News

Ford produces one pick-up truck every half minute

Full-size pickup trucks are one of the most popular vehicles in America, and Ford is now officially the world’s largest seller of this type of vehicle. In 2023, Ford sold 1,081,777 pickup trucks, which is far better than the competition. This American manufacturer produces one pick-up every half a minute, which is a remarkable result.

In 1948, Ford produced its first pick-up from the F-Series, which replaced previous pickups based on car platforms. The F-150 model is currently in its 14th generation, which goes on sale from June 2020, and in 2010, a series of performance pickup trucks was launched.

Currently, Ford has several powertrain options in its fleet, including 2.7-L, 3.3L and 3.5-L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 gasoline engines, a 3.0-L V6 turbodiesel, while the 5.0 -L V8 engine at the top of the range. All engines are paired with a ten-speed automatic gearbox instead of the six-speed manual gearbox that was offered until now.

In 2021, Ford started production of its first fully electric pick-up, the F-150 Lightning, which eventually became their best-selling electric model. The intention was to change people’s view of electric cars and Ford as a brand. The starting price of this model is $49,995. The Super Duty version costs $44,970 without upgrades, when the price can go over $100,000 if customers choose the F-450 Limited version, for example.

When it comes to the prices of the other models, the Maverick starts at $23,815 while the Ranger is slightly more expensive and starts at $32,670. The most popular is the F-150 with a starting price of $36,770.

Source: Ford

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Ford produces one pick-up truck every half minute
News

VW to invest 2.5 billion euros in EV production in China

At the end of 2022, Volkswagen lost the title of the best-selling car brand in China, and the throne was taken over by the domestic electric vehicle manufacturer BYD. In order to remain competitive, VW decided to invest 2.5 billion euros in the expansion of the production and innovation center in the Chinese city of Hefei, which will enable 30 percent faster placement of technology and increase the production of their electric vehicles in China.

The German company has announced a series of new models in the electrification of its Chinese portfolio to regain lost share in the world’s largest car market. In 2023, VW invested 700 million dollars in the Chinese car manufacturer XPENG, becoming the owner of nearly 5% of the company, with which it agreed a partnership on the production of two models of this German brand. Both models will hit the market in 2026.

Since the beginning of the year, VW has premiered several new models such as their first all-electric station wagon VW ID.7 Tourer, ID.3 GTX Performance, ID.7 GTX Tourer, Golf R, and ID.Buzz GTX van. Also, the manufacturer discontinued the production of some models such as VW Arteon and T-Roc Cabriolet. The return of some models such as the VW Scirocco, which was discontinued in 2017, was also announced.

Source: VW

Auctions

2020 McLaren Senna GTR ‘LM 25’ up for auction

Lazante is a British automotive engineering specialist, who designs and crafts road and track automobiles for the most discerning car collectors and enthusiasts, and one of their cars is up for auction. It’s the 2020 McLaren Senna GTR ‘LM 25’ produced in honor of the McLaren F1 GTR and its famous victory at Le Mans in 1995.

The Senna GTR ‘LM 25’ was produced in just seven examples, each based on a different model or body style, making them unique. Each model is finished in the contrasting dark gray livery worn by the Tokyo Ueno Clinic F1 GTR at Le Mans combined with extensive carbon fiber visuals. There are lightweight forged aluminum and carbon fiber wheels with five spokes, fitted by a center-lock mechanism complemented by gold brake callipers featuring red McLaren lettering. It is equipped with ‘LM 25’ decals and Tokyo Ueno Clinic sponsor branding tucked behind its dihedral-opening doors on the outer carbon fiber monocoque tube.

Inside, the carbon fiber-backed seats are similar to those in the F1 GTR model with ‘LM 25’ logos on the headrest. There are also blue Willans race harnesses (used in the race car), drilled gold pedals, carbon fiber steering wheel with paddle-shift levers, and various other subtle references to the 1995 win, including a faithful rendition of the scrutineering decal on the rear bulkhead.

The McLaren Senna GTR ‘LM 25’ is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-L V-8 engine with 814 hp (607 kW). The same engine powered the F1 GTR, but this limited edition is 41 kg lighter than the original, which is achieved by using lightweight materials.

Since 2020 when it was converted by Lanzante, the car has changed several owners who have not driven it often even though it is road legal. In September 2023, when the service was performed and four tires were replaced, the odometer showed only 1,731 km. It should be noted that in 2023, this car appeared at the London Concours and took the overall winner’s prize on the event’s Supercar Award.

When it comes to price, the car is estimated at €1,400,000 – €1,600,000 EUR. Senna GTR ‘LM 25’ comes with folders containing paperwork and a flight case that includes driver and passenger intercom headsets, and centre-lock wheel removal tool.

Source: RM Sotheby’s

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2020 McLaren Senna GTR 'LM 25' up for auction

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