All posts by Francis Mitterrand

News

Mercedes-Benz Vans will offer vehicles with a combustion engine from 2026

The German automobile industry is trying to get out of a deep crisis, and the development of only electric vehicles does not offer great optimism at the moment. With cheap and far more advanced EVs from China, German manufacturers can hardly cope, so as a solution they continued to offer versions with combustion engines. Thus, Mercedes-Benz Vans announced that starting next year, it will also include light commercial vehicles with combustion engines in its offer.

Mercedes-Benz Vans was primarily focused on the production of all-electric vehicles, but reality forced the company to follow the wishes of customers who are increasingly choosing models with a combustion engine. Their previous vehicles were based on the VAN.EA platform (Van Electric Architecture) and now Mercedes says they will develop a new VAN.CA (Van Combustion Architecture) platform. Both platforms will share almost 70% of components, which enables the production of vehicles on the same line, but also reduces costs.

With this change in strategy, Mercedes-Benz Vans strives to secure a better position in the future on the European market as well as easier adaptability to customer wishes.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

Tuning

Manhart TR 950 is a Porsche 911 GT2 RS with 966 HP

The Porsche 911 GT2 RS is considered one of the best models from the 992 generation, but that didn’t stop the experts at Manhart from making it even better. This is the Manhart TR 950, with impressive performance and more power.

The 911 GT2 RS is powered by a 3.8-liter six-cylinder boxer engine with 700 hp and 750 Nm, which is more than impressive, but now with the combination of a remapped ECU and a mapswitch with a turbo performance kit, the power goes up to 966 hp (720 kW) and 800 lb-ft (1,090 Nm) of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox (PDK), upgraded with adapted software and a reinforced MANHART clutch by Dodson.

The turbo performance kit includes larger TTH turbochargers, an upgraded radiator, an aluminum MANHART IPD manifold, a new water intercooler by MANTHEY, and MANHART Downpipes Sport with 200-cell HJS catalytic converters.

The car also received add-on parts by DB Carbon made from high-quality carbon fiber composite material, which includes a front spoiler with side extensions, aero flics for increased downforce, frames for the air intakes in the front, side skirts, inserts for the air intakes in front of the rear axle and a diffuser with side extension plates. There’s also MANTHEY-KW coilover suspension, 21″ and 22″ MANHART Forged Line wheels in a classic gloss black finish wrapped in 255/30ZR21 front and 335/25ZR22 rear Continental SportContact 7 tires. Manhart also offers individual color customization on request.

Of course, Manhart has not forgotten about aesthetics, so the TR 950 is equipped with a decorative set standard for all Manhart projects with gray lettering and stripes.

Source: Manhart

Gallery:

Manhart TR 950 is a Porsche 911 GT2 RS with 966 HP
News

BP built its first EV charging hub in the UK

Last year, Shell announced plans to replace oil stations with electric charging stations to meet the growing number of electric vehicles on the road. Another British oil company, BP (British Petroleum), followed the same path and installed five ultra-fast chargers of 300 kW in Cromwell Road in the western part of London, with the capacity to charge 10 cars simultaneously.

The charging station was installed in the place where the fuel station used to be, and BP was guided by research that showed that half of their customers in the UK visit retail sites purely to shop. That is why there is a store next to the charging station where drivers can buy food, drinks and other things.

“This new format site is not just about providing fast, reliable charging where drivers need it, but also delivering an outstanding retail experience, in a strategic location connecting central London with Heathrow and the west of England. Whether you’re looking for EV charging, traditional fuel, or just a great place to rest and recharge, bp is ready to become the first choice for customers on the roadside,” said Richard Bartlett, CEO of bp pulse.

BP Pulse now has almost 3,500 rapid and ultra-fast charge points, including at over 225 bp retail sites.

Source: BP