All posts by Francis Mitterrand

News

BYD cut prices by 15 percent

China is officially the world’s largest car exporter with 4.91 million vehicles in 2023, which is one million vehicles more than the previous leader, Japan. Their largest car manufacturer, BYD, became one of the top 10 largest manufacturers in the world last year with 3,024,417 vehicles produced. This company is trying to expand its business beyond the borders of China, and their first target is the European market, where they are lagging behind the competition. However, that could change as BYD has decided to cut the prices of its cars in Europe by 15%.

According to sales reports, the Chinese company sold only 4,139 cars in Germany last year, while Tesla sold 63,685 vehicles, and Volkswagen as the market leader reached the number of 519,089 vehicles. BYD’s best-selling model, the ATTO 3, arrived in the EU in 2022 with a price of around 47,000 euros. However, thanks to the new decision, the new starting price of this electric SUV is 39,950 euros, which is less than the competitors Volkswagen ID.4 (43,900 euros) and Tesla Model Y (44,899 euros).

How serious a player BYD is is also shown by the fact that it invests 14 billion dollars in the development of advanced technology, especially the ADAS system, which will make its cars safer on the road. The company also invests in marketing, thus becoming an official partner of UEFA Euro 2024, which will be held in Germany this summer.

Transporting cars to distant markets is currently one of the biggest problems for most manufacturers. BYD also has a solution for that because it has its own transport ship (BYD Explorer No.1) built by a local company, which is currently on its way to Europe with 7,000 loaded cars.

Whether and how much the new decision will affect buyers of new cars in Europe cannot be said with certainty, but in the current economic situation where a large number of the world’s population is, it could be decisive.

Source: BYD

Gallery:

BYD cut prices by 15 percent
Auctions

2018 Lamborghini Centenario LP770-4 Roadster is up for auction

At the 2016 Geneva Motor Show to commemorate the 100th birthday of the company’s founder, Lamborghini presented a limited edition Centenario model. It was produced in two body styles, 20 coupés and 20 roadsters, and one of them, the 2018 Lamborghini Centenario LP770-4 Roadster is for sale.

This car is powered by a thundering 6.5-liter V-12 with 759 hp (566 kW) and 509 lb-ft (690 Nm) of torque. Power is sent to all wheels via a 7-speed ISR automated manual gearbox. It reaches 100 km/h (62 mph) in 2.8 seconds with a top speed of 350 km/h (217 mph), and drivers can choose between Strada, Sport or Corsa driving modes. The Lamborghini Centenario has a power to weight ratio of 2.18 kg (4.81 lb) per horsepower and a braking distance of 30 m (98 ft) from 100–0 km/h (62–0 mph).

The design is borrowed from the Aventador, but this car has better aerodynamics and steering. The Lamborghini Centenario is finished in Rosso Efesto with a black stripe running the entire length of the vehicle across the hood, rear lid and spoiler. There is also a carbon twin-plane front splitter for better air flow, which in combination with a diffuser and an active rear wing provide downforce and stability.

Inside, a 25-centimeter portrait screen on the central console allows navigation control, but also offers telemetry, data-logging and lap timing facilities. The seats are upholstered in Nero Ade Alcantara with Rosso Alala details.

This perhaps the most extreme and advanced Lamborghini ever produced is in immaculate condition with only 71 kilometers on the odometer.

The auction will take place on January 31 in Paris and the estimated value of the car is €3,000,000 – €4,000,000 EUR.

Source: RM Sotheby’s

Gallery:

2018 Lamborghini Centenario LP770-4 Roadster is up for auction
Tuning

Dodge Challenger with suicide doors

AT the recently held Auto Salon Tokyo, many exciting concepts and production models could be seen, and one of the most interesting creations was presented by the Japanese tuner Coast Motoring, the Dodge Challenger with suicide doors.

The car received a body kit that includes a redesigned front fascia in a retro-modern style reminiscent of the Charger EV Concept, a new black grill, unique air intakes and black components around the new LED headlights, a new hood with a large opening for cooling the engine compartment. Compared to the standard Dodge Challenger, this example has widened wheel arches, chrome side exhaust pipes, massive rims, a new lip spoiler, darkened taillights, and a new bumper and diffuser.

Inside, the carbon sports seats are covered in blue leather that also covers the armrest, rear seat steering wheel and pillars, while the door panels are covered in a combination of blue and black leather.

It is not known if there were any changes under the hood. The standard Dodge Challenger is powered by a supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8 with 797 hp (594 kW) and 707 lb-ft (960 Nm) of torque.

Source: Coast Motoring