R

In the ricer world, the Type-R badge is sacred territory. Those who own actual Type-R vehicles achieve a God-like status. This guy must be master of their universe.

Damn You, Micheal Bay: The Sequal

I guess it was only a matter of time before someone tried to capitalize on Chevrolet capitalizing on the "Transformer" movie series. This C6 based kit manages to keep all that was hideous about the concept and destroy it's sleek lines and proportions.

Damn You, Micheal Bay

There's some intriguing and sleek features of 2009 Chevrolet Stingray concept, but for the most part it's a heavy-handed and overstyled attempt to cash in on the Corvette's rich design history while at the same time cash in on Micheal Bay's equally heavy-handed and overstyled "Transformer" movie series. It ends up being a caricature of the entire Corvette brand.

Sbarro X5

Sbarro has been featured on this blog way more times than a design house should. I saved this picture a couple years back, so I'm not sure on the details on this other than it's a BMW X5 with a butchered front end.

Spada Codatronca

The Spada Codatronca is a concept and possible production car based on the Corvette, apparently available with a 700hp Corvette based engine. I'm not sure how much of a pipe dream the production car is - I've seen "specs" and a finished production body, but nothing concrete.

It's looks are definitely unique. For the most part, it's a throwback to the swoopy lines of the C3 Corvette. However, out back things go astray with it's "shooting brake" style featured many times on this blog. Not content to leave well enough alone, it also draws inspiration from another classic piece of autofug, the Phantom Corsair.


Also not sure what's with the digital readout on the back. Looks like it could be a speedometer? Given the reliability of some high-horsepower, low production sports cars, maybe it's to measure it's speed while you push it?

Irradiated

It may be hard to believe, but the VW Kombi T2 is still soldiering on in Brazil. That's right - you can still buy a brand new 1967 VW. Sort of. In 2006, Brazil initiated new emission requirements, spelling the end of the traditional air cooled Beetle engine powering the Kombi. A replacement water-cooled engine was issued, and with it came a huge black plastic grille stuck on the front of the van to provide cooling for the radiator. It's just about as subtle and ungainly as Amy Winehouse's beehive. Hope that reference isn't expired. Speaking of expired, is Winehouse even still alive?
Sadly, even Kombi's days are numbered. Upcoming Brazilian legislation requiring manditory ABS and airbags make 2012 the last year for Kombi production.

C-Cactus, F-Fugly

Vive la France. This 2007 Citroen concept continues it’s recent tradition of introducing bloated organic autos for the show circuit and the road. The C-Cactus recipe includes equal parts of Geely Panda and Porky the Pig, with a bit of Porsche Cayenne thrown in for good measure. There’s word it’ll make it to production – thankfully Citroen doesn’t sell cars in North America.

Attack of the Clones – Genesis of the 5-Series

When I first laid eyes on the new 5-Series, something struck me as looking familiar. Ignoring the fact that it looks like a slightly boring scaled down 7-Series. And then it hit me reading an article with a nearby Hyundai ad – it’s lower front fascia looks very similar to that on the Hyundai Genesis Coupe. Sure there’s differences, but similarities are too close to ignore - the tall fog lights, the chrome bars bisecting the outer potions, and the swoopy detailing of bumper around them...



Speaking of the devil, the Genesis Coupe has long been considered for being featured here. I can’t get past it’s droopy rear window, but am unsure of whether that drags the entire car into the realm of fugly. Same goes for it’s relative, the swoopy new Sonata - it’s Klingon forehead grille is a bit of an eye-sore, but the rest of the car I believe makes up for it.

Speed Holes

This Fiero-based Countach replica has a novel design solution for the lack of air getting to the front mounted radiator – just fill the entire front hood with holes. I suppose it matches the louvered 25th Anniverary look – just don’t drive it in the rain.

PS: The title is a reference to “The Simpsons” episode “Homie the Clown” – been watching a lot of old Simpsons episodes lately.

Great Flaming Corollas

The Toyota Corolla is not exactly an engaging vehicle. Seeing one does not cause pre-teen boys to take chase, so why it would form the basis of riceburner I’m not sure. Especially a fog-lights-lacking low end automatic. If there’s anything good to say, it’s that a better car was saved from being the canvas for these unfortunate modifications. This car is a bit of a cross genre piece. For the most part it’s a ricer with a carbon fibre spoiler, headlights and hideous projectile taillights, as well as some very “Hot Wheels” flames applied to it’s sides. A couple features set it apart though, including the “aluminum pie plate” dubs and a giant naked angel airbrushed on the hood. I think it’s an angel – could be a skank lying on top of a giant dove. Plus there’s bonus hidden fug, as lifting the hood reveals a menacing visage painted on the underside of the hood. I especially like how all three pieces of artwork – the flames, the airbrushing and the hidden face – all clash with each other and are seemingly unrelated.