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Volvo won’t give up on the XC90

Three years ago, Volvo took big steps towards the complete electrification of its fleet, but problems with production and a drop in demand, confronted the Swedish company with reality. Customers still remained loyal to ICE cars, so Volvo decided to keep its largest SUV powered by an internal combustion engine in the range.

In September, Volvo revealed a refreshed edition of the XC90 SUV, which retained the design of its predecessor with the addition of some details such as redesigned “Thor’s Hammer” lights and diagonal slats of the radiator grille. The interior is also slightly improved, with a new 11.2-inch touchscreen instead of the old 9.0-inch one, optimized operating system, the center console provides additional storage space, while the wireless smartphone charger has been relocated.

Under the hood is a 2.0-L four-cylinder turbo engine combined with a 48-volt electric motor with a total power from 247 hp to 295 hp, and customers will also be able to choose a hybrid version with 455 hp. All versions come with an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all wheels. It should be noted that the refreshed edition has better handling thanks to the optional air suspension, which provides a comfortable and isolated ride, but also coped well with most road situations.

Volvo has announced that it will continue to produce cars with internal combustion engines after 2030, but they will have mild hybrid systems and will be produced in limited series. This does not mean that they have given up on full electrification, as Volvo is one of the few European manufacturers that are still strongly advocating EVs.

Source: Volvo

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Volvo won't give up on the XC90
Auctions

1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing “The Last One” is up for auction

In the mid-1950s, Mercedes-Benz launched a two-seater sports car inspired by the racing cars of the time, the 300 SL Coupe, and in 1957, the Roadster version of this model hit the market. It was produced until 1963, and 3,258 units left the production lines. One of them, the 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing “The Last One”, is up for auction.

This 300 SL Gullwing is the last of the 1,400 Roadster units produced and is considered one of the most beautiful examples of this model. It is finished in a combination of Fire Engine Red (DB 534) over Crème leather (1060) and was produced by special order and was exhibited at the International Trade Fair in Poznań in 1957.

As one of the most stylish and desirable cars of the decade, it made many headlines. He was often a participant in amateur rallies, road races and endurance races, where he attracted attention with his designs, but also often connected with global companies, business tycoons, movie stars and royal families.

So far, it has changed just four owners, and it has been with the current one for the last 25 years. It should be noted that this example is in truly exceptional condition and has retained its numbers-matching chassis, engine, body, gearbox, and front kingpins. It is powered by a 3.0-L 6-cylinder engine with 218 hp that enables a top speed of 250 km/h.

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing “The Last One” comes with copies of its factory data cards, historic imagery, matching luggage, and a full set of belly pans. The auction will take place on November 22 and the estimated value of the car is $2,500,000 – $3,500,000 USD.

Source: RM Sotheby’s

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1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing "The Last One" is up for auction
News

Willowbank Raceway bans EVs on track

EVs are some of the fastest cars in the world that we often see on race tracks. However, Willowbank Raceway has banned the racing and testing of all road-registered electric cars at the track.

This is not the first time that a track has banned electric vehicles, as Summit Point Raceway in West Virginia did so last year and Anglesey in Wales in early 2024. The only difference is that the ban on these tracks also includes hybrid vehicles.

Willowbank Raceway is a track in Queensland (Australia) built in 1985, and bases its ban on Australian Motorsport Agency (NEDRA) regulations and emergency response protocols. Some of the reasons are that electric vehicles pose a risk because the batteries release toxic and flammable gas after a crash, the inability to confirm that the fire on the car is extinguished, the danger of not being able to unlock the door from the outside after a crash, the danger to rescuers when trying to extract an unconscious driver from the car after a crash , the risk of not being able to push or tow an extinguished vehicle with available equipment, as well as the fact that cars need specific fire extinguishing systems.

The stated reasons may be valid, but some believe that the same reasons can be applied to other vehicles that have e.g. electric locks. Statistics show that electric vehicles are less likely to catch fire than ICE or hybrid cars, but batteries still present a special challenge. They suspect that Willowbank Raceway is not being honest in its claims, as they have allowed supercars with electric modes like the Ferrari SF90 Stradale, McLaren Artura and Lamborghini Revuelto to use the track.

Whether this decision is valid and whether it will be changed in the future remains to be seen.

Source: Drive