Geparda – a vehicle that can be driven by 16-year-olds

In February, Microlino Car introduced a fully electric four-wheeled Quadricycle inspired by the Isetta, a bubble car from the 1950s, which 14-year-olds will be able to drive in Italy and France. Now, a similar car has been introduced in Germany that 16-year-olds will be able to drive, the Geparda.

The car is 3,600 mm long, 1,643 mm wide and 1,484 mm high and can accommodate up to four passengers. It is based on the VW UP! and at first glance it looks like a standard tricycle. However, there are two wheels on the rear, but with a reduced track. Since it is not a standard car, anyone with an A1 license can drive this vehicle.

When it comes to design, it doesn’t differ much from the UP! model. Instead of wheel arches, there are full panels with the inscription “Geparda” reminiscent of the Volkswagen XL1, where the added panels had an aerodynamic purpose. It is equipped with a modified chassis that provides better stability of the car after the installation of a shorter rear axle, front H&R stabilizer, Eibach springs at the rear, disc brakes at the front and drums at the rear, ESP and ABS systems, and four airbags.

The car is powered by a 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine with just 20 hp (15 kW) mated to a five-speed manual transmission that sends power to the front wheels. Although it does not have much horsepower, the 908 kg Geparda can reach a top speed of 110 km/h (68 mph).

The vehicle is already on sale and the price of 20,000 euros seems too high.

Source: Geparda

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Genesis Neolun and GV60 Magma

The South Korean brand Genesis introduced two new concepts, Neolun and GV60 Magma. These are luxury cars that represent a turning point in the evolution of the brand.

Neoulun is a true electric SUV with a few tricks up its sleeve. It is equipped with coach doors, seats that can be rotated, and special heating reminiscent of the “Ondol” traditional heating system in South Korean houses. Heating is installed in the door panels, floor, dashboard and seat backs. Also, the lack of a B-pillar allows easier access to the cabin, which has a large centrally located screen on the dashboard and two adjustable screens in the ceiling for passengers in the back seats.

The GV60 Magma concept will be equipped with the Magma Performance Program, which will eventually reach every model in the range. It is wider and lower than the standard GV60 and is adorned with unique exterior details, adjustable suspension and thermodynamics. Inside, there are comfortable leather-trimmed seats with double diamond pattern stitching.

Genesis is still keeping a lot under wraps, but it is said that the GV60 Magma will come with improved battery and motor technology. The Magma concept will also offer an improved version of the G80 with better driving performance, the G80 Magma Special.

Source: Genesis

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The Audi R8 has officially come to an end

The Audi R8 first appeared at the 2003 International Geneva Motor Show and the 2003 Frankfurt International Motor Show but it took three years for the car to enter production. It was produced in two generations, and in 2021, the German manufacturer began the gradual shutdown of this model. Now, the Audi R8 has officially come to an end.

The last copy of this model was produced in Germany, and according to TopGear, it will find its place in a museum. The long lifespan of the R8 is a testament to its popularity, and when its end was officially announced, the company received a large number of orders and had to extend production for a few extra months.

At the end of 2023, Audi introduced the R8 Coupe Japan Final Edition as the last edition of this sports car, officially marking the end of its production. It will be powered by a 5.2-liter naturally aspirated V10 engine with 612 hp (456 kW) and 428 lb-ft (580 Nm) of torque. The same engine powers the R8 V10 GT RWD, but this version has a seven-speed S-tronic transmission that sends power to all wheels.

Audi R8 Coupe Japan Final Edition
Audi R8 Coupe Japan Final Edition

It is finished in matte white with black side air intakes for cooling the rear brakes and black side mirror cups, while the rear part features a black spoiler. Inside, the seats are in a combination of black and beige Nappa leather, while the ceiling is covered in Alcantara. There’s also Alabaster White accents, diamond stitching, and “Japan Final Edition (1 of 8)” plaques on the door sills.

Audi will produce only 8 copies of this car and each one will cost 225,389 euros.

Of course, Audi does not intend to shut down this model completely, as the all-electric R8 will soon hit the market. In September 2023, in an interview with Autocar, Head of Technical Development at Audi Sport, Oliver Hoffmann, hinted that the brand has not given up on sports cars. He added that the systems and modules of the SSP platform will be used, while the components of some other electric platforms will be borrowed. He also confirmed that by 2025, Audi will have at least 20 models in the global offer that will be powered only by electricity.

This means that future sports cars will use different components of the MEB, PPE and SSP platforms, i.e. take the best from the rest of the world, which would reduce development costs, and the cars would have access to the best features of each platform. Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume previously confirmed that models based on the SSP platform will develop up to 1,677 hp (1,233 kW).

Source: Audi, Top Gear

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