engine in collaboration with Tom Nelson of Nelson Racing Engines. From a groundbreaking intake system, to a unique flat-plane crank configuration, to a form so exceptional it is designated as a work of automotive art, the SSC Twin Turbo V8 revolutionizes the potential of hypercar powerplants. Producing 1,350 horsepower with 91 octane or a massive 1,750 horsepower with E85, the SSC V8 pairs with a CIMA 7 speed transmission, integrated with a state-of-the-art Automac AMT system, providing sub-100 millisecond shifting capabilities in Track Mode.

After two decades of achieving top tier performance, one of the most underestimated goals and achievements of SSC North America is the diversity of drivability that SSC hypercars deliver. The aggressive capabilities of the Tuatara may be apparent through the astonishing aerodynamics and power it boasts, but the vision of the car was to achieve the rare ability for the car to transform its capabilities at the touch of a button. Integrated into the Tuatara are advanced automated systems, granting the driver the ability to completely alter the suspension, ride height, handling, acceleration, shifting, and overall drivability. Sport Mode, the default configuration, sets the car at 4.0″ front and 4.5″ rear ride height, as well as a transmission configuration to allow for docile shifting for ease of operation and city street environments. Track Mode lowers the ride height to 2.74″ front and 3.25″ rear, adjusts the geometry of the suspension for extreme track-level handling, substantially increased shift responsiveness, and dynamically activating a rear wing control surface, adjusting pitch and height based on speed to maintain deliberate airflow and balanced precision downforce. While braking, the active rear wing deflects accordingly, spoiling the airflow and delivering superior braking capabilities. Front Lift Mode offers convenience in situations that would otherwise limit the low ride height of the Tuatara. The front suspension is lifted an additional 40mm, allowing for clearance over speed bumps or other raised surfaces. Ease of transport is achieved through this adjusted ride height as well.

With an extreme level of performance at the driver’s disposal, operator and passenger comfort and connectivity is key to the unprecedented experience that the Tuatara has to offer. Dihedral opening doors offer both spacious cab egress and stunning curbside attraction, as well as ease of use. At the press of a button, the hydraulically actuated doors open effortlessly, welcoming the individual to a well appointed cockpit. Safety is immediately apparent as exposed carbon fiber encases the cab. Each and every detail of the pure and purposeful interior has been designed to maximize the ability to focus on the task at hand, redefining all paradigms of speed, distraction free. The driver is seamlessly connected to the car through a user focused digital HMI (human-machine interface) driver display, designed to provide crucial driving information to the driver in an easily navigable yet striking design. On the center console sits a readily available touch screen system, offering the driver all of the vehicle’s toggles, controls, diagnostics, and entertainment in a practical user interface. At the touch of the screen, the driver has access to the multiple driving modes, tire pressures, complete diagnostics, climate control, music, and more. At the center of the driver’s helm is the Tuatara steering wheel with custom paddle shifts, accessible buttons and toggles, and a shift light indicator to overtly prompt the driver during intense track handling situation. Passengers as tall as 6’5″ will fit comfortably in the cabin, even with sporting a race helmet.

The SSC Tuatara personifies over a decade of a methodical, passionate, and innovative undertaking to create a car that exceeds measure on all fronts. It is a truly bespoke American hypercar that involves the collaboration and efforts of hundreds of dedicated individuals on a global scale.

“I am extremely proud of our team. We have created the full package – looks, performance, and artwork all rolled into one. The last 10 years have been a journey to excellence making this February 7th public debut even sweeter and more rewarding. And it is only the beginning!” – Jerod Shelby.

SSC North America will produce one hundred (100) Tuatara hypercars, all manufactured at the company headquarters in Richland, Washington, USA. Manhattan Motorcars of New York is the exclusive Northeast United States Authorized Tuatara Dealership. An extensive options list gives customers a chance to make each Tuatara truly unique, with high speed and track-centered configurations available.

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Fibonacci, the 200 kW electric super asymmetric catamaran
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Fibonacci, the 200 kW electric super asymmetric catamaran

Turin’s Icona Design last popped up on our radar with an insanely expensive, v8-engined supercar prototype called the Vulcano whose entire bodywork was fashioned from raw titanium. Now, it’s back with an electric yacht design inspired by “the numbers of nature.”

The Icona Fibonacci, a catamaran design out of Turin, Italy 

Icona Design

The Icona Fibonacci is an asymmetrical catamaran. Its chief nod to the Fibonacci sequence would appear to be a pair of sprawling ornamental staircases that wrap themselves around the sides giving access to the flying upper deck and the helm. It might have made more sense to call it the Steinway because its roof lifts off like the lid of a grand piano and the overall shape reminds us more of that than of a seashell.

Still, this 55-footer (16.7 m) is a beauty to look at in the renders, reasonably compact but with defined areas for socializing, sunbathing and below-deck privacy.

The Fibonacci is a 55-foot asymmetrical catamaran concept with 400 kW of electric propulsion
Icona Design

It would be powered by a pair of 200-kilowatt (270-hp) electric motors, running off a pair of 340-kWh battery packs that make it suitable for weekend cruises with around 12 hours of cruising and another 12 hours of sitting about enjoying yourself. Pure range would be about 150 miles (240 km) when cruising at 10 knots (11.5 mph, 18.5 km/h). Charging could supposedly be accomplished in 20 minutes according to the company, but that seems like a ludicrous miscalculation to us.

Extending the range may be possible using a polymer electrolyte hydrogen fuel cell arrangement that keeps things relatively eco-friendly while seriously upping the energy density – although you’ll have to give up some space below deck to go that way.

Will this one make it to the prototype stage, or will it merely serve as a portfolio piece for Icona and its partners Hydrotec, Terra Modena, ASG Power and Studio RPR? It’s hard to say, but it sure is a nice thing to look at.

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ZENVO REVEALS LATEST COMMISSION TSR-S HYPERCAR
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ZENVO REVEALS LATEST COMMISSION TSR-S HYPERCAR

• Danish hypercar manufacturer unveils latest commission of 1177bhp twin-supercharged TSR-S model
• First example to feature latest carbon fibre innovations from Zenvo including full fragmented carbon fibre wheels and bespoke weave design to exposed carbon fibre body sections
• Constant development within Zenvo has also seen the creation of a hybrid gearbox, increasing drivetrain capabilities for future models
• Latest TSR-S was due to be unveiled at Geneva International Motor Show, but Zenvo will now be hosting a private media event at its Denmark HQ
• Zenvo builds five cars per year by hand from its factory in Præstø, Denmark, with every car built to exacting customer specifications

Zenvo has today revealed its latest commission TSR-S alongside further developments from the Danish hypercar manufacturer.

ZENVO REVEALS LATEST COMMISSION TSR-S HYPERCAR

ZENVO REVEALS LATEST COMMISSION TSR-S HYPERCAR

This example of the 1177bhp twin-supercharged V8 TSR-S model, the street legal variant of the TSR track car, has received numerous bespoke touches and is the first car to receive full fragmented carbon fibre wheels designed, developed and built in-house by Zenvo as well as individual weave designs within the exposed carbon fibre body sections.

Following Danish design ideals of innovation and creativity, the geometric pattern carbon fibre visible within the blue tinted central stripe is a further evolution of Zenvo’s class leading carbon fibre technology and personalisation options, such as the bespoke ‘watermark’ carbon fibre graphics featured on previous TSR-S models.

ZENVO REVEALS LATEST COMMISSION TSR-S HYPERCAR

ZENVO REVEALS LATEST COMMISSION TSR-S HYPERCAR

This technique has also been used on the exposed carbon fibre side pods, with the Zenvo logo emblazoned within the material in an opposing herringbone pattern. These new weave patterns, which can be tailored to the client’s specification, are formed within the carbon fibre and are hand-laid by Zenvo’s craftsmen.

So too are the new fragmented carbon wheels, with each minute fragment hand-cut and expertly layered to create the special finish and weigh some 15 kilograms less than the aluminium variants.

As with all carbon fibre work at Zenvo, from the body panels to the floor mats, these components are created in-house using a combination of cutting-edge technology and human craftsmanship with countless personalisation options. Each wheel takes two technicians roughly one week to create. All visible carbon on the car can be colour tinted, including the wheels, and clients can specify individual sections in differing carbon finishes.

Also unveiled today is the latest drivetrain development from Zenvo, a hybrid variant of the 7-speed sequential gearbox with helical-cut dog gears that has become a trademark of the brand.

This gearbox offers the driver two changeable modes, Road and Race, controlled by tactile aluminium switchgear on the steering wheel. In its Road setting, the changes are electronically assisted to remove the usual harshness of a traditional ‘dog-box’ while Race mode allows for exceptionally fast and direct mechanical changes usually only offered in fully fledged race cars. The latest development of this innovative gearbox is the addition of a hybrid module which yields a power boost, further traction control and even the addition of an eighth forward gear with the electric motor providing reverse drive.

Zenvo is constantly developing, and this gearbox is the latest innovation designed and undergoing development entirely in-house which will increase the usability and performance of both current and future models.

The TSR-S is Zenvo’s flagship model, combining the road-going capability of the TS1 GT with the track-derived performance of the TSR and is powered by a 1177bhp twin-supercharged flat-plane V8. 0-62 mph is achieved in 2.8 seconds and 0-124 mph in just 6.8 seconds, aided by a super lightweight carbon fibre construction and exceptional aerodynamics including Zenvo’s patented Centripedal rear wing which reacts to steering inputs to create high levels of downforce while cornering.

The TSR-S is priced at €1.45m and Zenvo production is limited to five cars per year, offering unparalleled exclusivity in a hypercar sector.

Originally destined for the 2020 Geneva International Motor Show, Zenvo will now showcase these developments during a private media event at its HQ in Præstø, Denmark and at further locations around the world. Interested parties should contact jb@zenvoautomotive for further information.

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The Mint Concept The Electric Luxury City Car.

 Seoul, Korea., February 6, 2020 — Today, Genesis announced that the 2020 G90 and Mint Concept won 2019 GOOD DESIGN® awards in the Transportation category. Genesis has been a GOOD DESIGN® award winner for five consecutive years including the G90 in 2015, the Vision G concept in 2016, the GV80 concept in 2017 and the Essentia concept & G70 in 2018.

2020 GENESIS G90 AND MINT CONCEPT NAMED GOOD DESIGN® AWARDS WINNERS

2020 GENESIS G90 AND MINT CONCEPT NAMED GOOD DESIGN® AWARDS WINNERS

2020 GENESIS G90 AND MINT CONCEPT NAMED GOOD DESIGN® AWARDS WINNERS

“As a relatively new brand, Genesis has introduced a design that greatly resonates with the luxury car market,” said Luc Donckerwolke, Executive Vice President, Chief Design Officer of Hyundai Motor Group. “The G90 is the embodiment of flagship transportation while the Mint reinterprets what a luxurious, city-focused runabout could be. The GOOD DESIGN® awards are a high water mark we aim for each time we put pen to paper.”

The GOOD DESIGN® awards, which began in 1950 and marked its 69th anniversary in 2019, are recognized for its legitimacy and authority, and selects award-winning works in each field with a focus on comprehensive evaluations of products such as aesthetic, innovative, new technology, form, concept, function, utility, energy efficiency and environmental friendliness.
The 2019 GOOD DESIGN® awards were selected among about 900 entries from 38 countries worldwide.

The 2020 G90 incorporates new-car-level design changes on the exterior and interior, further enhancing its presence as the brand’s flagship sedan through the themes of Athletic Elegance and Horizontal Architecture. G-Matrix, a Genesis design hallmark inspired by light reflecting from an illuminating diamond, is applied to the headlights and taillights to emphasize refined proportions and balanced architecture. The 2020 G90 introduces multiple technology firsts for the Genesis brand, including a 12.3-inch display navigation system with touchscreen controls, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an unparalleled level of standard active and passive safety systems as part of a brand-level commitment to passenger security and comfort. All Genesis vehicles, including the 2020 G90, offer complimentary Service Valet: the exclusive, no-cost, consumer-focused service program that elevates the luxury vehicle ownership experience.

The Mint Concept introduces an all-electric luxury car for the city and represents a new vehicle typology, featuring organic design and an innovative in-car experience. The lightweight runabout reimagines the iconic shape of the city car, tailored to the needs of modern lifestyle. Mint is both highly manoeuvrable and exhilarating to drive. The overall motif skews to the sportier side of Athletic Elegance while the G-Matrix pattern serves a functional purpose, used for efficient cooling and airflow circulation around the battery floor. It is also the basis for the Mint Concept’s aerodynamic wheel design and several interior structures and flourishes. In lieu of a conventional trunk and rear hatch, the Mint Concept features a parcel shelf accessed via scissor-style side openings.

Like a carefully furnished city dwelling, its interior takes advantage of every cubic inch. The cozy space is made to feel expansive, through the use of lightweight textiles, cognac leather and mullion-free windows. Ingress and egress are made easier, thanks to the automatic swivelling of the instrument panel and bench seat. The versatility of the Mint Concept extends to the engineering of its high-density, battery-electric powertrain, which is capable of an estimated 200 miles per full charge and 350-KW fast recharging.

About Genesis

As a design-focused brand, Genesis produces fascinating models that embody Athletic Elegance, including the G70 sport sedan, the G80 and G80 Sport executive luxury sedans, and the flagship G90 luxury sedan. Genesis recently introduced GV80, its first luxury sport-utility vehicle. Based in South Korea, Genesis has launched its brand in the U.S., Canada, Russia, the Middle East and Australia. Genesis is one of the highest-ranked brands in the automotive industry by respected, third-party experts including North American Car of the Year, Consumer Reports, J.D. Power and Auto Pacific. For more information about Genesis and its new definition of luxury, please visit

https://www.genesis.com.

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