All posts by Francis Mitterrand

News

Volvo won’t give up on the XC90

Three years ago, Volvo took big steps towards the complete electrification of its fleet, but problems with production and a drop in demand, confronted the Swedish company with reality. Customers still remained loyal to ICE cars, so Volvo decided to keep its largest SUV powered by an internal combustion engine in the range.

In September, Volvo revealed a refreshed edition of the XC90 SUV, which retained the design of its predecessor with the addition of some details such as redesigned “Thor’s Hammer” lights and diagonal slats of the radiator grille. The interior is also slightly improved, with a new 11.2-inch touchscreen instead of the old 9.0-inch one, optimized operating system, the center console provides additional storage space, while the wireless smartphone charger has been relocated.

Under the hood is a 2.0-L four-cylinder turbo engine combined with a 48-volt electric motor with a total power from 247 hp to 295 hp, and customers will also be able to choose a hybrid version with 455 hp. All versions come with an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all wheels. It should be noted that the refreshed edition has better handling thanks to the optional air suspension, which provides a comfortable and isolated ride, but also coped well with most road situations.

Volvo has announced that it will continue to produce cars with internal combustion engines after 2030, but they will have mild hybrid systems and will be produced in limited series. This does not mean that they have given up on full electrification, as Volvo is one of the few European manufacturers that are still strongly advocating EVs.

Source: Volvo

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Volvo won't give up on the XC90
Auctions

1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing “The Last One” is up for auction

In the mid-1950s, Mercedes-Benz launched a two-seater sports car inspired by the racing cars of the time, the 300 SL Coupe, and in 1957, the Roadster version of this model hit the market. It was produced until 1963, and 3,258 units left the production lines. One of them, the 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing “The Last One”, is up for auction.

This 300 SL Gullwing is the last of the 1,400 Roadster units produced and is considered one of the most beautiful examples of this model. It is finished in a combination of Fire Engine Red (DB 534) over Crème leather (1060) and was produced by special order and was exhibited at the International Trade Fair in Poznań in 1957.

As one of the most stylish and desirable cars of the decade, it made many headlines. He was often a participant in amateur rallies, road races and endurance races, where he attracted attention with his designs, but also often connected with global companies, business tycoons, movie stars and royal families.

So far, it has changed just four owners, and it has been with the current one for the last 25 years. It should be noted that this example is in truly exceptional condition and has retained its numbers-matching chassis, engine, body, gearbox, and front kingpins. It is powered by a 3.0-L 6-cylinder engine with 218 hp that enables a top speed of 250 km/h.

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing “The Last One” comes with copies of its factory data cards, historic imagery, matching luggage, and a full set of belly pans. The auction will take place on November 22 and the estimated value of the car is $2,500,000 – $3,500,000 USD.

Source: RM Sotheby’s

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1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing "The Last One" is up for auction
Tuning

Brabus 1000 All Gray based on the Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance

At the beginning of 2024, the German high-performance automotive aftermarket tuner presented the Brabus 930 based on the Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance. Now from his workshop comes another project based on this powerful luxury sedan, the Brabus 1000 All Gray.

At first glance, extravagant Gray with lots of details gives a WoW effect. It is equipped with special front and rear spoilers that ensure better cooling and reduce lift, a rear diffuser with four red-illuminated titanium/carbon tailpipes of the BRABUS sports exhaust system, carbon exterior components, a SportXtra suspension module that lowers the luxury sedan by up to 10 mm, 22-inch sports ten-spoke Monoblock Z “PLATINUM EDITION”, which improves the car’s aerodynamics and driving stability.

The interior is impeccably finished in a monochromatic gray tone that exudes absolute elegance. It is decorated with soft and airy gray leather, high-gloss BRABUS Signature Carbon elements on the dashboard, steering wheel, central console and door panels, BRABUS carbon pedals and BRABUS aluminum door sills, and an illuminated BRABUS logo, which changes color in accordance with the ambient lighting of the interior. .

When it comes to the powertrain, the Brabus 1000 All Gray is powered by a new 4.5-L V8 biturbo engine adapted to the S63 E Performance hybrid powertrain, combined with an electric motor with a total output of 1,000 hp (735 kW) and an electronically limited 1,194 lb-ft ( 1,620 Nm) of torque, while driving. This is enough to reach 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.1 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 290 km/h (180 mph).

Source: Brabus

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Brabus 1000 All Gray based on the Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance