The Oletha Is The BMW Z8 We Should Have Had

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The BMW Z8 has been a fan favorite ever since fans saw the car grace the silver screen in the 1999 James Bond film The World Is Not Enough. The BMW Z8 is arguably the sleekest coupes ever made by the brand. The design team behind the roadster was lead by the controversial designer Chris Bangle. The exterior was personally penned by Henrik Fisker, who eventually went on to form Fisker Automotive.

Under the hood, the BMW Z8 came equipped with a 5-liter V8 engine good for 395 horsepower. The same engine is also used in the E39 M5. The Z8’s chassis was made entirely from aluminum, keeping the weight to a relatively light 3,500 lbs. We speculate that some of the roadster’s luxury features added a significant amount of heft.

The BMW Z8 was released in 2000 and was available until 2003. The production run was short since BMW built only 5,703 total cars, and just 2,543 were imported to the U.S. for sale. Those low numbers make the BMW Z8 exceptionally rare. Despite having an MSRP of $128,000 when the car first launched in 2000, Z8s in good condition regularly command prices of over $200,000 on the market currently.

Smit Vehicle Engineering Oletha

Smit Vehicle Engineering Oletha | Ted Seven Photography

Have you ever been so in love with a car that you become obsessed with what it could be? Have you spent countless hours daydreaming about how you would modify that car if money were no object? Imagine starting a business doing exactly that. Willem and Kaess Smit are two brothers who are leaning on their backgrounds of working with Singer Vehicle Design, Tesla Motors, and various aerospace companies to start their own firm, Smit Vehicle Engineering (SVE).

The brothers grew up fascinated with BMW vehicles, so when the two started their own design and engineering house, they wanted to create their vision for the ultimate Bimmer. The result is what they call the “Oletha.”

The Oletha is based on the BMW Z8 roadster

Smit Vehicle Engineering "Oletha" based on the BMW Z8. Shown here in profile view, photographed on a patch of asphalt with a beach in the background.
Smit Vehicle Engineering Oletha | Ted Seven Photography

The Smit brothers describe the Oletha as “the car we wish BMW had built – an uncompromised synthesis of BMW’s greatest design, engineering, and racing achievements.”

The Oletha starts off with a BMW Z8 as the base, which is impressive considering how much Z8s are worth on the open market.

The Z8 is given a new exterior designed by SVE that transforms a BMW Z8 into the Oletha coupe. The body panels on the coupe are made from carbon fiber composite that was prepreged with epoxy and autoclaved. The use of carbon fiber brings the Oletha’s weight down to 3,090 lbs, over 350 lbs lighter than the original Z8.

The original Z8 engine is removed and replaced with the BMW S65 V8 engine, the same engine used in the 2007-2013 M3. The S65 V8 has a 4.4-liter displacement versus the original engine’s 5.0 displacement, which contributes to the lighter weight. Finally, the motor is tuned to deliver over 450 horsepower.

There are way more modifications on the menu but effectively, what Smit Vehicle Engineering does to the BMW Z8 is on the same level of what Singer Design does with the Porsche 911.

By now, you might be wondering what it would cost to have SVE build an Oletha coupe for you. No price is listed, but Smitt Vehicle Engineering is taking inquires on its official website.

If we ever win the lottery, we will have to fill out that inquiry form ourselves.

RELATED: MANHART MH5 GTR Is A Uber BMW M5 CS

The post The Oletha Is The BMW Z8 We Should Have Had appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

1953 Jaguar C-Type Continuation: The Le Mans Legend Lives Again

by Gabrielle DeSantis

If you want a classic car with modern build quality, a restomod isn’t the only option. Over the past few years, several automakers have started building ‘continuations’ of their vintage icons. And Jaguar is arguably the most prolific among them. Over the past few years, Jaguar Classic has released continuation D-Types, XKSSes, and several E-Types/XKEs. Now, it’s time for the Jaguar C-Type to be reborn.

Jaguar revives the C-Type as a 70th-anniversary Le Mans win celebration

Jaguar C-Type Continuation | Jaguar Classic

While we’ve known that Jaguar Classic was resurrecting the C-Type as a continuation car since January, at the time, it was only a render. Now, though, the C-Type Continuation is here in the metal, just in time to celebrate the original car’s 1951 Le Mans win. And that wasn’t just the C-Type’s first win, but also Jaguar’s first Le Mans win, too.

However, despite the 1951 win’s significance, the Jaguar C-Type Continuation isn’t a copy of the 1951 car. And ‘copy’ really is the correct term here, The Drive notes. As with the previous continuation cars, Jaguar used original engineering drawings and a customer car to create the C-Type Continuation. However, this is the first Jaguar Classic continuation reproduced using CAD, making it better built than the original. And that’s not idle speculation: Jaguar itself acknowledges it, Car and Driver notes.

To be fair, the 1951 Jaguar C-Type was advanced in its own right, MotorTrend says. While it started out as an XK120 variant, it eventually ditched that car’s steel chassis for a lightweight tube frame one. And while both cars had aluminum body panels, the C-Type’s are more aerodynamic and aren’t attached to ash-wood frames.

Regardless, the C-Type Continuation isn’t shaped by the 1951 racer. Instead, Jaguar used the 1953 car as the basis for the continuation. And that’s because, not only did it win at Le Mans, too, but it’s arguably even more historically significant.

How close does the C-Type Continuation come to the original 1953 Jaguar C-Type?

However, the 1953 Jaguar C-Type was even more advanced, The Drive notes. For one, while it also has a 3.4-liter inline-six like the 1951 car, it makes 220 hp, rather than 200 hp. And to keep that engine cool, there’s a functional scoop on the hood. Plus, the rear suspension is the upgraded Panhard-rod design. Also, the 1953 C-Type has thinner aluminum bodywork to save weight. How thin? According to Jaguar Classic boss Dan Pink, “’the originals dent if you lean on them,’” Car and Driver says.

But the 1953 Jaguar C-Type’s most significant feature is its Dunlop rear disc brakes. It was the first race car with rear disc brakes at a time when discs were rare, period. They were so cutting-edge that all of the original C-Types sold to private owners use drums, The Drive notes. Hence why Jaguar wants to honor the best version of its race car with the C-Type Continuation.

The rear 3/4 view of a green Jaguar C-Type Continuation with its hood open
Jaguar C-Type Continuation with hood open rear 3/4 view | Jaguar Classic

RELATED: Jaguar’s First XKE Back In Production After 60 Years

And the level of honor is high. Each C-Type Continuation will be hand-built using the same techniques as the original. Jaguar even recreated small details like the spare spark plugs next to the driver’s seat, the spare ignition coil on the chassis rail, and the (accidentally-installed) extra brake-fluid reservoir bracket. And just like the 1953 Jaguar C-Type, the continuation car’s brake rotors are assisted by a gearbox-driven pump.

However, the C-Type Continuation has a few judicious upgrades. There’s a removable roll bar, for one, as well as a new rear cross-member for the safety harnesses that the original lacked. Other safety features include the fire extinguisher and a modern liner for the fuel tank. Plus, the continuation car has a smaller steering wheel, an electric radiator fan, and a modern alternator (with vintage looks). Also, Jaguar uses modern water-based paints for the C-Type Continuation.

How many is Jaguar making?

RELATED: The Aston Martin DB5 Continuation Lets You (Almost) Play Bond for Real

Jaguar made 53 original C-Types in the 1950s, with 43 finding their way into private hands. Originally, the automaker planned on making eight continuation cars. However, it now plans to make 16 examples. Buyers can choose from one of 12 different exterior colors and eight leather options.

Jaguar hasn’t released the C-Type Continuation’s pricing details, but the recreated race car likely comes with a seven-figure price tag, Car and Driver muses. And while it’s eligible for heritage racing events, it’s not street-legal. Though to be fair, even a rough original C-Type costs at least $2.5 million these days, Hagerty says. And some examples go for almost 10 times that much.

But while few will be able to afford one of these resurrected racers, hopefully, those that can will let these cats loose on the track from time to time.

Follow more updates from MotorBiscuit on our Facebook page.

RELATED: Building Your Own Classic Jaguar Could Land You in Big Legal Trouble

The post 1953 Jaguar C-Type Continuation: The Le Mans Legend Lives Again appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

Luxury On a Budget: Consumer Reports Recommends These Entry-Level Premier SUVs

by Gabrielle DeSantis

If you’re in the market for a small SUV and you don’t want to sacrifice luxury, you may be wondering what your options are. The cost for a premier SUV can be quite high. Go to the other end of the spectrum and you may not get the safety features you want or the high-end touches that you want. These three SUVs combine the best of both worlds. Consumer Reports rates these as the highest-performing, least expensive luxury SUVs you can buy. 

2021 Lexus UX | Lexus

The 2021 Lexus UX is one of the least expensive luxury SUVs you can buy

The 2021 Lexus UX is Consumer Reports’ highest-rated least expensive luxury SUVs. You can get the UX as either a hybrid, which is the UX 250h, or the UX200. The UX200 is cheaper, but it’s also only front-wheel drive. The UX250h comes all-wheel drive. As an added bonus, the UX250h gets 37 mpg, which is way more than most SUVs in its class. 

The 2021 Lexus UX comes with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0. This is the name for Lexus’ safety system. It includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, and pedestrian detection. 

As far as crash test ratings, the IIHS gives the 2021 Lexus UX a Top Safety Pick award. 

The 2021 BMW X2 is an inexpensive luxury SUV that feels like a car

The 2021 BMW X2 is a small SUV that feels a lot like a car. In fact, it’s even more car-like than its sibling, the X1. It’s no surprise that it’s one of the least expensive luxury SUVs. The BMW X2 has a 228-hp engine with four cylinders and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Its fuel efficiency is pretty standard, at 25 mpg.

As far as safety is concerned, the X2 comes with forward collision warning, city speed automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and lane departure warning. Unfortunately, blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning aren’t even options. 

That’s especially disappointing because Consumer Reports says that “A sloping roofline and thick back pillars create significant blind spots at the rear quarters. The side windows are small, too, and the rear window is little more than a sliver.” Blind spot warning would be pretty helpful in an SUV with that description.

The 2021 Buick Encore is low on cost but high on luxury

The 2021 Buick Encore is a small, entry-level luxury SUV, but Consumer Reports says that the Encore gives up quite a bit to be designated as such. It has a weak engine; just 138-hp, 1.4-liter, and four-cylinders. Another downside is its fuel economy; it only gets 23 mpg, although it could conceivably get more with such a small engine. 

Another downside is its visibility. Consumer Reports says that it’s difficult to see past the thick pillars and small rear windows. However, it does come with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, blind spot warning, and rear cross traffic warning. 

The IIHS almost gives it all good crash test ratings, but one area holds it back. The passenger-side small overlap rating is just acceptable. 

All three of these entry-level luxury SUVs have something to offer. With their varying styles and abundance of high-end features, you’re sure to find something that will fit your needs. And with all three of them being recommended by Consumer Reports, any of the least expensive luxury SUVs on this list are a great deal.

RELATED: These SUVs’ Headlights Will Light Up the Night

The post Luxury On a Budget: Consumer Reports Recommends These Entry-Level Premier SUVs appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

The 2015 Ram 1500 Is an Excellent Used Truck to Consider

by Gabrielle DeSantis

If you’re looking for a new to you truck and you’re on a budget, check out the 2015 Ram 1500. This is one of the best used truck options to buy right now, especially if you want to save a little. Check out what this used Ram 1500 model has to offer. 

The 2015 Ram 1500 is one of the best used trucks 

2015 Ram 1500 Laramie | Ram

So, you need a truck but want to avoid new truck prices? Then consider shopping for a 2015 Ram 1500 model. Sure, new trucks are attractive with all their new tech features and updated looks. 

But due to the ongoing semiconductor chip shortage, supply issues, and closures due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, prices are sky-high. You can save with a used option for now until newer models return to typical costs. 

Why is a used Ram truck a good option? 

You can get started in a 2015 Ram 1500 for about $24,000. Pricing may vary based on the supply, demand, and quality of the trucks in your area. New truck models are currently marked up by about 36 percent. 

This generation of the Ram 1500 was the Motor Trend Truck of the Year in 2013 and 2014, so there are plenty of good things to say about it. Plus, it comes in a variety of trim levels and options to meet your personal needs. 

  • The standard engine is a 3.6-liter V6 option with 305 hp and 296 lb-ft of torque. 
  • You can upgrade to the 5.7-liter V8 engine for 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. 
  • With the 3.0-liter diesel V6, you get 240 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. 

When properly equipped, this Ram can tow up to 10,450 lbs and carry a payload of up to 1,948 lbs. So go ahead and put it to work. However, it only gets an EPA-estimated 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. 

This truck provides a smooth ride, peppy acceleration, and confident handling. It has an upscale interior compared to rivals. It may not feel as old as other options and provides a sense of refined luxury. You’ll notice that the interior is quiet and spacious, with room for up to six adults. 

Does the 2015 1500 have good tech? 

A 2015 Ram 1500 Outdoorsman in the dirt
2015 Ram 1500 Outdoorsman | Ram

Yes, the 2015 Ram 1500 is well equipped. The standard touchscreen is a 5-inch unit, but you can also snag an 8.4-inch unit. The system includes Unconnect software with Bluetooth, smartphone integration, voice controls, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. 

Some models include an available air suspension to deliver an even better ride. You can use a switch on the dash to drop the truck by two inches. This eases the lift-over and step-in heights. You can raise the truck by 1.2 to 2 inches as needed for extra ground clearance for off-roading. 

Depending on what models are available, a fully integrated trailer-brake controller, rearview camera, and front and rear parking sensors may be included. Standard features consist of stability control, hill-start assist, and trailer-sway control. 

The Ram 1500 serves as a great used truck option that you might be able to find at a reasonable price. It’s old enough to avoid new truck costs but still feels modern, comfortable, and capable.

RELATED: The Electric Ram 1500 Truck is Late to the Party

The post The 2015 Ram 1500 Is an Excellent Used Truck to Consider appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by