All posts by Francis Mitterrand

News

Hennessey Super Venom based on the Mustang Dark Horse

American company Hennessey Performance has unveiled its latest Super Venom project. It is an upgrade package for the Ford Mustang Dark Horse and Mustang GT. Only 91 units will be produced.

This project is somewhat different from those that Hennessey has presented so far. The Super Venom is equipped with the VenomAero equipment kit made of carbon fiber, which includes a front splitter, a ventilation opening on the hood, functional openings on the front fenders, sports sills, mirror housings, a new trunk lid with an integrated spoiler and a fixed rear wing. The handling and grip have been upgraded, so now drivers can count on greater safety on the road or track at high speeds. Customers can choose between three liveries in black, silver and red.

The interior has not been changed much. There are leather and Alcantara seats with embossed backrests, floor mats, as well as a numbered plaque on the dashboard.

When it comes to the powertrain, the Super Venom is powered by a 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine with 862 hp and 880 Nm of torque. This is a 70% increase in power compared to the Dark Horse, which was achieved thanks to improved injectors, a new engine management system, a high-performance supercharger, a high-flow air intake system and a new fuel pump. This allows the car to reach 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.2 seconds.

Speaking of price, the Mustang GT-based Super Venom costs $149,950, while the upgraded Dark Horse is slightly more expensive at $163,950.

Source: Hennessey Performance

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Hennessey Super Venom based on the Mustang Dark Horse
News

Mercedes-Benz EVs will use solid-state batteries

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled a new solid-state battery that offers a 25 percent longer range in the EQS than the current battery. In the coming months, the manufacturer will conduct extensive laboratory and on-road testing to assess the durability and stability of solid-state batteries in real-world conditions.

The new solid-state battery, manufactured by American Factorial Energy, was installed in a modified EQS late last year, and thanks to it, the vehicle should have a range of more than 1,000 kilometers. This would be a significant improvement over the current 118 kWh battery in the EQS 450+, which allows a range of 800 kilometers on a single charge.

“Developing an automotive-scale solid-state battery underlines our commitment to innovation and sustainability. We’re therefore excited to announce that we’ve started road testing with a prototype vehicle equipped with this advanced technology. We will gain crucial insights into possible series integration of this cutting-edge battery technology,” said Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes‑Benz Group AG.

Solid-state batteries use a solid electrolyte instead of a liquid one, and offer higher energy density and longer range without increasing the size and weight compared to lithium-ion batteries. They also increase cell safety and enable the use of new anodes such as lithium-metal anodes, and are also safer to use.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

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Mercedes-Benz EVs will use solid-state batteries
Tuning

Porsche Cayenne with 930 HP

The current generation Porsche Cayenne served as the basis for a new project by German tuner TechArt, called Magnum. It is a special equipment kit made of carbon fiber that takes the SUV to the next level.

The Porsche Cayenne is known for its excellent performance and good design, but the new carbon components make it even more impressive. The equipment kit includes a new front bumper with black elements and optional body-colored wings, a radiator grille, a new hood with two large air vents, wider wheel arches, new sills, and new exterior mirror housings. The Magnum is available in standard, Sport, Unique, and First Edition versions.

The Sport version offers a more aggressive diffuser with two centrally located exhaust pipes, like those of the Cayenne Turbo GT, as well as a carbon roof spoiler and a small lip spoiler. The Unique version offers more customization of the exterior and interior.

The First Edition offers the highest level of customization and uniqueness, such as individually numbered front wheel arches and a customized interior. This version is limited to just 25 units.

When it comes to the powertrain, TechArt has increased the power of the twin-turbo V8 engine to 930 hp and 1,100 Nm of torque. This is enough to accelerate the car from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.6 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 330 km/h. The car is mounted on a set of 23-inch wheels with black, silver and carbon elements.

Source: TechArt

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Porsche Cayenne with 930 HP