All posts by Francis Mitterrand

Tuning

Manhart MH3 400d based on the BMW M340d

The German tuner company Manhart is one of the best, if not the best, when it comes to BMW cars. Their latest work is the Manhart MH3 400d based on the BMW M340d.

MH3 400d is powered by a 3.0-Liter 6-cylinder biturbo diesel engine (B57) with 380 hp (279 kW) and 568 lb-ft (770 Nm) of torque. This was achieved thanks to the MHtronik Powerbox. It is equipped with a new stainless steel exhaust system with valve control, 4 x 90 mm MANHART carbon tailpipes, tuned suspension, H&R lowering springs that reduce the height of the car by 40 mm. As a reminder, the standard BMW M340d has 340 hp (250 kW) and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) of torque. Power is sent to all wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Despite the fact that the percentage of new cars sold in Europe powered by turbodiesel engines has been decreasing over the last few years, it still cannot be said that the time of diesel engines has passed, which is the official position of the management structures of several German car companies.

The car is finished in black, which is standard for most Manhart cars, with one gray stripe running the entire length of the vehicle and two side gray stripes. It is equipped with M Performance carbon front spoiler, rear spoiler, rear diffuser, and Manhart decal set. It sits on Silk Matt Black Concave One 20″ wheels wrapped in 255/30 ZR20 front and 275/30 ZR20 rear Hankook tires.

Source: Manhart

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Manhart MH3 400d based on the BMW M340d
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Nichols Cars N1A based on the McLaren M1A

In 1963, McLaren introduced its mid-engined Group 7 sports prototype race car, the McLaren M1A. It was McLaren’s first self-designed and developed sports car, which has now received its road version, the Nichols Cars N1A, thanks to the Nichols Cars company.

This limited edition car will be produced in just 100 units, and the first 15 cars will be numbered to honor the 15 victories of the legendary McLaren MP4/4 F1 car. It was one of the most successful Formula One car designs of all time.

The car is extremely light, weighing only 900 kg, thanks to the use of light materials. For example, the chassis is made of carbon/aluminum. Part of the standard equipment is traction control, but ABS and power steering are optional. The design is inspired by the classic Can-Am racing car, but the car is wider and has a longer wheelbase. It is equipped with double wishbone suspension.

McLaren M1A is powered by a 7.0-liter V8 engine with 650 hp (478 kW), paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. It’s mounted on 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires.

When it comes to price, Nichols Cars has not announced how much this car will cost.

Source: Nichols Cars

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Nichols Cars N1A based on the McLaren M1A
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Two decades since the Lamborghini Gallardo hit the market

It’s been two decades since Lamborghini introduced its first production car with a V10 engine, the Lamborghini Gallardo. It was a very successful car with 14,022 units produced by 2013. But it’s story begins many years earlier.

Company founder Ferruccio Lamborghini was thinking about a smaller Lamborghini with a lower price and maintenance costs back in the 70s. The concept ultimately led to the development of a project that became a 2+2 sports car called the Lamborghini Urraco. In the 1980s, the project evolved into the Jalpa model, Lamborghini’s everyday supercar. However, in 1987, a new project called the L140 began with the aim of producing more compact Lamborghinis. Several prototypes were built, all of which had different technical solutions and potential powertrains, including a V8 engine initially, and later a V10 engine which was the final choice.

The first LAmborghini Gallardo was powered by a 5.0-liter 10-cylinder DOHC engine with 493 hp (368 kW) and 376 lb-ft (510 Nm) of torque. It was offered with a conventional (H-pattern) six-speed manual transmission and a six-speed electro-hydraulically actuated single-clutch automated manual transmission. A 90-degree angle was used to optimize the layout of the vehicle, improve rear visibility and lower the center of gravity for better dynamics.

The all-aluminum structural chassis is welded to cast fasteners creating a strong yet lightweight foundation for this supercar. Unlike many super sports cars, the Gallardo offered both reliability and everyday usability without compromising on exciting performance.

During production the Gallardo was offered in several different versions such as Coupe, Spyder, Superleggera, LP 570-4 Superleggera, LP 560-4, LP 560-4 Spyder, LP 570-4 Spyder Performante, LP 550-2 Coupé, LP 550 –2 AD, LP 550-2 Spyder, each of which introduced unique features and technological advancements.

The Gallardo is one of the most successful sports cars in the history of the Sant’Agata Bolognese-based company. It pioneered Lamborghini’s commitment to pushing boundaries, but also laid the foundation for its successor, the Lamborghini Huracan.

Source: Lamborghini

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Two decades since the Lamborghini Gallardo hit the market