All posts by Francis Mitterrand

News

McLaren 720S Spider controlled by head movements and breath

This year’s Goodwood Speed ​​Festival, in addition to the premiere of new cars, also brought some technological innovations. Former Indy Racing League driver Samuel Schmidt controlled the McLaren 720S Spider with head movements and breath. This is the first time anyone has used this type of technology at this event.

Thanks to Arrow Electronic, the 2021 McLaren 720S Spider has been adapted for Samuel Schmidt who, after an accident in 2000, became quadriplegic. He controlled the acceleration and braking of the car by inhaling and exhaling through a “sip-and-puff” device. The car was equipped with infrared cameras that monitored its movements. Also, the driver wore a semi-autonomous SAM Suit exoskeleton to help him walk.

New mobility solutions can restore a certain level of autonomy to those who for some reason are unable to drive a vehicle. Level 3 autonomy is already on public roads, but we will wait a few more years for fully autonomous vehicles with Level 5 autonomy. It is not yet known exactly what the role of Arrow technology will be in the future.

The company also plans to launch races with self-driving technology, and as things stand now this could soon become a reality.

Source: Goodwood Speed ​​Festival

News

2023 Porsche 963 LMDh

At the Goodwood Speed ​​Festival, held last weekend, Porsche unveiled a new race car prototype, the Porsche 963. The Porsche 963 will compete in next season’s WEC (World Endurance Championship) and will have its premiere at 24 Hours of Daytona.

Last year, Porsche spread a story about the LMDh prototype that will be developed in collaboration with Multimatic. After a series of tests and over 6,000 kilometers, the appearance of the Porsche 963 was finally discovered. The car has a large rear wing with LED lights on the sides, an LED light bar, large wheel arches and Michelin Pilot Sport tires.

“In the first half of this year, the 963 covered almost 8,000 test kilometers. We are well on our way to the set goals, but we still have a lot of work to do before the start of the new season in which fierce competition awaits us,” said Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President of Porsche Motorsport.

When it comes to powertrain, the LMDh is powered by a 4.6-liter turbocharged V8 engine that, combined with an electric motor, delivers a total power of 670 hp (493 kW). These may not be large numbers, but according to current regulations, the engine power must not exceed 680 hp (500 kW).

The new Porsche Penske Motorsport team will compete in the FIA ​​WEC and IMSA championships with two cars that fit the norms of the LMDh class. Porsche has revealed that the 963 will be offered to other private teams as early as next season.

Source: Porsche

News

Citroen My Ami Buggy sold out in less than 18 minutes

Late last year, Citroen unveiled its new My Ami Buggy concept vehicle. Its production started last week, and all 50 cars were sold in record time.

This small car is intended exclusively for the French market. The first copies of the Citroen My Ami Buggy should reach their owners in early September.

My Ami Buggy starts the engine with 8 hp (6 kW) and is capable of reaching a top speed of 30 mph (48 km / h). It is equipped with a 5.5 kWh battery that gives it a range of 47 miles (76 km).

The starting price of € 9,790 has obviously attracted a lot of attention from customers who are hurried to buy their new “toy”. All planned copies, 50 of them, were sold in less than 18 minutes.

Source: Citroen