All posts by Francis Mitterrand

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Armored Land Rover Defender

April 24, 2023 Francis Mitterrand

The South African company Armormax specializes in armored luxury vehicles and their latest work is the Land Rover Defender. It is an extraordinary SUV that, due to its dimensions and configuration, is suitable for modifications of this type.

Armormax offered two levels B4 level and B6. The B4 level of protection will stop bullets fired from all handguns, as well as fire from other weapons commonly used during carjacking. The B6 level is significantly higher and provides protection against attacks by automatic rifles such as the Kalashnikov AK-47 and Remington R5, as well as protection against grenades.

The exterior look of the car does not reveal that it is an armored car, which is a proof of quality, leaving no impression that there is anything valuable inside. However, the armor did have an effect on some parts. The rear windows do not open, and the armor has blocked the panoramic roof. The third row of seats was retained, which did not compromise the volume of the trunk, despite the new rear partition.

Both levels of protection are available for all Defender versions: 90, 110 and 130.

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Source: Armormax

EV, News

2023 Maserati Grecale Folgore

April 24, 2023 Francis Mitterrand

At Auto Shanghai, which takes place from Apr 18, 2023 – Apr 27, 2023, Maserati revealed a powerful all-electric SUV with a respectable range, the Maserati Grecale Folgore.

The car has better aerodynamics and is equipped with air suspension, illuminated side vents, a new front fascia inspired by the Trofeo model with a grille that is partially closed, a new diffuser, copper brake calipers and copper badges. Buyers can also get the exclusive Rame Folgore package for the exterior, in which case “warm copper tones coexist in the sun with cooler shades of bluish gray in the shadow areas.”

Inside, the seats with 14 adjustment modes and a heating and ventilation system are covered with Econyl (regenerated nylon made from waste such as fishing nets, scraps of fabric and carpets. It has the same high quality as virgin nylon, without the traditional process of deriving it from oil). The details on the dashboard, as well as the carbon 3D details on the center console and door panels are matched with the seats. The driver has at his disposal a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, as well as a 12.3-inch infotainment with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay systems and Intelligent Assistant, as well as an 8.8-inch lower screen and head-up display.

The Maserati Grecale Folgore is powered by two electric motors with a total power of 550 hp (410 kW) and 605 lb-ft (820 Nm) of torque. It is equipped with a 105 kwh battery that enables a range of 500 km, and 400V technology that supports 150 kW DC fast charging. The battery is charged from 20 to 80 percent capacity in 29 minutes. The driver can choose between three driving modes: GT, Sport, Off-Road and Max Range. It reaches 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.1 seconds with a top speed of 220 km/h.

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Source: Maserati

News

2023 Hongqi L5 – the most luxurious and expensive Chinese car

April 23, 2023 Francis Mitterrand

The new Hongqi L5 was premiered at the Shanghai Auto Show. It is the most luxurious and expensive Chinese car that looks like a presidential limousine.

The first generation Hongqi L5 was released at the same event ten years ago and priced at CN¥5 million Renminbi (US$800,000). It was used by the former General Secretary of the Communist Party (paramount leader), the current President of China, Xi Jinping.

The car does not differ much from its predecessor, but it still brings several improvements, such as a chrome radiator grille, a redesigned front bumper with new lights, a black lower part of the radiator grille with a central chrome element, an upright front fascia, elongated rear side windows, chrome details around the side windows and additional chrome details on door handles and rims. The company offers the car with a blue and white body.

Inside, in front of the driver is a two-spoke steering wheel, while there are three massive screens on the dashboard. Hongqi decided not to put all the functions in the screen, keeping a few buttons located on the dashboard and along the center console.

When it comes to the powertrain, there isn’t enough information, at least for now. The first generation was offered with two engine types: a 4.0-liter V8 engine with 381 hp (280 kW), paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all wheels, and a 6.0-liter V12 engine paired with a 6-speed TB -68 automatic transmission.

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