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Retro Mercedes G-Class Limited Edition

Mercedes has a new limited edition G-Class inspired by the 1980s version, the Edition Stronger Than 1980s. Only 460 units will be produced, with deliveries expected to begin later this year.

This G-Class is finished in Agave Green, just like the retro version introduced two years ago. It features a front grille, radiator grille, brush guard, lower bumper, bumpers, side skirts, wheel arches and mirror caps painted in Night Black Magno, to highlight the rugged design of the original G-Class, and silver 18-inch wheels. It also comes standard with the Professional Line equipment package that includes all-terrain tires, mudguards and a roof rack with a ladder mounted on the rear.

Customers will be able to choose from three different body colors: Agave Green, Cream and Colorado Beige. These three colors were the first available for the G-Class in the 1980s. The car carries special badges located on the hood, tailgate and spare tire cover.

The interior is equipped with Dove Gray plaid fabric inserts and a “1 of 460” badge located on the center console. The passenger grab handle reads “Stronger Than the 1980s”, and the front door sills feature a topographic map of the Schöckl mountain.

As for the powertrain, this version is powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six engine with mild hybrid technology for a total output of 443 hp. Power is sent to all four wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission with limited slip differentials.

Speaking of price, the G-Class Edition Stronger Than the 1980s costs £152,815 in the UK.

Source: Mercedes

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Retro Mercedes G-Class Limited Edition
News

Future Hybrid Concept converts EVs into hybrids

Horse Powertrain, a company that produces ICE and hybrid systems, has unveiled an equipment kit that converts electric motors into hybrids. It is a Future Hybrid Concept that is the inverse of the one offered for the electrification of cars with internal combustion engines.

The Future Hybrid Concept can be installed on current BEV platforms, and the system works as a unit with extended range for the existing battery and provides all-wheel drive. The size of the powertrain is designed to replace the front electric drive and requires only minimal modifications and is fixed directly to the vehicle subframe. It should also be noted that this system is also compatible with combustion engine platforms.

The new powertrain represents a significant shift in manufacturing processes because by placing the complex components of the hybrid system in a single unit, a large part of unnecessary work is eliminated, which ultimately means lower costs.

The Future Hybrid Concept is equipped with a controller, inverter, DC/DC converter and on-board charger, and includes the ability to charge ultra-fast at 800 V. It can also be used for all types of fuel, from gasoline to synthetic fuels.

This powertrain is not yet in use, and the first cars equipped with the Future Hybrid Concept will reach the market in three years.

Source: Horse Powertrain

News

Audi offers the R18 LMP1 and RS 5 DTM to an exclusive clientele

Due to the difficult situation on the car market, many manufacturers are trying to find different solutions in order to keep the existing ones and get closer to new customers. Audi recently decided to offer racing cars to a certain number of customers and provide them with technical support. The first to be offered are the R18 LMP1 and the RS 5 DTM.

“We are rebuilding these chassis together with reconditioned parts from that time into racing cars according to strict standards and with a high level of expertise. In some cases, even the developers from that era are involved in the current projects. The Audi R18 e-tron quattro and the RS 5 DTM are two of the fastest racing cars we have ever built. Customers can look forward not only to extremely sought-after racing cars, but also to a firework display of driving emotions. Our customers become part of a select circle, benefit from our motorsport expertise and receive comprehensive support,” says Rolf Michl, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH.

Both models have an impressive racing history, and although they are more than a decade older, only the F1 cars are more technologically advanced. The R18 LMP1 (chassis #207) achieved good results in the 2012 season. It won the 6 Hours of Spa, finished 5th at Le Mans, and managed to climb the podium in the remaining races of the season. It is currently unknown how many cars Audi will offer.

The RS5 DTM is not a typical sports car. It is a prototype with an RS5 body and is powered by a 2.0-L inline-4 turbocharged engine with around 600 hp. This chassis #107, which won the DTM final in Hockenheim in 2015, is equipped with numerous aerodynamic components.

Audi has announced that all deliveries will be made this summer, so hurry up if you are interested.

Source: Audi

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Audi offers the R18 LMP1 and RS 5 DTM to an exclusive clientele