All posts by Francis Mitterrand

News

2024 BMW M2 CS and CLS prototypes

Next month BMW will unveil the new generation 2023 BMW M2. It will be the last M2 powered by an internal combustion engine. However, according to Autocar, the Bavarian company is already heavily preparing more powerful versions, the M2 CS and CLS, which have been announced for next year.

The BMW M2 will be powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-liter straight-6 engine from the current generation M4 model that has 473 hp (348 kW) and 406 lb-ft (550 Nm) of torque, so it is expected that the new The M2 model will also have more than 450 hp (331 kW). Power will be transmitted to the rear wheels via a standard 6-speed manual or 8-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission (optional).

How quickly BMW is progressing with the development of the M2 CS and CLS is also shown by the fact that some prototypes of these cars were seen on the streets of Munich. According to Autocar, the prototypes have an M Performance rear spoiler, integrated anti-roll bar and standard tailpipes.

When it comes to the powertrain, rumors say that the M2 CS and CLS could be powered by the same 3.0L engine but with 473 hp (348 kW).

However, we should have more information once the M2 is unveiled in mid-October.

Source: Autocar

EV, News

Volvo starts mass production of electric heavy trucks

Finally, we have entered the era of electric cargo trucks. The pioneer in this endeavor is the Swedish company Volvo Trucks, which announced that it is starting series production of heavy electric trucks.

“This is a milestone and proves that we are leading the transformation of the industry. It’s less than two years ago since we showcased our heavy electric trucks for the very first time. Now we are ramping up volumes and will deliver these great trucks to customers all over Europe, and later on also to customers in Asia, Australia and Latin America,” says Roger Alm, President of Volvo Trucks.

The increased need of users of transport services to switch to fossil fuel-free transport was a good sign for the company Volvo Trucks to increase the offer of electric trucks for three new models, to a total of six. With this, the Swedish company could meet almost half of the transport needs in Europe, from urban distribution, waste disposal, regional transport to construction. According to Eurostat, almost 50% of all goods transported by road in Europe cover distances shorter than 300 km.

Volvo Trucks has sold more than 2,500 electric trucks so far, of which more than 1,000 are heavy trucks. These are still small numbers, and the company expects that by 2030, at least 50 percent of the trucks sold will be electric.

Source: Volvo Trucks

News, Tuning

VW Golf 8 R upgraded by Oettinger

Volkswagen is celebrating 20 years of the powerful Golf 8 R hatchback, and the German tuner Oettinger has prepared a series of aerodynamic improvements for the eighth generation of this model.

The special equipment kit includes a new front splitter, downforce flaps for the front fenders, side skirt set, rear diffuser wing, a new set of light rims and Oetinger brake calipers. The car sits much closer to the ground than the standard Golf R.

Under the hood is a 2.0L turbo petrol engine with 315 HP (232 kW), or 329 HP (242 kW) in the Golf R 20 Years Edition. Power is transmitted to all wheels via a 7-speed DSG gearbox or a 6-speed manual gearbox.

When it comes to price, the package without rims costs 2,785 euros, while the matte black finish costs an additional 1,090 euros. Each component will be available for purchase separately. Customers who order the package before October 31 will receive a 20 percent discount. Oettinger is taking pre-orders for the package, which will be available from the first quarter of 2023.

Source: Oettinger