All posts by Francis Mitterrand

Tuning

Mansory Gronos 6×6 based on the Mercedes-AMG G63

In 2013, the Mercedes-AMG G 63 was one of the first cars to be transformed into a six-wheeler, and now the German luxury car modification firm Mansory has created another six-wheeler based on this model, the Mansory Gronos 6×6.

The standard G63 was transformed into a pickup truck with suicide doors that allow easier access to the rear seats. It is equipped with impact protection devices mounted in front of the aprons,
LED additional headlights mounted on the roof, cable winch at the front, additional axle with a lockable differential in the longitudinal and transverse directions on the third (additional) axle, and high-performance shock absorbers.

Inside, customers can choose the interior design in terms of leather, colors, quilting and carbon design. A special highlight is the roof lining with more than 3,000 LEDs, which is installed at the request of the customer, who can choose the design. There are other accessories that make this car more luxurious and comfortable.

Mansory offers a wide range of options so customers can choose whether they want on-road or off-road tires. If they opt for the on-road option, they will get 22-inch “YN.5″ wheels wrapped in 325/55 22 Pirelli Scorpion ATR tires. The off-road option brings 20” rims wrapped in 37×12.50×20 tires. The driver can use the control unit in the cockpit to adjust the air pressure in all tires thanks to the integrated tire inflation system with a high-performance compressor.

When it comes to the powertrain, the car is powered by a 4.0-liter V8 engine with 900 hp (671 kW) and 885 lb-ft (1,200 Nm) of torque. That’s a big increase in power over the standard G63, which has 577 hp (424 kW) and 627 lb-ft (850 Nm) of torque. This was achieved by installing a new exhaust gas turbocharger, a new intercooler, two high-pressure fuel pumps, adapted engine, transmission and CPC software, a sports air filter and a sports exhaust.

This exceptional car will be produced in only 10 examples. The price is not known.

Source: Mansory

Gallery:

Mansory Gronos 6x6 based on the Mercedes-AMG G63
News

CEO of Renault demands new industrial policy in Europe

While Chinese car manufacturers are trying to conquer the European market and threaten the domestic industry, which is currently in crisis, the EU is trying to find a solution to stop them. The proposal was made by Luca de Meo, CEO of Renault and President of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), who called for a new industrial policy in Europe.

In September 2023, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the EU will launch an investigation into the privileged position of electric vehicles produced in China due to subsidies. Some member states of the European Union are trying to independently protect domestic manufacturers, such as France, which announced that it was canceling subsidies on new electric cars produced in China. The biggest threat to French and other European manufacturers is not only Chinese companies like BYD, but also the world’s largest electric car manufacturer, Tesla.

Luca de Meo stated that Europe is facing major challenges and that the alienation and disorientation of the European automotive industry will lead to a structural trade deficit for Europe. He also warns that the phase-out of internal combustion engines, which is planned for 2035, could mean a decrease in the competitiveness of the European car industry. According to him, ICEs have been a protective barrier for Europeans for years, and now with the development of electric cars and the increased need for batteries, that protection is disappearing because the Chinese control 75 percent of global battery production.

Also, he expressed concern about the increase in car prices in the last two decades (+50%), as well as the average age of cars, which has increased from seven to 12 years. These and other reasons could be fatal for the automotive industry in Europe, if an appropriate decision is not made in time to protect domestic manufacturers and the domestic market.

Source: Reuters

News

Geely took over Polestar from Volvo

In 2017, Volvo jointly with the Chinese company Zhejiang Geely Holding Group founded Polestar, a brand of electric cars. Six years later, the Swedish manufacturer announced that it was selling its share to a Chinese company, as it failed to establish itself in the electric car segment.

Although Volvo will no longer fund Polestar, the two brands will continue to collaborate on development and research, production and after-sales services. At the same time, Thomas Ingenlath, the head of Polestar, expressed his enthusiasm for the idea of Geely becoming the new majority and direct shareholder of this young company. The decision had a positive reaction from Volvo brand investors. After that, Volvo shares rose 40 percent.

All models launched by Polestar are based on Volvo technology. An example is Polestar 2, the first battery electric vehicle and mass production Polestar vehicle in the Volvo Car Group, premiered in 2020. It is offered in combination with one or two electric motors. The base version is powered by a single electric motor with 224 hp (165 kW) and 243 lb-ft (330 Nm). It is equipped with a 64 kWh battery pack that enables a range of up to 440 kilometers (WLTP). The most powerful version is powered by two electric motors with 408 hp (300 kW) and 487 lb-ft (660 Nm). It is equipped with a 78 kWh battery pack that enables a range of up to 480 kilometers. It also has AWD.

When it comes to future models, the Polestar 3 entered production at the end of last year, the Polestar 4 crossover coupe will arrive in 2024, while the Polestar 5 luxury sedan is expected to arrive in 2025.

Source: Volvo