All posts by Francis Mitterrand

News

BMW Skytop is going into production after all

A few days ago, BMW presented the Skytop concept car at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, which was then said not to enter production. However, it seems that BMW has changed its mind overnight, so we could see this car on the roads in the near future. According to Adrian van Hooydonk, head of design at BMW Group, the Bavarian company could produce 25 examples of this car in the next two years.

The Skytop concept was inspired by the 503 and Z8 models, and shares the platform with the current generation BMW M8 Competition. “The concept BMW Skytop perfectly fit into the philosophy and environment of the famous Italian exhibition, and the designers and engineers made an effort to create a car that brings with it an optimal combination of dynamics and elegance,” said the first man of the BMW design department, Adrian van Hooydonk.

In terms of design, the car is truly unique and exotic. Despite the proportions of a grand tourer, the open-top two-seater concept with a V8 engine offers a combination of dynamic driving and elegance at the highest level. Under the bonnet will be a 4.4-L twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which also powers the M8, with 626 hp () and (750 Nm) of torque. The engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Although it was announced that BMW could produce 20-25 copies of the Skytop concept, Domagoj Dukec, head of BMW’s design, went even further saying that the idea of ​​producing a thousand copies is more attractive.

This is not the first time that BMW has openly considered production of the concept. Last year, the Z4-based BMW Touring Coupe Concept teased similar specs, but the project never went into production.

Source: BMW

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BMW Skytop is going into production after all
Hybrid

2025 Jeep Avenger 4xe

The smallest model offered by the American car company Jeep, which is produced in the Polish production facilities of the Stellantis group, the Avenger 4xe, will be available to customers in Europe with AWD from the summer and will also offer a greater ground clearance, which will please all off-road enthusiasts.

The crossover from the B segment was only offered with FWD until now, and with the introduction of the new AWD version, Jeep has expanded the offer. It is powered by a 1.2-L three-cylinder turbo gasoline engine combined with a mild hybrid system with two electric motors, totaling 135 hp (101 kW). Power is sent to all wheels via a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It reaches 62 mph (100 km/h) in 9.5 seconds with a top speed of 195 km/h (121 mph). It should be noted that at speeds of up to 30 km/h, the torque distribution between the axles is always in the ratio of 50:50, which will be best noticed on surfaces with less grip. On asphalt roads, the Avenger at speeds of 30 to 90 km/h uses only the front axle, and if necessary, the rear-mounted electric motor that controls the rear axles will automatically engage.

Jeep Avenger 4xe is equipped with multilink suspension, the distance between the floor and the ground can be increased by up to 21 centimeters, which ensures an even better off-road experience, but also passing through water whose depth does not exceed 40 centimeters. There are also roof racks, hook preparation and waterproof materials on the seats.

It should be noted that this model will not be offered in the United States, while customers in Europe can buy it from the second half of the year.

Source: Jeep

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2025 Jeep Avenger 4xe
News

Nissan Qashqai refreshed edition

The Japanese car manufacturer has started production of a refreshed and technically refined model that arrived on the market 18 years ago and is considered the pioneer of modern crossover vehicles, the Nissan Qashqai. It will be produced at a factory in Sunderland, Great Britain.

2025 Nissan Qashqai

When it comes to the powertrain, buyers can choose between two 1.3-liter engines with mild hybrid technology, with 140 hp (104 kW) and 160 hp (119 kW). There’s also a 1.5-liter E-Power hybrid with 190 hp (142 kW), in which the internal combustion engine is only used to charge the battery and never drives the wheels directly.

The updated edition has a new front fascia inspired by the metallic armor of Japanese knights. Customers can choose from three new body colors: Pearl White, Pearl Black and Deep Ocean which changes depending on the lighting. New headlights with separate five-piece daytime running lights and new taillight graphics, a modified bumper that gives the car a sporty look, 18″ diamond-cut alloy wheels are now standard. New 20-inch alloy wheels, door sills and body-colored wheel arches are part of the N-Design package.

Inside, the dashboard, door inserts, door armrests, center console cover and knee rests of the higher versions are covered in Alcantara, giving the car extra luxury. Better equipped versions come with leather upholstery and ambient lighting in several shades. There is also a renewed Around View Monitor with footage from four external cameras that provide a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle and enable easier parking, a 3D function that provides a wider view of the vehicle from all sides, and the Parking Sport Location Memory function.

Three years ago, Nissan launched the third generation of this model, which was sold in almost 400,000 units, so it is no surprise that the Japanese manufacturer decided to offer its customers a new refreshed edition.

Source: Nissan

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Nissan Qashqai refreshed edition