Restomod

Evoluto 355 based on the Ferrari F355 Berlinetta

In the world of increasingly popular restomod cars, where the majority are projects based on the Porsche 911, an example based on one of the Ferrari models also pops up. This time it’s the Evoluto 355 based on the Ferrari F355 Berlinetta, the work of British company Evoluto Automobili.

The Ferrari F355 Berlinetta was produced from 1994 until 1999, and over 11,000 cars left the production line, making it the most-produced Ferrari at the time. However, Evoluto Automobili did everything to modernize it but at the same time keep some of the main features of this car. All body panels are made of carbon fiber, which reduces the weight of the car by 200 kg compared to the standard model.

Under the bonnet is still a 3.5-L V8 engine with 426 hp (318 kW) @ 8,500 rpm. This means that the restomod now has 45 hp more than the standard car which has 381 hp (284 kW) at 8,250 rpm. Currently, there is no data on the performance of the Evoluto 355, and the standard F355 Berlinetta accelerates to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.7 seconds with a top speed of 295 km/h (183 mph), so we can expect better figures. Power is sent to the rear axle via a 6-speed manual gearbox with limited mechanical differential lock.

“The potential of Ferrari’s famous atmospheric engine, which in this case is responsible for only 1,250 kilograms, is more than enough for top-notch fun in a car with a refined suspension and a 23 percent stiffer body on adequate tires,” say the company in which today’s super sports hybrid cars with enormous power they consider it pointless and difficult to use even on closed circular paths.

Evoluto will build only 55 cars, and this one is painted blue, which is the total opposite of the standard Rosso Corsa. It sits on lightweight 19-inch wheels wrapped in 235/35 front and 305/30 rear Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires.

The price is not known.

Source: Evoluto Automobili

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Evoluto 355 based on the Ferrari F355 Berlinetta
News

VW Polo will be manufactured in South Africa

Four decades have passed since Volkswagen started production of its B-segment supermini car, the VW Polo, in Spain. However, from now on this model for the European market will be produced in South Africa.

The VW Polo was introduced in 1975 and over time became one of the German manufacturer’s best-selling cars, with over 8 million cars produced in the Spanish factory. The growing pressure to produce electric cars forced Volkswagen to transfer the production of this model to another contingent. Two new affordable electric cars that Volkswagen plans to launch by 2026 will be produced in Spain. It will be the Volkswagen ID.2 X and Škoda Epiq, based on the MEB Entry platform.

Thus, VW plans to invest more than one billion euros in order to adapt the production plant to new electric models. However, the workers employed in this factory are asking what will happen until the moment when the production of electric cars starts. We are talking about a period of less than two years. Forecasts say that the factory will produce 1/4 million vehicles this year and only 150,000 units in 2025.

The new VW ID.2 will be produced at the Martorello plant and will hit the market at the end of 2025, while its SUV version will be built in Navarre and will have to undergo a transformation to adapt to these new small electric cars.

Source: Volkswagen

News

13 of 80 EVs suitable for long-distance driving

The largest European automobile association, ADAC, tested more than 80 electric vehicles and showed that only 13 of them are suitable for long-distance driving.

ADAC first tested vehicles with a range of over 750 kilometers. The best results were achieved by the Hyundai Ioniq 6 with a 77.4 kWh battery and rear-wheel drive, and a range of 931 kilometers with one stop and an additional short charge. The Lucid Air achieved the second best test with 859 kilometers, the BMW iX traveled 835 kilometers, the Mercedes EQS achieved a range of 825 kilometers, the EQE SUV achieved a range of 806 kilometers and the Polestar 2 traveled 801 kilometers.

After that, vehicles with a range between 500 and 750 kilometers were tested (42). These vehicles are considered to be suitable for long distances or vehicles suitable for long distances with a slightly longer charging time.

Also, 14 vehicles with a range of 400-500 km were tested, and vehicles with a range of less than 400 km, such as the Fiat 500e with a 23.8 kWh battery, which had a range of 233 kilometers despite additional charging.

The measurement was carried out with the battery charged to 90 percent, which is the case in most situations, because drivers usually go on the road with a deviation of up to 10 percent. The test also included the additional autonomy that can be achieved after charging on a fast charger during a 20-minute break in ideal conditions.

In conclusion, when purchasing an EV, buyers should pay attention to battery size, power consumption, and charging time.

Source: ADAC, Photo: Authors’ Union Mobility/ADAC/Ralph Wagner

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