All posts by Francis Mitterrand

News

2023 Porsche Cayenne

At this year’s Shanghai Auto Show, Porsche premiered a redesigned edition of the Cayenne, which is based on the third-generation base of the popular SUV. It is one of the best-selling cars offered by the Stuttgart-based company.

The design remains the same, but Porsche offers several new body colors with this model. There were changes in the cabin, which include a new curved 12.6-inch display of the adaptive dashboard, and in addition to the central 12.3-inch display of the multimedia system, there is also an optional 10.9-inch display in front of the passenger seat. The short lever for operating the automatic transmission is now located between the instrument panel and the central display, near the multifunction steering wheel, which is taken from the electric Taycan. There are also new 20″, 21″ and 22″ aluminum wheels.

When it comes to the powertrain, the more significant is the return of the 4.0L V8 engine in the Cayenne S version, which delivers 474 hp (349 kW) and 443 lb-ft (600 Nm) of torque in the Sport Chrono package. It reaches 62 mph in 4.7 seconds with a top speed of 169 mph (273 km/h). As a reminder, the earlier model was powered by a 2.9L V6 engine.

The base model is still powered by a 2.9-liter V6 engine with 353 hp (260 kW) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque. The Cayenne E-Hybrid is also offered, powered by the same engine in combination with an electric motor with a total power of 470 hp (346 kW). The car is equipped with a 25.9 kWh battery that enables a range of up to 90 kilometers.

The most powerful version of the Cayenne Turbo GT Coupé is powered by a 4.0L V8 engine with 659 hp (485 kW) that powers the SUV to reach 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.3 seconds with a top speed of 189 mph (305 km/h h). It is equipped with special 22-inch rims, adaptive suspension and carbon-ceramic brakes, and the optional Lightweight Sport package reduces the weight of the SUV by 33 kg.

Gallery:

2023 Porsche Cayenne

Source: Porsche

News

2023 Aston Martin DBS 770 Volante

At the beginning of the year, Aston Martin premiered a limited edition of the most powerful car from the DBS generation, the Aston Martin DBS 770 Ultimate. The first example was sold at the Action Innocence Charity Gala for CHF 750,000 (over EUR 761,000). Now the open air version of this model has arrived on the market, with which Aston Martin ends the story with a V12 engine, the Aston Martin DBS 770 Volante. Only 199 units will be produced.

Volante is powered by a 5.2-liter V12 biturbo engine with 759 hp (558 kW) and 663 lb-ft (900 Nm) of torque. It reaches 62 mph in 3.4 seconds with a top speed of 211 mph (340 km/h). Better intake and ignition increased preload pressure by seven percent. Also, the engine is paired with a ZF 8-speed gearbox and a mechanical limited slip differential.

Since the DBS 770 Ultimate appeared on the market, it has attracted the attention of a large number of interested parties. It is equipped with improved steering that is now more precise, calibrated suspension and a stiffer chassis. There’s also a new front splitter, carbon details, windshield frame, side mirror housings and fender vents, new carbon side skirts and a unique rear diffuser.

According to some rumors, all 499 units that Aston Martin planned to produce have found their owners. No doubt the 199 units of the Volante model will be sold very soon as well.

Gallery:

2023 Aston Martin DBS 770 Volante

Source: Aston Martin

News, Tuning

BMW i8 – more aggressive than ever

In 2021, BMW premiered its ultimate new generation car, the BMW i8. It is a plug-in hybrid car, ahead of its time, which always attracts attention thanks to its design. Now, Japanese car shop Liberty Walk has decided to make it even “crazier”.

Almost every panel of the car has been modified. The specially designed body kit includes a new bumper with a more prominent splitter and a pair of wings, a carbon hood, widened fenders, new wider side skirts, a rear wing and a new diffuser. There’s also a set of black Forgiato rims wrapped in Yokohama Advan tires.

The car really looks impressive and its exterior is decorated with a pink body, a black hood, black mirror caps and a black roof.

When it comes to the drive, nothing has been changed. The BMW i8 is powered by a turbocharged 1.5L three-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor with a total power of 369 hp (271 kW) and 420 lb-ft (570 Nm) of torque. It hits 60 mph in about 4.4 seconds. Power is transmitted to all wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission. Using only the electric motor the car has a range of only 22 miles.

Gallery:

BMW i8 - more aggressive than ever

Source: Liberty Walk