All posts by Francis Mitterrand

News

Pre-sale of the new VW Golf GTI has started

VW recently introduced a redesigned edition of the Golf GTI, and the German company announced that the order book has officially opened. This is the most expensive version of the Golf, which starts at 44,505 euros in the basic version.

The Golf GTI is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine with 262 horsepower (Europe-spec), which is 21 hp more than its predecessor. The engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, instead of the previous 6-speed manual transmission, which is no longer an option. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.9 seconds with a top speed of 250 km/h.

When it comes to design, the new GTI comes with new LED Plus headlights as standard and an illuminated Volkswagen logo. Matrix IQ.LIGHT LED headlights are also available, but as an option. Even the LED taillights now get a new light signature.

Inside, the spacious cabin is equipped with sports seats with red stitching and the GTI logo embroidered on the backrest, Digital Cockpit Pro digital instruments, a 12.9-inch multimedia screen, and temperature adjustment controls that are now illuminated, and the voice assistant now also integrates ChatGPT.

It’s mounted on 17-inch rims, but buyers can opt for larger 18-inch rims (€705), 19-inch (€865), and Queenstown rims for €1,630.

Source: Volkswagen

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Pre-sale of the new VW Golf GTI has started
Tuning

MANHART MH8 5.0 V8 Limited based on BMW 850i (E31)

One of the best tuners in the world and the best tuner of BMW cars, Manhart, presented his new project based on one of the best models from the end of the 20th century. These are five special restored examples of the BMW 850i (E31) model called MANHART MH8 5.0 V8 Limited.

The cars received a sports exhaust system that emphasizes the sound experience, upgraded chassis with H&R springs, Bilstein B6 shock absorbers, powerful 4-piston fixed callipers and perforated 340 millimeter brake discs on the front axle, and a new set of new 20″ Concave One alloy wheels wrapped in 255 /30R20 front and 295/25R20 rear Continental Sport Contact 7 tires.The rest includes sills taken from the 850 CSi model, rear lip spoiler and M side mirror housings.

The sports interior is covered in leather and now feature colored applications and stitching, while the BMW sports steering wheel, the gear lever and the handbrake have been finished in soft Alcantara.

Under the bonnet is a 5.0-liter V12 engine, from the E39 M5 model, with 420 hp (313 kW) paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox that sends power to the rear wheels.

Manhart will produce only five examples of the MH8 V8 Limited model, and the example shown in the photos costs 149,000 euros.

Source: Manhart

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MANHART MH8 5.0 V8 Limited based on BMW 850i (E31)
Motorcycles

2025 Ducati Monster Senna

On May 1, 1994, at the San Marino Grand Prix, one of the most famous Formula 1 drivers, the Brazilian race driver Ayrton Senna, died. He started his career in 1984 as a driver for the Toleman team. In his short career, he achieved 41 victories, 3 championship titles, 80 podiums, 65 pole positions and 19 fastest laps. In his honor, motorcycle manufacturer Ducati produced a special edition version of the Monster, the Ducati Monster Senna.

Ducati and Senna have a long history with Claudio Castiglioni, who owned the company at the time, gifting the Brazilian with an 851 SP in 1990. Ayrton was also one of the first owners of the Monster 900 model and used it to arrive at the 1993 Monaco Grand Prix gala party.

The Ducati Monster Senna is decorated with a livery inspired by Senna’s helmet, with the colors of the Brazilian flag (yellow, green and blue). It is equipped with carbon fiber mufflers, aluminum footrests and special forged aluminum wheels. The seat is blue, while the 4.3-inch screen has a unique startup animation.

The motorcycle is powered by a Testastretta 937 cc twin-cylinder engine with 111 hp (82 kW) and 69 lb-ft (93 Nm) of torque. It got fully adjustable Öhlins suspension, Brembo braking system with yellow brake calipers, Termignoni Silencer, and forged aluminum wheels. It is equipped with a lithium-ion battery and carbon fenders, which makes it 4.5 kg lighter than the standard model.

Ducati will produce 341 examples, and this number marks Senna’s three championship titles and 41 career wins. The starting price is $25,000.

Source: Ducati

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2025 Ducati Monster Senna