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Aug
24
Jaguar E-Type Zero
Yes, there is something missing in this picture. No, I didn’t photoshop it out. This Jaguar E-Type doesn’t have exhaust pipes because it has an electric drivetrain. Jaguar unveiled a modern revival of the E-Type roadster with an all-electric, zero-emission powertrain in 2017. The vehicle is called the E-Type Zero and has a 40 kWh battery-powered electric motor. It can accelerate to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and has a range of 168 miles (270km) on a full charge. The battery pack is designed to fit in the space occupied by the original six-cylinder motor without any modifications, and will fit in any model Jaguar using the same motor. The single-speed transmission replaces the original gearbox. In August 2018, Jaguar confirmed it will offer all-electric E-Types for sale starting in summer 2020. You can order yours now. To wet your appetite, I lowered the E-Type for an improved stance and fitted a more contemporary wheel and tire combination.
Jul
28
SAAB 900 Turbo Cabriolet | Bōsōzoku Style
Avid readers of Speedhunters and Japanese Nostalgic Car are familiar with the Japanese outlaw groups called 暴走族 (Bōsōzoku) and their tastefully modified vehicles. Most common base for building such vehicles are 1980’s JDM rear wheel drive sedans and coupés. However, if the owner has identified potential for an idea, just about any car might be used as a starting point and customized in one of these particular styles.
A friend recently challenged me to create a Bōsōzoku inspired photoshop chop. Instead of resorting to the popular base vehicles, I opted to start with the least likely vehicle to be modified in this outrageous style: a safe and sensible Swedish SAAB 900 Turbo Cabriolet. SAAB could be ordered with three spoke alloys from the factory and therefore Yokohama Super Advan wheels suit perfectly. Converting this classic and throwing all the visual key elements into the mix was hilarious fun. Based on the prototype of the convertible, my interpretation of a Swedish Bōsōzoku vehicle includes many elements of Shakotan, Grachan and Bōsōzoku styles. Modified bonnet, oil cooler with externally routed oil lines, custom made sideskirts and massive front splitter, classic JDM fender mirrors, riveted overfenders and wonderfully tacky exhaust setup mounted in an unusual location. But because this is still a Swedish car, there are warnings stenciled onto the pipes. Safety first!
[Disclaimer: This picture was created without any serious thoughts. No SAAB was harmed in the process.]
