Triumph Bonneville Heuer Motorcycle
We simply don’t have enough time to tell you how cool Steve McQueen was. Thankfully, Triumph and Tag Heuer will do that for us; they have created a one-of-a-kind motorcycle to pay tribute to the influential actor and race enthusiast. Inspired by the classic McQueen race film Le Mans, the Bonneville Heuer shares the familiar Gulf Oil blue and orange paint scheme with McQueen’s famous Porsche 917. For those of in the know, McQueen also flashed a Heuer Monaco watch several times throughout the movie. With that, and the upcoming anniversaries of 40 and 50 years for the Heuer Monaco and Triumph Bonneville respectively, what better way to collaborate and honor the heritage of two hugely influential designs?
Continue reading for more images.
Daihatsu Basket
The Basket, a unique concept car set to debut at this year’s Tokyo Motor Show, is one of the few cars unveiled at the show that brings retro styling cues to mind. While most manufacturers are packing new cars with as much as they can find, the Basket is extremely minimalist. The no-nonsense interior is sparse, and covered with fabric throughout, save for an oversized speedometer and the radio. The theme continues outside, where Daihatsu’s boxy contraption gives it a “that’s easy to paraller park” look. The Basket has forsaken fuel-cell or even hybrid technology in favor of a 660cc three-cylinder, borrowed from the Mira. Although the Basket might not be for everyone, its cute, quirky, and retro feel will bring smiles to would-be owners.
Continue reading for more images.
2010 Triumph Rocket III
Despite the current trend in the automotive world to constantly do more with less, Triumph has apparently gone in the opposite direction with their newest cruiser, the Rocket III. Saddled with the distinction of being the worlds “largest capacity bike,” the Rocket III Roadster is powered by a 2.3liter inline three-cylinder engine that generates an astounding 165 lb-ft of twist. Simon Warburton, Triumph’s GM, promises a dynamic riding experience thanks to the engine’s ability to provide “instant drive at any point” coupled with a drastic change in riding position from the previous Rocket III. The footrests have been lowered and moved further back, and the seat has been raised and repositioned to give the rider a sportier experience. Despite the hefty 807 pound curb weight, a retuned suspension should keep the Rocket nimble on both straights and twisties. The use of Triumph’s familiar twin headlights (recognizable from the Speed Triple, a great touch) returns, but the instrument panel changes to improve functionality and encourage a better riding experience. Available only in black (at least you can choose matte or gloss), expect to see Triumph’s newest creation hit dealers early next year.
Continue reading for more images and a video for the 2010 Triumph Rocket III.
1932 Ford Track Nose Licorice Streak Special
The good news? This one-of-a-kind beauty was not sold on Ebay this week. The bad news? Even with bidding at $178,000, the reserve was not met. Commissioned by gearhead Tim Allen and put together by the renowned Moal Coachbuilders, this hot rod is unquestionably a fine piece of rolling art. Although the title lists it as a 1932 Ford, there’s not a lot about this vehicle that Henry and company would remember if they saw the Licorice Streak Special cruising through Dearborn on a sunny afternoon. Between the Art Deco inspired trim and moldings made by Takayuki “Kaki” Kakizaki and the Ford SVO 351 (with GT40 heads) lurking within, this is a truly unique and beautiful vehicle, as its 10 years worth of awards will attest to as well. With such an immaculate and spellbinding vehicle primed to go back on the auction block, it’s only a matter of time before it finds another home.
Continue reading for more images.
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?
Continue reading for more images.
1965 Dodge Deora Concept
On September 26th, a 1965 Dodge Deora concept will cross the auction block during the Icons of Speed and Style auction at the Petersen Automotive Museum. The one-off pickup was built by revered hot rodders Mike and Larry Alexander, and is widely recognized by enthusiasts. The Deora won the coveted Ridler award at the 1967 Detroit Autorama and was immortalized shortly thereafter as one of the original 16 Hot Wheels cars. Originally based on the utilitarian Dodge A100, the Deora utilizes avant-garde bodywork and a forward opening windshield to aid ingress and egress. Restored to original show specs ten years ago, the Deora concept is expected to fetch between $350,000 and $550,000 at auction.
Continue reading for more images.
The Unveiling of the Mercedes SLS AMG
SwipeLife was in attendance for the unveiling of Mercedes‘ latest supercar, the SLS AMG, at the Frankfurt Auto Show earlier this morning. Introduced by Dr. Dieter Zetsche himself, the SLS was presented as the future of the company, a demonstration of “automotive fascination and high-tech of the highest order.” According to Dr. Zetsche, the SLS is a “dream car that captures the imagination…that shows perfectly how dynamic a Mercedes Benz can be.” The Gullwing boasts a brand new AMG-sourced engine (6.3 liter V8; 571bhp and 650Nm of torque) and a revolutionary aluminum space frame that attest to the German marque’s steadfast commitment to consistent lightweight design and a pure driving experience. In keeping with the eco-conscious theme of the show, Mercedes boasted of its own leadership and initiative in producing green vehicles, and stated plans to develop a purely electric SLS AMG by 2013.
More images from the unveiling of the Merceds SLS AMG at the Frankfurt Auto Show after the jump.
Also be on the look out for more of our coverage from the Frankfurt Auto Show.
BMW Land Yacht
It may not be on the streets anytime soon, but the BMW Land Yacht, from designer Stefan Radev, is absolutely on our desktop wallpaper. Continuing on BMW’s string of amazing looking concept releases the Land Yacht, with a windpowered steering sail and seating for one, looks like the type of land-rocket usually reserved for the Bonneville Salt Flats.
More images after the jump.
Noble M600
The boys from Barwell have finally removed the cover from their latest creation, the M600. With their sights set on supercars like Ferrari Enzo and Porsche GT, Noble has mated a twin-turbo Volvo engine (producing 650bhp) to a stainless steel space frame chassis, creating a terrific power-to-weight ratio. The result is a top speed of 225mph, 0-60 time of three seconds, and with the Stig behind the wheel, faster lap times than both the Audi R8 and Ferrari F430 on Top Gear’s circuit. Noble will reportedly be offering a feature that will allow the driver to alternate between horsepower modes, offering settings of both 450 and 550bhp to enhance driveability for non-track days. The M600 is clearly set up for insane driving, however; it lacks even basic driving aids like ESP and anti-lock brakes, and comes with only an easily removable traction control. This brute is expected to make its official debut at the Goodwood Revival in September.
More images of the Noble M600 after the jump.
Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder
Dutch manufacturer Spyker continues to up the ante with their latest take on an open air sports car. The convertible version of their all new, second-generation C8 Aileron debuted earlier this month at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance to enthusiastic response. The hydraulically powered canvas soft top disappears in 20 seconds, and stows seamlessly underneath an aluminum tonneau, flanked by two Hulshof leather buttresses (yes, they match the interior). The all-aluminium space frame is complimented by a Lotus-sourced suspension, and the C8 is powered by the now-familiar Audi 4.2L V8 producing in excess of 400bhp. We’ve come to expect great things from plane builders-turned-automakers, and Spyker’s new creation does not disappoint.
More images after the jump.
