Electric Cars

Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) is embarking on an exciting new venture, launching a program dedicated to the meticulous restoration and subsequent sale of its storied championship-winning racing cars. This initiative offers a rare chance for racing aficionados to own a piece of motorsport heritage, bringing iconic vehicles back to their former glory and making them accessible to a new generation of enthusiasts. The program aims to preserve the legacy of Honda and Acura's achievements on the track, ensuring these machines continue to inspire and perform.

The initial offering from this ambitious program is the legendary Andretti Green Racing No. 26 AGR Acura ARX-01a. This particular car holds a special place in racing history, having clinched victory in the LMP2 class during its maiden competitive outing at the prestigious 12 Hours of Sebring in 2007. Piloted by an illustrious trio of drivers—Dario Franchitti, Bryan Herta, and Tony Kanaan—the ARX-01a demonstrated exceptional endurance and performance, making it a fitting choice to inaugurate HRC's heritage restoration efforts. This meticulously rejuvenated vehicle is slated for public display at The Quail, a premier automotive event during Monterey Car Week, on August 14th.

Preserving Motorsport Heritage: HRC's Restoration Program

Honda Racing Corporation has unveiled an innovative program focused on the restoration and sale of its historic championship-winning race cars, offering enthusiasts an unparalleled opportunity to acquire a tangible piece of automotive history. This initiative seeks to honor the legacy of Honda and Acura's motorsports success by bringing these iconic machines back to life with meticulous attention to detail. The program's goal is not merely to restore these vehicles to their original condition but to ensure they are track-ready, allowing new owners to experience the thrill of driving a champion.

The core of HRC's Heritage Racing Program involves a comprehensive restoration process that goes beyond superficial repairs. Each car undergoes a complete rebuild of its engine and a thorough modernization of its electronic systems, making them as close to brand-new as possible. HRC's expert team relies on original documents, detailed notes, and historical photographs to meticulously replicate the cars' configurations at their peak performance. While maintaining historical accuracy, critical updates are made to electronics and safety features to meet contemporary track and safety standards, ensuring both authenticity and compliance. This blend of preservation and modernization guarantees that these racing legends are not only museum-worthy but also capable of returning to competitive circuits.

The ARX-01a: A Champion Reborn and Ready for the Track

The spotlight of HRC's new program shines brightly on its first offering: the Andretti Green Racing No. 26 AGR Acura ARX-01a. This celebrated endurance racer, a victor in its class at the 2007 12 Hours of Sebring, is now available for acquisition, presenting a unique chance for discerning collectors and passionate drivers to own a vehicle with significant racing provenance. The car, driven to victory by racing icons Dario Franchitti, Bryan Herta, and Tony Kanaan, embodies a golden era of endurance racing and promises an exhilarating experience for its future owner.

The ARX-01a's restoration exemplifies the rigorous standards of the Heritage Racing Program. Every component has been meticulously inspected, rebuilt, or replaced to ensure peak performance and reliability. The engine, a crucial element of any race car, has been entirely reconditioned, and its electronics have been upgraded to modern specifications without compromising its original character. Furthermore, HRC's commitment extends beyond the sale; engineers will provide ongoing track support and competition assistance to new owners, facilitating a seamless transition from acquisition to competitive driving. This comprehensive approach ensures that the ARX-01a is not just a collector's item but a formidable machine ready to once again chase the checkered flag, embodying the spirit of its championship heritage.

Adria's renowned Twin camper van has undergone a significant transformation, offering more modern aesthetics and enhanced functionality. This extensive update includes a refreshed interior, improved storage capabilities, and a more luminous and open living space. The revamped lineup now clearly distinguishes between the entry-level Twin Select and the more luxurious Twin Supreme, catering to diverse preferences and needs within the recreational vehicle market.

Adria's Twin Camper Van: A Comprehensive Overview of the Redesign

The latest iteration of Adria's highly successful Twin camper van marks a substantial evolution for the Slovenian brand's flagship model. Far from a mere cosmetic update, this redesign introduces a host of improvements aimed at elevating the user experience. Both the Twin Select and Twin Supreme variants benefit from a modernized exterior design and a thoroughly revised interior, reflecting Adria's commitment to innovation and user comfort.

The Twin Select, serving as the accessible entry point into the Twin family, is built on either the Fiat Ducato or Citroën Jumper chassis. Its refreshed front end boasts a contemporary look, complemented by subtle exterior graphics. For those seeking additional versatility, a pop-top roof is available as an option on certain Twin Select configurations, expanding sleeping arrangements.

Internally, the Twin Select showcases Adria's innovative "Cabin Loft" concept, seamlessly blending the cab and living areas to create a more cohesive and spacious environment. New lightweight EPP overhead cabinets contribute to weight reduction and improved insulation. The kitchen area sees upgrades with larger soft-close drawers and a convenient pull-out countertop extension, enhancing practicality.

Heating solutions in the Twin Select vary by layout. Models such as the 540 SPB, 600 SPB, and 600 SLB come equipped with a Truma Combi 4 gas heater and integrated water boiler. The 600 SLB also offers the option of a Truma Combi D 4 diesel heater, while the 600 SPB Family and 640 SGX are fitted with a Webasto AirTop diesel heater and Whale boiler. A panoramic window, positioned between the cab and living space, is an optional feature for the Twin Select, offering fixed glazing for an enhanced sense of openness. All Twin Select models now feature a lithium house battery as standard.

Measuring 17.7 feet, the Twin Select 540 SPB features a rear transverse bed, comfortably accommodating two sleepers and four seated occupants. The longer 19.7-foot Twin Select 600 SPB also includes a rear transverse bed, along with a bathroom featuring a swing wall and a dinette that can convert into a third sleeping area. The pinnacle of the Select range, the Twin Select 640 SGX, extends to 20.9 feet, incorporating an electrically lowering rear bed and a versatile rear cargo storage system, a swing-wall bathroom, and seating for four, with sleeping provisions for two.

For those desiring a more luxurious experience, the Twin Supreme stands as the premium offering, exclusively based on the Fiat Ducato platform. Designed with discerning couples in mind, it prioritizes upscale amenities and a sophisticated use of space, foregoing the need for a pop-top roof. While sharing the same contemporary front-end design as the Twin Select, the Twin Supreme offers a broader spectrum of exterior color options, from classic white to distinctive Expedition Gray and Artense Gray.

The Twin Supreme distinguishes itself with a standard opening panoramic window, further amplifying the sense of light and spaciousness within its loft-like interior. Diesel heating is standard across all Twin Supreme models: the 600 SPB and 640 SLB come with the Truma Combi D 4 diesel heater and integrated boiler, while the 640 SGX utilizes the Webasto AirTop with Whale boiler. An Alde 4000 D diesel heater is an optional upgrade for the 640 SLB and is now also available for the 640 SGX.

An optional pop-top roof is available across all Twin Supreme layouts. Specifically, the 640 layouts feature a more refined pivot-opening roof with an extended side arm. Both the Select and Supreme models share common engine options: a standard 2.2-liter diesel engine delivering 140 horsepower paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. A new 160-hp version is available with a modern 8-speed automatic, and a potent 180-hp engine with a 9-speed automatic is offered as an additional option.

The Twin Supreme 600 SPB, at 19.7 feet, offers a rear transverse bed, seating for four, and sleeping space for two. The 20.9-foot Twin Supreme 640 SGX integrates an electrically lowering rear bed with a adaptable cargo garage. Similarly sized at 20.9 feet, the Twin Supreme 640 SLB features twin longitudinal beds at the rear.

Further enriching the lineup is the special Adria Twin White Edition 2. This model, based on the flexible Twin 640 SGX, comes with an extensive array of standard features. These include the panoramic window above the dinette, the Deluxe package with numerous comfort enhancements, and the powerful 180-hp engine coupled with an automatic transmission. Pricing for the Twin Select 540 SPB begins at 56,990 euros (approximately $65,800), with an additional 4,999 euros (about $5,800) for the comprehensive All-in package. The Twin Supreme 600 SPB starts at 63,290 euros ($73,000), while the Twin Supreme 640 SGX is priced at 67,490 euros ($77,900), and the Twin Supreme 640 SLB at 66,290 euros ($76,500). The White Edition 2, featuring its high-power engine and extensive equipment list, is offered at around 78,000 euros ($90,000).

The strategic differentiation between the Twin Select and Twin Supreme series, complemented by the introduction of the White Edition 2, streamlines Adria's model offerings, making the Twin an even more attractive and versatile option in the camper van market. This approach ensures that the Twin remains a compelling choice, combining competitive entry-level pricing with premium features to meet a diverse range of travel needs.

This thoughtful redesign by Adria Mobil demonstrates a clear understanding of the evolving needs of camper van enthusiasts. By offering distinct tiers of features and pricing, they've made the popular Twin model even more accessible and appealing. The emphasis on practicality, comfort, and modern technology ensures that whether a buyer is seeking an economical entry into van life or a fully-equipped premium experience, there's a Twin model tailored to their desires. This strategic move is likely to solidify the Twin's position as a leader in the European camper van segment, providing an excellent balance of versatility, style, and value.