All posts by Francis Mitterrand

2025 Xiaomi SU7

March 29, 2024 Francis Mitterrand

Two years ago, Xiaomi announced its entry into the world of electric car manufacturers with its first car, the SU7. After receiving permission from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the car was officially unveiled and can go into production.

Xiaomi launched three versions of the SU7, and the big event was opened by company director Lei Jun. There were many famous people from the world of the automotive industry including the former head of design of the BMW Group Chris Bangle (currently a design consultant for Xiaomi vehicles) who said that he was impressed by the power of the SU7 and that it would be great to have this car in Europe. Xiaomi presented him as one of the 10 most famous car designers in the world, which is justified because this is a man who was previously responsible for brands including BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce.

The presentation was also attended by Nio Brand Director William Liu, Xpeng President Heu Xiaopeng and Li Auto Company Director Li Xiangu. “All of them have given us many suggestions over the past years to avoid roadblocks during the development of the electric car,” Jun said.

At the end of last year, the first photos of the blue Xiaomi SU7, which is 4,997 mm long, 1,963 mm wide with a height of 1,440/1,455 mm, and a wheelbase of 3,000 mm, were published on the Weibo social network.

When it comes to the design, the exterior design of the car was done by James Qiu who arrived at XIaomi from Mercedes-Benz, where he worked on the design of the Vision EQXX concept.

Xiaomi SU7 comes in three versions: SU7, SU7 Pro and SU7 Max. The standard version is powered by an electric motor with 299 hp (220 kW) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque, and will have RWD. It will accelerate from 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.28 seconds with a top speed of 210 km/h (130 mph). It is equipped with a BYD Blade 73.6 kWh battery that provides a range of 700 kilometers. It will cost $29,900.

The more powerful version of the SU7 Pro will be equipped with an 800V architecture, a 94.3 kWh battery that provides a range of 830 km, and will cost $34,000. However, the most powerful version, Xiaomi SU7 Max, is really impressive. It is powered by two electric motors with a total output of 673 hp (495 kW) and 618 lb-ft (838 Nm) of torque, and has AWD. It reaches 100 km/h (62 mph) in 2.78 seconds with a top speed of 265 km/h (165 mph). It is equipped with the Xiami Pilot Max ADAS system, 800V architecture, and a CATI Qilin 101 kWh battery that enables a range of 800 km, or 510 km after a 15-minute charge. It costs $41,500.

Source: Xiaomi, Photo: EPA-EFE

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Lamborghini has a redesigned logo

March 29, 2024 Francis Mitterrand

Car manufacturers are preparing for a new era of fully electric vehicles, and in order to fit into the new world, some have decided to change their logos. After KIA, Porsche, Citroen, Aston Martin changed their logos, Lamborghini decided to do the same by presenting a new design of its logo.

With the new logo, Lamborghini wants to create a more modern feel that evokes ideas of sustainability and innovation. Given the fact that all Lamborghini models will be hybrids after the end of Huracan production, now is the ideal time to make changes. The font is slightly expanded, black and white remain the primary colors, and yellow and gold serve to emphasize the shades. Also, for the first time, the well-known Lamborghini bull will exist independently of the shield on digital platforms. “The new logo is redefined by a broader Lamborghini typeface than its predecessor and by colors that are minimal yet bold,” said the company.

If you’ve ever wondered why Lamborghini chose the bull as its trademark, power wasn’t the reason for the decision. The founder of the company Ferruccio Lamborghini was born under the zodiac sign Taurus (Bull), so the choice was precisely this animal. The original design of the bull and shield contained a red background and a black and white bull. This logo was redesigned in 1972, when gold and black colors were adopted, however, in 1974, a monochromatic corporate identity was adopted, which was maintained for 24 years, that is, until 1998.

The first Lamborghini model to wear the redesigned logo will be the Huracan STJ, which will soon be premiered, but also the last pure gasoline car from this manufacturer.

Source: Lamborghini

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2025 Maserati MCXtrema

March 28, 2024 Francis Mitterrand

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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