This prototype can run on up to 85 percent ethanol blend, and 60 percent of the total output is taken care of by EV power, courtesy the hybrid system, in certain test conditions
The prototype is equipped with a 186PS 2-liter strong-hybrid petrol engine.
The engine has been modified to be compatible with high-blend ethanol fuel.
A 20 percent ethanol blend produces 14 percent less PM2.5 emissions than petrol.
Ethanol is more affordable and is mostly made from organic materials like sugarcane.
Further tests and calibrations need to be done before the prototype is approved for Indian roads.
Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, has unveiled the prototype of the flex-fuel Toyota Innova Hycross hybrid. This prototype can run on up to 85 percent ethanol blend fuel and is the first in the world to comply with the updated BS6 Phase 2 emission norms. Here’s what you need to know about the flex-fuel Innova Hycross prototype.
Cleaner Powertrain
The flex-fuel Hycross uses the same 2-liter strong-hybrid powertrain engine as the regular Toyota hybrid MPV. The engine has been adapted to run on an ethanol blend of up to 85 percent, making it more eco-friendly. Toyota claims that the performance output of 186PS remains the same even on the greener fuel.
Benefits
Ethanol is a cleaner fuel than petrol or diesel, resulting in lower emissions and less environmental damage. E20 fuels (20 percent ethanol blend) can reduce PM2.5 emissions by 14 percent compared to regular petrol. The hybrid system further enhances the eco-friendliness of the prototype as it uses EV power for up to 60 percent of the total output. Ethanol is also more affordable than fossil fuels and can be locally manufactured from organic resources like sugarcane, rice, and bamboo.
The transition to electric vehicles is challenging, and flex-fuel vehicles provide a middle ground solution. They help reduce carbon emissions and India’s energy imports. Eventually, the country may even be able to export surplus biofuels.
The flex-fuel Innova Hycross is still a prototype and needs further testing before it can be made available on Indian roads. The availability of higher ethanol-blended fuel is also crucial for this technology to be fully utilized. However, by 2025, E20-compliant fuel and compatible vehicles are expected to be introduced. Let us know your thoughts on this prototype in the comments below.
A rare 1998 Subaru Impreza 22B prototype, which was previously owned by World Rally Championship legend Colin McRae, fetched an impressive $606,042 (480,500 pounds) at the Silverstone Festival auction on August 26. This marked the first time the car was made available in a public auction.
Delivered by Subaru in November 1998, the 22B was one of only three prototypes created for the limited-run model inspired by rally racing. The automaker produced a total of 400 units for Japan, along with 16 for the United Kingdom, 5 for Australia, and the three pre-production examples. Interestingly, the Japanese units reportedly sold out on the first day of availability.
It has been a while since we last saw a prototype of the Bentley Continental GT on the road. But the wait was worth it because we now have a video of the car power sliding through corners at the famous Nurburgring.
CarSpyMedia on YouTube captured this thrilling footage. Even though the Continental GT is not a lightweight vehicle, the driver behind the wheel doesn’t seem to mind. The noise from other cars on the track makes it difficult to hear the engine sound, but we believe it may be a hybrid twin-turbocharged V8 based on some exhaust notes that can be heard.
Kawasaki unveiled its Ninja EV and Z EV prototype electric motorcycles at EICMA 2022. The company had been secretly working on electric bikes and planned to release them as production models in 2023. If you’re curious about the progress of these bikes, Kawasaki has recently filed type approval documents with Australia’s Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, and the Arts.
The approval was granted to Kawasaki Heavy Industries Limited on July 31, 2023, and is valid until July 30, 2030. The approved vehicle is known as the model NX011A, with variants listed as NR011A and NX011A. The NR011A is the Z e-1, while the NX011A is commonly referred to as the Ninja e-1.
4Photos
The type approval document not only reveals the first images of the completed vehicles but also provides some previously undisclosed details about Kawasaki’s first two production electric motorcycles. The motor power is listed at 9 kilowatts, or a little over 12 horsepower. While this may not be extremely powerful, it’s important to note that these bikes are designed for commuting and are relatively lightweight for electric motorcycles.
The wheelbase for both the Ninja e-1 and the Z e-1 will be 1,370 millimeters, or approximately 53.9 inches. The curb weight of the Z e-1 is 135 kilograms (297.6 pounds), while the Ninja e-1 is slightly heavier at 140 kilograms (308.6 pounds).
It’s worth mentioning that the weight of electric motorcycles is largely due to the batteries. In 2023, the weight of electric vehicles is mainly attributed to their batteries due to the current energy densities and customers’ concerns about range anxiety. During the public introduction of the project at EICMA 2022, Kawasaki stated that the production versions of these bikes would utilize swappable electric batteries instead of larger, heavier packs to offer a longer range when fully charged.
Swappable electric battery packs have been demonstrated by Gogoro as a viable power source for short-range electric vehicles, particularly for urban commuter vehicles like the Ninja e-1 and Z e-1. However, Kawasaki has yet to announce how it intends to address infrastructure considerations.
Interestingly, Japan’s leading motorcycle manufacturers (Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha) formed a company called Gachaco in 2022 to develop swappable batteries for motorcycles. Although Gachaco’s focus has primarily been on scooters, it remains to be seen if Gachaco’s swappable batteries will be used to power the upcoming Kawasaki Ninja e-1 and Z e-1.
The Lamborghini SC63 LMDh, a hybrid racing prototype, will compete in the Hypercar division of the World Endurance Championship and the GTP class of the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship in 2024.
The SC63 stands out with its superior aerodynamics, lightweight design, and potent hybrid drivetrain made specifically for racing.
The SC63 incorporates traditional Lamborghini design features, has advanced engineering, and tactfully plays with the LMDh rule book.
The Lamborghini SC63 LMDh will be racing in the Hypercar division of the World Endurance Championship as part of the Iron Lynx team in 2024. It will also be participating in the GTP class of the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship. For motorsport enthusiasts, this exciting news ignites the anticipation for an exhilarating thrill awaiting them. The name SC63 pays homage to Lamborghini’s esteemed motorsport department, Squadra Corse, and the year it was founded, 1963 – what a great way to celebrate its 60th anniversary! The Hypercar is Lamborghini’s first hybrid endurance racing prototype and represents a significant milestone in the Squadra Corse department’s ten years of operation. To put it simply, it’s the most advanced racing car to come out of Lamborghini’s production line.
Wraps went off the SC63 officially in the just concluded Goodwood Festival of Speed, and it was nothing short of goals. What makes this Lamborghini version stand out is its superior aerodynamics, lightweight design, and potent hybrid drive train that is specifically made for racing. Indeed, the SC63 aligns with the company’s vision of achieving high-performance mobility in the future.
The New SC63 LMDh Incorporates Lamborghini’s Styling Cues Throughout
A closer scrutiny of the SC63 reveals a lot of traditional Lamborghini design features. The race design team at Lamborghini worked with the Centro Stile design department to create the curvy bodywork. As seen on the new Revuelto, Lamborghini’s most recent ride has a Y-shaped headlight signature at the front and rear, surrounding some bulbs that illuminate in the dark. The aggressive design philosophy of Lamborghini complements the sports prototype’s unwavering focus on function. As a matter of fact, it’s right to say that the New Lamborghini resembles the Lamborghini V-12 Vision Gran Turismo in most parts.
The fenders of the new Lambo’ have pressure-relief holes that run along their length and are designed to release excess pressure in the event of a crash. This helps to prevent the fenders from buckling or collapsing, which could protect the driver and passengers from injury. These holes blend into louvered rear vents on both the front and rear fenders. The car also has multiple air intakes on both sides that feed eight different radiators. Furthermore, the engineering team has integrated a total of eight different radiators, including;
Two intercoolers
Two water radiators
One gearbox radiator
One condenser for air conditioning
One radiator for the Energy Recovery System (ERS)
One radiator for the Energy Storage System (ESS)
Sporting regulations and the integration of Lamborghini’s own brand aesthetic elements throughout the vehicle influenced the size of the cabin and the principal character of the vehicle. A NACA duct, inspired by the air intake of the Countach, can be observed integrated into the side panel of the body. In addition, the rear wheel arch design gives the impression of acceleration towards the front, drawing inspiration from Lamborghini’s signature wheel arch design language seen on the Revuelto model.
Shot of the Lamborghini SC63 hybrid endurance racing prototype.
The SC63 is a special racing car built in accordance with the LMDh rules. Under these rules, cars can be built differently but will end up achieving the same level of performance. For instance, only four companies, namely ORECA, Dallara, Ligier, and Multimatic are licensed to produce the monocoque and the suspension, also referred to as the spine of the car or simply the chassis. Lamborghini procured the SC63’s chassis from Ligier Automotive, which, as a requirement, must be the next-generation LMP2 design. By so doing, the SC63 became the first LMDh car to partner with the French-based auto company Ligier.
While Ligier was responsible for manufacturing the chassis, Lamborghini’s engineers contributed to the development by specifying some features, such as requesting a push rod-type front suspension system and ensuring the structure had an even weight distribution and could support easy servicing. The car’s 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine is brand new and was designed by Lamborghini engineers specifically for racing. This engine is set up in a layout called a ‘cold V’ configuration, which attaches turbochargers outside the engine’s V-angle. This promotes faster cooling and serviceability and also increases the car’s stability on the racetracks.
Lamborghini SC63 LMDh Specs
Engine Specs
New 3.8-liter twin-turbo V-8 and electric motor
Total Power Output
671 horsepower
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive
The overall power output from the hybrid system is 671 horsepower, which also happens to be the maximum power competing cars are allowed to generate. Bosch’s electronic control unit manages this power unit. To control costs, certain parts like the gearbox, battery, and motor generator unit (MGU) are standardized for all LMDh cars. However, the rules for LMDh racing limit the power output of the SC63, as well as all other cars in its class, to 671 horses. This is to ensure fair competition and keep the racing exciting and competitive. Lamborghini still has some freedom to customize the gearbox to their liking. They can choose the gear ratios and the way the mechanical differential works. This customization allows them to optimize the car’s performance for racing.
A Chance To Showcase Another Lamborghini Win In The Biggest Endurance Races
Lamborghini
Shot of the Lamborghini SC63 hybrid endurance racing prototype.
Lamborghini SC63 LMDh comes in a striking Verde Mantis green hue on the SC63s, which is accentuated by a modern Nero Noctis black stripe that covers the interior, front hood, carbon diffuser, rear fin, and wing. Additionally, these cars proudly showcase the iconic Italian Tricolore colors of green, white, and red. Notably, the branding of Lamborghini’s trusted long-time partner, Swiss watch manufacturer Roger Dubuis, will also be prominently displayed on the vehicles.
Next year, the Lamborghini SC63 will make its debut on the racetracks, and it will be managed by the experienced Iron Lynx team, known for its success in GT3 racing. The team’s driver lineup is truly impressive, featuring two former Formula 1 drivers, Romain Grosjean and Daniil Kvyat, who will be joined by Lamborghini’s factory racing drivers, Andrea Caldarelli and Mirko Bortolotti. Together, they will form a formidable team ready to take on the challenges of the racing season.
The SC63 is Lamborghini’s most technologically advanced racing vehicle ever manufactured, according to the company’s chairman and CEO Stephan Winkelmann. It follows their strategy, “Direzione Cor Tauri,” which defines their goals for electrifying their whole product line. The SC63 LMDh represents a significant step into the highest echelons of motorsports and embodies the future of racing for their Squadra Corse team.
Shot of the Lamborghini SC63 hybrid endurance racing prototype.
The Lamborghini SC63 LMDh is a cutting-edge race car designed with endurance competitions in mind. As for what the future holds for the car, Lamborghini does not have any plans to add another car on top of the LMDh. But most importantly, this hypercar demonstrates something more than just trying to become the best in racing. It spells the pursuit of technical solutions, such as aerodynamics, that can be applied to other production cars to improve their functionality. Turns out that the experience Lamborghini is getting from the SC63 will be instrumental in shaping their transition from ICEs to hybrid and all-electric models.
The next-generation Peugeot 3008 has been seen on the streets during its summer testing. Previously seen in snowy conditions, the compact crossover is now sporting a white camo wrap that partially obscures its new features. However, recent spy photos have provided us with a clearer look at the changes.
Despite the camo wrap, it’s evident that the new model will have simpler and straighter body lines along the side, a departure from the current model. The front of the vehicle also appears to be more streamlined, with slimmer headlights and a refined grille. Although the size of the grille seems similar to the current model, it may have gained some width, resulting in cleaner lines.
Sant’Agata Bolognese, 14 July 2023 – Celebrating its 60th anniversary as Goodwood Festival of Speed celebrates its 30th, Automobili Lamborghini welcomed owners, international media and fans at the UK event, who witnessed the unveiling of the Italian marque’s first hybrid endurance racing LMDh prototype yesterday followed by the start of the weekend’s hill runs from six Lamborghini super sports car models.
“Goodwood Festival of Speed provides a perfect environment for Lamborghini to continue our 60th anniversary celebrations in 2023,” said Chairman and CEO Stephan Winkelmann. “Goodwood is an ideal venue to present our exciting new endurance racecar project and for the debut dynamic appearance of our new flagship hybrid V12 Revuelto: our first new model as we head on our path towards electrification. Importantly, not only do we welcome our clients to Goodwood in true Lamborghini style, but the Festival of Speed is a wonderful opportunity to put our cars and brand in front of so many Lamborghini enthusiasts who visit the UK event over the four days.”
Lamborghini and its Squadra Corse motorsport department presented the SC63 on a dedicated stand next to the Lamborghini VIP Lounge, its moniker celebrating the year in which Lamborghini was founded, 60 years ago. Joining Stephan Winkelmann, Chairman and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini, Chief Technical Officer Rouven Mohr and Head of Motorsport Giorgio Sanna on stage, were special guests including John Doonan, President of the International Motorsport Sports Association (IMSA), and Andrea Piccini, a founder and team principal of Lamborghini’s partner Italian race team Iron Lynx along with team owner Deborah Mayer, DC Racing Solutions Ltd. founder. From 2024 one car will campaign in the Hypercar class of the FIA World Endurance Championship including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, with a second car in the GTP class of the IMSA North American Endurance Championship Endurance Cup that includes the 24 Hours of Daytona and 12 Hours of Sebring.
Displayed outside the Lamborghini VIP Lounge, which welcomed over 350 Lamborghini owners and guests over the weekend, was the new Lamborghini Revuelto and Huracán Sterrato: in the Supercar class, the Revuelto made its first dynamic appearance ahead of its official driving launch later this year. The first V12 super sports plug-in hybrid HPEV (High Performance Electrified Vehicle) was joined in running up the hill by the V10 Huracán range: the new Sterrato with its special RALLY mode that takes it ‘beyond the tarmac’ on dirt and loose surfaces; the track-oriented STO; the multi-faceted Huracán Tecnica; and the open-top lifestyle Huracán EVO Spyder. From the First Glance paddock, the Urus Performante Super SUV demonstrated its sporty pace and handling as it joined its Lamborghini stablemates on track.
Celebrating the theme ‘innovators of their time’ was a line-up of special models including the game-changing V12 Miura and Countach: the first Super SUV the LM 002; the one-off Reventón; and the present-day Huracán Sterrato, displayed at the entrance way to the prestigious Drivers’ Club in conjunction with Lamborghini’s ‘hyper horology’ partner and official Goodwood Festival of Speed timing partner Roger Dubuis.
Goodwood Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard is held at the Goodwood House estate in Sussex, UK from 13 to 16 July 2023.
[1] The vehicle is not yet offered for sale and is therefore not subject to Directive 1999/94/EC. The fuel consumption and emissions data are in the type of approval stage.
[2] Fuel consumption and emission values of Huracán Sterrato; Fuel consumption combined: 14,9 l/100km (WLTP); CO2-emissions combined: 337 g/km (WLTP)
[3] Fuel consumption and emission values of Huracán STO; Fuel consumption combined: 13.9 l/100km (WLTP); CO₂-emissions combined: 331 g/km (WLTP)
[4] Fuel consumption and emission values of Huracán Tecnica; Fuel consumption combined: 14,5 l/100km (WLTP); CO₂-emissions combined: 328 g/km (WLTP
[5] Fuel consumption and emission values of Huracán Evo Spyder; Fuel consumption combined: 14,9 l/100km (WLTP); CO₂-emissions combined: 338 g/km (WLTP)
[6] Fuel consumption and emission values of Urus Performante; Fuel consumption combined: 14,1 l/100km (WLTP); CO₂-emissions combined: 320 g/km (WLTP)
The Eccentrica, a prototype restomod based on the 1990s Lamborghini Diablo, was unveiled in Milan today. Initiated by entrepreneur and Lamborghini collector Emanuel Colombini, it combines the work of the BorromeodeSilva design firm, a team of engineers and technicians who worked on the prototype’s development, and premium brands like Pirelli, Brembo, Marantz, Capristo, and Alcantara participating as partners.
The Eccentrica prototype maintains the essence of the original Diablo while offering a more modern driving experience through numerous technological and design upgrades. It retains the original car’s bold proportions while utilizing composite materials and a reinforced and hardened steel tubular chassis. The interior blends 1990s minimalism with state-of-the-art mechanics.
In the late 1950s, Volkswagen began working on a rear-engine prototype that was intended to replace the Beetle. It took three years of development before the prototype, known as the EA97, was completed in 1960. Unlike other experimental Beetle replacements, Volkswagen was so impressed with the design that they hand-built around 200 two-door sedans based on the EA97.
The EA97 featured an elongated, almost pontoon-shaped body and was powered by a 1.1-liter opposed 4-cylinder engine. It had a spacious trunk in the front, adding to its practicality. Volkswagen was so confident in the EA97 that they even started setting up a production line for it. However, as the project neared completion, Volkswagen reconsidered and ultimately decided that the EA97 was too similar to both the Beetle and the Type 3, which was also under development and was eventually released in 1961. Consequently, Volkswagen cancelled the project altogether.
Interestingly, traces of the EA97 can be found in a later Volkswagen model called the Brasilia. The Brasilia was a compact, rear-engine vehicle designed and built in Brazil, primarily for the South American market. Some automotive enthusiasts believe that the design of the Brasilia incorporates elements from the EA97, linking it back to the Beetle replacement concept.
BMW has made significant progress on its upcoming X2 model. Although this isn’t the first time we have seen a prototype out in public, new spy photos reveal a clearer view of the crossover’s front end. The latest images showcase an M35i trim with some of its heavy camouflage removed.
One notable change can be seen in the front fascia. Previously, the lower vents were partially covered by hard covers, but they are now completely exposed. This reveals the angled sides of the lower openings, which curve inwards at the top, seamlessly aligning with the bottom corners of the grille. Additionally, slim vertically-oriented vents can be clearly seen on the sides of the fascia.
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