Filed under: Concept Cars, Gadgets, Sedans/Saloons, Supercars
DiMora Natalia SLS 2: spec list shapes up for $2 million super sedan
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As development moves ahead on the Natalia SLS 2, DiMora Motorcar is building an extensive list of equipment from OEMs for the anticipated $2 million super-sedan. The latest: DiMora has announced that the car will come equipped with the HeatFlexx electrically-heated frameless windshield wiper. (It's exciting, we know.) The HeatFlexx system, designed by Von Stach Products, is just one of the many innovations expected to form part of the multi-million-dollar package, the spec sheet of which is starting to shape up. Starting with the windshield wipers.
The more interesting centerpiece of the DiMora Natalia is the Volcano engine, a variable-cylinder aluminum V16 with an output pegged at 1200 horsepower. A four-wheel steering system is also slated, directing the 24-inch rims coated in special run-flat tires. Inside, more than 50 computer will coordinate the engine management, infotainment and climate control systems. Each passenger will have his or her own zoned climate controls, and a deployable front passenger seat will be built in to ease access for the (obscenely wealthy) handicapped.
The DiMora Natalia is a project of Automotive Hall of Famer Alfred J. DiMora , who ambitiously claims "The Natalia will set the standard for 21st Century automotive excellence." As we reported earlier, Luxury Resort Villas placed an early order for 10 Natalias, but without so much as a prototype shown to date, they may have to wait awhile after the expected 2008 delivery.
If you're the type interested in things like frameless windshield wipers, it's your lucky day: we've got the press release for you after the jump.
[Source: DiMora Motorcar]
Gallery: DiMora Motorcar Natalia SLS 2
Press Release
World's First Heated Frameless Wiper Clears Windshield on $2 Million Supercar
Von Stach Products announced today that its "HeatFlexx" heated frameless windshield wiper will be standard equipment on the Natalia SLS 2 sport luxury sedan, the world's most expensive production automobile. The electrically-heated "HeatFlexx" windshield wiper quickly melts ice and snow. The frameless design of the all-season blade provides continuous even pressure to the windshield, reducing streaks while reducing wind lift at speeds up to 150 MPH. The wiper was introduced at the SEMA and AAPEX auto shows in Las Vegas and is considered by many to be one of the most novel inventions in the automotive industry this year.
"Ice and snow have been a problem for drivers since the inception of the automobile," says John Von Stach, inventor of the HeatFlexx wiper. "With our product, drivers will no longer struggle with poor visibility due to poorly functioning wiper blades. We are thrilled to have our wipers installed on the Natalia SLS 2 and to be a technology partner with DiMora Motorcar."
DiMora Motorcar Founder and CEO Alfred J. DiMora noted that the vehicle will feature many unique innovations which have never been seen in a production automobile. "The HeatFlexx windshield wiper is a unique and outstanding product. We are pleased to be the first OEM to include Heatflexx as standard equipment, with its controls integrated into our dashboard/steering wheel operation." Mr. DiMora stated the goal for the Natalia is to be the most distinctive luxury automobile in transportation history.
The founder, CEO, and driving force behind DiMora Motorcar is Alfred J. DiMora, who produced two of America's finest luxury automobiles, the Clenet (as owner) and the Sceptre (as co-founder). He and the Clenet were inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame in 1986 for the Centennial Year of the Gas-powered Automobile. He also co-founded Star Bridge Systems, which developed the hypercomputers now used by NASA and other technology leaders. According to DiMora, "The goal for the Natalia is to be completely distinctive from bumper to bumper-the most powerful four-door sport luxury automobile in transportation history. The Natalia will set the standard for 21st Century automotive excellence." DiMora further states, "I have drawn on my 30 years of automotive and computer expertise to design this futuristic vehicle, one that is safe, efficient, luxurious, nimble, and powerful."
As part of the production of this unique automobile, DiMora Motorcar will employ a first-time-ever approach for the auto industry-the world will watch the design, build, and test of the Natalia. Anyone with Internet access will be able to view this remarkable educational material via video-streamed webcams transmitting from the company's facilities. The DMC website will afford people the opportunity to comment on Natalia's design as it progresses and to submit their automotive innovations. DiMora states, "Many of the best ideas are created by individuals in their garages." Among the many ways DMC will entertain the followers of the Natalia's creation, DiMora Motorcar is planning to award prizes to thousands of people in a worldwide treasure hunt that will culminate with one very lucky person winning the grand prize-a $2 million Natalia SLS 2.
About DiMora Motorcar
Based in Palm Springs, California, DiMora Motorcar crafts automobiles designed to exceed expectations for safety, performance, technology, ecology, beauty, comfort, and luxury. It reveals the design, production, and testing of these automobiles via the Internet so that people around the world can participate in and learn from the process. The results will demonstrate America's automotive design and engineering leadership.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Mike 3:47PM (12/26/2007)
What does "variable-cylinder aluminum V16" mean? Did you mean a V16 with variable valve timing or something different?
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graviton 4:04PM (12/26/2007)
I took it to mean that to save on gas economy some cylinders would be deactivated at cruising speeds. Although I doubt whoever could afford this cares about gas economy.
John Johnson 3:55PM (12/26/2007)
1200HP? Why?
And what is "variable cylinder" technology? VTEC 2.0? How will they make 1200HP with no turbos? I don't feel like doing math, but making 1200HP with displacement alone would be huge.
Bugatti takes a big loss on every car it makes and it carries a pretty hefty pricetag.
Not that I'm hating on it because I'll never be able to get one, maybe it'll be very impressive.
The real test will be... The Stig.
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MikeW 4:29PM (12/26/2007)
Well you can make 1000hp from a 10 liter V12.
105mm bore, 96mm stroke revs to circa 7800rpm.
A V16 with 100mm bore & stroke is 12.6 liters, that should do 1200hp.
phatj 3:55PM (12/26/2007)
for a 2 million dollar car he could have hired a better designer than some bored 12 year old. That thing is butt ugly.
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zapperdude60 4:03PM (12/26/2007)
The renderings look fugly, hopefully the actual car will look nice. Who would pay $ 2 million for a car that looks like this. On the other hand, look at the maybach. I guess that you can sell a car for hundreds of thousands of dollars that looks like poo if you cram enough useless gadgets into it.
I also read that this car should be able to do over 300mph. How is that possible on a car which i could only assume is going to be very heavy?
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zamafir 4:05PM (12/26/2007)
You're crucial error is to take this car seriously. Don't. It's vapor. If the veyron is limited to 25x because there simply isn't any tire made or custom engineered to handle its weight above that speed, don't think DiMora has something up their sleeve... in fact... don’t consider it at all... VAPOR.
John Johnson 4:14PM (12/26/2007)
I agree with you. 300MPH is ridiculous. Though drag cars do pull 300MPH easily. They do run on tires.
Keep in mind that Jeremy Clarkson said the Veyron would never ever happen and that it was vapor as well. He's a very respected motoring journalist, and the Veyron did come though.
For now, I'm going to stick with you and say that it will never happen. I hope they prove me wrong but I'm not holding my breath.
zamafir 4:18PM (12/26/2007)
@John
Comparing this to the veyron is bs. The Veyron was backed by Volkswagen Automotive Group, who has insanely deep R&D budgets/pockets/ and actually builds millions and millions of cars. The Natalia, as pointed out before when this article ran, is linked to a resort which doesn’t exist and is pure vapor.
There's a HUGE difference between one of the worlds biggest car companies who's already producing Lamborghinis and Bentleys indicating they're going to produce an insanely fast Veyron and some guy who lines up make believe resorts and floats astro-turfed PR.
John Johnson 4:27PM (12/26/2007)
A pretty good point, I do agree. They do have some sponsorship, but not on the level of the Veyron. Not even close.
I didn't want to make it sound like "If they did it, anyone can!", sorry if it came across as such. Right now as far as I can see, it's just a bunch of hype and some PDFs of what the final car might look like.
James MacNeil 4:15PM (12/26/2007)
I think a "to what country will Al DiMora flee when his house of cards falls in" pool is in order. I pick...Bolivia! It's un-Boliviable!
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udi 9:29PM (12/20/2008)
i think dubai may be the obvious place. somebody there may even give him more money to feed his gas guzzling fantasy.
Will 5:47PM (12/26/2007)
It's incredible how vulgar these big sedans for the ultra-rich can be.
Why don't the just get a Quattroporte and shut up?
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Zane 7:01PM (12/26/2007)
Or even better, a Roller?
Autoenthused 7:46PM (12/26/2007)
According to a November 27 2007 press release (http://www.dimoramotorcar.com/press_releases/mercury.html) the first PROTOTYPE isn't scheduled to be completed until late 2009.
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Chris 8:03PM (12/26/2007)
As this fugly piece of garbage heads towards production, the gorgeous, potentially epic Cadillac Sixteen Concept fades into obscurity.
There is no God.
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CastleCharles 1:25AM (12/27/2007)
YES, I just hope Bob can somehow sneak the SixTeen in before he leaves. If there is a market for this, surley there is a market for the SixTeen at a fraction of the cost.
Bill 10:51AM (12/27/2007)
I agree. I am not one to like Cadillacs, but the Sixteen was one of the classiest/coolest cars I have ever seen. Its too bad they never put it into limited production.
I think they could have easily sold a number of those cars for $200k+
Gregg 9:22PM (12/26/2007)
The Caddy is so much more imaginative and attractive than this thing. I am usually not one to criticize "out-there" designs or taking chances, but geez, that front end is awful. Two mill a copy and they can't hire a real designer? They could go pretty like the Cadillac 16 or stately locomotive like the Roller or throwback like GM Efigy. This thing is lame.
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Gregg 9:27PM (12/26/2007)
Well, duh. I know that Americans want their Santa Claus for grownups ("makin' a list, checkin' it twice...gonna find out who's naughty and nice"), but yes, God is pretend. So is this car.
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