All posts by Francis Mitterrand

News

2024 Huawei Aito M9

After 2021 when Huawei presented its first car, the ARCFOX Alpha S, developed in cooperation with the BAIC group, now the all-electric Aito M9 is coming to the market soon. It is expected to be officially presented next year, and pre-orders are open at a price of around 63,900 and 77,100 euros.

The Aito M9 is 5,239mm long, 1,999mm wide and 1,800mm tall, with a wheelbase of 3,110mm, ensuring a spacious interior for passengers and luggage. The exterior design is based on “supreme simplicity and purity” and is adorned with aerodynamic intakes and a modern design of headlights that are seamlessly integrated. The rear is somewhat simpler, with less sharp lines, and the Aito logo is positioned above the taillights.

The interior will suit technology lovers, it is equipped with Huawei’s HarmonyOS 4.0 cockpit, with three screens, as well as Huawei’s in-car entertainment system AI Intelligent Cystal. For the first time, Huawei used its digital assistant Xiaoyi, which ensured a seamless and interactive user experience. Crystal is still part of the Huawei Sound system. The spacious interior is equipped with six seats that can be adjusted to different configurations and accommodate up to 6 passengers.

When it comes to the powertrain, the Aito M9 will be available in two versions, EV and ERV. The all-electric version will have four-wheel drive with two electric motors with a total power of 530 hp (390 kW), manufactured by Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. (CATL). The ERV will be powered by a 1.5-liter turbo gasoline engine (112 kW) in combination with two electric motors (165 and 200 kW) with a total power of 662 hp (487 kW).

Source: Huawei

Tuning

BMW M4 Competition upgraded by DarwinPRO Aerodynamics

DarwinPRO Aerodynamics is a tuner specialized in extreme body kits, and this time they showed their skills on one of the best cars of the Bavarian company, the BMW M4 Competition.

The first thing that will be noticed when looking at the car is the pink color, which may not appeal to many, but it was the personal choice of the car owner. A lot of carbon fiber components like the $2,500 hood, $2,150 rear wing, side skirts, front splitter, side wings and mirror cup are installed, giving the car more downforce. There are LED daytime running lights reminiscent of those on the BMW M4 CSL, which set a new lap record at the Nurburgring a few weeks ago.

The tuner didn’t change anything under the hood. The BMW M4 Competition is powered by a 3.0-liter biturbo S58 engine with 503 hp (370 kW) and 479 lb-ft (650 Nm) of torque. Power is sent to all wheels via an 8-speed M-Steptronic automatic transmission.

Source: DarwinPRO Aerodynamics

Gallery:

BMW M4 Competition upgraded by DarwinPRO Aerodynamics
Auctions

1963 Ferrari 250 GT/L Berlinetta Lusso is up for auction

In 1962, Ferrari introduced a car that is considered one of the most elegant Ferraris, the Ferrari 250 GT (also known as the 250 GT/L or Luso). It was produced until 1964 and only 351 units left the production lines. One of them, a 1963 Ferrari 250 GT/L Berlinetta Lusso is up for auction.

This 250 GT/L is finished in Grigio Notte and is in good condition. In 2014, the car was restored by JD Classics of Maldon, Essex, which included rebuilding the engine and installing a new timing chain, pistons, rings, main bearings, and exhaust valves, while the crankshaft was reground. It has a steel body manufactured by Carrozzeria Scaglietti, while the doors, boot lid, and bonnet are made of aluminum. This model is the first Ferrari with a small integrated spoiler and Kammback rear.

Inside, the seats are covered in quilted red leather that also covers the door panels, the center console and a parcel shelf behind the seats, matched with the red carpet.

Under the hood is a 3.0L Colombo V12 engine with 240 hp (180 kW) at 7,500 rpm and 178 lb-ft (242 Nm) of torque at 5,500 rpm. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a 4-speed manual transmission. It reaches 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7 to 8 seconds with a top speed of 150 mph (240 km/h).

JD Classics inspected and cleaned the front and rear suspension and brake systems to period standards. The entire restoration process was documented and the owner began the process of applying for Ferrari Classiche certification.

The auction will take place on November 4 and the estimated value of the car is between £1,250,000 – £1,500,000 GBP.

Source: RM Sotheby’s

Gallery:

1963 Ferrari 250 GT/L Berlinetta Lusso is up for auction