All posts by Francis Mitterrand

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2023 was Ferrari’s best year ever

Like other supercar manufacturers, Ferrari has reason to celebrate 2023, as it was Ferrari’s best year ever. In the past twelve months, Ferrari delivered 13,663 cars worldwide, which is 3 percent more than in 2022.

Ferrari’s biggest market was Europe, where 6,063 cars were delivered, which is 1.8 percent more than in 2022. In North and South America Ferrari delivered 3,811 units (+10.6%), in Asia (China, Taiwan and Hong Kong) 1,490 units (+4%), and in the rest of the Asia Pacific region Ferrari sold 2,299 units (+2%)

This result is great, but even greater is the fact that all current models are sold out for the year 2025, so all interested buyers have to wait at least two years for their cars. However, Ferrari has already announced the arrival of three new models in the coming years.

There is not much information about the new models. The first of the new ones is supposed to be the successor to the 812 Superfast model, caught in spy photos during testing with a Ferrari Roma body, and is predicted to use a V12 engine.

Some rumors say that the second one could be the F250 as the successor to the LaFerrari model, which was produced between 2013 and 2018 in 710 examples as a coupe (500 examples) and Aperta (210 examples).

Also, rumor has it that Ferrari will not use a V12 engine this time, but a plug-in hybrid twin-turbo V6 engine based on the engine used by the 296 GTB and GT3 models. This model will be limited to 828 copies in three versions: the coupe (599 copies) which should arrive this year, 30 copies of the most powerful XX version which will enter production in 2027 and the convertible (199 copies) which will arrive by the end of the decade.

When it comes to the third model, no one knows what the decision might be. Some predict that Ferrari could introduce an entirely new model. Only time will tell.

Source: Ferrari

News

New Ford Mustang with European specs

In September 2022, Ford officially presented the new generation Ford Mustang, and since then it could only be ordered in the United States. Now, the Ford Mustang, officially the best-selling sports car in the world last year, is also available in Europe with European specs.

The car comes in two body styles (Coupé and Cabrio). Its muscular appearance is adorned with thin LED headlights, an aggressive grille and an expanded color palette that includes three new shades (Ember Blue, Vapor Blue and Splash Yellow). Ford points out that the convertible has a fully lined folding roof that can be raised or lowered in eight seconds. Despite the folding roof, the Mustang still has enough space in its trunk, e.g. for two golf bags.

Both versions come with a lot of additional equipment (optional) and a lot of personalization options as well as a significantly changed interior design. This includes higher quality materials and fewer analogies. The old instrument panel has been replaced by an adaptive 12.4-inch display in combination with a high-resolution 13.2-inch display of the multimedia system.

Owners have a choice of 6-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmissions, a standard Performance Package that includes an auxiliary engine oil cooler, a lightweight rear axle cooler and cooler, Brembo brakes, and a limited-slip differential. The European version will be equipped with unique chassis tuning, larger rear balance bars, more powerful front shock absorbers and front and rear shock absorber housing stiffeners, intelligent adaptive cruise control with “stop and go” function, lane keeping system and collision avoidance system, emergency braking assist system when moving backwards, as well as a system for recognizing traffic signs with speed limit assistance, and 19-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero PZ4 tires.

When it comes to the powertrain, the European Mustang is powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine with 446 hp (333 kW) and 398 lb-ft (540 Nm) of torque, down from the American model’s 487 hp (363 kW) and 415 lb-ft (562 Nm) of torque. A high-performance active valve exhaust system, which is an option for US buyers, increases output to 493 hp (368 kW) and 417 lb-ft (566 Nm) of torque.

The most powerful version, the Mustang Dark Horse, is powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine with 453 hp (338 kW) and 398 lb-ft (540 Nm) of torque, which is also less than the American version’s 507 hp (378 kW) and 417 lb-ft (566 Nm) of torque.

When it comes to price, they vary from country to country. In Germany, the Mustang GT costs 59,900 euros, while in neighboring Austria it costs 86,000 euros.

Source: Ford

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New Ford Mustang with European specs
News

Tesla Model Y is the best selling car in 2023

Most manufacturers have already released their sales results for last year, so we know who is the world’s largest car manufacturer, and that is Toyota with 11.2 million vehicles. Also, we know that the world’s largest exporter is China, which took over that position from Japan. However, when it comes to individual models, the Tesla Model Y is the best-selling car in 2023.

According to JATO Dynamics, Tesla Model Y was delivered in 1.23 million units in the twelve months of 2023 – an increase of 64% compared to the previous year. Felipe Munoz, Global Analyst at JATO Dynamics, commented: “The increase in global sales of the Model Y is unprecedented, especially for a top ten best-selling vehicle. What Tesla has been able to achieve with the Model Y in such a short time is simply incredible .”

When it comes to the world’s largest car manufacturer, Toyota, Munoz thinks the RAV4 and Corolla could lose the battle with the competition: “Toyota has a strong presence around the world, with the RAV4 (SUV) and Corolla (compact car) they make this brand attractive with a diverse offering. However, both models do not have fully electric options, and only offer hybrid alternatives.” The Toyota RAV4 and Corolla were the second and third best-selling cars in the world.

“While Toyota still had a strong 2023, the RAV4 and Corolla are simply unable to compete in the electric car market, which is becoming more established and important across Europe and China,” Munoz said.

Source: JATO Dynamics