All posts by Francis Mitterrand

2008 Volkswagen R32 Scirocco with 565 HP is up for auction

June 21, 2023 Francis Mitterrand

In 1974, VW introduced the three-door model Scirocco, which was produced in two generations until 1992. After that, the car was almost forgotten, and it returned to the market in 2008, but not to the American market. Now, Canadian company HPA Motorsports, specializing in VW and Audi cars, has introduced a special equipment kit that takes the performance of the 2008 Volkswagen R32 Scirocco to a new level.

Given the fact that Volkswagen didn’t sell the third generation in the US, the three-door Scirocco is a rare sight on American streets. However, this example is really special, as it is powered by a 3.2L FT536 twin-turbo V6 engine, from the Golf R32 Mk5, with 565 hp (416 kW) and 550 lb-ft (746 Nm) of torque. This means that the Scirocco is more powerful than the current Golf R. Power is sent to all wheels via a 6-speed DSG gearbox.

The car is equipped with 19-inch BBS wheels, KW adjustable suspension with hydraulic lifting system, Competition Haldex Controller, HPA Motorsport big and powerful brakes, as well as a Reiger body kit.

The total upgrade cost $100k dollars and the car is listed for auction. The auction ends on June 22, and the current highest bid is $55,000.

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Source: Cars & Bids

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2023 Mercedes E-Class T

June 20, 2023 Francis Mitterrand

Although the demand for SUVs is expanding, there are still those who believe that the time of station wagons has not passed. One of them is Mercedes, which presented the new generation E-Class T (S214).

The car now offers more space, a cabin for five passengers and a trunk with a volume of up to 1,830 liters, or from 460 to 1,785 liters with the hybrid version. This was primarily achieved by removing the three-row seating option.

When it comes to the powertrain, buyers in Europe will be able to choose between the E200 and E220d versions, while the E300e plug-in hybrid version will arrive later. The base 2.0L four-cylinder turbo gasoline engine assisted by a hybrid system delivers a total of 204 hp (150 kW) and 236 lb-ft (320 Nm) of torque. That’s enough to reach 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.8 seconds with a top speed of 231 km/h (144 mph).

The E220d version is powered by a 2.0L four-cylinder turbo diesel engine with 197 hp (145 kW) and 325 lb-ft (440 Nm) of torque. It reaches 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds with a top speed of 230 km/h (143 mph). Mercedes announced that customers will soon be able to choose a 6-cylinder option.

The E300e is powered by a 2.0L four-cylinder turbo gasoline engine (204 hp /150 kw) combined with an electric motor (129 hp /95 kW) with a total power of 333 hp (245 kW) and 406 lb-ft (550 Nm) of torque. It is equipped with a 25.4 kWh battery that enables a range of up to 100 kilometers (WLTP).

It is certain that Mercedes will not give up the internal combustion engine so easily, at least as long as the demand is there.

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Source: Mercedes

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2023 Fiat Panda 4×40° Limited Edition

June 20, 2023 Francis Mitterrand

In 1980, Fiat presented a three-door hatchback designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro and Aldo Mantovani, the Fiat Panda. Three years later, the all-wheel drive variant arrives on the market, and on the 40th anniversary of its existence, Fiat presented the Fiat Panda 4×40° Limited Edition.

Almost 800,000 copies of the four-wheel drive version have been delivered since 1983, and Fiat says that this number represents about 10 percent of all 4×4 cars sold in the A segment.

The Panda 4×40° Limited Edition is finished in Ivory color, and is decorated with black side mirrors, red 4×40° markings with the silhouette of the original model, 4×40° badge on the B-pillar and two-tone 15-inch rims. Inside, the Ivory theme continues in combination with red stitching. The seats are trimmed in gray leather and recycled fabric, with 2023 embroidered on the backrest.

It is equipped with automatic air conditioning, heated and electric mirrors, rear parking sensors, light sensors, as well as rain sensors. There is also a 7-inch infotainment screen with DAB radio and support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay systems. The shift lever and the steering wheel are covered in leather.

The car will be produced in 1,983 copies, which represents the year of production of the first model with all-wheel drive, and will be offered in France, Germany, Switzerland and Italy.

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