All posts by Francis Mitterrand

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2025 BMW 4 Series

April 25, 2024 Francis Mitterrand Leave a comment

BMW presented the redesigned 4 Series Gran Coupé and i4 Gran Coupé that now come with more power. Both refreshed editions come a few months after the introduction of redesigned Coupé and Cabrio versions of the same BMW 4 Series.

Both versions come with lower LED front light housings, new 19″ and 20″ rims, rear light housings with laser technology taken over from the M4 CSL model and a new multimedia system. Also, the turbo-petrol engines have been improved, which are now assisted by a 48-volt mild hybrid system that brings an additional 11 hp.

The BMW 430i Gran Coupé is powered by a 2.0L four-cylinder turbo gasoline engine that produces 255 hp (290 kW), instead of the previous 245 hp (183 kW), and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque. BMW claims that this version consumes less fuel than its predecessor. Power is sent to the rear or all wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The BMW M440i Gran Coupé is powered by a 3.0L 6-cylinder turbo gasoline engine with 386 hp (288 kW) and 398 lb-ft (540 Nm) of maximum torque, instead of the previous 382 hp (285 kW) and 369 lb-ft ( 500 Nm) of torque. Power is sent to the rear or all wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The BMW i4 Gran Coupé (40 eDrive) is powered by a single electric motor with 340 hp and 430 Nm of torque, while the more powerful M50 version is powered by two electric motors that combine to produce 544 hp and 795 Nm of torque. Both versions are equipped with an 83.9 kWh battery that provides a range of 590 km (40 eDrive), and the more powerful version (M50) has a range of up to 520 kilometers.

Both versions (Series 4 Gran Coupé and i4 Gran Coupé) are equipped with a large curved display behind which is BMW’s new iDrive 8.5 multimedia system, which in the i4 version comes with a map of battery charging stations.

Production of the refreshed BMW Series 4 Gran Coupé and i4 Gran Coupé starts in a few months.

Source: BMW

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Mercedes-Benz G 580 – the first all-electric G-Class model

April 25, 2024 Francis Mitterrand Leave a comment

In 2019, Mercedes started talking about the all-electric G-Class car, as part of a long-term plan that includes the electrification of all its models by the end of this decade. A few days ago, the German manufacturer introduced its first all-electric G-Class model, the Mercedes-Benz G 580.

In the first year, the electric G-Class will be offered as an Edition One version with five special body colors. The AMG Line and Night packages are part of the standard equipment, and the car is mounted on AMG’s 20-inch ten-spoke alloy wheels.

The car is designed to be ready for all types of terrain, and the 25-centimeter ground clearance, excellent approach and departure angle, tires, adaptive off-road suspension and the ability to pass through water up to a depth of 85 centimeters will help in this. It is equipped with the new G-Turn system, with which the car can be turned almost in place on loose surfaces. The low center of gravity ensures a transverse slope of up to 35 degrees.

The luxurious cabin is lined with high-quality materials, providing the best possible driving experience for the driver who will be able to choose between two modes: Trail and Rock. The equipment includes cameras that cover the space around the vehicle, a 12.3-inch adaptive digital instrument panel, the latest generation MBUX multimedia system that can be controlled by voice or touch via a 12.3-inch display. Two 11.3-inch multimedia systems for rear seat passengers and the G-Roar system, which brings the sound of the G-Class V8 engine into the cabin, are optional.

The Mercedes-Benz G 580 is powered by four electric motors with a total output of 587 hp (438 kW) and 859 lb-ft (1,165 Nm) of torque. It reaches 100 km/h (62 mph) in less than five seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 180 km/h (112 mph). It is equipped with batteries that have a usable capacity of 116 kWh, enough for a range of up to 473 km. Thanks to fast chargers, batteries can be charged from 10 to 80% in 32 minutes.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

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Mercedes-Benz G 580 - the first all-electric G-Class model

Tuning

Rolls-Royce Spectre upgraded by Mansory

April 25, 2024 Francis Mitterrand Leave a comment

Mansory is a wizard in modifying high-end luxury cars, and now it has prepared special equipment for the ultra-luxury coupe Rolls-Royce Spectre.

Rolls-Royce introduced the Spectre model two years ago as a car that many consider a modern version of the Rolls-Royce Wraith. However, Rolls-Royce does not think so. “It’s not in any way the successor of the Wraith. It’s a different proposition for our clients. It will feel very different, it will look very different. We will go from combustion engines straight into electric when we substitute certain positions in our portfolio, “and that is the way forward,” said Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Mueller-Oetvoes at the beginning of 2022.

At first glance, the Spectre is no different from the standard model. However, the new carbon equipment kit brings an ultra-light hood, a front bumper with a new splitter, accessories around the intakes, a set of thin LED daytime running lights, a blacked-out front fascia, massive side grilles with fake intakes and sports side skirts with integrated wings. At the rear, there is a large diffuser, a carbon bumper, an optional third brake light in the style of Formula 1, a discreet roof spoiler and a more prominent lip spoiler on the edge of the trunk lid. Mansory claims the changes increase downforce on the rear axle.

Inside, the adjustable seats are covered in a combination of black and orange leather, while orange leather also covers the center console, the lower part of the dashboard, and the three-spoke multifunction steering wheel. Black leather covers the upper part of the dashboard and the armrest, and there are also a lot of carbon parts.

Under the bonnet are two electric motors with a total power of 585 hp (430 kW) and 664 lb-ft (900 Nm) of torque. That’s enough to push the 5.45 meter long Coupé to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.5 seconds with a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). With one battery charge, the car has a range of 335 to 640 kilometers. It is mounted on a set of 23-inch FD.15 tires, and 24-inch rims with 295/30 R24 tires are also an option.

Source: Mansory

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