Alfa Romeo 8C Spider
The topless version of the car that put Alfa back on the map, the 8C Competizione, has finished production and will be leaving Modena shortly to be dispersed all over the world. Its two-layer electric-powered fabric roof tucks quickly and neatly into the boot, turning the supercoupe into the perfect summer car in seconds. 500 total are slated for production, with 35 coming to our side of the pond. The Spider features Maserati’s familiar 4.7 liter V8, displacing 450bhp; also featured on the convertible are Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes and a carbon fiber windshield frame, used to maintain perfect weight distribution. Maserati of North America has priced the Spider at a conservative $299,000.
See more images of the 8C Spider after the jump.
Phil Hill’s Jaguar C-Type on the Block at Pebble Beach
Joining other historic beauties on the auction block this summer (like Ettore Bugatti’s Type 57C) is this heritage-rich 1952 Jaguar C-Type. This C-Type was one of 55, and was tuned to produce 205bhp from its twin-cam inline-6, an increase of 45bhp over the standard XK120 road car. Modifications to the car’s chassis and body panels helped reduce the weight by 450kg compared to its street-legal brethren. What sets this one apart from the other 54 is that is was piloted by none other than the legendary Phil Hill; chassis XKC-007 made a big splash on this side of the pond, taking victories at Torrey Pines and Watkins Glen, among others. Its success on the circuit and its amazing restored condition promise to make it one of the more sought-after pieces at the upcoming auction: the 3-day event runs from August 13-15.
See more after the jump.
Modern Caravan Design by Rob Villa
While the old fashioned road trip is still popular and sought after by college students and families, some means of going on one have all but vanished, namely Caravans. Whether Isley-Jasper-Isley’s 1985 hit song “Caravan of Love” had anything to do with their demise is up for debate but the typically stale designs of those available haven’t helped much either. This problem drove young designer Rob Villa to create the coolest caravan since, well… this one. The sleek design was inspired by 50s style and air-streams, evident in the whitewall tires and overall aerodynamic form. It features a bedroom situated above the main living room thats accessible by way of an electronically operated pop up roof; a fully functioning bathroom and kitchen equipped with a fold out breakfast area; a fold down rear panel providing more indoor or outdoor space and many more. This would be awesome for the guys who spend weekends at the track racing motorcycles or the guys who spend days at the beach surfing. Let’s see if it ever goes to production.
See more of this concept after the jump.
Jaguar Mark XXI Concept – Bionomic Autonomous Limousine
As conceptualized by British design student Christopher Pollard, the future of automobiles–and in this case the Jaguar Mark XXI Limousine–is in streamlined, swooping, incandescence. And, more importantly, that the design’s excitement is strongly influenced by it’s engineering–that the design of the vehicle is literally what powers it. For the Mark XXI is solar-powered, with leaf-like panels that follow the movement of the sun. These same panels are lit at night. Beyond the uniqueness of design and forward-thinking technologies, Pollard’s demonstration of conceptual phases is particularly intriguing.
More images and the video of the Jaguar Mark XXI concept car after the jump.
Hublot “All Black” Bike x BMC
High end watch makers Hublot has teamed up with Swiss cycling company BMC to offer a limited edition racing bike. The run will only consist of 30 of bicycles. Everything about this black on black beauty is a work of art & all parts are light weight high performance materials.The frame is constructed of carbon fiber to ensure ruggedness & the pedals contain ceramics to reduce friction. The carbon fiber helps make the bike look fast & elusive as well as sleek like the build on Hublot watches.
The flat brushed look of the wheels, stainless gears & curvature of the metal frame take this piece to another level altogether. Both brands take special care to place their logos on the bike in a non obtrusive manner. Everything comes together perfectly to create a very simple & clean look. The first of these 30 racing bikes will be race tested at the World Stars Cycling Criterium in Monaco.
See more images and a video presentation of the bike after the jump.
BMW S.X Concept Design by Iulian Bumbu
Design student Iulian Bumbu is either a genius or a complete madman. Coming on the heels of his Lamborghini Insecta Concept is this stunning BMW S.X Concept car. Bumbu seems to be prodding the execs in Munich to finally produce the supercoupe that they have been tiptoeing around since the debut of the M1 Homage Concept in 2008. Taking design cues from the Aston Martin One-77 and Fisker Karma, the S.X looks sleek and powerful, while still incorporating BMW’s trademark kidney grille and tweaked headlights that look borrowed from their earlier CS Concept. The best choice of engine would most likely be a derivative of their twin-turbo V8, which has taken well to power increases and will source the upcoming M-variants of the X5 and X6.
See more after the jump.
Shocker Chopper
Taking design cues from Easy Rider (or perhaps West Coast Choppers), German studio Team Tentakulus’ Shocker Chopper is a one speed bike with serious cache. Colored like an old-school Jeep, with a minimalist, linear frame, the bike is one part cruiser, one part rugged, and all-around cool. Don’t forget your helmet.
More images after the jump.
The Sea King Luxury Yacht
Conceived as a means of transportation between islands in the Middle East, the Sea King designed by Adam Schacter is a 60 foot concept yacht that combines classic wood construction with modern style and amenities. The materials utilized in the construction of the Sea King are of the highest caliber, and include cedar, mahogany, and marante wood, Connolly leather, and stainless steel hardware. The yacht uses twin gas turbines linked to water jets in lieu of a traditional engine and outdrive/propeller system. The propulsion method enables the Sea King to reach a maximum speed of 120 knots. On board features include leather seating and “sun loungers” on the top deck, and bedrooms, a kitchen, bathroom, and bar below deck to facilitate overnight voyages.
See more images of the Sea King luxury Yacht after the jump.
Rizk Automobile 1957 Aston Martin DBR2
The Aston Martin DBR2, while never a serious contender in motorsport, was nonetheless an appealing car rich in heritage. Only two were ever produced, and earned a few victories stateside at the hands of George Constantine and the legendary Stirling Moss. Rizk Automobile’s take on the Aston racecar is terrific; each beautiful curve has been mimicked, albeit with modern materials. RA constructed the body panels out of a material called Carbon-Nomex (yes, the same Nomex they make flame retardant race suits out of), which is extremely light and strong. Other details remain largely unchanged, from the wire-spoke wheels to the side-exit exhaust. A number of engines are offered: a Jaguar inline-6 or V-12, or a Corvette-sourced LS3 V-8. The price of beauty? $180,000, something Aston owners should be used to paying already.
See more images after the jump.
Marotti Three-Wheeled Concept Car
This trike by private company Marotti has inspired a lot of adjectives over the last few weeks, and we’re going to be as neutral as we can on this one. Marotti’s take on the three-wheeler is certainly nothing new, but it’s not-so-subtle styling is very unique. Their unabashed take on a miniature fighter jet is no doubt a hint to the vehicle’s performance; it extracts 100bhp from its 750cc Honda powerplant, yet weighs only 440kg. A sequential six-speed gearbox runs through the cogs, and an adjustable suspension system is used to customize the vehicle depending on the setting. Of course, without serious corporate backing, its unlikely that the Marotti could ever compete with more refined trikes such as the Volkswagen GX3, but we don’t think that’s the idea here. If there was ever such a thing as a niche 3-wheeler, this is it.
See more images and a video of the car after the jump.
