All posts by Francis Mitterrand

News

2024 Porsche Panamera

A year ago, there were rumors about the new Porsche Panamera, which should arrive on the market by the end of this year. The car is currently in the final stages of testing which is taking place on four continents: North America, Africa, Asia and Europe, and it could be said that the car is ready for its premiere. It has now been revealed that it will be offered with four e-hybrid options, based on a more powerful electric motor.

“After already offering three E-Hybrids for the second Panamera generation, we will be adding a fourth plug-in hybrid in the new Panamera. This is our response to the enormous demand from our customers. In some countries, the proportion of E -Hybrids in the Panamera is almost 100 per cent. The new derivative is a high-performance model that fits perfectly into the versatile line-up. We are increasing the electrical performance of the Panamera in all E-Hybrid models with regard to driving dynamics and the important disciplines of electric range and charging speed. During our tests, we’re driving up to 70 per cent further purely on electric power than we did in its predecessor,” said Dr. Thomas Friemuth, head of the Panamera series.

The car is lighter than its predecessor, but with better driving performance. It is equipped with a larger 25.9 kWh battery and an 11 kW charger that shortens the charging time despite the higher energy content.

“I’m delighted with the progress we have made with electrification. The integration and combination of two drive systems in the Panamera works absolutely seamlessly and harmoniously. With the new drivetrains, the car radiates tremendous ease and reliability when accelerating,” said Arno Bögl, project manager for the Panamera series. Also, all powertrain options in the new Panamera are prepared for the new CO2 regulations.

The Panamera is equipped with a semi-active chassis with new two-valve shock absorbers that can regulate compression and rebound independently of each other. In this way, the range between comfortable and sporty settings is significantly expanded even with the new serial chassis. “With the active chassis we are setting new standards. We could feel this on every meter of our test drives – very comfortable on the cobblestones in Barcelona harbor, and highly dynamic and agile on the winding country roads outside the city,” said Thomas Friemuth.

The new Panamera will be premiered on November 24 at the Icons of Porsche festival in Dubai.

Source: Porsche

Gallery:

2024 Porsche Panamera
Tuning

BMW M3 Competition xDrive with more than 1000 HP

The BMW M3 Competition xDrive is a high performance sedan with impressive performance and no upgrades. However, many are trying to show that this car can do more than the factory one, and the tuner company Bimmer PR has done just that.

The BMW M3 Competition xDrive is powered by a 3.0L inline-six engine with 503 hp (370 k) and 479 lb-ft () of torque. However, a series of modifications including a KLM Race S58 turbo system, a Precision Turbo & Engine 725 Gen 2 turbocharger, a Valvetronic titanium exhaust system, as well as a CSF pressurized air cooler in the intake manifold, raised the engine’s output to 1,026 hp (755 kW). Power is sent to all wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Inside, carbon bucket seats are trimmed in red leather and fine black fabric. Red leather also covers the door panels and armrest, while the steering wheel is wrapped in black leather.

The car uses E85 ethanol fuel, which can increase power and torque by up to 20 percent in some cars, and thanks to the increased exhaust gas flow, the turbines spin faster. How powerful this tuned M3 is, is shown by the fact that it delivers more power than the Ferrari SF90, Lamborghini Revuelto or Bugatti Veyron.

Source: Bimmer PR

Gallery:

BMW M3 Competition xDrive with more than 1000 HP
News

The driver sued the Delaware police and won $50,000

Last year, Delaware police approached a driver who was warning other drivers about a speed camera. The driver filed and won a lawsuit in federal court, according to which the Delaware police must pay him $50,000.

Jonathan Guessford, 54, claims the police acted unlawfully when they intervened as he stood on the side of the road holding a sign that read “Radar Ahead”. After a warning, the officers confiscated the sign and released Guessford. However, when leaving Guessford flipped them off.

The officers gave chase and drove at 100 mph on a road where the speed limit is 55 mph, due to improper hand signaling. During the drive, the dash cam recorded a conversation between the officers that proves they knew they had no basis for a fine. “We have no basis to write him a sentence, it will be dismissed,” said one of the policemen.

Police officers threatened to charge Guessford with resisting arrest and tried to intimidate him by saying they would impound his car and call social services to pick up his son, who was in the car with him. Guessford asked, is that a threat? “It’s not a threat, it’s a promise,” said one of the officers.

After an internal investigation, the Delaware Police Department initiated disciplinary proceedings against the officers.

Source: Straight Arrow News