All posts by Francis Mitterrand

Tuning

Mercedes-AMG G63 with 820 HP

The Mercedes-AMG G63 SUV is one of the most tuned Mercedes-AMG cars in the past year, and this year also begins with a Zunized copy of the German company Keyvany, which was founded with the aim of taking luxury cars to a new level of refinement.

When it comes to the powertrain, the tuner increased the power of the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine to 820 hp (611 kW), which is a significant increase compared to the standard 577 hp (430 kW). Power is sent to all wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission.

Redesigned carbon front and rear bumper, slightly wider body, new modified front fascia, sills and a set of double spoke wheels are just some of the components that adorn this car finished in black and gray.

Inside, the seats, ceiling, door panels, center console, dashboard and floor are covered in yellow leather, matched with carbon fiber details on the dashboard and steering wheel. Like the Rolls-Royce cars, Keyvany equipped the G63 with a starry sky, emphasizing the car’s luxury. There’s also Keyvany badging on the seats and dash.

Source: Keyvany

Gallery:

Mercedes-AMG G63 with 820 HP
News

BMW will not give up the manual gearbox

Last year, Mercedes announced that they would gradually stop offering cars with manual transmission in Europe, which definitely disappointed a number of their customers. However, another German brand, BMW, has announced that it will not stop offering a manual gearbox, but will charge an extra €500 for it. It was a good business move, because according to sales data for the last 12 months, 50 percent of BMW M2 buyers opted for a manual transmission, while 20 percent of M3 and M4 buyers chose the same option.

The manual gearbox definitely loses the battle against the automatic transmission. The reason is the costs. In September, CEO at BMW M GmbH Frank van Meel said: “The vast majority of BMW cars are now offered exclusively with an automatic transmission, as few buyers are looking for a manual transmission. It would be easier if only automatic cars came off the assembly line. Instead we have a small number of customers looking for a manual transmission in the M2 series which creates additional complications and increases costs.”

“A manual gearbox is slower, results in higher fuel consumption and sometimes affects the top speed, so from an engineering point of view this type of gearbox no longer really makes sense,” said van Meel.

Also, BMW announces the imminent arrival of a new generation M5 model that will be powered by a plug-in hybrid engine. This means that the Bavarian brand will not give up the V6 engine in the near future, as AMG did.

Source: BMW

Tuning

Two equipment kits for Honda Civic Type R

In a few days, the Tokyo Motor Show (January 12 – 14) will begin, where the Japanese tuner Mugen will present two equipment kits, Group A and Group B, for the Honda Civic Type R.

The Group A equipment kit includes a new front splitter, a sharper air intake shape, redesigned sills, a new rear wing, giving the car a more aggressive look. It can be said to be expected for a special version of the Type R model.

The Group B equipment kit offers much more. The front splitter and intakes are the same as in the Group A package, but the addition is a carbon hood with more air vents that are also located on the upper part of the front fenders. Wider door sills, a new rear wing and a modified bumper give the car a more muscular look and better aerodynamics. Something similar could be seen on modified cars at the beginning of the century.

Group A brings a new improved stainless steel exhaust system and new pads, while Group B comes with titanium pipes, new brake calipers and discs. Both kits bring new shock absorbers and BBS wheels.

Source: Mugen via YouTube