Combining creativity with complete know-how and modern technology.

I would like to share with you this report recently published in Japan by Car Styling magazine. A special issue dedicated to the Italian Designers and “Carrozzeria”.

Within the territories of one-man-design-show, resisting in and around Torino, Paolo Martin keeps his creativity and design work running in many directions. As usual.  His hairs are whiter than ever but his genius is evergreen, just as it is the case for secluded Marcelo Gandini and public-persona Giorgetto Giugiaro.

He is one of the very few talents left that has a complete understanding of car design and body construction. One of the few men who can tackle any aspect of the process. As such he is a very precious heritage of the traditional art of coach building.

It is for this reason that he regrets that he receives less commission from the car, yacht and motorcycle industry these days of decline. He still has plenty of good ideas that could be turned into a successful project. Even more relevant he regrets he has few chances of passing over to the young generations his past experience, just as Maestro Giovanni Michelotti did with him when he was 16 years old.

On the other side, he is happy to take commissions from private investors and enthusiasts. He loves the human relations with them and the exchange of cultural input, be it from the Arabian Peninsula, the Far East or the Americas.

On the projects he develops for private customers he must keep the secret, unless authorized by his patron.

Recently, he was allowed to release some interesting design works he developed in the past couple of years.

Three projects he had a lot of fun to work with.

One for a multifunctional “Desert Running Suite” that combines a carry-on tent of some 100 square meters blossoming from a sort of very large 6×6 all-road heavy-duty vehicle carrying a small living room with all comfort and all the most sophisticated equipment that tycoons, VIP, government officials may want or need to take with them in the desert for a mission, a week-end excursion or a party.

One derivative also considers a sort of moving “ceremony hall on wheels for the desert”.

A sophisticated mechanism develops the huge tent in minutes and displays solar cell panels providing plenty of energy for the satellite communication centre and other amenities. The execution of the vehicle has been put on hold after the recent turmoil in Nord Africa.

The second project is a typical “coachbuilder” sportcar that is clearly inspired to the popular De Tomaso mid-engined V8 two-seater that the new “De Tomaso” company is to unveil at the Los Angeles auto show later this year. His project has not been commissioned by the company but by a private collector who was eager to see what could done at this time to revive the myth of the affordable supercar and have one built for himself.

The layout, dimensions and proportions are very modern and yet there is the de Tomaso DNA in this car.

This second project shows how Paolo Martin has kept up with the CAD and virtual modelling technologies and indeed he has developed the “2 Posti Sportiva 2012” in few weeks on his PC with all the technicalities integrated into the project and the basic data for quick and economical milling.

Probably Paolo Martin is the only star designer who emerged in the great old times (the 60ies and 70ies) of Italian coachbuilding and has developed his skill to confirm and visualize his design ideas through contemeporary virtual technology.

See his renderings for self-speaking evidence. Obviously we need not to comment on his own, very elegant and dynamic design for a modern mid-engined sport car.

We would simply add that we would love to see it in the real world.

We can show also a third project that Paolo Martin has developed on his own after the instigation of a journalist who asked him how he would design the Modulo of the third millennium.

In no time Martin penned what he calls the “Modulo Enzo”. A design that is absolutely up to the mythical name of “Modulo” and of Ferrari. Again, the project is not just a beautiful rendering created on a PC but a realistic vision (though futuristic, like he Modulo) of a super Ferrari. The car is feasible, with few concessions, and recently a famous connoisseur and collector has shown interest in having one built for himself.

That would certainly be a dream of millions enthusiasts coming true and a fantastic promotional vehicle for a high-tech company.

End of this report by Giancarlo Perini ©.

Few days after the teasing rendering, here is the official information on the roadster Codatronca Monza roadster soon to be on the stage of the Top Marques in Montecarlo. Obviously this is not an April Fish, as the M3 Pick-up posted yesterday.

For those of you who can’t wait to know everything about the latest creation by Ercole and Paolo Spada my edited report, here is a 1 to 1 reproduction of the company press release.

JUST IN

Spadaconcept extend its Codatronca© scale, launched with the TS model, by a futuristic sport car with  strong lines and shape; a car without compromise (you love it or you hate it! No space for “nice”) however it seems that this car has inspired lot of sports car of that segment as well as production supercars, above all in terms of front design and form language.

Spadaconcept is a design studio-atelier founded by Ercole Spada (former designer Zagato, BMW and IDEA institute), by Paolo Spada (ex designer smart and Honda) and Domiziano Boschi (ex Mc Kinsey).

The studio combines an original formula of design all over the field  with a vision from the design to the economic feasibility. This mission has brought during these years to  different creations, like the Stilo Helmets for Sebastién Loeb , a eco-globe award for best design of an eclectic van, boats, motorsport sport accessories, watches. However the design studio has rooted  its chromosomes in the world of the sport cars: over the passion of the three founders for the authentic sport cars, the pencil of Ercole Spada and Paolo Spada include among their most important realisations one-off  and sport cars.

That is the reason why Spadaconcept returns to present a powerful car with the racing instinct. Born by the pencil of Paolo and Ercole Spada the Spada Codatronca© Monza, a extreme Barchetta built by SpadaVettureSport s.r.l , originate from a request of a special client deciduous  of having a totally customized version of Codatronca© around his own requirements.

From this one-off car, SpadaVettureSport is planning to let arise a small series, making another step forward to the research of aerodynamics, lightness, and pleasure of driving. Codatronca© Monza has the same guide lines that portrayed most of the project of Ercole Spada, like the mythical tz1 and tz2, were characterize by the back shape called “Codatronca©”.

The Codatronca© Monza has mechanic and electronic components developed by ITALTECNICA, respecting the specification of the project needs, in this way we’ve obtained from the V8, in aluminium of more than 7lt with a dry pump, with a power of 700hp at 6200 rpm, with an incredible torque of 950Nm at 4200 rpm. The power is transmitted to the ground by the rear wheels thanks to a 6 gear close ratio transmission with a specific range also at the 6th gear to the limit of 7000 rpm that push the Codatronca© at 340Km/h with an acceleration from 0 to 100Km/h of only 3,0 sec. The designers gave more importance to the pleasure of driving instead of speed record, in the perfect style of the gentleman driver. For support that performance, the Codatronca© is fitted with a traction control on 3 level of action that progressively excludes only the traction control and after another push leaving the car to the bare control of its lucky owner. For a better check of the car’s data, Codatronca© has an equipment that can record since 80 hours of telemetry on track, with 40 active channel (steering angle, g meter longitudinal and lateral, single speed for each tyre, lap timer and gps tracking system for track trajectories and lots more) The chassis is a light and stiff aluminium tubular with two roll bar combined for offer the maximum protection also when it’s driven on track. The bodywork is made of light and resistant fibre that cover the chassis and the mechanics parts.

The suspension are completely adjustable like the one of the racing cars. A big news is represented by the possibility of set up the anti-roll bar on the front and on the rear separately on 4 level of hardness: rain, soft, medium and hard with an on-board regulation. In that way the wheel can work at its best and the suspension in every condition, especially when the car is on track due to the selection of harden or soften the axles for a perfect grip. The wheels are the Pirelli Pzero Corsa, with size 285/35/19’’ for the front wheels and 345/35/19’’ for the back wheels. The rims are of 19’’ by Oz, these were chosen to assure that the shoulder tyres transmit best the drive feelings of this fantastic tyres. The braking system is Brembo with racing 8 pistons aluminium callipers on the front with discs of 380mm and with 4 pistons aluminium callipers with discs of 355mm on the rear; governed by an Abs system of the latest generation.

The Codatronca©® shape of the back gave the possibility to create a trunk, with a suitcase set purposely made by Aznom srl.

The car is available at SpadaVettureSport in a limited number every year.

technical specifications

Spada Codatronca© Monza

Vehicle type Front-mid-engine, RWD 2-door roadster

Structure : Aluminum Space Frame combined with a magnesium engine cradle.

ENGINE :

Aluminum block V8 and cylinder head, eight-quart dry-sump lubrication system, titanium valves

Type _______________7.0 V-8 with two Italtecnica C38 Rotrex centrifugal superchargers and two intercoolers.

Displacement (cm3)_____________7011

Compression ratio (:1)__________11.5

Power (Horsepower @ rpm)______700 @ 6200

Torque (Nm @ rpm)____________950 @ 4200

Fuel feed____________________ SFI(sequential fuel injection)

Valvetrain___________________ OHV, 2valves per cylinder

TRANMISSION:

Short – Throw 6-speed manual

DIMENSIONS:

Weight (kg) ____________________1180

Wheelbase (mm)________________2686

Track, front/rear (mm)____________1607/1580

Length (mm)___________________4759

Width (mm)_____________________1942

Height (mm)____________________1130

SUSPENSION, STREERING, BRAKES:

Front and Rear Suspension Fully adjustable racing derived.

Steering Power-assisted, speed-sensitive, magnetic, variable-effort rack-and-pinion with fluid cooler.

Brakes Power-assisted disc with ABS, 380mm front discs and 355mm rears,

8-piston front and 4-piston rear Brembo calipers.

WHEELS:

Front: 285/35-19”   Rear: 345/35-19”

PERFORMANCE

Top speed (km/h)________________335

Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s)________3.0

www.spadaconcept.com

www.spadavetturesport.com

www.codatronca.com

Just 21 days ahead of the Auto Shanghai 2011 show, BMW has officially released the news concerning the very unique and amazingly fast M3 Pick-up developed by a task force in a very short period of time.

Considering the speed of the entire development, today I prefer to let the press-office tell you the entire story by reproducing here the full press release, issued just few hours ago.

Media Information 01 April 2011

Unique: BMW M GmbH develops the world’s fastest pickup. Drive and suspension technology from the BMW M3 – comprehensive testing completed on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife – 420 hp and 450 kg load capacity – world premiere on 1 April 2011.

Munich. Following the BMW M3 Coupé, BMW M3 Convertible and BMW M3 Sedan, a fourth body variant of this globally successful high-performance sports car is about to cause a stir. Under the strictest secrecy, the world’s first high-performance pickup has been created at the BMW M GmbH development centre. The sportiest example by far in this vehicle category, the BMW M3 Pickup will fire the imaginations of all motorists with a deep appreciation of top performance matched by a keen practical bent. 309 kW/420 hp under the bonnet and a rear-axle load capacity of up to 450 kilos take the hallmark BMW M relationship between race-oriented driving pleasure and everyday utility to an entirely new level. This unique vehicle has already completed extensive test and set-up drives on the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife in advance of its global unveiling on 1 April 2011.

With this vehicle, BMW M GmbH once again furnishes evidence of its exceptional competence in developing and building high-grade, individual dream cars. With a high-revving V8 engine at the front, a generously sized load area behind and a removable Targa roof above, driver and passengers in the BMW M3 Pickup will relish an unprecedented take on the familiar M feeling. Yet this spectacular new development is unmistakably recognisable as a member of the BMW M3 model family. Corroborating this kinship are not just the inimitable power of the engine, but also fine-tuned aerodynamics and a tailored suspension set-up. Measurements in the wind tunnel at the BMW Group’s Aerodynamic Test Centre showed a Cd factor on a par with that of the BMW M3 Coupé. Like every BMW M model, the BMW M3 Pickup has also demonstrated its dynamic potential on the North Loop of the Nürburgring. Official lap times have not yet been released, but the needle in the dial vouched for a top speed of 300 km/h.

The kerb weight of the world’s fastest pickup undercuts that of the BMW M3 Convertible by around 50 kilograms. Removing the Targa roof shaves off a

further 20 kg while at the same time lowering the car’s centre of gravity. This most unusual experience of top-down driving pleasure in a BMW M3 thus goes hand in hand with further optimised dynamic handling.

The practical features of the BMW M3 Pickup are no less impressive. Maximum load capacity has been raised to 450 kilograms. The load bed of the BMW M3 Pickup is clad in high-grade structured aluminium sheeting and provides the biggest cargo capacity ever offered on a BMW M vehicle. In terms of the unit of measurement generally applied to premium automobiles, that gives the loading area of the BMW M3 Pickup the capacity to carry up to 20 standard 46-inch golf bags. What’s more, the BMW M3 Pickup is the first BMW M3 variant in the 25-year-plus history of this model range to come with a trailer tow hitch.

Notwithstanding these unquestionable stand-out qualities, the BMW M3 Pickup will not be heading for the golf course or series development, but will retain its status as an exclusive one-off. It is earmarked for use as a workshop transport vehicle for BMW M GmbH. With this in mind, the current BMW M3 Pickup – unlike a similar predecessor built back in the 1980s – has gone through the requisite procedures to earn its road certification. Which makes it officially a truck – but one that puts a whole new spin on the meaning of the word.

The XENATEC Coupe based on the Maybach 57 S will be making its world premiere in the gardens of “La Réserve” Hotel on the banks of Lake Geneva.

The impressive 2-door Xenatec Coupé is called Cruisero and can be seen from March 1st through 6^th

According to the company, the very special Maybach to be built in limited numbers for selected buyers in China, Russia and the Middle East, has been designed by Fredrik Burchhardt to a customer specifications, and painted in several layers to create a shimmering brass tone.

The overall paint finish is completed by a delicate silver along the vehicle’s flanks. This particular stylistic treatment – a hallmark of all Maybach automobiles – is the final touch to this unique automobile.

Xenatec claims its Cruisero is the highest form of individualization, executed with perfect craftsmanship.

More details from Geneva, next week.

By Giancarlo Perini ©

The official unveiling is just a week away. It will take place in Milano at the Pirelli Headquarters.

The pictures of the most exclusive among the best performing supercars that more than 1 million Euros (1.35 million dollars) can buy make it clear: this is really the ultimate cars to have or Maharajas and Sultans, but Hollywood producer, pop stars, finance and industrial tycoons, and well established royalties.

Indeed this is the first Pagani that will be officially approved for the U.S.A.

The look is positively that of a Pagani, the natural evolution of a unique species created from stretch by the Italo-Argentinan Horacio Pagani with the Zonda. The DNA is there, 100%, but there is a new refined treatment of the surfaces, an even strikingly dynamic silhouette, sitting on a longer wheelbase and offering a roomier interior with access through two gull-wing doors, à Mercedes-Benz SLS.

According to Horacio Pagani: “Elegant and muscular the Huayra merges the past, present and future in a timeless interpretation of automotive art.

The styling of the car was perfected over the course of 5 years to find each line’s beginning and end. During this study, eight scale models were created, as well as two 1:1 models, each an evolution of the previous in a never-ending quest to perfect the form and refining the substance.

The bi-xenon headlamps are just one of the many precious gifts from the Zonda R, and LED daytime running lights are seamlessly integrated in the elliptical shape of the design. The rear bumper integrates with the diffuser and is dominated by an elliptical frame that surrounds the four central exhaust outlets, now becoming a characteristic Pagani element.

If a link to the German car-marker is only suggested by the door opening, the technical specification makes a positive statement. The powertrain of the new Pagani Huayra is a 6.0 litre Mercedes-AMG V12 Twin-turbo claiming an “over 700” HP output and a shocking “more than 1000 Nm” torque. It sits ahead of the rear axle and – via a 7-speed Xtrac sequential transmission – drives the rear wheels, and meets EU5 and LEV2 emission standards.

The car has no four-wheels drive but a weight distribution splitting 44% on the front axle and the balance on the rear.

The carbon-fibre two-seater supercar is 4.6 metres long and 2036 mm. wide (2356 with rear mirrors) and comes with a dry weight 0f 1350 kg, reportedly the lightest sports car in its class.

The new central monologue on the Huayra is an entirely new design made from carbon-titanium.

However, with the gull wing doors cutting deep into the roof, much research was focused on achieving the highest levels of rigidity through the application of new advanced composite materials and technologies first tested on the Zonda R. The fuel tank is located integrally in the best-protected area of the monocoque, behind the driver, reinforced by safety cell made of different composite and ballistic materials.

Pagani does not provide data for acceleration or top speed but said that the Pirelli P Zero tires fitted to the Huayra can travel at speeds above 370 kph and stand lateral acceleration of 1.5g.

More details in a week.

Bertone has announced that the dream car they have designed over the Maserati chassis shared by the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione will be named Pandion. The choice is consequent with Bertone’s tradition of naming their spectacular show car with animal names, such as the Alfa Romeo Testudo, Canguro, Carabo and Delfino.

The 2010 Bertone Pandion, designed and built under the direction of Michael, Mike, Robinson, is said to introduce a new design for the two doors opening but there will be more to attract attention.

There is no doubt that the 2+2 coupe, with classic front engine, rear drive architecture is a spectacular piece of car design and positively a dream car with 100% Bertone DNA contents. However it also appear very obvious that Bertone’s designed have greatly admired the BMW Vision concept car presented last September in Frankfurt.

On the other side it is very hard to see an Alfa Romeo in the Pandion, apart from the brand’s large badge in the rear and the lettering of the Maserati engine cover.

Apparently “badge engineering” seems to become too popular (and too dangerous) and the Fiat Group Automobile.