All posts by M.K.

News

Tough days for the Ford Focus

The current global crisis has created a crisis in the car market as well, and thus great pressure on car manufacturers. Yet some models manage to retain customer interest, such as crossover models. Demand for other car models is declining which could lead to a reduction in their production, such as the Ford Focus model.

According to Automobilwoche, Ford will reduce production of the Focus at the Saarlouis plant by August 29, and the destiny of the plant itself is also in question. Ford has not confirmed investments in the plant, while it is already known that two billion euros will be invested in the modernization of the Cologne plant and plants in Craiova, Romania.

The Saarlouis plant currently employs 6,190 people and produces Focus and sports ST models. Waiting lists have been extended to 12 months, due to a shortage of parts. The biggest problem is the shortage of SYNC 4 systems produced in Ukraine.

The situation is no better with other large manufacturers, which are slowly losing market dominance. Thus, demand for VW cars fell by more than 25% last month. Škoda sales fell by almost 50%, while the Golf dropped out of the top 50.

Source: Automobilwoche

News

2023 Audi A4

Like other major car manufacturers, Audi is becoming electric. This is the plan of a company from Ingolstadt, Bavaria, Germany, which intends to stop offering cars with internal combustion engines from 2026. Until then, Audi has prepared several models, such as the A4, which is coming next year and will be the last model available with fossil fuel engines.

If you were worried that the A4 would become a crossover, don’t. Audi has decided to keep the classic design concept but with minor changes. An unjustly neglected caravan is also being prepared, and now we can see what it should look like.

According to rendering photos published by Kolesa.ru, the front cover of the new Audi A4 could now be even smaller than the current generation. The headlights are a bit thinner while at the back is a light bar that can be seen on other models as well.

When it comes to the powertrain, there is no information. It is known that the Audi A4 will be developed on the MLB platform, and will be offered as a 48V form of mild hybrid but also a plug-in hybrid.

Source: Kolesa.ru

News, Tuning

New Land Rover Defender V8 made by Ares

The Italian company Ares is one of the companies that, due to the increased interest of customers, decided to offer a newly made and significantly modernized British car icon, Land Rover Defender V8.

The Defender V8 is powered by a new 5.3-liter petrol V8 engine that delivers 355 hp (250 kW) and 383 lb-ft (519 Nm) of torque at 4100 rpm. Power is transmitted to all wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission. It is mounted on a set of 22 inch rims wrapped in 325/55 R22 Pirelli Scorpion Winter tires.

The car is done in a modern design and the square lines pay homage to a timeless off-road icon. The Italian tuner equipped it with an adaptive 35mm suspension lift kit, coil spring with ORAM electronic adjustable shocks, carbon fiber bonnet and widened wings, larger tinted windows, LED lights, single carbon fiber piece housings in which the front lamps are located.

The interior is upholstered in red leather combined with wooden trims. New infotainment system, revised and upgraded air conditioning unit, heating seats, new panoramic glass roof and four electrically operated windows ensure passenger comfort.

When it comes to price, the new Land Rover Defender V8 will not be cheap. Perfectly adapted to modern times, it will cost 235,000 euros.

Source: Ares