All posts by Francis Mitterrand

News

2024 Ford Puma

Ford presented a refreshed edition of its most desirable model in Europe, the Ford Puma, which after the cessation of production of the Fiesta remained the only trump card of the American manufacturer in the segment of supermini cars.

At first glance, the car did not change its design, only some technological solutions were added, such as the new Matrix LED lights. The Puma now comes with a wider range of body colors (6) including the new Cactus Grey.

The interior has undergone major changes, such as the installation of a 12.0-inch touchscreen and a 12.8-inch digital instrument panel, which is no longer fully integrated into the dashboard, a new Sync 4 intotainment system, and a projected logo that is activated after opening the door.

When it comes to the powertrain, the Puma is no longer available in Europe with the 1.5L engines. Now this model is powered by a 1.0-liter EcoBoost Hybrid engine mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. That means 123 hp (92 kW) and 154 lb-ft (210 Nm) or 153 hp (114 kW) and 176 lb-ft (240 Nm).

Also, the all-electric Ford Puma EV is coming to the market soon. It will not differ much in design compared to the current generation. Small changes will be made to the front end. This means that the headlights will get new graphics, and the radiator grille, unlike the gasoline model, will probably remain closed due to aerodynamics.

When it comes to engine power, it is not known what Ford’s decision will be. Currently, the most important thing for Ford is to keep up with the competition in terms of autonomy, so the car should be equipped with a 55 kW battery that would enable a range of around 400 km WLTP.

Source: Ford

Gallery:

2024 Ford Puma
Tuning

Irmscher Opel Corsa with more power

In 2023, Opel presented the new Opel Corsa, and now the German tuner Irmscher tried to infuse this supermini car with a sporty spirit and raise its performance to a higher level.

Powerful supermini cars have almost disappeared, but the demand for this type of car still exists. This was the reason for Irmscher to prepare a package of equipment that brings a lot of visual changes, chassis changes and performance improvements. These include fender extensions, deeper sills, an optional black hood and roof combined with red accents, and an additional wing on the rear spoiler. All parts are made of high quality OE material. There’s also a new set of 18-inch Turbo Star wheels, available in black or two-tone. Thanks to the adjustable suspension, the Corsa is an additional 30 mm closer to the ground, which increases its handling.

When it comes to the powertrain, the mild-hybrid Corsa is powered by a 1.2-liter turbocharged engine the 48-volt system, which develops 99 hp (74 kW) or 134 hp (100 kW). The conventional model gained up to 20 hp more than the factory specifications (depending on the model). The engine is paired with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic. The complete package is compatible with all pogo variants of the Corsa including electric, and probably with other Stellantis models that use the same engines, including the Peugeot 208.

The price of the upgrade package is currently unknown.

Source: Irmscher

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Irmscher Opel Corsa with more power
News

2025 BMW i5 Touring and Series 5 Touring

BMW has expanded its fleet with a new station wagon version of the 5 Series, the BMW i5 Touring and Series 5 Touring. Longer, wider and higher than its predecessor, but also with a longer wheelbase.

At first glance, there is not much difference in design compared to the sedan. A radiator grille, a strong shoulder line, a slightly sloping roof line, and a relatively flat rear part with an angular window and thin taillights are just some of the solutions that adorn this station wagon.

BMW wants greater interaction with customers, and they will be able to choose the body color as well as four equipment packages: M Sport, M Sport Pro and M Cabrobn Exterior. More details will be known before the official launch.

Inside, a new steering wheel, Curved Display with 14.9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, sports seats, and BMW Operating System 8.5 that supports video streaming and AirConsole gaming. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay systems will also be available to customers. Customers will also have a wide range of options, including a glass panoramic roof, BMW Individual Merino leather, Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system with 18 speakers, as well as the BMW Interaction Bar. The car will offer more space for passengers but also more space for luggage, which has increased to 570 liters. By folding down the rear seats, the volume increases to 1,700 liters.

The car will be equipped with the Driving Assistant Professional system, which includes an assistance system for steering and keeping the car in a lane and maintaining a distance with a stop & go function, a highway assistance system (which enables hands-free driving at a speed of up to 130 km/h h), but special attention will be paid to the active lane change assistant that is activated by the eyes.

When it comes to the powertrain, the i5 eDrive40 Touring will be powered by an electric motor with 340 hp (250 kW) and 317 lb-ft (430 Nm) of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.1 seconds with a top speed of 193 km/h (120 mph). It will be equipped with an 82.1 Liquid-cooled Li-ion battery that will provide a range of 560 kilometers WLTP. It will have RWD.

Those who want more power can choose the BMW i5 M60 xDrive Touring. It is powered by two electric motors with a total output of 601 hp (442 kW) and 605 lb-ft (820 Nm) of torque. it reaches 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.9 seconds with a top speed of 230 km/h (143 mph). It is equipped with 81.2 kWh Liquid-cooled Li-ion which enables a range of 506 km WLTP, and all-wheel drive.

The conventional BMW Series 5 Touring will be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 197 hp (145 kW) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Also, customers will be able to get optional four-wheel drive. Other options are a 6-cylinder diesel engine, as well as two variants with the latest plug-in hybrid drive.

Source: BMW

Gallery:

2025 BMW i5 Touring and Series 5 Touring