News

BMW 8 Series (E31)

30 years since its appearance on the market, the BMW 8 Series (E31) continues to enjoy a special status. One interesting example of this model caught attention last month on the SEMA show.

The 850ci, which began its life like any other but underwent radical changes during the three-month period to be ready for the event. Now, it looks more modern but also more aggressive than before.

The body is wrapped in foil with BMW M paint. It is equipped with a Pandem body kit that includes a larger front lip spoiler, wider front and rear wheel arches, extended sills, a rear spoiler and an air suspension that allows lowering closer to the ground. It is mounted on BC Forged North America 19 inch wheels with Toyo R888R tires. For safe stopping and braking there are Brembo brakes.

Speaking of powertrain, the 850ci was offered with several engine types:

  • 4.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine with 282 hp (207 kW) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque,
  • 4.4-liter V8 engine with 282 hp (207 kW) and 309 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque,
  • 5.0-liter V12 engine with 296 hp (218 kW) and 332 lb-ft (450 Nm) of torque,
  • 5.4-liter V12 engine with 322 hp (237 kW) and 361 lb-ft (490 Nm) of torque.

Some may not like the changes, but many will say it still fits the 8 Series.

Source: BMW

News

Renault Austral

After introducing the Mégane Conquest and the new Mégane E-TECH Electric, the French carmaker decided to expand its offering with a new family-friendly model, the Renault Austral. It is a 4.51 m long SUV that can accommodate up to 5 passengers.

The name Austral is derived from the Latin word australis. It combines the liveliness and warmth of the southern hemisphere and invites exploration, making it perfect for an SUV, said Sylvia Dos Santos, head of modeling strategy at Renault’s global marketing department.

Austral is part of a new range of compact Renault SUV models that combine innovative connected technology and deliver eco-driving pleasure. The perfect balance of voices makes it easy to pronounce and gives it a truly international touch.

Austral will replace Kadjar in Renault’s offer and will be introduced to a wider audience in the spring of 2022.

Source: Renault

Gaming, News

Porsche Vision Gran Turismo

Gamers are certainly familiar with the game Gran Turismo which this time offers a new car, the Porsche Vision Gran Turismo. It is a Porsche and Polyphony Digital project that will be available in Grand Turismo 7 for the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.

With this virtual car, Porsche has demonstrated the creative power of its design team. Although designed only for the virtual world, it opens up exciting possibilities that are otherwise regimented in the design process for a production car.

“Projects like Porsche Vision Gran Turismo are especially valuable to us in the creative process. Further development of our clearly defined Porsche Design DNA and exchange with designers from other industries is an important part of our work, ”said Michael Mauer, Vice President of Porsche Style.

A car of purist design, with a centrally placed engine and an even width-to-height ratio, reveals Porsche’s passion for racing and a look into the car’s future. Low-mounted hood, pronounced wings, wide LED light strip at the back, are just some of the features of this concept. The car is designed without a door.

Access to the cabin is done by raising the roof, because the car is designed without a door. Inside, carbon and titanium were used, as well as vegan materials. The seats are positioned low, while in front of the driver is a curved display and racing steering wheel on which most of the controls are located.

The game will be released in early March 2022, so we will soon know more details about the performance of this virtual car. Maybe the concept becomes a reality.

Source: Porsche

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