Dacia announces new model in the C-segment

After great success primarily on the European market, Dacia intends to increase its fleet with new models. The Romanian brand is now trying to compete with the Chinese brands in the C-segment where they are the absolute leaders.

The first step that Dacia intends to take, before presenting new models, is to refresh Sandero and Jogger, which will have better equipment in order to remain attractive to customers. The reason is that Chinese cars offer more than most other manufacturers can.

Dacia Sandero has been the best-selling car in Europe for a long time, and now the company intends to add its bigger brother to its fleet. The car is likely to be built on the CMF-B platform and will be offered with multiple powertrains: petrol, dual-fuel (LPG) and HEV variants.

The price will play a big role in whether the car, which should arrive on the market in 2027, will be accepted on the market, and it is expected that this model could be the most affordable in the segment.

Dacia is also announcing a new EV due in 2026. The car was announced in February and according to Renault Group CEO De Meo, the company has reached the speed of new car development currently experienced by Chinese companies, after starting an R&D partnership with a Chinese consultancy for the Renault Twingo E-Tech project.

The new EV will be built on a shortened version of the AmpR Small platform specially developed for electric vehicles. This platform is derived from the CMF-B platform, which is currently used by Dacia’s entire fleet with combustion engines. What could attract buyers is the price, and the car is expected to cost around 18,000 euros.

Source: Dacia

2026 BMW M2 Racing

In November 2023, BMW began development of a racing car, the M2 Racing, which M boss Frank van Meel said would offer a lot of performance and enjoyment for less money. Sales will start in June and the car will cost 98,000 euros.

The BMW M2 Racing is powered by a 2.0-L turbo 4-cylinder engine (B48), instead of the 3.0-L inline 6-cylinder, which develops 313 hp and 420 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a 7-speed ZF automatic transmission with a mechanical differential lock, which sends power to the rear wheels. It can reach a top speed of 270 km/h.

The car is equipped with LED headlights, rear fog lights, a traction control system, a speed limiter when entering the pits, KW shock absorbers, adjustable stabilizers, and air conditioning. Optionally, the car comes with a rear spoiler, brake pads optimized for multi-hour races, night lights, a data transfer/processing system, a jack, and an illuminated number plate. It sits on lightweight and reinforced 18-inch wheels wrapped in 265/660 Good Year Eagle tires.

The cabin features GT-AM seats, seat belts, a fire extinguisher, and a roll cage that meet current FIA standards.

Source: BMW

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2026 Ferrari 296 Speciale

The Ferrari 296 Speciale is the new supercar in the Italian brand’s fleet. It is the most powerful version of the 296 GTB model, which brings the best aerodynamic solutions of the Maranello-based company.

The 296 Speciale is equipped with lightweight carbon fiber components, modified suspension, reduced ground clearance, improved brakes, and a revised aerodynamic package that improves downforce by 20 percent. The interior is equipped with new seats and a variety of carbon accessories that further reduce the weight of the car by 5 kg.

When it comes to the powertrain, the Speciale is powered by a 3.0-L V6 engine combined with an electric motor for a total of 868 hp, which is more than the 296 GTB. Power is sent to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. It reaches 100 km/h in just 2.8 seconds with a top speed of 330 km/h. The company also claims that the Speciale has better and more precise handling.

Ferrari marketing chief Enrico Galliera said that the 296 Speciale will be very exclusive, and that the car will be offered to customers who have purchased a new or improved used car from authorized dealers in the last five years. It will be available in Coupe and Spider variants, and the price will range from 407,000 euros (Coupe) to 462,000 euros (Spider).

Source: Ferrari

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