Tag Archives: vehicles

News

BMW will not give up the manual gearbox

January 10, 2024 Francis Mitterrand

Last year, Mercedes announced that they would gradually stop offering cars with manual transmission in Europe, which definitely disappointed a number of their customers. However, another German brand, BMW, has announced that it will not stop offering a manual gearbox, but will charge an extra €500 for it. It was a good business move, because according to sales data for the last 12 months, 50 percent of BMW M2 buyers opted for a manual transmission, while 20 percent of M3 and M4 buyers chose the same option.

The manual gearbox definitely loses the battle against the automatic transmission. The reason is the costs. In September, CEO at BMW M GmbH Frank van Meel said: “The vast majority of BMW cars are now offered exclusively with an automatic transmission, as few buyers are looking for a manual transmission. It would be easier if only automatic cars came off the assembly line. Instead we have a small number of customers looking for a manual transmission in the M2 series which creates additional complications and increases costs.”

“A manual gearbox is slower, results in higher fuel consumption and sometimes affects the top speed, so from an engineering point of view this type of gearbox no longer really makes sense,” said van Meel.

Also, BMW announces the imminent arrival of a new generation M5 model that will be powered by a plug-in hybrid engine. This means that the Bavarian brand will not give up the V6 engine in the near future, as AMG did.

Source: BMW

Tuning

Two equipment kits for Honda Civic Type R

January 9, 2024 Francis Mitterrand

In a few days, the Tokyo Motor Show (January 12 – 14) will begin, where the Japanese tuner Mugen will present two equipment kits, Group A and Group B, for the Honda Civic Type R.

The Group A equipment kit includes a new front splitter, a sharper air intake shape, redesigned sills, a new rear wing, giving the car a more aggressive look. It can be said to be expected for a special version of the Type R model.

The Group B equipment kit offers much more. The front splitter and intakes are the same as in the Group A package, but the addition is a carbon hood with more air vents that are also located on the upper part of the front fenders. Wider door sills, a new rear wing and a modified bumper give the car a more muscular look and better aerodynamics. Something similar could be seen on modified cars at the beginning of the century.

Group A brings a new improved stainless steel exhaust system and new pads, while Group B comes with titanium pipes, new brake calipers and discs. Both kits bring new shock absorbers and BBS wheels.

Source: Mugen via YouTube

News

Rare Pre-Production Prototype 1995 Ferrari F50 for sale

January 8, 2024 Francis Mitterrand

Between 1995 and 1997, Ferrari produced 349 examples of the mid-engine sports car, the Ferrari F50. However, the Maranello-based company also produced 19 pre-production prototypes and one of them, the 1995 Ferrari F50, is for sale.

This car was presented as the successor to the legendary F40, with performance that could not be matched by any sports car with an open roof. It was developed under the influence of Formula 1, and based on the F50 GT in collaboration with racing partners Dallara and Michelotto. This example is one of six that were owned by the Royal Family of Brunei and is currently owned by DK Engineering. It has 40 individual differences that distinguish it from the other 349 copies.

The Ferrari F50 is powered by a 4.7-liter V12 engine with 512 hp (382 kW) and 347 lb-ft (471 Nm) of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission. It reaches 60 mph in 3.8 seconds with a top speed of 202 mph. It has only 1,900 kilometers on the odometer.

It was delivered as new to the royal family in 1995, and since 1997 it has changed several owners. All the time it was part of collections and exhibited in museums. Since 2015, it has been part of Tony Denny’s Gosford Classic Car Museum in Australia. Since 2018, it has Ferrari’s red book Classiche certification.