All posts by Francis Mitterrand

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2026 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S 4MATIC+ Final Edition

Mercedes-AMG is sending off its beloved CLA 45 S 4MATIC+ Coupé and Shooting Brake models in the most fitting way possible — with a bold, performance-packed “Final Edition” that merges engineering excellence with visual drama. Available to order now and until the end of 2025, this special edition marks the last chapter in the CLA 45 S lineage before Mercedes-AMG turns the page on its compact high-performance portfolio.

A Proper Send-Off for a Compact Supercar

Under the sculpted bonnet remains the crown jewel of AMG’s compact class: the handcrafted M139 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing a staggering 310 kW (421 hp) and 500 Nm of torque. As the most powerful series-production four-cylinder in the world, it launches both models from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 270 km/h. The engine, built in Affalterbach under AMG’s revered “One Man, One Engine” philosophy, exemplifies the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship and performance.

Power is sent to all four wheels via the lightning-quick AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT-8G dual-clutch transmission, paired with AMG’s fully variable Performance 4MATIC+ system and torque vectoring via AMG TORQUE CONTROL. Whether you’re chasing apexes or unleashing drift mode, this compact AMG leaves nothing to be desired.

Visual Drama with Edition-Specific Details

The “Final Edition” doubles down on exterior exclusivity. Available in either MANUFAKTUR mountain grey magno or night black uni, it boasts eye-catching decals featuring large “45 S” lettering and yellow AMG logos on the mirrors. Matte black 19-inch AMG forged wheels with yellow rim flanges and bespoke yellow AMG wheel hub covers underscore the model’s extroverted character.

The AMG Night Package and Night Package II are standard fare here, blacking out mirror housings, window trim, grille struts and badges. Meanwhile, buyers craving enhanced performance can opt for the AMG Aerodynamics Package, which adds a suite of wind-tunnel-honed features — from an enlarged front splitter to a bold rear diffuser — all in high-gloss black.

Interior: Black and Yellow Precision

Step inside, and you’re greeted by a dark, motorsport-inspired cabin brightened by vibrant yellow accents. The AMG Performance seats are wrapped in a mix of ARTICO man-made leather and MICROCUT microfibre, with contrast yellow stitching and “45 S” embroidery. The same yellow detailing is echoed throughout the door panels, dash, and AMG floor mats.

A special “Final Edition” emblem adorns the centre console, while the AMG Performance steering wheel in Nappa leather and MICROCUT, complete with yellow stitching and aluminium trim, provides the ideal connection between driver and machine. Illuminated AMG door sills with yellow logos and pattern detailing elevate the premium feel even further.

A Rare Opportunity

This is more than just a limited trim level; the CLA 45 S “Final Edition” is a celebration of one of AMG’s most revered compact models. As the automotive industry moves towards electrification and downsizing, it may be one of the last opportunities for enthusiasts to experience a truly visceral, combustion-powered AMG in this form.

With ordering open until the end of 2025 and deliveries commencing upon order confirmation, the clock is ticking for those who want to own a piece of AMG history — finished in black and yellow, and powered by one of the most thrilling four-cylinders ever built.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

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2026 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S 4MATIC+ Final Edition
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Mercedes-Benz Vans Germany Welcomes New Sales & Marketing Head

Mercedes-Benz Vans has announced a significant leadership transition set to take effect on October 1, 2025. Vittorio Braguglia, currently Managing Director of Mercedes-Benz Vans France, will assume the role of Head of Sales & Marketing for Mercedes-Benz Vans Germany. He will succeed David Perdomo Hollatz, who is set to become Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Cars Sales Germany.

The appointment marks a strategic move within the company’s leadership structure, leveraging Braguglia’s extensive international experience and proven track record in both sales and aftersales.

“We would like to express our tremendous gratitude to David Perdomo Hollatz for his outstanding dedication and commitment over the past years and are eagerly looking forward to continuing our close collaboration in the future,” said Sagree Sardien, Head of Sales & Marketing Mercedes-Benz Vans. “At the same time, we are confident that with Vittorio Braguglia, we have a leader for this position who brings extensive and international expertise in sales and after-sales business.”

With over two decades in the automotive industry, Braguglia is no stranger to the Mercedes-Benz brand. He began his career with the Group in 1997 at smart GmbH, holding several roles in the Aftersales sector. Notably, he played a key role in establishing the smart organization in Germany between 2003 and 2007, before taking on senior leadership positions within the Mercedes-Benz network in Italy — including Managing Director for Marketing and Sales and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Own Retail in Rome.

Between 2014 and 2016, Braguglia was instrumental in shaping the Europe region as Director of Aftersales and Retail Operations. His strategic leadership continued in the Own Retail Europe division, which he oversaw starting in 2016. Most recently, in 2023, he took the reins at Mercedes-Benz Vans France, where he has driven the brand’s growth and transformation in a highly competitive market.

Braguglia’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Mercedes-Benz Vans Germany, a core market for the brand’s commercial vehicle division. With an increasing focus on electrification, digitalization, and customer-centric services, the company is clearly positioning itself for continued leadership in the van segment — with Braguglia set to play a key role in that evolution.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

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Xiaomi YU7 Max Brakes Catch Fire on Track – Performance or Problem?

After the SU7’s strong Nürburgring performance and the overwhelming demand for the new YU7 SUV—with 289,000 pre-orders—the tech giant seemed to be on a fast track to EV dominance. But over the weekend, a viral video raised serious questions about the limits of Xiaomi’s performance engineering.

The footage, captured at a race track and quickly circulating across social media, shows the high-performance YU7 Max SUV with brakes engulfed in flames while stationary in the pit lane. With 682 horsepower (691 kW) and 866 Nm of torque, the YU7 Max is no lightweight. But with that kind of output, braking systems must match the performance—and in this instance, they may have met their limits.

In the video, a technician is seen standing just inches from the glowing calipers while measuring temperatures. The reading: a staggering 619°C. Flames visibly lick the wheel wells, prompting immediate concern from enthusiasts and experts alike.

Xiaomi was quick to respond, attributing the dramatic display to “organic materials in the brake linings.” According to the company, temperatures above 600°C are “completely normal” under extreme conditions and do not affect brake functionality. They also pointed fingers at improper brake usage by the test driver.

The YU7 Max is fitted with a regenerative braking system tied to its “Master Mode”, a setting that enables deceleration of up to 0.2 G using energy recovery alone. When used correctly, this mode minimizes reliance on conventional brakes. However, Xiaomi claims that in this particular case, the driver failed to engage regenerative braking effectively, putting full stress on the traditional system—especially significant given the vehicle’s 2 to 3-ton mass.

Yet, this isn’t the first time Xiaomi has faced questions about its braking systems. Late last year, two SU7 sedans were involved in serious accidents after alleged total brake failure, reportedly due to the use of components not designed for high-stress, high-speed driving environments like race tracks.

So, is this a case of driver error, or an early warning of deeper engineering concerns?

With the EV market growing increasingly competitive, Xiaomi’s ability to balance performance, safety, and reliability will be critical. The company has captured the public’s imagination with sleek designs and impressive specs—but real-world durability and trustworthiness remain the ultimate test.

For now, Xiaomi insists the YU7 Max is performing as expected. But for performance enthusiasts and everyday buyers alike, brakes on fire—even in testing—are hard to ignore.

Source: 快看新聞 via YouTube