(from Fuore Design Press Release)
To celebrate their premiere appearance at the 74th Geneva Motor Show
2004, Fuore Design International has set loose a remarkable predator.
BlackJag is an exhilarating design study that fuses the spirit of
Formula One with the values of the traditional British brand.
BlackJag builds on the promise of its
predecessor, the XF10, presented at the Motor Show in the studio’s
native Barcelona one year ago. Driven by the sporting spectacle of the
Grand Prix world it embodies thoroughbred glamour in a road-going sports
car. While the XF10 was an expression of sheer sportiness and pure
power, the BlackJag now presents itself in refined and sophisticated
apparel.
The design has evolved to reflect the
elegance and sovereignty of the legendary two-seaters from Coventry. “We
wanted our XF10 to mature from a racy sports car to an elegant and
sophisticated drive. BlackJag embraces design elements that inspire
style and poise, maintaining the sporting image”, explains Erwin Himmel,
creative force behind the BlackJag and CEO of Fuore Design.
The BlackJag´s body was generally
simplified and smoothed out to lend the car distinctive elegance. To
that end, changes were made to certain design elements of the XF10. The
air intakes now run more smoothly into the body and hence are more in
keeping with a sculptural flow. The front benefits from a new,
simplified shut-line graphic on the front bumper. New headlamps now
incorporate the BlackJag’s fog lights, creating a more generous
front-light graphic. Other changes include newly styled ergonomic wing
mirrors, the omission of air intakes on the doors, and redesigned door
handles. Finally, at the rear the exhaust pipes are better integrated.
Draped in elegant black, breathing life
into subtle surface changes, this wild cat has matured into a refined
representation of a longstanding tradition. “The name BlackJag inspires
elegance, the value that formed the inspiration for our design study”,
explains Erwin Himmel.
The BlackJag, a two-seater sports car
conceived for a 10-cylinder engine, 4 valves/cylinder, DOHC, 7000 cc and
640 HP, raises expectations with excellent projected performance data: 0
to 62 mp/h in 3.8 seconds. Top speeds should lie at around 210 mp/h, if
not restricted.
The dimensions: 4.55 metres long, 1.98
metres wide and 121 centimetres low. The total package weighs in at 1350
kg. BlackJag was conceived in Barcelona by Fuore Design and built in
Turin by Modarte, in the capable hands of Stefano Ardagna, one of the
most dynamic Italian prototype constructers, making it a truly European
show car.
Fuore Design International is an
independent design studio founded by Erwin Himmel in early 2000. Its
location, Barcelona (Spain), provides an ideal working environment for
creative minds. The studio’s team comprises 35 people from 8 different
nations, passionate about transportation, offering expertise in
industrial and corporate design.
