In other news, @MrChips that Scagliati 300 Turismo is pure awesome. I want one
4 Likes
Zenshi’s Booth at the LA Auto Show
A song used in one of Zenshi’s recent advertisements back in Japan.
While still far away at the moment, 2019 marks the year Zenshi will undergo a new age of design, reshaping the Shinka design to that of something that can be appreciated by both the youth and the mature alike. This design came to be known as Shinka Ken.
For the first press day, Zenshi presented a few of the cars they will be showing.
2018 Zenshi Gamaru
The Gamaru will receive a facelift the mainly focuses on the exterior, and will also have a revised 2.5L I4 making 215 HP as the base motor. The 3.7L I6 will be replaced by the stronger and more efficient 3.0L LZ3-ACE MTE turbocharged I6 engine.
Higher trim models now have a standard power split tailgate available, and all versions will have the option for a 3rd row of seats at the back.
Inside, the Gamaru will have the option for red and brown leather on the higher GTS trim models alongside the black and white leather options. The infotainment system is replaced with Zenshi’s updated system co-developed by Fujitsu and will support Android Auto and Apple Carplay.
The 2018 Gamaru is expected to be on showroom floors early December.
2019 Nimessa / Nimessa Penta
For 2019, the Nimessa will receive the Shinka Ken treatment, inside and out for its major refresh. The aggressive, yet sophisticated looks make the Nimessa appear like an upscale luxury compact car.
This version of the Nimessa will be the first in the generation to have a turbocharged engine for the US market. The revised QS20GDAT makes 268 HP and will be available in both sedan and Penta variants. The base QS20GDA motor has been improved with an approximate 10 HP increase, now making 175 HP.
Inside, the Nimessa will receive an updated AIGCS system, as well as new interior options, such as colour-match stitching for GTS models.
The wagon variant of the Nimessa, the Nimessa Touring, will not be available to the US.
2019 Nimessa Newman R/A
The Nimessa Newman R/A is a more track-focused version of the Nimessa Newman R, with fewer amenities compared to the “normal” R.
Making its debut with the appearance of the facelifted Nimessa, the Newman R/A resembles what a Newman R would look like, but has a heavier rear wing sourced straight from ZMD themselves.
The Newman R/A is a tad bit lighter compared to the regular Newman R, but isn’t as light as the Newman R Zero. This, however, doesn’t make the R/A an in-between variant. Many things have been improved on the inside, ranging from the motor, the gearbox, and suspension.
The IA25GDAT motor has been tweaked a bit to now make a stronger output of 415 HP, providing ample amounts of power to all four wheels via Zenshi’s SM-AWS system. The suspension system, using TEIN’s Electronic Damping Force Controller (EDFC) system, allows for the R/A to consistently adjust itself to the varying track conditions on the go.
The Newman R/A comes with no head unit, but can be given the option to have it back. Air conditioning can be requested to be removed, as well as the standard ABS steering wheel.
More of Zenshi’s new upcoming models will be shown later on through the week, as well as the appearance of a few classic cars as well.
One of the cars planned to be fully presented later on was left out in the back, outside of the auto show, to let the press get an eyes-on-me (and perhaps a hands-on if they’re lucky) experience of what will be expected in the future, and Zenshi USA posted an image recently on their twitter showing this:
10 Likes
AL Autos Booth
Hello everyone and welcome to the AL Autos booth here at the 2017 LA Auto Show! In past auto shows, we tended to bring many many cars to our press days and it seemed to be a bit to much for the information to be absorbed. To hopefully allow for a better experience, we will only be releasing 2 new models on our press days. So without any further a do, here we go with the Volatilis!
Side note: This is my first time trying out GIFS. Let me know how it works out for ya’ll! GIFS can be seen by clicking red text above each trim’s picture.
The AL Volatilis (Trim Showcased: RGS3)
AL Volatilis RGS2
AL Volatilis RGS3 (On Rotating Display)
The Looks
The Volatilis was designed to evoke a sense of aggressiveness and performance: The sharp angled lights, our vent tail light combination, an imposing nose grille, an aggressive mouth grille, and a wonderfully designed body. One look at the Volatilis and you can’t help but want to get in and drive it like you stole it.
The Performance
The trim we are showcasing here, the RGS3, comes with a 5.3 L Twin Turbo Flatplane V8 sending 695 HP to all 4 wheels with the help of a 7 speed double clutch sequential gearbox, electric limited slip differential, and a longitudinal AWD system. The Volatilis comes with sport tuned Double Wishbone Front/Multilink Rear suspension, and sport tuned disc brakes. This allows for the Volatilis to go from 0-62 MPH (0-100 KPH) in 2.9 seconds, achieve a top speed of 194.8 MPH (313.5 KPH), and clock a 1:16.1 on the Top Gear Test Track.
The Technology
The Volatilis will be our first car to feature a customizable digital dashboard. There are a couple presets available which include the analog needle tachometer and speedometer with the appropriate temperature and gas gauges, a futuristic tachometer with a numbered speedometer display, and even a track oriented display for both presets which also display oil pressure, g forces, lap times, tire pressure, shift timing, turbo pressure, and even a heads-up display of any selected track. The HUD also displays your speed, tachometer, and even directions. The Volatilis also includes our ALDrivingProfile 2 which has a, mode that automatically adjusts the traction control, electronic stability control, power delivery, steering sensitivity, and many other parameters which determine how the car performs based upon how the car is driven. The driver also has the option of selecting one of three dedicated driving modes (road, road sport, and track), or, if these drive modes aren’t to the driver’s specs, they can also customize these settings and save it as a selectable profile. Finally, the Volatilis will also be one of the first cars in our lineup to feature our integrated ALJourneyCamera. This optional feature starts recording a 1920p view of the front of the car and a 1080p view of rear of the car automatically from the moment the car is started. The ALJourneyCamera also has the ability to record several different parameters including if there is a car in the driver’s blind spot and how fast the driver is going and display it in the video. In the incident of a crash/incident, JourneyCamera will automatically save 2 minutes before the incident and 1 minute after the incident. All the videos recorded by the JourneyCam can either be uploaded to the users private JourneyCloud which is accessible on your mobile device, or can be saved on a micro SD card. Of course, if the driver doesn’t want the JourneyCamera to record their drive, this feature can be turned off.
Pricing
RGS (Engine: 3.3 L I6 Turbo)
Fully Loaded: $34,700
Base Price: $29,509
RGS2 (Engine: 5.1 L Flatplane V8)
Fully Loaded: $46,600
Base Price: $40,706
RGS3 (Engine: 5.3 L Twin Turbo Flatplane V8)
Fully Loaded: $74,200
Base Price: $68,585
Draco (Engine: 5.5 L Twin Turbo Flatplane V8)
Fully Loaded: $127,485
Base Price: $113,158
That’s all for now! Thanks for visiting us here at the AL Autos booth! Enjoy the rest of the LA Auto Show!
Make sure to check out the Artifex!
2 Likes
Introducing the new Conan CS67.
We would like to introduce you the latest of the Coupé S line. The new CS67.
The first Conan Coupé S introduced in 1963 was made specifically for only one purpose. To get you really long distance very quickly in a smooth and cultured manner. This car was designed to be the ultimate in grand touring experience.
With the new CS67 Coupé S, we continue that tradition in this finely crafted and sophisticated package. The outside is sleek and stylish. With a hint of discretion for all discerning customer.
With the newest Conan Buckingham V12 power plant, first introduced in the Conan S66 executive saloon, displacing 6.0-litre producing 540hp. The Conan CS67 will achieve a very smooth 0-60mph time in 4.4 seconds and the top speed is over 190mph. This engine is the epitome of smoothness, quietness and refinement. And with optional butterfly valve exhaust, the car sings the song that reveal why people love internal combustion engine.
The car might seems a little classical, that’s the whole point of it of course. But it’s also packed with latest and finest technologies money can buy. With lightweight alloy body panels, active and passive safety system, ultra high quality infotainment system, high tech active suspension and many more. This car will waft you in the way you never waft before. All of this is finished in highest quality interior available, with many options to choose from to suit your taste. You can have wood or carbon fibre trim, alcantara or genuine leather upholstery.
This car will be available at any Conan Cars dealership very soon.
To showcase the Coupé S heritage, we also brought the original Conan Coupé CS61. Introduced in 1963. With 3.0-litre Inline 6 producing nearly 250hp and lightweight construction. This car was the choice of all who wished to travel from London to any finest holiday destination.
15 Likes
The 2018 Deponte Atem:
The Atem will be Deponte’s first supercar for a long time as they fell on hard times in the earlier 2000’s (Just like they did in the late 80’s).
With a new body, new engine(s), and new technology Deponte is hoping that the Atem will sell and build some hype (and hope) for the company.
Taking inspiration from supercars from yesteryear and ideas all the way from the 60’s and 70’s Deponte will be offering trim packages and options for the Atem.
MR layout with a full carbon fibre build and dual pushrod suspension means the Atem is built to go fast, despite this the Atem 400 (Base Model) is surprisingly tame, comfortable, and fun to drive daily according to current testers.
The aerodynamic body helps the Atem reach insane top speeds, the Deponte paint options (That hasn’t changed since the 60’s) along with the styling makes the car pop.
-
The base trim (Atem 400) will have 630 HP from the 400 CI V8 Howitzer engine, a top speed of 220 MPH, achieve 15,5 MPG, and go on sale for a price of 123,200 $ (+50 Markup).
-
The performance trim (Atem Street Howitzer) will have 705 HP from the same 400 CI V8 Howitzer engine, a downforce limited top speed of 200 MPH, and go on sale for a price of 175,200 $ (+100 Markup).
-
The Racing and Track trim (Atem X-15 R/T) will have 1547 HP from a 500 CI Turbo V8 Blacktop engine, a top speed of 245 MPH, and go on sale for tracks with a price of 293,000 $ (+100 Markup) (THIS ONE IS NOT STREET LEGAL)
-
The (STREET LEGAL VERSION) Racing and Track trim (Atem X-15) will have 1547 HP from a 500 CI Turbo V8 Blacktop engine, a top speed of 245 MPH, and go on sale for a price of 293,000 $ (+100 Markup).
-
Then there’s the Atem ‘‘The Deponte’’, currently only one has been built so far and they will NOT go on sale and are NOT street legal.
This one was built for Deponte to do laps with on tracks with a tuned high maintenance 500 CI Blacktop X-15 engine developing 1555 HP and with a top speed of 265 MPH.
In-Game Production Units: (Respectively according to stats posted above).
1: 257
2: 273
3: 449
4: 452
5: 990 (The Deponte)
The Green Hell Lap times recorded so far:
Street legal laps:
Track and racing laps:
The Atem will go on sale in early 2018 after further testing and tuning by Deponte.
‘‘When the light of life stops burning, when another soul goes free…’’
3 Likes
DiMarino Automotive has confirmed that the DX8 - first shown at this year’s Tokyo Auto Show - will go into production; however, it will be offered exclusively with a V8 engine, and in addition to the ‘S’ trim revealed in Tokyo, a less powerful base model will be offered, as shown below. The entire model line will also be called the Scythian once it goes into production.
The flagship SUV in the range, meanwhile, is now called the Elbrus…
…and in response to criticism from observers, we have redesigned the exterior of the DE30 for the production version - which will be called Hussar. These styling changes will be applied to the entire range, and are intended to provide a “classy and contemporary appearance”.
All of these newly introduced or revised models will be accompanied by the first ever production example of the 1998 Torpedine (Torpedo), which was built for homologation purposes in an attempt to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Despite never finishing higher than tenth overall in three attempts, it gained a legion of fans for its outrageous exhaust note, stratospheric redline and high specific output, even though the immense production costs meant that just 100 were built between 1998 and 2002. Today, it is regarded as a true analog supercar - raw, lightweight, unapologetically hardcore and utterly involving, without fancy paddle shifters and/or forced induction, both of which are now standard throughout the entire DiMarino lineup.
Most importantly, though, the Torpedine reinforced the brand’s legacy as a true premium brand for enthusiasts - every subsequent model has been imbued with the vivacity and quality that has now come to define the whole range.
3 Likes
Welcome to our stand!
We have four cars to reveal this time, completing our lineup. Let’s get going!
The king of the road: the 2018 Contendiente Conquista.
We’re proud to present our lineup’s top performer: the Conquista.
The new Conquista is here to conquer the roads all around the world.
Inspired on modernity and seduction, the Conquista sports an angular, yet elegant and sporty at the same time design.
We will offer it in two trims, the first being the EC trim, with a 1.8 liter 4 cylinder engine, making 130hp sent to all four wheels in an AWD configuration, while still getting 42 MPG. This one doesn’t include the wing and lip shown above.
But that’s not going to conquer many roads, is it? Behold, the S trim…a 3.0L, twin turbo V6, making 500hp sent to all four wheels, through a six speed manual transmission mated to an electronic LSD.
The car is on your side, and while it challenges you with fun and inmersive driving dynamics, it’ll optionally help you with launch control and our intelligent stability control system, which you can of course turn off. With a 0-100 time of only 3.4 seconds, and grip capabilities of 1.15Gs at 20m and 1.10Gs at 200m, this car will be a blast to drive, be it at the track, doing some spirited driving or simply relaxing and enjoying a good B road.
The EC trim can be yours for 22400$ (30% markup) and the S trim can be yours for 35000$ (50% markup). It’ll enter production in early January.
Other engine options will come in the shape of a 215hp turbo 4 and a 320hp turbo 4.
#Crossover or #Wagon? Contendiente Enemigo Tourer and the new Contendiente Efecto.
We also have a few practical, yet fun proposals for you!
Contendiente Enemigo Tourer. Every day is an adventure.
Our Contendiente Enemigo, our fun and sporty coupe, in a more practical wagon form.
Powered by the same 1.8 liter inline 4 as the Conquista EC, making 130hp, the Enemigo Tourer is a fun, tossable, yet safe wagon.
You and your passengers will never be bored nor frigtened again during long trips, thanks to its carefully studied driving dynamics, intelligent stability control and traction control, safety systems and carefully designed crumble zones and airbag systems, as well as lane keeping assist and emergency brake. These can be turned off with our famous “Contendiente mode” button. The power is sent to all four wheels through a 6 speed manual transmission, meaning you’ll never run out of traction, and with lots of cargo space at the back and ability to seat 5 people, this car will be perfect to go on a holiday with your family, friends, or cargo. This car gets a fuel economy of 40MPG (US).
The EC trim can be yours for only 21000$ (30% markup).
But stay tuned…as a more sporty version might be on it’s way, with a revised suspension tune and the famous 320hp Enemigo 2.0L turbo engine.
The new Contendiente Efecto.
This is our interpretation of what a crossover should be: a small practical SUV, with a sporty offroad twist.
Powered yet again by our famous 1.8 liter I4, making 130hp, the basic trim of this car is our affordable crossover for those who want one. The engine powers the front wheels through a 6 speed manual transmission. With seating for five people, and lots of cargo space at the back, for a price tag of only 19500$ (40% markup), if you love crossovers, this car will be your ideal affordable travel companion. It gets a fuel economy of 38 MPG.
But of course we’ll also offer a sporty option. And for us, a sporty crossover means an offroad machine. The S trim will mount the same 3 liter V6 as the Conquista, naturally aspirated, making 230 hp. With real offroad cladding, offroad tyres, all wheel drive and a geared LSD, this car will be your own rally all-terrain car. The suspension has been revised, with springs and shocks prepared to be punished by the most harsh of the environments and landscapes, and gearing that’ll allow you to get over any hill or obstacle.
The S trim will be acquirable for 24000$ (50% markup).
Hatchback time: the new Contendiente Ataque!
S trim shown.
One of our favourites, the Ataque. Our practical, economical and sporty hatchback. Powered by our 1.6 liter I4, naturally aspirated, making 105hp, and getting 47 MPG with the power being sent to the front wheels through a 6 speed manual transmission, with fun driving dynamics, this car is just perfect as your compact, practical car. It seats five people, and it holds up to 514 liters of cargo capacity. This hatchback can be yours for only 16400$.
And, to close the our reveals…the sporty version of the same hatchback! With the famous 2.0L turbo engine from the Enemigo, AWD, a sportier suspension tune and 320hp, the new Ataque S will be a strong contender in the hot hatch segment. With a geared LSD and a six speed manual, it will be able to reach a top speed of 266km/h and 100km/h in only 4.4 seconds. The car corners at 1.10Gs at 20m and 1.06Gs at 200m, making it a track day toy as well. All of this, while it is still able to seat four people, and hold the same amount of cargo as its EC counterpart.
The Ataque S will be sold at 23250$ (50% markup).
12 Likes
Contendiente Efecto is great!
1 Like
Wut wut wut?! 130 hp and then 500 hp? Quite a gap there…
2 Likes
I’ve been looking at it and you’re right. I guess a couple of intermediate engine options could help bridge that gap.
2 Likes
Arrowhead Ayla V8 Blackmamba Coupe
Introducing the New Black mamba editions. The Ayla is one of the best looking cars you can find in the market, currently in development and more details on prices will be revealed soon.
More info at
4 Likes
2018 Cornaldie LMP2 Race Car A.K.A Project Ghost
We at Cornaldie decided that 2018 was the year we made good on our promise to enter the Lemans 24h Prototype Series…LMP2. With that, we have been secretly developing this project for 5 years, with countless overhauls and extensive testing. Finally we think we have developed a competitive car, that should reinforce our image as one that is serious about motorsports and acknowledge the level of discipline it takes to be successful. With that I bring you… PROJECT GHOST!
3 Likes
Zenshi’s Booth at the LA Auto Show - Part 2
With the first set of vehicles showcased, two new ones are shown for the press day.
2019 Zenshi Altrea
Before, Zenshi went their ways to design the 2019 Altrea and completed it, including a new version of the Altrea Newman R. When the design team created the Shinka Ken design principle, they decided to let the Altrea follow that principle, and scrapped the design altogether. This new (and final) design for the refreshed Altrea, compared to the previous one, displays a stronger essence of sophistication, while still retaining sporty and athletic looks all throughout.
For 2019, this new version of the Altrea will possess standard LED headlights and taillights, allowing all trims to receive the same level of illumination and style without sacrificing too much of cost for potential buyers. Auto-dimming side mirrors are an available option for the higher level GTS trims, as well as a smart power tailgate.
Powering a base 2019 Altrea is the 2.5L QS25GDA I4, which has the same power output of 215 HP (on premium gasoline), but has improved technology, which allows for optimal fuel economy. With a 6-Speed Manual, the 2.5L Altrea averages over 31 MPG.
The 3.0L LZ3-ACE GDMTE turbocharged I6 makes a return as well, this time in two different flavours; the GTS-30T Type M receives a 328 HP variant, while the sports-focused GTS-30T Type S receives the full 373 HP.
To match its upscale appearance, some may notice the removal of a significant colour choice for a Zenshi car. Zenshi has confirmed that “that colour” will be available, but for now, as a limited colour option for extra. The interior has been enhanced a bit as well, looking a lot more upscale than before, where the 2017-2018 Altrea’s interior screamed pure sportiness. The AIGCS has been improved a slight bit, and the gauge faces are given a more simplistic style to them. The GTS-30T Type M and Type S have the traditional lever handbrake removed for a simpler electronic brake, but the buyer can request the lever to be installed back, free of charge.
Altrea gauges in MPH reading
When asked about the possibility of the Altrea Touring coming to the US, the only thing responded was “Soon.”
Following up later in the night, is a concept car that represents the insanity Zenshi and ZMD can think of.
10 Likes
AL Autos Booth
Hello everyone and welcome to the AL Autos booth here at the 2017 LA Auto Show! In past auto shows, we tended to bring many many cars to our press days and it seemed to be a bit to much for the information to be absorbed. To hopefully allow for a better experience, we will only be releasing 2 new models on our press days. So without any further a do, here’s our last release with the Artifex!
Side note: This is my first time trying out GIFS. Let me know how it works out for ya’ll! GIFS can be seen by clicking red text above each trim’s picture.
The AL Artifex
The Looks
The Artifex is our first serious attempt at the workhorse for the road, the pickup truck. When designing the Artifex, we kept in mind that a truck should have a commanding presence on the road whether you are in the city, countryside, or highway. We then also wanted to take it a step further and also add a bit of elegance to it. The final product, a truck with a combination of flowing, smooth lines, as well as sharp, aggressive lines and fixtures.
Under The Skin
The Artifex can come with 3 powerful engines: a 5.5 L V8 with 537 HP and 429 ft-lb of torque (Available on the RGXLT Opulentum and the RGXLT3), a 5.1 L V8 with 485 HP and 402 ft-lb of torque (Available on the RGXLT2), and a 3.5 L Turbocharged I6 with 437 HP and 348 ft-lb of torque (Available on the RGXLT). These engines are coupled to either a 9 speed automatic (RGXLT Opulentum, RGXLT3), a 8 speed automatic (RGXLT2), and a 7 speed automatic (RGXLT). All the trims do come with a full time 4WD drive system with high/low range, double wishbone front suspension, multilink rear suspension, heavy duty disc brakes, an electric LSD, and Hard Long-life Road Tires.
The Technology & Luxury
The Artifex is loaded with a decent amount of technology. First of all, the Artifex is our other vehicle to feature the ALJourneyCamera. This optional feature starts recording a 1920p view of the front of the car and a 1080p view of rear of the car automatically from the moment the car is started. The ALJourneyCamera also has the ability to record several different parameters including if there is a car in the driver’s blind spot and how fast the driver is going and display it in the video. In the incident of a crash/incident, JourneyCamera will automatically save 2 minutes before the incident and 1 minute after the incident. All the videos recorded by the JourneyCam can either be uploaded to the JourneyCloud which is accessible on your mobile device, or can be saved on a micro SD card. Of course, if the driver doesn’t want the JourneyCamera to record his drive, this feature can be turned off. Another nifty piece of tech the Artifex has is ALPotholeResponse. Sensors placed underneath the front end of the Artifex reads the level of the road. If a sharp level change is detected, the system quickly adjusts the suspension to the point that the effects of the pothole are minimized. This system leads to a longer tire lifespan, less risk of wheel misalignment, and an overall more comfortable ride. The final highlighted piece of tech that the Artifex has is ALTowAssist which will help the driver guide the truck into the trailer with ease, reverse with the trailer, and also limit speed (can be turned off if necessary). The driver can also see an overhead view of the trailer thanks to a camera mounted at the top of the cab. The Artifex will also have the option to have the AL Connect Infotainment System: USB Capability, hands free satellite navigation with real-time traffic, and AL’s WorldConnect which allows the user to check nearby attractinos, make reservations, check sports team scores, weather forecast, and so much more! The RGXLT Opulentum trim will also come standard with Nappa Leather seats, Leather/Wood trimmed steering wheel, a 9 speaker Premium Bose Sound System specially made for the Artifex, rear passenger entertainment screens, and front and rear automatic climate control. Some of these features can be added onto lower trim models.
Pricing
RGXLT Opulenutm
Fully Loaded: $85,200
Base: $76,753
RGXLT3
Fully Loaded: $54,900
Base: $47,952
RGXLT2
Fully Loaded: $51,500
Base: $45,684
RGXLT
Fully Loaded: $46,800
Base: $39,415
That’s all for now! Thanks for visiting us here at the AL Autos booth! Enjoy the rest of the LA Auto Show!
Make sure to check out the Volatilis!
1 Like
OMC getting ready for the big day.
Press Days 1 and 2
Welcome back to Los Angelese, where the 2017 auto show of the same name is well underway, and certainly being far more interesting than the teasers would have had you believe.
Kishiwo, a Japanese start up that, no, I haven’t heard of either, introduced the Yoko E Drive concept. It’s set to release with both a conventional ICE, electric or hybrid powertrain, the first of which is connceted to an 8 speed automatic. The styling is decent, if uncohesive at the front, and I seriously don’t see anything paying $16k for a petrol supermini, let alone $35k for a hydrogen. If anything, it’s the cost that really confuses me here, when other companies are offering far more car with similar drivetrains for much less money.
Scagliati gave us a right show with a new version of the Cinquetorri. Holy god it’s vulgar at the front, and I’m fairly sure I could fit inside that front grill, but I am weirdly attracted to it. The rear end is stunning, and that’s the first time I’ve ever said that about the SUV. You don’t need any explanation of the interior, it’s simply astonishing, and it even has a 7 seater trim, something unheard of at this end of the market. Naturally, it’s way too pricey for its own good, but then again, you’ll need a Title and a claim to a mansion house in the UK just to own one.
As if it couldn’t get anymore spectacular, they unveiled a new trim for the La Serenissima. Called the Quattrocento, it takes the brilliantly different GT cruiser I drove last month and shoves nine-hundred and twenty-two italian horses down its driveshaft. It’s amazing it can’t go from 0-60 without bending space time around it, but flat out, it’ll top 250 mph. God its so stupid, but of course you want one. You’d have to be clinically unintelligent not to.
Miller gave a very minimalist presentation of two cars. The Arghonaught, which they teased earlier on, was revealed with one photo and some very basic information, and the same again for the smart looking Prestige. Perhaps its part of a new marketing strategy, which their marketing executive seems to have taken on board when it comes to revealing new cars. It isn’t that “some people made it clear that they don’t care”, it’s that Miller, for me at least, haven’t given me enough reason to care that they’re releasing new cars.
Zenshi presented the facelift Gamaru SUV along with some new engines for it, as well as facelifts across the board with the new Shinka Ken design languge. They’re shaping up to be handsome cars, even if the rear lacks some of the finesse and fineness of the front end. Of particular note was the Nimessa Newman R/A, a more-faster-sportier-but-not-quite-as-sportier-as-the-Newman-R-Zero-variant variant of my (beloved) Nimessa Newman R…starting to become a bit of a tongue twister that. It’s slightly more powerful, slightly lighter and has a smacking great wing on the rear! Certainly one for the more extreme driver then. Think I’ll be sticking with the standard model for now.
AL Autos were up next. It really says something about how far the company has come recently in that they’re now pricing their cars reasonably, and with this new Volatillis, they’ve put a huge amount of work in to develop a well equipped and affordable sports coupe. The low end RGS trim, with the 3.3l i6, is of particular note; at a price of around $30k, it’s an awfully tempting alternative to the hot hatches in this class, especially with its performance.
However, there is something to be said about the styling. It’s a little hard to explain, though I feel this rather adequatley sums it up: I was hosting a dinner date a few years back at my flat, with this girl I was really keen to impress. I’d cooked everything perfectly, the mood was just right and she certainly seemed to be enjoying herself. It was all going so well that my dog decided to come and poke his nose in - he’d obviously smelt the lamb joint I’d cooked - and leapt up at me, which we all found very funny, before promptly being sick in my lap and walking off.
I had the gall to think nothing could possibly be worse than wiping yellow vomit from your shirt in front of a girl I was trying to impress. I spoke too soon.
Conan gave us the majestic CS67. It looks a little Beverley Hills, circa 2007 with that chrome grille and sharp-curvy design style, but there’s no denying there is an elegance to it. V12 engines, proper GT performance figures and plenty of luxury. It continues a heritage of Coupe S models, and certainly seems to tick all the boxes for a luxury coupe. Price wise, not a clue, but it’s worth keeping on your radar - if you can deal with the styling.
Deponte’s exceptionally bland advert couldn’t have been further away from the smartness of the Atem’s styling; the new supercar is a classy and well sculpted MR machine, named after (and do correct me if I’m wrong) the Egyptian ‘God of Gods’. A 200+mph supercar for £123k sounds particularly good value, although someone might want to correct them on their spelling of “Howitzer” (not that it isn’t a great name for an engine). A number of other trims are planned, though where they will find their place in the saturated supercar market is another question.
DiMarino’s range of cars look absolutley incredible, and I was blown away by…nope, wait, this isn’t 2001. DiMarino’s cars certainly stand out on the spec sheets, but they look positively outdated, and the double crhome chrille of the Elbrus is hardly a picturesque feature. The DE30, which apparently has been restyled and renamed to the Hussar (great name by the way) may still look very old, but it certainly seems to offer a lot of comfort and a lot of performance. The only catch? That 1990kg weight; it’s considerably heavier than a lot of its mid-size performance sedan rivals.
Contendiente gave perhaps its most cohesive display to date. Of particular note was the new Conquista lineup; the companies mid-size sedan (I think) has a lovely new range of engines (efficient, decently powerful etc etc) whilst the S trim is getting something properply phenomenal: a 500hp 3.0l Turbp I6. Wow. That’s a hell of a lot of power even for a performance sedan, and with a quoted 0-60 time of 3.4 seconds and an asking price of just $35k, this might be the bargain of the century. The rest of the competition ought to be worried, though one does wonder what corners they had to cut to get to such a price.
The company also revealed its Crossover-Wagon-crossover thing with the Enemgio Tourer (mmmm yes) and the Efecto (mmm no). Little needs to be said about the Tourer, the transition from sedan to estate has been handled well and its a lovely looking car, plus the same bargain prices and good range of engines can be had on this model too. The Efecto however, well, suffers from the fundamental flaw of being a crossover…nope, wait, I’m not allowed to get that opinionated with these reviews. It’s quite a bit more expensive than the Tourer, and you are only paying for that extra ride height. I certainly don’t think it’s worth it, but then again, I’m not one of the Yummy Mummy’s who’s going to buy one of these things. At least they’re pushing it’s AWD capability to some extent…
Then, Abra appeared. No word, no warning, no specs either, Abra revealed some sort of sports sedan. It looks like a fish at the front, has very odd 80-spoke wheels in the middle and looks like someone from the Burnout 3 developers team designed the rear. What is it, where it comes from and what its even for? Not a clue.
Another unusual and unexpected appearnce came from Arrowhead. They claim their Ayla V8 Blackmamba Coupe is “one of the best looking cars your can find in the market”. I claim to have the ability to walk on water but there’s no prizes for guessing that I can’t. Hence, I beg to differ.
Still, 630hp sports coupe? Could be worth a look.
Cornaldie appeared with Project Ghost, an LMP2 race car that’s been developed by a factory team…er, unless they intend to sell that to other teams before it gets raced, the FIA are gonna want to have a word with them.
Well, LA certainly threw up some surprises, and I didn’t even have time to cover them all properly! Don’t worry, they’ll be covered in the next update. For now though, it’s adios from me, I need to find a bar and an insider at Contendiente to see if they’ll reveal any drunk secrets about what they’re working on to me…
- Gavin Anderson
Edit 30/11/17: corrected Zenshi section re: aircon on Nimessa Newman R/A
10 Likes
You were right on all counts regarding each of these reveals. I reckon the four-door sedan shown by ABRA is meant to be a competitor to high-performance sports sedans like the M3, C63, Giulia QV, etc. I can’t wait to see what the next batch will bring!
And you have forgotten to mention that DiMarino’s flagship will now be called the Scythian.
A bit of correction on the Newman R/A, the AC is standard on it, and can be requested to be removed.
3 Likes