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Retro

ErreErre Fuoriserie, a Turin-based coachbuilder, has unveiled a retro-inspired body kit for the Alfa Romeo Giulia, which was initially showcased as a concept in mid-2022. The finalised kit has undergone several revisions and has elicited mixed opinions.

The modifications to the Giulia begin at the front, where the saloon now boasts four circular LED headlights and a silver grille. Alterations have been made to the lower air intakes, and a new bonnet design has garnered widespread appeal. However, the side view and three-quarter profile have sparked controversy.

The front wheel arches have undergone significant flaring, which some consider excessive and lacking refinement. A pronounced shoulder line extends from the front of the bonnet to the tailgate, resulting in an eye-catching, somewhat over-the-top appearance. The doors, rocker panels, and skirts have been reworked, while the rear wheel arches have been squared off. The rear design takes an unconventional turn.

The C-pillars have been modified to accommodate two spoilers extending from the roof. The tailgate has been entirely reimagined, giving rise to a boxy shape, a departure from the original Giulia’s more subtle curves. Notably, the distinctive taillights stand out, and the rear end’s redeeming features may lie in the diffuser and the two central tailpipes.

Inside the vehicle, the interior updates have been executed more tastefully. Brown leather adorns the upper section of the dashboard, door panels, and seat bolsters, complemented by light grey Alcantara in other areas.

Beneath the bonnet, Bilstein suspension enhancements have been incorporated, and the Giulia’s 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine now generates 562hp. What sets this model apart is the inclusion of a rare six-speed manual transmission. ErreErre Fuoriserie plans to produce a limited run of just 33 units of this retro Giulia, with pricing details yet to be disclosed.

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Retro models have a certain appeal to the young and of course to the old, who remember the originals. Perhaps they bring back memories of happier times or of what is perceived to be more adventurous periods in automobile history.

Car designers often look to previous models for inspiration and sometimes use certain elements in a new model. Sometimes they may even recreate or, in the more popular term used today – reimagine – a model in the 21st century.

Renault R5 Prototype 2021

Reimagining a cult model
Understanding that the soul of a brand is in its roots, Renault’s designers have chosen to reconnect with the past and draw inspiration to find the spirit of the glorious times. They have created the Renault 5 Prototype, a model that immediately brings to mind the cult model from Renault’s past, the R5.

The role of the Renault 5 Prototype is to show that Renault will democratize the electric car in Europe with a modern approach to the popular and essential car. Like its predecessor, it is a compact and cute city car but with a modern, 100% electric twist.

The modern approach is evident in the chosen finishes and materials, which are inspired by the worlds of electronics, furniture and sports. It has also kept the fun, anti-crisis and mischievous side  with the pop of yellow highlights.

Renault R5 Prototype 2021

Urban, electric, attractive
This prototype embodies modernity relevant to its time – urban, electric, attractive – and is immediately recognizable. With a modern treatment of lines and flush surfaces with futuristic detailing (lights, front face, etc, the result is resolutely in the spirit of the current times.

The styling elements taken from the original design in a modern way hide very modern functions. For example, the bonnet air intake hides the charging hatch; the rear lights include aero flaps, and the foglamps in the bumper are daytime running lights. There is even a hint of the original ‘5’ on the side grid, the wheels and the rear logo.

Renault R5 Prototype 2021

French in many ways
The front end and the textile roof drawn from the world of furniture are full of ‘French charm’, a hint of mischief, character that pulls on the heartstrings. The front and rear logos light up, bringing the car ‘to life’. The French flag in the rearview mirrors to underline the “invented in France” side of the electric vehicle, while the headrest lights and the name displayed on the small transparent screen on the dashboard, invite you to hop in for a ride.

The fenders extend a bit and those who remember the potent R5 Turbo of the 1980s. It had a more aggressive widebody appearance and the engine was actually in the middle. It won four times in the WRC and is a collectors item today.

Renault R5 Prototype 2021

‘Renaulution’ strategic plan
Renault has not said anything about this prototype going further and unveiled it in conjunction with the announcement of its ‘Renaulution’ strategic plan. The plan calls for about a third of Renault sales to be electric vehicles by 2025, by which time the company will have launched at least 7 EVs. This could be one of them.

The original R5 actually started off as an idea penned by a Renault designer in his free time. When his bosses saw it, they liked it and authorised developing it into a production model. It was produced between 1972 and 1985 and sold worldwide, including the USA. It cost about RM10,800 in Malaysia in the mid-1970s. During the 1980s, a powerful variant known as the R5 Turbo (below) was developed, primarily as a homologation special for use in rallies. It was quite a different car as the 1.4-litre engine was mid-mounted and produced 160 ps/21 Nm, which went to the rear wheels instead of the front wheels.

Renault Megane eVision concept previews new Megane for 2022 (w/VIDEO)

COVID-19

Ever thought of buying a car for investment purposes? Most naysayers will have you believe that purchasing a vehicle with the sole intention of selling it on for a profit, is a waste of time. But in actual fact, not only is that possible, but certain enthusiasts have managed to turn the idea into a profitable business.

The key is to purchase a vehicle that has a certain value, the same value that may appreciate overtime. This depends on certain factors that include rarity, desirability and driving enjoyment. This is what hpi, a UK based automotive data company plans on accomplishing. They have listed 10 classic cars that may increase in value in the not so distant future.

Motoring expert Clive Owen has shortlisted these cars based on the following criteria: cheap to acquire, are holding their values and could potentially become future collectors’ items. The list of said vehicles are:

  • Vauxhall VX 220
  • Peugeot 205 GTi
  • Audi TT MKI 3.2
  • BMW Z3
  • Citroen C6
  • Rover Mini
  • Alfa Romeo GTV
  • Nissan Cube
  • Mazda RX8

Regarding the topic, Owen said, “Classic cars have shot up in value over the last few years and in many cases represent a great investment opportunity. Classics in particular are snapped up by collectors and enthusiasts, so prices are constantly on the rise.”

He added, “The trick is how best to spot trends before they take place and maybe even try to redefine what is actually recognized as a classic. Future classics don’t necessarily have to be decades old, luxurious or expensive to begin with.”

Apart from vehicular investment advice, hpi also offers online vehicle evaluations services allowing consumers the ability to buy and sell cars with confidence. Adding to that, it also provides potential buyers with ownership costs over a vehicle’s lifespan and precise depreciation figures.

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