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1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen sold for €51.15 million

This Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen was sold a few days ago for 51.15 million euros. It is one of only 14 units ever produced, and one of only four known complete examples mounted with the exquisite factory-built enclosed-fender Stromlinienwagen coachwork at the conclusion of the 1955 Formula One season.

The story of the W 196 R Stromlienwagen started in 1952 when the FIA ​​canceled the 1952 and 1953 seasons due to a lack of credible competition, and new regulations were introduced for 1954. These regulations specified that normally aspirated engines could not exceed 2.5 liters, while naturally aspirated engines were limited to 750 cubic centimeters. That’s why Mercedes-Benz created a truss-type narrow-diameter tubular space frame similar to the chassis of the W 194 300 SL, and equipped it with a front independent suspension via double wishbones, torsion springs and top-of-the-line hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers, and massive Alfin drum brakes.

However, since it was specified with few limitations to coachwork, Mercedes-Benz chose an open body in the shape of a W 196 R torpedo. This body, also known as Streamliner or Stromlinienwagen, was made in limited quantity by the racing department out of Elektron magnesium alloy, providing a shell even lighter than aluminum for a total weight of just over 88 pounds.

This W 196 R Stromlienwagen made its debut at the 1955 Buenos Aires Grand Prix, which was unusual in that it consisted of two separate heats of 30 laps each, with the winner determined by the fastest total aggregate time. This car was driven by Fangio, who finished 2nd in both races but won with an overall time of 2:23:18.9.

At the end of the 1955 season, Fangio was champion and Moss finished second. In two seasons, the model won three championships in two different racing series, demonstrating Mercedes-Benz’s dominance in Formula 1 racing. After retiring from racing, the car remained part of the collection until 1969, when it was donated to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.

Source: RM Sotheby’s

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1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen sold for €51.15 million
News

Volvo recorded a drop in sales in January

2024 was the most successful year ever for Volvo, but the beginning of 2025 does not show continued sales growth. According to the company, in 2024 the Swedish brand sold 8% more cars than in 2023.

The start of the year for Volvo was not expected, at least that is what the sales results for January show. Although the Swedish brand expected continued sales growth, the opposite happened, and in the first month Volvo managed to sell only 50,820 vehicles worldwide. However, the company hopes that hybrids and EVs will play a major role in the future, which can be inferred from the growth in demand for these cars.

In January, Volvo delivered 22,398 hybrids and EVs, which is 17 percent more than in the same month a year earlier. Customers mostly chose PHEV models (12,693 units), which accounted for 28 percent of total sales. On the other hand, EVs were less in demand, but still registered a growth of 5% (9,705 units).

The best-selling mmodel was the XC60 (18,972 units), followed by the XC40/EX40, while the least demanded was the XC90, which recorded a drop in demand compared to January 2024.

It should also be noted that the demand for cars with combustion engines and mild hybrids has fallen. They recorded a 17 percent drop in demand compared to 2024.

Volvo is one of those manufacturers that strongly believes in the future of EVs, and they showed that in October 2024 when they announced that the EU must not abandon the ban on the sale of ICE cars after 2035. They and 49 other car companies have signed a declaration with which they unreservedly support the EU decision, even though they announced that they will continue to produce cars with combustion engines after 2030, but they will have mild hybrid systems and will be produced in limited series.

Source: Volvo

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2026 Polaris Slingshot

It’s been 10 years since Polaris introduced the three-wheeler Polaris Slingshot, and the American automotive manufacturer has decided to mark the occasion with a refreshed version of this model.

Compared to its predecessor, the changes vary depending on the equipment package. The base Slingshot S model has components with a textured finish, while the Slingshot SL comes with graphics for the front end. The Slingshot SLR has painted wings and lower accent lights, while the Slingshot R version comes with a fully painted front end with a splitter and a vented hood.

The car is equipped with a new grille, a wider air intake and redesigned wings, which adds 25 millimeters of ground clearance to the S, SL and SLR models.

The changes in the cockpit come only in the SLR and R versions with the new Stage 2 Max Audio package by Rockford Fosgate, which includes larger 8-inch speakers of premium quality to suppress vehicle and road noise. There’s also a new key fob, fuel cap lanyard, and safety enhancements.

When it comes to the powertrain, the Slingshot is powered by a 2.0-L ProStar 4-cylinder engine that delivers 183 hp and 175 Nm of torque in the S and SL trims, which is 2 hp and 12 Nm more than its predecessor. The SLR and R are slightly more powerful and have 207 hp and 203 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a 5-speed Aisin AR5 manual gearbox, and buyers can also choose a 5-speed AutoDrive AMT gearbox as an option.

The price of the Polaris Slingshot starts from $24,999, which is the price of the Slingshot S version, to $25,299, which is the price of the Slingshot R.

Source: Polaris

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2026 Polaris Slingshot