All posts by Francis Mitterrand

News

2023 McLaren Artura GT4

A few days ago McLaren unveiled its new model, the Artura GT4. It is the racing successor to the 570S GT4 with impressive performance and significantly less weight than the rest of the McLaren range. It will have its premiere at the Goodwood Festival of Speed ​​which will take place from June 23-26.

When designing the Arthur GT4, McLaren focused primarily on the weight of the car. It is lighter than its predecessor, which was contributed by the transition from V8 to non-hybrid V6 engine. Also, instead of a battery, the Artura GT4 is equipped with a 110-liter fuel cell, as well as an auxiliary propulsion system. McLaren claims that the weight is still low and in the center due to better balance. The eight-speed automatic transmission has been replaced by a new 7-speed transmission with a shorter gear range.

The more aggressive aerodynamic body kit provides greater downforce compared to its predecessor, the 570S GT4. This includes a new front splitter and a new rear wing with seven levels to adjust so the car can adapt to different types of tracks. The driver’s seat and adjustable pedals are taken from the 720S GT3, and McLaren claims it’s as safe as this model.

When it comes to price, the new McLaren Artura GT4 costs £ 200,000.

Source: McLaren

News, Tuning

Mercedes-Maybach GLS with 820 HP

Lately, Mansory has been paying more attention to Mercedes cars. Such is the case with the new project, based on the luxury Mercedes-Maybach GLS, which brings certain design changes but also 820 hp.

The GLS got a new front grille with integrated front lip spoiler, as well as new LED daytime running lights. The design of the radiator grille has remained the same, but there is the option of dimming or carbon finishing. There are also new sills, a rear diffuser and a redesigned rear bumper, but also a bull bar at the front and a ram protection at the rear. The side mirror housings are also made of carbon.

Inside, the seats are upholstered in beige leather, which dominates the rest of the interior as well. There are also 3D leather embossing and carbon applications (on request), a new steering wheel made in a combination of leather and carbon, as well as other carbon details.

When it comes to powertrain, the upgraded Mercedes-Maybach GLS is powered by a 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine with 820 hp (603 kW) and 723 lb-ft (980 Nm) of torque. It reaches 62 mph in 4.4 seconds with a limited top speed of 186 mph (300 km / h). It is mounted on 24 inch forged high gloss wheels type V.6.

Source: Mansory

News

Germany refuses to apply EU regulation on internal combustion engines

The EU is working to reduce CO2 emissions as much as possible, and a decision passed by the European Parliament in early June bans the sale of vehicles with internal combustion engines from 2035. The decision applies to new vehicles, and not all countries agree with it. Germany was the first country to refuse to implement it.

German Finance Minister Christian Lindner said the ban on cars with internal combustion engines was bad and would not be implemented by the German government. The decision was made without consulting the member states.

The European Union plans to reduce CO2 emissions by half by the end of the decade, and by 2035 completely. This should not have a big impact on car manufacturers as most of them plan to fully electrify their models by the end of the decade. However, there are also those who have decided to continue producing vehicles with ICE, such as Porsche.

2020 Porsche 911

Many Porsche models are already in the process of partial or full electrification, but it seems that the legendary 911 could be saved from that. A Porsche 911 without a petrol engine would not be the same, and the company seems to be aware of that as well. According to recent reports, Porsche is investing an additional $ 75 million in increasing synthetic fuel production. The company believes that synthetic fuels will sustain internal combustion engines for years to come, at least when it comes to special cars.

Whether other countries will follow the decision of the German government remains to be seen.

Source: Reuters