News

Michelin shuts down tire production in France

The Michelin company is one of the most famous manufacturers of high-performance car tires, which in recent years has been struggling against cheap competition. This caused the shutdown of production in two factories in France from November 2024.

Increased competition on the European tire market, inflation and energy costs made the situation even more difficult, so some factories produced more tires than they sold. Despite the great commitment of the teams and the efforts of the Group, the viability of the two mentioned factories could not be preserved. Therefore, Michelin made the decision to stop production at both plants until November 11.

Michelin plans to completely close the factories in 2026, and until then the union and management will have time to propose collective and individual talks with employees. In these two factories, Cholet and Vannes, Michelin has 1,254 employees.

Source: Michelin

Hybrid

2025 Karma Invictus

American luxury electric vehicle company Karma Automotive, owned by Chinese conglomerate Wanxiang Group, revealed its new car, Karma Invictus. It is a variant of the Revero sedan, and only 30 units will be produced.

At first glance, the Karma Invictus resembles the Fisker Karma that was produced between 2011-2012. year. Equipped with carbon fiber components such as the hood, front fenders with vents, roof, front fascia, side skirts, rear spoiler, diffuser, and trunk lid. The suspension was improved, and Ohlins shock absorbers and Swift springs were installed.

The interior of the Invictus is a little more modest compared to the interior of the Revero model. Heated and cooled front seats with an art deco pattern inspired by the Chrysler Building in New York, “Karma Invictus” embroidered on the headrests, art deco pattern on the door panels and center console, and anodized aluminum sill plates are just some of the details that adorn the interior of the car.

When it comes to the powertrain, the Invictus is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-L engine paired with two electric motors totaling 543 hp (399 kW) and 549 lb-ft (745 Nm) of torque. That’s enough for the sedan to reach 100 km/h (62 mph) in less than 4 seconds. It is equipped with a 28 kWh battery that enables an electric range of 129 kilometers. It is mounted on 21-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires.

Source: Karma Automotive

Gallery:

2025 Karma Invictus
Restomod

Maserati Biturbo-Shamal Restomod Limited Edition

Recently, the popularity of restomod cars has been growing, and the Italian company Modela Automobili presented the Maserati Biturbo-Shamal. With this car, the Italian company pays tribute to the iconic dynasty of the Trident car models.

The Maserati Shamal was produced between 1990 and 1996, and only 369 units left the assembly line. It was the last model announced under the De Tomaso ownership: in January 1990, half of debt-plagued Maserati was acquired by Fiat S.p.A.

Compared to the original Shamal Restomod, it has slightly sharper hood and side lines. It is equipped with a new exposed carbon front end with integrated LED headlights, larger air intakes and a new splitter that enhances the car’s sporty performance. At the back, a new aerodynamic spoiler and a large extractor with incorporated exhausts increase the car’s sporty appearance.

Under the hood is a 3.0-L V6 biturbo engine borrowed from the Ghibli model with at least 500 hp (367 kW), instead of the original 3.2-liter V8 biturbo engine (326 hp). Power is sent to the rear axle via an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission. The car is mounted on lighter 18-inch rims and for safe braking and stopping there are 343 mm front and 330 mm rear Brembo brakes.

Modena Automobili will produce only 33 units and the first deliveries are planned for the spring of next year, with a starting price of over 590,000 euros.

Source: Modena Automobili

Gallery:

Maserati Biturbo-Shamal Restomod Limited Edition

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