Silk Faw S9: Revolutionizing Hypercars with Italian-Chinese Fusion

Unique ONES - Embark on an exciting journey into the enchanting realm of automotive marvels, as Milan's Design Week of 2021 reveals the Silk Faw S9. This extraordinary fusion of Italian ingenuity and Chinese innovation, presented by Silk EV and FAW (First Automotive Works) Group, signifies a notable step in global expansion, with a focus on Europe. Operating as a subsidiary of the renowned Chinese automotive giant Hongqi, this collaboration not only showcases cutting-edge design by Walter De Silva and his team but also underscores a firm commitment to environmental sustainability through a state-of-the-art carbon-neutral ethos.

The Silk Faw S9 is an extraordinary fusion of Italian ingenuity and Chinese innovation, presented by Silk EV and FAW (First Automotive Works) Group, signifies a notable step in global expansion, with a focus on Europe. (Picture from: Qoutidianomotori)

Previously recognized as the Hongqi S9, this hypercar gained global acclaim at prestigious events like the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show and the subsequent 2021 Shanghai Auto Show, emphasizing the company's sincere ambition to conquer the global market. Going beyond the revitalization of the Italian automotive industry, the Silk Faw S9, featuring notable design enhancements such as a tapered and aerodynamic front fascia, a more rounded cockpit body, and a sloping stern profile, is set for production in 2023.

Walter De Silva has infused the Silk Faw S9 with design enhancements, including a tapered and aerodynamic front fascia, a more rounded cockpit body, and a sloping stern profile. (Picture from: Qoutidianomotori)

Walter De Silva, in his launch statement, emphasized a dedication to classic aesthetics that transcends passing fads. The Silk Faw S9 emerges as a timeless icon of Italian design, capturing the hearts of enthusiasts who appreciate enduring elegance. With its balanced and aerodynamic profile, featuring a distinctive "Long-Tail" design, this hypercar challenges conventions, resulting in a visually stunning yet efficiently functional masterpiece.

The Silk Faw S9 hypercar challenges conventions with its balanced and aerodynamic profile, showcasing a distinctive 'Long-Tail' design, resulting in a visually stunning yet efficiently functional masterpiece. (Picture from: Qoutidianomotori)

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Silk Faw S9 redefines performance metrics in the automotive realm. Boasting a combined power output of 1,400 hp, a top speed of 400 km/h, and an astonishing 0-100 acceleration in just 1.9 seconds, this supercar sets new benchmarks. Every detail, from the dual-purpose thin LED headlights to the intricate circles with a double three-dimensional design, emphasizes the significance of aerodynamics, seamlessly blending form and function.

The Silk Faw S9 showcases quality materials and innovative elements, including thin LED headlights-covered air vents in the front. (Picture from: Qoutidianomotori)

The allure of the Silk Faw S9 extends to meticulously crafted interiors that draw inspiration from motorsports and automotive esports. Integrating classic elements with high-tech features, the design ensures a user-friendly environment. The steering wheel, reminiscent of racing prototypes, doubles as a digital pad with a high-resolution screen, providing essential information without distracting the driver. Quality materials and innovative elements, such as LED-covered air vents, contribute to a cohesive and cutting-edge interior.

The Silk Faw S9 boasts a unique wheel design, featuring intricate circles with a double three-dimensional design that emphasizes the significance of aerodynamics, seamlessly blending form and function. (Picture from: Qoutidianomotori)

Silk Faw's commitment to Italy goes beyond automobiles, envisioning collaborations with Italian universities to become a hub for emerging talent. The Silk Faw S9, serving as the inaugural chapter, will be followed by the S7, produced in Italy, and subsequently, the S5 and S3, manufactured in China. This international collaboration aims to foster multiculturalism, evident in partnerships with institutions like the Polytechnic of Turin, the Polytechnic of Milan, Alma Mater Studiorum in Bologna, and UNIMORE, the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia.

The allure of the Silk Faw S9 extends to meticulously crafted interiors that draw inspiration from motorsports and automotive esports. (Picture from: Qoutidianomotori)

The launch at Milan's Design Week in 2021 highlighted Silk Faw's dedication to supporting young talent. Architectural students from YACademy in Bologna collaborated with industry stalwarts, showcasing their creativity through four installations. This emphasis on nurturing young minds aligns with the company's vision for a harmonious work environment that embraces diversity and innovation. In essence, the Silk Faw S9 transcends the boundaries of a conventional supercar, symbolizing a harmonious fusion of Italian design brilliance and Chinese innovation.

As this ambitious project unfolds, the Silk Faw S9 seeks to redefine the automotive landscape and inspire the next generation of visionaries and creators on a global scale. Welcome to the future of automotive excellence, where style meets substance, and innovation knows no bounds. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SILK EV | FAW GROUP | QUOTIDIANOMOTORI | WIKIPEDIA | REUTERS | AUTODESIGNMAGAZINE | QUATTRORUOTE.IT ]

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The hidden 'Little Bastard' concept is a homage means to James Dean

Modern CREATIONS It is well known that Porsche, a German sports car manufacturer, has a unique habit. Where they built a number of concept cars, but never shown to the public and displayed (if they feel the need to show) after some time saved.

Porsche 550ne Concept said to be the hidden 'Little Bastard' concept is a homage means to James Dean. (Picture from: CarZine.gr)

On an occasion at the end of 2020, the Stutgart-based automotive manufacturer had revealed 3 concept cars it had made in the past, such as the Porsche 919 Street Concept, the Porsche 551 'Little Rebel' Concept and the Porsche Vision Renndienst Concept. But the story was not over yet.

Porsche 551 Vision Spyder concept born in 2019 and also inspired of the legendary Porsche 550 Spyder. (Picture from: CarZine.gr)

Uniquely, shortly thereafter, in early 2021, a former Porsche designer named Walter De Silva also revealed a concept car that was built by the German manufacturer in 2008 called the Porsche 550ne "Little Bastard". The concept car has similar styles and looks with the next concept called Porsche 551 'Little Rebel' which born in the 2019 and also inspired by the 550 Spyder.

1955 Porsche 550 Spyder aka 'Little Bastard' was taken as the inspirationel source for the 2008 Porsche 550ne and 2019 Porsche 551 Vision Spyder concepts. (Picture from: CarZine.gr)

The one-off concept car is said to be inspired by the original design of the Porsche 550 Spyder which was once ridden by James Dean, a 1950s Hollywood's legendary actor. As we all know that the actor who has a hobby of car racing then passed away at the age of 24 in a tragic accident in 1955 while driving a Porsche 550 Spyder. And 'Little Bastard' is his nickname which is then written on the back of his Porsche 550 Spyder.

The man whose full name is James Byron Dean is an American actor who was born in Marion, Indiana on February 8, 1931. He is very famous in the 1950s thanks to his acting both on the screen, the Broadway theater stage, and on the big screen. Although his life journey was very short, he managed to become a legend to this day.

Porsche 550ne Concept has a simple cabin design, but still looks really cool with a pair of bucket-styled seats that are deliberately colored in the same way as James Dean's 550 Spyder. (Picture from: CarZine.gr)

Back to the Porsche 550ne concept which said never shown to the public for years before it was finally shown by Walter Da Silva through his personal social media account in three pictures, namely the front, rear and part of the interior.

Those three pictures were displayed by Da Silva along with a short caption stating that the prototype made in 2008 commissioned by the late Prof. Dr. Ing Ferdinand Piech (former CEO of Volkswagen Group) who died on August 25, 2019.

Furthermore, in the short caption Da Silva also stated that the Porsche 550one "Little Bastard" was designed by Porsche's designer team led by him and consisting of Peter Wauda, ​​Christian Felske, and Romi Rost.

Porsche 550ne Concept was designed back in 2008 by Porsche's designer team led by Walter Da Silva and consisting of Peter Wauda, ​​Christian Felske, and Romi Rost. (Picture from: CarZine.gr)

Although there is no official statement about the technical specifications. However, at first glance, it can be ascertained that this roofless concept car carries a typical Porsche's mid mounted boxer engine tending to the rear and has a rear wheel drive such as the inspiration source car, the 550 Spyder. This can be seen from the air inlet grille on the rear hood and on the side behind the door. 

The roofless sports concept car with a single exhaust hole is also equipped with a manual transmission as seen from the look of the shift stick and three pedals at the foot of the driver's compartment. The concept car also has a simple cabin design, but still looks really cool with a pair of bucket-styled seats that are deliberately colored in the same way as James Dean's Porsche 550 Spyder. There's a little difference, ie the 550ne concept featured with modern touch, although it does not leave a typical classic lines of the original Porsche 550 Spyder.

It is not known for what purpose this car was made. The public only thought that the concept car would be a monument to commemorate to the legendary actor James Dean. Unfortunately, the existence of this concept car is unknown, whether it still in the Porsche plant or not? No one knows.😔 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARZINE.GR ]

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The missing link in between the Alfa Romeo SZ and RZ

Missing LINK Nowadays it may be commonplace to talk about the "coupé cabriolet," because many automotive manufacturers have produced the such styled vehicles. It could be seen on several famous examples such as the Mercedes Benz SLK, Ferrari California, Portofino to Peugeot 206 CC, and others. All of these models are philosophically connected by a common thread that leads to the Alfa Romeo 164 Protèo Concept. 

Alfa Romeo 164 Protèo is an innovative 2-seater sports car concept of Alfa Romeo which has a very special features glass roof could be folded and stored behind the seats. (Picture from: NewsBeezer)

The Alfa Romeo Protèo appeared surprisingly in the automotive world in the early 1990s with its unique solid roof folding features. Although it never arrived at the production line, but the technique, arc appearance and color was applied in other production cars.

Alfa Romeo 164 Protèo is an innovative 2-seater sports car concept of Alfa Romeo which has a very special features glass roof could be folded and stored behind the seats. (Picture from: NewsBeezer)

Well, it's an innovative 2-seater sports car made by Alfa Romeo with many special features. As quoted from NewsBeezer, after the Alfetta GTV's era is ended in 1986, the Italian car manufacturer tried to create a new sports coupe for years, through its centro stile which at that time was still manned by one of the famous designers, Walter de Silva.

Alfa Romeo 164 Protèo is an innovative 2-seater sports car concept of Alfa Romeo which has a very special features glass roof could be folded and stored behind the seats. (Picture from: OldCarConcepts)

In short, Walter de Silva designed the Protèo with a technical base of its bodywork built on the Alfa Romeo 164 chassis, which has been 20 centimeters shortened to 2.46 meters in totall, that's intended to give the new sports car a higher structural rigidity. Meanwhile under its hood mounted a three-liter V6 engine capable of bursting power up to 260 hp.

Alfa Romeo 164 Protèo is an innovative 2-seater sports car concept of Alfa Romeo which has a very special features glass roof could be folded and stored behind the seats. (Picture from: NewsBeezer)

The design is also attractive, which the Alfa's classic grille has been minimized and the logo moved on the top of the hood. Well, for the first time, Alfa Romeo had applied two pairs of headlights at the front, each composed of three round elements. Furthermore, its very long snout is combined with an upright stern as the place for the Protèo stored its novelty, ie the roof (or rather the dome) can be divided into three parts and disappear mechanically under the luggage compartment.

Alfa Romeo 164 Protèo is an innovative 2-seater sports car concept of Alfa Romeo which has a very special features glass roof could be folded and stored behind the seats. (Picture from: NewsBeezer)

The personal style and unique technical solutions for the roof are just one of the new elements accompany the Alfa Romeo 164 Protèo. There are many other excellent features, such as the "Viscomatic" all-wheel drive system developed by Alfa Romeo in collaboration with specialist Steyr-Puch.

Alfa Romeo 164 Protèo is an innovative 2-seater sports car concept of Alfa Romeo which has a very special features glass roof could be folded and stored behind the seats. (Picture from: NewsBeezer)

Then, it was flanked by an electronic control unit that can communicate systematically with other parts of the vehicle (Motronic control unit and ABS) to control various parameters: total torque required, speed of rotation, steering angle and slip difference between the two axes. Depending on the conditions, the system has ensured that torque is optimally distributed across the front and rear axles.

Alfa Romeo 164 Protèo is an innovative 2-seater sports car concept of Alfa Romeo which has a very special features glass roof could be folded and stored behind the seats. (Picture from: NewsBeezer)

The system is equipped with a front differential and a Torsen auto-lock type at the rear, which is responsible for distributing the transmission on both sides of the wheel and ensuring the best traction. Another key feature of the 164 Protèo is the four-wheel steering, thanks to which this research ensures excellent maneuverability and speed between turns.

Initially, Alfa Romeo planned to produce the 164 Protèo at its Portello's plants with a total of 2,000 copies as a limited edition model. But in the end, no more than 3 units were ever made. One of them never knew what the feel while running on the road at all because once it was finished to build, it was taken directly to the Museo Storico Alfa Romeo in Arese, Milan for display, while the other two were given the role of the 'muletto' (test vehicles) during the tests (especially) at the Alfa Romeo's proving ground in Balocco.

A few days after its official launch, Alfa Romeo's board of management stopped the project, fearing the car would not be profitable.💔 And now the original and futuristic Italian cabriolet coupe may have been forgotten, but its mechanical legacy goes a long way in today's cars. In addition, its color, a special red, which looks different from the classic Alfa colors in general has remained and lasted for several years under the name 'Protèo Red'. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | NEWSBEEZER | JALOPNIK ]

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A Chinese Hongqi S9 hypercar featured with the new face and style

SuperBEAST Recently, a Chinese company kicked off the automotive world, through the company called First Automobile Works (FAW) is known for its truck products in several Southeast Asian countries, including Indonesia.

Hongqi S9 hybrid-powered hypercar was the result of collaboration of the FAW with Silk EV and started to touch on the road in the 2022. (Picture from: Motor1)

It seems that the company who owned the Hongqi (means 'red flag') brand is seriously intended to expand its business when introduces its hypercar made named the Hongqi S9 recently at the 2021 Shanghai Auto Show along with its sibling, a luxorious sedan concept named the Hongqi L-Concept as quoted of Motor1.

Hongqi S9 hybrid-powered hypercar was designed by Walter De Silva, a famous auto designer who was involved in the design of the third generation of the Audi V6 and the Scirocco in 2005. (Picture from: Motor1)

Actually, the Hongqi S9 hypercar prototype once greeted the world's automotive anthutiasts in Europe when it was displayed at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show along with its sibling Hongqi E115, a fully electric powered SUV prototype. Today, the S9 appearance is much different from the one that had appeared in Frankfurt. Well, it looks those production version Hongqi hypercar had massive changed up to its current form.

Hongqi S9 hybrid-powered hypercar has a sleek body profile like common European-made hypercars. (Picture from: Motor1)

Now, the Chinese hypercar has an appearence like a common European-made hypercar, such Ferrari or Koenigsegg though. It seems that the change of face for the Hongqi's production version is intended to attract more interest from customers. 

Hongqi S9 hypercar uses a hybrid V8 Turbo power system that enabling the hypercar to accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 1.9 seconds and its top speed reaches up to 400 kph. (Picture from: Motor1)

That's why now the Hongqi S9 design is worked by Walter De Silva, a famous auto designer who was involved in the design of the third generation of the Audi V6 and the Scirocco in 2005, when he was head of design for the Volkswagen Group.

Hongqi S9 hybrid-powered hypercar has a carbon fiber body and featured with butterfly door type. (Picture from: Motor1)

It was also stated that the Hongqi S9 itself is a hypercar result of the collaboration between the FAW and an Italian EV start-up company, named Slik EV. In addition to having a stunning design, this hypercar is said to have the potential for extraordinary performance.

Hongqi S9 hypercar's pricetag is estimated touching of €2 million (US. $2.2 million) and reportedly, will be produced in a limited number of only 99 units. (Picture from: Motor1)

It is said that the Hongqi S9 will be equipped by a hybrid powertrain consisting of a 4,000 cc V8 Twin Turbo engine combined with an electric motor so that it can give off a total power of up to 1,400 hp. So it is claimed that the S9 hypercar can accelerate from rest to 100 kph in just 1.9 seconds.

However, there is still no official price announcement (estimated, its pricetag touching of €2 million or approx. US. $2.2 million), it is only mentioned that the Hongqi S9 will be marketed starting next year and will be produced in a limited number of only 99 units. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTOR1 | ]

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The one off Alfa Romeo concept car as a homage to the legendary Italian racing driver Tazio Nuvolari

ONE-OFF If lately we are very interested in cars that have been made or designed by Alfa Romeo independently or in collaboration with third parties in the past. Not only because most of these automotive creations have a beautiful, unique and attractive shape, but also we could be seen the Alfa Romeo’s interesting attempt at reviving the glory days of coachbuilders. Apart from it, we can also see how much Alfa Romeo appreciates its historical journey, by launching various car models as a homage for figures who are considered to have contributed to the brand or the automotive world in general.

Alfa Romeo Nuvola concept car is launched at the Paris Auto Show 1996 and named after Tazio Giorgio Nuvolari, the legendary Italian racer. (Picture from: Motor1)

For example is when the Italian brand launched the Alfa Romeo Nuvola at the Paris Auto Show 1996. The concept car is named after Tazio Giorgio Nuvolari, a legendary Italian racing driver who started his career as a motorbike racer and then switched to concentrate on the one-seater sports car racing, and continued to race until he was approaching 60 years, as qouted of the Skoda Motorsports.

Alfa Romeo Nuvola concept car has a long snouted car with a heavily sloped roofline ending with a short rear in the same vein as a TVR sports car. (Picture from: Motor1)

Now we feel it's a good time to take a look back at the two-door sports coupe made by Alfa Romeo in the 1990s. The Novula is built by the Alfa Romeo's Centro Stile led at that time by none other than renowned car designer Walter de Silva. As we all knew, he is the figure who created the original Audi R8, not to mention the gorgeous Lamborghini Miura Concept and the wild one-seater Lamborghini Egoista Concept. He is also the man behind the beautiful Alfa Romeo 156 and a number of other models from the Volkswagen Group.

Alfa Romeo Nuvola concept car was created by Alfa Romeo as a design study as well as a new style approach, the car made its debut just a year before the Alfa Romeo 156. (Picture from: AutoDesignMagazine)

Judging by its appearance, it is a long snouted car with a heavily sloped roofline ending with a short rear in the same vein as a TVR sports car. Meanwhile, many say that at first glance some parts of the Novula are similar to GTV which is yet to be launched. Can you see the similarities between them boths?

Alfa Romeo Nuvola concept car is built by the Alfa Romeo's Centro Stile led at that time by none other than renowned car designer Walter de Silva. (Picture from: AutoDesignMagazine)

As for sure, the concept was created by Alfa Romeo as a design study as well as a new style approach, the car made its debut just a year before the Alfa Romeo 156. At the same time, the one-off vehicle came up with an interesting idea. The Italian brand envisions Nuvola as a resurrection of the coachbuilt car, with the automaker providing rolling chassis for independent companies to build bodies and then selling the vehicle through Alfa Romeo dealers.

Alfa Romeo Nuvola concept car is powered by a 2.5-liter V6 twin-turbo engine capable delivering power of 296 hp and 285 lbs-ft (386 Nm) coupled with six-speed manual gearbox. (Picture from: CulturesofCars)

Actually it based on a modular space frame chassis that can accommodate almost any kind of body style for Novula if it wants to be developed further, from the sleek coupe shape to a more practical shooting brake. Unfortunately, it never happened, and a two-door, two-seat sports car with a polyester body and fully integrated bumpers remained purely a concept.

As mentioned before, the Nuvola is a 2 door all-wheel drive coupe and features an aluminum frame and polyester body and is powered by a 2.5-liter V6 twin-turbo engine with 296 horsepower and 285 lbs-ft (386 Nm) coupled with six-speed manual gearbox. While about its performance, it's noted that the car able to accelerate from still to 100 kph in 6 second and pace up to the top speed of 280 kph (274 mph).

Currently, the 1996 Alfa Romeo Novula concept is one of the car collections inside the Alfa Romeo Historical Museum (Museo Alfa Romeo) in Arese, Italy. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MUSEOALFAROMEO | MOTOR1 | ALFAROMEO159 ]

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Egoista concept for the Loneliness driver

Selfish ONES Controversial, that's the right word to describe how Lamborghini Automobili's effort to celebrate its 50th anniversary with the launch of this unique concept car back in the 2013. According to the Sant'Agata Bolognese based automaker, the debut moment of the Lamborghini Egoista concept car on those weekend was "emotional."

The Egoista debuts to celebrate Lamborghini's 50th anniversary. (Picture from: NewAtlas)

What specific emotions were involved is left to our imaginations, and shock, disbelief, anger, and maybe a tad of abandonment and rage on the part of onlookers comes to mind. Just two months after showing the Veneno (it could be say as the most extreme in its history), where Lamborghini push the boundaries even further.

Lamborghini compares the front to a trimaran. (Picture from: NewAtlas)

The surprise Egoista concept is even more out there in design. Even without translating "egoista" from Italian to English (means "selfish"), the name conveys a certain sense of hubris and self indulgence, as in "whoever drives this assault on the pupils must be dominated by ego." To emphasize the selfishness meaning, because the car features a tiny cockpit that could occupied by one person as the driver only.

The Egoista uses a body and rims made from special anti-radar material and anti-glare glass with an orange gradation. (Picture from: NewAtlas)

Making its debut in celebration of the 50th Lamborghini anniversary, which makes Egoista looks like the radical work of creative design student. But it's actually a sort of birthday "gift" of the Volkswagen Group (Lamborghini's parent company), through the company's chief of design, Walter de Silva whose led the team to create this radical concept car.

The Egoista's single-person cockpit. (Picture from: NewAtlas)

De Silva explained the self-indulgent Egoista demographic further, "This is a car made for one person only, to allow them to have fun and express their personality to the maximum. It is designed purely for hyper-sophisticated people who want only the most extreme and special things in the world. It represents hedonism taken to the extreme, it is a car without compromises, in a word: egoista."

Selfishness gets tangible. (Picture from: NewAtlas)

This concept car looks so extreme. Starting from the interior are made as closely as possible with the fighter jet cockpit. Even to get out of the car, the driver had to get out of the top like a real fighter jet exit.

The Egoista's open rear-end reduces weight and gives an aggressive look. (Picture from: NewAtlas)

The cockpit, made completely of carbon fiber and aluminum, represents a sort of survival cell, allowing the driver to isolate and protect themselves from external elements. Then the exterior design certainly looks like the most extreme car concept that makes a lot of people say this concept car is similar to the Batmobile when it was painted entirely black.

By using the same engine as the Gallardo, the V10 engine has a capacity of 5.2 liters and can generate power of 600 hp. Not only selfish in the design, even the car can not be driven at any time. This car can only be driven by a limited circle. Anyone who wants to drive this concept should be part of an exclusive club that might be too far to reach by most of us.

The Egoista's future was narrow and takes its inherent selfishness even further, due to it was some a kind of gift for Lamborghini from Lamborghini, and the gift-giver/recipient has no plans of selling the one-of-a-kind car. It will remain a part of Lambo's own collection, no matter how many self-absorbed megalomaniacs one-up each other with crazy bids to buy it. *** [EKA [21052013]  | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | LAMBORGHINI | NEWATLAS ]

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Supercar concepts which should been produced (Part-1)

Supercar concepts offered by the automotive manufacturers the chance to build excitement for the future of the brand. Sometimes that excitement is realized with amazing performance and an automotive legend, while other times the excitement is watered down a bit and blended into existing production vehicles.

(Pictured: Muska concept by Igor Krasnov.) Supercar concepts offered by the automotive manufacturers the chance to build excitement for the future of the brand. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1cMu86) 

Sometimes, they simply disappear. Here are the first part of ten supercar concepts that the public loved, then watched as these potential supercars went nowhere and We thought that they should been produced a long time ago.

1. FORD GT90 CONCEPT

The 1995 Ford GT90 was immediately familiar to supercar fans, and also something entirely new. The GT90 showed obvious heritage to the GT40 from three decades prior, while also debuting Ford’s “New Edge” design language for the next decade. The concept was built in just six months from a Jaguar XJ220-ish base. 

Ford GT90 Concept. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1cMqO0)

The engine is all Ford, and is two modular 4.6 liter V8s with some cylinders lopped off and laser welded back together. It generated so much heat, the car has Space shuttle-like ceramic heat shields. That’s awesome, and it actually ran. The GT90 could have been the spiritual successor to the Lamborghini Countach, but sadly Ford built only one.

2. HONDA DUALNOTE CONCEPT

Honda teases us with a lot of sports car concepts, but almost never makes a supercar to a show. Enter the 2001 Dualnote. Back when Honda was fun, they debuted this early Tesla Model S competitor at the Tokyo Auto Show. The Dualnote is a hybrid with a mid-mounted gas V6 and three electric motors combining to make 400 horsepower and an impressive 50 miles per gallon.

Honda Dualnote Concept. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1cMqO0)

The mid-engine and all-wheel drive make for excellent handling, but this concept has practicality too, as it seats four adults. While the looks are like a dated and low-budget Audi R8, the interior still appear high tech. Unfortunately, 2001 was the beginning of Honda’s slide into bland land, and the Dualnote never materialized.

3. CADILLAC CIEN CONCEPT

The 2002 Cien concept was designed to highlight and celebrate Cadillac turning 100. The straight lines and geometry were an evolution of the design language of the time, and it looks badass yet unmistakably Cadillac. Swap to the CT6 grille design on this land-based stealth fighter.

Cadillac Cien Concept. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1cMqO0)

One of the most interesting aspects of the Cien is the 750 horsepower 7.5liter V12. While production of the Cien was never announced, it was always a possibility, as GM had intended to produce the V-12 for the Escalade. Cadillac really got the public’s hopes up in 2005 by featuring the car in the sci-fi action film The Island.

4. CHRYSLER ME412 CONCEPT

It’s odd to think that a manufacturer as old as Chrysler waited until 2004 to attempt a supercar. Still, their ME412 (“em-ee-four-twelve”) is quite the first effort. The 6.0 liter V12 has four turbos and 850 horsepower.

Chrysler ME412 Concept. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1cMqO0)

A 7-speed dual clutch transfers power to the rear wheels. The interior is properly luxurious, with a combination of leather, carbon fiber, and exposed metal. Chrysler fed the production rumors, but 2004 was towards the end of the Daimler years, so it was likely never more than a concept from the start.

5. LAMBORGHINI MIURA CONCEPT

Low, curvy, and gorgeous, the Miura was a Lambo before their designers found rulers and scissor doors. The 2006 Lamborghini Miura Concept featured similar design heritage, with 40 years of technological progress. This concept seemed to point to production, as it was designed by renowned chief Lamborghini stylist, Walter De Silva.

Lamborghini Miura Concept. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1cMqO0)

Speculation said it would be based on a tuned Gallardo engine, and borrow the Bugatti Veyron’s 7-speed DSG, resulting in performance that could match the Enzo, for less cash. While it never hit the streets, the new Miura does make the case for a clean and elegant Lamborghini. (Jump to next Part.) *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ZERO TO 60 TIMES]

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