Aston Martin releases the Valkyrie LM, a hypercar inspired by the road-legal version of the Valkyrie, in July 2016. Back then a non-working model, the LM variant is for the racing fans who want to own the vehicle and drive it on tracks. The current model is not road-legal and can’t also be used for official racing since the car manufacturer has designed it for private use only. Because of this, the Aston Martin Valkyrie LM doesn’t have the ballast, or the extra weight used to balance the car during races, and specific electronics installed to comply with the racing rules.

The hypercar’s controls are designed for personal driving, too. During racing, there usually is a system that adjusts the power delivered to the wheels. In the Aston Martin Valkyrie LM, it’s absent because the setup is more ‘direct,’ similar to how road-legal cars work, with their knobs and controls. The design team has also refreshed the engine so the hypercar can run on normal fuel instead of the ones used in racing. To still keep the spirit of racing, the team retains several designs. The first is the seven-speed gearboxes that use paddles behind the steering wheel, just like in track cars. The next is the adjustable suspension that adapts to different track conditions.

all images courtesy of Aston Martin

Built-in screen on the steering wheel

Then, the tires of the Aston Martin Valkyrie LM are still from Pirelli, which is the same company that makes the wheels for Formula 1 cars. Even the carbon-fiber seats come with padding around the shoulders and head, the same upholstery as the racing cars. The steering wheel comes with lighting and a built-in screen to show the user their driving information as if they were in a race. For a brief history recap, the car manufacturer started its Valkyrie project in 2016, producing the road-legal Valkyrie Coupe and the convertible Valkyrie Spider over time. Now, it is the time of the Valkyrie LM, which draws its design and engine cues from both its sibling models. 

The race car version of the Valkyrie Hypercar is competing in two major racing series this 2025: the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in North America. Just like the Valkyrie that’s racing in the 2025 Le Mans, the LM version uses a modified version of the same V12 engine. It also doesn’t use a turbocharger but produces up to 520 kilowatts, following the racing rule limits. Aston Martin says that it will only produce ten Valkyrie LM units to be delivered in the second quarter of 2026.

Aston Martin releases the Valkyrie LM, a hypercar inspired by the road-legal version of the Valkyrie

the LM variant is for the racing fans who want to own the vehicle and drive it on tracks

this model is not road-legal and can’t also be used for official racing

the Aston Martin Valkyrie LM doesn’t have the ballast, or the extra weight used to balance the car during races

rear view of the hypercar

the hypercar can run on normal fuel instead of the ones used in racing

the steering wheel comes with lighting and a built-in screen

the setup is more ‘direct,’ similar to how road-legal cars work, with their knobs and controls

the tires of the hypercar are still from Pirelli

so far, there are only ten units available for this model

project info:

name: Valkyrie LM

car manufacturer: Aston Martin | @astonmartin

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De Tomaso P72 reveals its production-ready model, and it revives the analog dials of the 1960s sports cars. First introduced as a concept vehicle at the 2019 Goodwood Festival of Speed, the final form of the automobile comes through with a carbon fiber structure. It steps away from the digital world. In the cabin, there are no digital screens: no infotainment, no overlays, no eye glares. Instead, the design team places analog dials, switchgear, and a cockpit, all of which are handcrafted, hand-brushed, and hand-polished in rose-gold aluminum.

In the middle, there’s an exposed linkage shifter, suspended like a sculpture, polished in metal. It connects the driver to the six-speed gearbox. To still adapt to the modern world, the design team adds a discreet phone holder. Here, at least, drivers can affix their smartphones while they’re on the road, their minimal connection to the digital world. Made by hand is the ethos that De Tomaso sees for the P72 sports car. The design team says that they work on every surface inside manually, from hand-stitched leather to the finishing of machined metal. For both the exterior and interior, artisans have milled the aluminum components, treating them with bead-blasting for a final touch.

all images courtesy of De Tomaso Automobili

Singular carbon-fiber structure from front to rear

For the P72 sports car, De Tomaso forges the frame from carbon fiber, completely redesigned from scratch. The structure uses a weaving technique called 4×4 twill weave, giving it a diagonal pattern. The numbers refer to the over-under pattern of the fibers. The carbon fiber structure continues forward and backward to include the front and rear subframes. Then, there are no bonded sections of the components around the frame. It’s singular, formed as it is without pieces or parts. The team tailors the final structure to support the sports car’s low-slung driving position. Under the carbon monocoque, there’s a a push-rod suspension system, developed for a classical driving feel. 

Specs-wise, the De Tomaso sports car runs on a hand-assembled 5.0L supercharged V8. It helps the P72 produce 700 hp and 820 Nm of torque. There are no drive modes installed in the automobile. As the company describes it, it’s just the road, the engine, and the driver. The De Tomaso P72 sports car production specification unit represents the model’s final design, engineering, and build. There are only 72 units produced for this series, each of which are individually commissioned and crafted with tailored finishes and designs. Custodian deliveries start in late 2025.

De Tomaso P72 reveals its production-ready model

the design team says that they work on every surface inside manually

for both the exterior and interior, artisans have milled the aluminum components

the team forges the frame from carbon fiber, completely redesigned from scratch

a view inside the automobile

there are no digital screens; instead, there are analog dials

the custodian deliveries start in late 2025

project info:

name: P72

company: De Tomaso | @detomaso_official

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Volonaut Airbike takes its flying superbike high in the sky for the first time. Developed by Tomasz Patan, the mastermind behind Jetson ONE, the personal hoverbike levitates and glides in the air with ease, suggesting its overall lightweight structure. As the inventor says, the Volonaut Airbike is seven times lighter than a conventional superbike because the design team uses advanced carbon fiber materials. On top of that, they adopt 3D printing for the parts as well as a minimal design for the overall look.

Unlike the Jetson ONE, the flying superbike has an open-air setup. It has no frame caging the flyer. They also lean to the front unlike the eVTOL’s lounge-like seating position. There aren’t any visible spinning propellers around the Volonaut Airbike. Because of its compact size, the flying superbike can travel through confined and narrow areas. During the launch, Tomasz Patan takes the personal hoverbike in the air, gliding through a valley and around a forest.

all images and stills courtesy of Volonaut

proprietary stabilization system for automatic hovering

The Volonaut Airbike comes as a surprise. It’s because the inventor, Tomasz Patan, has developed it in stealth mode. There weren’t any updates given before its unveiling on May 1st, 2025. Specs-wise, the flying superbike features a jet propulsion that brings it up in the air. The air vehicle can only carry one person, and its speed can reach up to 200 km/h or 124 mph. The inventor says that Volonaut Airbike also has a proprietary stabilization system. The design team enhances it using a flight computer, giving the flying superbike automatic hovering capabilities.

Not adding any framing or exterior structure around the Volonaut Airbike allows the flyer an unobstructed, 360-degree view. At the rear of the air vehicle, there are red tail lights for the other or nearby hoverbikes, triggered when the vehicle slows down. The entire frame is lifted off the ground using sculpted stands on both sides, allowing for a soft landing as well when the ride is up. So far, Tomasz Patan has yet to announce if Volonaut Airbike will become available. In the meantime, he’s glad he’s been able to materialize a longtime inspiration of his, alongside Jetson ONE.

Volonaut Airbike takes its flying superbike high in the sky for the first time

it glides in the air with ease, suggesting its overall lightweight structure

the air vehicle is seven times lighter than a conventional superbike because of the carbon fiber materials

detailed view of the vehicle

Tomasz Patan takes the personal hoverbike around a forest

so far, no news yet on its commercial availability

project info:

name: Airbike

startup: Volonaut | @volonaut

inventor: Tomasz Patan | @tomasz.patan

The post motorcycle for the skies: volonaut airbike flies and glides for the first time appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

The Overfinch Velocity Edition 2025 makes its US debut at the 8th annual Miami Concours on February 16th, 2025. The upgraded vehicle, whose first model was introduced in 2019, gets overlapping helix designs within its aluminum wheels. The company comes up with the look specifically for the Overfinch Velocity Edition 2025 given its wider body model. They also forge each wheel from a single billet of aluminum. At the center of every tire, there’s a self-leveling cap design that bears the Overfinch blade emblem. Both this and the helix glint when light shines on them.

At Miami Concours, Overfinch unveils the Velocity Edition 2025 in a Carpathian Grey exterior with Arancia Orange details and accents. It showcases carbon fiber body styling with script lettering in black chrome. The tailgate plinth comes with an illuminated blade emblem badge of the company. For the exterior of the upgraded vehicle, the wide-body arch extensions visibly display the carbon-fiber material, the same material the company used for the bonnet power dome. Overfinch says that these help make Velocity Edition 2025 have a more aggressive stance.

all iamges courtesy of Overfinch

Arancia Orange leather trims on dashboard and steering wheel

Visitors to Miami Concours can also see the tailor-made cabin of the Overfinch Velocity Edition 2025. The design team wraps Arancia Orange leather trims around the dashboard, steering wheel, and gear selector. These leather accents also extend to the seat, which revive the Overfinch Aurora design. Because of a wider body stance, the interior space looks more than ample and gives more legroom to every passenger and the driver.

For specs buffs, the upgraded vehicle has a variable valve performance exhaust system. It allows for Overfinch Velocity Edition 2025 to generate what the design team calls ‘an exhilarating sound that matches its unforgettable experience on the road.’ Users can also ask for a boost in the name of 4.4L P530 V8 derivative. With this, the output switches from 530 HP and 750Nm of torque to 620 HP and 890Nm of torque. Overfinch reveals the Velocity Edition 2025 at the 8th annual Miami Concours on February 16th, 2025 for its US debut.

the wide-body extensions visibly display the carbon-fiber material

the Overfinch Velocity Edition 2025 makes its US debut at the 8th annual Miami Concours

the upgraded vehicle has a variable valve performance exhaust system

the tailgate plinth comes with an illuminated blade emblem badge

the upgraded vehicle gets overlapping helix designs within its aluminum wheels

project info:

name: Overfinch Velocity Edition 2025

company: Overfinch | @overfinch

event: Miami Concours

date: February 16th, 2025

location: Miami Design District, Miami, US

The post overfinch velocity edition 2025 shows up at miami concours with helix designs in its wheels appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

De Tomaso unveils its first production-specification P72 sports car made with a handcrafted exterior carbon shell and buttermilk leather seats for the cabin. Throughout 2024, the company gives updates on the production of the P72 sports car, a model they’ve revealed before at the Goodwood Festival 2019. They operate the manufacturing in Affalterbach, Germany, where they first shared the monocoque design and suspension geometry. On December 17th, 2024, De Tomaso releases the shell of the P72 sports car, handcrafted from carbon fiber.

The cover follows the flowing and striking forms of the vehicle’s surface. Making the carbon shell handworked by artisans means the craftsmen are able to accentuate the lines and edges of the exterior casing. The results give the De Tomaso P72 a masterful and dark look on the outside while a softened style on the inside with the use of Buttermilk premium British leather for the seats. De Tomaso moves on to the painting process of the P72 sports car and says that they’re gearing up for the unveiling of the fully ready vehicle in the new year.

all images courtesy of De Tomaso Automobili

Timeline design updates of the vehicle before production

Before the first production-specification P72 sports car reaches its final stage, De Tomaso unveils a consistent series of updates for their vehicle’s making. The design team says the vehicle has zero connecting joints or adhesive bonding, reducing its weight, and that its unibody design merges the glasshouse and outer shells. They reduce the driver’s seating position to provide more legroom, as well as the sill height to make it easier for the user to enter and exit the sports car. They enlarge the rear crash structure to improve stiffness and add an additional low-impact retaining bar to protect the monocoque in case of a light collision.

De Tomaso’s team also upgrades the suspension bearings to fully sealed derivatives sourced from the latest GT4 race cars. Inside the P72 sports car, the design team draws inspiration from the company’s past use of gold and copper tones for the Campagnolo wheel sets. They collaborate with Bernd Kussmaul to create knobs, parts, and finishes of the interior from milled and refined aluminum. Each component is either bead-blasted, hand-brushed, or hand-polished, all finished in rose gold. In total, there are 192 individually milled components that make up a complete set throughout the production-specification P72 sports car.

view of the monocoque design and suspension geometry for the prototype

Analog instead of digital buttons for the interior

For the interiors of De Tomaso’s production-specification P72 sports car, the design team wraps the seats with Buttermilk-colored British leather. It’s the shade they applied to their classic models, so in a way, the reusing is a form of a tribute. The cream leatherwork complements the rose gold components, and in the cabin.

The design team only installs analog buttons and controls throughout the vehicle. After all these, De Tomaso subjects P72 to a full dry fit of all interior components before the body and powertrain come together. ‘It’s a painstaking process, but one that guarantees every element is meticulously positioned to elevate the driving experience,’ the team says. So far, De Tomaso expects to unveil the final design of the P72 sports car in the new year.

De Tomaso unveils its first production-specification P72 sports car

for the production-specification model, there’s a handcrafted exterior carbon shell

detailed view of the exterior shell made of carbon fiber

De Tomaso moves on to the painting process of the P72 sports car

the design team uses Buttermilk premium British leather for the seats

view of the interior

bead-blasted, hand-brushed, or hand-polished components, all finished in rose gold

the cream leatherwork complements the rose gold components

De Tomaso expects to unveil the final design of the P72 sports car in the new year

project info:

name: P72

company: De Tomaso | @detomaso_official

The post de tomaso produces first P72 sports car with handcrafted carbon shell and buttermilk leather appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

TWR unveils the Supercat, its recent Super-GT car whose design elements are inspired primarily by the Jaguar XJS as well as some of the car manufacturer’s racing vehicles, including the XJR-9, XJR-15, and the XJ220 supercar. First previewed during the summer of 2024, the Supercat has finally lifted off its veil to reveal its long, sculpted, carbon-bodied bonnet at the front, which conceals a supercharged V12 engine, and a structure has been reinforced with an integrated tubular steel framework. The engine is developed in-house by the TWR engineers, and it can produce up to  660bhp and 730Nm of torque.

For the body panels of the TWR Supercat, the design team opts for carbon fiber, and the Super-GT car ends up with a 9.3 percent reduction in its total weight of 1,605 kilos compared to the original Jaguar XJS, which weighs 1,770 kilos. The vehicle features rear-wheel drive and a six-speed manual gearbox, as well as the option for carbon ceramic disc brakes, fully programmable traction control, launch control, and five distinct driving modes, each of which can enable drivers to tailor the car’s dynamics to suit various road and track conditions.

all images courtesy of TWR

flying buttresses from jaguar xjs to TWR supercat

Before stepping inside the TWR Supercar, the exterior can already draw attention with its singular steel color and sculpted look. The sides bear punctuated and embossed lines, and the expanded front has grilles on the bonnet for ventilation and to add aggressiveness to the Super-GT car’s overall look. The star of the show may be the rear, as the upper tail peaks like a surfer’s wave. These design elements hark back to the Jaguar XJS’ profile. They both share the signature silhouette, flying buttresses, and front-end graphic, and TWR remains faithful to its long-standing relationship with the Jaguar marque by staying true to the design features that make it distinctive.

For the Super-GT car, TWR also reshapes the Jaguar XJS’ flying buttresses so they’re optimized for airflow from the body to the rear haunches. They also flatten the floorpain and couple it with a fully re-engineered rear splitter, so the Supercar can handle the additional generated downforce. Because of this adjustment, the exhaust system has to be repositioned from the rear to the side of the car. Yes, the TWR Supercar car is a bit more lightweight than the Jaguar XJS, but no, it’s width isn’t the same because the engineering team increases that of the Super-GT’s from 1,793mm to 1,975mm. This allows for the TWR Forged Monoblok wheels, sized at 18 inches at the front and 19 inches at the rear, to fit, also bigger compared to the 15-inch ones on the original XJS.

TWR unveils the Supercat, its recent Super-GT car

Leather-covered interiors inside the super-GT car

Inside the TWR Supercat, it’s a leather fest. The carbon fiber-backed leather seats are available in a contemporary design or a ‘heritage’ option, referencing the original XJS seat louvres, and most of the interior’s design is covered in leather, from the door panels to the steering wheel and dashboard. This is TWR’s way of paying homage to the Jaguar XJS while modernizing it by installing a fully digital multimedia interface with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Even the suspension and steering settings are easily adjusted using an intuitive toggle interface.

The Supercat has been engineered by a team representing some known names in motorsport, including McLaren, Ferrari, Porsche, Williams, and Renault F1. The group is led by TWR director and co-founder Fergus Walkinshaw, whose father, Tom Walkinshaw, drove Jaguars to victory in the European Touring Car Championship, Spa 24 Hours, and Bathurst during the 1980s. TWR’s pool of orders for the Supercat is now open, and the Jaguar XJS-inspired model is only limited to 88 units worldwide, an honor to Tom Walkinshaw’s famous win with the XJR-9 at Le Mans in 1988. The first delivery of the model is expected in the summer of 2025.

TWR Supercat’s design elements are inspired primarily by the Jaguar XJS

its long, sculpted, carbon-bodied bonnet at the front conceals a supercharged V12 engine

for the body panels of the TWR Supercat, the design team opts for carbon fiber

for the Super-GT car, TWR brings over the reshaped Jaguar XJS’ flying buttresses

inside the leather-covered interior

the carbon fiber-backed leather seats are available in a contemporary design or a ‘heritage’ option

view of the V12 engine

rear view of the Super-GT car

the model is limited to 88 units

project info:

name: Supercat

engineering: TWR | @twrperformance

model inspiration: Jaguar XJS | @jaguar

The post TWR debuts supercat, a jaguar-inspired steel car with flying buttresses at the rear appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

foilone produces PEGASUS, an electric hydrofoil boat made of full carbon fiber construction. The material makes the watercraft lightweight and, in return, allows it to speed through the water like a fighter jet for an adrenaline-filled cruise. In fact, the design inspiration of PEGASUS comes from the aircraft of the earlier decades with its rounded contours and vacuum-like mouth. The electric hydrofoil boat is also equipped with safety features to protect the sailor while on water, including automatic shut-off, a navigation system, a paddle, and a bailer.

all images courtesy of foilone

Electric hydrofoil boat pegasus inspired by formula 1 cars

foilone adds two hydrofoils for the electric boat, lifting it above the water’s surface. It’s the kind of technology that’s similar to how airplane wings work, plus it reduces drag and amps up the riding speed on water. PEGASUS then is a fitting name, and foilone also draws from the sleek aerodynamics of 1950’s Formula 1 cars for the exterior design.

On board, there’s space for a single rider, and they’re cocooned into the cabin because of the kayak-looking style. The battery is located at the front, which can also be used as storage for small personal items. The Finnish watercraft maker says that bringing over heavy items can affect the flying balance and dynamics of the electric hydrofoil boat, so it might be better to only bring objects that the sailor needs during the ride.

foilone’s PEGASUS takes design cues from fighter jets

fully electric powertrain for reduced emissions during cruise

foilone PEGASUS’s fully electric powertrain can mean reduced zero emission during the cruise, and the watercraft maker says their electric hydrofoil boat has a weight capacity of 100 kilos. Because it’s made of carbon fiber, the watercraft is lightweight enough to be transported on a trailer or a larger vessel. As for its other specs, PEGASUS can reach speeds up to 30 knots, with a standard cruising acceleration around 18 or 22 knots. On a single charge, the electric hydrofoil boat can cruise for up to around two hours, and as soon as the sailor needs to recharge it, its battery can go from zero to 100 percent in under two hours, too. 

Foilone recommends that the user purchase two chargers if they wish to zip through water without charging delays. There’s no distinction between beginner and experienced foilers since foilone’s PEGASUS is designed with intuitive controls. As the team says, it’s as easy as riding a bike. Customization is available to the clients if they wish to change the color, seating, and additional accessories of the boat. PEGASUS is capable of cruising in both saltwater and freshwater, but foilone says it’s better to lift the boat on land after use to prevent corrosion.

the exterior has rounded countours as a reference to the aerodynamics of the 1950s Formula 1 cars

cabin view with a small digital screen for navigation

view of the front

hydrofoil view

the electric hydrofoil boat has a weight capacity of 100 kilos

the battery is located at the front, which can also be used as storage for small personal items

on a single charge, the electric hydrofoil boat can cruise for up to around two hours

PEGASUS is capable of cruising in both saltwater and freshwater

project info:

name: PEGASUS
design: foilone | @foilone

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It’s a carbon fiber fest for Theon Design and the donor Porsche 964 Carrera it restores to bring its flagship car, Theon R, to life. The studio uses the material throughout the vehicle, from every body panel, including the doors, to the interiors, to make their flagship model lightweight. The approach is similar to the way Porsche has designed their road cars. The carbon fiber the studio uses is F1-grade, and the total weight of Theon R sits at under 1,000 kilos. 

Theon Design first strips back the donated Porsche 964 Carrera to its bare metal before it starts the restoration. They strengthen the shell of the car using seam welding, and they also bond the carbon tubs to the chassis to create a robust torso for the vehicle without adding additional weight. Carbon fiber also appears as the front splitter, rear diffuser, and ‘whale tail’ rear wing of Theon R, and under the vehicle, the studio plants an enclosed carbon ‘flat floor’ for the aero performance of the car.

all images courtesy of Theon Design

carbon fiber parts throughout the exterior and interior

To add to the weight saving scheme, Theon Design opts for magnesium and carbon fibre wheels, giving the restored Porsche 964 Carrera car a modern facelift. These tires are also inspired by the design of the Porsche 911 S/T model, and the design team furthers the design by placing a carbon outer ‘barrel’ with a metallic centerpiece. Even the brakes are carbon fiber mixed with ceramic to reduce the overall mass of the flagship car. Theon Design says that bespoke body colors are available, and the standard displayed is finished in Signal Orange, which contrasts the PORSCHE dark ghost stripes found along the sills and matching engine lid accents.

Inside Theon R, the restored Porsche 964 Carrera comes with composite materials throughout, with single piece seats and touch points covered in leather; everything else is made of carbon fiber. A flexible customization is on the table because Theon Design can adjust R and tune it for track use. For now, drivers can take it for a spin around a twisty tarmac, or some mountain roads, and even canyons. When the drivers ask for the design team to redial back the dampers, the flagship car can then become a cruiser suitable for long journeys.

Theon R comes to life using restored Porsche 964 Carrera car

From porsche 964 carrera to theon R with air-cooled engine

Theon Design fits the restored Porsche 964 Carrera with a 4.0-liter air-cooled flat six engine, which is a signature to the studio. It has a 24-valve, dual overhead cam cylinder head with four valves per cylinder, letting the engine rev over 9,000 rpm and produce over 500 horsepower (bhp). Theon R also uses a drive-by-wire throttle system, making it throttle responsive almost instantly. 

The exhaust is set up in a way that the flagship car can generate the sound similar to the 1970s RSR race car, and its engine is capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in three seconds, reaching 100 mph in around 6.5 seconds. The studio says the setting may be comparable to the in-gear acceleration found in McLaren and Ferrari supercars these days. So far, Theon R is also set for 24 units, and the studio collaborates with each customer to build the vehicle, which can take up to 18 months for the construction and restoration to finish.

the studio uses the material throughout the vehicle, from every body panel, including the doors, to the interiors

the carbon fiber the studio uses is F1-grade

the total weight of Theon R sits at under 1,000 kilograms

carbon fiber also appears as the front splitter, rear diffuser, and ‘whale tail’ rear wing

Theon Design opts for magnesium and carbon fibre wheels for the restored Porsche 964 Carrera

project info:

name: Theon R

studio: Theon Design | @theon.design

The post theon design restores porsche 964 carrera as ‘R’ car with carbon fiber throughout the vehicle appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Ferrari makes a hybrid debut with the F80, its recent supercar inspired by Formula 1 racing vehicles as well as aerospace designs. The road-legal vehicle nods to the aerospace industry as it borrows cues from fighting jets and space vehicles. The F80 hybrid supercar has a cross-section that looks like dihedral, with two angled surfaces being joined. These two surfaces extend from the bottom corners and are planted on the wheels to give the supercar stability and an aggressive stance. Ferrari also draws from architecture for the front of the car, invoked through the sharp and clear lines as well as the wheelarch that ends in a vertical panel.

The F80 also uses 3D printing for some of its parts and electric turbo technology for the first time. The 3D-printed upper wishbones are a debut feature for the car manufacturer, built layer by layer to make them lighter and more robust. For the latter, Ferrari adds electric motors to their turbochargers, which are devices that push more air into the engine. The carbon-fiber chassis adds to making the supercar lightweight enough to speed away fast, and the vertical panel that sticks out from the butterfly doors is a direct homage to the supercar’s sibling, the F40.

all images courtesy of Ferrari

For the first time, ferrari uses ‘e-turbo’ technology

Speaking of electric turbo technology, it’s the first time that Ferrari installs it on its vehicle. It’s composed of electric motors that are placed between the turbine and the compressor to help the turbocharger rev up faster, even before the exhaust gases kick in. Thanks to this ‘e-turbo’ technology, the engine can instantly produce more power as soon as the driver presses the accelerator, even at low engine speeds. This may be an upgrade because turbochargers typically take some time to build up power at low speeds, but not this time in the Ferrari F80 hybrid supercar.

Many of the technical and design elements of the F80 draw from Formula 1 racing cars. The first is the use of a V6 hybrid powertrain, which comprises turbocharged engines with an 800V hybrid system. It’s not a tradition for the car manufacturer to put this in place, as they used turbocharged V8 engines in the GTO and F40 models. Now, the combustion engine and electric motor set up added power and efficiency for the F80 so it can keep up with its high-performance racing quality while on the road. The design of these electric motors also comes from Formula 1, especially the stator and rotor in a Halbach array configuration and the magnet sleeve in carbon fiber.

Ferrari makes a hybrid debut with the F80

F80 hybrid supercar leaves behind digital controls

The hollow sills of the F80’s tub, the main structural part of the car holding the key mechanical parts and supporting the body, as well as the hybrid supercar’s roof, are both made of carbon fiber, inspired by Formula 1 technology. Even the interior borrows cues from Ferrari racing cars, with the design approach called 1+. This entails that the passenger seat is integrated into the supercar’s interior in a way that it almost disappears from view. Ferrari pulls it off by using different colors and materials for the driver’s seat and the passenger seat so that the driver’s seat stands out more (hence, the lone Ferrari red color for the chair).

The passenger seat is positioned a bit farther back compared to the driver’s seat to allow the F80 hybrid supercar to have a narrower cabin without making the passenger feel cramped. Ferrari also redesigns the steering wheel of the F80, which is slightly smaller than the one used in previous models. Its top and bottom edges are flattened to improve the driver’s visibility, especially of the dashboard. Ferrari returns to the tactile era by putting back physical buttons, leaving behind touch-sensitive digital controls and starting with the right and left spokes of the steering wheel. For Ferrari, it’s easier for the driver to find and press them, so they can keep their focus on the road.

the recent supercar inspired by Formula 1 racing vehicles as well as aerospace designs

the road-legal vehicle nods to the aerospace industry as it borrows cues from fighting jets and space vehicles

the passenger seat is integrated into the supercar’s interior in a way that it almost disappears from view

Ferrari also redesigns the steering wheel of the F80

Ferrari reveals its hybrid supercar, F80

the V6 powertrain comprises turbocharged engines with an 800V hybrid system

Ferrari returns to the tactile era by putting back physical buttons

detailed view of the rear

many of the F80 technical and design elements draw from Formula 1 racing cars

project info:

name: F80

manufacturer: Ferrari | @ferrari

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McLaren reveals its fastest road-legal, hybrid supercar yet named W1. It has an electric motor combined with its V8 combustion engine, allowing it to produce a total of 1,275 horsepower, which is more than any other McLaren model so far. It means that it takes the vehicle 2.7 seconds to go from a standstill to 100 km/h, and it can even get to 300 km/h in less than 12.7 seconds. Its frame is made up of carbon fiber structures to help the total dry weight of the hybrid supercar amount to 1,399 kilos. The McLaren W1 also comes with active aerodynamic parts for the airflow and car stability as it speeds away, and these include movable parts like the flaps or spoilers.

McLaren even uses 3D printing to make some of the suspension components, like the uprights and wishbones, or the parts that connect the wheels to the car’s chassis, which can help keep the car’s weight down. The use of the 3D-printed parts arises from the car manufacturer’s Formula 1 technology, bringing in as well the use of titanium in some components of the W1 to make it lighter and more responsive on the road during driving. With W1, McLaren also debuts its ‘Anhedral’ doors, having them lifted upwards by the users when they enter and exit like gull-wing doors.

all images courtesy of McLaren

Button placements inspired by Formula 1 racing technology

Inside the McLaren W1 hybrid supercar, there’s ample space for both the driver and passenger, which the car manufacturer says is unusual for many sports cars. It has narrow A-pillars, or the columns that frame the windshield, as well as glazed glass sections in the rear. There are also optional glass panels in the upper door in case the owner wants to let more light in and have a more open, airy feel in the cabin. The seats are part of the car’s carbon fiber monocoque, and they’re reclined with extra thigh support to make long drives and high-speed racing comfortable.

The steering wheel is smaller and flatter compared to previous McLaren designs, and it even includes shift lights to help the driver know when to change gears at high speeds. The steering wheel only has two buttons: Boost for extra power and Aero Deployment for managing the car’s aerodynamics, both of which are placed near the thumb of the driver, inspired by Formula 1 racing technology. The driver’s display also moves with the steering wheel to make sure that the driver always has a clear view of driving information, even with the smaller steering wheel.

McLaren reveals its fastest road-legal, hybrid supercar yet named W1

McLaren W1 hybrid supercar’s layered bodywork

There are overhead controls in the McLaren W1 hybrid supercar, such as the start/stop button, gear selection, and Race mode switch, and they’re positioned just above the driver. The supercar even has a digital rear-view mirror with a camera, which also shows a small part of the Active Long Tail wing to give the driver perspective when reversing or parking. For the W1, McLaren adds a sliding cupholder between the seats, a small storage area behind the armrest, and a luggage shelf behind the seats. In total, the vehicle can accommodate up to 117 liters of storage space, enough for two weekend bags or two crash helmets.

Outside the McLaren W1 hybrid supercar, the front part has an active plane wing that moves in a swinging arc and layered bodywork, both of which help improve the airflow within the vehicle and its overall speed and stability. There’s also a single nostril-shaped air vent in the center of the hood that lets hot air escape from the front radiators, as well as air intakes near the lights and wheel arches to cool the brakes and engine. Behind the air vent is an aerodynamic blade that can be lifted up for the charging port, as well as the brake fluid and washer fluid reservoirs.

the supercar has an electric motor combined with its V8 combustion engine

The sides of the McLaren W1 hybrid supercar have large cut-outs around the doors, again for the airflow, and viewers can even see the front suspension arms through these outlets, allowing them to peek through the supercar’s mechanics. The most prominent feature on the side is a triangular large intake air ahead of the rear section of the car, which is inspired by Formula 1 cars and feeds the high-temperature radiators. The side mirrors are also designed for aerodynamics, placed far out to the sides on support blades. McLaren describes the W1 hybrid supercar’s rear bodywork as heavily haunched due to its muscular appearance.

There’s a detailed engine cover that sits under a flow diverter, which also holds the shark fin audio and navigation antennas. When viewed from above, the hybrid supercar’s form has a hammerhead-shaped nose and a tight teardrop-shaped cabin, which slowly opens up to the rear wing. It is here that the Anhedral doors are found. They open upwards, which is a signature McLaren feature, but instead of the traditional dihedral doors, which open with a scissor motion, the W1 has anhedral doors, which open in a slightly different way, similar to gull-wings.

with W1, McLaren also debuts its ‘Anhedral’ doors, which is similar to a gull-wing style

the use of the 3D-printed parts arises from the car manufacturer’s Formula 1 technology

a small part of the Active Long Tail wing to give the driver perspective when reversing or parking

the front part has an active plane wing that moves in a swinging arc and layered bodywork

insdie the McLaren W1 hybrid supercar

the steering wheel only has two buttons, placed near the thumbs of the driver

there’s ample space for both the driver and passenger, which McLaren says is unusual for many sports cars

the sides of the McLaren W1 hybrid supercar have large cut-outs around the doors

project info:

name: W1

manufacturer: Mclaren | @mclaren

The post mclaren unveils W1, by far its fastest road-legal hybrid supercar with teardrop-shaped cabin appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.