All posts by Francis Mitterrand

2023 BMW XM with 650 HP

At the end of last year, BMW presented the XM SUV concept, and even then the Bavarian company said that it would be the first SUV from the M division. That’s exactly what happened, because BMW presented the production edition of this car.

The BMW XM is powered by a 4.4-liter V8 engine assisted by an electric motor with a total output of 650 hp (478 kW) and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque. Power is transmitted to both axles via an 8-speed automatic transmission. The car weighs 2,700 kg but that doesn’t stop it from reaching 62 mph in just 4.3 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).

Also, BMW announced the arrival of a more powerful version of the XM model that will have around 740 hp (544 kW) and almost 737 lb-ft (1,000 Nm) of torque. This version is announced for next year.

The car is 5110 mm long and has a wheelbase of 3105 mm, just like the BMW X7. It is equipped with lithium-ion batteries with a capacity of 25.7 kWh, which ensures a range of up to 88 kilometers (54 miles) without the assistance of an internal combustion engine and a top speed of up to 140 km/h. It’s mounted on a set of 23-inch wheels wrapped in 275/35 (front) and 315/30 (rear) tires.

Production begins at the end of the year at BMW’s plant in the United States.

Source: BMW

Brabus 600 based on Mercedes-Maybach S580 4Matic

The German high-performance tuning company introduced its new product, Brabus 600. It is a new masterpiece from the workshop of the German tuner based on the luxurious Mercedes-Maybach S580 4Matic.

The Brabus 600 received a subtle body kit consisting of components made of carbon fiber with a glossy or matte finish, such as a front lip spoiler that reduces the lift of the front axle and better air flow to the front brakes and radiator, a rear diffuser with large cutouts for the ends of the sports exhaust pipe system. There are also a lot of dark chrome elements that complete not only the visual appearance but also the functionality. The car is equipped with an adjustable suspension that allows height adjustment of up to 20 millimeters via the BRABUS SportXtra

Inside, the seats are upholstered in Turquoise Blue leather that covers the entire interior of the car, combined with many carbon accents. Leather covers the floor mats as well as the steering wheel.

When it comes to the powertrain, the Brabus 600 is powered by a 4.0-liter twin turbocharged V8 engine with 600 hp (441 kW) and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque. The engine is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission that can be shifted automatically or manually. It reaches 62 mph in 4.5 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h). It is mounted on 22-inch Monoblock M “Platinum Edition” forged wheels.

Source: Brabus

2023 Nissan Z GT4

The new Nissan Z GT4 has arrived on the market. The racing car was created in cooperation between two Japanese companies, Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. and NMC, and is based on the Nissan Z model.

The Nissan Z is powered by a VR30DDTT 3.0L twin-turbo V6 engine with 400 hp (294 kW) and 350 lb-ft (475 Nm) of torque, and the same engine is expected to power the new race car. Although there is not enough information so far, it is known that Nissan tuned the engine, optimized the chassis and suspension and improved the aerodynamics according to the regulations of the GT4 category. Nissan says the Z GT4 race car is “affordable to enthusiasts and top professionals”.

“Motorsports for Nissan is an expression of our passion and unrivaled expertise. The Nissan Z continues to maintain its position as an exciting sports car that fascinates drivers with its driving dynamics and flexible powertrain. We are confident that this track-ready GT4-category Nissan Z will be ready to write another chapter in the Nissan Z’s 50-plus-year legacy of speed,” Nissan COO Ashwani Gupta said at the unveiling.

Specifications will be announced at the SEMA show in the US in November this year, and deliveries are expected in the first half of 2023.

Source: Nissan