All posts by Francis Mitterrand

EV, News

2024 Ram 1500 Revolution Concept

January 7, 2023 Francis Mitterrand

Rumors of an electric Ram pickup started three years ago, and now the Ram 1500 Revolution BEV concept has finally premiered at this year’s CES. It’s a concept, so the company hasn’t revealed all the details about the performance.

The 1500 Revolution Concept uses the Stellantis STLA body-on-chassis architecture. It’s equipped with 24-inch wheels with illuminated RAM trim covers, but the wide fenders also provide enough room for 35-inch off-road tires.

For now, it is known that the 1500 Revolution Concept is powered by two electric motors, one on each axle located in the electric drive module. These modules are designed to accommodate a range of engines, with Ram hinting at “high performance engines” and AWD. It is equipped with an 800-volt DC system that enables fast charging with a power of up to 350 kW. A 10-minute charge provides 160 kilometers of range.

Inside, the Revolution Concept can be customized for an additional four inches of legroom without changing the chassis size compared to current production models. Additional work space or even more seating can be provided thanks to the modular “Ram Track” system, whereby seats and consoles can be easily moved to the floor. A special atmosphere in the cabin is provided by the electrochromatic glass roof, which can be adjusted to let in as much light as you want.

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Source: RAM

EV, News

2023 Peugeot Inception Concept

January 7, 2023 Francis Mitterrand

At this year’s CES, many car makers took the opportunity to present their new concepts and cars, such as the French manufacturer Peugeot, which premiered the Inception Concept. It is an electric car that will be the basis for future models whose arrival is expected at the beginning of 2025.

The car is based on Stellantis’ STLA Large platform, with a length of 5 meters and a height of 1.34 meters. One of the biggest features of Inception’s design is the glass, which has an area of as much as 7.25 square meters. Peugeot uses Narima glass, which has undergone a metal oxide treatment that was originally designed to coat the helmet visors for NASA astronauts. It gives the windows a yellow tint while maintaining their thermal qualities. This advanced technology will be used in cars from 2025 and it is part of the company’s long-term plan to become the leading electric brand by the end of the decade.

Inception features a next-generation i-Cockpit with a new Hypersquare control system that replaces mechanical controls with a drive-by-wire control system. The centerpiece of the technology is the rectangular steering wheel that we see in video games. Various vehicle controls such as climate and radio volume are accessible just by moving your thumb and keeping your hand on the steering wheel. Thanks to this, the cockpit is transformed from a space intended for the driver to a space oriented to comfort. So in the Inception Hypersquare, the steering wheel can be retracted, while the control panel can be hidden to create a more comfortable cabin. The car also has level 4 autonomous driving thanks to STLA AutoDrive technology.

It is powered by two electric motors with almost 680 hp, and has AWD. That’s enough power to reach 62 mph (100 km/h) in less than three seconds. It uses 800 Volt technology, has a large 100 kWh battery and offers a range of up to 800 kilometers with a single charge. Thanks to its induction charging system, the battery can be recharged to offer a new 150 km of range in just five minutes.

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Source: Peugeot

Auctions, News

2001 Ferrari 550 Barchetta Pininfarina is up for auction

January 6, 2023 Francis Mitterrand

In 1996, Ferrari unveiled the Ferrari 550 Maranello, and four years later, the Maranello-based company introduced a limited roadster edition of this model, the Ferrari 550 Barchetta Pininfarina. It was produced for two years (2000 – 2001) and 448 units left the production line. One of them, a 2001 Ferrari 550 Barchetta Pininfarina, is up for auction.

Ferrari 550 Barchetta Pininfarina is powered by a 5.5L Tipo F133C quad-cam V12 engine with 485 hp (357 kW) and 420 lb-ft (570 Nm) of torque. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a 6-speed manual gearbox and a limited-slip differential. It is mounted on multi-piece 18″ Speedline wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires.

This car is finished in Rosso Corsa, has been properly maintained and is in good condition. It is equipped with a quad-exit exhaust, Pininfarina badges on the quarter panels, enamel Scuderia Ferrari fender shields, red-painted calipers over cross-drilled rotors at each corner, fender vents, and a hood scoop.

Inside, the adjustable carbon fiber seats are covered in tan leather, which covers the door panels, the lower part of the dashboard and the center console. The rest of the dashboard is covered by black leather and Alcantara. The three-spoke steering wheel is wrapped in black leather. Additional equipment includes power windows, Ferrari-branded floor mats, a gated shifter with a carbon-fiber-trimmed knob as well as automatic climate control, and a Ferrari-Becker stereo with a trunk-mounted CD changer. The clock shows 10,693 miles.

The car has a clean Carfax report that shows no accidents or other damage. It comes with a Ferrari Classiche “Red Book,” factory books, a black rain fly, and a clean California title.

The auction ends on January 7th and the current highest bid is $300,000 USD.

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