All posts by Francis Mitterrand

Porsche is offering a roof tent for its 911 model

We are used to seeing Porsche cars with various modifications and accessories, but some are really unusual. A tent on a Porsche car is not so common, but now the Stuttgart-based company recommends owners to use a tent on their cars.

At Porsche Tequipment, they decided to expand the range of their already rich offer with additional equipment, which includes a roof tent that will be able to be placed on most Porsche models, including the 911. It is not suitable for the GT, Cabrio and Targa models, but it should also be noted that the hardcas on roof reduces the car’s top speed to 81 mph (130 km/h).

The tent is designed so that it does not require the roof racks that we see on most SUVs, and is housed in a Black/Light Gray or a Black/Dark Gray hardcase. The material from which it is made will be offered in two two-tone combinations suitable for all seasons. If you decide to buy it, you should know that with it you get high-density polyfoam mattresses (soon with heated blankets) but also that with a size of 210 cm x 130 cm (82.6-in x 51.5-in) it offers enough space to accommodate two adults persons.

The tent costs 4,980 euros and will be available from November.

Source: Porsche

75 year old driving 2012 Nissan GT-R with 1,200 HP

We all have dreams that we strive to realize sooner or later. Owning a powerful sports car is the dream of every car enthusiast, but there are also those who own one such car without ever experiencing its full capabilities. Such is the case with 75-year-old Barry Bigwood from South Africa who owns a 2012 Nissan GT-R.

In 2015, Bigwood tuned its GT-R, which is now powered by a 4.1l V6 engine with 1,200 hp (883 kW). As a reminder, the base GT-R is powered by a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine with 530 hp (390 kW) @ 6,400 rpm and 448 lb-ft (607 Nm) of torque. The engine is paired with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The fact that it was faster than the Bugatti in the acceleration race shows how powerful this GT-R is. Although he has never driven the Nissan GT-R in its full power, 75-year-old Bigwood decided to do so on the runway at Uppington Airport.

He traveled 800 kilometers to Uppington Airport. On an empty runway five kilometers long, he achieved his dream driving at a speed of 218 mph (351 km/h). When asked how he was feeling, Barry said “I feel nervous, anxious, but excited at the same time. Something that’s been in my bucket list for a long time. I’m very much looking forward to this.” He also said that the next goal is to drive a Bugatti, but one step at a time.

Source: Stefan Kotze Media via YouTube

2023 Jeep Avenger

Jeep is trying to conquer the European market when it comes to electric crossovers. Their new hope is the recently announced 2023 Jeep Avenger, a car intended for younger drivers and ideal for city traffic jams. The premiere is scheduled for October 17 and the Paris Motor Show.

First of all, the Avenger should not be confused with the Renegade, although they look similar. The design of the front part and the size is what separates these two models at first glance. It has a new front grill, thinner daytime running lights, smaller rear lights, and strengthened suspension. “These cars exist in the city, they climb curbs, so their body has to be armored,” said Ralph Gilles, Head of Design at Stellantis.

When it comes to the powertrain, Jeep hasn’t revealed the power of the electric motor. Some speculate that it could be the 136 hp electric motor that powers another Stellantis model, the Vauxhall Mokka Electric. It is known that the new Avenger will have a range of 250 miles (400 km), which will be quite enough for a car intended for urban use.

In the next three years, Jeep intends to release three new models. The first is Recon, which is announced for 2024. It is expected to be equipped with a 101 kWh battery and will have luggage space at the front. The second is the luxury Wagoneer S which will be powered by two electric motors with more than 600 hp (441 kW) and will have a range of 650 km. The third is a compact SUV that will succeed the Compass or Cherokee model and will arrive on the market in 2025.

Source: Jeep