News

2023 Hongqi L5 – the most luxurious and expensive Chinese car

The new Hongqi L5 was premiered at the Shanghai Auto Show. It is the most luxurious and expensive Chinese car that looks like a presidential limousine.

The first generation Hongqi L5 was released at the same event ten years ago and priced at CN¥5 million Renminbi (US$800,000). It was used by the former General Secretary of the Communist Party (paramount leader), the current President of China, Xi Jinping.

The car does not differ much from its predecessor, but it still brings several improvements, such as a chrome radiator grille, a redesigned front bumper with new lights, a black lower part of the radiator grille with a central chrome element, an upright front fascia, elongated rear side windows, chrome details around the side windows and additional chrome details on door handles and rims. The company offers the car with a blue and white body.

Inside, in front of the driver is a two-spoke steering wheel, while there are three massive screens on the dashboard. Hongqi decided not to put all the functions in the screen, keeping a few buttons located on the dashboard and along the center console.

When it comes to the powertrain, there isn’t enough information, at least for now. The first generation was offered with two engine types: a 4.0-liter V8 engine with 381 hp (280 kW), paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all wheels, and a 6.0-liter V12 engine paired with a 6-speed TB -68 automatic transmission.

Gallery:

2023 Hongqi L5 - the most luxurious and expensive Chinese car

Source: Hongqi

Auctions

1963 Porsche 356B is for sale

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Three years after the end of World War II, Porsche began production of its first production car, the Porsche 356. It was produced in several versions, and in 1962, Porsche introduced the 356 B model with the T6 body type. It was produced until 1963, and over 30,000 cars left the production line. One of them, a 1963 Porsche 356B is for sale.

This unique “Karmann hardtop” car is powered by a 1.6-liter flat-four engine with dual carburetors. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. It sits on silver-finished 15″ steel wheels wrapped in 165/80 Kumho Power Star 758 tires.

The Porsche 356B is finished in Ruby Red, and is in good condition. It is equipped with twin grilles on the engine compartment cover, an external fuel filler in the right front wing/fender and a larger rear window, Bursch exhaust system and four-wheel drum brake system. Three years ago, the body was repainted, the windshield, window and body seals were replaced, and LED lighting was installed.

Inside, the seats are covered in gray leather that also covers the door panels while the upper part of the dashboard is covered in red leather. The three-spoke steering wheel is wrapped in a leather cover. Ten years ago, the interior was refreshed. Additional equipment includes lap and shoulder seat belts, an analog clock, and a JVC radio mounted below the dashboard. The five-digit odometer reads 84,455 miles.

The auction ends on April 23rd and the current highest bid is $32,000 USD.

Gallery:

1963 Porsche 356B is for sale

Source: Bring a Trailer

News, Tuning

Manhart CR 600 based on the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S

The recently presented Mercedes-AMG C63 has confirmed rumors that the German carmaker is giving up the V8 engine, at least when it comes to the C63. However, one of the best tuners in the world, Manhart, presented the CR 600 based on the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S.

CR 600 is powered by a 4.0-Liter V8 biturbo engine with 623 hp (458 kW) and 649 lb-ft (880 Nm) of torque, which was achieved by installing new turbochargers and intercoolers and remapping ECU units. Power is sent to all wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission with upgraded software. As a reminder, the standard model has 510 hp (375 kW) and 519 lb-ft (700 Nm) of torque.

The car is finished in black, but without gold stripes on the sides and the entire length of the vehicle, which is standard for most Manhart works. It is equipped with a black radiator grille, optimized suspension, height-adjustable MANHART coil spring set by H&R, MANHART Downpipes Sport with 200 cells catalytic and stock brakes. It is mounted on diamond polished 20″ Concave One rims wrapped in 255/30 ZR20 front and 275/30 ZR20 rear Michelin tires.

Inside, the stock interior has been retained, while individually tuning options are available upon request.

Mercedes-AMG C63 is powered by a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo engine combined with a rear electric motor that will deliver a total of over 671 hp (493 kW) and 752 lb-ft (1.020 Nm) of torque. Power is sent to all wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission. It reaches 62 mph in 3.5 seconds, which is faster than the current BMW.

Gallery:

Manhart CR 600 based on the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S

Source: Manhart

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