All posts by Francis Mitterrand

2023 BMW i7 and 7 Series – Price in Australia

The BMW i7 and 7 Series had their world premiere a few months ago, and now the Bavarian company has announced more details and the prices of these models for the Australian market.

BMW i7 is decorated with light elements made of exclusive crystal glass and illuminated contour of the kidney grille, which give a modern look. The interior of the i7 is equipped with a curved display, a newly developed panoramic glass roof Sky Lounge, light and functional strips on the instrument panel and doors that provide better ambient lighting.

When it comes to the powertrain, the i7 is powered by two electric motors with a total power of 544 hp (400 kW) and 550 lb-ft (745 Nm) of torque. The car is equipped with a 101.4 kWh battery that provides a range of 590 to 625 km. Reaches 62 mph in 4.7 seconds with a limited top speed of 149 mph (240 km / h).

BMW 7 Series comes with standard air suspension and automatic electronically controlled shock absorbers. Thanks to the adaptive suspension, the driver can, in Sport mode, raise or lower the car. The front part features horizontally split headlights located in the middle of the bumper and a huge front grille with prominent kidneys, while the daytime running lights are slightly closer to the bonnet. Inside, the Live Cockpit Plus dominates with a Curved Display that integrates a 12.3 and 14.9-inch screen.

Under the hood is a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with 280 kW (375 hp) and 540 Nm (398 lb-ft) of torque. The car is equipped with 48-volt mild hybrid technology. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via an 8-speed Steptronic transmission.

When it comes to pricing, the BMW 740i will start at AUD 268,900 ($185,720) while the i7 xDrive60 will cost AUD 297,900 ($205,774).

Source: BMW

Aston Martin has a new logo and slogan

“A game-changing event,” is how Aston Martin CEO Lawrence Stroll described the $93.5 million investment by the Saudi Public Investment Fund. This was the reason for Aston Martin to change its logo for the eighth time in its more than hundred-year-long history.

“Because we are designed to make people fall in love, to connect with the hearts and minds of our customers, every object we design at Aston Martin has deep meaning and intention and is created with honesty and emotion. As we approach an exciting moment of product evolution, the design of the new wings was no different. Every millimeter of each line – of each shape within the new wings, is drawn forward from the depths of our 109-year Aston Martin creative wellspring,” said Marek Reichman, VP and CCO of Aston Martin.

The new logo will arrive with the next generation of Aston Martin cars, and the design has been handcrafted by artisans in Birmingham. However, the new wing design will be unveiled at Sunday’s French Grand Prix, where Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team cars will compete. The front of the vehicle will feature the old logo celebrating the 100th anniversary of Aston Martin’s involvement in racing.

In addition to the logo, Aston Martin also has a new slogan: “”Intensity. Driven.”

Source: Aston Martin

Porsche will produce a new all-electric SUV

The increasing demand for SUV cars around the world, as well as the results achieved in the last year and the first half of 2022, have led Porsche to seriously consider a new all-electric SUV. This news was confirmed by Porsche CEO Oliver Blume.

In 2021, Porsche sold more than 300,000 vehicles worldwide, and the best-selling models were SUVs, Cayenne (83k cars delivered) and Macan (88k cars), which is an 11 percent increase compared to 2020. 2/5 of the total number of Porsche cars sold were electric models. In the first half of 2022, the best-selling Porsche models were also SUVs.

With the new electric model, Porsche wants to strengthen its position in the SUV car market. “Porsche is a leading player in the sports SUV market and in the all-electric luxury car segment,” said Porsche CFO Lutz Meschke. The car will be produced in Leipzig at the plant where Porsche currently produces the Macan and Panamera.

The long-term plans of the Stuttgart-based company are that by 2030, 80 percent of all cars sold will be electric models. Thus, for 2024, Porsche announced the arrival of the fully electric Macan as well as the 718 Cayman.

Source: Porsche