Legendary automobile designer Marcello Gandini, who formed among the greatest identified and most revered Italian vehicles of all time, has died on the age of 85.
The Turin native, extensively recognised as some of the prolific and influential automobile designers of his period, made a reputation for himself within the mid-Sixties whereas working for the storied Bertone design home, the place he was accountable for such icons because the Lamborghini Miura, Lancia Stratos and Ferrari 308/GT4 – Maranello’s solely Bertone-designed automobile.
Gandini’s rise to prominence started when he changed Giorgetto Giugiaro on the Italian agency in 1965. One of his earliest works there was a two-seat, drop-top remodeling of the Porsche 911 that by no means made manufacturing, and an imposing luxurious coupé primarily based on the Jaguar S-Type adopted quickly after.
Arguably his best-known creation was the Lamborghini Countach, which is outlined by its aero-optimised, wedge-shaped silhouette – a Gandini hallmark that has come to be emblematic of experimental automobile design within the Seventies and Eighties and which nonetheless has an enormous affect immediately.
But Gandini did not restrict himself to penning radical, low-volume supercars: among the hottest vehicles of the previous half-century got here from his studio, together with the unique BMW 5 Series, first Volkswagen Polo, Fiat 132, Renault 5 Turbo and Citroën BX.
The jaw-dropping Alfa Romeo 33 Carabo and Navajo ideas have been Gandini efforts, too, and so have been the unique ideas for the Bugatti EB110 and Lamborghini Diablo.
He broke from conference with a collection of extra rounded and outlandish designs within the Nineteen Nineties after leaving Bertone and designed fashions for manufacturers together with Nissan and Perodua.
Among his ultimate vehicles was the Stola S86 Diamante – an idea created in simply 5 weeks for the 2005 Geneva motor present.
The automotive world has been formed by iconic engines that not solely revolutionized efficiency but in addition ignited fierce competitors amongst producers. Among these legendary powerhouses stands the Chrysler Corporation’s Hemi engine—an unintended marvel born out of surprising circumstances. Its inception traces again to a failed WWII fighter aircraft engine, rigorously examined and confirmed, but by no means destined for manufacturing. This obvious setback turned the spark that birthed one of the crucial revered engines in automotive historical past—the Hemi.
Chrysler’s engineers, undeterred by the scrapped wartime engine, ingeniously repurposed its ideas into the HearthPower V8s, propelling the 1951 Chryslers and introducing the first mass-produced “Hemi” engines within the American automotive panorama. These engines, with their hemispherical combustion chamber design, supplied unparalleled airflow and efficiency, setting the stage for a transformative period in automotive engineering. By the Sixties, Chrysler had not solely popularized the time period “Hemi” but in addition trademarked it, cementing the engine’s distinctive design and revolutionary influence on the {industry}.
From its humble beginnings within the HearthPower line to the evolution throughout varied fashions like DeSoto’s FireDome and Dodge’s Red Ram, every representing a step within the Gen-I Hemi lineage with completely different displacements and design tweaks, the Hemi engine quickly turned an emblem of automotive innovation and energy. This narrative of invention, adaptation, and evolution defines not simply the engine, however an period marked by technological leaps and the relentless pursuit of automotive excellence.
Powering every thing from old-school Mopar muscle vehicles to modern-day efficiency vehicles and SUVs, that is the story of the legendary HEMI engine
In order to provide the most recent and correct info doable, the info used to compile this text was sourced from varied producer web sites and different authoritative sources, together with Hagerty and Motortrend, to supply readers with essentially the most complete info doable.
10The Accidental Icon: Birth Of The Hemi
The Chrysler Corporation’s serendipitous foray into the world of Hemi engines traces again to an unexpected flip of occasions when a battle-tested WWII fighter plane engine, regardless of its confirmed efficiency, missed the prospect for manufacturing. This fortuitous coincidence throughout the early Nineteen Fifties inadvertently turned the catalyst for the delivery of an automotive legend—the long-lasting Hemi engine.
This surprising journey heralded the unintended genesis of a technological marvel that will redefine the panorama of high-performance engines. The emergence of the Hemi marked a paradigm shift, setting ablaze a path of innovation and initiating a transformative chapter in automotive historical past, the place energy, precision, and engineering prowess converged to form an indelible legacy that endures to today.
9War To Wheels: WWII Engine’s Impact On Chrysler
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Ingeniously adapting classes from their wartime endeavors, Chrysler engineers reworked the confirmed WWII engine ideas into the HearthPower V-8s, the groundbreaking powerhouses that drove the 1951 Chryslers. This transformative transition from wartime know-how to mass-produced Hemi engines within the early Nineteen Fifties laid the inspiration for Chrysler’s enduring legacy within the automotive world.
The struggle allowed Chrysler to replicate on the work they’d carried out, and the place enhancements could possibly be made. The classes they discovered from earlier errors have been ingeniously tailored by Chrysler engineers into the inception of Hemi engines for mass manufacturing within the United States.
8Hemi’s Genesis: HearthPower V-8s In 1951 Chryslers
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The arrival of the 1951 Chryslers, outfitted with the pioneering HearthPower V8s, heralded a brand new period in automotive historical past, establishing the inception of mass-produced “Hemi” engines inside the United States. This groundbreaking debut not solely represented a milestone but in addition set a precedent, reshaping the panorama of American car manufacturing. One of the early autos to characteristic the HearthPower V8 was the 1957 Chrysler 300-C which got here customary with a 392 HearthPower, making it the primary true high-performance automotive.
Performance Specifications of the 1957 Chrysler 300-C
Engine
392ci Hemi V-8
Transmission
Three-speed TorqueFlite automated
Horsepower
395Hp
Torque
420 lb-ft
Driveline
RWD
0-60 MPH
6.4 seconds
Top Speed
150mph
(Data was collected from Motortrend)
The HearthPower V-8s launched revolutionary design ideas and unleashed efficiency capabilities that redefined the {industry}’s benchmarks. This pivotal second in automotive evolution laid the cornerstone for what would develop into the defining traits of the illustrious Hemi model. Its modern design and unparalleled efficiency capabilities swiftly turned synonymous with automotive excellence.
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7The “Hemi” Revolution: Chrysler’s Trademark And Design
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By the Sixties, Chrysler’s mastery in propelling the Hemi to the zenith of automotive innovation turned a defining second within the {industry}’s historical past. Beyond engineering brilliance, the corporate strategically safeguarded the Hemi’s legacy by trademarking the time period, marking a pivotal juncture in automotive branding. This astute transfer transcended mere nomenclature, signifying an encompassing design ethos and an indelible dedication to groundbreaking know-how.
The trademark represented greater than a reputation; it embodied a complete lineage of engines underpinned by the revolutionary hemispherical combustion chamber design. This design paradigm turned the logo of automotive excellence, elevating the Hemi right into a league uncharted by its contemporaries, and solidifying its standing as a beacon of innovation and efficiency within the ever-evolving automotive panorama.
6The Unique Hemi Design: Crossflow Head And Valve Configuration
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The Hemi’s groundbreaking design, characterised by its hemispherical combustion chamber and crossflow head association housing two substantial valves per cylinder, redefined the parameters of automotive engineering. This unparalleled engineering feat not solely revolutionized airflow dynamics but in addition turned an emblem of technological brilliance.
Beyond its mechanical prowess, the Hemi captured the creativeness of devoted muscle automotive lovers, transcending the realms of mere equipment to evoke a profound sense of admiration and allegiance.
Its distinctive options weren’t simply technical; they symbolized the top of efficiency, indelibly etching the Hemi’s legacy into the ethos of automotive historical past. Its association with Mopar turned an emblem of energy, excellence, and an eternal testomony to innovation within the automotive realm.
5Beyond Chrysler: Hemispherical Heads In Automotive History
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During the early twentieth century, a number of outstanding automakers, corresponding to Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Porsche, Jaguar, Ford, and Toyota, delved into experimental phases with hemispherical designs akin to Chrysler’s Hemi. These ventures into comparable engineering territory highlighted an industry-wide pursuit of optimum combustion chamber configurations.
However, Chrysler’s pivotal role in not just refining but also popularizing the Hemi engine underscored its distinctive contribution to the expansive canvas of automotive historical past. Chrysler’s relentless dedication to perfecting the Hemi, coupled with its strategic advertising and utilization throughout a spectrum of autos, positioned the engine as an emblem of innovation and efficiency prowess, solidifying its lasting significance within the annals of automotive evolution.
Pros:
Improved airflow and effectivity: Hemi heads can improve airflow resulting from their hemispherical combustion chamber design, doubtlessly main to higher energy output and gasoline effectivity.
Better combustion: The hemispherical form permits for extra centrally positioned spark plugs, leading to extra environment friendly combustion and doubtlessly elevated energy.
Potential for increased compression ratios: Hemi heads can accommodate bigger valves, permitting for higher airflow and doubtlessly increased compression ratios, which may improve engine efficiency.
Cons:
Complexity and value: Developing hemispherical heads will be extra advanced and costly as a result of precision required in manufacturing and design. The distinctive form and association of parts can add to manufacturing prices.
Packaging challenges: The hemispherical form may pose challenges in becoming the engine into sure autos resulting from its bigger measurement or completely different dimensions in comparison with different engine designs. This can restrict its applicability in some car fashions.
Emissions and gasoline financial system: While hemispherical heads can doubtlessly enhance effectivity, attaining optimum efficiency may require extra gasoline to realize the facility output, which might influence general gasoline financial system and emissions.
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4Gen-I Hemi Evolution: From HearthPower To FireDome And Red Ram
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The developmental trajectory of Gen-I Hemis encompassed a lineage that prolonged from the groundbreaking HearthPower Hemi, denoted as Type-1, by way of iterations like DeSoto’s FireDome (Type-2) and Dodge’s Red Ram (Type-3). These preliminary incarnations, characterised by distinctive displacements and deck heights, collectively outlined the Gen-I household, serving as pioneers that set the stage for successive iterations and their corresponding nomenclature.
Performance Specifications of the 1958 DeSoto Firedome Sportsman
Engine
361ci V8
Transmission
Three-speed automated transmission
Horsepower
295hp
Torque
390 lb-ft
Driveline
RWD
0-60 MPH
7.9 seconds
Top Speed
115 mph
(Data was collected from Hagerty)
Their numerous specs and distinctive attributes established a stable basis upon which subsequent generations of Hemi engines would evolve, establishing a structured framework for the nomenclature and technological developments that will form the course of the Hemi’s storied legacy. These foundational fashions not solely marked the inception of the Hemi lineage but in addition laid the groundwork for a lineage of engines that will proceed to outline automotive excellence for many years to come back.
3Displacements And Types: Unraveling The Hemi Naming Conventions
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Deciphering the intricate tapestry of Hemi naming conventions reveals an organized and methodical framework, with the 331-ci Chrysler Hemi V-8 serving because the foundational Type-1 mannequin. As the Hemi legacy progressed, subsequent generations emerged, every denoted by a definite classification. The introduction of Gen-II (Type-4) and the Gen-III 5.7-liter (Type-5) represented pivotal junctures within the Hemi’s evolutionary journey, reinforcing a structured nomenclature that guided lovers by way of the successive levels of the long-lasting engine’s improvement.
This systematic strategy not solely delineated the evolutionary lineage but in addition offered a coherent narrative, providing lovers a complete roadmap that unraveled the chronicles of the Hemi’s technological developments and its transformative influence on automotive efficiency.
2Performance Marvel: Specifications And Power Of Early Hemis
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The early Hemi engines, epitomized by the 331-ci Chrysler Hemi V-8, stood as awe-inspiring marvels of their period, not only for their sheer energy but in addition for his or her exceptional engineering finesse. Tipping the scales at nearly 1,000 kilos, these engines have been a testomony to sturdy building and meticulous craftsmanship. Delivering a powerful 180 horsepower at 4,000 rpm, they redefined automotive efficiency requirements.
Their design, that includes a solid metal crank and meticulously sized giant valves, facilitated distinctive airflow and combustion effectivity. These technological developments not solely propelled these engines to the forefront of energy but in addition solidified their standing as revered icons, setting unparalleled benchmarks within the realm of automotive excellence and without end etching their legacy within the annals of motoring historical past.
The Chrysler Hemi engine outlined the basic muscle automotive period and continues to set the usual for American energy and efficiency
1Resurgence And Dominance: The Rise Of The 426 “Race Hemi”
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The Sixties emerged as a pivotal period, witnessing Chrysler’s ascension to dominance by way of the groundbreaking introduction of the 426 “Race Hemi.” Its distinctive triumphs on the racing circuits garnered immense consideration, a lot in order that NASCAR took discover and enforced a ban, recognizing the overwhelming benefit it offered. Chrysler’s strategic response was the event of the street-legal 426 Gen-II “Street Hemi,” a masterstroke that not solely adhered to racing rules but in addition entrenched the 426 Hemi’s fame as the final word powerhouse for drag racers and lovers alike.
This strategic maneuver etched a triumphant chapter in automotive historical past, underscoring Chrysler’s ingenuity in harnessing race-proven know-how for the broader spectrum of street-legal autos, setting a brand new customary for high-performance engines that resonates even at present.
According to Maximilian Missoni, head of Polestar design, the design of the new 2023 Polestar 4 was influenced by the focus on maximum range. One notable design choice is the absence of a rear window, which is usually located in the rear roof area to provide structural strength. The positioning of the header rail, which adds rigidity to the vehicle, was a crucial factor in shaping the design.
The challenge was to find the optimal position for the rail. Lowering it too much would impede headroom, while keeping it high would affect aerodynamics and performance. The solution Polestar came up with for the Polestar 4 is to lower the header and move it behind the rear passengers’ heads. This positions the header rail where the rear window would typically be, and a roof-mounted camera replaces the rear glass for rear visibility. The Polestar 4 has a drag coefficient of 0.269, whereas the Tesla Model S, for comparison, has a drag coefficient of 0.208.
Thomas Ingenlath, CEO of Polestar and former design head at Volvo, played a significant role in influencing the design of the Polestar 4. Ingenlath humorously mentioned that more conservative car makers would still be testing the idea with customer clinics. He emphasized that true design leaders do not need to seek approval through market testing.
The Polestar 4 crossover measures just under five meters in length and features a 102kWh battery pack (with 94kWh of usable capacity). It is available with either a single-motor configuration offering 268bhp or a dual-motor model with 537bhp. Ingenlath expressed his satisfaction with the Polestar 4, stating that it complements the Polestar 3 and covers the premium SUV segment effectively.
Automobili Pininfarina, known for its luxury vehicles, is set to introduce a new concept called the Pura Vision. This electric SUV, or e-LUV as the company refers to it, will influence the brand’s upcoming line-up of pure-electric luxury vehicles.
CEO Paolo Dellachà sees the Pura Vision as a transitional step towards an exciting new era for the company. It is expected to serve as a strong source of inspiration for future production cars.
In 2020, Autocar first reported on Pininfarina’s plans to release an SUV. Luca Borgogno, the former design boss, indicated that it would rival the Ferrari Purosangue and have a price tag of around £300,000.
Although details about the Pura Vision’s journey from concept to customer car have been scarce, it offers valuable insights into what we can expect from the brand in the near future.
During a tour of the concept, Borgogno described it as being “extremely close to production.” While it boasts dramatic styling and luxurious features, the concept is not entirely unrealistic.
Some notable design elements of the Pura Vision include bladed headlights that will feature in future Pininfarina models. According to the new chief design officer, Dave Amantea, it also pays homage to iconic Pininfarina vehicles that have shaped the brand’s history.
The sleek silhouette, predominantly made from lightweight materials like carbon fiber, delivers a unique sculptural statement. Inspired by the iconic Cisitalia 202 from 1947, known as the first car to be displayed at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Pura Vision features a low front end and flared arches.
Inside the cabin, Pininfarina takes a radical approach to interior design, prioritizing functionality and space. This differs from the compact Battista, which focuses more on driver engagement. The Pura Vision’s cabin features “floating” front seats and a wave-shaped, raised rear bench inspired by sailing vessels. The low roofline aims to recreate the sensation of driving a sports car.
Despite its raised proportions, the driving position is designed to mimic that of a two-seater, offering a more engaging driving experience. Pininfarina’s interior design director, Francesco Cundari, emphasized that this approach sets the blueprint for future models. Passengers will enjoy a “light, airy, and welcoming” cabin that combines the personality of a sports car with the space and comfort of a luxury vehicle.
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