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Design Talent Showcase – 2025 McLaren Monaco – Front-Engine GT By Nathan Malinick

On the eve of McLaren’s latest road car reveal at Villa d’Este tomorrow — here is a masters-thesis design project from a rising star of the car business. Its premise? A front-engine GT car from McLaren.  Named the Monaco, nearby where Macca will unveil their cushiest road car yet. But this concept is no strategic counterpoint. This design was finalized last year so it is just a delightful convergence of ideas in the motor universe.  From the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, to Woking, and back. “I finished this project before the release of the McLaren Speedtail last fall …

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Design Talent Showcase – P1 Phenom Hybrid – Le Mans WingTire Concept

  Here is an eye-popper of a design concept!  The racecar of the future packing micro turbojet engines on each side.  And tires made of carbon-fiber turbine wing blades.  Packaging of the driver within a central translucent pod / teardrop is almost the most subtle piece of this beauty. P1 Phenom Hybrid is imagined in partnership with Michelin and Embraer — tire and aircraft experts.  P1 Phenom is best in exploring how racing will look with jet propulsion: beyond axles and contact patches for traction. Cheers Carlos Carvalho! Follow him over on Behance here. https://www.behance.net/gallery/41172119/P1-Phenom-Hybrid-Le-Mans-(Michelin-top10) P1 Phenom Hybrid – Le …

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Designer Showcase – Changha Lee – Peugeot Lumie LMP1 Concept

Changha Lee has created quite a storm with this molten bullet of a racecar.  Insanely long and nearly melted in its surfaces.  But full of strategic aero and functional slashwork where needed.  It is quite a fetching design story as well.  From initial ideation to engineering skematics.  Then onto photoreal renders and even a scale model. THe Lumie Peugeot design is so charming in its simplicity.  No doors with just a hinged canopy windshield to let the central driver get in position.  The flexing, superheated flow of the design extends far over the rear axle.  A super longtail with carved …

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Designer Showcase – N.01 Autonomous Race Car Concept By Fernando Pastre Fertonani

Gorgeous new designs out of Brazil this week from Fernando Fertonani! This fresh Masters in Transportation Design SPD Milan grad has penned out a look a driverless endurance racecar of the future. Imagine this as an LMP1 competitor and its rigid bodysides, shrouded front axle and massive wings make beautiful sense.  The open rear tires with central drive system appear to be designed for cooling – wrapped in blocky linear wings that form bodywork and tail stabilizers.  Massive electric motors inside each wheel hub reinforce the thrust this is designed to handle. Instead of a tall cockpit area and mid-mounted …

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Industry Insider: 4 Considerations When Buying UTV Parts

There are many reasons you might be in the market for UTV parts, but unless you’re an experienced mechanic, you’re probably wondering where you should begin. How do you know you’re buying the right parts for the right prices? How can you be sure you’re investing in something that will last? Here are just a few things to consider as you shop for UTV parts. 1. Price First things first: How much can you afford to spend on your vehicle? Keep in mind that the listed price of the part isn’t always the final price that you’ll pay. You might …

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PRIOR-DESIGN Dodge Challenger PD900HC Widebody

  Just a hyperlinked hat-tip to this incredible Dodge upgrade from PD! This fits all Challengers.   PRIOR-DESIGN Dodge Challenger PD900HC Widebody PRIOR-DESIGN PD900HC Widebody Aero-Kit for Dodge Challanger PRIOR-DESIGN Exclusive Tuning > Tuning for DODGE > Challanger > PD900HC Widebody Share this: Aerodynamics Interior Exhaust Systems Wheels Suspension Optional INFO This product is made from quality Fiberglass-Duraflex mix. This material is characterized by an excellent surface finish that provides sufficient flexibility combined with high stability and allows for easy and inexpensive painting. Also, our parts are all made with excellent fitment with no modifications or alterations needed for the …

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Design Talent Showcase – Alfa Romeo AW30 by Olcay Tuncay Karabulut

  Some fantastic, out-of-this-world designs to feature today from Turkey! Olcay Karabulut’s Alfa Romeo AW30 design takes a look into the future of renewable-powered racecars.  And not just coal-fired EVs… this AW30 hopes to hit 200-mph around the world’s racetracks thanks to two constants: sun and wind. The solar component is intended as the solution under 100-mph, after which it synthesizes energy via dedicated turbines.  This might sound far-fetched, but is certainly worth exploring.  If only for the unique design solutions it inspired. The proportions take a radical shift: much longer and lower than current F1 cars.  Next, the intakes …

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Custom Showcase – Porsche 991 Turbo S on Gloss-Black HRE RC100s

Totally different but no less appealing makeover of this fly yellow 911 Turbo S. The multi-spoke RC100 wheel style from HRE in gloss black is a nice, modern take on the classic BBS racing alloy.  It looks dripping-wet at all times, and disappears into a whir at speed. All perfect upgrades to the gloss-black whale tail, roof and mirror caps of this Cali-plated Turbo S. Custom Showcase – Porsche 991 Turbo S on Gloss-Black HRE RC100s Porsche 991 Turbo S with HRE RC100 in Gloss Black – Grubbs Photography http://www.hrewheels.com/ HRE Wheels Follow

Custom Showcase – Porsche 991 GT3 on HRE R101s in Satin Black

Satin black is really the right shade of custom wheel for 2016. It flicks enough light to enhance any wheel design — while feeling brighter in low light than a glossy finish.  The HRE R101 wheel style is quite cool too: the spokes feel super strong despite their thin size. Much 3D shaping for those uprights — their sharp creases making a nice contrast to the soft/smooth GT3 bodywork. Despite being just 19s, these are clearly an integral part of this custom GT3’s curb appeal. Custom Showcase – Porsche 991 GT3 on HRE R101s in Satin Black Porsche 991 GT3 with …

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Design Talent Showcase – 2020 Mercedes-Benz SL PURE Concept by Matthias Böttcher

Emerging designers are fascinating. They provide a relatively uncluttered look at the next generation of automobile design, usually five to ten years away from hitting the streets. Students of industrial design are well-prepped for the world of making dream shapes and sketches come to life — in panels and 4D forms that could, in theory, be produced some day. Their vision and style for final thesis projects, like the SL Pure by Mattias Bottcher of Germany, can be a powerful catalyst. Pulling forward the future with new ideas unfettered by corporate speak, layers of hundreds of other designers, or the …

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Mecum July 2015 – Four Flawless Mustang Mach 1 and Shelby GT500KR Fastbacks

Humble Harrisburg, Pennslyvannia is ready to feel some Ford V8 rumble this July 30th! These four Mustangs are a highlight of the sale: a gorgeous black GT500KR, lovable red 1969 Mach 1, and a pair of 1970 Mach 1’s in eye-popping Calypso Coral paintwork. The orange twins are a highlight — but can be confusing to tell apart. They have different cabin colors — but adding the auction code prefix just for clarity among prospective owners. They’ll be Mustang experts, of course, and know that one is packing 335HP versus the other at 300HP. Which is which?  It is confusing… …

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PRIOR DESIGN Makes MB S-Class Into Cold-Blooded Apex Predator Inside and Out

We’re becoming pretty big fans of Prior Design. The custom bodykit house brings a unique style to each of its models, without getting caught in some of the fairly tired ruts of the BRABUS or Mansory style. This S-Class might not be the firm’s trademark widebody style — but it still packs a wallop of visual aggression and exclusivity. Prior Design excels at fairly affordable upgrades that are some of the first-to-market for new exotic cars. Their preference for a composite duraflex material also means they can complete orders in a tenth the time of the carbon-fiber alternatives. Despite that …

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Design Talent Showcase – 2019 Maserati 975 Ernesto Concept by Maurice Maschmeyer

Pasadena College of Art and Design is just the finishing touch on a thorough artist’s education for this month’s student designer, Maurice Maschmeyer Maschmeyer is a native German speaker fluent in English and French as well. An recent Italian immersion will make him a quadruple threat linguistically. In terms of automotive and industrial design vision, Maschmeyer has an interesting eye for beauty and a sweeping, holistic aesthetic that previews next-gen hypercar styles. Graduating in 2017, Maschmeyer will leave California to take his aesthetic and automotive design skills into a major OEM, and onto a street near you a year or …

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TOPCAR Classic Restorations Showcase – Lamborghini Diablo GT + DeTomaso Pantera

Lest you think mega-tuner TopCar.ru is all about swapping new German metal for carbon-fiber, here are two restoration projects to showcase the diverse skills on offer. These TopCar resto-updates create two of the cleanest and most flawless examples of Italian classics: the ultra-rare Diablo GT plus a DeTomaso Pantera. The rests speak for themselves — with the Diablo GT especially impressive inside and out. TOPCAR Classics Lamborghini Diablo GT   TOPCAR Classic Restorations Showcase – Lamborghini Diablo GT + DeTomaso Pantera   TOPCAR Classics DeTomaso Pantera   http://en.top-car.ru/

ALPINA X3 – Gorgeous M Sport Styling and Performance Tweaks

PART FOUR of FOUR The Alpina X3 My favorite Alpina upgrade of this four-pack? Easily this aggressive X3 makeover. Versus the stock X3, the Alpina is virtually unrecognizable. Granted, comparing the Alpina X3 to the base model is not a fair comparo. This Alpina truck started as the X3 M Sport, which is already a little-known way to make the humdrum design really pop with some M style.   The fact that there is no X version of the X3 (yet) helps to make this Alpina SUV ultra unique and exclusive. 2015 BMW X3 xLine 2015 BMW X3 M Sport …

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2015 ALPINA B3 – Digital Wheel Colorizer and USA 3 series Upgrade Showcase

PART THREE of FOUR The Alpina 3 series Now on to the ever-popular 3 series: a sedan so incredibly fun to drive, you are shocked when people buy anything else! The 3 series is arguably the most improved by the ALPINA style. Even outside the core design tweaks and green/blue paint colors, the Alpina 3 series is *thisclose* to its M3 and M5 siblings on overall stance, traction and visual aggressiveness. ORIGINAL: The import and BMW distribution of the ALPINA B6 and B7 to the US is big news. They are all extremely rare and extremely cool, especially the new …

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SuperTuner Showcase – 2015 Nissan GT-R by SKIPPER ft. Vossen VFS1 Forged Alloys

On a fully upgraded 2015 GT-R widebody, it is not easy for wheels to steal the show. But with this latest custom from SKIPPER Japan, the Vossen VFS1 wheels do indeed feel like the stars. 20-inch flow forged with a custom brushed anthracite finish, the VFS1 wheel is the go-to style for the hottest tuned cars in the world. Check out the gorgeous photo shoot below from Yokohama, Japan — along with info on the VFS1 and the SKIPPER body kit pieces below. 2015 Nissan GT-R ft. Vossen VFS1 SKIPPER Tuning Japan http://www.skipper.co.jp/products/aeroparts/aeroparts_nissan_gtr.php  VOSSEN Advancing the traditional casting process, the …

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Houston Tuner Showcase – 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class by MODESTA Glass Coatings Ft. Prior Design Bodykit

Prior Design, Featuring Modesta Advanced Liquid Glass Coatings? What is this, a rap battle downloaded from your dorm-neighbor via 2001’s Napster?! No, no it is not. These Modesta coatings are the highlight here. The Prior Design bodykits are just stage dressing. Despite the oddly OOF photos, the glass coatings in the paint are truly seductive and special. They make any paintwork feel three-feet-deep. 2015 Mercedes S-Class by MODESTA Glass Coatings Ft. Prior Design

Design Talent Showcase – 2020 Lamborghini Perdigon by Ondrej Jirec

The Cadillac Estill design vision from last week is not the only incredible future exotic designed by Ondrej Jirec recently. While in his final years as a student at the Art College of Design in Pasadena, Jirec has also been dreaming of future Lamborghini’s. But his dreams turn out far better than any study-hall doodle we could ever achieve… that is for sure. This Gallardo-sized Lamborghini looks fairly traditional from the nose, but is actually a mean and deconstructed beast with ultra-short overhands, complex leading edges, and a full glass canopy. The first thing that hits your eye is the …

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Design Talent Showcase – Ondrej Jirec Styles Cadillac Supercar of Your Dreams

Up-and-coming design students are a fascinating group to watch. Their ideas can go from senior thesis to luxury or exotic brands in less than five years time, and onto nearly all mainstream cars a few years after that. There are a few really exceptional breeding grounds for this ultra-elite school of designers. The Royal College of Art in England, IED Torino in Italy, or the Art Center College of Design in Pasedena, California all are top-of-mind. Ondrej Jirec attends the California entry in our shortlist — and is very busy indeed these days. His 2013 internship was with General Motors, …

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2015 Unimog U218 and U423 Upfit Showcase: 4 Seasons Hero in 30+ Configurations!

When investing in a hard-core heavy truck like the new Unimog U218 and U423, you might have one or two general usage scenarios in mind. But once you realize how unstoppable and customizable the Unimog platform is, what was once a snow-plow or fire rescue truck is suddenly an all-purpose hero. Pull a freight train?  Check. Agriculture tractor-replacement? Dumptruck? Extreme landscaper? Check, check, check. Here is the incredible Unimog in 150 photos showing some of its most popular upfitted uses. A handful of the photos are the previous-gen trucks  – which can be told apart based on the grille. The …

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BRABUS Mercedes-Benz SL550 R231 – With and Without AMG Sport Styling

The latest Mercedes SL is, shall we say, more difficult to love at first sight than previous all-star iterations of the machine. There is just something wonky about the nose from some angles. Despite being a technical tour de force as always, the base SL550 is the most-plain of the bunch that also includes the SL63 AMG and SL65 AMG in the US market. BRABUS makes a wicked 800 V12 Roadster for that is the most hardcore SL in recent memory — but is it too much for some shoppers?   What the SL550 needs is a bit of extra …

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Track Car Showcase – E90 BMW RS-M3 by RS Racing Team

Now here is a team after our own heart — photos in an Air Force and NASA museum!? Yessir.   BMW RS-M3 by RS Racing Team UNCOMPROMISING BMW RS-M3 from RS-RACINGTEAM The in-house sport model of the 3-series, named M3, offers BMW since 1986 now. Developed and also originally produced (E 30 and E36 M3) by BMW-subsidiary BMW M GmbH, the variants of the 3-series model leaves the assembly lines of the parent company again. Their proverbial power creates everywhere a furore. On the flags of RS-RACINGTEAM Company, based in Viernheim, in southern Hessen (near Mannheim) the conspicuous letters stand: …

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Tuner Showcase – Chevrolet Spark by KBR Motorsport

If this one doesn’t make you smile… you may have a heart of stone. =] Chevrolet Spark by KBR Motorsport     SPARK by KBR Motorsport Developed in Europe and having been manufactured since 2010 in Asia by General Motors Korea, subsidiary of General Motors, former Daewoo, two years ago the Chevrolet Spark replaced the Matiz. Since the small- and microcars are getting more popular, prominent tuning services sometimes also have to deal with such “babies” to tune them up. The same happened with KBR Motorsport located in Erftstadt. Let us start with tires and wheels. The Spark got in …

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Tuner All-Stars – BRABUS AMG SLS Widestar + Full SLS Upgrades Catalog

So you have an SLS and you love it. You are waiting for delivery of a new AMG GT in Summer 2015. How to spice up your still-awesome supercar so that it feels fresh, even faster, and is more distinctive in the valet lot? Brabus. The name in Mercedes tuning means the car will hold its value, and hold your heart for years to come. Check out the full Brabus SLS catalog below and we guarantee something will catch your eye. Perhaps time to cancel that AMG GT? BRABUS AMG SLS         BRABUS AMG SLS Roadster   …

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Iconic Classics – 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham 4-Door Coupe

This four-door coupe is truly a style and design icon. The Brougham is one of Cadillac’s most-valuable cars of all time — and this one in the Cadillac pavilion of Pebble Beach 2014 was a lovely find. From most angles, the Eldorado Brougham is simply a stylish and sexy coupe with some of the largest tail-fins you have ever seen. But from the rear three-quarter angle, we see the stunning contrast-alloy roof and a hidden pair of rear doors — making this one of the first of the modern ‘4-door’ coupes.   1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham    

Tuner All-Stars – BRABUS AMG SLS Roadster + Full SLS Upgrades Catalog

So you have an SLS and you love it. You are waiting for delivery of a new AMG GT in Summer 2015. How to spice up your still-awesome supercar so that it feels fresh, even faster, and is more distinctive in the valet lot? Brabus. The name in Mercedes tuning means the car will hold its value, and hold your heart for years to come. Check out the full Brabus SLS catalog below and we guarantee something will catch your eye. Perhaps time to cancel that AMG GT? BRABUS AMG SLS Roadster   Catalog C/R 197 Aerodynamics & design Complete …

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Update1 With 50 New Photos – 2014 Renault Eolab Concept PHEV Is Not Ebola-Proof

  The Renault Ebola Eolab concept PHEV is back with 50 new photos! Renault reads the newspaper, right? How could they let a name so close to the deadliest disease known to man be attached to the back of a damn-sexy concept car previewing a PHEV Megane? We especially like the orange-red accent color that appears to be bleeding out the Eolab’s grille and under its floating A-pillars. Classy. Eolab. Ebola. Pretty close. We are excited for the upcoming Chevrolet Cancer and Vauxhall SIDS. Or how about the new Volkswagen HIV? Mazda Malaria? Opel Polio?     PREVIOUS Ahh! What …

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Chinese-Market SUV and Crossover Concepts – Acura vs. MG vs. Chery vs. Haval vs. Changan

Concept cars are a helpful thermometer for showing the Chinese car market’s rapid progress recently. Sure, Chinese joint-ventures and domestic car brands can contract with the same European or American dream fabricators to make a stunning concept — and they have many times in the past. But as the home-grown industry evolves and matures, we are seeing much fresher local ideas than ever before. Local designs and local execution has been shown at the most recent Beijing and Guangzhou auto shows — with a heavy focus on SUVs and crossovers since 2013. That is the year when Chinese law changes …

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Design Talent Showcase – 2020 Lamborghini Minotauro by Andrei Avarvarii

This Lamborghini Minotauro can really catch your eye in all the right ways. Designed as part of a student portfolio by Andrei Avarvarii of Spain, this is not merely a Photochop like many of the renderings seen online. Avarvarii designed out the electric EV prototype five phases, with detailed planning for the interior and exterior volumes, with a level of mechanical engineering thoroughness built in as well. The prototype is was set to explore a softer, rounder Lamborghini for the 2020 model year.   In-wheel motor/generators allow an unusual amount of freedom in the proportions of the Minotauro,and the car …

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2014 Renault Eolab Concept is Ultra-Aerodynamic Innovation Showcase

Ahh! What a terrible, terrible name for a pretty cool concept, Renault. The focus of this machine is to maximize the efficiency of an EV powertrain in a holistic way. This means aero as well as weight and management and materials innovation. The car is said to preview an EV that will be larger than the current ZOE hatchback and will integrate many of these features into a production car. The drag coefficient of the Eolab concept is just 0.235, which is very good but not very much better than the slipperiest new cars available in 2015 – like the …

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2014 Pebble Beach Concours – Class Award Winners Showcase

Okay now. Start your classic car appreciation engines! About a hundred fantastic cars here, and triple that many amazing, high-resolution photos from 2014’s Pebble Beach Concours. The clear favorite for this non-expert and non-judge? The fabulous 1939 Talbot-Lago T150C-SS Pourtout Coupé all the way from Hong Kong.   Forgive me if some of these are out of order. But included are generally the top-3 in every category. Enjoy! Special Thanks to Photographer Collin Graves.   2014 Pebble Beach Concours – Class Award Winners Showcase   Class A: Antique 1st: 1910 American Underslung Traveler Toy Tonneau, William Johnston & Ronald Elenbaas …

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