Meadow Brook Concours 2009: The Motorcycles
At this year’s Meadow Brook Concours de Elegance, nestled amongst the Dusenbergs and Packards, was a group of niche motorcycles on display. On the grounds of Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan was one of the rarest collections of British twin-cylinder motorcycles. While the Best In Show winners over the last few years had been taken by the usual Indians, a Brough Superior (the Rolls Royce of motorcycles and a stunning addition to any enthusiast’s collection) SS100 took the prize this time. Also on display were a number of immaculate Nortons, BSAs, and the obligatory gamut of Triumphs.
Opel Kadett Roadster (1938)
With Opel’s 110-year history of making automobiles, it is inevitable that some vehicles are simply forgotten along the way. In preparing for its next generation Astra, the design team unearthed a creation from the 1930s that never made it to production. The Opel Kadett’s first model year was 1937, and marked the start of compact, two-seat cars from the German marque. Production was halted in 1940 by the second World War, and the Kadett name was not seen again until the mid 60s. The Kadett Roadster, nicknamed Strolch (translated as vagabond), was intended to be powered by a 1.1 liter engine that would ultimately supply 23bhp to a three-speed transmission. While the project was never ultimately pursued (due to a shortage of steel and a wariness to produce vehicles in such a limited market segment), the execs at Opel did produce some brochures that served as the basis for this modern recreation. Using a 1938 Opel Kadett for spare parts, a few pictures for reference, and a lot of ingenuitity fabricating their own parts, the engineers at Russelsheim put together a spot-on replica of the should-have-been roadster, right down to the color.
See more of the Kadett Roadster after the jump.
Maserati and DESIGN DRIVEN: Search for the Finest Architectural Garages
Recently, Maserati hosted a design competition called Design Driven-Maserati’s Search for the Finest Architectural Garages, and allowed for open entries in two categories: existing garage and concept garage. Be sure to feast your eyes on some of the schemes drawn up for the concept garages; however, it’s the existing garage winner that is truly moving. Holger Schubert of Los Angeles found the best way to house his Maserati, and claims he designed his garage with two objectives in mind: “to create a pure and restrained minimalist environment that allows one to focus on the car as a piece of art and to create the ultimate experience for the driver to arrive at home.” We couldn’t have said it any better ourselves. While the car is obviously the centerpiece here, the slide-away LCD TV, in-wall bookshelf, and fundamental furniture keep the ambience free of distractions and manage to make seperating one’s self from a Maserati a surprisingly rewarding experience.
More images after the jump.
Pulse: Urban Bike Concept from Teague
New from Seattle-based design studio Teague, the Pulse is a fresh look at the increasingly ubiquitous urban bike conundrum: How to attract people to the whole idea of riding a bike every day and how to add practicality (well, some practicality) to the current hipsters’ must-have accessory, the fixie bike.
Designer Dana Krieger has created an iconic graphic in the semi-circular section luminescent frame and set this off against business-like matte-black tubing for the steerer, seat and rear triangle tubing. A particularly nice touch is the way these tubes are seated within the semi-circular section of the frame. Other features include discreet bar-end indicators and caged pedals that are counterweighted so that they sit the right way up slip your feet into.
It looks clean and sophisticated and begs the question; when will one of the big players in the bike market take a chance on a product with clean detailing and simple, bold graphics to match the Pulse? Although if their engineers shake their heads at the semi-circular tube section, well, maybe we can forgive them that…
More images of the Pulse after the jump.
Ferrari 458 Italia
With the knowledge that replacing the heralded F430 would be a practically insurmountable task, Ferrari has once again exceeded all expectations. The newest gem of their fleet is also their most anticipated car in years; the 458 will definitely set a new luxury supercar standard. The 458 debuts Maranellos new 4.5 liter V8, and produces a riotous 562bhp and 398lb-ft of torque at an unbelievable 9,000RPM. As with the also-new California, the 458 boasts a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. One thing that Ferrari has carried over is the predominantly aluminum body; the car weighs in at a scant 3,042 pounds. Preliminary data states a 0-60 time of 3.4 seconds, and word on the street is that the 458 will be the first production Ferrari to crack the 200mph barrier. There is a lot more to learn, as we expect to hear more in September, when the supercar debuts at the Frankfurt Auto Show. In the meantime, start sending gifts over to your local Ferrari dealer.
See more images of the Ferrari 458 Italia after the jump.
Gemballa Mirage GT – Gold Edition
It looks as though the good folks at Gemballa are cranking out GTs at a rate comparable to limited edition Lamborghinis; this latest iteration is the Gold Edition. Coming on the heels of the Carbon and Black versions, the Gold Edition features slightly less ponies (650bhp, if you can stand it) but produces the same incredible 0-60 time (3.7 seconds). In addition to the awesome white and gold color scheme complimented by gold alloy wheels, Gemballa has outfitted the car with an HSL-Suspension kit, which raises the ground clearance by 45mm instantly with the touch of a button. The package is rounded out with Alcantara (now a standard option, it seems) leather and plenty of carbon fiber and aluminum.
See more images of the Gold Edition after the jump.
Broken Embraces by Pedro Almodovar
A new film by famed Spanish film director Pedro Almodovar, Broken Embraces explores a blind writer who loses the woman he loves. The movie stars Penelope Cruz and was an official selection at the 2009 Canne Film Festival. Almodovar, who is one of Spain’s most acclaimed directors is working again with Penelope Cruz in this new feature film. The duo has worked before in his films such as Volver and All About My Mother. For fans of both director and actress, this is one film to look out for. Opens in the U.S. in November of this year.
View the trailer after the jump.
2010 Nissan Leaf
While their competition was cranking out heralded hybrids like the Prius and Insight, Nissan, it seemed, was content to watch and build monsters like the GT-R. Well, no more. Nissan has finalized plans to create the world’s first affordable electric car, which they will call the Leaf, a nod to its environmental significance. Nissan’s zero-emission vehicle is powered by a set of laminated lithium-ion batteries that send juice to an electric motor, producing 109bhp (figures said to be comparable to a compact turbodiesel). The Leaf also features a regenerative braking system, not uncommon on many high efficiency vehicles these days, which helps to recoup wasted energy and contributes significantly to the small car’s 160km range. Nissan’s groundbreaking E-car is expected to launch in late 2010 and will be competitively priced against cars like the VW Golf, Toyota Corolla, and Ford Focus. Take that, Chevy Volt!
See more images of the Nissan Leaf after the jump.
1 Liter Racing by Moritz Martin
The concept behind the 1 Liter Racing League borrows from a number of different styles of transportation. The idea behind designer Moritz Martin’s project was to incorporate themes of swamp buggy and Land Speed races, as well as the Eco Marathon. His idea was that drivers would complete the circuit one just one liter of petrol; the course appears to be a blend of shallow water and beach sand. The vehicle itself is designed to be as efficient as possible on both surfaces: according to the designer, the wheels on the car would actually lift up and allow the car to skim the surface of either water or sand, allowing for high-efficiency travel similar to that of a skimboard. The car would also feature retractable wheels, which would benefit drag at higher speeds, and a rear-mounted air nozzle to control the craft during slides. The concept seems more video game than reality, but again, the idea of getting a lot of fun out of a measly liter of fuel is incredibly cool.
See more images after the jump.
Lamborghini Murcielago Strada Concept
Apparently the world does need more versions of badass Lamborghinis. Reiter Engineering has taken all the carbon fiber they could find and wrapped it around their Lambo; the front splitter, rear diffuser, and rear wing have all been replaced, and the vented hood adds a sinister look as well. Also featured on the Murcielago are lightened (and dark, of course) alloy wheels and race-worthy brakes and suspension. The interior is rounded out by the all-too-familiar alcantara leather, which also drapes the optional roll cage. What is bound to be the centerpiece of the vehicle is the decklid-mounted exhaust, which Reiter has promised will win any disbeliever over in a heartbeat. I’d trust them on this one.
See more images of the Strada concept after the jump.
