All posts by Francis Mitterrand

EV, News

Mini Cooper SE Convertible limited edition

Last year, the British company Mini presented the Mini Cooper SE Convertible prototype, and now comes the news that this electric car is entering production. Obviously, the first reactions were positive, so the British car manufacturer decided to produce 999 units of this car.

This unique and fully functional electric concept car is powered by an electric motor with 184 hp (135 kW) and 199 lb-ft (270 Nm) of torque. That’s just enough to get the Cooper SE Convertible to 62 mph in 7.3 seconds, and when it comes to range, the convertible has an estimated range of 125 miles / 201 km (WLTP).

“At the moment, every fifth produced Mini is powered by an electric motor only, which was an additional motivation to introduce the electric Cooper SE Convertible into the story from April, which will be offered in a small series only to customers in Europe,” said Stefani Wurst Head of the MINI brand at BMW Group.

The car also has a folding roof that can be retracted up to a speed of 30 km/h. It also shares several body components with the electric “hatchback” Cooper SE and has 17-inch rims that are only available with Mini electric cars.

Last year, the company announced that it is seriously considering a new generation of electric Mini Cooper that will be completely different from the current model. Rumors say that Mini will also offer an electric crossover to the market. Whether that will happen remains to be seen.

Gallery:

Mini Cooper SE Convertible limited edition

Source: Mini

News, Tuning

Fenix Camaro based on the 1969 Chevrolet Camaro

Car designer Sean Smith who is known for designing cars for the “Fast and Furious” film franchise and even Rockstar Games, the creator of the game “Grand Theft Auto”. He was recently commissioned to modify an old 1969 Chevrolet Camaro. The result is a masterpiece, the Fenix Camaro.

The car Inspired by Aston Martin, Bentley and Porsche cars, it was ordered by Michael Shields, who agreed with Smith for a sporty GT concept, as well as a drastic increase in power. In the construction, some parts were borrowed from the Corvette model, while a modified RS Fast Track suspension, a unique front and rear part, a special grille, a splitter, a rear diffuser, a rear spoiler made using a 3D printer, 355 mm brake discs with six-piston calipers, and two-piece HRE wheels.

Inside, a complete reconstruction was done thanks to 3D scanning for the needs of creating the dashboard, door panels, center console, and everything is covered in leather.

When it comes to the powertrain, the Fenix Camaro is powered by a 1,180 hp (868 kW) supercharged 7.0L LS V8 engine, tuned by Wegner Motorsports. The engine is paired with a 6-speed Tremac gearbox.

Gallery:

Fenix Camaro based on the 1969 Chevrolet Camaro

Source: Sean Smith

Auctions, News

2023 Alfa Romeo F1 car is up for auction

After the new F1 car was unveiled last week, Alfa Romeo announced that one of the cars used at the launch will be auctioned. The C43 car will come with autographs by current Alfa Romeo team drivers.

This is not a rule, to sell the car before the start of the official Formula 1 season. This means that the new C43 will become unique after it is sold at auction. Until now, cars were auctioned during the season or at the end of the season.

The car has the same dimensions as the original racing cars that will be used in the races. All parts of the car are made of carbon fiber, and were created in the same production processes as the original Formula 1 car. It should be noted that the car does not have an engine nor can it be installed because the chassis does not allow it. Also, it does not have any other mechanism that allows it to move, so it is only for exhibitions.

Regardless of all the shortcomings that the Alfa Romeo Formula 1 car has, we are sure that there will be no shortage of interested buyers. The auction ends on February 21st and the current highest bid is £102,000.00.

Gallery:

2023 Alfa Romeo F1 car is up for auction

Source: F1 Authentics