All posts by Francis Mitterrand

News

2024 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale

After the Alfa Romeo 8C, which was produced between 2007 and 2010, the Italian car manufacturer presented a new limited edition supersport two-seater based on the racing version of the Tipo 33, the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.

The Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale will be powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine with more than 620 hp (456 kW), paired with a ZF 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels. That’s enough power to push this powerful car to 100 km/h in less than 3 seconds with a top speed of 333 km/h (207 mph).

For fans of electric cars, Alfa Romeo will also offer a fully electric version powered by three electric motors with a total power of 750 hp (552 kW) and 996 lb-ft (1,350 Nm) of torque. Also, like the V6 version, it will reach 62 mph in less than 3 seconds and will have the same top speed (333 km/h).

Only 33 examples of this car will be produced (all have already been sold), and each will be hand-assembled at the Italian company Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera, where they also assembled the Giulia SWB Zagato. The good news for rich enthusiasts who didn’t get to buy one of the examples is the company’s statement that the 33 Stradale will not be Alfa Romeo’s last super sports model.

The car’s carbon aluminum body is finished in red, and the company announced that customers will have many options for personalization. In an interior that mimics the cockpit of a jet airplane, Alfa Romeo offers two options: Tributo and Alfa Corse, with plenty of leather, carbon fiber, aluminum, and Alcantara.

Afa Romeo has not announced the price of this super car.

Source: Alfa Romeo

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2024 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale
News

2024 VW Passat

After a long wait, Volkswagen has finally presented the new generation of its business sedan, the VW Passat. From now on, the car will only be offered as a station wagon.

At first glance, the new Passat looks the same as the previous generation, but with a longer body, sharp lines, smooth face, and a full-width light bar at the back. Built on the MQB Evo platform, overall the car looks more elegant than its predecessor.

Inside, the Passat offers more space for passengers and luggage (from the initial 690 liters to 1,920 liters when the rear seats are folded down). Electronically adjustable ergoActive seats with massage and air conditioning functions provide a more comfortable ride over long distances. It is equipped with a 10.25-inch digital dashboard and 12.9-inch touchscreen as standard (15-inch panel as an option), as well as a new head-up display.

When it comes to the powertrain, the VW Passat will be offered in two hybrid versions: a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine combined with an electric motor with a total power of 201 hp (148 kW) or 268 hp (197 kW), and a 1.5 -liter eTSI with 148 hp (109 kW) and 184 lb-ft (250Nm) of torque. The engines are paired with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Also, there are two 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo petrol engines with 201 hp (148 kW) and 261 hp (192 kW) – both 4MOTION AWD, and 2.0 TDI engines with 120 hp (88 kW) and 148 hp (109 kW) – AWD, but also the most powerful diesel with 190 hp (140 kW) and 4MOTION AWD. The engines are paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It comes with a 19.7kWh battery set and a range of more than 620 miles.

The new VW Passat will arrive on the market in early 2024, and when it comes to the price, it will start from 39,995 euros in Germany.

Source: Volkswagen

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2024 VW Passat
Auctions

1998 Subaru Impreza 22B sold for £480,500 GBP

Recently, cars have been fetching high numbers at auctions, especially when it comes to examples owned by famous people. Such was the case with this 1998 Subaru Impreza 22B sold for £480,500.

Subaru Impreza 22B was owned by British driver and World Rally Championship Drivers’ title winner, Colin McRae. Colin died in 2007, and in his career he achieved 25 victories and 42 podiums.

Subaru delivered this Impreza 22B to McRae in November 1998, one of three prototypes of the rally-inspired limited edition model. After that, 399 cars were produced for the Japanese market alone, 16 for the UK market and five for the Australian market.

The car is powered by a 2.2-liter EJ22 turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a factory 276 hp (206 kW). The reason for the small number of horsepower is the Gentleman’s Agreement between all Japanese car manufacturers including Toyota, Nissan, Subaru and Mitsubishi to limit all JDM production cars to 280bhp and 180kmh in order to reduce road fatalities. Subaru modified the gearbox, clutch, drive shaft, brakes and suspension to make the car as close as possible to the WRC model. It has only 11,802 km on the odometer.

The 22B was very successful for Subaru’s WRC team, winning three constructors’ titles in 1995, 1996 and 1997. This most desirable Subarus in the world comes with an aftermarket exhaust system, and the buyer got the original exhaust system as well as the original tires.

Source: Iconic Auctioneers

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1998 Subaru Impreza 22B sold for £480,500 GBP