All posts by Francis Mitterrand

Tuning

Maserati MC20 Cielo with better aerodynamics and more power

In 2022, the Bavarian tuner Novitec presented a series of carbon components for the Maserati MC20 coupe, and now it does the same for the MC20 Cielo, giving the car a thrilling and individual appearance.

A special equipment package includes naked-carbon aerodynamic components such as a splitter, intake, hood vents and a ducktail rear spoiler. All of this can be combined with various exhaust upgrades including the system in the photos, which uses ultra-lightweight Inconel and optional gold accents. There are also yellow sport springs on offer that can bring the floor closer to the ground by 25 mm, and are compatible with the car’s factory front lift system. Also, customers can choose aluminum spacers for 28 or 40 mm wider wheel tracks on both axles.

When it comes to the interior, Novitec fulfills individual customer requests with exclusive interior appointments tailored to the wishes of the vehicle owner in every detail.

Under the bonnet is a 3.0-L V6 Nettuno twin-turbo engine with 711 hp (530 kW) and 603 lb-ft (818 Nm) of torque, which is 80 hp (59 kW) and 65 lb-ft (88 Nm) more than the standard model. The increase in power was achieved thanks to the N-Tronic module and the high-performance exhaust system, so now the MC20 Cielo accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 2.8 seconds (0.2 seconds faster) with a top speed of 325 km/h (202 mph).

Novitec also offers a set of 21-inch NF11 forged rims produced in cooperation with the American company Vossen.

Source: Novitec

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Maserati MC20 Cielo with better aerodynamics and more power
Tuning

Toyota GR Supra upgraded by AC Schnitzer

The current fifth generation Toyota Supra, introduced in 2019, is considered by some to be a non-original Supra, as it was developed in cooperation with the Bavarian manufacturer (BMW). It is built on the same platform as the BMW Z4, and is a desirable car for tuners. Thus, the German tuner AC Schnitzer presented a package of improvements for this model.

The standard Supra is offered with 2.0-L 4-cylinder and 3.0-L 6-cylinder turbocharged engines, and RWD. The powerful turbocharged 3.0-L 6-cylinder engine delivers 406 hp (302 kW) and 442 lb-ft (600 Nm) of torque. As a reminder, the standard model has 345 hp (257 kW) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque. The output of the smaller 2.0-L four-cylinder engine has been increased from 262 hp (195 kW) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) to 304 hp (227 kW) and 347 lb-ft (470 Nm) of torque.

AC Schnitzer is known for upgrading BMW models, and this time they equipped the Supra with an improved adaptive suspension with active shock absorbers and new aerodynamic components. Customers can also choose a stainless steel exhaust system with carbon tailpipes (optional).

The interior of the car has undergone minor changes including new aluminum pedals, a new controller for the infotainment screen and a key holder that is placed in one of the cup holders.

Buyers can choose between 20-inch and 21-inch wheels, as well as a range of other aerodynamic accessories such as a racing carbon rear wing, silencer and carbon front splitter.

Source: AC Schnitzer

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Toyota GR Supra upgraded by AC Schnitzer
News

Australian car license plate sold for $1.68 million

Since 1884, when the first car with a license plate appeared on the roads in British Columbia (Canada), license plates have become popular among collectors and all car enthusiasts. Those with fewer numbers on them were especially sought after, and fetch high prices. One such with the number “20” was recently sold in Australia for AUD 1.68 million.

This license plate was issued in Victoria (Australia), and is one of nine with a round two-digit number. However, this is not the most expensive Australian license plate because at the beginning of the year a license plate with the number “1” was sold for $8 million. It sounds incredible, but also crazy, that someone would pay so much money for something like this.

It’s not just license plates in Australia that are hitting big numbers. In other parts of the world, license plates are valued, especially those with a single-digit number, for which the owners are ready to pay over $10 million. Thus, an unnamed bidder at Emirates Auction LLC in April 2023 bought the license plate “Dubai “P7” for $15 million. It is currently the world’s priciest car license plate.

Source: Drive