All posts by Francis Mitterrand

News, Tuning

6XTM – Audi RS6 Avant with widebody kit

The Audi RS6 Avant is a station wagon with outstanding performance, but there are always those who think they can make any car better, depending on tastes. So the German tuner G&B Design decided to present the 6XTM, an upgraded station wagon with a more aggressive look.

The tuner has prepared a new body kit for the Audi RS6 Avant, which includes specially made parts that increase the size of the car by eight centimeters. New engine hood, new front grille, lip spoiler, sills, rear apron, rear spoiler, side extensions and more, are just some of the parts that make the look of the caravan more aggressive. Also, there is a new set of Jager rims measuring 21×12, and the tuner named its creation 6XTM.

G&B Design did not change the performance of the RS6 Avant. The car is still powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with 591 hp (435 kW) at 6250 rpm and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque. That’s quite enough for a family car, which reaches 62 mph in 3.7 seconds with a top speed of 156 mph (251 km / h). Power is transmitted to all wheels via 8-speed automatic transmission.

Source: G&B Design

News

McLaren 720S Spider controlled by head movements and breath

This year’s Goodwood Speed ​​Festival, in addition to the premiere of new cars, also brought some technological innovations. Former Indy Racing League driver Samuel Schmidt controlled the McLaren 720S Spider with head movements and breath. This is the first time anyone has used this type of technology at this event.

Thanks to Arrow Electronic, the 2021 McLaren 720S Spider has been adapted for Samuel Schmidt who, after an accident in 2000, became quadriplegic. He controlled the acceleration and braking of the car by inhaling and exhaling through a “sip-and-puff” device. The car was equipped with infrared cameras that monitored its movements. Also, the driver wore a semi-autonomous SAM Suit exoskeleton to help him walk.

New mobility solutions can restore a certain level of autonomy to those who for some reason are unable to drive a vehicle. Level 3 autonomy is already on public roads, but we will wait a few more years for fully autonomous vehicles with Level 5 autonomy. It is not yet known exactly what the role of Arrow technology will be in the future.

The company also plans to launch races with self-driving technology, and as things stand now this could soon become a reality.

Source: Goodwood Speed ​​Festival

News

2023 Porsche 963 LMDh

At the Goodwood Speed ​​Festival, held last weekend, Porsche unveiled a new race car prototype, the Porsche 963. The Porsche 963 will compete in next season’s WEC (World Endurance Championship) and will have its premiere at 24 Hours of Daytona.

Last year, Porsche spread a story about the LMDh prototype that will be developed in collaboration with Multimatic. After a series of tests and over 6,000 kilometers, the appearance of the Porsche 963 was finally discovered. The car has a large rear wing with LED lights on the sides, an LED light bar, large wheel arches and Michelin Pilot Sport tires.

“In the first half of this year, the 963 covered almost 8,000 test kilometers. We are well on our way to the set goals, but we still have a lot of work to do before the start of the new season in which fierce competition awaits us,” said Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President of Porsche Motorsport.

When it comes to powertrain, the LMDh is powered by a 4.6-liter turbocharged V8 engine that, combined with an electric motor, delivers a total power of 670 hp (493 kW). These may not be large numbers, but according to current regulations, the engine power must not exceed 680 hp (500 kW).

The new Porsche Penske Motorsport team will compete in the FIA ​​WEC and IMSA championships with two cars that fit the norms of the LMDh class. Porsche has revealed that the 963 will be offered to other private teams as early as next season.

Source: Porsche