DiMora Reinvents the Automobile
Palm Springs, CA - Alfred DiMora, creator of the Clenet Sportster, the next generation of what was hailed as the "American Rolls-Royce" by Fortune, and co-founder of Star Bridge Systems, producer of the world's first hypercomputer, is back in the design studio. When he emerges, he will be at the wheel of the first of DiMora Motorcar's creations--the Natalia SLS 2 sport luxury sedan, powered by the DiMora Volcano V16 erupting with 1200 horsepower.
The Natalia will be a $2 million marvel that sets the standard for 21st Century automotive excellence. Merging his lifelong passion for and experience with state-of-the-art luxury
automobiles and hypercomputers, Alfred DiMora created DiMora Motorcar (DMC) to bring his innovative designs to life.
"I have always built automobiles and computers with the cutting edge and total excellence in mind and my DMC creations will be no different. We will build the Duesenbergs of today," stated DiMora.
DiMora Motorcar will be the first automotive manufacturer to extensively use innovations from inside and outside the automotive world in a production vehicle. From the body, engine, transmission, and suspension to the seats, lights, and entertainment systems, DMC will push the envelope. This will produce automobiles that exceed all expectations.
DiMora asserts, "I have brought together a seasoned team-the best of the best-from my automotive and technology pasts."
Besides building extraordinary automobiles,
DiMora will fulfill two additional goals. First, he wants to inspire people of all generations to appreciate what can be done with automobiles, whether for drivers, curious onlookers, enthusiasts, or designers. To accomplish this, he will broadcast, for the first time ever, the entire production process via the Internet through DiMora TV.
One of the many ways DiMora Motorcar is planning to entertain those following the production of DMC automobiles is to offer 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 sport luxury sedan.
By building automobiles that exceed expectations and revealing how they are built, Alfred DiMora plans to fulfill his third goal--to reclaim America's automotive design and engineering leadership.
DiMora Motorcar Announces World's Most Expensive Production Automobile
DiMora Motorcar announces that it has begun work on the Natalia SLS 2 sport luxury sedan, the world's first $2 million production automobile. The Natalia will feature dozens of innovations,
most never seen before in a production automobile.
The variable-cylinder, aluminum DiMora Volcano V16 engine will deliver 1200 horsepower to the four steerable 24-inch wheels running on innovative flat-free tires. The chassis and body will be lightweight by using aerospace composites and structures. The Natalia will have brains as well as brawn. Onboard there will be over 50 computer systems controlling every aspect of this sport luxury sedan.
The Natalia will have the latest state-of-the-art operational, navigational, computer, communication, and entertainment systems. Environmental conditions will be controlled by each passenger and the parked car will be kept cool or warm (as appropriate) for hours with the engine off. Rear seat passengers will be able to enjoy a soothing high-tech massage. The unique beverage holders will heat or cool drinks. For the convenience of the handicapped, the front passenger seat will rise, slide forward, rotate 90 degrees, and carry the passenger outside the vehicle to stand or transfer to a wheelchair.
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 (DMC) 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.
Kanter Concepts First in on DiMora's $2 Million Automobile
Early in the planning of the DiMora Motorcar Natalia SLS 2 sport luxury sedan, Alfred DiMora needed a top-notch prototyping facility to breathe life into his design of the world's first $2 million production automobile. This led him to Kanter Concepts.
Owner Fred Kanter and President Gene Langmesser were very familiar with DiMora's past work on the Clenet and Sceptre automobiles, both of which represented high-end, luxury coach building. DiMora's automotive design philosophy meshes well with Kanter Concepts. Langmesser states, "Our facility is one of the few equipped for the challenges of prototyping this extraordinary automobile."
Langmesser, DiMora, and Kanter Industrial/Digital Designer Terrence Robinson spent many hours developing the first exterior conceptual hand renderings of the Natalia's body. Finally, Robinson produced two renderings of the Natalia which became the model for its evolving design.
Langmesser was pleased with the result. "The designers and artisans at Kanter Concepts build specialty and concept vehicles, based on traditional craftsmanship and the art of coach building. As our slogan states: 'We Build YOUR Future', and I can't say it any better than that."
Santa Ana-based Kanter Concepts is famous for designing, engineering, and prototyping innovative concept vehicles. These don't always come with four rubber tires. Kanter designs specialized aircraft and military vehicles as well as street machines for DaimlerChrysler, Honda, Hyundai, and Volvo.
Langmesser recently spoke about his company's early work on the Natalia project. "Kanter Concepts' mission is to rekindle the art of American design and coach building with reverence for the past and vision for the future. We approach each new project with open minds. Your imagination is our only limit."
Kanter Concepts is owned by Kanter, who is better known for Kanter Auto Products, the New Jersey-based company he and Dan Kanter formed in 1960 that specializes in parts for American cars and trucks produced between 1930 and 1986. He chose to base Kanter Concepts in Southern California, perhaps the world's most important center for automotive design. This is the location of the design teams for some 14 major manufacturers, including Toyota, BMW, Mitsubishi, Mercedes, DaimlerChrysler, and Rolls-Royce. It is also the home of the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. According to the Los Angeles Auto Show, "More than half of the world's leading automobile designers have graduated from the Pasadena Art Center."
The $2 Million Name
Naming automobiles, as in naming children, is an emotionally-charged experience. It was no different for Alfred DiMora, founder of DiMora Motorcar, when he named his latest automotive creation the Natalia SLS 2 sport luxury sedan, for this is more than just a name to him.
Natalia, one of several variants along with Natale, Natalie, or Natasha, means: inspiring leadership, originality, creativity, and wisdom; able to create practical solutions to unsolvable problems; hardworking and tenacious; admired, honest, having integrity, loved, loyal, potential to achieve enormous success.
Certainly, these meanings matched Alfred's vision of Natalia, the first $2 million V16 production automobile, slated to be completely distinctive from bumper to bumper.
However, Natalia holds deeper significance for Alfred. His birth-mother, Phyllis, died of cancer when she was only 34. Alfred's father, James, was left with the burden of caring for three young boys while working full-time. It became so difficult that he was faced with the unbearable possibility of sending them to an orphanage. Being an orphan himself, he prayed for an alternative.
His prayers were answered at the eleventh hour by Mary coming into their lives to save the family from heartache and grief.
Mary had just arrived from Italy. The first time she visited the family, she was touched by the boys, especially two-year-old Alfred. The stare of his big green eyes as he ran with his brothers to greet her tugged at Mary's heartstrings. He jumped in her arms, gave her a big hug, and the rest is history.
Mary, orphaned herself, could not let this happen to the boys. She stepped in to care for them and became the best mother they could have imagined. She was sent by Providence, in the direst of circumstances, to be there for Alfred and his family.
Coincidentally, Mary looks strikingly like Alfred's birth-mother, Phyllis. They were even born in the same month and year and share the same middle name.
Alfred will always be grateful for the miracle of Mary and all she has done for him and his family. So, in her honor, he has named the first DiMora Motorcar automobile Natalia after Mary's maiden name Natale.
Natalia comes from the root Latin phrases "natale domini," meaning the birth of the Lord and "natalis dies," meaning birth day.
This is the "birth" of a new standard of excellence for automotive engineering and luxury—a standard never before experienced. While only a handful will enjoy the pride of ownership, the world will share in and participate in Natalia's "birth" at www.dimoramotorcar.com.
Hi-Tech Dani Leather to Cool DiMora's
$2 Million Automobiles
Owners of the DiMora Motorcar Natalia SLS 2 sport luxury sedan will be caressed in sumptuous Dani Leather that stays cool in hot weather.
Dani Leather USA, Inc., the North American marketing and distribution arm of Dani Leather S.p.A. in Arzignano, Italy, has agreed to develop an exclusive designer leather for use in the ultra-luxurious Natalia SLS 2 sport luxury sedan from DiMora Motorcar.
"It is with great pleasure that Dani Leather USA, Inc. begins a new and exciting relationship with DiMora Motorcar," said James K. Koeniger, Jr., Managing Director of Dani here in North America. "This builds on our proud history of associations with many top names at the high end of the automotive, fashion and furniture industries, worldwide. Dani Leather is used in Pagani and Ruf automobiles, Prada, Gucci and Ferragamo fashions and on furniture from DeSede and Rolf Benz. Really, anywhere that the finest leathers in the world are demanded. Now you will find our leathers in the ultra elite Natalia."
DiMora Motorcar CEO and Founder Alfred DiMora, known best for designing high-end luxury automobiles and developing cutting-edge supercomputers, is creating the V16 Natalia SLS 2 to be the most powerful, luxurious and technologically advanced production car ever built.
"I have long been impressed by Dani Leather," said DiMora. "They produce some of the finest leathers on the planet, involving all of the markets which they serve. Their research into temperature control at the leather's surface has resulted in a product that will be enjoyed by discerning Natalia owners."
Dani Hi-Tech is a new "Cooling Technology" leather aimed at the highest levels of the automotive interiors market. Dani has developed a proprietary new finishing technology that reduces heat absorption from the sun on the surface of the interior leathers by as much as 30 to 40 percent. "We build our automobiles in Palm Springs, where temperatures often reach 120 degrees Fahrenheit, so we understand the unique benefits of this cool leather," said DiMora. "Many of our international customers also live in hot climates and they will appreciate this feature, not found on any other production automobile."
Beyond the cooling technology, DiMora Motorcar set high standards for the distinctive Natalia leather. Where most automobile leathers are between 1.1 and 1.3mm thick, the Natalia leather will be between 2.0 and 2.6mm thick, giving a kind of elegance and comfort found only on the world's most expensive sofas. In conjunction with DiMora, Dani Leather specialists will be developing an exclusive range of color combinations to enhance the beauty of the Natalia SLS 2.
"The natural beauty and softness of the full top grain Dani Leather will complement the Natalia's English wool carpeting with lamb's wool accents, lead crystal accessories and Italian burlwood features throughout the interior," DiMora noted. "There will be a comprehensive feeling of elegance throughout, all part of the Natalia mystique."
The Natalia SLS 2 will be completely distinctive from bumper to bumper. The DiMora Volcano V16 engine will erupt with 1,200 horsepower driving all four steerable wheels. The Natalia will feature more technological advances than have ever been integrated into one automobile before.
DiMora Motorcar is teaming with numerous leaders in design and manufacturing technology to introduce leading-edge innovations to the automotive market. By participating in the Natalia program, these companies are exposed to a worldwide audience, from car enthusiasts to vehicle manufacturers.
The first Natalia SLS 2 is scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2008. DiMora Motorcar has received numerous inquiries from dealers around the world who want the opportunity to market the Natalia in their countries and several Natalias are already on order.
Brembo Brakes to Stop DiMora's 1200-Horsepower Motorcar
Technical Partnership on World's First $2 Million Sport Luxury Sedan
Brembo High Performance Division has entered a technical partnership with DiMora Motorcar to develop and provide the braking systems for the Natalia SLS 2, the world's first $2 million sport luxury sedan.
Brembo will design custom front and rear braking systems for the production supercar that will be powered by the 1200-horsepower DiMora Volcano V16 engine and controlled by more than 60 on-board computer systems.
"The fastest intended sport luxury sedan needs the world's best brakes," said Wayne Rodgers, Director of High Performance of Brembo North America. "Brembo engineers are working with DiMora Motorcar designers to develop braking systems that will be capable of stopping an incredibly powerful vehicle."
DiMora Motorcar Founder and CEO Alfred J. DiMora noted the importance of Brembo's constant innovation in braking system design. "Brembo has been the leader in high-performance braking for decades. They have been the driving force in creating the Kilometro Rosso Science and Technology Park in Bergamo, Italy, a cutting-edge facility. They have the expertise and resources needed to push the state of the art in braking systems for the Natalia SLS 2."
Brembo has built its reputation on the race track and as the brake of choice on numerous sports cars. Brembo is using its experience gained in the most demanding Motorsports series in the world—including Formula 1—to design the custom braking systems for the Natalia SLS 2. "When complete, the front and rear braking systems of this incredible vehicle will be some of the most sophisticated in the world in terms of both material and design," said Wayne Rodgers.
Technical Specifications:
- Engine Type: 14.0 liter v16
- Displacement: 14018 cc
- V-angle: 100 degrees
- Compression Rate: 11.0:1
- Valve configuration: Overhead valves, 2 per cylinder
- Valve lifters: Hydraulic roller
- Firing order: 1-12-8-11-7-14-5-16-4-15-3-10-6-9-2-13
- Bore x stroke: 104.78 x 101.6 mm
- Fuel system: Sequential fuel injection
- Fuel type: premium unleaded
- Horsepower: 1200hp
- Torque: 900 lb-ft
- Fuel shut off: 6500 rpm
- Block: 356-T6 sand cast aluminium
- Cylinder bores: Linerless Nicom coated parent aluminium
- Cylinder head: 356-T6 sand cast aluminium
- Intake manifold: Carbon runner and plenum, dual throttle body
- Exhaust manifold: 321 Stainless steel headers
- Main bearing caps: Billet steels
- Crankshaft: Billet 4340 steel
- Camshaft: Billet 8620 VAR steel
- Connection rods: Forged 4340 steel
- Pistons: Forged 4032 aluminium
- Valves: Forged titanium
