News

2024 BYD Seal is coming to Europe

September 1, 2023 Francis Mitterrand

Chinese car manufacturers are seriously attacking the European market when it comes to electric vehicles. After the Chinese premium electric automobile brand, ZEEKR, another Chinese company, BYD, is expanding into the European market with the all-electric sedan, BYD Seal. The car was unveiled in April, and now it is finally coming to Europe at the end of the year.

The European BYD Seal model will be available in two versions: Design and Excellence-AWD. Both versions will be equipped with an 82.5 kWh battery, but the Design version is powered by a single electric motor with 313 hp (230 kW) sent to the rear wheels. It also has a range of 570 kilometers. Both models allow the driver to choose four driving modes: ECO mode, which prioritizes energy efficiency and extends the driving range; Normal mode, providing a balanced driving experience for everyday use; Sport mode, emphasizing performance through aggressive acceleration and sharper handling; Snow mode, designed to enhance traction and stability on slippery surfaces like snow or ice.

A more powerful version, Excellence-AWD, is powered by a two electric motors with a total power of 530 hp (390 kW). Power is sent to all wheels in the ratio of 217 hp (160 kW) to the front wheels and 313 hp (230 kW) to the rear wheels. It is built on the BYD e-Platform 3.0 for greater efficiency, aerodynamics, power, body rigidity and space utilization. Using a 150 kW DC charger, the battery is charged from 30% to 80% in 26 minutes. It has a range of 520 km.

When it comes to price, the company did not say how much the European BYD Seal will cost. Some predictions say that the entry model could cost 45,000 euros while the price for the Excellence-AWD would be around 55,000 euros.

Source: BYD

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Auctions

1971 Ferrari Dino 246 GT is for sale

August 31, 2023 Francis Mitterrand

In 1969, Ferrari unveiled one of the greatest Ferraris of all time, the Ferrari Dino 246. It was produced until 1974 in two versions, and 2,295 GT coupés and 1,274 GTS spyders left the production line. One of them, the 1971 Ferrari Dino 246 GT is up for auction.

The Ferrari Dino 246 GT is powered by a mid-mounted 2.4-liter Tipo 135CS V6 engine with factory output of 195 hp (143 kW) and 166 lb-ft (225 Nm) of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox. It sits on 14″ wheels wrapped in 205/70VR14 BFGoodrich Comp T/A 70V tires.

The car is finished in black and is in good condition. It is equipped with a steel body, plexiglass headlight covers, flush front turn signal lenses, amber rear turn signal lenses, a driver-side mirror, a rear-mounted antenna, quad ANSA exhaust outlets, aluminum front hood, vacuum ATE disc brakes, coilover shock absorbers , and anti-roll bars at the front and rear.

Inside, the seats are upholstered in black with red accents, and the same combination can be seen on the door panels. The steering wheel is wrapped in black leather, behind which there is a five-digit odometer that shows 75,852 kilometers. Additional equipment includes black carpeting covered by floor mats with red prancing-horse logos, black perforated headliner, a gated shifter, roll-up windows, and headrests mounted to the seatbacks.

This example is one of 500 from the M series and one of 69 that was originally finished in Verde Germoglio. A month ago, the owner had the vehicle serviced, which included cleaning of the carburetors, a rebuild of the starter, fluid changes, and replacement of the water pump, crankshaft rear spigot bearing, rear oil seal, and battery. Also, the clutch release bearing retaining clip, flywheel, starter ring gear, and flywheel bolts, washers, and dowel were replaced.

The car comes with a Marcel Massini report, a copy of Matthias Bartz’s Dino Compendium, service invoices, and a clean Arizona title.

The auction ends on September 6 and the current highest bid is $250,000 USD.

Source: Bring a Trailer

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News

2024 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale

August 31, 2023 Francis Mitterrand

After the Alfa Romeo 8C, which was produced between 2007 and 2010, the Italian car manufacturer presented a new limited edition supersport two-seater based on the racing version of the Tipo 33, the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.

The Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale will be powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine with more than 620 hp (456 kW), paired with a ZF 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels. That’s enough power to push this powerful car to 100 km/h in less than 3 seconds with a top speed of 333 km/h (207 mph).

For fans of electric cars, Alfa Romeo will also offer a fully electric version powered by three electric motors with a total power of 750 hp (552 kW) and 996 lb-ft (1,350 Nm) of torque. Also, like the V6 version, it will reach 62 mph in less than 3 seconds and will have the same top speed (333 km/h).

Only 33 examples of this car will be produced (all have already been sold), and each will be hand-assembled at the Italian company Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera, where they also assembled the Giulia SWB Zagato. The good news for rich enthusiasts who didn’t get to buy one of the examples is the company’s statement that the 33 Stradale will not be Alfa Romeo’s last super sports model.

The car’s carbon aluminum body is finished in red, and the company announced that customers will have many options for personalization. In an interior that mimics the cockpit of a jet airplane, Alfa Romeo offers two options: Tributo and Alfa Corse, with plenty of leather, carbon fiber, aluminum, and Alcantara.

Afa Romeo has not announced the price of this super car.

Source: Alfa Romeo

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