All posts by Francis Mitterrand

News

2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost

After the recently introduced 300C model, which was sold out in just 12 hours, Dodge presented the limited edition Challenger Black Ghost that will be produced in 300 units.

Black Ghost is painted in black and represents the sixth (penultimate) special edition of the Challenger with which Dodge will soon end the story with the V8 engine. The inspiration for this model is the legendary black Challenger from the 70s of the last century. The car features an extended body similar to that of the Challenger Hellcat Redeye. It is powered by a 6.2-liter HEMI V8 engine that, with the assistance of a mechanical supercharger, develops 808 hp (594 kW) and 717 lb-ft (972 Nm) of torque. Power is transmitted to the rear axle via an 8-speed automatic transmission. It’s clear that the bodywork of all 300 examples will be black, and there are a few applications with which Dodge looks back on the original model. Inside, the black interior is decorated with leather and Alcantara.

Now, we have to wait for the presentation of the last (seventh) generation Challenger that will be powered by the legendary HEMI, because it has not yet been decided that it will be powered by an electric motor only.

Source: Dodge

Hybrid, News

2023 Mercedes-AMG C63 S Performance

Since 2008, when the first example was produced, the Mercedes-AMG C63 has been the epitome of luxury and power. Now, after more than a year of development and testing, the new generation of the Mercedes-AMG C63 S Performance is finally here.

The previous generation Mercedes-AMG C63 was powered by a 4.0L turbocharged V8 engine, but AMG decided to reduce the engine displacement and the number of cylinders. Now under the hood is a 2.0L inline-four engine that, in combination with a 204 hp (150 kW) electric motor, develops a total of 680 hp (500 kW) and 752 lb-ft (1,020 Nm) of torque. Impressive power pushes it to 62 mph in 3.4 seconds with a maximum electronically limited 174 mph (280 km/h). The engine is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.

It is interesting that Mercedes-AMG presents the new C63 at the same time as a sedan and as a station wagon, with the four-wheel drive system, AMG Performance 4MATIC+. This drive, along with efficient power transmission to the road, also brings DRIFT mode for even more driving pleasure. Along with the drivetrain, active rear axle steering has been added as part of the standard equipment, which is another unique feature in this segment of sports compact sedans.

When it comes to design, the new C63 is more muscular than its predecessor. The car is 83 mm longer, 76 mm wider and has a 10 mm longer wheelbase. It is equipped with a set of 19-inch wheels with standard cast-iron brakes behind, a new rear diffuser, a 61 kWh battery, quad exhaust outlets, panamericana grille, full-width lower intakes. It has wider front fenders and a 50 mm longer front end, making it significantly different from the standard Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Inside, the sports seats are upholstered in black leather combined with a stitching pattern. A wide range of colors and nappa leather upholstery with AMG emblem are available. In front of the driver is an AMG Performance steering wheel covered in black leather, behind which is an instrument cluster that can be personalized with different display styles and individually selectable main views.

Source: Mercedes-AMG

Hybrid, News

2023 Mitsubishi ASX

In 1999, the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance was created, which together sell more than 1 in 9 vehicles worldwide. The 2023 Mitsubishi ASX crossover is an example of component sharing within the alliance.

The new generation ASX will be offered in five powertrain options and several equipment packages. The base ASX will be powered by a 1.0-liter three-cylinder turbo gasoline engine with 90 hp (66 kW) and 118 lb-ft (160 Nm) of torque, mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. There is also a 1.3-liter four-cylinder turbo gasoline engine combined with hybrid technology (MHEV) with 140 hp (103 kW) and 160 hp (118 kW). Power is transmitted to the front axle via a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The hybrid ASX is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor with a total output of 145 hp (107 kW). In the PHEV version, Mitsubishi offers a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor with a total power of 160 hp (118 kW). It is equipped with a 10.5 kWh battery that provides an electric range of 49 km (31 miles).

Each ASX comes with an active safety system, and more luxurious models have an adaptive digital instrument panel instead of the analog one that comes with the base version.

At the moment, it is not known how much the 2023 Mitsubishi ASX will cost, which will reach the first customers in the first quarter of next year.

Source: Mitsubishi