All posts by Francis Mitterrand

News

Porsche Museum exhibited 911 Carrera RS models

This year, Porsche marks half a century since the appearance of the Porsche 911 Carrera RS on the market. It is a great success of the company from Zuffenhausen, which on this occasion allowed visitors to the Porsche Museum to see all RS models, including the naturally aspirated 911 Carrera RSR, which won world championship races including Targa Florio and the 24 Hours of Daytona.

It all started back in 1973 when the Carrera RS 2.7 had its premiere and was named after 356 Carreras while the RS was developed to meet the homologation requirements in motorsport. The car was designed with a larger body that allowed more space for a larger engine compared to the previous 911 models. In order to meet the sporty characteristics, which meant a reduction in weight below 1000 kg, thin steel and thinner glass were used in the construction of the car. All this resulted in the many victories that Carrera RS achieved in the FIA ​​​​races of Group 4.

The exhibition is called “Spirit of Carrera RS” and visitors will be able to see cars from Series 964, 993, 996, 997, 991 and 992. There is also a rare limited edition of the new 911 Sport Classic. The car is based on a 70s model, the 911 Carrera RS, and according to Michael Mauer, Vice President Style Porsche, “The new 911 Sport Classic is the first vehicle to feature Sport Gray Metallic paintwork.” It is powered by a 3.7-liter twin-turbo flat-six engine with 550 hp (405 kW). Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a 7-speed manual transmission. It is mounted on 20/21-inch alloy wheels. Porsche will produce only 1,250 copies of this model.

Porsche 911 Sport Classic - a beast with a manual transmission and RWD

The latest presented Porsche model 911 GT3 RS shows that RS models have a future. It is a road legal sports car that brings new aerodynamic and technological solutions. Under the hood is a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine with only 518 hp (386 kW). The engine is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch (PDK) transmission. It reaches 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.2 seconds with a top speed of 184 mph (296 km/h).

Source: Porsche

EV, News

2024 Mercedes-Benz eActros LongHaul

It took two years for the first eActros LongHaul prototypes to appear on the streets. Although it was unveiled three months ago, the truck was not finished, now Mercedes-Benz Trucks has finally shown the final design of the electric truck that will have a range of 500 km (311 miles).

In 2021, Mercedes unveiled its electric truck, eActros, and on that occasion, Karin Rådström, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Trucks, said: “We have to acknowledge that transport is part of the problem when it comes to climate change. At the same time, we can and we will be part of the solution. We start with our eActros that has covered more than half a million kilometers on public roads. The eActros and its dedicated services are a big step for Mercedes-Benz Trucks and for our customers towards CO₂-neutral transport.” Customers are thus sending a strong signal to all stakeholders to combine efforts and quickly put more and more electric trucks on the road, expand the charging infrastructure and create cost parity.

“We are continuously expanding our portfolio of battery-electric trucks. Our focus is on offering clear advantages to our customers. Therefore, our electric trucks are specifically designed for e-mobility, giving them better drivability, energy efficiency and durability.” said Karin Rådström, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Trucks.

Mercedes-Benz Trucks engineers designed the eActros LongHaul so that the vehicle and its components meet the same durability requirements as the conventional Actros. That means 1.2 million kilometers over a period of ten years. The Mercedes eActros LongHaul will be powered by two electric motors with a total power of 816 hp (600 kW). It will have three batteries with a total capacity of over 600 kWh, which is enough to give the truck a range of 311 miles (500 km).

Source: Mercedes-Benz Trucks

News, Tuning

BRABUS P 900 Rocket Edition based on the Mercedes-AMG G63

Brabus is one of the best, if not the best, tuner of Mercedes cars that this time decided to upgrade the Mercedes-AMG G63. Unlike previous projects, Brabus went a step further this time by turning the SUV into a BRABUS P 900 Rocket Edition pickup.

The car is based on the Rocket Edition Widestar exterior concept, which brings front fascia inserts and a front spoiler made of carbon fiber, side flaps, a carbon front grille with integrated “Rocket Launch” ambient light, a “PowerView” hood, new carbon bumpers, a new rear diffuser, new exhaust system, RideControl aluminum coilover suspension system that allows the ride height to be adjusted by an additional 45 mm.

The dark interior is covered with black leather in combination with “Rocket Red” and carbon accessories. The seats are upholstered in black leather with “Seashell Diamond” stitching and a red Brabus emblem. The same combination can be seen on the door panels. There is also a Panerai Luminor design analog clock integrated into the center console, aluminum pedals and “BRABUS” inscription on the door sills.

Under the hood is a 4.5L biturbo V8 engine with 900 hp (662 kW) and 922 lb-ft (1,250 Nm) of torque. As a reminder, the standard Mercedes-AMG G63 is powered by a 4.0L V8 engine with 585 hp. It reaches 60 mph in 3.7 seconds with a top speed of 174 mph (280 km/h). Power is transmitted to both axles via a 9-speed automatic transmission that can be shifted manually or automatically. It sits on a set of 24-inch BRABUS Monoblock Z “Platinum Edition” Aero-Disc forged wheels wrapped in 295/30 ZR 24 (front) and 355/25 ZR 24 (rear) Continental tires.

Source: Brabus