The legendary Fiat 500, the same vehicle that helped mobilise Italy, has been honored by the Italian State Mint with the introduction of a limited edition silver coin. It has been introduced to commemorate the car’s 60th anniversary and the impact it has left on the lives of many Italians.
Unveiled by the Italian Ministry of Economics and Finance, the Fiat 500 coin has a monetary value of €5 or RM 24.62 and was designed by master engraver Claudia Momoni. Only 4,000 of these coins will ever be minted, which should make it a collector’s item very soon.
One side of the coin depicts the 1957 Fiat 500 and the current model, with the words ‘Repubblica Italiana’. The other side shows the profile of the classic 500 with the dates 1957 and 2017. The former symbolizes the year that the 500 was first produced. The later signifies the year of which the coin will be produced, which is this year.
Apart from this, the coin also bears the initial ‘R’ which stands for Rome, the place where it was minted, and the name of the engraver alongside a Fiat 500 logo in the original style. Collectors can buy it from Istituto del Poligrafico e della Zecca for €40 or RM197.
Besides the coin, the Fiat 500’s 60th birthday was also celebrated by the launching of a commemorative stamp that was launched by the Italian Post Office earlier this year. Adding to that, the car will become a a permanent addition to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York.
During the its history, the 500 has touched many lives and not only served as a mode of transportation but a fashion icon as well. It mobilized post-war Italy and become a popular car all over the world.
At the recent Silverstone Auctions that was organised in association with Porsche Club GB, over £2.5 million (RM 14 million) changed hands in about 3 hours during the sale of several Porsche cars. The bidders comprised of enthusiast from all over the world including Denmark, Poland and Indonesia.
It was a successful day because 64% of all cars at the auction were sold, some for significantly more than their estimate prices suggested. Bids were placed from the auction floor, online and by phone for the converted 1992 Porsche 911 (964) RS Touring.
The car, one of only 6 in the UK, sold for £219,375 (RM1,221,719), which is about £34,375 (RM 191,437) more than the original estimate. But the most expensive Porsche sold during that day was a 1998 Porsche 911 (993) Turbo S, which went for a whopping £253,125 (RM 1,409,675).
Other notable mentions include a 1962 Porsche 356B ‘Super 90’ Cabriolet that fetched £163,125 (RM 908,457), 1968 Porsche 911 SWB for £92,250 (RM 513,748) and a 1988 Porsche 911 Supersport (SSE) 3.2 Carrera Targa, which sold for £103,500 (RM 576,400).
“It was a remarkably successful auction, helped enormously by the quality of the cars on offer and the tremendous support of Porsche Club GB,” says Nick Whale, managing director of Silverstone Auctions. “I’m grateful to all our vendors and bidders, and very proud of my team for putting together such a fantastic catalog of stunning Porsches.”
Apart from this, many more Porsche cars were sold during the day and if you would like to know morea bout them, CLICK HERE.
We covered the history behind several of the priciest Porsche cars that were sold at auction and a few others that weren’t that special. The Silverstone Auctions is an annual event held in the UK that brings together avid enthusiasts and collectors to bid on some of the most expensive and coveted cars ever made.
Based on a reliability survey that was conducted in What Car? magazine, a UK based automotive publication, the Honda Jazz is the most reliable car in the UK. The survey asked its readers whether their cars had suffered any faults within the last 12 months.
According to the 14,208 readers who responded, not a single Honda Jazz owner who completed the survey, reported any faults with his or her car. The different types of faults of the car were classified into 14 categories.
Readers were allowed to select parts of the car based on the following categories : battery, bodywork, brakes, engine electrics, exhaust, exterior lights, fuel system, gearbox/clutch, interior trim, non-engine electrics, steering, suspension and other.
Despite this, not a single person reported anything wrong in any of the 14 categories, which is a testament to Honda’s reputation for building reliable and robust vehicles. The Jazz’s bigger brother, the Civic, did well too, scoring a 94.5% reliability rating.
“This is a fantastic result for the Jazz and only goes to further demonstrate the build quality that Honda is famed for,” said Phil Webb, head of cars at Honda UK. “To then also further score highly with the Civic hatchback and Tourer simply reaffirms Honda as one of the most trusted and reliable brands.”
Though it seem like this bit of news irrelevant to Malaysian car owners, the contrary is true. This data offer an insight into the robustness of the mechanicals that power the current Jazz.
And since cars made in different parts of the world utilize similar drivetrains and trim fixtures, it’s safe to say that Honda Jazz owners here in Malaysia should be able to enjoy the same reliability as those in the UK.
Nissan IMx, an all-electric crossover concept vehicle is the automaker’s vision of future mobility. It’s angular design coupled with the signature V-shaped grille give the car a menacing stance. The long curved bonnet and sophisticated fin shaped front fascia seems to have been inspired by the aeronautics industry.
The car is powered by Nissan Intelligent Mobility, which is the company’s approach to changing how cars are powered, driven and integrated with society. Built on the automaker’s EV platform, the IMx has a flat under body and floor, which not only lowers the centre of gravity for better driving dynamics, but increases cabin space and luggage carrying capacity.
A pair of electric motors power the front and rear wheels, giving the car AWD capabilities. Their combined power is rated at 320kW and an amazing 700Nm of torque. Juice is supplied via a high capacity battery that has been engineered for increased energy density. On a full charge, Nissan says that the IMx is able to travel 600km before needing to be recharged.
This vehicle also has autonomous driving capabilities too, thanks to a system called ProPILOT. Once engaged, the IMx stores away the steering wheel and recline all seats, leaving ample room for the driver and passengers to rest and enjoy a relaxing journey. When disengaged, the steering wheel is propped back up and the driver can than resume control over the vehicle.
Adding to that, the car is also able to drop off its driver at his/her destination then search for a suitable parking spot to recharge. Once he or she returns, the IMx unplugs from the charger and heads on over to the pick up point. It is also able to pick a suitable charging time depending on tariffs, and when possible, return power to the power grid.
The whole process is carried out efficiently, thanks in part to the increased battery capacity and connected-car technologies, including Seamless Autonomous Mobility. It’s a future that many sci-fi movies have envisioned for years and now, Nissan might be able to bring it to reality in the not so distant future.
Speaking of the car, Daniele Schillaci, executive vice president for global marketing and sales, zero-emission vehicles and the battery business, said, “Through Nissan Intelligent Mobility, Nissan is committed to changing the way people and cars communicate, as well as how cars interact with society in the near future and beyond.”
Inside, the car has a panoramic OLED instrument display panel that allows for a view of the external environment in the background. Despite seeming a bit gimmicky, Nissan has also fitted a separate, wood grain-patterned display, which is positioned below the instrument panel and wraps around the interior door trims.
Through the use of artificial intelligence or AI, drivers will be able to control what’s displayed on the instrument panel with just their eye movements and hand gestures. This type of user interface negates the need for many physical buttons and switch-gear that we are accustomed to seeing in our cars today and instead, offers a less cluttered and more elegant cabin design.
We don’t know when these technologies will make thier way into mass produced Nissan vehicles, but such systems will prove to be exceptionally beneficial in our busy world. It could reduce the number of accidents resulting from inattentiveness, driver fatigue and other issues.
As bizarre as this might sound, Ford has created a robot has that looks and operates like a human bottom – and there is good reason for it. This contraption is being used to simulate how drivers and passengers get in and out of their car seats.
This data allows engineers to carefully map the pressure points on a seat, enabling them to test the wear and tear of materials. Called ‘Robutt’, the machine simulates human movement when getting in and out of a car, which will help the manufacturer increase the lifespan of its materials.
“From the first moment we get into a car, the seat creates an impression of comfort and quality,” said Svenja Froehlich, a durability engineer, at Ford’s European HQ, in Cologne, Germany.
“Previously, we used pneumatic cylinders that simply moved up and down. With the ‘Robutt’, we are now able to replicate very accurately how people really behave,” he later added.
Robutt was built to resemble an average-sized large man and its job on car seats, is to simulate ten years of use in just three weeks – sitting down and getting up 25,000 times. The tests were carried out in a new Ford Fiesta but the Blue Oval will be rolling the test for all of its vehicles for the Europe market.
Tom Brady, a star of USA’s National Football League or NFL, has teamed up with Aston Martin to create a special edition of the Vanquish S. Only 12 such cars will ever be produced, which is part of the Q by Aston Martin pservice.
This a service that welcomes customers, presumably those with deep pockets, to collaborate with the automaker and create custom vehicles that offer a sense of uniqueness that goes beyond the appeal of regular Aston Martins.
Brady’s version of the Vanquish S comes with an Ultramarine Black exterior that is complemented by an interior that makes use of a ‘Dark Knight’ themed leather upholstery. Carbon-fibre has been used extensively throughout the car.
California Poppy leather line the paddle shift tips of the One-77 colour-keyed steering wheel, which Aston Martin believes exemplifies Brady’s meticulous attention to detail. Also, each car will bear the NFL star’s signature on their sill plates and the ‘TB12’ logo on the fender badge, embossed on the headrests.
Regarding the car, Brady said, “It is an incredible car to drive and is truly a work of art. Going through the process of curating a unique Aston Martin has been fascinating. We started with a blank canvas and finished with this beautiful car. It’s been great to see it all come to fruition and I’m proud to share a name with it.”
The Vanquish S is a grand tourer that is powered by a 580bhp 6.0-litre V12 engine that is mated to a fast shifting transmission. Considered one of the best looking Aston Martins to date, the Vanquish S features a sleek silhouette and thoughtfully crafted contours.
The Aston Martin Tom Brady Signature Edition will be available for delivery to customers during the first quarter of 2018.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Chevrolet and Hot Wheels’ partnership in producing some of the most memorable toy cars that have brought great joy to many young kids. The fruits of their efforts have spawned many innovations and incredible designs that attributed to the success of both companies.
And to celebrate this historic occasion, Chevrolet will be introducing a ‘commemorative package’ for its 2018 model year Camaro. This will allow owners to turn their vehicles into real life and size Hot Wheels racers.
The package has been made available for Camaro 2LT and 2SS models of both Coupe and Convertible body styles. Design elements that are offered with this package pay homage to iconic Hot Wheels features that include a Crush exterior color and stripes that replicate the toys’ famous orange tracks.
“In the 1960s Hot Wheels and Camaro challenged vehicle design by elevating the speed, power and performance of both die-cast and pony cars alike. For 50 years, both brands have developed high-performance cars that embody the challenger spirit,” said Chris Down, senior vice president and Global Brand GM, Hot Wheels.
The following is the extensive list of parts and trim that come with this ‘Commemorative Package’:
Satin Graphite stripes with Silver Ice Metallic accents
Satin Graphite ground effects
20-inch forged aluminum wheels (with summer-only tires on SS) in Satin Graphite with milled faces and unique center caps
50th Anniversary Hot Wheels fender badges
Unique grille with Galvano Chrome inserts
Orange brake calipers
Dark taillamps
Black taillamp panel with the Hot Wheels emblem
Black Chevrolet bowtie emblems
Jet Black leather-appointed interior with exclusive orange
inserts and orange accent stitching
Orange kneepads on the doors and orange safety belts
Embossed front-seat headrests
50th Anniversary Hot Wheels badge on the steering wheel
Illuminated doorsill plates with 50th Anniversary Hot Wheels badges
Premium carpeted floor mats with orange stitching and “ghost” stripes
Chevy’s original Camaro, which was introduced in the mid-1960s had a distinctive design feature that allowed its headlights to be hidden in the front sub-frame when not in use. This provided the car with a menacing and rebellious look that may have partly contributed to its immense success.
The latest Camaro doesn’t have hidden headlights, instead it features a higher level of performance, cutting edge tech and a cozy interior. The Camaro Hot Wheels Edition will join approximately 20 other Chevrolet models at this year’s SEMA Show that will take place at the end of this month.
Honda unveiled a new sports car concept at the Tokyo Motorshow called the Sports EV Concept. The car features similar retro-modern looks of the Urban EV Concept, that has been altered to suit a larger silhouette.
At the front, it gets the same iconic rounded headlights used by the early Civics and an elongated black grille that occupies the recessed section of the front fascia. The bulging front fenders and long swooping bonnet provide the car with a muscle car look.
The noticeably large windshield stretches the entire width of the car with the A-Pillars forming narrow partitions between it and the window glass. Toward the rear, the vehicle takes on a fastback look, reminiscent of the original Ford Mustang.
It’s raked roofline tapers toward the back and forms a muscular looking rear. The overall look makes the car look as premium as vehicles from European automakers. Despite being a compact sports car, its design fools people into thinking that the Sports EV Concept is a larger car than its dimensions would suggest.
According to Honda, this new concept combines EV performance with Artificial Intelligence in a car that has been purposefully built to offer decent driving enjoyment. This news suggests that the car will be aimed at enthusiasts as well as those who enjoy a well built machine.
It’s refreshing to see Japanese automakers embrace this newfound need to produce efficient vehicles that combine cutting edge technology with beautifully sculptured bodies. That said, this is only part of the story for Honda. The automaker also unveiled plans of developing various technology that may contribute to the realization of a carbon-free society.
Gordon Murray, the creator of the legendary McLaren F1 supercar, is currently hard at work designing something new that invokes the very traits that made the F1 such a success. Murray himself has announced that he is indeed working on a limited-run flagship vehicle that will utilize an innovative design language.
He also admitted that his new supercar will incorporate the same design and engineering principles that made the McLaren F1 an instant hit about 25 years ago. The car had an engine bay that was lined with gold, a three-seat cockpit layout and was constructed from lightweight materials.
“The new manufacturing business significantly expands the capabilities of our group of companies,” explained Professor Gordon Murray. “With our first new car, we will demonstrate a return to the design and engineering principles that have made the McLaren F1 such an icon.”
According to an article by The Drive, unlike the current crop of supercars, Murray’s creation won’t utilize heavy and complicated machinery and mechanicals, rather a more minimalist approach will be preferred. This is a similar philosophy to that which has served as the bedrock of Lotus Cars for decades.
This new supercar will be launched under Murray’s own car company called Gordon Murray Automotive. Vehicles built under this brand will be based on a new version of the company’s automotive product system called iStream. This platform can be used to manufacture low-volume vehicles for customers with deep pockets.
In depth details regarding performance figures are a bit sketchy at the moment but further details of the car will be released on Friday, 3rd November at ‘One Formula’ exhibition, celebrating 50 years of Gordon Murray car designs.
Mazda has revealed two concept vehicles at the ongoing Tokyo Motorshow, namely the Kai and Vision Coupe. This is the latter’s second outing, but the former’s first public debut. Based on first impressions, the car is nothing less than a masterpiece.
Incorporating the Japanese automaker’s Kodo design language, it has similar lines and contours as cars like the Mazda3 and Mazda6 but far more tastefully done. The curved grille, angular headlights and a low swooping bonnet accentuate the sporty front fascia.
Unlike other hatchbacks from the automaker, this car features an extremely short overhang. Apart from that, Mazda has also given it contours that add depth to the side profiles and a low roof line that that blends with the rear hatch to form one continuous line.
The elegant contours and lowered stance, provide the car with a presence and cool factor that has been absent from the product portfolio since the RX-7 was put out to pasture. Adding to that, the car will feature next-generation SKYACTIV-X petrol engine and the SKYACTIV-Vehicle Architecture.
As for the Vision Coupe, however, the styling is far more futuristic and less functional. But it showcases the capabilities of Mazda’s legion of designers and engineers. It features the ‘Soul of Motion’ exterior with minimalist aesthetics that loosely conforms to the company’s design philosophy.
Mazda says that the car’s design pays homage to Coupes like the Mazda R360, Mazda’s first passenger car, and the Mazda Luce Rotary, also known as the Mazda R130. Evidently, this is the Japanese automaker’s way of telling us that we can expect to see some amazing Mazda cars on our roads in the not so distant future.
As for the company’s long term version for technology development, its looking to fundamental appeal of the automobile to offer better driving pleasure in its new crop of vehicles.
