All posts by Francis Mitterrand

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Ferrari 296 Speciale Piloti: Hybrid Power Meets Racing Heritage

Under the thundering echoes of motorsport history at Circuit de la Sarthe, Ferrari has officially unveiled its latest masterpiece: the 296 Speciale “Piloti Ferrari”, an exclusive evolution of the 296 GTB created for the marque’s most devoted racing clients. The reveal, strategically timed ahead of the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans, reinforces Ferrari’s deep-rooted connection to endurance racing and celebrates recent victories in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).

This unique configuration is the latest expression of Ferrari’s Tailor Made programme, designed exclusively for Ferrari’s client racing drivers — those who embody the brand’s racing spirit both on and off the track. Inspired by the 499P Hypercar, which claimed historic back-to-back victories at Le Mans in 2023 and 2024, the 296 Speciale Piloti Ferrari mirrors the ethos of competition and craftsmanship.

A Racing-Inspired Creation

The 296 Speciale is not just a car; it’s a high-performance homage to Ferrari’s victorious return to top-tier endurance racing. The Piloti Ferrari specification is distinguished by its motorsport aesthetic, including a livery drawn directly from the victorious 499P, complete with Giallo Modena accents, a hand-painted WEC logo, and the Italian tricolour proudly displayed on the front bumper. Clients can personalize their car with a racing number — the debut model at Le Mans features #51, honoring the team of Pier Guidi, Calado, and Giovinazzi, who secured Ferrari’s Le Mans win in 2023.

Buyers can choose from four track-inspired colours: Rosso Scuderia, Blu Tour De France, Nero Daytona, and Argento Nürburgring. Each shade pays homage to Ferrari’s racing DNA and is reserved exclusively for clients actively involved in Ferrari’s official racing activities.

Inside the Cockpit: Function Meets Emotion

The interior of the 296 Speciale Piloti Ferrari is a deliberate fusion of functionality and elegance. Racing seats are upholstered in thermoformed black Alcantara, with inserts made of the same fireproof fabric used in official Ferrari racing suits. Carbon fibre details are found throughout, including a customizable interior plaque and door sills engraved with personal dedications. The client’s chosen number is even mirrored inside the cabin, reinforcing the car’s track-oriented identity.

Performance Born on the Track

At the heart of the 296 Speciale is a plug-in hybrid powertrain that blends a 120° V6 twin-turbo engine with an electric motor, producing a jaw-dropping 880 cv. Technologies derived directly from Formula 1 — including a lightened and reinforced ICE unit and Ferrari’s fast shift DCT transmission strategy — ensure breathtaking acceleration and razor-sharp responsiveness. Compared to the 296 GTB, weight has been reduced, and aerodynamic downforce increased by 20%, thanks to innovations like rear gamma wings and a reworked diffuser.

A newly developed extra boost software unleashes the car’s full power during high-performance laps, making it an elite machine for the track-hardened driver.

Homage to the 499P: The Return of a Legend

The 296 Speciale draws direct inspiration from Ferrari’s latest endurance icon — the 499P, which brought Maranello back to the pinnacle of endurance racing after a 50-year absence. Built to Hypercar regulations, the 499P boasts a carbon-fibre monocoque chassis, hybrid all-wheel-drive, and a 3-litre twin-turbo V6 combined with a front-mounted electric motor.

With victories at Le Mans in both 2023 (#51) and 2024 (#50), the 499P has become a symbol of Ferrari’s relentless pursuit of excellence in racing. The 296 Speciale seeks to echo that success in the hands of the brand’s most passionate and loyal clients.

Tailor Made: The Ferrari Way of Expression

Ferrari’s Tailor Made program lies at the heart of this project. Offering unprecedented levels of personalization, the program enables clients to design cars that are extensions of their own identity. Through collections like Classica, Inedita, and Scuderia, clients are guided by expert designers to achieve a balance between personal expression and Ferrari’s timeless design heritage.

With the debut of the 296 Speciale Piloti Ferrari at Le Mans, Ferrari not only honors its illustrious past and ongoing victories but also strengthens the sacred bond between the Prancing Horse and those who live for the thrill of racing. This is not merely a car — it is a celebration of legacy, performance, and personal passion.

Source: Ferrari

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Ferrari 296 Speciale Piloti: Hybrid Power Meets Racing Heritage
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Ram Roars Back with Bold Patriotic Campaign and HEMI V8 Revival

Ram Trucks is tapping into America’s patriotic pulse with a thunderous new marketing push and a tagline designed to stick: “Nothing Stops Ram.” The brand’s fresh identity debuted last week with the bombastic launch of its new campaign, “Never Stop Being American,” coinciding with the highly anticipated return of the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V8 to the 2026 Ram 1500 lineup.

The 60-second ad, which premiered to significant fanfare, features a red-white-and-blue spectacle complete with a reimagined version of The Star-Spangled Banner by blues rocker Kenny Wayne Shepherd. The spot opens with archival Apollo space program footage and crescendos into high-octane scenes of American adventure — from dirt bike riding and bull wrangling to a cheeky glimpse of George Washington behind the wheel of a Ram. Narrated by UFC president Dana White, the commercial builds to a climactic message:
“Never, ever, ever stop being American. Nothing stops America, and nothing stops Ram.”

The new slogan replaces the former “Built to Serve” motto, and signals a more assertive tone in Ram’s branding. Critics may call the ad overly theatrical, but Stellantis Global CMO Olivier Francois sees a grander purpose.

“This campaign is an ode to America — its people, its culture, and time-honored traditions,” said Francois. “We’re entering an epic year for the brand. With the HEMI V8’s comeback, Ram’s return to NASCAR, and the road to America’s 250th birthday, Ram will be front and center in the celebration as the exclusive truck partner.”

The Return of a Legend: 5.7L HEMI V8

Ram’s latest move isn’t just about flag-waving sentiment — it’s also about giving gearheads what they’ve been missing. The revered 5.7-liter HEMI V8, producing 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, will be available across a broad swath of trims including the Big Horn, Express, Laramie, Limited, Longhorn, Rebel, Tradesman, and Warlock.

Starting this summer, buyers can opt for the returning V8 at a $1,200 premium over standard configurations. It will join the base Pentastar V6 and the punchy Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six, which is offered in 420-hp and 550-hp variants.

A Patriotic Power Play

With a blend of nostalgia, muscle, and unapologetic American flair, Ram’s new strategy is a calculated bet on heritage and heart. While some may question whether the campaign’s tone borders on cliché, it’s undeniably geared to connect with Ram’s core audience — truck buyers who value toughness, tradition, and torque.

Whether this high-octane approach will resonate beyond Ram loyalists remains to be seen. But one thing’s certain: with V8s roaring and star-spangled banners flying, Ram isn’t just back — it’s making a statement.

Source: Stellantis

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Ram Roars Back with Bold Patriotic Campaign and HEMI V8 Revival
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Volkswagen Golf 1.5 TSI eHybrid Sets New Fuel Efficiency Record in Real-World Test

In an extraordinary demonstration of plug-in hybrid efficiency, the Volkswagen Golf 1.5 TSI eHybrid has shattered expectations by achieving a record-breaking average consumption of just 1.85 liters per 100 kilometers during a real-world test conducted by Motor1. This translates to more than 54 kilometers on a single liter of gasoline, placing the German compact hatchback in a league of its own among modern hybrids.

The test was carried out over a standardized 360-kilometer route from Rome to Forlì under consistent conditions: a full tank of fuel, a fully charged battery, and mild weather ranging from 26 to 29 degrees Celsius. This format, used for years by Motor1, eliminates external variables and highlights the mechanical and software efficiencies of the vehicle.

A Technological Symphony of Efficiency

At the heart of the Golf 1.5 TSI eHybrid is a sophisticated powertrain that marries a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine operating on the efficient Miller cycle with a variable-geometry turbocharger, and an electric motor integrated into a six-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission. Together, they produce a robust system output of 204 horsepower.

Much of the Golf’s success lies in the second-generation plug-in hybrid technology Volkswagen has deployed. The updated 1.5 TSI evo2 engine operates with a high 11.5:1 compression ratio, significantly enhancing thermal efficiency and lowering fuel usage. Paired with the seamlessly optimized DSG gearbox, this combination allows the car to operate in electric mode more often and more effectively.

Electric Range That Breaks Records

One of the most impressive aspects of the test was the Golf’s electric-only range. The vehicle covered a remarkable 158 kilometers without using a drop of fuel, thanks to its 19.7 kWh battery—a new benchmark in this testing series. This feat outperformed the previous record holder, the Mercedes C 300 Estate Plug-in Hybrid, which managed 118 kilometers with a slightly smaller 19.53 kWh battery.

These figures not only highlight the evolution of hybrid systems but also reinforce the practicality of plug-in hybrids in daily life. With this level of electric range, many drivers could complete their weekly commutes with just one or two charges—eliminating the need for daily top-ups and making plug-in hybrids a viable alternative to fully electric vehicles.

Aerodynamics, Design, and Driving Skill Matter

The Golf 8, now the most aerodynamic version of the model to date, features a drag coefficient of just 0.275—significantly lower than its predecessors and better than most SUVs and crossovers. Standard 18-inch “Leeds” alloy wheels with aerodynamic covers, a low center of gravity, and a refined chassis also play a role in reducing resistance and improving stability.

Combined with skilled eco-driving by the Motor1 team and near-ideal weather conditions, these design choices helped optimize both electric and hybrid efficiency during the test.

A Glimpse into the Future of Everyday Driving

The test result underscores the growing potential of what some call “superhybrids”—second-generation plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) that offer substantial electric range and high total power output, thanks to refined combustion engines, larger batteries, and smart transmissions.

Unlike their first-generation counterparts, which often struggled to exceed 50 km of electric range, today’s PHEVs offer a realistic solution for urban driving with occasional long-distance flexibility. The ability to rely on the electric motor for most trips while having a petrol engine as backup reduces range anxiety without requiring constant charging.

The Cost Factor

Despite the impressive performance, price remains a consideration. The Golf 1.5 TSI eHybrid commands a premium of between €4,000 and €9,000 over its conventional petrol counterparts. This added investment is best justified through regular electric driving, where fuel savings and reduced maintenance gradually offset the initial cost.

Still, for those looking to bridge the gap between internal combustion and fully electric vehicles, the Golf eHybrid offers a compelling blend of efficiency, performance, and versatility.

Source: Volkswagen, Motor1

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Volkswagen Golf 1.5 TSI eHybrid Sets New Fuel Efficiency Record in Real-World Test