III

2018 TESLA Model 3 – Design Analysis, 50 Images and Flyarounds Inside and Out

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This is not going to be a boozy lovesong about Tesla changing the world. As you have probably seen from the deluge of media coverage, the Tesla Model 3 arrived just after dark in SoCal last night, to much fanfare and fanboy eagerness. Initial reaction: horror. Horror and revulsion. Why, oh why, Tesla, if you can change the world and make the best EVs of all time… can you not realize how ugly the new Tesla models have become?  It is in the details like the formless faces, the bloated rooflines and the generic detailing of the Model X, the very-tired-looking Model …

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Concept Debrief – 2004 Kia KCV III – Glass-Roof CC Showed Newfound Design/Execution Skills

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In a few short years at the turn of the millennium, Kia’s concepts went from reskinned and rebadged Lotus Elan’s to purely bespoke creations, designed with near-Italian flair.  And constructed with credible, world-class production values! This KCV III was an important mark in the sand for Kia’s evolution from niche budget brand to mainstream heavy-hitter. Today, the giant headlights are alarmingly out of style, but there is goodness shining through even there. Check out the bright white LED DRLs in the bottom of those giant lamps! And the full-frame grille set vertically into the bumper?  Finished in non-chrome grey, no …

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1981 Lamborghini Countach LP400 S Series III 23

RM Paris 2016 – 1981 Lamborghini Countach LP400S Series III in Iconic Sunflower Yellow

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 Many would point to the Lamborghini Countach as the world’s first hypercar — a vehicle so extreme, it sent even seminal supercars like the Miura to the backburner of automotive daydreaming. This beautiful 1981 LP400S is arguably one of the greatest examples in the car’s 30-year production run. What makes this particular vehicle so special?  Its lovely, original condition and its eye-popping sunflower yellow paintwork. Yellow is a famous shade for the Countach — the original concept wore this same bright shade ten years before. 1981 Lamborghini Countach LP400 S Series III   RM Sotheby’s Paris 3 February 2016 1981 …

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1973 Lamborghini Espada III 21

Gooding Amelia 2015 – 1973 Lamborghini Espada Series III Earns $99k

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Lamborghini has its roots in front-engine GT cars — but they are consistently some of the least-loved V12 Italian exotics in history. One look at the profile of this long 1970s timecapsule does most of the explaining — it is ungainly and alarmingly awkward in its proportions. This might have to do with its supercar designers — Marcello Gandini and Bertone were more well-versed in mid-engine hypercar wedges than they were in practical, roomy cruisers. The Espada III is the best of the line, with these models packing air conditioning and wood-rimmed cabin details, but not the jumbo bumpers that …

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gullwings

The Evolution of Mercedes-Benz Gullwing Supercars in 9 Cars Since 1952

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As the SLS AMG bows out to be replaced by the new AMG GT as the Mercedes supercar, many people are unemotional about the change from gullwing to traditional hinged doors. In this regard, the gullwing doors of the SLS are so iconic that they have become a bit passe as a result. But the special magic of twin, central-hinged doors opening upward and meeting mid-roof is truly a cultural touchstone in the car business. Much as Lamborghini defines scissor doors, Mercedes gullwing doors are a huge part of the 300SL legend — and therefore the Mercedes legend — since …

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1968 Dodge Charger III Concept

Concept Flashback – 1968 Dodge Charger III

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  Yes, the 1999 Dodge Charger shown below is amazingly sleek and sexy. But when it comes to its inspirations, the 1968 Charger III is the grand-daddy of all sleek Dodges. This ultra-low and streamlined 1968 concept was a stunning look into the future of musclecars. Some very cool features? A full canopy clamshell is the main door — The steering column lifts to let the driver slide into the ultra-reclined driving positon — Triple rear air brakes were a strong sign of performance tech, and also showed how powerful the engine up front must have been to need them. …

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