All posts by Francis Mitterrand

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20 years of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren

Two decades ago, Mercedes-Benz premiered a new sports grand tourer developed with British automobile manufacturer McLaren Automotive, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. It was produced until 2010, and 2,157 units left the production line. On this occasion, the company organized an exhibition of these cars, and the most attention was attracted by SLR Stirling Moss, SLR by MSO, SLR HDK and SLR 722 GT Prototype.

McLaren organized a series of events at its McLaren Technology Center (MTC) in Woking, UK, not only to pay tribute to the car but also to the people behind its creation, with several members of the original team still working for McLaren.

Cars appeared on MTC Boulevard with displays showing the evolution of supercars. The event was also attended by enthusiasts from the SRL Club (the global association of Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren owners), along with members of the McLaren team who contributed to the creation of the legendary model.

The story begins in 1999 when the Vision SLR concept was presented, and a year later the SLR concept. A team of former McLaren mechanics from Formula 1 worked on it, and it was also the first hand-assembled car at the MTC (McLaren Technology Centre). The design is closely linked to the Mercedes vision, which has been brought to life through innovative engineering and the use of McLaren’s expertise in carbon composites.

The car is powered by a 5.4 L supercharged M155 SLR V8 engine with 617 hp (460 kW) and 575 lb-ft (780 Nm) of torque. power is sent to the rear wheels via the AMG SPEEDSHIFT R five-speed automatic transmission with three manual modes. It reaches 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.8 seconds with a top speed of 207 mph (333 km/h).

In 2009, the Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss arrived on the market, a limited edition variant with speedster styling that does not include a roof or a windscreen. It was powered by a supercharged 5.4-liter SLR AMG V8 engine with 641 hp (478 kW). It accelerated to 62 mph in 3 seconds with a top speed of 217 mph (350 km/h).

In 2011, McLaren Special Operations (MSO) announced a bespoke program for the SLR, introducing the Mercedes SLR McLaren Edition. The car features revised bodywork and interior parts, upgraded steering and suspension components and a new titanium sports exhaust.

Last year, McLaren Special Operations introduced the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren HDK (High Downforce Kit), a road-going version of the SLR 722 GT. The car arrives with many improvements, but also a modified variant of the M155 V8 with 680 hp (507 kW).

Source: Mercedes-Benz

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20 years of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
Tuning

Nissan R32 Skyline GT-R with 1,500 HP

There are many car projects in the world that have been more or less successfully completed, and this time we present to you the unique R32 Skyline GT-R. This project is the work of Australian David Anton and the result is a car with an incredible power of 1,500 hp, making it one of the most powerful R32 Skyline GT-R in the world.

The story of this super powerful car was published on the YouTube channel “Larry Chen”. So what did Anton do? He put together two parts from two engines, an RD28 block from a 3.2 liter diesel and an RB26 head, creating arguably the most powerful diesel Skyline GT-R in the world. Then, he installed a Turbo 400 with a three-speed racing gearbox, which sends power to all wheels.

Speaking of the car, Anton states that his R32 Skyline GT-R reaches 298 km/h on the drag track. He could go faster, but he had to let off the gas pedal to avoid being punished because he doesn’t have a roll cage. In the 1/4 mile, the car had a time of 8.5 seconds with a top speed of 257 km/h. If Anton had not had to let off the gas pedal, he would have achieved a time of 8.2 or 8.3 seconds.

When it comes to design, Anton tried to keep it as stock looking as possible. The car is equipped with 15×8 TE37 wheels wrapped in P275/50 R15 GT Street tires. There are also stock brakes from the R32 Skyline GT-R.

Source: Larry Chen via YouTube

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R32 Skyline GT-R with 1,500 HP
News

2023 Aston Martin DB12 Volante

A few months ago, Aston Martin unveiled a game-changing car, the Aston Martin DB12. The car was offered as a coupe, and now fans of the British manufacturer will have a choice, because the convertible version, Aston Martin DB12 Volante, has arrived on the market.

The beautiful design and the fixed metal roof, which has been replaced by a folding fabric roof with eight insulating layers, provides an outstanding driving pleasure during long journeys. At a speed of 50 km/h, the roof can be raised in 16 seconds and folded in 16 seconds. Also, the roof is operational even in headwinds of up to 50 km/h.

The car will be offered as standard with a black roof, but customers can order the DB12 Volante with a red, blue or black and silver roof in combination with numerous body and interior color options. If the car is ordered with special options from the Q by Aston Martin department, then the choice is even greater.

Inside, the new infotainment system with a 12.25-inch touchscreen, which supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, provides a special atmosphere for passengers. There is also a standard 390W sound system with 11 speakers, but it is also possible to get a 1,170W Bowers & Wilkins sound system with 15 speakers.

Aston Martin DB12 Volante is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine with 671 hp (493 kW) and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with torque converter and rear electronic limited slip differential. It reaches 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.7 seconds, a tenth slower than the standard DB12 model. As a reminder, the coupe version reaches 60 mph in 3.5 seconds with the same top speed of 202 mph (325 km/h).

For safe braking and stopping, there are 400 mm front and 360 mm rear discs (standard equipment), while a carbon-ceramic package is also offered, which is 27 kilograms lighter. The DB12 Volante sits on 21-inch forged wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tires.

Aston Martin announced that the production of this model will start soon and that the first deliveries are expected at the end of the year.

Source: Aston Martin

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