All posts by Francis Mitterrand

News

2023 BMW M Hybrid V8 LMDh

After Ferrari and Lamborghini recently unveiled their LMDh prototypes, BMW has finally presented its M Hybrid V8 LMDh prototype, which will compete in the IMSA championship next season, and will return to the World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2024.

The BMW LMDh is considered the successor to the winner of the 1999 24 Hours of Le Mans, the prototype V12 LMR. It is based on the Dallara chassis, and under the hood is a 4.0L twin turbo V8 engine with 640 hp (471 kW) and 479 lb-ft (650 Nm) of torque, assisted by hybrid technology. The car will be tested at Petit LeMans, and its first official race will be at the Daytona 24 Hours in January 2023.

The car is covered with foil in blue and purple colors that imitate the natural colors of electricity. There is also a matte black foil that covers the extension under the windshield on the driver’s side, while the other dark surfaces will be made of carbon fibers. The front of the car is adorned with a grille that uses a new technological solution that generates light using a nano-active optical fiber powered by a laser. Between the kidneys there is an inverted ‘Y’ configuration, while on both sides there are twin headlights.

Source: BMW

News

2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost

After the recently introduced 300C model, which was sold out in just 12 hours, Dodge presented the limited edition Challenger Black Ghost that will be produced in 300 units.

Black Ghost is painted in black and represents the sixth (penultimate) special edition of the Challenger with which Dodge will soon end the story with the V8 engine. The inspiration for this model is the legendary black Challenger from the 70s of the last century. The car features an extended body similar to that of the Challenger Hellcat Redeye. It is powered by a 6.2-liter HEMI V8 engine that, with the assistance of a mechanical supercharger, develops 808 hp (594 kW) and 717 lb-ft (972 Nm) of torque. Power is transmitted to the rear axle via an 8-speed automatic transmission. It’s clear that the bodywork of all 300 examples will be black, and there are a few applications with which Dodge looks back on the original model. Inside, the black interior is decorated with leather and Alcantara.

Now, we have to wait for the presentation of the last (seventh) generation Challenger that will be powered by the legendary HEMI, because it has not yet been decided that it will be powered by an electric motor only.

Source: Dodge

Hybrid, News

2023 Mercedes-AMG C63 S Performance

Since 2008, when the first example was produced, the Mercedes-AMG C63 has been the epitome of luxury and power. Now, after more than a year of development and testing, the new generation of the Mercedes-AMG C63 S Performance is finally here.

The previous generation Mercedes-AMG C63 was powered by a 4.0L turbocharged V8 engine, but AMG decided to reduce the engine displacement and the number of cylinders. Now under the hood is a 2.0L inline-four engine that, in combination with a 204 hp (150 kW) electric motor, develops a total of 680 hp (500 kW) and 752 lb-ft (1,020 Nm) of torque. Impressive power pushes it to 62 mph in 3.4 seconds with a maximum electronically limited 174 mph (280 km/h). The engine is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.

It is interesting that Mercedes-AMG presents the new C63 at the same time as a sedan and as a station wagon, with the four-wheel drive system, AMG Performance 4MATIC+. This drive, along with efficient power transmission to the road, also brings DRIFT mode for even more driving pleasure. Along with the drivetrain, active rear axle steering has been added as part of the standard equipment, which is another unique feature in this segment of sports compact sedans.

When it comes to design, the new C63 is more muscular than its predecessor. The car is 83 mm longer, 76 mm wider and has a 10 mm longer wheelbase. It is equipped with a set of 19-inch wheels with standard cast-iron brakes behind, a new rear diffuser, a 61 kWh battery, quad exhaust outlets, panamericana grille, full-width lower intakes. It has wider front fenders and a 50 mm longer front end, making it significantly different from the standard Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Inside, the sports seats are upholstered in black leather combined with a stitching pattern. A wide range of colors and nappa leather upholstery with AMG emblem are available. In front of the driver is an AMG Performance steering wheel covered in black leather, behind which is an instrument cluster that can be personalized with different display styles and individually selectable main views.

Source: Mercedes-AMG