All posts by Francis Mitterrand

Hybrid

2025 Mercedes E53 Hybrid 4matic+ with 603 HP

Mercedes revealed a powerful version of the E53 Hybrid model with better aerodynamic solutions and a muscular look. It is the first version of the E-Class W214 based on AMG performance.

At first glance, the E53 Hybrid 4matic+ is equipped with an illuminated AMG grille, larger air intakes on the front bumper, 11 mm wider front fenders on both sides, side gills, a reinforced chassis, a sport-tuned adjustable suspension, a high-performance braking system with larger brakes, a rear axle steering system, four tailpipes and a lip spoiler, which differentiates the model from other AMG Line packages. There’s also a new set of 19-inch alloy wheels, and you can get 20-inch alloy wheels or 21-inch forged wheels.

Of course, for those who want something more like black chrome or carbon fiber, Mercedes has also prepared the optional AMG Exterior Night Package (I and II) and the AMG Carbon Exterior Package.

Inside, the adjustable AMG sports seats are upholstered in Artico man-made leather and microfiber with red stitching, while the AMG performance steering wheel is covered in Nappa leather. The dashboard and door panels feature illuminated gray open-pore ash wood trim. AMG performance seats are available as an option.

E53 Hybrid 4matic+ is powered by a 3.0-L 6-cylinder engine (443 hp/330 kW) in combination with an electric motor (161 hp/120 kW) for a total power of 604 hp (450 kW) and 553 lb-ft (750 Nm) torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via an AMG Speedshift TCT 9G gearbox. It reaches 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.8 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 280 km/h (174 mph).

It is equipped with a 28.6 kWh battery that has a usable capacity of 21.22 kWh, enabling a range of 101 km, WLTP. Thanks to the 60 kW DC fast charger, the battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in about 20 minutes.

Source: Mercedes

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2025 Mercedes E53 Hybrid 4matic+ with 603 HP
Tuning

TechArt GTstreet R Touring based on the Porsche 911 992 Turbo S

When it comes to improving the performance and aerodynamics of Porsche 911 cars, TechArt is one of the best in the world. This time, from their workshop came the TechArt GTstreet R Touring, a lighter version of the Porsche 911 992 Turbo S.

The car is equipped with an equipment kit with more than 40 carbon parts, which include a new front fascia, carbon fenders, a new hood, wheel arch extensions, side skirts, air intakes, redesigned air ducts that bring cold air directly to the engine, a larger duck tail 60 percent lighter than standard. Thanks to suspension modifications and sports springs, the car is 25 mm closer to the ground. Also, customers can choose an adjustable suspension that makes the car closer to the ground between 5 and 30 mm.

The interior with lots of leather, Alcantara, carbon and aluminum adorns this vehicle. TechArt also offers a special interior package with additional leather, decorative stitching and other details.

When it comes to the powertrain, TechArt offers two performance packages, the TA092/T1 and the TA092/T2.1. The TA092/T1 boosts the 3.8-liter twin-turbo 6-cylinder engine to 710 hp (522 kW) and 664 lb-ft (900 Nm) of torque. The TA092/T2.1 package includes new turbochargers, new ECU software, and new PDK transmission software. That means 800 hp (589 kW) and 701 lb-ft (950 Nm) of torque, which is enough to push the car from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.5 seconds with a top speed of 350 km/h.

TechArt will produce only 25 examples of this car and deliveries will start in May.

Source: TechArt

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TechArt GTstreet R Touring based on the Porsche 911 992 Turbo S
Auctions

1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL is up for auction

Between 1954 and 1963, Mercedes-Benz produced a two-seat sports car, the Mercedes-Benz 300SL. For the first three years it was produced only as a coupe (1,400 units produced) and in 1957 it was replaced by the Roadster version. By 1963, 1,858 examples of the Roadster had left the production line, and one of them, the 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL, is up for auction.

The Mercedes-Benz 300SL is powered by a 3.0-liter M198 inline-six engine taken from the fixed-roof variant. Power is sent to the rear wheels via an all-synchromesh four-speed manual transmission. The engine has Bosch mechanical direct fuel injection, dry-sump lubrication, and aluminum cylinder head. Braking and stopping are handled by servo-assisted hydraulic brakes with finned drums all around, and duplex actuation at the front wheels.

This example is finished in Silver Gray (DB 180) and is in good condition. It is equipped with European-specification headlights with single-piece glass covers as well as front and rear bumper guards, a left-fender-mounted mirror, pivot-out door handles, a locking fuel door, wide-profile rocker panel end flanges, four- wheel independent suspension with a low-pivot rear axle, and a black convertible top. It is mounted on 15″ steel wheels wrapped in 185HR15 Vredestein Sprint Classic tires.

Inside, the bucket seats are trimmed in red leather covering the door panels and dash, with matching carpets. In front of the driver are an ivory-color steering wheel and a five-digit odometer showing 743 miles. Additional equipment includes roll-up windows, an ivory-color shift knob, a lockable glove box, a clock, a dash-mounted ashtray and cigar lighter, and a Becker Mexico radio.

The car was refurbished from 2005 to 2007, and the works included a repaint in silver, a re-trim of the interior in red leather, and an overhaul of the 3.0-liter M198 inline-six. It comes with a copy of its factory delivery note, invoices for parts used during the refurbishment, a two-piece fitted luggage set, and a clean Florida title.

The auction ends on March 17 and the highest bid at the time of writing was $949,000 USD.

Source: Bring a Trailer

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1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL is up for auction