All posts by M.K.

News, Tuning

Lamborghini Huracan STO improved by Novitec

Two years ago Lamborghini introduced the powerful Huracan STO. It was then described as a road legal race car. Now the German tuner Novitec has reduced the weight of the Huracan STO but also increased the grip, making it an ideal “toy” for speed enthusiasts.

Novitec has equipped the car with lightweight materials so now 3/4 of the Huracan STO body is made of carbon. All carbon parts were produced by Novitec, making the supercar not only lighter but also more attractive. Adaptive suspension has been improved, NOVITEC sport springs for the MAGNETO stock suspension (alternatively available) allow lowering the ride height by up to 30 millimeters, while the exhaust system with and without actively controlled butterfly valves makes the engine sound even more powerful.

Inside, customers can choose the finest leather and Alcantara in any desired color with consummate workmanship in every detail.

Nothing has changed under the hood. The Lamborghini Huracan STO is powered by a 5.2-liter naturally aspirated V10 engine with 640 hp (470 kW) and 417 lb-ft (565 Nm) of torque. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox LDF. Reaches 62 mph in 3 seconds with a top speed of 193 mph (310 km / h). It is mounted on lighter and reinforced 20 and 21-inch Vossen alloy wheels, which can be ordered in 72 colors, wrapped in 245/30 ZR 20 (front) and 325/25 ZR 21 (rear) tires.

Source: Novitec

News

Government intervention on fuel prices

Fuel prices around the world are rising rapidly, causing problems for car owners, who are increasingly saving on the use of cars, but also for manufacturers in reduced demand. This requires state intervention, so the New York government has decided to suspend the state tax on gasoline (16 cents) until the end of 2022.

At first it doesn’t sound like much, but let’s take it as a start in the government’s efforts to prevent the fuel market from going wild. In some counties, such as Suffolk and Nassau, the government has limited the taxable amount to $ 3. Some media reports that Rockland County has limited the taxable amount to just $ 2, while Maryland has suspended the tax for a month.

Such government decisions will cost the state hundreds of millions of dollars. It is estimated that Maryland will lose about $ 100 million and Connecticut $ 90 million. The biggest losses will be recorded in New York of as much as $ 585 million and Florida, which expects a loss of $ 200 million.

Speaking of current fuel prices, in New York a gallon costs $ 5 while the current national average is $ 4.67.

Source: CBS News

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