Honda EV-N Concept
Honda plans to show off a recent deisng study at the upcoming Tokyo Auto Show, which they call the EV-N. An obvious homage to the quirky N360, the EV-N is a two-door electric-driven sedan that would most likely have similar power output to its much older brother (31bhp from a hearty 360cc engine). Sustainable ideas like replaceable seat fabrics and roof mounted solar panels (to recharge the lithium-ion battery) help keep the EV-N predictably green. The updated grille is a departure from the current Honda lineup, and actually houses the headlights behind the front fascia. Clearly, the EV-N will never be a production model, but it’s neat to see Honda pay tribute to one of its earliest models with such a tech-happy and eco-friendly concept.
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VELORBIS Bicycles
German-made, Danish-designed VELORBIS bicycles exude luxury and elegance but are strategically manufactured to resist the stinging snow, frost, and salt of Scandinavian winters through zinc plated mudguards, rust protected steel frames, and stainless steel bolts. Premium components including Brooks leather saddles, grips, and mud flaps signal clearly that with VELORBIS you’re rolling in ultimate style.
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Singer Porsche 911
The Singer 911 is just plain cool. The brand new company got started off on the right foot with this awesome take on a multigenerational 911. Evoking the spirit of the 60s original, the Singer 911 taps the best of each decade of Porsche engineering (the “race-bred chic” of the 70s, the bulletproof reliability of the 80s, and the “power and sophistication” of the 90s) and comes out a winner. The unique and very retro “Racing Orange” paint job looks terrific and is complimented by only slightly updated throwbacks like powercoated versions of Porsche’s trademark Fuchs wheels and OEM-like Hella bi-xenons up front. Under the paint, carbon fiber reigns supreme, replacing the steel body panels that wrapped the original; in fact, according to the engineers at Singer, their 911 weighs in at just 2,400 pounds. The interior is pure race car and is thankfully devoid of alcantara. With sexy Recaro seats, a Porsche racing three-spoke steering wheel, and VDO/Tag Heuer gauges highlighted by a color-matched Singer tachometer, the interior should obviously prove to any observer that this 911 is a driver’s car before all else. Speaking of driving, the Singer will hang with any GT3, thanks to its uniquely tuned 3.82 liter boxer-six, it is the proud owner of 425bhp, which enables the retro rocket to hit 60mph in a scant 3.9 seconds.
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Icon CJ3B ‘Dog’
Back in spring we told you about Icon’s range of Toyota FJ40-inspired retro minimalist off-roaders. Now news has reached us that they are planning a new, even more stripped down, model, the CJ3B or ‘Dog’ as it is affectionately being called.
Built on a custom coil-suspension chassis and powered by GM’s Ecotec 4-cyclinder (although Icon say they are also working on a full-electric version), the Dog will be sold in kit form, allowing customers to assemble it at home using only hand-tools. We like this nod to the back-page ads from Popular Mechanics in the sixties and the recession busting do-it-yourself ethos espoused by Icon. We’re sure it will win them a loyal following for their distinctive products.
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WHY – Wally-Hermes Yachts
WHY (Wally-Hermes Yachts), a collaboration between esteemed Monaco-based yacht maker Wally and the equally esteemed French fashion house, recently unveiled their first production, and it’s a beauty. While the yacht’s specs are top-notch (as expected), what really sets the this belle apart is its luxurious use of space. The interior features an open floorplan with a grand stairwell worthy of a cruise line, with multiple living spaces formed by particular arrangements of Hermes furniture. Perhaps the most stunning use of space is seen on the stern, arranged like a poolside, with interior cabanas facing the sea. Because of the quality and spaciousness of this vessel, Wally-Hermes’ claims that they were looking to create an island in the sea ring true.
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Ferrari Enzo FXX Evolution
It takes a lot of confidence to tweak one of the greatest production cars of the modern era. Luckily, it seems that edo competition has that in spades. The Ahlen, Germany-based tuners seem intent on modifying only the world’s most exclusive and powerful vehicles, with a stable of supercars that includes Lamborghini LPs, a Ferrari 430, and an Audi R8. Their latest conception might trump its brethren, however. Edo has somehow given rise to an 840bhp Enzo, which they call the FXX Evolution. Despite its 180bhp advantage over a stock Enzo, the FXX Evolution also tips the scales 220 pounds lighter, and a functional (and insane) aero kit completes the look. The end result of their work quickly becomes a numbers game: the car hits 60mph in 3.2 seconds, has a top speed of 242mph, and can shift gears in 60 milliseconds. Yes, in the grand scheme of things, the FXX Evolution is a little ridiculous, but isn’t that the point?
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Audi e-Tron Electric Supercar
As if the Audi R8 couldn’t be any more impressive, now comes the Audi e-Tron Electric Supercar Concept. Sharing the shell of the R8–save the familiar sidepanel scoops– the e-Tron runs purely on electricity. Details are still to be released (at the Frankfurt Motor Show) but if the specs are similar to the R8, then Audi won’t be exaggerating with the billing “supercar.”
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Bugatti 16C Galibier Concept
The last year or so has seen a slew of new luxury four seater supercars appear at motor shows around the world. At Frankfurt recently, Swipelife was lucky enough to get a close-up look at a lot of the contenders in this upmarket niche. The Porsche Panamera, The Maserati Quattroporte and the new Bentley Mulsanne were all there, showing that while money can’t buy you happiness, it can buy you a big, fast car to go and find it in.
Annoyingly for us though, the car that will perhaps turn out to be the daddy of all luxury GTs was not at the show. The Bugatti 16C Galibier was shown to guests at the Molsheim celebrations of the marque’s centenary. Although officially just a concept, the Galibier is apparently, already being shown to potential customers. Shod with 22-inch wheels and sitting on a 3m wheelbase, it shares the W16 engine with the Veyron, although here, in a nod to prevailing green sensibilities, it has been reengineered to also run on ethanol. We can’t help feeling that Dom Perignon would have been more appropriate.
Some people have said that it bares a passing resemblance to the Porsche Panamera. To our eyes though, the Galibier has a much more elegant profile and, surprisingly given its size, a lighter, less lumpen feel to it. Here’s hoping that this Bug makes it into production
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The Domino by Riva
The 86 foot Domino is the latest model from luxury yacht builder Riva. Currently on display at the Cannes Boat Show, the Domino is an evolution of Riva’s smaller Vertigo and Ego Super models, both of which share the sleek profile, tinted expanses of glass, and dark titanium coloring. At the bow of the boat, a sundeck and sunken dining table accommodate passengers, while an additional sundeck, integrated seating, and teak deck occupy the rear. The main living space can be fully opened onto the rear deck via a sliding glass panel. The interior features modern furnishings, exotic wood, and ample windows to maintain an open atmosphere. Twin 2435 horsepower diesel engines allow the Domino to comfortably reach a top speed of 38 knots. The copious power paired with a luxurious interior make the Domino an ideal choice for either weekend jaunts or long term travel.
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Audi Exo Concept
Andrea Mocellin, a student at the Royal College of Art in London, designed the Audi Exo concept, a human powered vehicle that employs the latest exoskeleton and robotic technologies. The effort exerted by the driver is supplemented by a robotics system that multiplies input and reduces fatigue. According to Mocellin, “The target is to create a vehicle that takes us back to the basics of a physically engaging driving experience, but with an automotive quality in terms of materials and technologies.” Both the exterior design and method of propulsion are radical departures from traditional vehicles, though their viability improves as ecological concerns increase.
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