All posts by Francis Mitterrand

EV, News

Lunaz Design turned the Aston Martin DB6 into an electric car

In 1965, Aston Martin unveiled a grand tourer, the Aston Martin DB6, which featured improved aerodynamics and specifications over its predecessor, the Aston Martin DB5. It was produced until 1971, and 1,788 cars left the production lines. One of them recently became electric, thanks to the company that restores and modifies historic cars, Lunaz Design.

The standard Aston Martin DB6 is powered by a 4.0L 6-cylinder engine with 282 hp (207 kW). However, Lunaz installed an electric motor and battery, so now the DB6 has 375 hp (276 kW) and 518 lb-ft (702 Nm) of torque. Other specifications have not been revealed. Lunaz is known for installing batteries with a capacity of between 80 and 120 kWh, which enables a range of between 290 and 402 kilometers.

The owner of this beautiful car is a businessman from Miami. Lunaz has completely disassembled and restored the DB6, and then assembled it to the highest standards. The car is finished in dark gray and is equipped with better brakes, improved suspension and steering system.

Inside, the seats are trimmed in dark green leather made from cactus, while the floor mats are made from recycled material. A new infotainment system, air conditioning and satellite navigation, as well as Wi-Fi connectivity, are installed.

Source: Lunaz Design

EV, News

Volkswagen announces 10 new cheap electric models

A few days ago, Volkswagen announced long-term plans that include the production of 10 all-electric cars for customers on a tighter budget.

According to VW, it will be a compact electric car available to everyone, something like the VW Golf, which is still a popular car. It is said to be built on the new MEB Small platform for electric cars. The same Volkswagen Group platform will be used by models such as the Cupra Urban Rebel.

“With the ID.2all concept in the compact car segment, Volkswagen announces the first electric VW for everyone. The starting price will be lower than 25,000 euros. Electric cars will then be available in almost every segment, and the Volkswagen brand will offer a broader e-portfolio in comparison with the competition, from the basic electric vehicle to the ID.7 electric sedan,” announced Volkswagen.

VW plans to invest 460 million euros in its Wolfsburg plant to prepare for the realization of its plan, which includes the second generation of the ID.3 model, the ID.3 GTX, the Buzz model with a longer wheelbase and the flagship electric sedan ID.7.

When it comes to other brands from the VW group, the Cupra is planned for 2025, a new fully electric car with 235 hp (173 kW) and a range of 440 km. It will hit 62 mph in 6.9 seconds.

Gallery:

Volkswagen announces 10 new cheap electric models

Source: VW

News, Tuning

Manhart MH4 GTR based on the BMW M4 DTM Championship Edition

One of the best tuners in the world, the German company Manhart, presented its new work, the Manhart MH4 GTR. The car is based on the M4 DTM Championship Edition (2016), one of the most popular models for tuners when it comes to the BMW M4/M3.

The MH4 GTR is powered by a 3.0-Liter biturbo in-line six-cylinder engine (S55) with 708 hp (520 kW) and 723 lb-ft (980 Nm) of torque. As a reminder, BMW has 500 hp (368 kW) and 443 lb-ft (600 Nm) of torque. The increase in power was achieved thanks to a remapped ECU and a turbo performance kit that includes a turbo upgrade and the installation of an intercooler by CSF, a carbon intake by ARMAspeed and new MANHART aluminum charge pipes. The performance of the car is not known, but if we consider that the M4 DTM reaches 62 mph in 3.8 seconds, we are confident that the MH4 GTR is a very fast car.

The car is finished in white with numerous carbon add-on parts that give it a sporty look. It is equipped with carbon fiber front spoiler lip, side skirts, mirror caps and rear lip spoiler on the trunk lid, large rear wing, rear diffuser, stainless steel exhaust system with valve control and four 100-millimetre tailpipes. It sits on a set of 20″ Silk Matt Black Concave One wheels wrapped in 255/35 ZR20 front and 295/30 ZR20 rear Michelin Cup 2 tires.

Inside, the Recaro carbon bucket seats and a roll cage were retained, and an Awron display was added. There’s standard air conditioning, parking sensors, auto-dimming mirrors, adaptive LED headlights and navigation.

BMW only produced 200 examples of the M4 DTM, and Manhart did not say what the price of the upgrade package is.

Gallery:

Manhart MH4 GTR based on the BMW M4 DTM Championship Edition

Source: Manhart