All posts by Francis Mitterrand

Auctions, News

1987 Ferrari 288 GTO Evoluzione for sale

In 1986, Ferrari unveiled the 288 GTO Evoluzione model with more aggressive and aerodynamic body styling and increased power compared to the standard 288 GTO. The car was made to race in Group B (set of regulations for GT cars used in sports car racing and rallying introduced in 1982 by the FIA). Ferrari’s intention was to produce 20 examples, but since Group B was cancelled, only 5 cars were produced. One of them, a 1987 Ferrari 288 GTO Evoluzione, will be auctioned next month.

The body, designed by Pininfarina, is made of Kevlar and fiberglass, while the rear wing is made of carbon fiber, reducing the car’s weight to under 1,000 kg (940 kg). Chassis number 79888 is the fourth of five remaining 288 GTO Evoluzione’s built.

At the end of 1988, the car was bought by Belgian racing driver and businessman Jean Blaton, and it remained in his possession until 1992, when it was sold to Garage Francorchamps and Jacques Swaters. After that, the car changed several owners before being sold to its current European owner three years ago.

Before the auction sale, the car underwent cosmetic and mechanical work that cost €133,000. The car wears the original Rosso Corsa. Dashboard covers, seat covers, seat belts, door windows, mirror glass, fuel lines, oil lines, brake fuel lines, and driveshaft boots were replaced. Suspension dampers, brake calipers, water pump, both turbos and gearbox were repaired.

The Ferrari 288 GTO Evoluzione is powered by a 2.9L twin-turbo V8 engine with 650 hp (485 kW) and 492 ft-lb (667 Nm) of torque. That’s enough power for the car to reach a top speed of 230 mph (370 km/h). Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox.

The auction will take place from 19 – 21 October 2022.

Source: RM Sotheby’s

EV, News

Electric Mercedes-Benz G-Class coming in 2024

The story about the electric Mercedes-Benz G-Class started three years ago. Then the Chairman of the Management Board of Mercedes-Benz, Ola Källenius said: “In the past, there were discussions whether we should eliminate the model. The way I see things now, I’d say the last Mercedes to be built will be and the G-Class.” Although many thought it wouldn’t happen before the second half of the decade, it seems we’re getting closer to the official launch of the first electric G model.

According to Autoblog, Ola Källenius stated that the electric G-Class will hit the market in the next two years. It is part of Mercedes’ long-term plan that includes the electrification of its models by the end of this decade.

A few months ago Merceds-AMG presented the new G63 4×4², which will be powered by a 4-liter V8 biturbo engine with 585 hp (430 kW) and 627 lb-ft (850 Nm) of torque. The engine is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission that transmits power to all wheels. The company claims that the new G-Class reaches 62 mph in less than 5 seconds, but consumes as much as 20 L of fuel per 100 km, which, if we take into account current prices, will empty the wallet of future owners. When it comes to the price, the car costs EUR 250,000.

Source: Autoblog

News

Tesla is creating an ecological paradise next to the Giga Texas plant

Last April, Tesla opened a facility called Giga Texas that will have the capacity to produce 500,000 vehicles a year. The plant covers an area of ​​250 hectares and currently produces 250,000 vehicles per year. Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced on Twitter that the company will expand its land area after the Giga Texas plant is at full capacity. This area will be called “ecological paradise”, and it is an additional 522,720 feet (12 hectares) that will be open to the public and will have a boardwalk and numerous amenities.

This is positive news for Tesla, as the company has recently been under fire for safety and mechanical problems. Despite this, Tesla records sales growth every year. Last year, the company recorded a growth of 3 percent compared to 2020, and in the first six months of this year, 564,700 vehicles were delivered.

Six months ago, Tesla opened its first plant in Europe. It is a $5 billion investment, with which the company wants to reduce the pressure on plants in Asia and the United States. “This is a big day for the factory and it is another step towards a sustainable future,” Musk said.

At full capacity, the plant will produce 500,000 vehicles per year, significantly more than Volkswagen, which sold 450,000 electric vehicles worldwide last year.

Source: Elon Musk via Twitter