All posts by Francis Mitterrand

Hybrid

2025 Mercedes-AMG GT 43

A few days ago, Mercedes-AMG introduced a new version of its sports GT model, the Mercedes-AMG GT 43. It is the first four-cylinder AMG GT in history, which will provide the same driving experience as the more powerful versions of this model.

Under the bonnet is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine combined with a 48V mild hybrid system for a total output of 421 hp (314 kW) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission. It reaches 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.6 seconds with a top speed of 280 km/h (174 mph). This means that it is 0.7 seconds slower than the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4Matic with four-wheel drive, which has the same number of horsepower.

If some think that this version is not powerful enough, it should be remembered that the GT 43 has 41 hp more than the SL 43 roadster and 54 hp less compared to the GT 53 model with a V8 engine.

The car is equipped with a redesigned front bumper without the front fascia extension but with larger interconnected intakes, the front and rear fenders are slimmer and combined with smaller side vents, the vertical vents on the rear bumper have been removed, the gloss black diffuser features four round tailpipes, and there are also composite brakes, five-link steel-spring suspension for the front and rear axles, aluminum dampers and lightweight coil springs. Optionally available is the AMG Ride Control chassis, rear-wheel steering system, AMG Dynamic Plus package with dynamic engine mounts, electronically controlled rear differential lock, additional Race driving mode, active aerodynamics for the chassis and yellow brake calipers.

It is mounted on a set of 19-inch wheels. Those who want more can optionally choose up to 21-inch wheels, a rear wing, and high-gloss chrome and black trim.

Inside, the AMG sports seats are upholstered in Nappa leather, but customers can also choose the optional AMG Performance seats. There’s also a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch touchscreen for the MBUX infotainment system. Mercedes-AMG also offers a Manufaktur personalization program.

Source: Mercedes-AMG

Gallery:

2025 Mercedes-AMG GT 43
EV

2027 VW ID.1

In February 2024, chief technology officer Kai Grunitz announced that the German manufacturer is developing a new small electric model, the ID.1, which will be positioned below the electric model ID.2. It is a new and affordable electric car that will cost under 20,000 euros and will arrive in 2027 as a replacement for the outgoing VW e-UP!.

The VW ID.1 is due to hit the market in three years, and is part of VW’s long-term plan that includes the introduction of 10 new all-electric vehicles for customers on a tighter budget. The manufacturer has not yet made a final decision whether the car will be developed on the Small MEB platform used by the current ID models or will partner with Renault using their AmpR Small architecture. The German media state that the second option is more certain and that discussions are underway between Volkswagen and Renault about cooperation on this joint project, with the aim of creating prerequisites for the mass production of a 20,000 euro electric vehicle. However, everything will depend on the costs of production and profit.

In the last few years, Volkswagen has presented several smaller models, among them the ID.Life, a “people’s car” concept available for every pocket, with a price of 20,000 euros. It is an urban car that retains simplicity and minimalist appearance, which is visible at first glance. No expensive materials. Recycled materials, wood, rice husk and rubber were used in the construction of the vehicle.

“In creating the ID. LIFE, we have consistently focused on the needs of younger customers. We believe that, even more so than today, the car of the future will be about lifestyle and personal expression. The customer of tomorrow won’t simply want to get from A to B; they will be much more interested in the experiences that a car can offer. The ID. LIFE is our answer to this,” said Ralf Brandstätter, CEO of the Volkswagen brand.

At the end of January, Renault premiered the electric version of the model that was the best-selling model in France in the 80s, the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric. Interest in this car is high, as Renault has so far received 50,000 requests. Takođe, Škoda has introduced the prototype of its new subcompact electric SUV, Škoda Epiq. It comes with more passenger space and luggage space, but also with a range of more than 400 km.

The price of electric cars is on the rise and the invasion of Chinese cars, which are slowly conquering the old continent, is increasing. This puts European manufacturers in a difficult position from which they are trying to find a way out. Are cheap small electric cars the answer!?

Source: VW

Tuning

Dartz Prombron Iron Diamond CLV

Prombron Iron Diamond CLV is the latest work of Latvian based company DARTZ Motorz that designs, manufactures, and sells high performance armored vehicles. The car is based on the powerful Lamborghini Urus.

The company was founded in 2009 and Prombron is a series that comes in nine distinct models: Iron Diamond, Iron Xtal, Monaco Red Diamond Edition, Black Dragon, Black Russian, Gold Russian, Aladeen, White Horse, and Monaco.

At first glance, the exterior of the car shows a strong resemblance to the original version of the Iron Diamond that has been around for 14 years. The interior design has not been revealed, but if we consider the interiors of previous models, luxury is inevitable. Therefore, we can expect precious metals and the skin of exotic animals, which is the opposite of the sustainable materials that are very popular today.

This model was created by combining the power of Lamborghini and the elegant refinement of modern engineering. The result is the performance of a sports car, the rugged durability of a military tank and the sleek luxury of a Lamborghini. DARTZ has not announced whether the Prombron Iron Diamond CLV will use the Urus’ 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine with 666 hp (490 kW) and 627 lb-ft (850 Nm) of torque.

The price of the Dartz Prombron Iron Diamond CLV is 2.5 million euros.

Source: DARTZ Motorz