Tag Archives: vehicles

News

WRC brings back pure ICEs to Rally1

In 2022, the WRC allowed the use of hybrid cars in Rally1, but it seems that this will not last long. According to the latest information, the World Rally Championship is returning to internal combustion engines with a focus on e-fuels or hydrogen to reduce costs.

This decision applies to the Rally1 class, and all cars will use only sustainable fuels, without the use of electric motors. Thanks to this change, the cars will be lighter. “The current Rally1 car continues to be the WRC’s flagship in 2025 and 2026, but with modifications that will reduce costs and performance. These changes include the removal of the plug-in hybrid drivetrain, and performance will be compensated by a reduction in overall mass,” it said. from the FIA.

The new regulations, which will apply from 2026, will limit the differences between teams so that cars will be limited to around 330 hp (246 kW), will use the same safety cell to reduce cost and complexity, and each car will be priced limited to 400,000 euros.

This does not mean the complete elimination of electromotors from the WRC as the FIA is currently working on creating a category for electric cars only.

Source: Autocar, Photo: FIA

News

Stolen Ferrari F512M found after 29 years

Gerhard Berger is one of the most experienced Formula One drivers of all time with 210 starts. In his 14-year-long career, he achieved 48 podiums, 12 poles and 21 fastest laps, but never becoming the Formula 1 World Champion. Car enthusiast and owner of some of the rare Ferrari models, such as the Ferrari F512M, which was produced in 501 copies. 29 years ago this car was stolen, and recently it was found in London.

In 1995, a car was stolen in front of a hotel near the track in Imola. After Berger reported the car missing, police investigators from the Organized Crime Unit launched an extensive investigation. The car was sent to Japan shortly after it was stolen, until it was brought to the UK in late 2023. The vehicle was then impounded to prevent export.

In 2023, Ferrari inspected a vehicle purchased by an American buyer through a British broker. After checking the data, they informed the London Metropolitan Police, which launched an investigation in January of this year. So far, no one has been arrested, and the investigation is ongoing.

The Ferrari F512M is the last version of the Testarossa. It is powered by a 4.9-liter Tipo F113 G flat-12 engine with 434 hp (324 kW) and 370 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.7 seconds with a top speed of 315 km/h (196 mph).

Source: dpa German Press Agency, RMC Sport via X

Hybrid

2024 Changan Hunter

Chinese state-owned automobile manufacturer Changan has revealed its new vehicle, the Changan Hunter. It is the first ever car with extended range technology (EREV).

Hunter is 5,380 mm long and has a wheelbase of 3,180 millimeters, and customers can choose an extended version with a double cab, which also brings a longer cargo space. This means a longer overall vehicle length (5,630 mm) and a longer wheelbase of 3,430 mm. On the other hand, Changan Hunter still has a small payload for this type of car, only 495 kilograms.

The vehicle will be powered by a 2.0L turbo gasoline engine combined with an electric motor with a total power of 177 hp (132 kW), with rear-wheel drive. The version with AWD will be powered by a 2.0L turbo petrol in combination with two electric motors with a total power of 190 hp (142 kW).

Both versions are equipped with a 31.18 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery that enables a range of 180 kilometers, CLTC. Thanks to extended-range technology, the gasoline engine produces electricity for the electric motors, which is stored in the battery via a generator, providing a range of 1,031 kilometers. The company claims that regardless of the AWD or RWD version, the range is the same.

When it comes to price, the single-engine Hunter Warrior Edition Deluxe starts at 139,900 yuan ($19,700), while the AWD version costs 149,900 yuan ($21,090).

Source: Changan

Gallery:

2024 Changan Hunter