All posts by Francis Mitterrand

2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STI powered by a Ferrari engine

Two weeks ago the Oregon Trail Rally was held and the Ferrari-engined Subaru was the star of the show. The car is owned by Sam Albert, and a video of the event was posted on the DirtFish YouTube channel.

The owner put the car together by exploiting a “loophole”. The class for four-wheel drive cars allows naturally aspirated engines with a volume of up to 4.5 liters, with no other restrictions. So Albert purchased a Ferrari 4.3-liter F136 V8 in California with 454 hp (334 kW) and 358 lb-ft (485 Nm) of torque. This engine takes the place of Subaru’s 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which delivers 300 hp (221 kW) and 300 lb-ft (407 Nm) of torque. There was enough space to install the engine with minor modifications, while the radiator was moved back for better weight distribution.

Let’s say something about the race. The special stage features different surfaces, initially driven on tarmac and later transitioning to dirt and grass, just like in Relly races today. In order to better experience driving and the track, the camera is placed above and behind the car, not inside. We get the same experience as in a video game, however, the Ferrari V8 engine makes a sound, better than in any game.

Source: DirtFish via YouTube

2024 Audi A6 and A7

Audi has unveiled a redesigned edition of the A6 and A7 models. First, it will be available to customers in Europe and then it will be offered to customers in North America.

For customers in Europe, the new A6 will be available in two body styles (limousine and station wagon), and the practical A6 all-road remains in the offer. The A7 Sportback model, whose body is decorated with a tailgate design, is also quite practical. Audi announced that an additional 12 body colors will be offered for the refreshed editions. Both models received externally changes are noticeable on the bumpers and radiator grilles of both models, and there are also newly designed rims available in sizes from 19 to 21 inches.

The same recipe was used for the sports versions, S6 and S7. For them, the German company has prepared eight new combinations of colors and materials for the interior.

Under the hood, there were no changes. Turbo gasoline and turbo diesel engines with four and six cylinders remain in the offer. At the top of the range is still the 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine with 444 hp (327 kW) and 443 lb-ft (600 Nm) of torque. Power is sent to all wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Audi S6 reaches 60 mph in 4.4 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).

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Source: Audi

Range Rover Sport SV Edition One with BMW engine

Land Rover has introduced the BMW-powered Range Rover Sport SV. The British answer to the Cayenne and other SUVs brings a recognizable body design but with slightly different bumpers, larger air vents and a few carbon details.

Land Rover Sport SV is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.4L V8 engine with 635 hp (467 kW) and 553 lb-ft (750 Nm) of torque. As a reminder, until now Land Rover used a 5.0L V8 engine with 575 hp (423 kW). The new engine is powerful enough to push the car to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds with a top speed of 180 mph (290 km/h).

At Land Rover, they’ve worked hard on the suspension and brakes that need to cope with the performance of the SV, so for the first time potential buyers have also prepared optional carbon-ceramic brakes behind (optional) ultralight 23-inch carbon rims. There is also a limited rear differential lock, but also the best control system ever installed in a Range Rover model. Land Rover points out that the Sport SV is 70 kg lighter than the standard version. It should also be noted that the floor is 25 millimeters closer to the ground.

Inside, the cabin is lined with the highest quality materials. For a better atmosphere, there is also a new 1,430-watt Meridian Signature audio system with 29 speakers and front heated/cooled seats with a massage function.

When it comes to price, the Range Rover Sport SV, which will be offered in the first year as Edition One, will cost around 140,000 euros. Also, the company pointed out that customers will be able to customize their cars with numerous options.

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Source: Land Rover