Tag Archives: vehicles

News

Alpina B7 has come to an end

All good things come to an end, and so does one of the most refined and fastest luxury sedans in the world. It is the last Alpina B7 series, based on the BMW 7 series, that the German company presented to the public.

The Alpina B7 is powered by a 4.4-liter biturbo V8 engine with 608 hp (447 kW) and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque. That’s enough power for the car to reach 62 mph in 3.6 seconds with a top speed of 205 mph (330 km/h).

Although Alpina is part of the BMW Group, the company has announced that they do not plan to make a model that could be considered a successor to the B7, and the reason for this is BMW’s decision not to allow Alpina to modify the new 7 Series (G70), which will have an electric version. The start of production of this model is planned for July next year.

According to the contract signed two years ago, Alpina will upgrade the models of the Bavarian car giant in its plants in the German city of Buchloe by the end of 2025. After that, all Alpina employees will become employees of BMW or its partners. Buchloe remains one of the bases where Alpina will provide spare parts and service for its cars. Also, the restoration of Alpina’s older editions will be on offer soon.

Meanwhile, Alpina engineers are working on the XB7, which is based on BMW’s largest SUV, the BMW X7.

Source: Alpina

Auctions, News

1987 Ferrari 288 GTO Evoluzione for sale

In 1986, Ferrari unveiled the 288 GTO Evoluzione model with more aggressive and aerodynamic body styling and increased power compared to the standard 288 GTO. The car was made to race in Group B (set of regulations for GT cars used in sports car racing and rallying introduced in 1982 by the FIA). Ferrari’s intention was to produce 20 examples, but since Group B was cancelled, only 5 cars were produced. One of them, a 1987 Ferrari 288 GTO Evoluzione, will be auctioned next month.

The body, designed by Pininfarina, is made of Kevlar and fiberglass, while the rear wing is made of carbon fiber, reducing the car’s weight to under 1,000 kg (940 kg). Chassis number 79888 is the fourth of five remaining 288 GTO Evoluzione’s built.

At the end of 1988, the car was bought by Belgian racing driver and businessman Jean Blaton, and it remained in his possession until 1992, when it was sold to Garage Francorchamps and Jacques Swaters. After that, the car changed several owners before being sold to its current European owner three years ago.

Before the auction sale, the car underwent cosmetic and mechanical work that cost €133,000. The car wears the original Rosso Corsa. Dashboard covers, seat covers, seat belts, door windows, mirror glass, fuel lines, oil lines, brake fuel lines, and driveshaft boots were replaced. Suspension dampers, brake calipers, water pump, both turbos and gearbox were repaired.

The Ferrari 288 GTO Evoluzione is powered by a 2.9L twin-turbo V8 engine with 650 hp (485 kW) and 492 ft-lb (667 Nm) of torque. That’s enough power for the car to reach a top speed of 230 mph (370 km/h). Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox.

The auction will take place from 19 – 21 October 2022.

Source: RM Sotheby’s

EV, News

Electric Mercedes-Benz G-Class coming in 2024

The story about the electric Mercedes-Benz G-Class started three years ago. Then the Chairman of the Management Board of Mercedes-Benz, Ola Källenius said: “In the past, there were discussions whether we should eliminate the model. The way I see things now, I’d say the last Mercedes to be built will be and the G-Class.” Although many thought it wouldn’t happen before the second half of the decade, it seems we’re getting closer to the official launch of the first electric G model.

According to Autoblog, Ola Källenius stated that the electric G-Class will hit the market in the next two years. It is part of Mercedes’ long-term plan that includes the electrification of its models by the end of this decade.

A few months ago Merceds-AMG presented the new G63 4×4², which will be powered by a 4-liter V8 biturbo engine with 585 hp (430 kW) and 627 lb-ft (850 Nm) of torque. The engine is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission that transmits power to all wheels. The company claims that the new G-Class reaches 62 mph in less than 5 seconds, but consumes as much as 20 L of fuel per 100 km, which, if we take into account current prices, will empty the wallet of future owners. When it comes to the price, the car costs EUR 250,000.

Source: Autoblog