Category Archives: News

2025 Maserati MCXtrema

In a few months, Maserati will premiere its new racing beast, the Maserati MCXtrema. The car is still in the testing phase and deliveries should start in Q3 2024.

Maserati hasn’t revealed a lot of information, but what we do know so far is that the MCXtrema will be powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine with 730 hp (540 kW) and 538 lb-ft (730 Nm) of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a 6-speed sequential gearbox and a limited-slip differential. The car has so far undergone 200 hours of simulator testing, as well as 1,000 hours of virtual analysis.

It will be equipped with the MCXlusiva programme that allows customers to choose between three variants: Tech Beast, Corse and Speed Beast. Also, they can choose two options for the color of the wheel rims, Matte Black or Grigio Corsa Bright, and three versions for the seats: Blue, Black or Ice.

“A wonderful creation made to devour the asphalt and trip through the curves, a true gem of mechanics and aerodynamics, perfect for balance and handling. With MCXtrema, we have raised the bar of development even further, working with the track in sight and always bearing in mind the needs of the Maserati customer, who remains the focus of our work and to whom this car is dedicated. The interior has been designed around the driver; we developed a cockpit as a cross between a fighter and a Formula 1 single- seater. MCXtrema is an evolution of the MC20 without type approval for the road: for the Trident’s super sports car par excellence, we had already worked obsessively on its handling and overall architecture, to achieve this ultimate, extreme, and exhilarating version. MCXtrema is a thrill to drive, unlike any other car,” said Andrea Bertolini, Maserati’s Chief Test Driver.

Maserati will produce only 62 copies of this car, and customers will be able to choose the “One of 62” plate inside the passenger compartment.

Source: Maserati

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Volkswagen R line is becoming an independent brand

Next to its factory in Wolfsburg, Volkswagen has the Autostadt theme park dedicated to the brands of the Volkswagen Group, with more than 2 million visitors a year. Soon, the Volkswagen R line could get its place in this park, which suggests that the R models could become an independent brand.

It all started in 2002 when Volkswagen premiered the Golf R32, which was later followed by the Passat R, Scirocco R, etc., and entered endurance racing with the Polo R WRC model. Over time, it became a line of powerful VW cars. At Autostadt, fans will have the opportunity to see various concepts and limited-edition production cars, as well as high-performance electric models.

Volkswagen says that the R line will evolve over time, and in the coming years more powerful electric vehicles will arrive. However, this does not mean the complete shutdown of ICE cars, at least not anytime soon. In a few months, the redesigned Golf R will hit the market, powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with 315 hp (235 kW) and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque. It will accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 4.7 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph. Power is sent to all wheels via a DSG automatic gearbox.

When it comes to numbers, VW produced more than 35,000 cars of this line last year, a record for the Wolfsburg-based manufacturer.

Source: Volkswagen

Volvo’s last diesel car is the XC90

Last year, Volvo announced that it will end production of all remaining diesel models in 2024, as the company’s goal is to become a fully electric brand by the end of the decade. After almost half a century and more than nine million diesel cars sold in the last 33 years, Volvo has decided that it’s time for the end. Their last diesel car is a Volvo XC90.

This SUV is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder from the VEA (Volvo Engine Architecture) family. It is the second diesel engine that Volvo has produced in its 97-year history. Their first diesel engine was produced at the beginning of the century, in the Swedish factory in Skovde, which in the meantime switched to the production of electric engines.

Diesel cars used to be in high demand, at least in Europe. In 2015, more than 50 percent of new cars sold in Europe were diesels. But since then, their demand has been falling rapidly. 2019 was the last year when the majority of Volvo cars sold were diesels. After that, a big drop in sales of these cars was recorded every year, and in 2022 it was only 8.9 percent.

“Electric powertrains are our future, and superior to combustion engines: they generate less noise, less vibration, less servicing costs for our customers and zero tailpipe emissions. We’re fully focused on creating a broad portfolio of premium, fully electric cars that deliver on everything our customers expect from a Volvo – and are a key part of our response to climate change,” says Jim Rowan, Chief Executive at Volvo Cars.

Source: Volvo