All posts by Francis Mitterrand

Future, News

Ford Mustang shooting brake

After the recently introduced seventh generation of the legendary Mustang that brings what it has been known for for more than 5 decades, rumors have started about the design of the “Shooting brake” version of this car. This is unofficial, and the design was done by X-Tomi Design.

This is not the only project of this creative artist. Some of his latest projects are: Ford Mustang Pickup, Jeep Avenger Cabrio, Nissan X-Trail 3door, etc. But let’s go back to the “Shooting brake” version. Although we can’t see the entire design of the car, which certainly won’t delight everyone, let’s take a look at what it offers. The car has Racing Red body color. The front of the car is a standard Mustang design, while the rear features larger bumpers that match the dropping roof design, giving a more muscular look to the rear of the car. We can’t be sure if this project will ever come to life, as earlier this month we saw several sketches of a four-door sports sedan that Ford abruptly stopped talking about.

Recently unveiled Mustang Dark Horse will be offered in two body styles (Coupé and Cabrio). Both versions come with a lot of additional equipment (optional) and a lot of personalization options as well as a significantly changed interior design. This includes higher quality materials and fewer analogies. The old instrument panel has been replaced by an adaptive 12.4-inch display in combination with a high-resolution 13.2-inch display of the multimedia system.

Under the hood will be a 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine with 500 hp (368 kW). Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a 6-speed manual or ten-speed automatic transmission. Ford has not yet announced technical data and performance.

2023 Ford Mustang Dark Horse

Source: X-Tomi Design

Hybrid, News

2024 Lamborghini LMDh Prototype

After Porsche and Ferrari unveiled their LMDh endurance racing cars for 2023, Lamborghini has begun development of its prototype. The car will compete in the IMSA Endurance Cup and the FIA ​​World Endurance Championship, as well as the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the 2024 season.

“We will be measuring ourselves against the very best, on the most demanding proving grounds. On one hand, this will give our successful motorsports program even more visibility, but it will also allow us to test future technologies. Our LMDh prototypes will become our most sophisticated open laboratory on four wheels,” said Lamborghini boss Stephan Winkelmann.

Several companies are involved in the development of the racing Lamborghini: electric motor (Bosch Motorsport), power management and energy storage (Williams Advanced Engineering), seven-speed P1359 hybrid gearbox (Xtrac), carbon fiber elements (HP Composites).

The Lamborghini LMDh will be powered by a twin-turbo V8 engine combined with an electric motor with a total power of 680 hp/500 kW (FIA regulations). It will reach a top speed of 211 mph (340 kph).

“With Automobili Lamborghini embarking on a future of hybridization in its road car production, the LMDh represents a specific energy/performance project based on the experiences of the upcoming generations of its sports cars, fully aligning with the Cor Tauri company strategy,” it was stated from Lamborghini.

Source: Lamborghini

News, Tuning

Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 with 838 HP

Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 is the largest SUV, but also one of the most powerful cars of the German manufacturer. However, for those who want more, Mansory has prepared a special equipment kit that brings new design solutions but also more horsepower.

The standard Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine with 603 hp (443 kW) and 627 lb-ft (850 Nm) of torque. However, thanks to a software upgrade, the SUV delivers 710 hp (522 kW) and 737 lb-ft (1,000 Nm), and with an improved turbocharger, a sports exhaust system, a new downpipe and a new air filter, the output increases to 838 hp (616 kW) and 811 lb -ft (1,100 Nm) of torque. Power is transmitted to all wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission.

The Mansory equipment kit includes a carbon body, a carbon hood, a front lip spoiler, two different models of the rear diffuser, fender extensions, a roof spoiler, and a black or chrome bumper.

The luxurious interior of the standard three-row GLS 63 is decorated with wooden and chrome accessories, as well as seats covered in soft leather, which can also be seen on the dashboard and door panels. However, Mansory offers customization of the interior of the car, with leather and velour floor mats and trunk mats included.

Source: Mansory