Category Archives: Hybrid

2023 Mercedes-AMG C63 S Performance

Since 2008, when the first example was produced, the Mercedes-AMG C63 has been the epitome of luxury and power. Now, after more than a year of development and testing, the new generation of the Mercedes-AMG C63 S Performance is finally here.

The previous generation Mercedes-AMG C63 was powered by a 4.0L turbocharged V8 engine, but AMG decided to reduce the engine displacement and the number of cylinders. Now under the hood is a 2.0L inline-four engine that, in combination with a 204 hp (150 kW) electric motor, develops a total of 680 hp (500 kW) and 752 lb-ft (1,020 Nm) of torque. Impressive power pushes it to 62 mph in 3.4 seconds with a maximum electronically limited 174 mph (280 km/h). The engine is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.

It is interesting that Mercedes-AMG presents the new C63 at the same time as a sedan and as a station wagon, with the four-wheel drive system, AMG Performance 4MATIC+. This drive, along with efficient power transmission to the road, also brings DRIFT mode for even more driving pleasure. Along with the drivetrain, active rear axle steering has been added as part of the standard equipment, which is another unique feature in this segment of sports compact sedans.

When it comes to design, the new C63 is more muscular than its predecessor. The car is 83 mm longer, 76 mm wider and has a 10 mm longer wheelbase. It is equipped with a set of 19-inch wheels with standard cast-iron brakes behind, a new rear diffuser, a 61 kWh battery, quad exhaust outlets, panamericana grille, full-width lower intakes. It has wider front fenders and a 50 mm longer front end, making it significantly different from the standard Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Inside, the sports seats are upholstered in black leather combined with a stitching pattern. A wide range of colors and nappa leather upholstery with AMG emblem are available. In front of the driver is an AMG Performance steering wheel covered in black leather, behind which is an instrument cluster that can be personalized with different display styles and individually selectable main views.

Source: Mercedes-AMG

2023 Mitsubishi ASX

In 1999, the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance was created, which together sell more than 1 in 9 vehicles worldwide. The 2023 Mitsubishi ASX crossover is an example of component sharing within the alliance.

The new generation ASX will be offered in five powertrain options and several equipment packages. The base ASX will be powered by a 1.0-liter three-cylinder turbo gasoline engine with 90 hp (66 kW) and 118 lb-ft (160 Nm) of torque, mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. There is also a 1.3-liter four-cylinder turbo gasoline engine combined with hybrid technology (MHEV) with 140 hp (103 kW) and 160 hp (118 kW). Power is transmitted to the front axle via a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The hybrid ASX is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor with a total output of 145 hp (107 kW). In the PHEV version, Mitsubishi offers a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor with a total power of 160 hp (118 kW). It is equipped with a 10.5 kWh battery that provides an electric range of 49 km (31 miles).

Each ASX comes with an active safety system, and more luxurious models have an adaptive digital instrument panel instead of the analog one that comes with the base version.

At the moment, it is not known how much the 2023 Mitsubishi ASX will cost, which will reach the first customers in the first quarter of next year.

Source: Mitsubishi

2024 Lamborghini LMDh Prototype

After Porsche and Ferrari unveiled their LMDh endurance racing cars for 2023, Lamborghini has begun development of its prototype. The car will compete in the IMSA Endurance Cup and the FIA ​​World Endurance Championship, as well as the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the 2024 season.

“We will be measuring ourselves against the very best, on the most demanding proving grounds. On one hand, this will give our successful motorsports program even more visibility, but it will also allow us to test future technologies. Our LMDh prototypes will become our most sophisticated open laboratory on four wheels,” said Lamborghini boss Stephan Winkelmann.

Several companies are involved in the development of the racing Lamborghini: electric motor (Bosch Motorsport), power management and energy storage (Williams Advanced Engineering), seven-speed P1359 hybrid gearbox (Xtrac), carbon fiber elements (HP Composites).

The Lamborghini LMDh will be powered by a twin-turbo V8 engine combined with an electric motor with a total power of 680 hp/500 kW (FIA regulations). It will reach a top speed of 211 mph (340 kph).

“With Automobili Lamborghini embarking on a future of hybridization in its road car production, the LMDh represents a specific energy/performance project based on the experiences of the upcoming generations of its sports cars, fully aligning with the Cor Tauri company strategy,” it was stated from Lamborghini.

Source: Lamborghini