All posts by Francis Mitterrand

News, Tuning

Ferrari SF90 Stradale with new equipment kit

While Ferrari is intensively preparing the new SF90 Stradale, which is hidden behind the name Versione Speciale, and will be optimized for use on the track, the German tuning company Novitec made an effort to equip the current plug-in hybrid with a special equipment package.

The car received a modified suspension and sports springs that push the LaFerrari successor closer to the ground by 30 millimeters. There are also many parts such as air intakes on the wheel arches, roof spoiler, rear spoiler, diffusor, front spoiler lip, duck tail, mirror upper parts, front lid, all made of naked-carbon.

When it comes to the powertrain, Novitec has added a few more horsepower thanks to a modified ECU and a new exhaust system. The Ferrari SF90 Stradale is powered by a 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8 engine supported by three electric motors with a total power of 1,109 hp (816 kW). That’s enough power to push the two-seater up to 62 mph in just 2.4 seconds with a top speed of more than 211 mph (340 km/h). It is mounted on a set of 21-inch hi-tech forged wheels developed in cooperation with US manufacturer Vossen.

By comparison, the standard Ferrari SF90 Stradale is powered by the same 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8 engine assisted by three electric motors with a total output of 986 hp (725 kW) at 7,500 rpm and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque. Power is transmitted to all wheels via an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Source: Novitec

News

2023 Toyota Highlander for Eastern Europe

From the end of the year, Toyota will offer its largest SUV Highlander to Eastern European customers with a new turbo gasoline engine that replaces the previous naturally aspirated V6 engine. The car should offer more excitement to drivers, says Toyota.

The European version of the Toyota Highlander will now be powered by a new 2.4-liter four-cylinder turbo gasoline engine with 269 hp (198 kW) and more than 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque. The engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission that transmits power to one or both axles. The current model is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 295 hp (217 kW) and 263 lb-ft (360 Nm) of torque.

The powertrain isn’t the only thing Eastern European buyers will get in their new Toyota Highlander. The car will be equipped with a larger 12.3-inch display, a new three-dimensional/adaptive digital instrument panel, and the navigation system has also been improved. Toyota will also offer a base for wireless charging of mobile phones as standard equipment, as well as wireless connection with the Apple CarPlay application.

When it comes to the rest of Europe, the Toyota Highlander will be offered with standard powertrain options, a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a hybrid 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine assisted by electric motors.

Source: Toyota

News

The driver received a higher fine for driving an SUV

If a vehicle enters an intersection any time after the signal light has turned red, the driver has committed a violation. In that case, the law prescribes a fine that is the same for all drivers. However, last month an unusual situation occurred when a court in Germany issued a traffic fine that was higher than expected.

The owner of the vehicle received a traffic fine of 150 EUR for passing through a red light, but the court increased that fine with the explanation that he was driving an SUV and not a small vehicle. They also stated that the reason for such a decision is that large vehicles pose a greater danger to pedestrians.

According to ABC News, some studies have shown that SUV collisions with pedestrians at speeds of at least 40 mph (64 km/h) always result in the pedestrian’s death. In the explanation of the verdict, it is stated that the judge determined that the sentence can be increased by up to 75%. In addition, the driver was sentenced to the suspension of his driver’s license for one month.

Is this a new way of setting fines and should SUV drivers pay higher traffic fines?

Source: ABC News