Bandit9 Motors is well respected here at Yanko Design for their unique sense of going about for restomod conversions that have a piece of history associated with them. Kickstarting their exciting journey with motorbike restomods, the custom tuning shop moved onto the four wheels with the stunning Monaco electric car in pure black, and then later on the improved version of EVE Odyssey arrived.

Going back and forth between two-wheelers and four-wheelers alternatively, they’ve revealed the War Truck restomod under their coachbuilding division VAN DARYL Gallery. This will be their second project after the electric Batmobile under this sub-brand. The donor jeep for this build has a lot of history behind it, as it is one of the jeeps used by U.S. troops after the Vietnam War. Otherwise lying abandoned in obscurity and inevitable deterioration, the VAN DARYL War Truck (yes that’s what it is called) is infused with new life.

Designer: VAN DARYL

At heart the War Truck is an amalgam of intense military history with modern automotive aesthetics, reviving the tough vehicle into a restomod highlighted by a sci-fi treatment. Once VAN got the first jeep into their shop the truck was stripped down to see what old parts could still be relevant in the modern build. First, the team reinforced the custom-designed body with steel and aluminum frames to make it highly durable just like the Tesla Cybertruck. They also decided to increase the ground clearance by refitting the independent coil suspension. The front and rear drum brakes have been retained, encapsulated by the more modern steelie-inspired forged alloy wheels that have light aero-disc influence.

The boxy look is complemented by the rear-mounted full-spare tire housing, side-running exhausts, lightly flared fenders, bespoke steel bumper, retro-inspired LED headlights, and taillights that carry the same neo-retro design ethos. The edgy silhouettes are matched well by the rectangular windshield and mirrors, as well as the low-cut doors having wooden handles for the classic feel. According to  Villanueva “The War Truck isn’t just some homage or remake. To call it a ‘restoration’ would be an oversimplification. It is reimagined, rehabilitated, revived, and refined.”

On the inside, the jeep is drop-dead gorgeous with a purpose-built theme in pearl white. It comes with sports seats, modern switches to choose from various options, bespoke knobs, an infotainment display and an audio system. The steering and custom shift knob get the wooden bespoke treatment, while the widescreen instrument cluster panel is nothing short of impressive. The spacious and functional boot derives inspiration from yacht designs having teak-style wood deck trims. The whole interior can be customized as per the client’s needs with plenty of options to choose from.

Powering the guts of this vehicle is the battle-tested 4-cylinder, 2.3L engine but buyers can also opt for the powerful upgraded version, including one that is fully electric. The original version churns out 71hp and 128 ft-lbs of torque for a top speed of 100mph and a range of 300 miles per tank. In this configuration, the buyers can go for automatic or manual transmission variants. The handling and performance characteristics have been tuned to deliver maximum driving pleasure which makes the Wat Truck a force to reckon with. The vehicle hand-built on a made-to-order basis is available for order right away.

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A car’s identity can be attributed to two things – its overall design language, and the logo that sits on the front and back of it, allowing you to identify its ‘marque’. For decades, Audi’s identity could be traced back to the iconic four-ring logo on its front, coupled with its sporty-aggressive design language. Times, however, change, and Audi is embracing that change too. The company just unveiled its first China-specific EV brand in collaboration with SAIC Motor. Dubbed just ‘AUDI’, the brand eschews the four-ring logo for four capital letters, tying both to its German name as well as the way its partner’s name ‘SAIC’ is spelled.

The new brand was announced alongside an EV concept, built with a fast-charging 800V powertrain and two 760HP motors supplying energy to the car’s AWD platform. The car accelerates 0-60mph in just 3.6 seconds, despite its large frame, while, a 100 kWh gives the car a range of 434 miles on a full charge. Exclusive just to the Chinese market, the car is looking at an August 2025 launch, with a price of $42,000 USD.

Designer: Audi

Positioned as a fully electric Sportback, the AUDI E boasts a significant presence on the road with its dimensions: 4,870 mm in length, 1,990 mm in width, and 1,460 mm in height, with a generous 2,950 mm wheelbase. Two electric motors on the front and rear axles generate a thrilling 570 kW and 800 Nm of torque, ensuring the iconic quattro four-wheel drive feel. Performance enthusiasts will appreciate the AUDI E’s 0-100 km/h sprint in just 3.6 seconds, and the brand promises that it drives with all the comfort and dynamism that fans expect from Audi.

The vehicles will be built on an Advanced Digitized Platform, a joint effort with SAIC that combines Audi’s premium design and engineering with SAIC’s technological prowess and understanding of Chinese consumer needs. This platform underpins the upcoming lineup, which will hit the market starting in 2025, targeting mid-size to full-size segments. With this collaboration, Audi’s commitment goes beyond creating cars—it’s about creating a distinctly localized driving experience that merges Audi’s luxury touch with China’s fast-paced digital landscape.

At the core of the AUDI E is a 100-kWh battery that supports a range of 700 km (434 miles) on a full charge, measured according to CLTC (China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle) standards. This EV comes equipped with an innovative 800-volt architecture, making charging speeds incredibly fast. Imagine gaining more than 370 km (230 miles) of range in just 10 minutes at a rapid charging station. For users in China, these speeds add significant convenience to daily commutes and long journeys, transforming how they experience charging times and range anxiety.

Stepping inside, the cabin introduces a level of interactivity that blurs the line between digital and physical. The AUDI Assistant, an AI-driven avatar, takes center stage, handling touch and voice controls with effortless finesse. This assistant doesn’t just respond; it interacts with an intuitive design that adds a layer of emotion and feedback, creating an experience that feels like a dialogue. Meanwhile, seamless smartphone integration enables users to bring their digital lives on the road with ease, a must-have for today’s hyper-connected audience.

While the new brand aligns itself with Audi’s established reputation, the rebranding feels like a conscious step into a future defined by both global standards and local resonance. The new, ring-less identity signals Audi’s awareness of the unique needs and preferences of Chinese drivers, opening up a pathway to engage a younger, tech-driven customer base. Personally, the four-ring identity had a unique iconic appeal that transcended language barriers. With the new logo in English, it’s difficult to say if it’ll imprint on the Chinese audience, although I’m sure the German marque’s done a fair bit of planning in advance!

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The gas-powered Kia Pride was a successful subcompact hatchback from the 90s that was a rebatched Ford Festiva. For the 80^th anniversary of the brand’s business in the UK, they have restored the 1996 Pride 1.3 LX into an all-electric restomod. This one-off electrified reincarnation of the classic family car gets a stellar EV powertrain conversion courtesy of a British manufacturer.

According to Kia, the electric hot hatch is one of the most powerful of its kind, and they playfully call it a “true socket rocket.”  All the combustion components have been replaced with a powerful EV powertrain and the only components retained from the original are the five-speed manual transmission and drive shafts. This brings maximum drivable engagement for motorheads who care.

Designer: Kia

The renewed avatar of the Pride boasts 107 bhp (80kW) and 173 lb-ft of torque, almost double the power of its older counterpart. On the inside, the electric motor, twin 10 kWh battery packs, and a charging port replace the older gas-powered engine, fuel tank and filler neck. All these core modifications lead to an acceleration of 0 to 62 mph in 8 seconds flat. Kia assures that the 20 kWh battery pack can stretch a total mileage of 120 miles on a single full charge in the Evo mode which is good enough for a city commuter like this one. In this drive configuration the engine shifts to producing 60 bhp with a maximum torque of 11 Nm. Talking of which, the Pride EV also has two other modes – Auto and Sport – the latter offering a max power output of 107 bhp and 173 lb-ft torque.

Sadly, this restomod version is going to be a one-off and not up for sale anytime in the future. That said Kia is launching many EVs like the latest EV3 as a part of the plan to have 15 electric vehicles by 2027. Nine of these will be available for sale in the UK.

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The LEGO Technic 8810 Café Racer traces its roots back to the early 90s when it was first released. The 80-piece set was a childhood buddy for kids of all ages and even adults into LEGO brick building on leisurely weekends. Also known as the Technic Alpha Racer, the model gains an average 3% yearly rise in value.

Going by its collectible worth, the LEGO café racer is a valid inspiration for animatronics creator Matt Denton who has developed a rideable LEGO Technic 8810 café racer made from 3D printed parts to preserve the attachable and detachable essence of the LEGO brick influence. Each of the individual parts is created from PolyLite and polycarbonate materials to emulate the snappable plastic blocks.

Designer: Matt Denton

Matt is known for his creations culminating from exposure to the engineering and design domain. The Star Wars BB-8 is one of them. Now the 33-year-old crafter has brought the LEGO café racer into a functional electric bike which is a monkey bike in its DNA. The two-wheeler can take the weight of an adult and like all monkey bikes is a handful when it comes to steering in tight spaces at low speeds. The specialist in Animatronics Control Systems had a different kind of challenge at hand in building this ride. So, he decided to use an e-bike kit that had a motor controller, screen, disc brakes, tires, and brake levers. Putting together the custom-built parts that resemble a LEGO brick and the kit’s components required more than a snap of two individual parts since the thing produced vibrations from the movement and engine noise.

To maintain visual aesthetics, Matt only used parts from the kit that were needed without breaking the LEGO-themed look. The 3D-printed handlebar and the position of the front wheel is determined to then move on to the headlights section. Then only he went on to finalize the frame and thereafter the foot pegs, suspension, axle and wiring were done. The final components on this LEGO monkey bike were the forks, seat, battery, water bottle and a bottle holder frame.

The only thing he then tests is the rideability and the ability to reverse. After making the final adjustments to the power, steering and brake balance, the LEGO Technic café racer is ready for the streets.

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Back in the ’90s, transparency became a cool trend in tech, particularly with gaming consoles. Anyone remember the clear plastic of the Nintendo 64 controllers or the transparent Game Boy Color and Advance? Those see-through designs let you peek into the gadget’s inner workings, blending functionality with a futuristic aesthetic, and paving the way for Apple’s gorgeous iMacs and MacBooks, followed by Nothing’s transparent tech that has revisited the retro trend in its own unique way. Fast forward to today, and the French electric motorcycle maker DAB Motors (a Peugeot sub-brand) has captured that retro spirit in its stunning DAB 1α Transparent Edition. This motorcycle, though a far cry from gaming consoles, channels that same nostalgic vibe with modern elegance. It feels like it could have come straight out of an arcade racing game—if those games had ever been this sleek.

Designer: DAB Motors

DAB Motors’ 1α Transparent Edition is all about turning heads, and its translucent bodywork is the ultimate conversation starter. The bike’s frame and design are partially see-through, offering a glimpse at its high-tech components—reminiscent of those old gaming consoles where you could see the wires, circuits, and chips. This visual transparency gives the bike a light, almost futuristic vibe that pairs beautifully with the carbon fiber parts made from repurposed Airbus materials. Yes, you read that right—Airbus.

Beyond the cool see-through aspects, the 1α stays grounded with modern touches, like an Alcantara saddle for comfort and a sharp monobloc LED tail light that’s both translucent and futuristic. The front-end design isn’t shy either, featuring a 2.8-inch integrated LCD dashboard and a lenticular headlight that’ll look right at home whether you’re cruising through city streets or zooming down a highway.

Under the clear, see-through hood, a 25.5 kW brushless DC motor powers this electric motorcycle, allowing it to reach a top speed of 130 km/h (81 mph). With a torque output of 395 Nm at the wheel, this machine has more pull than many electric cars. The 150 km range is powered by a 72V Li-Ion battery that’s designed to be both repairable and recyclable.

DAB didn’t skimp on convenience either. The bike comes with an onboard charger that works with both home sockets and Type 2 charging stations, offering a full charge in just 3 hours. That’s right—no lengthy overnight charging sessions here. In terms of customization, the DAB 1α offers four ride modes: Eco, Standard, Sport, and a fun Nitrous Boost mode for when you really want to feel the power surge. It even has a reverse mode to help with tight parking situations, which can come in handy, especially for urban riders.

The steel double cradle frame ensures that the bike remains both sturdy and lightweight, tipping the scales at just 125 kg. For suspension, DAB teamed up with Paioli to equip the bike with a 46mm adjustable USD fork at the front and a spring preload adjustable rear—both offering a smooth, responsive ride. And let’s not forget those Brembo radial brakes with dual ABS for stopping power that inspires confidence whether you’re riding in the rain or dry conditions. The wheels on this transparent beauty are custom-made by DAB x FABA, paired with Pirelli Diablo Rosso 4 tires that are designed for performance and grip. Whether you’re navigating tight city streets or open highways, the wheels (17-inch front and rear) ensure excellent control and stability.

For all this innovation and style, the DAB 1α Transparent Edition starts at €14,900 ($16,651 USD) – and only 400 units will be made. If you’re already daydreaming about pulling up to your local café on this retro-inspired machine, you might want to act fast. Financing options are available, but once these limited editions are gone, they’re gone. And with worldwide delivery, it doesn’t matter where you are—you can still channel your inner gamer while cruising through the streets on this eye-catching piece of machinery.

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Hoverboards and electric scooters come with their own set of advantages and irks that influence the buying decision. While hoverboard is the preferred choice for short jaunts, e-scooters with an average range of 10-40 miles are well suited for extended trips in the city. E-scooters also come with the advantage of better top speeds and performance.

On the hind side, e-scooters are more expensive and less swanky when compared to hoverboards. Someone looking for hands-free freedom of commuting in cities once in a while over short distances is much better off with a hoverboard or a trusted skateboard. What if we could have the best of both worlds? Of course, anything is possible in the concept design realm.

Designer: Eojin Jeon, Sumin Park, Changyu Seo and Geunyeong Do

Craving urban freedom without compromising on style, comfort, or ease of navigating around without having to worry about running out of juice is what this Personal Mobility Device (PMD) aims to target. Dubbed Modi, the vehicle is a mix of a hoverboard and e-scooter, adapting the best features of both to appeal to every kind of city dweller. According to the designers, the motivation behind the design is to address modern-day transportation issues. Even the current league of PMDs has become a “nuisance on the roads due to their heavy weight, large size, and disorderly presence.”

Conventional personal mobility vehicles are heavy and securely parking them at random palaces can be a headache if you are already in the rush of things. Modi aims to get over these problems with a compact and lightweight design that can be easily carried or stored in your backpack when not in use. The PMD comes with retractable footrests for design integrity without compromising the function. These footrests provide stability and comfort while riding, and simply vanish away when not in use.

Although the designers have not detailed in about the working mechanism of the PMD, I assume it reacts to the pressure applied with your feet in either direction. The thing is much more stable than a self-balancing hoverboard that for some reason has never earned my confidence for its operating mechanism. That said, the personal commuter is also going to appeal to people who love skateboards, and always wanted a battery-powered alternative!

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Creating extreme stuff from junk is a special skill that YouTube channel ‘Make It Extreme’ possesses. Their Monotrack bike made from a single recycled car tire was something of a shocker and they’ve upped the ante with another custom build. Called the Electric Monowheel this is a Herculine version that positions the rider inside the wheel.

The obvious challenge in making this big wheel was actually creating a perfectly round wheel measuring 9.1 inches in diameter. Due to the large shape, the metallic wheel acts as a base for the rubber tires salvaged out of a motorcycle and go-kart. These three recycled tires are connected to make the final giant wheel.

Designer: Make It Extreme

The chassis of this unique ride is the centric circle that stays stable even when the outside wheel is in motion. The trick here is to attach three rollers and a plastic encasing on which the wheel spins. To put it simply, just take for reference a hamster wheel. The power for this monowheel is derived from a go-kart’s electric motors attached to the tire. This explains the use of go-kart tires that are non-slip and provide transmission to the wheels without any wheel spin. The steering input is translated instantly to the movement of the wheel and so is the throttle input via the two controllers.

The current build has a better torque of the electromotion that is attributed to the faster-reacting motor. This is a major improvement over the earlier version. According to the makers, the vehicle feels very amazing to drive even though it is a bit dangerous if you don’t know how to handle it. There’s some good news for DIYers who are interested in this project as Make It Extreme is in the process of preparing the detailed plans of the monowheel motorcycle. That means you’ll have all the groundwork served on the platter for you to build on.

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The world of mobility is evolving rapidly. After electric cars and e-bikes, make way for Twike: an electric bike designed like a car and driven using joysticks, reminiscent of old arcade games. This is not fiction but a continuous endeavor by automaker TWIKE GmbH to create a human-powered hybrid vehicle aimed at providing a sustainable mode of transportation. The German manufacturer of battery-powered electric vehicles is introducing a drivable model of the electric car-bike, the Twike 5.

The Twike 5 is a pedal hybrid vehicle designed for those who pursue conscious consumption and a sustainable lifestyle. It is a three-wheel trike, with one wheel in the front and two at the back, combining an electric motor with a pedal drive. This two-seat trike weighs 600 kilograms and can reach top speeds of up to 190 kilometers per hour.

Designer: TWIKE GmbH

Range is a significant concern with electric vehicles. The Twike 5 can travel up to 500 kilometers on a single charge. The range can be extended by pedaling, which powers the battery and decreases its consumption. The pilot (as the company refers to the rider) can use two joysticks to turn left or right: pushing the right joystick forward turns right, and pushing the left joystick forward turns left. Leaving the joysticks untouched steers the Twike 5 straight. Buttons on top of the joysticks allow the pilot to control the lights, horn, wipers, and direction signals, among other functions.

As mentioned, this velomobile-style electric trike does not have a steering wheel, instead, there is a pair of joysticks on the side of the pilot to steer the vehicle in drive mode. The rider can shift to pedals in order to save power and simultaneously charge the battery, which is now 15 times better than the TWIKE’s previous variant of the e-trike. The Twike 3 like the Twike 5 accommodated two people and had similar interior configuration, but lacked the top speed, which was limited to just 85 km/h.

A few notches up from its sibling, the Twike 5, is in the testing phase for now. The Twike community – comprising people who actually want to drive it – has been testing “to see how it handles and how well everything works together.” The feedback is being used to perfect the Twike 5’s interior, exterior, and the overall riding experience. Twike 5, according to the users is a stable three-wheel electric vehicle, safe to make sharp turns, and even to drive on bumpy roads. It is likely to go into production this year, but the construction will be limited to 500 units. Since it will be delivered to community members – who have contributed toward its development – in a specially devised ranking system, you can try your luck by pre-ordering one right now!

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Polestar as an electric car manufacturer has taken the heat to Tesla in the last few years. The Swedish brand has proved its metal with the Polestar 2 EV, even when stacked against the Tesla Model 3. There’s a whole lot to like and the brand is evolving in the right direction.

The Polestar 6 slated for production in 2026 as an open-top grand tourer has got the challenge very well accepted for future dominance, at least in the electric roadster domain. We though, are always on the hunt for something larger than life in the concept world. Just like this Hot Wheels-inspired Polestar hot rod that would be perfect for the Japanese street racing scene.

Designer: Henrique Alves

This electric concept named Polestar Fenrir imagined for the 2024 Polestar design contest hits the nail right on its head with the Hot Wheels theme. That’s because the contest is done in collaboration with Hot Wheels. The only doubt in Henrique’s mind was if the vehicle should be a Monster Truck, Surf Van or Dune Buggy. Ultimately he went for the obvious choice of a hot rod, since Hot Wheels is all about cool street racers. The idea was to fuse the Hot Rod DNA to a modern electric car aesthetic that the designer creatively achieved with the form.

The contours are maintained at the right places while the heavy influence of an EV is not ignored at all. Muscular element also follows in with a forward-leaning stance that’s exemplified by the fat rear, both in the body and the size of the wheels. This broadening stance from the front to the back makes space for a unique two-seater configuration. The low ride height barely enough to slip through a sheet of paper means the hot rod will have to avoid any bumps or speed breakers.

The designer expresses the creation as a 2-seater hot rod with some goofiness and playful feelings. He adds that the Polestar Fenrir is a well-proportionated EV racer with minimal lines and shapes that complement the Polestar’s visual identity. Surely we second that thought and a Polestar concept of the future could draw inspiration from this model.

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