3D Printing Plays a Big Role in New Imperia GP Roadster Development

Imperia GP Roadster Hybrid Car

The classic Imperia marque is being resurrected in Belgium with the development of a unique hybrid-powered retro-coupe. 3D printing technology plays a big role in its development and manufacture.

Imperia Automobiles was formed in 2009 to bring to market hybrid car technologies developed by Green Propulsion, a Belgian automotive R&D firm that specializes in electric and hybrid vehicles.

The roadster's hybrid powertrain consists of a 200hp, 1.6liter gasoline engine and a 150hp electric motor.

For the roadster's drivetrain components, Imperia designers partnered with Voxeljet, a 3D printing services company in Germany, and SICTA, a French aluminum foundry. Voxeljet prints sandcasting moulds which are then sent on to the SICTA foundry.

Tip of the hat to the 3ders blog.

Silodrome Gasoline Culture, a Cool Motorsports Blog

Check out Silodrome.com for all sorts of motorsports goodness.... motorcycles, cars, boats, art, clothing, films, gear... there's a special category for cafe racers, too.

"Hot Rod Jen's" Pinstriping & Art on SmugMug

Pinstriped Panel Art by Hot Rod Jen

I was googling around for pinstriped panel art the other day and stumbled across the very cool Kustom Kulture artwork of Jennifer "Hot Rod Jen" Skidmore on SmugMug. She has a huge volume of her work there, from pinstriped cars, motorcycles, and panels, to original drawings, paintings, and photography. Check it out.

Arrinera Automotive's Hussarya, Polish Supercar

The Hussarya, a Polish Supercar

A team of visionary Polish automotive designers is making history in the former Communist country: For four years Poland has been home to a supercar company, Arrinera Automotive. Their first car, the Hussarya, is scheduled for production next year in Poland.

The Hussarya will be powered by a 6.2liter 8-cylinder engine pumping out a claimed 650HP. The steel chassis has been designed by legendary British car designer, Lee Noble. The body is carbon fiber. The high-power mill and lightweight chassis and body make for one quick machine:  60mph in 3.2seconds, with a claimed top speed of 210mph.

In an interesting safety twist, the Hussarya can be equipped with thermal imagers from Oregon's premiere IR imaging company, FLIR.

Autoblog has a nice post on the Hussarya. Check it out.