All posts by Francis Mitterrand

1989 Mercedes-Benz 560 SEL AMG 6.0 is up for sale

November 12, 2022 Francis Mitterrand

AMG cars are very popular today, and it all started in 1967 when AMG was founded. Many cars have passed through the tuner’s workshop so far. Now the tuner as part of Mercedes-Benz, since 2005, primarily deals with their cars, and one of them will soon be auctioned. It is a 1989 Mercedes-Benz 560 SEL AMG 6.0 as part of The Youngtimer Collection.

AMG did what it does best, boosted the engine by increasing the volume from 5.5 liters to 6.0 liters. After that, the engine was equipped with a set of proprietary, four-valve, dual-overhead-camshaft, three-piece, sand-cast cylinder heads. Thus, the power from the base engine’s 275 hp (202 kW) and 335 lb-ft (455 Nm) of torque has been increased to 380 hp (279 kW) and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque. Also, the top speed was increased from 155 mph (250 km/h) to 180 mph (290 km/h).

The car is intended for the Japanese market, and is finished in Anthracite Gray Metallic. It is one of the most luxurious and extravagant AMG super-limousines. It is equipped with aerodynamic components, improved brakes, improved suspension. Inside, the seats are upholstered in black leather, which also covers the four-spoke AMG steering wheel. There is also a Sony stereo system as well as white-faced AMG gauges.

The auction will take place on December 10, and the estimated value of the car is $90,000 – $120,000 USD.

Source: RM Sotheby’s

News

Bugatti Mistral is the fastest convertible with 261 mph

November 12, 2022 Francis Mitterrand

When the limited edition Bugatti Mistral, the last to be powered by the W16 engine, premiered two months ago, the company claimed it could reach 273 mph. Not everyone was convinced, but Bugatti decided to show that the roadster was capable of doing it, reaching 261 mph (420 km/h).

With the style of classic cars, the Mistral is also a combination of the Divo and La Voiture Noire models. In the roadster version, with the rear lights in the shape of the letter “X” under which there are ventilation openings, it resembles the Bugatti Bolide. The design of the curved windshield, as well as the double air vents placed on the roof for cooling the engine, are reminiscent of the design of cars from the 30s.

Mistral is powered by a centrally located turbocharged 8-liter W16 engine with 1,600 hp (1,177 kW) and 1,180 lb-ft (1,600 Nm) of torque. The same engine powers the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+. It reaches 62 mph (100 km / h) in just 2.4 seconds, 124 mph (200 km / h) in 5.8 seconds, and 186 mph (300 km / h) in about 12 seconds. Power is transmitted to all wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

In order to reach a speed of 420 km/h, the car must be in Top Speed mode, which changes the angle of the rear spoiler to reduce air resistance. Bugatti claims that the hypercar is still stable at high speeds thanks to the design of its diffuser, which creates a lot of downforce.

The Mistral is not the fastest Bugatti model, it is the Super Sport 300+ with 490.5 km/h achieved at Volkswagen’s Ehra Lessien test track in 2019. But it is still faster than the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse which can reach 408.84 km/h.

The car costs €5 million EUR, and all 99 cars are already sold out.

Source: Bugatti

Motorcycles

2023 AMB 001 Pro Superbike

November 11, 2022 Francis Mitterrand

After presenting the AMB 001 superbike three years ago, the collaboration between Aston Martin and Brough Superior continued and this time the result is the AMB 001 Pro. It brings improved aerodynamics and more power.

The superbike retained the aggressive look of its predecessor, but received more pronounced aerodynamic components such as a new front spoiler, side wings and rear fin. The result is an increase in downforce and better airflow. It is painted in Verdant Jade color with Photon Lime details. This is the only offer for the AMB 001 Pro which carries Aston Martin’s ultra-lightweight label originally designed for the Valkyrie, which is 99.4 percent lighter than standard.

It is powered by a 997 ccm 2-cylinder engine with 225 hp (165 kW), which is 25 percent more power than its predecessor with 180 hp (132 kW). It has a dry weight of 175 kg and a power-to-weight ratio of 1.28 hp/kg.

The motorcycle was designed by Aston Martin and was inspired by the Valkyrie AMR Pro. It will be manufactured at Brough Superior’s facility in Toulouse, France. Only 88 units will be produced, unlike its predecessor which was produced in 120 units. Companies are already placing orders for the motorcycle, while the first deliveries are expected in the fourth quarter of 2023.