Presented by Revolution Race Cars – Revolution is the British race car company making an impact on the world stage. Just two years ago, Revolution’s A-One sports prototype made its debut in the UK Sports Prototype Cup and one year later, nineteen drivers took to the grid at the Portuguese F1 Grand Prix support race. But that was just the start. Already, six Revolution A-Ones have been imported into the USA, creating a storm on the track day scene and a North American championship is on the cards later this year.
Revolution may be a new name, but it has an experienced team led by Radical Sportscars founder Phil Abbott.
“Since our first F1 support race, our customer enquiries have increased four-fold,” said Abbott. “Everybody who has ever bought a sports-racing car in America seems to have contacted us recently. The interest has gone global because we’ve put ourselves on the right stage.”
A new type of track car – for amateur fun or serious racing.
The A-One is a prototype sports racer designed to fill the gap between traditional spaceframe chassis cars and the costly, full-blooded LMP machinery of the IMSA series. The A-One features a carbon tub, carbon floor and bodywork, weighs just 795kg and boasts a 427 hp 3.7-liter V6 with a six-speed paddle shift gearbox at its heart. The result is a fulsome 512 bhp per tonne.
“Instead of trying to make a new Radical or something similar, we’ve created an LMP-type car at half an LMP3 price,” explains Abbott. “For owners of older tech spaceframe cars, it’s a huge step to move up to something like an LMP chassis, and there are always customers wanting to step into something faster, safer, more progressive.”
Driving forward in North America.
With two dealers already appointed in the USA, (Revolution RSR in San Diego and Esses Racing in Austin), Revolution is well placed to grow. This year, more agents will be appointed in the USA. A partnership with duPont Registry has been established to showcase the A-One at Amelia Island, Pebble Beach and the Barrett Jackson events in Scottsdale and Las Vegas.
To discover more and to register your interest in a Revolution test drive go to www.RevolutionRaceCars.com.
Fiat’s most legendary, significant, and storied production model, the 8V, was aptly described by Road & Track in 1952 as being “the biggest surprise of the year.” Although Fiat traces its roots to 1899 and built competition cars both massive and magnificent in the early twentieth century, after World War II the company was known largely for its mass-produced automobiles for the common man, such cars like the tiny “Topolino” that put a nation on wheels and had become among the most popular in Europe.
Therefore, it came as a shock to the automotive world when Fiat suddenly introduced a powerful sports car with an advanced overhead-valve light alloy V-8 engine, Siata-fabricated chassis, and four-wheel independent suspension, which could be and was successfully raced by privateers all over the world.
Like most sophisticated chassis of the time, the 8V lent itself handsomely to custom coachwork, which Fiat encouraged. Carrozzeria Ghia of Torino accounted for approximately 30 to 40 of the 114 8V chassis built, of which the most striking were the 15 bodied to Giovanni Savonuzzi’s stunning Jet Age design, known, simply and appropriately as the “Supersonic.”
The Supersonic design had originally been proposed for an Alfa Romeo racing car, which Savonuzzi gave a steeply raked, long windshield; a curved nose that formed a straight-through beltline, ending at small tail fins flaring off lights intended to resemble jet afterburners; and a low, glassy greenhouse.
Similar styling on an 8V chassis was subsequently ordered by American designer Paul Farago, and 14 more examples followed, all of which had detail differences but remained largely true to Savonuzzi’s original and dramatic design. They are considered the most sought-after and desirable 8Vs, as they boast the best combination of avant-garde design from the Jet Age. Even today they are stunningly modern and dramatic and turn heads wherever they go. Few cars are so capable of stopping concours crowds in their tracks.
THE LAUVE SUPERSONIC
General Motors designer Henry de Segur Lauve, a concept artist behind the original Corvette prototype and other significant cars, attended the Supersonic design’s official debut at the 1953 Paris Auto Show. Mr. Lauve was struck by the styling of the new model and placed an order for his own, which, finished in white with a blue interior, was shipped from the Genoa docks aboard SS Constitution. Typical of the 8Vs, the car featured exquisite hardware throughout, including the interior with an elaborate Ghia-badged speedometer behind the wood-rimmed steering wheel.
Mr. Lauve contacted Fiat roughly a year later, complaining about difficulties with the engine of his car in everyday use. He received a rather amusing response from the Italian automaker, reproduced in Tony Adriaensens’s book Otto Vu, noting their surprise that he had tried to use the car as a “daily driver,” as it was intended for use by wealthy amateur racing drivers!
Nonetheless, Fiat agreed to supply a new engine, no. 000188, and its ancillary components, on the condition that Mr. Lauve return the original engine, no. 000039. Interestingly, that engine was never returned to Fiat and was subsequently fitted to another 8V Supersonic. At some point before the new engine was installed, Mr. Lauve ran the car with a Chevrolet 283 V-8 under the hood, as remembered by his fellow GM designer Robert Cumberford, who enjoyed many memorable high-speed rides in it through the Detroit suburbs. During this time, the treatment of the car’s flanks was appropriated for the new 1958 Chevrolet, reflecting the attention paid by Mr. Lauve and his fellow designers.
Apparently the 8V Supersonic, with whatever power plant, pleased Mr. Lauve, as he and his family maintained it faithfully longer than almost any other original 8V owner. During their tenure it was refinished in silver, as featured in Otto Vu. It was finally sold by the Lauves in 1991 and was later owned in 1994 by Eric Nielsen of California. The car was subsequently restored in this rich garnet-over-tan combination, with a correct 8V engine, no. 000060, tucked under the hood. The work was beautifully detailed, with the color showing off the elaborate curves of the body and fabulous touches such as smoked glass sun visors and Borrani chrome wire wheels.
Following long-term ownership in a prominent Swiss collection, the car was acquired for the current collection and has remained well maintained since, alongside two other superlative 8Vs. It would certainly be suitable for either enjoying on vintage rallies, such as the California Mille, Colorado Grand, or even the Mille Miglia, but could also be lightly freshened for happy exhibition at further shows and concours.
Few Supersonics have such a well-known, colorful, and fascinating history as the Henry Lauve car—preserved and maintained by a legendary Detroit designer, a man who appreciated the exquisite and advanced styling when he saw it. It is among the greatest treasures of this collection.
This vehicle will be offered without reserve in RM Sotheby’s Elkhart Collection, taking place 23-24 October as a live and online sale. View additional lots and register to bid online at RMSothebys.com.
Since 1986, World Imports USA has been providing drivers throughout the Jacksonville area with high-quality premium used vehicles, spanning many luxury brands, body styles, and other offerings. World Imports USA is also a certified Lotus dealership, offering the latest sports cars from the iconic British automaker.
What we are here to present you with today is a pair of incredibly rare luxury SUVs. First up is a 2019 Lamborghini Urus Mansory Wide Body Edition. This is, in fact, the only one of its kind in the entire world and it was built at Mansory in Germany. That means this one-of-a-kind custom Urus is built with true Mansory craftsmanship and is of the highest quality. If you’ve ever wanted an aggressive SUV, here’s your new ride. The entire exterior has been given a serious makeover thanks to Mansory, giving it a menacing appearance. There is a power upgrade to 750HP, Sport exhaust, Yavin 24” Fully Forged Wheels in black just to name a few of the many enhancements.
The interior is also fully customized by the team at Mansory including the starter button in the headliner, custom steering wheel, and more. This only has a scant 109 miles and is ready to be delivered to you today. For more information and images, be sure to click the button below.
Next up is an incredibly rare 2018 Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet. This is, without a doubt, one of the rarest Mercedes models out there. The Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet was produced in a very limited quantity with only 99 examples offered worldwide! Because of this, the G 650 Landaulet has been sought out by celebrities and collectors around the world. If you’ve ever imagined how Maybach luxury would work with an SUV, here’s your ultimate answer. For more information, be sure to click the button below. And if you’re in the mood for two, they actually have a second example of the Landaulet for sale.
About World Imports USA – . With our no hassle and no pressure environment along with the wide selection you’ll find here you can be assured that only the finest vehicles are available, and when you get to know our process, you’ll trust that the World Imports USA Difference is all the difference you need to know to distinguish us from other dealerships in the area, as we’re the place to come to find your next vehicle!
For GREAT deals on a new or used Chevrolet check out Tracy Chevrolet TODAY!
Solar-Powered Fast Charger Installed for True Zero Emission Driving
The vision of true zero emission transportation sounds simple. Produce your electricity from solar or wind sources and use it to power a fully electric car. Getting to that to happen in the real world is more difficult, but a main highway in California is leading the way.
Charging on sunshine on the road
The San Luis Obispo Air Pollution Control District and Caltrans partnered with Envision Solar to set up a solar-powered DC fast-charging system at a rest area on California Highway 46, a main east-west highway connected the Central Coast with the San Joaquin Valley. Envision Solar’s EV ARC system was installed at the Shandon rest area, near the junction of Highways 41 and 46, famous as the area where James Dean met his end in a fatal car crash.
Because the Envision Solar system doesn’t require any grid upgrade, it’s ideal for remote locations like this rest stop, where it can offer EV drivers the opportunity for a quick recharge. The system draws the majority of its power from the sun and was deployed with minimal construction costs since it’s a self-contained unit. The EV ARC can be deployed without trenching, foundations or any kind of installation.
Each individual unit in the Shandon deployment (which includes four units) has a six-kilowatt panel fed by the sun from a tracking array on top of the unit. Electricity is stored for use when needed. The tracking solar panel can generate 25 percent more electricity than a fixed array.
A similar deployment can be found on the side of U.S. Highway 101 north of San Luis Obispo at another rural rest stop. Envision Solar now has more than 100 customers for its products. The company has found a home with public and private electric fleets around the country and is expected to continue to grow, according to CEO Desmond Wheatley.
Game Changer Product Next
Wheatley added that the company’s game changer product just received a patent this year. Called the EV Standard, the product could be seen as a replacement streetlamp—or a new way to provide light and electric power.
EV Standard Up Next
Wheatley sees the EV Standard as the “transformational” tool that can provide ubiquitous charging for those who don’t have access home or work charging—or just need a boost while out and about. It combines solar, wind and utility-generated electricity in a bank of integrated batteries. Wheatley said most existing streetlamps don’t carry the capacity to provide a real charge for an EV without a substantial upgrade, but the EV Standard with its additional power sources and storage will be able to do the job.
The EV Standard comes with a state-of-the-art high-lumens, low-consumption LED light and will provide Level 2 charging. Most of the juice for charging will come from the wind and solar part of the system. In the same way the EV ARC found a home in emergency services, the EV Standard also will be capable of providing lighting and power to IoT-connected devices, even if the grid is down.
The EV Standard product promises to supply the volume that’s so important to the growth of a small public company like Envision Solar. Wheatley hinted that more is coming soon from the company as part of a rebranding move, so stay tune for the next chapter that may be bringing solar power and EV charging to a streetlamp near you.
Story by Michael Coates
Photos from Envision Solar
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Fans of digital watches and Hublot can rejoice as the watchmaker has just debuted the new Big Band E Black Ceramic. This new “connected” watch comes after Hublot introduced their first of its kind back in 2018. Now, the new E Black Ceramic builds upon Hublot’s engineering capabilities and reputation by being the most stylish digital watch out there. The microblasted and polished black ceramic case measures in at 42 mm, which is joined by a matching bezel. Hublot has also introduced a titanium version of this watch as well, where titanium replaces the ceramic. Holding the watch onto the wearer’s wrist is a rubber strap that matches the black case perfectly in both color and design. Additionally, this strap can be swapped out easily thanks to Hublot’s patented one-click system- no extra tools needed. As for the dials, those are all Hublot digital faces and there’s a wide variety. The technology itself runs on Wear OS by Google so you can answer calls, use your payment cards and everything else you’d expect from a smartwatch.
For the first time in Hublot’s history they are offering the new Big Bang E Black Ceramic and E Titanium for sale online. The E Black Ceramic comes in with a price of $5,800 while the E Titanium has a price of $5,200. For more information, click the button below.
