Category Archives: Design

Behold: the 1991 Vector W8 – one of two prototypes and 17 customer cars built by VAC – a Californian auto maker that lasted just four years before folding. Created by veteran auto designer Gerald Wiegert using elements from the aircraft industry including an aerodynamic riveted frame and fighter jet instruments. 

Powered by a  625bhp, 6.0l twin turbo V8, the Vector accelerates to 100km/h in less than three seconds and on to a (theoretical) top speed of 390km/h.

Fully documented with just under 2,500km on the clock, it’s yours for around €400,000.

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Behold: the Officina Armare Project Centauro – a 110 meter hyper yacht with space for 14 passengers featuring an entertainment area, indoor pool and diving station, hot tub, and an observation lounge, beach club, spa, sauna and hammam.

Two MTU engines and steerable waterjets give a top speed of 20 knots and a cruising speed of 18 knots.

Price on application.

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Early next year, Toyota plans to start construction of a ‘prototype city of the future’ at a 175 acre site at the base of Mount Fuji in Japan. Details are a little fuzzy at present but according to the press release:

The city is planned to be fully sustainable, with buildings made mostly of wood to minimize the carbon footprint, using traditional Japanese wood joinery, combined with robotic production methods. The rooftops will be covered in photo-voltaic panels to generate solar power in addition to power generated by hydrogen fuel cells. Toyota plans to weave in the outdoors throughout the city, with native vegetation and hydroponics.

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