INDY Autonomous Challenge - CES2025 - AI Drivers Race With Five Overtakes In Twenty Laps

Here is an image of the first car - Autonomous Tiger Racing (ATR) No. 34 - we encountered on the track during our visit to the INDY Autonomous Challenge held at Las Vegas Motor Speedway during CES2025. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks - Motorsports Journal (2025)

INDY Autonomous Challenge - CES2025 - AI Drivers Race With Five Overtakes In Twenty Laps

The Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC), a global leader in high-speed autonomy, returned to CES 2025 with groundbreaking developments, including the introduction of multicar racing and the future of physical AI. Held on January 9, 2025, at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway from 2-4 PM PST, the Autonomous Challenge at CES 2025 marked a significant milestone in the evolution of autonomous technologies, offering attendees an unparalleled view of AI's progress in high-speed motorsport.

Anxious and ready to attempt a first-time multiple car autonomous trial in a 20 lap match. UNIMORE Racing No. 6 became the first winner of the Tier 3 structure challenge where multiple cars not only attempt to pass, but win against the four teams that threw their hats into the ring. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2025)

Imagine making this annual pilgrimage to the Consumer Electronics Show and be inundated with AI (Artificial Intelligence) messages being communicated and attached to virtually every item on the floor. Heck, there were folks in stands trying to attach their products, however analog, to having a role in an AI world. 

Then, after a couple of days watching AI solutions show themselves on displays and screens, to have the opportunity to watch teams field their work in an extreme three-dimensional environment such as a race track featuring open wheel racecars? These techies seemed to have died and gone to AI heaven.

The trek to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway proved to be worthwhile even if the weather for this desert destination was a bit chillier than expected. Camaraderie and expectation were the notes of the day echoed between attendees and teams set up in the Hot Pits. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2025)

A New Era of AI Racing: Multicar Showdown and Tiered Competitions

Building on its historic introduction of head-to-head autonomous racing at CES three years prior, the IAC achieved another milestone during CES 2025 with a multicar exhibition race. Teams ran 3-4 autonomous racecars simultaneously in a thrilling 20-lap format, demonstrating not only individual car performance but also the capability of AI systems to manage complex multi-agent interactions at high speed.

Team lead for Caltech Autonomous Systems and Technologies (CAST) Racer - California Institute of Technology Autonomous Driver No. 8, Matt Anderson. As team lead, Matt, who hails from Sydney Australia, was responsible for controlling the E-Stop (emergency stop) button which brings the autonomous racing platform to a complete stop much quicker than any human driver would be able to do given that, once the button is pushed full force, the control is applied 100 times a second with race grade ABS braking systems. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2025)

The Caltech Autonomous Systems and Technologies (CAST) Racer Autonomous Driver No. 8 was able to set a platform best Tier 1 speed of 145mph, about 20 mph faster than previous IAC trial sessions. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2025)

The event featured a progressive three-tiered structure that allowed teams at all experience levels to compete and push the boundaries of their AI Driver development:

 
Tier 1: Single-car time trials, where teams showcased the stability of their AI Drivers at extreme high speeds.

 
Tier 2: A two-car passing competition, designed to test strategic racing and AI adaptability in head-to-head scenarios.

 
Tier 3: The multicar racing event, where 3-4 racecars competed in an open racing format, challenging the limits of AI Driver multi-agent interaction and high-speed decision-making.

AI Racing Tech (ART) No. 7 - a collaboration between University of California Berkeley, with University of Hawai’i (UH), University of California, San Diego (UCSD), & Carnegie Mellon University in a group photo celebrating their Tier 2 accomplishment of an on-track pass timed just before the Start Finish line (image below). Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2025)

Tier 2 trials pass of Purdue AI Racing - Purdue University No. 2 by AI Racing Tech (ART) No. 7 just before the LVMS Start Finish line. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2025)

End of a very successful CES 2025 trial at LVMS for AI Racing Tech (ART) Autonomous Driver No. 7 in the Indy Autonomous Challenge. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2025)

This structure provided a platform for progressive competition, ensuring all teams had the opportunity to demonstrate their advancements in autonomous racing.
New Teams and Exciting Partnerships

The IAC welcomed two new university teams, Indiana University and the California Institute of Technology, bringing the total number of participating teams to ten. These additions enriched the competition, expanding the global pool of talent and expertise working to advance high-speed autonomy on a shared AI and robotics platform.

In collaboration with the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the IAC served as an official test and evaluation platform to enhance AI training for autonomous systems. This initiative is part of DARPA’s Transfer Learning from Imprecise and Abstract Models to Autonomous Technologies (TIAMAT) program, which aims to bridge the “simulation to real” gap in AI development.

Starlink communications from Elon Musk's SpaceX allows instantaneous 2-way inputs in this mobile AI world of the IU Luddy No. 10 when the car is on track. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2025)

Pioneering the Future of Physical AI

“The Indy Autonomous Challenge is truly leading the charge in the physical AI revolution,” said Paul Mitchell, President of the Indy Autonomous Challenge. “By pushing the limits of autonomous technology on the racetrack, we’re not just developing AI that can drive racecars - we’re creating systems with applications ranging from aviation to autonomous vehicles and robotics. The race at CES showcased cutting-edge innovation and highlighted what can be achieved when government, academia, and industry unite to tackle some of the biggest tech challenges of our time.” 

The 2025 IAC race at CES solidified its role as a premier event in autonomous racing, demonstrating the transformative potential of AI and its future applications across industries.

The Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC) made history at CES 2025 with the world’s first successful completion of a multi-car autonomous race. This groundbreaking event held at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway marked a major milestone in the evolution of physical AI and autonomous racing, with four IAC AV-24 fully autonomous racecars piloted by AI Drivers from top global university teams competing head-to-head in a 20-lap exhibition race. The race ended in a thrilling side-by-side photo finish, with UNIMORE Racing crossing the finish line less than three-tenths of a second faster than Cavalier Autonomous Racing. Watch livestream video starting at the end of Lap 17 of 20 Laps.

The multi-car exhibition race not only showcased impressive advancements in AI Driver capabilities but also highlighted how the IAC is advancing technology to improve the safety of high-speed autonomy. For the first time in the history of motorsports racing, four autonomous racecars completed a full race with multiple overtakes and no accidents. This demonstrated how autonomous systems can navigate extreme speeds while also safely managing complex multi-agent interactions in real-time.

“Since our first race in 2021, the IAC and our university teams have been making history with the world’s fastest autonomous racecars, from setting speed records to introducing the world to head-to-head autonomous racing,” said Paul Mitchell, president and CEO, Indy Autonomous Challenge. “But our goal has always been multi-agent racing, so being the first to have all our AI Drivers complete a race and do so with five overtakes, no accidents, and a nose-to-nose finish is a testament to the progress of the IAC’s global ecosystem of highly talented university researchers, industry partners, and government supporters.”  

We fully understand that AI autonomous racing will never really deeply connect with a Human fan-base as actual racing in vehicles controlled by analog decision-making of a Human driver. There is no "skin" in the game. However, we further understand that autonomous vehicle travel will never become a reality if this type of movement and mobility control isn't pushed to its extremes as race testing on a track against development teams in numbered cars - everything an AI Driver needs.

... notes from The EDJE

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TAGS: Indy Autonomous Challenge, IAC, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, CES 2025, Paul Mitchell, Artificial Intelligence, Autonomy, Mobility, Racing, The EDJE

Fiat Topolino EV: A Microcar Designed For Our Expanding Defined Community Times

Tucked off to the side in the Stellantis stand at AutoMobility LA (Press Day at the LA Auto Show) was a first time preview of this EV microcar defined community run-a-bout. The Fiat Topolino quadricycle - first introduced in Italy side-by-side with the 600E on July 4th, 2023 - was designed for a broad audience living in defined spaces, including younger customers, families, and city enthusiasts The Topolino is produced in two models - pictured is the *Dolce Vita* open cockpit configuration. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2024)

Fiat Topolino EV: A Microcar Designed For Our Expanding Defined Community Times

Ahhhhh, the microcar - an answer to bringing fun and a spirit of celebration of motor culture to a new age in mobility.

As much of our population is aging and moving into planned communities, or younger generations are looking for easy solutions in EV mobility that are much more civil and useful than a scooter or electric bicycle, or holiday destinations with tight and charming footprints as found in Southern California's Catalina Island, the microcar seems to be a perfect solution. So says Hoofddorp, Netherlands based automobile manufacturing aggregator Stellantis with its introduction of the Fiat Topolino.

The good life becomes an exposé with the EV Fiat Topolino microcar. Image Credit: MotoriQuotidiano (July 2023) 

This edited and posted from a press release produced for Mexico City with the introduction of the Topolino outside of Italy ...

**Stellantis Mexico: New Fiat Topolino - The Most Beautiful Way to Electrify Cities**  

The Fiat Topolino, a name that once pioneered urban mobility, is now set to lead sustainable urban mobility.  

**Designed for the City**  

The Topolino expands mobility and freedom, even for younger users.  

100% electric, it represents another step in the brand's journey toward electrification.  

----

FIAT has unveiled the name and the first image of its new sustainable urban mobility solution: the Topolino.  

This fully electric quadricycle/microcar is ready to contribute to the growth of urban electric mobility, offering an accessible and entirely electric version that encapsulates the charm of the Fiat 500.  

On the webpage dedicated to Fiat accessories or optional accessories are available at Fiat Topolino dealers: one bag storage, fan USB, speaker Bluetooth, water bottle thermal and two seat covers which, if necessary, are transformed into beach towels. All in Green Life color. Image Credit: MotoriQuotidiano (July 2023)

This renowned and evocative name, which originally paved the way for urban mobility, instantly recalls the first Fiat 500. Produced by FIAT from 1936 to 1955, the Fiat 500, commonly known as "Topolino," essentially invented the concept of personal mobility.  

The new Topolino perfectly embodies the *Dolce Vita* and FIAT's Italian spirit. Designed to bring a smile to your face, the Topolino brings a new vision of *Dolce Vita* to the streets—joy, optimism, and fun. It is a new electric mobility device designed for a broad audience, including younger customers, families, and city enthusiasts.

----

**More Than Mobility**  

The Topolino is more than a mobility device. Thanks to its charming design, suitable for all generations, it will make younger generations fall in love with cars again.  

ENDS

Fiat Topolino with doors and sunroof for greater security and protection from the elements while driving around high-density environments. Image Credit: MotoriQuotidiano (July 2023) 

The Topolino is also a fully enclosed vehicle for a higher level of protection while rolling along in tight urban community cityscapes.

This microcar stands out for extremely small dimensions - dimensioni ridotte - compared to a car with its roughly 8.5 feet in length. It focuses on handling, without stress with the maximum speed to roughly 28 mph.

Both versions can be purchased at a price estimate at  starting from around $12,000, to which, if available, the federal and/or state incentives dedicated to electric quadricycles may be applied.

Top Speed - 28 mph (45 Kilometers per Hour ≈ 27.961704 Miles per Hour)

0-28 mph - 10 seconds

Range - 45 Miles (75 Kilometers ≈ 46.602839 Miles)

Charge From Zero - 4 Hours

These highlights are interesting and help to narrow the focus and target market for its application & use.

Microcars are reshaping urban mobility, providing a compact and eco-conscious response to the pressing challenges of modern cities. Their diminutive size, impressive fuel efficiency, and affordability directly combat issues like traffic congestion and environmental degradation. More than just a mode of transportation, microcars represent a forward-thinking commitment to smarter and cleaner urban living.

Equipped with cutting-edge technologies, including electric powertrains, smart connectivity, and the potential for autonomous driving, these vehicles are key drivers in the ongoing evolution of urban transportation. By adopting microcars, cities can enhance connectivity, improve efficiency, and promote sustainability. Their versatility makes them ideal for age-focused and holiday communities, as well as high-density urban areas, offering a transformative step toward an inclusive, eco-friendly urban future.

Love the motor culture statement this car makes - who needs an E-scooter when one can sit & ride in a Topolino (closed) or Topolino Dolcevita (open) models.

The point of modern "mobility" isn't to just get from point "A" to point "B", but to celebrate life with enhanced technology tools and solutions that have this experience to become special. Motor Culture and living the good life - as the Italians say Dolce Vita - is the key found through this quadricycle/microcar design and power option format. 

... notes from The EDJE 

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TAGS: AutoMobility LA 2024, Fiat, Topolino, Dolcevita, Stellantis, Microcar, quadricycle, holiday, planned communities, urban cityscapes, EVHN, The EDJE

LUFT 10, At Universal Studios Backlot, The Air Era Was Breathtaking

Image Credit: Albert Wong (2024)

LUFT 10, At Universal Studios Backlot, The Air Era Was Breathtaking

Luftgekühlt, a marque display in its tenth year - LUFT 10, held at the iconic Universal Studios Backlot, was a celebration of the air-cooled Porsche era in a setting as cinematic as the cars themselves. An Octoberfest celebration of a German marque in the most dramatic way (event held October 5, 2024).

Image Credit: Lou Leto (2024)

The event, founded by Patrick Long and curated by renowned photographer and filmmaker Jeff Zwart, brought these timeless machines into a realm where they could be appreciated not just as cars, but as pieces of art. With the backdrop of movie sets, familiar yet surreal in their detail, this year's Luftgekühlt brought together automotive enthusiasts and artists alike in a way that transcended the typical car show experience.

Image Credit: Albert Wong (2024)

The air-cooled Porsches on display ranged from early 356 models to the legendary 917 race car, with nearly every variation of the 914, 550, and 911 in between. Attendees were encouraged to walk around each vehicle, giving them a chance to study every curve, contour, and color. Whether it was the sleek silhouette of a 550 Spyder or the muscular lines of a 911 Turbo, the craftsmanship of these classic machines was on full display, free from barriers and placards that might distract from the aesthetic experience. Visitors could discover the subtle details of each car, appreciating rare hues and custom finishes in a setting that felt intimate despite the event’s large scale.

Image Credit: Albert Wong (2024)

What set LUFT 10 apart from other automotive events was the seamless integration of these legendary cars into the environment of Universal’s backlot. The juxtaposition of timeless Porsches against the faux cityscapes of New York streets and European plazas created a surreal atmosphere, where the cars seemed to inhabit a dream-like world. 

Image Credit: Albert Wong (2024)

Each scene felt carefully crafted, as if the cars were actors placed in their perfect roles. It was an experience designed not just to showcase the vehicles, but to create a dialogue between art, history, and engineering.

Image Credit: Albert Wong (2024)

Photographers, both amateur and professional, found themselves in a playground of possibilities, with the challenge of capturing the perfect shot as the light shifted throughout the day. Unlike traditional car shows that rely on placards to provide information, Luftgekühlt kept distractions to a minimum by offering a simple QR code on each windshield. This left the cars to speak for themselves, allowing the visitors to focus on the form and beauty of the machines without the intrusion of excessive signage. The growing crowds made photography a test of patience, but those who waited for the right moment were rewarded with stunning images that captured the cars in their full glory.

Full photo album / CLICK Image >>> - all images by Albert Wong (2024)

The atmosphere was one of quiet reverence, where enthusiasts of all ages wandered the backlot with a sense of awe. Luftgekühlt is not just an event for Porsche aficionados; it’s a gathering where the art of automotive design is celebrated. The event attracts people from all walks of life, from seasoned collectors to younger fans just discovering the brand’s legacy. This shared passion for air-cooled Porsches creates a unique sense of community, where conversations about engine types and body styles blend seamlessly with discussions of aesthetics and culture.

Image Credit: Lou Leto (2024)

Though this is always a planned one-day event, Luftgekühlt offered a concentrated dose of nostalgia and inspiration that lingers long after the cars have been packed up and driven away. It’s an outdoor museum, where each car is a piece of rolling art, and every attendee becomes a curator of sorts, exploring the legacy of one of the world’s most iconic automotive brands. The air-cooled Porsche era may be a thing of the past, but at Luftgekühlt, it feels as fresh and relevant as ever.

Image Credit: Lou Leto (2024)

The magic of Luftgekühlt lies in its ability to take something familiar—an iconic car brand—and present it in a way that feels new and exciting. By situating the event in a film studio backlot, the organizers tapped into the sense of wonder and creativity that comes with Hollywood. The cars were no longer just machines; they were characters in a story that was both timeless and ever-evolving. The setting elevated the experience, turning what could have been just another car show into a cultural event.

Image Credit: Albert Wong (2024)

For those lucky enough to attend, LUFT 10 was not just about the cars, but about the experience of seeing them in a whole new light. It was a reminder that the passion for these machines transcends time, and that the air-cooled era, though long gone, continues to inspire and captivate new generations of enthusiasts. Each Porsche on display was a testament to the enduring appeal of design, engineering, and the sheer joy of driving. And in the context of Universal Studios’ backlot, these cars became something more—icons of a bygone era brought to life once again.
[ht: Lou Leto, Albert Wong - reflections and images]

... notes from The EDJE

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TAGS: LUFT 10, Luftgekühlt, Patrick Long, Jeff Zwart, Universal Studios, Backlot, Hollywood, Emory, RUF, Jerry Seinfeld, Lou Leto, Albert Wong, Octoberfest, The EDJE

Octoberfest Gets Kicked Off At Lyon Air Museum With Porsches On The Flightline Car Show

John Wayne Airport and Lyon Air Museum serves as a background for the Porsches On The Flightline Octoberfest signaling car show of the iconic German marque - Porsche.  Image Credit: Albert Wong (2024)

Octoberfest Gets Kicked Off At Lyon Air Museum With Porsches On The Flightline Car Show

The Porsches on the Flightline Car Show in Santa Ana, California, held in 2024, was an exhilarating event that brought together Porsche enthusiasts and car aficionados alike. Taking place against the backdrop of an airfield, this unique car show featured a stunning array of Porsche models, old and new, from vintage classics to cutting-edge modern designs. The setting of the airstrip provided a sense of grandeur, as rows of meticulously maintained cars gleamed under the Southern California sun, each representing the rich heritage and innovative spirit of the Porsche brand.

Vintage World War Two aircraft with classic vintage Porsche automobiles in a beautiful display inside the Lyons Air Museum. Image Credit: Albert Wong (2024)

One of the highlights of the show was the rare collection of air-cooled Porsches, which drew significant attention from collectors and fans. These iconic models, including the 911 Carrera RS and 356 Speedster, showcased Porsche’s engineering excellence from decades past. Enthusiasts marveled at the craftsmanship, with many owners proudly displaying restored versions of these timeless machines, often sharing stories of how they acquired and maintained their prized possessions. The sense of community among owners and fans was palpable, with many visitors engaging in passionate conversations about modifications, performance, and the joy of driving these classic cars.

PHOTO ALBUM

Modern Porsche models, such as the Taycan and 911 GT3, were also a significant draw at the event. The juxtaposition of sleek, futuristic designs next to their classic counterparts created a visually striking contrast that emphasized Porsche's ability to innovate while respecting its storied past. The electric Taycan, in particular, generated buzz as a symbol of the brand’s evolution into the era of electric mobility. Attendees had the opportunity to witness the performance capabilities of these newer models through demonstrations, with several test drives organized throughout the day, allowing visitors to experience the thrill of Porsche’s latest technology firsthand.

Major General Willian Lyon. Image Credit: Albert Wong (2024)

In addition to the impressive car displays, the event featured an air show component that delighted attendees. Vintage aircraft flew overhead, complementing the historical significance of the cars below. The roar of engines both on the ground and in the sky created an immersive atmosphere that celebrated speed and precision. This combination of aviation and automotive elements made the event truly one-of-a-kind, offering something for fans of both cars and planes. Many visitors commented on how the air show added an extra layer of excitement, blending two worlds that share a deep appreciation for engineering mastery.

"Oom-Pah-Pah" goes this beginning of Octoberfest season - who needs a beer when one has a German inspired Porsche garden. Image Credit: Albert Wong (2024)

Overall, the 2024 Porsches on the Flightline Car Show was a resounding success, attracting a diverse crowd of Porsche lovers and general car enthusiasts. With its unique location, impressive array of Porsche models, and thrilling air show, the event left a lasting impression on attendees. It was more than just a car show—it was a celebration of craftsmanship, innovation, and the shared passion for speed and design that has defined Porsche for generations. As the day came to a close, many visitors were already looking forward to next year’s event, eager to see what new surprises the Flightline would have in store.

... notes from The EDJE

TAGS: Lyon Air Museum, Porsches on the Flightline, Porsche Car Show, Vintage Aircraft, Santa Ana Events, Classic Cars, World War II Planes, Automotive Enthusiasts, Car and Aviation Show, Historical Museum Events, Vintage Car Show, Southern California Events, Military Vehicles, Aircraft Display, Porsche Enthusiasts, Octoberfest, The EDJE

Wedge Issues Invade The 73rd Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance

For the first time in the seventy-three year history, The Wedge. Featured images that were captured through one of the posters - RetroAuto poster - had in the foreground the 1970 Lancia Stratos HF Zero Bertone Coupe following a 1979 Aston Martin Bulldog - both prototype one-of cars. Image Credit: RetroAuto Poster Painting - Tim Layzell - Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance (2024)

Wedge Issues Invade The 73rd Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance

A modern version of the best car-judging show known throughout the world, the Concours d'Elegance held on the Monterey Peninsula of central California along the 18th fairway at Pebble Beach golf course was riddled with wedge issues through the introduction of a design form as a classification.

The Wedge, once seen, fully understood. Two classes were introduced for the first time highlighting this line of design and innovation - V-1: Wedge-Shaped Concept Cars & Prototypes Early & V-2: Wedge-Shaped Concept Cars & Prototypes Late.

As the RetroAuto Poster description read >>> 73rd Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance Poster  - Retro Auto - Nuccio Bertone’s 1970 Lancia Stratos HF Zero has been called “the ultimate wedge” car and it takes prime of place on our RetroAuto poster, which celebrates the bold lines and shapes that transformed automotive design in the 1960s and held sway through much of the ensuing decades. 

Here the Zero is hot on the tail of the 1979 Aston Martin Bulldog, which was said to be the fastest production car of its era. Both of these iconic wedge cars are charging through Del Monte Forest down to the Pebble Beach Concours show field.

On the lawn, this Best-In-Class Lancia Stratos HF Zero wedge is much smaller in stature than one expects just looking at a stand alone non-perspective picture. Image Credit: Albert Wong/Nacho Herrera (2024)

On the lawn, this Best-In-Class Aston Martin Bulldog wedge is full size and longer in stature than one expects just looking at a stand alone non-perspective picture. Image Credit: Albert Wong/Nacho Herrera (2024)

Sunday's surprise had these two cars win Best In Class awards as judged in the showfield. Both cars were owned and shown by Phillip Sarofim, Beverly Hills, California. Wedge issues.

Headlights on this Aston Martin Bulldog are cleanly mounted behind a dropdown flat wedge panel that forms the hood.
Image Credit: Albert Wong/Nacho Herrera (2024)

The diversity and breadth that appeared on the 18th Fairway to be judged was quite surprising since when one says "wedge" one believes that there may not be much room for interpretation. The classes did not have a limitation on year developed and produced so this broadened out these potentials and invigorated the overall 73rd Concours by their inclusion.

Wedges galore on the 18th Fairway - from front to back, 1955 Ghia Streamline X ‘Gilda’ Coupe | 1970 Mercedes-Benz C 111/II Sports Car | 1972 BMW Turbo Concept | 1976 Ferrari Rainbow Bertone Coupe | 1960 Plymouth XNR Ghia Roadster.
Image Credit: Albert Wong/Nacho Herrera (2024)

These two first time classes had 12 cars in the V-1 Class and 9 cars in the V-2 Class on the fairway to be judged.

The most recent car to be judged, and the newest car on the lawn, was this 2023 ItalDesign Asso di Picche In Movimento. "Ace Of Spades In Movement" is a 2+2 electric coupé, 3 doors, without a center pillar, built on a next-generation platform, and based on today’s rationale on car design choices shaped by the concepts of safety and electrification. "Asso di Picche In Movimento" is 4662 mm long, 1230 mm high and 1945 mm wide.

 

"Italdesign Asso di Picche In Movimento" is, in fact, the name chosen for the digital anniversary show-car that translates the original model into the present, conferring a timeless nature, while preserving its essence and the simplicity of its design.
Image Credit: Albert Wong/Nacho Herrera (2024)

Vehicle body in aluminum and windows in polycarbonate combine to form one monolithic and seamless aerodynamic whole, enclosed by a single unbroken outline that unifies the roof, front end and rear end, all the way down to the tail panel, wrapping around the passenger compartment. Image Credit: Albert Wong/Nacho Herrera (2024)

On the rear, together with a reflector and a centrally located extractor, an active spoiler, chosen to contribute to the car’s aerodynamics. Image Credit: Albert Wong/Nacho Herrera (2024)

The top view highlights the visual continuity between the windshield, roof and rear window: a single transparent expanse, a true architectural element that guarantees a bright interior and structural strength. Underneath it, are concealed the cameras that replace side rearview mirrors, which were absent on the first model. Designed to protect passengers from the sun, a part of the roof has been treated like a polarized lens and filters out 100% of UVA rays.

With a designer's note that captures the finned era of the 1950s, this 1960 Plymouth XNR Ghia Roadster grabs all that is imaginative from that time. From the flair accents highlighting the wheel position along the side panels, to the attention-getting chrome and badging displays, set this platform on a different level.

Embedded chrome along the bumper and fin lines as well as the badging serve to pronounce the pedigree of this concept wedge. Image Credit: Albert Wong/Nacho Herrera (2024)

Chrome billet grille, scoop, and dual headlights create quite an entrance. Image Credit: Albert Wong/Nacho Herrera (2024)

Wheel cover design consistent with this finned-era designed platform. Image Credit: Andrew McCredie via Driving (2024)

One of the more brilliant displays in "one-of wedgedom" would probably have to be a car that was first at Pebble Beach in August on the concept lawn in 2017. It is a car valued at over $1.5 Million dollars and built through the design talents of Ken Okuyama, a graduate of ArtCenter College of Design. 

If that name sounds familiar, Okuyama is a career automotive design pro who spent much of his career at Pininfarina. He is credited in helping create vehicles like the original Acura NSX, Ferrari 599 GTB, Ferrari Enzo, Maserati Birdcage 75th Concept, and even the fourth-generation Chevrolet Camaro. Yes, that Camaro. 

The car is the Kode 0 - Debut: 2017 - Engine: 6.5-Liter V12 - Specs: 690 Horsepower / 507 pound-feet.

Scissor style cab forward doors add to the attractive entrance into the cabin of this sculpted metal wedge supercar.
Image Credit: Albert Wong/Nacho Herrera (2024)

The rear styling notes seem to have been copied by Lexus but never as beefy as the original.
Image Credit: Albert Wong/Nacho Herrera (2024)

And what's a wedge show without a 1988 Cizeta-Moroder V16T Prototype.

The Cizeta-Moroder was designed by Marcello Gandini — he of the Miura, Countach, and Lancia Stratos — and incorporates classic wedge design cues, including a nose close to the ground and a rear high up in the air. It debuted at the 1989 Los Angeles and Geneva auto shows, and was owned by Moroder until 2022. Image Credit: Albert Wong/Nacho Herrera (2024)

Cizeta-Moroder Motors srl, which was based in Modena, brought together Giorgio Moroder, financier and California show-business (music), and the technician Claudio Zampolli. The carbonfiber monocoque covers a big 6.9-litre V12 engine with a power output of 690 horsepower.

The last and most tragic wedge issue happened the evening after a day of motor culture celebration was over and in the books. 

The 1979 Ford Probe I Ghia Concept was designed by Ford design chief Don F. Kopka along with Carozzeria Ghia, and was based on a Fox-body Mustang platform with a turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder Cobra engine. With its rear wheel spats, elongated rear deck and large glass greenhouse, the Probe I influenced many future Ford production cars.

A last procession for a unique American prototype. Image Credit: Albert Wong/Nacho Herrera (2024)

Greenhouse cabin sets this wedge concept apart from all on the showfield. Image Credit: Albert Wong/Nacho Herrera (2024)

Funny, no one thinks about the real joy in being a part of this unique event with one-of unique cars and how truly special this is until one is jerked hard toward a reality that nothing lasts forever, especially when the glow of the moment is brought to a halt through the glow of a fire. 

Burnt out framework of the 1979 Ford Probe I Ghia Concept (Sunday, August 18, 2024). Image Credit: Scott Grundfor Co. on Instagram FB/META (2024)

The car is owned by Scott Grundfor Co., an Arroyo Grande, California restoration operation, that has worked on and also owns some 15 other rare Ford prototypes. Drew Grundfor, speaking on behalf of the company, told Motor Trend that the burned-out shell of the car is expected to be displayed in the Scott Grundfor Co. showroom, and that they still have to decide whether they will attempt to restore the car, or leave it as-is.

The estimated value of the car has been rumored to be about $1 Million dollars.

Issues, issues, issues - wedge issues, after which the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance will never be the same.

... notes from The EDJE

TAGS: RetroAuto, Wedge, 73rd Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, BMW, Ford, Cizeta-Moroder, Ken Okuyama, Kode 0, Plymouth, Ghia, Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, Aston Martin, Lancia Stratos, The EDJE