All posts by Francis Mitterrand

2022 Porsche 911 GT3 RS has finally arrived

After a long wait, speculation and testing, the 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 RS has finally arrived. It is a road legal sports car that brings new aerodynamic and technological solutions that raise its capabilities to a new level.

The new Porsche 911 GT3 RS is powered by a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine with only 518 hp (386 kW), although rumors said it could have over 540 hp (397 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). It is mounted on 20 and 21 inch forged light-alloy center-lock wheels wrapped in 275/35 R 20 (front) and 335/30 R21 (rear) tires. Three driving modes are available to the driver: Normal, Sport and Track.

The car weighs only 1,450 kg thanks to the use of carbon-fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRP) in its construction. It is equipped with a new central radiator, longer double-wishbone front axle links, significantly larger rear wing, front 408 mm brake discs with aluminum monobloc six-piston callipers, rear 380 mm brake discs with four-piston callipers, adjustable suspension, inlets behind the front wheels , sideblades behind the front and rear wheels to direct the air to the side, a front splitter that replaces the front spoiler, and a large number of other functional aerodynamic elements. Thanks to the new front elements and the large rear wing, the downforce is doubled, which increases the stability of the vehicle at high speeds. The new GT3 RS also has a drag reduction system, which is the first time in a production Porsche.

Inside, the carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer bucket seats are upholstered in black leather and Alcantara with red stitching, while the headrest features embroidered “GT3 RS” lettering. The same combination can be seen on the door panels and dashboard, while the steering wheel, with four rotating controls for individual settings and a DRS button, is covered in Alcantara. In front of the driver is a 14-inch screen that the driver can reduce on the two seven-inch side displays.

With this model, Porsche offers the Clubsport package free of charge with six-point seat belts for the driver, steel rollover bar and a hand-held fire extinguisher. Weissach package is available at extra cost and includes CFRP parts like rollover bar, front and rear anti-roll bars, rear coupling rods and the shear panel on the rear axle.

Source: Porsche

Mercedes-AMG G63 in “Algorithmic Fade”

One of the most popular tuners in the world, Mansory, presented a special equipment kit for the latest generation of the G-Class, the Mercedes-AMG G63, called “Algorithmic Fade”.

The exterior of the car is decorated with a turquoise color that flows from front to back into black, truly remarkable. It is part of the individualization strategy called “Mansory Bespoke” which brings a lot of carbon fiber parts such as a new front bumper, roof spoiler, front lip, hood, air intake housing and other components.

Inside, the entire interior is done in a single color. The front and rear seats, floor mats, door panels, dashboard, steering wheel and ceiling are covered with specially made turquoise Feroza leather. There are also carbon inserts on the armrests, doors and dashboard, while the Mansory logo and lettering are on the door sills.

The standard Mercedes-AMG G63 is powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with 585 hp (430 kW) and 627 lb-ft (850 Nm) of torque. However, Mansory thanks to a remapped ECU, a new exhaust system and a downpipe has increased the power of the engine which now delivers 850 hp (625 kW) and 738 lb-ft (1,000 Nm) of torque. That’s plenty of power to propel the G63 to 62 mph in 3.5 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h). It is mounted on a set of black 24 inch wheels.

Source: Mansory

2022 Aston Martin DBR22

The beginning of the 50s was not successful for Aston Martin when it comes to racing, so in 1953 the company decided to produce a new model of a racing car, the DB3S, which was somewhat more successful. In his honor, the British manufacturer of luxury sports cars presented the Aston Martin DBR22 Concept.

The car is lighter, thanks to the carbon fiber body, but also designed to look much more muscular. Carbon parts such as the new radiator grille with a horizontal slat that runs the entire length of the grille and with two smaller vertical slats on either side were used in the construction, as well as on the DB3S model on which it is based. There are also side vents positioned behind the front wheels, side sills and front lip.

“Where could we go with the surfaces, proportion and form. Combining this approach with advanced process, technology, and materials, we’ve effectively modernized our racing bloodline and created a new pedigree. DBR22 is a hot-blooded, purebred Aston Martin sports a car full of speed, agility and spirit, and a machine that we think will be the basis of many of tomorrow’s icons,” said Marek Reichman, Aston Martin Chief Creative Officer.

When it comes to the powertrain, under the hood is a 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12 engine with 705 hp (518 kW) and 555 lb-ft (753 Nm) of torque. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. It reaches 62 mph in 3.5 seconds with a top speed of 198 mph (319 km/h). It also has a torque-shaping system to optimize power delivery to the road. It is mounted on a set of lightweight 21-inch wheels.

In the development of the DBR22, Aston Martin used advanced technology and materials, such as aluminum, which significantly reduced weight without negatively affecting stiffness. Also, thanks to a series of technological solutions, from the thin side mirrors to the perforated plate under the lights that allows hot air to flow to the back of the car, and in combination with the diffuser, additional downforce was created and thus greater stability of this super powerful car. Some parts are made using a 3D printer.

Source: Aston Martin