Potential Topic Hub

RM Monterey 2015 – 1938 Adler Trumpf RennLimousine – LM ‘Racing Sedan’ with Airship Aero

The fantastic convergence of aerospace and supercars has a glorious history! This Adler Trumpf Rennlimo from 1938 represented a fascinating view of automotive aerodynamics in a time before effective wind tunnels or computer simulations. The learnings and design principles of aerodynamics were far more theoretical in the pre-jet age. Yet Adler designers brought great insights from airship and Zeppelin design into the car world to great results. This ‘racing sedan,’ as the Rennlimo translates, was the first closed-cockpit racer to take on LeMans. Just six were produced for sale, all with unique spindle and wing tweaks to the bodywork. The …

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Jul 20, 2015 Read more

2014 Renault-Dacia DUSTER OROCH Shows 4WD Pickup-Truck Potential For Value Brand

Dacia’s line-up of cheap but sturdy models is expanding rapidly. Sure, you know the Logan sedan and the Duster SUV — but there lineup is much deeper than just two cars. The variations on these models mean Dacia now offers its unique brand of low-cost and hardy mechanicals in no less than ten passenger-car models and three light commercial vehicles. Dacia (pronounced “Da-Cha”) models are sold in select markets as Renaults — hence the badges on this car for Sao Paolo. Dacia Logan Pickup The Duster Oroch is a logical extension of the Duster platform — with a short-box …

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Nov 17, 2014 Read more

Concept Flashback – 2009 Audi R8 TDI V12 Shows Great Engineering Potential, But Limited Market

Audi seems to have no trouble winning LeMans with its ultra-sophisticated R18 models in the last decade — but has struggled mightily trying to translate racing tech to the road. Even today, there is no clear link between Audi racing glory and the cars sold by Audi dealerships. Sure, there is anecdotal evidence hat motorsport success has fueled Audi’s continued sales rise — but it is a tenuous link. Upon the arrival of Audis’ first supercar, the R8, this finally looked set to change. At last — a way to show how LeMans racing improves the breed in general! The …

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Sep 19, 2014 Read more

Concept Flashback – 2011 Nissan Esflow Showed Potential EV Mini-Z

Once upon a time… As recently as the 2011 Tokyo auto show… Nissan was more excited about its EV technology’s prospects, and less terrified by the scale of the huge EV investment that is still not working as we enter 2015. The possibilities in 2011 seemed endless for new packaging and new powertrain layouts. No longer enslaved to front-drive or rear-drive platforms by engine location, the battery EV revolution was indeed promising. But how to inject a little fun into the extremely dull and practical sales appeal of the Leaf EV. Enter the ESFLOW concept. With proportions and detailing like …

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Sep 13, 2014 Read more