Tag Archives: vehicles

News

SUV owners will pay more for parking in Paris

The surge in private vehicle ownership, fueled by factors such as population growth, economic prosperity, and urbanization, has overwhelmed existing parking facilities in many cities. Roads that were once designed to accommodate a manageable number of parked cars now find themselves inundated with vehicles, turning once-accessible parking spaces into precious commodities. For this reason, the authorities of the French capital, Paris, decided to hold a referendum on raising the price of parking for large SUVs in the city center on February 4, 2024.

According to available information, the Paris authorities want to introduce a higher price for parking for ICE cars weighing more than 1.6 tons, and electric cars weighing more than two tons, and for now most of them are just like that. Based on the car’s license plate, it will be possible to determine the car’s weight, which will also determine the price of parking.

‘We need to reduce the number and size of cars in the city and therefore we will hold a referendum on how much space should be allocated for this type of vehicle in Paris. The vote is designed to tell those who drive SUVs – No! Such cars will not be welcome in the city centre,’ said David Belliard, deputy mayor of Paris.

The growing number of cars in cities is a complex issue that requires urgent attention and innovative solutions. As urban populations continue to expand, the need for sustainable and efficient transportation becomes paramount. By fostering a shift towards public transportation, investing in green technologies, and designing cities with a focus on accessibility and inclusivity, we can mitigate the adverse effects of the car overload phenomenon and pave the way for more livable, resilient, and environmentally friendly urban spaces .

Source: Reuters

News

Audi TT is retired

In 1998, Audi introduced a 2-door sports car, which through three generations became one of Audi’s best-selling models, the Audi TT. In more than two decades of production, 662,762 copies of this car left the assembly line. Now it’s time to finally say goodbye to this popular two-seater. At least in the version we currently know.

Last month, Audi presented the last edition of the TT model, the Audi TT Tourist Trophy. The car is intended for the Spanish market, and only 25 examples will be produced. It is finished in Nogaro blue, but can also be obtained in Tango red and Glacier white. The windows are tinted, and it is equipped with the S Line Competition package. It sits on a set of black 20-inch Audi Sport 10-spoke “Y” wheels, behind which hide red brake calipers.

Tourist Trophy is powered by a 2.0L turbo gasoline engine with 245 hp (180 kW), paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that sends power to all wheels. It goes from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.1 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

The retirement of the TT began with the gradual withdrawal of the five-cylinder engine, which is still available in the RS3 and RS Q3 models. At one time, the TT was offered with an even bigger engine, as the first and second generations offered the option of a VR6 engine.

However, some rumors say that the TT model could still return in the future, but as a fully electric car.

Source: Audi

EV

Aston Martin DB6 as an EV

Between 1960 and 1971, Aston Martin produced 1,788 DB6 grand tourer cars. It succeeded the Aston Martin DB5 and featured improved aerodynamics and specifications over its predecessor. It is powered by a 4.0L DOHC in-line six engine with 282 hp (210 kW) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque. Now British company Lunaz Design has turned one into an electric car. The price is £650,000.

This is not the first Aston Martin DB6 that Lunaz has transformed into an EV. At the beginning of the year, the British company did the restoration and electrification of a DB6 car for a businessman from Miami. That example is finished in dark gray and equipped with better brakes, improved suspension and steering system.

This DB6 has been completely disassembled, restored and reassembled to the highest standards. “This is a legacy so beautiful that we are required to preserve it. There is no more alluring evocation of the British GT and we are proud that electrification means it can compel many more generations,” said Jo Slater, Head of Design.

Inside, environmentally friendly materials are used such as veneer made from shells, leather is replaced with organic apple products, plastic is replaced with corn and wood fibers, floor mats are made from recycled plastic bottles, door panels are made from a mixture of renewable plant materials such as corn-based fibers and wood fibers, while the dashboard, shift lever and three-quarter glass handle are made of biodegradable composite material made from eggshells and nuts. Some fabric blends are made from 66 percent post-industrial recycled cotton and 27 percent polyester.

The car is powered by an electric motor with 375 hp (276 kW) and 518 lb-ft (702 Nm) of torque. Other specifications have not been revealed. It is equipped with 80 and 120 kWh batteries, which enables a range of between 290 and 402 kilometers.

Source: Lunaz Design