All posts by Francis Mitterrand

Tuning

Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe Racing Blue

There are many tuners who are masters of the exterior, but there are few who turn the interior into works of art. One of them is Carlex Design whose latest work is the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe Racing Blue.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe is one of the hybrid SUV models that is powered by a 4.0L V8 biturbo engine with 603 hp (444 kW) and 627 lb-ft (850 Nm) of torque. Power is sent to all wheels via a 9-speed TCT automatic transmission. It reaches 62 mph in 3.8 seconds.

The car is equipped with carbon components such as a new splitter, side grilles, a large roof spoiler, better intakes and an addition on the rear bumper. There are also larger 22-inch lightweight wheels with spinners and Carlex self-leveling logo.

Inside, the seats are upholstered in blue leather with black stripes and blue/black stitching. Blue leather also covers the center console, door panels, dashboard and ceiling, as well as the steering wheel. Carlex logos are on the headrests, armrest and dashboard. Owners of the GLE Coupe special model will also receive a Carlex certificate.

If you are one of those who will equip their car with this package, it will cost you 145,000 euros.

Gallery:

Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe Racing Blue

Source: Carlex Design

Auctions

2007 Koenigsegg CCGT GT1 Competition Coupé is for sale

In 2003, the Swedish automotive manufacturer Koenigsegg Automotive AB began developing its racing car to join the big car brands in GT1 racing. After four years the result was the 2007 Koenigsegg CCGT GT1 Competition Coupé. Only one copy was produced and it is now up for auction.

The development team was led by engineer and developer Dag Bolenius, while the test driver was engineer Loris Bicocchi. The project looked great, but production never happened, and the reason is that two months after the start of test drives, the FIA and ACO changed the rules for the GT1 class. Instead of producing 20 production examples over a period of several years, it was necessary to produce 350 cars per year. This was apparently too much for Koenigsegg and the project could not survive.

This unique supercar is powered by a 5.0L twin-turbo V8 engine with 600 hp (441 kW), paired with a sequential gearbox that sends power to the rear wheels. It reaches 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.2 seconds with a top speed of 371 km/h (230 mph).

With a length of 4,293 mm, a width of 1,996 mm and a height of 1,120 mm, it has a wheelbase of 2,660 mm. It is built from carbon-fibre/Kevlar on a Monocoque chassis. It’s mounted on pristine slick Michelin tires, and the Masters Historic Racing organization has given the next owner the “green light” to race in the Masters Endurance Legends series if he so chooses.

Gallery:

2007 Koenigsegg CCGT GT1 Competition Coupé is for sale

Source: Bonhams

Tuning

Upgraded Mercedes G63

Another upgraded Mercedes came out of the workshop of American tuner Pit26. This time it’s a Mercedes G63 with 577 HP, but as a pickup.

To carry out the SUV’s transformation, engineers at Pit26 cut the SUV in half behind the rear seats, lengthened the chassis and added cargo space, as well as portal axles to raise the ride height by 150mm. They installed Bilstein shock absorbers and springs and 18-inch wheels with Toyo off-road tires located inside new wider arches.

In order to more safely overcome all obstacles on the road, steps, front bumper and undercarriage protection were installed for the purpose. There is also a winch in case the pickup gets stuck, and the example in the photos also has roof racks and additional lights. The car has a carrier for two bicycles, which can also be used to store various tools, axes, shovels and chainsaws. Also, there is an adapter for setting up a mini tent.

When it comes to the powertrain, nothing has changed. The Mercedes G63 is still powered by a 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine with 577 hp (424 kW) and 627 lb-ft (850 Nm) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, and power is sent to all wheels via an AMG speedshift TCT 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission.

It is certain that this upgraded Mercedes AMG G63 will find its way to its owner who will have to pay $385,000.

Gallery:

Upgraded Mercedes G63

Source: Pit26