All posts by Francis Mitterrand

2025 Mercedes-AMG A45 S

Last year, Mercedes announced that in April it will launch a limited edition of the powerful Mercedes-AMG A45 S. It is a powerful flagship version of the A-Class, which is already known to be discontinued.

The Mercedes-AMG A45 S Limited Edition is equipped with the AMG Night Package I and II, numerous dark details, as well as the AMG Aerodynamic Package, which includes a large rear wing. It is finished in AMG Hell Magno Matte Green, which was first introduced with the AMG GT R. There are also black and yellow “45s” decals on the doors, a massive AMG logo on the hood, and forged matte black 19-inch seven-spoke wheels. arms.

The interior of the car is also done in a black and yellow combination. There is a 45 S logo on the backrests, which also adorns the floor mats. The door sills also carry AMG badges, there’s a lot of aluminum detailing and synthetic leather, and there’s also a three-spoke steering wheel.

When it comes to the powertrain, there have been no changes. The Mercedes-AMG A45 S Limited Edition is powered by a 2.0-L four-cylinder engine with 421 hp (314 kW) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque. That’s quite enough power to push the car to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.9 seconds with a top speed of 270 km/h (168 mph). The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a fully variable AMG Performance 4Matic+ system that sends power to all wheels.

Source: Mercedes-AMG

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SV Rover Hypertruck with 1,100 HP

After building the 911 SVSR Hoonipigasus in 2022 in cooperation with Porsche, California-based automotive design and manufacturing firm Scarbo Vintage presented the world’s first street-legal Hypertruck, the SV Rover.

SV Rover sets a new standard in extreme off-road performance. It is equipped with air-ride suspension with user-adjustable height control and valving that enables a pleasant ride, four-wheel steering (standard), Brembo 6-piston brake system with 400 mm carbon ceramic rotors, and 40-inch tires on 20-inch forged wheels.

“The SV Rover represents a new extreme in terms of off-road power, maneuverability and capability. We are thrilled to unveil this revolutionary vehicle, which combines the nostalgia of classic British design with modern American muscle and technology to deliver a driving experience beyond anything this side of a trophy truck,” said Joe Scarbo, CEO of Scarbo Performance.

Inside, the digital cockpit is equipped with a 12.3-inch gauge cluster and 12.8-inch multimedia display, sports seats covered in Alcantara and aluminum details, push-button start, climate controls, power door locks, power windows, and a large cargo area.

When it comes to the powertrain, buyers can choose between a supercharged V8 engine with 1,100 hp (820 kW) and a 750 kW EV powertrain. The V8 engine is paired with an 8-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission. The driver can choose between 2WD and 4WD, as well as front- and rear-locking differentials.

This SV Rover Hypertruck costs $1.5 million.

Source: Scarbo Vintage

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The French government cut subsidies to 4,000 euros

In September 2023, in order to protect domestic vehicle manufacturers, the French government considered a new subsidy decree on subsidizing the purchase of new electric cars. Citizens with low incomes would have subsidies of up to 7,000 euros, while for others it would be 5,000 euros. However, the French government made a new decision that will cut subsidies to 4,000 euros for those with high incomes.

The original decision was changed because it was estimated that the budget of 1.5 billion euros would be insufficient. The new decision cut the subsidy for higher-income buyers by 20 percent to stay within budget and increase the number of electric vehicles on the road. Meanwhile, subsidies for the purchase of electric company cars are also being cut, as are bonuses for the purchase of new cars with internal combustion engines to replace older, more polluting vehicles.

Also, the government halted a new program to subsidize the purchase of leased electric cars for low-income people until the end of the year, after demand far exceeded initial plans. Bonuses for electric vehicles can vary from 2,250 to 9,000 euros, depending on the buyer’s income.

Source: Reuters