All posts by Francis Mitterrand

EV, News

2023 Mini Cooper SE Convertible

The British company Mini has announced that future models of this brand will be electric, and the recently presented Mini Cooper SE Convertible shows what their future will look like. It will have its premiere at the MINI Takes the States event in the United States.

The Cooper SE Convertible is the same size as the Cooper S Convertible. Comfortable with enough space for four passengers, and 160 L of luggage space. The car has a folding roof and the driver can choose three options: open, closed and sunroof. The roof can be folded in less than 20 seconds at a maximum speed of 30 km/h.

This unique and fully functional electric concept car is powered by an electric motor with 181 hp (133 kW) and 199 lb-ft (270 Nm) of torque. That’s just enough to get the Cooper SE Convertible to 62 mph in 7.7 seconds, and when it comes to range, the convertible has an estimated range of 142 miles (230 kilometers).

This is not the only news from Mini, because the company is seriously considering a new generation of electric Mini Cooper that will be completely different from the current model. Rumors say that Mini will also offer an electric crossover to the market. Whether that will happen remains to be seen.

Source: Mini

News

The Nissan GT-R rolled over 11 times

Owners of super sports cars or tuned cars, with a large number of horsepower, try to show their performance on race tracks. This can often be very dangerous, especially if you lose control over the steering, as the driver of the Nissan GT-R experienced.

At the recent GT-R Challenge held at Cootamundra Airport (Australia), Nissan GT-R driver Mick Mansour survived a rollover 11 times. He was competing in an acceleration race and during the race the wheels touched the grass which caused the tire to explode at a speed of 168 mph (270 km/h). The driver lost control over the car and the car rolled over. Luckily, Mansour was not seriously injured, and after the race he said that he couldn’t believe that he managed to survive and that he didn’t have any fractures.

The Nissan GT-R driven by Mansour develops 1,500 hp (1,103 kW), which is less than the standard 2,100 hp (1,544 kW) that other cars have. The Nissan was equipped with standard equipment for this type of racing, which includes a roll cage and seat belts and other safety equipment.

The car was not completely destroyed. Some parts survived the accident such as the engine, gearbox and differential.

Source: Motive Video via YouTube

News, Tuning

Porsche 911 (992) GTS with more power

The German company TechArt has prepared a special equipment kit for the Coupé version of the most powerful Porsche 911 from the Carrera family, the Porsche 911 (992) GTS.

A special equipment kit brings a new five-piece front spoiler, two-piece Airframes that highlight the air intakes, new side skirts, a multi-part rear diffusor above which TECHART Aero Wings are located, and a roof spoiler, and for those who want more downforce in the offer is also a large rear wing. There are also plenty of carbon parts such as the hood, sport mirrors and exhaust tips. Adaptive suspension and sports springs allows the vehicle to get 40mm closer to the ground.

Inside, TechArt has allowed customers to personalize the interior. The comfortable seats are upholstered in leather, which is offered in several colors, combined with wool, while the headboard features the TechArt logo. The offer also includes illuminated carbon door sill plates, sporty aluminum pedals, handcrafted TECHART sports steering wheels. Track enthusiasts will love the six-point seat belts and safety cage behind the B-pillar.

When it comes to the powertrain, the standard Porsche 911 (992) GTS is powered by a 3.0L 6-cylinder biturbo boxer engine with 480 hp (353 kW) @ 6500 rpm and 420 lb-ft (570 Nm) of torque @ 2300 -5000 rpm. Now, thanks to improved software, the 911 GTS has 560 hp (412 kW) and 494 lb-ft (670 Nm) of torque. This makes the 911 GTS more powerful than the Porsche 911 GT3 and almost equal to the 911 Turbo. Power is sent to the rear wheels via an 8-speed PDK gearbox. It reaches 62 mph in 3.1 seconds, which is 0.3 seconds faster than the standard model. It is mounted on 20- and 21-inch TECHART Formula V multi spoke wheels.

Source: TechArt