Category: Galleries

  • Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 Versace

    In 2022 Lamborghini is celebrating the V12: the legendary 12-cylinder engine that has powered its most iconic models for almost 60 years. Among these is the Murciélago, the Lamborghini model which, making its first appearance at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2001, had the task of taking the historical V12 engine into the 21st century. And it did this in the most extraordinary way, given that when this model made its debut, the 6.2-liter engine had a maximum power output of 580 HP. This was extremely high, considering the use of the large catalytic converters required for the car to be approved in all world markets, including the most stringent ones in terms of emissions.

    The Murciélago was the first Lamborghini to be entirely designed using the CAD-CAM system, which guarantees design precision of the highest level and allows a significantly higher quality of assembly and finish. In terms of look, the Murciélago took shape in its entirety within the new design department, the Lamborghini Centro Stile, under the direction of Luc Donckerwolke who had already redesigned the Diablo but who, with the Murciélago, had the rare privilege of starting with a clean sheet for the design of both the bodywork and the interiors. The total height was just 120 centimeters and the distinctive hallmark “scissor doors” were retained.

    The evolution of the 12-cylinder engine

    When it was first created, the Murciélago came in just one hard-top version with a 6.2-liter engine delivering 580 HP at 7200 rpm. Thanks to the dry-sump lubrication, the Murciélago engine was positioned five centimeters lower than that of the Diablo, with clear benefits in terms of drivability. It could reach a maximum speed of 330 km/h and went from 0 to 100 in 3.8 seconds.

    The Murciélago coupé was then joined by the roadster version in 2004. The second-generation Murciélago models, formally the Murciélago LP 640-4 (both closed and roadster), made their debut in 2007 and remained in production with the V12 delivering an increased 640 HP at 8000 rpm until 2010. In 2010, the Murciélago LP 650-4 Roadster arrived on the scene, with manually attached soft top and 6.5-liter engine delivering 650 HP at 8000 rpm, and in 2009-2010 came the 670-4 SV (Super Veloce). With 670 HP output and a maximum speed of 341 km/h, it was 100 kg lighter thanks to the use of carbon fiber for a number of components.

    All Murciélago models are all-wheel drive, with the system borrowed directly from that of the Diablo, with the Ferguson viscous coupling differential capable of distributing torque up to a maximum of 70% at the rear and 30% at the front.  The carbon fiber undercarriage with mixed-structure floor panel with aluminum was, at the time, the most rigid supporting structure ever produced by Lamborghini. The chassis was completely revised, with new suspension and geometry.

    Mechanical transmission

    The Murciélago was the last Lamborghini V12 to come with a mechanical transmission, in this case, six-speed with reverse. Later, the manual transmission was complemented by an electronic automated transmission with gear sequence via levers located behind the steering wheel.

    Racing

    In 2004, the Murciélago debuted on the racing track with the R-GT, developed for the GT World Championship, held under the banner of the FIA and the ACO for the Japanese championship. Nine cars were assembled, all rear-wheel drive, significantly lighter due to the almost-total use of carbon fiber materials, and equipped with larger tires and brakes.

    The legend of the name

    As is tradition, Lamborghini chooses the names of its models from the world of bullfighting. In the case of the Murciélago, Spanish for “bat”, legend has it that a bull with this name who survived the bullring was gifted to Don Antonio Miura, and that it was from this animal that the famous breeder bred his Miura bulls. In reality, there is no evidence supporting this legend, and there are some discrepancies in the timeline.

    Limited series

    The Murciélago was also produced in some limited series, starting from 2003 with the celebrations for the 40th Anniversary of Automobili Lamborghini, with 50 units. The 40th Anniversary model is recognizable by the special “Verde Artemis” color, some external carbon fiber details and revamped wheel rims, an upgraded exhaust and numbered plate mounted inside the specially designed leather upholstered cockpit.

    The Murciélago LP 640 Versace, available in only two colors, black and white, made its debut in 2006. Lamborghini Ad Personam and Versace designers created a special design, with a two-interior and a matching set of luggage, also produced by Versace. Special accessories, including a scarf and driving shoes, both with Versace branding, were designed to complement the model.

    Dedicated exclusively to the Chinese market, just ten units of the 670-4 SV “China Limited Edition” were produced. It is recognizable by the stripe running along the hood and roof.

    Speed record at Nardò

    In February 2002, Lamborghini took a Murciélago to the test track in Nardò, Puglia, in an attempt to set a new world speed record for a standard production car. At the wheel was test driver Giorgio Sanna, today the Head of Lamborghini Squadra Corse. The goal was accomplished, despite the unexpected tire change during the fuel stop, with 305.048 km (189.55 miles) traveled in one hour and with an average speed on the fastest lap of 325.98 km/h (202.55 mph). The records over 100 km and 100 miles were also broken.

    Murciélago on film

    Scores of films and music videos have featured the Murciélago in a variety of roles. Without doubt, the most famous is Batman Begins in 2005, where it was used as Bruce Wayne/Batman’s personal car, with actor Christian Bale in the leading role. The Murciélago’s career in video games is extraordinary, where it has been used in Gran Turismo 7, Forza Horizon (versions 1-2-3-4), Asphalt 7, Drive Club, and Horizon Chase.

    The “pure” Lamborghini V12 combustion engine in its final form will go out of production before the end of 2022, when the last Aventador Ultimae[1] is made. From next year, the successor to the Aventador will be fitted with a new plug-in hybrid version of the V12 engine.

    Murciélago cars produced (2001-2011): 4,099 (entire series).

    [1] Fuel economy and emissions figures for Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae – Combined fuel consumption: 18.0 l/100km; Combined CO2 emissions: 442 g/km (WLTP)

  • Renault 5 R5 Turbo 3E

    Renault promised “a pop year full of surprises” when it kicked off the 50th anniversary celebrations in January 2022 for the Renault 5, one of its most prominent icons. Renault took part in the Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique, Rétromobile motor show, Le Mans Classic and other festive jamborees before then unveiling its Renault 5 Diamant electric show-car. Now the brand will stage the R5 TURBO 3E’s worldwide premiere at the Chantilly Arts & Elegance 2022 contest, taking place on 25th September.

    This all-electric show car’s contribution to the Renault 5’s 50th anniversary celebrations is a contemporary take and tribute to the most celebrated sports versions – the Renault 5 Turbo and Turbo 2. It has been named R5 TURBO 3E because it follows the Turbo 2 with the “E” standing for electric.

    Renault’s Vice-President Design, Gilles Vidal said, “Renault 5 TURBO 3E combines ultra-tech design and wilful exuberance with numerous references to the world of car racing and video games. This combination propels the show car into modernity and technology, and it’s at the frontier between the real and virtual realms. This pure electric “drifter” demonstrates that electric cars can also be fun with incredible performance!”

    R5 TURBO 3E is another example, alongside the Renault 5 Prototype, of the “electric rebirth” of a flagship model of the brand. Renault is electrifying its history to better prepare its all-electric future in Europe by 2030.

    This reinterpretation of the Renault 5 Turbo 2 is deliberately exuberant and its performance is at the top of its class. It will be a show-stopper at the elegance contest  in Chantilly, and a perfect fit for this gathering’s ethos, a blend of “the automobile of the future and fashion.”

    During the parade, the model and driver accompanying the R5 TURBO 3E will wear previously unreleased suits created by La Fameuse, a fashion designer that has built a name for himself by turning existing garments into one-of-a-kind sporty and classy apparel. These suits use Renault’s vintage signs and colours and will feature original logos and branded T-shirts, combined with today’s style. They were designed as contraries and counterparts: white for the woman and black for the man, with the opposite colour on the arm and leg bands; with X-shaped insets on the woman’s legs and diamond-shaped insets on the man’s legs. The fabric is padded to befit the sportwear universe and combined with a printed Renault monogram.

    A HIGH PERFORMER DESIGNED TO DRIFT

    R5 TURBO 3E is engineered for performance and tracks. It’s an all-electric, rear-wheel drive, pure drifter. Like its iconic predecessor, it is strictly a two-seater. However, the rear now houses the powertrain – two electric motors, each moving one of the wheels, with the batteries in the middle under the floor.

    R5 TURBO 3E is built on a tubular chassis, protected by a flat base and shielded by roll bars approved by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). The motor has 280 kW (eq. 380 hp) of total power and 700 Nm of instantly available torque.

    This new-generation R5 Turbo 2 can reach a top speed of 124mph. Its 42 kWh battery has plenty of capacity for several laps or a raging gymkhana. In these situations, it has a 50-plus steering angle so it’s easier to dodge obstacles.

    To record the R5 TURBO 3E performance, it comes with 10 mounting brackets for cameras inside and outside – for instance in the slots for the headlights and for the exterior mirrors, which are perfect to get the best footage of its drifting prowess.

    EXUBERANCE, FUN AND ICONIC REFERENCES

    “A work of art with exaggerated lines, inspired by the videogame universe, with hints at the Renault 5 and Renault 5 Turbo inside as much as out.” This was the brief handed to the teams working with Sandeep Bhambra, Chief Designer for Renault concept cars, for the R5 TURBO 3E show car.

    The bonnet, doors and cockpit are the same shape as their predecessors – but this time the body is made of carbon fibre. R5 TURBO 3E, in other words, is unmistakably part of the dynasty. It also has a fresh take on the Turbo 2’s iconic air inlets on the rear fenders. It is 2.02 metres wide (25 cm more than its forbear), 4 metres long and 1.32 metres high. Its most striking feature is its huge rear spoiler that pulls the car to the ground, even on the wildest drifts.

    The large air inlets on R5 TURBO 3E’s front bumper cool the engine and add downforce. The three vertical sections are instantly reminiscent of the Renault 5 Turbo 2’s bumper. The square fog lights look a lot like the ones “back in the day” – but now there are four and each contains 16 LEDs.

    There are also pink, blue and yellow LED strips at the front and rear, which flash when the car drifts, adding a 1980s and 1990s videogame vibe. Retro videogames also provided the inspiration for the camouflage stickers adorning the body. Lastly, the Plexiglass windows are pink and a sticker reading “La vie en rose” on the rear left window adds a sweet je-ne-sais-quoi to this show car’s appearance.

    The hints at history in R5 TURBO 3E’s design are the opposite of nostalgic. On the contrary, by their contemporary and playful treatment, they propel the show car into modernity.For example, the air inlet on the bonnet – another wink at the Renault 5 Turbo 2 – houses the opening for the battery charging socket. And the see-through parts of the body – especially the ones above the taillights – provide windows to admire the show car’s electric mechanism.

    POP AND GAMING MOOD

    Inside the R5 TURBO 3E show car, the mood is a present-day and cheerful combination of hallmarks from motorsports, videogames and, of course, the Renault 5 and Renault 5 Turbo 2 icons and their time.

    The carbon fibre racing bucket seats, safety harness and steering wheel are the result of teamwork with Sabelt1 . The imposing upright handbrake lever – a drifter car mainstay – in the middle of the centre console that is eminently “pop” yellow. The same yellow intertwines with pink to add sparkle to the grey and black tartan – a tip of the hat to the 1980s – on the seats and dashboard. The tartan in turn produces a visual effect based on the Renault logo. There is also a logo – which lights up this time – on the steering wheel hub. All these colourful touches also contrast with the black cork floor and Alcantara lines the top of the dashboard and the door panels.

    In a modern twist on one of the Renault 5 Turbo 2’s instantly recognisable features, the 10 analogue dials facing the driver have been replaced by 10 digital screens on R5 TURBO 3E’s dashboard. They work like widgets and look a lot like Pixel Art2  and Glitch Art3 , which seem to have leapt out of the retro gaming universe. For example, to start the car, you have to push the “Free play” button on the centre console. Likewise, the various driving modes have been renamed “Turbo” (for drifting), “Track invader” (for playing), “Donut” (for 360° spins) and so forth.

    The final touch showing that R5 TURBO 3E doesn’t take itself too seriously is a teddy bear called Drifty. He is there to relax and comfort passengers overwhelmed by the show car’s muscle.

    A REAL OBJECT IN VIRTUAL WORLDS

    Besides being a very real car, the R5 TURBO 3E show car is also a sign of its times. Its digital double will spring to life in the universe of virtual games in the Web3, the decentralised Internet where online platforms and services use a model based on blockchain. A collection of NFTs (Non Fungible Tokens) based around the vehicle will also be available and people who own these digital assets will be offered exclusive advantages and rewards.

    After the elegant contest in Chantilly, R5 TURBO 3E will be on display on Renault’s stand at the 2022 Paris Motor Show (from 17th to 23rd October). More details on this show-car’s symbolism will be provided at the event.

    R5 TURBO 3E TECH SPECS

    • Length: 4.006 m including the rear spoiler
    • Width: 2.02 m
    • Height: 1.32 m
    • Wheelbase: 2.54 m
    • Front overhang: 625 mm
    • Rear overhang: 740 mm
    • Chassis: tubular (+ flat base + FIAapproved roll bar)
    • Weight: 980 kg (+ 520 kg of batteries)
    • Front tyres: 225 x 35 R19
    • Rear tyres: 325 x 25 R20
    • Powertrain: All-electric
    • Power: 280 kW (eq. 380 hp)
    • Torque: 700 Nm
    • Battery: 42 kWh lithium-ion
    • Full charge: 2 hours with a 380V/32A charger
    • Top speed: 200 km/h
    • 0 to 100 km/h: 3.5 sec (3.9 sec in Drift mode)
  • Mercedes-Benz C63 S AMG E Performance

    The new 2024 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE is a game-changer in the 55-year history of AMG. It brings state-of-the-art technologies derived directly from Formula 1™ to the road. A two- speed electric motor positioned on the rear axle supports the most powerful production four-cylinder in the world, a Handcrafted AMG 2.0-Liter turbocharged engine that is mounted longitudinally at the front.

    Power delivery and torque build-up occur spontaneously and without delay: as in Formula 1™, the electric support of the exhaust gas turbocharger eliminates the turbo lag of the combustion engine, while the electric motor at the rear axle pushes powerfully from a standstill. The electric powertrain and 400-volt high-performance battery are AMG-exclusive, in-house developments and underline the engineering prowess of the Affalterbach-based developers. Just like in Formula 1™, the battery is specifically designed for fast power output and draw with innovative direct cooling of the cells. The combined system output is 671 hp and 752 lb-ft of torque. These are new benchmarks for the C-Class.

    For the first time in a C 63, the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive transfers power to the road and includes a Drift Mode for even more driving pleasure. Added to this is the standard-fit active rear axle steering, another unique feature in this segment.

    “With the C 63 S E PERFORMANCE, we are opening a new chapter in our brand history. Even 55 years after our company was founded, we at AMG continue to show the courage and the will to realize the creative, the special things. The new C 63 in particular is a real game-changer. With its revolutionary concept, it brings a completely new approach to the segment, which until now has been primarily characterized by the promise of pure performance. With a maximum system output of 671 hp, we do indeed keep this promise. But the intelligent P3 hybrid concept offers much more. I am sure that with this technology, which incorporates a lot of know-how from Formula 1, we will also appeal to a new group of customers,” says Philipp Schiemer, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

    “With its performance hybrid drive and electrically assisted exhaust turbocharger, the new C 63 S E PERFORMANCE is a technological masterpiece that takes a new approach. The electrified powertrain offers a whole new driving experience. The immediate response of the electric drive at the rear axle, the rapid torque build-up as well as the fast power output and also draw of our battery are very special features. Add to this the standard-fit rear axle steering and the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive with Drift Mode – the new C 63 once again illustrates the high level of technical expertise that AMG possesses,” says Jochen Hermann, Member of Executive Board – Chief Technical Officer of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

    Expressive design with powerful proportions and striking details

    Form follows function: the design of the new C 63 S differs from the Mercedes-Benz C-Class in its more muscular proportions. The performance sedan is based on an extensively modified AMG bodyshell. The front end is 2 inches longer and the front fenders are wider. In terms of length, the sedan measures an extra 3.3 inches. The wider track width at the front axle results in 3 inches more overall width at the front. And the wheelbase has grown by 0.4 inches.

    A new distinguishing feature, and one that is exclusive to the C 63 S, is the narrow air outlet in the center of the hood that transitions elegantly into the two power domes. A small but particularly fine detail: for the first time ever on a Mercedes-AMG production model, a round badge with a black AMG emblem replaces the Mercedes star with laurel wreath on the hood. Further typical elements include the AMG-specific radiator grille with vertical struts and the AMG front fascia with a “jet-wing” design. Two electronically controlled AIR PANELS (behind the radiator grille and in the front fascia) allow the air to be regulated as required.

    Matching side skirts, rear fascia with large diffuser as well as two trapezoidal, externally ribbed dual tailpipe trims round off the design. Exclusive details at the rear include the special airflow breakaway edge on the trunk lid, plug-in charging flap and model designation set against a red background. The C 63 S is fitted with 19-inch AMG alloy wheels and staggered tires as standard. Optional 20-inch wheels, also with staggered tires, are available, including a forged wheel design.

    Stylish interior, new generation of the AMG Performance Seat

    In the interior, AMG sports seats with special upholstery and distinctive stitching pattern add refinement, and many options for individualization are available. Optional redesigned second-generation AMG Performance Seats feature side bolsters with weight-saving openings that also allow for better ventilation. The shape of the backrest tapers towards the bottom.

    MBUX multimedia system with hybrid-specific displays

    The MBUX infotainment system includes various AMG- and hybrid-specific displays and functions that can also be extensively personalized. These include special displays in the instrument cluster, on the portrait- orientation multimedia central display in the center console and on the optional head-up display.

    The AMG-specific E PERFORMANCE hybrid drive: combustion engine in the front, electric motor in the rear

    In the new Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE, the Handcrafted AMG 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine is combined with a permanently-excited synchronous electric motor, a high-performance battery developed in Affalterbach and fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive. The system output of 671 hp and the maximum system torque of 752 lb-ft enable impressive driving performance: the vehicle accelerates from 0-60 mph in an estimated 3.3 seconds.

    The 201 hp (150 kW) electric motor is positioned at the rear axle, where it is integrated with an electrically- shifted two-speed gearbox and the electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential in a compact electric drive unit (EDU). Experts refer to this layout as a P3 hybrid. The lightweight high-performance battery is also located in the rear above the rear axle.

    This compact design has numerous advantages:

    • The electric motor acts directly on the rear axle and can therefore convert its power more directly into propulsion – for that extra boost when starting from a standstill, accelerating or overtaking.
    • The inherent design of the electric motor means that full torque is available near instantaneously, making particularly agile starting possible.
    • In addition, the driver immediately experiences a noticeable performance increase thanks to the integrated, electronically-controlled limited-slip rear differential. The hybrid model is highly agile when accelerating out of corners, offers optimal traction and, therefore, a high level of driving agility.
    • If slip occurs on the rear axle, the drive power of the electric motor is also transferred to the front wheels as needed for more traction. The mechanical connection of the fully variable all-wheel drive makes this possible by means of a drive shaft and the axles of the front wheels.
    • The positioning on the rear axle improves weight distribution as well as axle load distribution in the vehicle and thus forms the basis for agility and handling.
    • The AMG system offers very high recuperation efficiency, as the system allows only minimal mechanical and hydraulic losses from the engine and transmission.
    • The automated two-speed transmission at the rear axle, with its specially calibrated gear ratio, ensures both high wheel torque for agile starting to safe continuous output at higher speeds. An electric actuator engages second gear at up to 87 mph, which corresponds to the electric motor’s maximum speed of around 13,500 rpm.

    Inspired by Formula 1, developed in Affalterbach: the AMG high-performance battery

    When the electrification strategy was being defined, it was clear from the outset that all essential components would be developed in Affalterbach. At the heart of this is the AMG high-performance battery (HPB). The development of the lithium-ion energy storage system is inspired by technologies that have already been proven in the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team’s Formula 1 hybrid racing cars. The AMG high- performance battery combines high power that can be utilized frequently in succession with low weight to increase the overall performance of the vehicle. Added to this are the fast energy draw and high power density.

    94 hp continuous output and 201 hp peak output

    The high-performance battery offers a capacity of 6.1 kWh, a continuous output of 94 hp and a peak output of 201 hp for ten seconds. The low weight of only 196 lbs (89 kg) helps to deliver the very high power density. Charging takes place via the installed 14V on-board charger with alternating current at a charging station, wallbox or household outlet. The battery is designed for fast power delivery and draw rather than longest possible range.

    The continual push for innovation: direct cooling of the battery cells

    Every battery needs a defined temperature for optimum power delivery. The basis for the high performance AMG 400-volt battery is its innovative direct cooling system: a high-tech coolant flows around all 560 cells and cools them individually. The result is the battery is always in a consistent, optimal, operating temperature window, no matter how often it is charged or discharged. Should the average temperature be exceeded when driving at high speeds, protection mechanisms are configured so that maximum performance can be obtained from the battery, with the temperature level subsequently lowered by direct cooling.

    Operating strategy: electrical power always available

    The basic operating strategy is derived from the hybrid powerpack of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1™ racecar. As in the premier class of motorsport, maximum power is always available when the driver accelerates aggressively – for example, to accelerate powerfully out of corners or when overtaking. The electric power can always be accessed and frequently reproduced via high recuperation performance and needs-based recharging.

    Eight AMG drive programs

    The eight AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs “Electric,” “Comfort,” “Battery Hold,” “Sport,” “Sport+,” “RACE,” “Slippery” and “Individual” are precisely tailored to the new drive technology and offer a wide range of driving experiences – from efficient to dynamic. The drive programs adjust important parameters such as response of the drive system and transmission, steering characteristics, suspension damping and sound. The boost power of the electric motor also depends on the selected drive program. The peak output of the electric motor, providing a boost of up to 201 hp, can be called up at any time via the kick-down function.

    • “Electric” drive program: the focus is on the electric driving experience. All-electric driving is possible from a standstill up to 81 mph, with the combustion engine always switched off. The mechanical connection to the AMG Performance 4MATIC+ components means that all-wheel drive is always available: if the rear wheels suddenly lose grip, the power of the electric motor is also transmitted to the front wheels via the drive shaft and axles. If the battery has run down or the driver requests more power, the intelligent operating control system automatically switches to the “Comfort” drive program and the combustion engine starts up to provide propulsion.
    • “Comfort” drive program: Starting off is mostly undertaken in electric mode. Combustion engine and electric motor run as the situation demands – with electric drive at low speeds, for example during city driving, hybrid driving with combustion engine and electric motor at speed during highway driving. The boost power of the electric motor is a maximum of around 25 percent. Overall, the result is a harmonious and consumption-optimized driving experience, thanks in part to the early upshifts of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT® MCT 9G transmission. Suspension and steering are set up to emphasize comfort.
    • “Battery Hold” drive program: As in the “Comfort” driving mode, the combustion engine and electric motor run based on the driver demand with a maximum boost of around 25 percent. The biggest difference is that the operating strategy keeps the battery state of charge constant. For example, if the battery is at 75 percent charge, it remains in this range in “Battery Hold.” The use of the electric motor is then limited and optimized for low power draw, which is compensated for by recuperation. Drivers can decide when to make full use of the battery charge again, simply by changing the drive program.
    • “Sport” drive program: starting off with combustion engine and electric motor and interaction of the two drives based on the situation. More boost from the electric motor is enabled, up to approximately 65 percent. More agile accelerator response, shorter shift times, earlier downshifts, as well as a more dynamic suspension and steering setup provide a sporty driving experience.
    • “Sport+” drive program: starting off with combustion engine and electric motor and interaction of the two drives based on driver demand. Even higher boost performance of up to 80 percent. Extremely sporty character thanks to even more agile throttle response and targeted torque intervention during upshifts with cylinder deactivation for optimum shift times. Increased idle speed for faster acceleration. An even more dynamic setup for suspension, steering and powertrain.
    • “RACE” drive program: for highly dynamic driving on closed race tracks. In this mode, all the parameters are configured for maximum performance. Starting off with combustion engine and electric motor and situational interaction of the two drives. Electric boost power of the electric motor up to 80 percent. Strong battery recharging at low power demand for maximum energy availability. In addition, the “Boost Mode” can be called up via the left steering wheel button. The boost power is then limited to a maximum of 30 percent in order to conserve energy reserves. These can then be used specifically on the race track for spontaneous power demand via kick-down and 100 percent boost performance for powerful acceleration.
    • “Slippery” drive program: optimized for slippery road conditions, with reduced power and a flat torque curve. Electric-only driving and recuperation adjustment are deactivated.
    • “Individual” drive program: individual customization of the drive, transmission, AMG DYNAMICS, chassis, steering and exhaust system.

    New sound experience in all driving conditions: electric, hybrid and internal combustion engine

    When driving on all-electric power, the Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System informs others that the AMG C 63 S E Performance hybrid is approaching. A specially composed, low-frequency and speed-modulated AMG sound is emitted to the outside via a loudspeaker at the front and a soundbar with two loudspeakers at the rear.

    In addition, the AMG developers also use the external speakers for a more advanced sound experience. For this purpose, they pick up the real sound of the combustion engine via a pressure sensor in the exhaust system and enrich it further before it’s emitted in the interior via the entertainment sound system, thus making it possible to experience the signature AMG sound. In addition, the sound is modulated via the existing external loudspeakers.

    Recuperation selectable in four stages

    Because the high-performance battery is always in the optimum temperature window of around 113 degrees Fahrenheit due to direct cooling, recuperation can also be optimized. Normally, a battery heats up strongly at a high recuperation rate so the energy recovery level needs to be limited. Recuperation starts when the driver takes their foot off the accelerator pedal. The driver can select four different levels of recuperation using the right-hand AMG steering wheel button, with the energy recovery being designed differently according to the driving mode.

    • Level 0: The vehicle behaves similarly to a conventional combustion-engine model with manual transmission, where the clutch is disengaged, and rolls on with the least resistance when the accelerator is released. The recuperation level is very low, and only serves to maintain the vehicle’s power supply. With the combustion engine switched off, friction losses in the drivetrain are reduced to a minimum.
    • Level 1: This is the standard setting, at which recuperation is already noticeable to the driver, and corresponds approximately to the deceleration of a conventional combustion engine when the clutch is engaged.
    • Level 2: Stronger recuperation, the brake pedal hardly needs to be used when driving in traffic.
    • Level 3: Maximum energy recovery, making so-called “one-pedal” driving possible much like an all- electric vehicle. Depending on the driving conditions, more than 100 kW of power can be fed back into the battery.
    • Special feature of the “RACE” drive program: On the racetrack, the driver wants to squeeze the maximum time possible out of any braking action. In the “RACE” drive program, recuperation is automatically set at level 1 to allow the most reproducible vehicle behavior possible at the limits.

    Handcrafted AMG 2.0-liter engine with electrically assisted exhaust gas turbocharger

    The Handcrafted AMG 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine was developed entirely at the company’s headquarters in Affalterbach and is manufactured according to the “One Man, One Engine” principle. In doing so, Mercedes- AMG combines the craftsmanship of its highly qualified employees with the modern production methods of “Industry 4.0” and a high degree of digitization.

    The hand-built engine, with the internal designation M139l, is the world’s first production engine with an electric exhaust gas turbocharger. This innovative system is derived directly from the technology that the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team has been using so successfully in the premier class of motorsport for many years. The new form of turbocharging guarantees particularly spontaneous response across the entire rev range. This leads to an even more dynamic driving experience, while at the same time increasing efficiency.

    Compared to the AMG C 43 Sedan, the turbocharger in the C 63 S is significantly larger enabling a higher airflow rate and thus more power. In addition, the integrated electric motor is powered by the 400-volt high- voltage system (48 volts in the C 43 Sedan).

    In the C 63 S, the four-cylinder unit produces 469 hp at 6,750 rpm. This makes it the most powerful series- produced four-cylinder in the world. The maximum torque of 402 lb-ft is available at 5,000 – 5,500 rpm. A belt-driven starter-alternator (RSG) combines the alternator and starter in one component and is integrated into the 400-volt high-voltage system. The RSG starts the combustion engine and ensures the basic supply of the ancillary components such as air conditioning or driving lights.

    Power is transmitted via the AMG SPEEDSHIFT® MCT 9G transmission (Multi-Clutch Transmission), in which a wet start-off clutch replaces the torque converter. It reduces weight and, thanks to its lower inertia, optimizes response to accelerator pedal input, especially during sprints and load changes.

    AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension with Adaptive Damping System

    The standard AMG RIDE CONTROL steel sprung suspension with Adaptive Damping System combines sporty driving dynamics with a high level of long-distance comfort. The basis for this is provided by the front axle with specially developed steering knuckles and supporting joints for the spring link, as well as by the rear axle, which also features elastokinematics designed for dynamic handling. Based on this, the damping at each individual wheel is continuously adjusted to the current demand – always taking into account the preselected suspension level, the driving style and the condition of the road surface. In addition to an improvement in ride quality and comfort, this leads, above all, to an increase in driving safety. There is a choice of three different damping maps (“Comfort,” “Sport” and “Sport+”).

    Rear axle steering combines agility with stability

    The standard rear axle steering operates with a maximum steering angle of 2.5 degrees. At speeds of up to 62 mph the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels (variable depending on the AMG DYNAMICS setting). This leads to a virtual shortening of the wheelbase, which in turn results in significantly more agile turn-in, less steering effort and improved maneuverability. At speeds above 62 mph (variable depending on the AMG DYNAMICS setting), the rear wheels turn in parallel to the front wheels – up to a maximum of 0.7 degrees. This virtual extension of the wheelbase has a positive effect on driving stability, leads to a faster build-up of lateral force when changing direction and thus to a more direct reaction of the vehicle to steering commands.

    Good control and fade-resistant: the AMG high-performance composite brake system

    In keeping with the extreme output figures and the associated performance, the AMG high-performance iron rotor composite brake system with an aluminum hat and 6-piston fixed calipers at the front and 1-piston floating calipers at the rear is fitted as standard. The brake system impresses with short braking distances as well as maximum stability and fade-resistance under heavy use.

    At a Glance

    Technical Data Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE
    System output 671 hp
    System torque1 752 lb-ft
    Combustion engine 2.0-liter inline-4 with electrically assisted exhaust gas turbocharging
    Displacement 1,991 cc
    Max. output, combustion engine 469 hp at 6,750 rpm
    Max. torque, combustion engine 402 lb-ft at 5,000-5,500 rpm
    Max. output, electric motor 201 hp
    Max. torque, electric motor 236 lb-ft
    Drive system AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive with fully-variable torque distribution and Drift Mode
    Transmission AMG SPEEDSHIFT® MCT 9G
    Energy capacity 6.1 kWh
    Electric range TBA
    Acceleration 0-60 mph 3.3 s (est.)
    Top speed 155 mph, optionally 174 mph
    Weight TBA

    1 Overall system, depending on gear combination

  • BMW ALPINA XB7

    2022…Impressive driving dynamics, explosive performance, luxurious comfort. For 2023, the BMW ALPINA XB7 benefits from a host of updates, including a new generation engine, an even sharper, more progressive design, and advancements in driving assistance and connectivity. The new ALPINA 4.4-liter V8 with BMW mild-hybrid technology now produces 630 hp (up 18 hp from the previous generation) and 590 lb-ft of torque, placing the XB7 firmly among the highest performing Sports Activity Vehicles in the world.

    New engine generation: 4.4-Liter Bi-Turbocharged V8 with Mild-Hybrid Technology

    The 2023 BMW ALPINA XB7 features an all-new V8 engine, now with BMW mild hybrid technology. Through extensive development efforts, ALPINA engineers have adapted the powerful eight-cylinder engine (S68) specifically to the ALPINA drivetrain philosophy. A characteristic feature is the high torque output of 590 lb-ft which is available from just 1,800 rpm all the way to 5,600 rpm. The engine’s high power reserves are effortlessly and readily available at all times, which is what the superior ALPINA driving experience is all about. The V8 engine with bi-turbocharging generates 630 hp from 4.4 liters of displacement and delivers exceptional driving performance: the luxury 7-seater SAV accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds, completes the ¼ mile sprint in just 12.4 seconds, and can reach a top speed of 180 mph with the available 21-inch wheel and performance tire package (a no-cost option).

    In this latest V8 engine generation, BMW has implemented a cross-bank exhaust manifold that distributes the exhaust gas flow homogeneously to the two twin-scroll turbochargers. This makes the turbochargers highly responsive. The featured BMW mild-hybrid technology improves efficiency; its intelligent system controls allow the combustion engine to run at very high degrees of efficiency for a given load range at constant speeds. In addition, the 48-volt starter-generator located within transmission enhances the responsiveness of the high-performance engine by utilizing the support of the electric motor as needed.

    The state-of-art BMW engine technology is augmented by an ALPINA-specific engine management system and performance cooling system consisting of an enlarged and optimized main engine cooler with integrated transmission cooler, external engine oil and water coolers, and a low-temperature cooling circuit (air/water/air) for the ALPINA-specific intercooling system. Cross-sectioned optimized coolant hoses ensure maximum throughput.

    Smooth and Fast: 8-Speed Sport Automatic and Active LSD

    The latest transmission generation with integrated 48-volt mild-hybrid technology offers both comfort and performance at the highest levels. The 8-Speed Sport Automatic Transmission with the industry-original ALPINA SWITCH-TRONIC wheel-mounted shift buttons responds within milliseconds to driver inputs. Depending on the chosen drive and transmission mode, the 8-Speed Sport Automatic Transmission offers unparalleled shift comfort and the ability to execute shifts in fractions of a second, meaning power is delivered effortlessly and instantaneously at all times.

    Effective torque distribution is guaranteed by the intelligent xDrive all-wheel drive system and an electronically-variable limited-slip differential at the rear axle. This improves traction when driving dynamically by ensuring that slip-induced losses are minimized, and torque is distributed effectively to the wheel with the most grip at any given time. The degree of lock is continuously and actively adjusted depending on wheel speed, friction coefficients, and steering angle among other factors. The behavior of the limited-slip differential is specifically calibrated to suit the dynamic character of the BMW ALPINA XB7, and it operates in conjunction with the other driving stability systems.

    Ride Comfort and Driving Dynamics: ALPINA Sport Suspension and Kinematics

    The 2023 BMW ALPINA XB7 is equipped with the latest suspension technology, opening a new dimension in both ride comfort and driving dynamics in the performance-luxury Sports Activity Vehicle segment.

    The two-axle air suspension with ALPINA-specific dampers and kinematics is primarily responsible for the balance of driving dynamics and ride comfort. It allows for a remarkable and noticeable 1.6-inch change in ride height, depending on driving situation or the chosen suspension mode. At speeds below 19 mph, the ride height can be raised by 1.6 inches for challenging ramp angles or other clearance requirements. In SPORT mode or above 100 mph the ride height is reduced by 0.8 inches, and by 1.6 inches in SPORT+ mode or above 155 mph. The resulting lower center of gravity and subsequent changes in suspension geometry, with associated increases in negative camber, have a significant positive effect on driving dynamics.

    ALPINA-specific dome-bulkhead struts and reinforced torsion struts increase body rigidity. In addition, the electromechanical anti-roll bars of the Active Roll Stabilization system and stiffer rear axle bushings reduce body roll substantially.

    The Integral Active Steering offers direct steering response with exceptional feedback and improves overall agility. The rear wheels can pivot up to 2.3° left or right, increasing agility at low speeds and aiding maximum directional stability at high speeds. The driver can choose from three steering modes: COMFORT, SPORT and SPORT+.

    Excellent Road Holding with Maximum Grip: Wheels, Tires and Brakes

    Specially-developed wheel and tire combinations underscore the powerful, elegant appearance of the BMW ALPINA XB7 and are instrumental in offering impressive levels of grip and road holding, especially for a vehicle of this size category.

    The BMW ALPINA XB7 offers two wheel styles.  The 21″ ALPINA DYNAMIC wheels can be specified with performance summer or all-season runflat tires, measuring 285/45R21 front and rear.

    The beautiful 23-inch forged-alloy wheels in the iconic ALPINA CLASSIC 20-spoke design and finished in Anthracite are now standard. Their high-strength, high-density construction as a result of forging allows a significant weight saving of 7 lbs. per wheel. In collaboration with the experts at Pirelli, the performance summer tires for the 23-inch wheels have been explicitly developed and specified for the BMW ALPINA XB7. Measuring 285/35ZR23 at front and 325/3 ZR23 rear, they provide impressive grip and visual presence.

    Four-piston fixed brake calipers from Brembo with brake discs measuring 15.5 inches on the front axle and floating brake calipers with brake discs of 15.7 inches on the rear axle offer powerful and consistent deceleration. The brake calipers are finished in ALPINA Blue and feature white ALPINA lettering.

    Powerful and Progressive: Design

    The new front view is dominated by a modified light design with horizontally-separated twin headlights. In addition, the glow of the illuminated kidney grille adds a fresh design accent: a waterfall of light, which can also be activated when driving, draws attention to the trademark BMW kidney grill. The striking, new design vocabulary of the air intakes is taken up by the ALPINA front apron to produce a perfectly shaped, powerful appearance. At the other end, the four oval tailpipes of the sport exhaust system are beautifully integrated into the ALPINA rear apron.

    Technology, Connectivity, Craftsmanship: Equipment

    The latest generation of the BMW iDrive adds a new, digital dimension to the vehicle-driver interaction. The technological basis is provided by the BMW iDrive 8 Operating System in combination with intuitive control options like the outstanding voice control offered by the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. The degree of personalization in the displays has reached a new level, including in the standard head-up display with optimized graphics performance. In accordance with the BMW design principle of “eyes on the road – hands on the wheel”, all displays offer logical driver orientation and can also be tailored to drivers’ individual needs. The integration of third-party apps works seamlessly.

    When it comes to the driver assistance systems, the BMW ALPINA XB7 offers the Active Driving Assistant Plus and Parking Assistant Professional as standard. Parking Assistant Professional now includes Maneuver Assistant and Trailer Assistant.

    Maneuver Assistant uses GPS data and the trajectory data from steering inputs to record and store up to ten different maneuvers covering a distance of up to 200 meters each. When the XB7 arrives at a memorized GPS point, such as the entrance to a narrow driveway with tight curves, the system will be able to carry out all the tasks required to complete the maneuver, controlling the accelerator, brakes, and steering as well as changing gear to move forward or backward.

    Trailer Assistant provides the driver with an enhanced view of the path of an attached trailer and allows steering inputs through the iDrive controller, helping the driver reverse the trailer with precision. Software updates and upgrades can be downloaded to the vehicle over the air via Remote Software Upgrade.

    In the cockpit, the large Curved Display allows the digital instrument panel and the central control display to merge into one unit. The gauges of the digital instrument panel are in the iconic ALPINA Blue. In SPORT and SPORT+ modes, ALPINA green drag indicators provide a design accent.

    The interior features many distinguishing details and features which set it apart from the mainstream: glass iDrive controller with the ALPINA design, blue illuminated gear selector, ALPINA production plaque, illuminated ALPINA door sills and the unique ALPINA Sport Steering Wheel hand-finished in the finest LAVALINA leather and featuring trademark Blue/Green stitching. In addition to the ALPINA Myrtle Luxury Wood interior trim, two further ALPINA trim variants are optionally available: Piano lacquer and Natural Walnut Anthracite. Each of the ALPINA wood trim variants features the ALPINA roundel logo.

    Specifications

    ALPINA XB7
    Seats — 6/7
    Number of Doors — 5
    Drive type — AWD
    Length inches 203.9
    Width inches 78.3
    Width including mirrors inches 87.3
    Height inches 70.7
    Wheelbase inches 122.2
    Ground clearance inches 8.4
    Turning radius feet 21.4
    Shoulder width front inches 60.0
    Shoulder room 2nd row inches 58.1
    Shoulder room 3rd row Inches 47.9
    Legroom front inches 39.8
    Legroom 2nd row inches 37.6
    Legroom 3rd row inches 33.3
    Headroom front inches 41.9
    Headroom 2nd row inches 39.9
    Headroom 3rd row inches 36.6
    Trunk volume ft³ 48.6 – 90.4
    Fuel Tank capacity gallons 21.9
    Curb weight lbs. 5,986
    Gross vehicle weight lbs. 7,319
    Payload lbs. 1,180
    Weight distribution front/rear percent 48 / 52
    Tow capacity with factory tow hitch lbs. 7,500
    Engine type — S68T0 V8
    Induction Turbocharging
    Cylinders — 8
    Valves per cylinder — 4
    Bore x Stroke mm 89.0 x 88.3
    Displacement cm³ 4,395
    Compression rate :1 10.5
    Engine power hp 630 @ 5,600 – 6,500 rpm
    Engine torque ft. lbs. 590 @ 1,800 – 5,600 rpm
    Fuel type — Gasoline
    Recommended Fuel — Premium
    Engine oil capacity quarts 11.4
    Output per liter hp/liter 143.57
    Transmission type — 8HP80MH Sport Automatic
    Gear ratios 1st gear — 5.50
    2nd — 3.52
    3rd — 2.20
    4th — 1.72
    5th — 1.30
    6th — 1.00
    7th — 0.83
    8th — 0.64
    Reverse gear — 4.54
    Final drive ratio — 3.38
    Power-steering type — EPS
    Steering ratio :1 16.4
    21” Tires, optional front & rear 285/45R21 113Y XL perf. run-flat
    21” Tires, optional front & rear 285/45R21 113H XL a/s run-flat
    21” Wheels, optional front & rear inches 21 x 9.5
    23” Tires, standard front 285/35ZR23 107Y XL perf.
    23” Tires, standard rear 325/30ZR23 109Y XL perf.
    23” Wheels, standard front & rear inches 23 x 9.5 / 23 x 11.0
    Track, front inches 66.2
    Rear, track inches 67.0
    Cx — 0.35
    0-60 mph seconds 3.9 with 21-inch wheels/tires
    Top speed (with all-season tires) mph 180 with 21-inch wheels/tires (130)
    EPA Fuel Economy, city / hwy mpg tbd
  • Prior Design McLaren 720S PD720R Aerodynamic Kit

    Combining perfect lines and accentuation, the PD720R Aero-Kit turns McLaren 720S into an excellent masterpiece!

    The complete PD720R Aerodynamic Kit for McLaren 720S includes:

    • PD720R Front Add-On Lip Spoiler for McLaren 720S
    • PD720R Front Fenders for McLaren 720S
    • PD720R Side Skirts Add-On Lip Spoiler for McLaren 720S
    • PD720R Rear Diffusor for McLaren 720S
    • PD720R Rear Wing for McLaren 720S
    • PD720R Bonnet for McLaren 720S
  • Dacia Manifesto Concept

    With the reveal of Manifesto Concept, Dacia is emphatically reaffirming its unrivalled vision of an essential, cool, robust, affordable and environmentally efficient car. Although it does not prefigure an upcoming model, Manifesto is a lab for ideas with some of its innovative features available on future vehicles in the Dacia range.

    Manifesto explores a connection to nature by being environmentally friendly, robust and by demonstrating usefulness in the outdoors. It is a bold statement about the brand’s aim to stand by customers as they become ever keener to try outdoor pursuits, while expanding on the values and qualities that have helped to build Dacia’s success.

    ESSENTIAL BUT COOL

    Manifesto Concept is redefining the essentials, offering an ever simpler and more genuine experience. There are no barriers between the passengers and the environment – no doors, no windows, no windshield. The driver and passenger are therefore fully immersed in nature. As you prepare for your open-air activities, there’s nothing quite as convenient as a hard-wearing work surface that serves a variety of purposes instead of a tailgate.

    Passengers can also be close to nature and at the same time remain connected with the services available on their smartphone: Dacia’s simple, effective and economical Bring-Your-Own-Device approach makes it possible to fully integrate a smartphone into the dashboard and on-board computer. This ingenious system is already available on several of the brand’s current models and will evolve in the future.

    Manifesto Concept demonstrates another piece of smart thinking by Dacia with YouClip, a very simple system to secure a variety of handy and modular accessories. This pioneering idea will be built into future Dacia models.

    Lastly, as cool often overlaps with useful at Dacia, Manifesto offers a single headlamp – why use two if one provides all the light you need? – this can also be detached to be used as a powerful torchlight!

    ROBUST AND GEARED FOR OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Dacia cars are famed for being sturdy and dependable. Duster, Jogger and Sandero Stepway stand out as cars that customers can count on for their outdoor pursuits. Manifesto Concept pushes the limits even further, turning a car into a go-between by connecting people and nature.

    Manifesto Concept comes with all the off-road hallmarks, including 4-wheel drive, very generous ride height, large wheels and a body built to withstand the toughest terrain.

    It is waterproof: you can clean the inside with a jet washer.

    What’s more, the removable seat coverings become sleeping bags in seconds.

    For extra practicality, the roof rack can carry all sorts of loads as the carrier bars can shift into a variety of configurations. Dacia has already demonstrated excellence in this area with innovative modular roof bars available on Sandero Stepway and Jogger, soon coming to Duster.

    A dedicated and removable battery supplies power through a household outlet, turning Manifesto Concept into an energy source for any outdoor activities requiring power.

    ECO-SMART

    With Manifesto Concept, the brand is proudly showing its vision for a vehicle with a minimal environmental footprint. As it is compact and lightweight, it consumes less energy. This quest for efficiency goes back a long way in the Dacia range – Jogger, for instance, is 300kg lighter than its 7-seat rivals.

    Manifesto Concept’s main plastic body parts contain a significant portion of recycled material. Called Starkle®, it is made from already processed polypropylene, with a flecked effect.

    The interior is fitted with natural materials such as the cork covering the dashboard. As with the latest Dacia models, the decorative chrome plating is gone.

    The concept airless tyres are another innovative feature, as they aim for environmental friendliness as well as savings. The underlying principle is durability as tyres are puncture-proof and last for as long as the vehicle.

    Commenting on Manifesto, David Durand, Dacia Design Director said: “At Dacia, we like to keep it real. As we were developing and exploring new ideas, we felt we needed to push them past 3D simulations and see what they look like in real life! As well as being a designer object, Manifesto Concept encapsulates our vision and combines a wide range of innovation – some involve extreme implementation, but they are still affordable for customers. We will be using a few of them on future Dacia models.”

    Lionel Jaillet, Dacia Product Performance Director, said: “We want to build a range of products that strengthens our brand promise, focusing on the essentials and adapting our vehicles for outdoor activities. Beyond our models, we are also working on innovative features that match our customers’ need and lifestyles even more closely. Manifesto Concept is a “lab” to try out and mock up new ideas. The version you can see today will keep on evolving as we keep on exploring! So don’t miss the next models: they will be ever smarter, ever more tailored to outdoor activities and ever more Dacia!”

  • Ford Mustang Dark Horse

    With sinister looks and a specially modified 5.0-liter V8 – the most powerful 5.0-liter V8 ever, projecting 500 horsepower – Mustang Dark Horse expands the lineup and sets a new benchmark for American street and track performance that could only come in a Mustang.

    A special team of Ford engineers, designers and experts worked for more than three years to create Mustang Dark Horse, a street and track-capable performance Mustang with striking visual cues and all the capability sports car lovers expect, right down to the available carbon fiber wheels from Carbon Revolution (late availability). Mustang Dark Horse is the first new performance name for the brand since Mustang Bullitt was introduced in 2001.

    “For decades, Mustang has competed against the most premium brands on the greatest world stages and won,” said Jim Farley, CEO of Ford Motor Company. “We surprised everyone, and we’re going to surprise them again with a track-capable Mustang that puts a new level of performance, styling and American engineering in the hands of everyday customers who still want the thrill and excitement of a V8 sports car.”

    Unique 5.0-liter V8 with Even More Athletic Performance

    The foundation for Mustang Dark Horse starts with the all-new 2024 Mustang, which has been transformed with a digitally immersive cockpit, new engines and styling to make it the most exhilarating and fun-to-drive Mustang ever.

    “We’ve taken the all-new Mustang, the best of our new 5.0-liter V8 performance, and added power, improved the aero, tires, steering and provided an interactive cockpit to create a Mustang that goes beyond any 5.0-liter Mustang before it,” said Ed Krenz, Ford Mustang chief nameplate engineer.

    The heart of Mustang Dark Horse is its unique 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine, specially modified with piston connecting rods first introduced in the 760-horsepower Ford Performance Mustang Shelby GT500. Mustang Dark Horse will deliver the highest level of performance in the all-new Mustang family.

    Visually differentiated from any 5.0-liter V8 before it, Mustang Dark Horse includes a dual throttle-body intake design to improve engine breathing, accentuated by the open nostrils in the front grille.

    Mustang Dark Horse comes standard with a unique six-speed TREMEC manual transmission that connects to the driver through a standard 3D-printed titanium shift ball. The manual also includes a special Mustang Dark Horse transmission oil cooler. Drivers also have the option to choose Ford’s advanced 10-speed automatic transmission with sport paddle shifters for fast and precise shifting – from the highway to the race circuit.

    Additional powertrain enhancements were made for performance at the track. Mustang Dark Horse includes brake cooling NACA ducts, an auxiliary engine oil cooler, a rear axle cooler and a unique and lighter-weight radiator with improved cooling capability and more powerful cooling fans to improve endurance and recovery.

    The Mustang Dark Horse provides unique chassis tuning, larger rear sway bars and heavy-duty front shocks. Stopping is courtesy of 19-inch Brembo front 6 piston brakes with 13.9-inch rotors. Steering response and grip is further enhanced with a new lightweight Ford Performance-designed strut tower brace and K-brace for even better handling and feedback from Mustang Dark Horse. Mustang Dark Horse puts the torque down without losing traction through a Torsen® rear differential and standard Pirelli P ZERO™ (PZ4) tires with staggered fitting wheels (19-inch-by-9.5-inch front and 19-inch-by-10-inch rear wheels).

    Mustang Dark Horse offers standard MagneRide® shocks capable of monitoring wheel and tire movement 1,000 times per second, optimizing performance based on driving surface or driving mode.

    For ultimate street-legal and track performance, the available Handling Package improves aerodynamics even further with the most downforce of any all-new Mustang thanks to a unique rear wing that includes an integrated Gurney Flap, similar to that of the Ford GT. The Handling Package also adds stiffer springs, larger front and rear sway bars and wider Pirelli Trofeo tires and 19-inch-by-10.5-inch front and 19-inch-by-11-inch rear wheels.

    Finally, for no compromise track performance, customers can equip Mustang Dark Horse with lightweight carbon fiber wheels from Carbon Revolution (late availability). It’s the first time carbon fiber wheels have been available for a Mustang beyond Shelby® GT350® and GT500.®

    Driver-Focused Immersive Digital Cockpit

    The Mustang Dark Horse infuses even more performance style and functionality into the all-new seventh-generation car’s technologically advanced, driver-centric cockpit.

    A thicker, flat-bottomed steering wheel wrapped in suede and finished with Bright Indigo Blue accent stitching incorporates anodized silver paddle shifters on models ordered with the 10-speed automatic transmission and a dedicated drive mode button is at thumb’s reach, allowing drivers to quickly choose the desired driving setup. This sits in front of a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster with customizable screens including a variety of drive modes.

    This digital instrument cluster flows seamlessly into a 13.2-inch SYNC® 4 center stack behind the same piece of integrated glass, angled towards the driver. Together, these screens create a fully immersive digital experience that emulates a fighter jet cockpit – but in a real-world sports car.

    Contrasting blue stitching across the door panels and seats, gear shift gaiter and center console lift the ambiance of the cabin, enhanced further by unique blue seatbelts. The Mustang Dark Horse Appearance Pack adds Deep Indigo Blue seats with a unique seat perforation, emitting further hints of blue below the surface.

    Interior trim, bezels and vents are finished in Black Alley – a dark metallic gloss replacing the familiar bright silver shades of other Mustang trim levels.

    Mustang Dark Horse also comes with the latest B&O® Sound System, providing crisp audio through 12 speakers and a subwoofer.

    Sophisticated and Sinister Functional Styling

    Mustang Dark Horse carries the most striking visual cues of any new road-going Mustang.

    “It’s more than a new name. Dark Horse brings a new design language to Mustang that is refined yet perfectly suited to its dual purpose of street and track performance,” said Joel Piaskowski, global director, Ford Design. “The visual changes, both inside and out, message that Dark Horse has a directed performance focus. The mechanical changes reinforce the purpose of Dark Horse, providing the driver with increased confidence and competence.”

    At the front, a bold, shadow graphic surrounds the darkened LED headlamps, which compliments a unique, gloss black grille with trapezoidal nostrils and Mustang Dark Horse-unique lower front bumper with high gloss ‘fangs.’ Lower side skirts and, to the rear, a fixed rear wing, new race-inspired diffuser and darkened quad exhaust tips demonstrate the car’s track-focused design cues.

    New Mustang Dark Horse badges were designed for this performance version of Mustang to visually separate it from other models. The badges are placed on the fenders, trunk and door sills, while a dark, anodized version of the famous pony stays on the front. Inside, unique Mustang Dark Horse badging is featured on the instrument panel and digital display screens, and each car features an individual chassis number.

    “This is the first time for Mustang that we’ve ever had a forward-facing horse,” Piaskowski said. “It’s aggressive, a bit sinister and it’s coming from the shadows head-on to win.”

    Unique to Mustang Dark Horse is Blue Ember metallic paint, a cool, dark shade that emits a warm glow when it catches the light, setting the tone for the car’s overall look. A choice of applied or painted feature graphics along the roof and down the hood are also available in a variety of colors and styles. The optional Appearance Package includes dark Notorious Blue Brembo brake calipers with a brighter Grabber Blue logo.

    Dark Horse and the Future of Global Ford Motorsports

    Ford Mustang was born to race. The introduction of Mustang Dark Horse is part of a broader launch of six new racing Mustangs that will compete globally in a variety of series, including GT3, GT4, NASCAR and NHRA Factory X racing.

    Two dedicated, track-only Dark Horse Mustangs powered by 5.0-liter V8 engines will only be available for racers and non-street use. Mustang Dark Horse S is designed for the weekend track day enthusiast while Mustang Dark Horse R has been developed for racing.

    “We’re taking this all-new Mustang to competition racing and the very definition of a Dark Horse is the perfect fit to introduce this vehicle to the Mustang brand,” said Mark Rushbrook, global director, Ford Performance Motorsports. “With our race program development underway, we’re confident we have the right car for success.”

    Mustang Dark Horse S is built uniquely for motorsports as a stripped-down version of the street-legal Mustang Dark Horse production vehicle. All non-essential parts and trim pieces have been removed for Mustang Dark Horse S. Inside is a full FIA-certified safety cage, safety nets, a race seat with safety belts and a race steering wheel with quick disconnect. Other safety items include electrical disconnects and a fire suppression system.

    Driver controls are contained within a central panel, which houses switches and knobs for the headlamps, side indicators, windshield wipers, mirror adjusters and rain light. Also included for Dark Horse S is a pit speed limiter and a data and acquisition display system. A single passenger seat is optional, allowing drivers to share their experience with others and to receive feedback from ride-along instructors.

    The exterior of Mustang Dark Horse S features hood pins, front and rear tow hooks, an adjustable rear wing for added downforce and a full exhaust system to help round out the foundation for a unique and fun-to-drive track car. Mustang Dark Horse S will be painted from the factory and ready for individual vehicle liveries.

    While Mustang Dark Horse S has the same wheels as the street-legal Mustang Dark Horse, the upgraded brake system provides even further robustness to meet track demands. Multimatic DSSV dampers support driver tunability in addition to the adjustable ride height and camber settings.

    Mustang Dark Horse R raises the track-focused intensity, featuring all Mustang Dark Horse S content, as well as special serialization that approves it for racing. It will come standard with strategic seam welding, a fuel cell for increased range, and Ford Performance Parts wheels.

    “Both Dark Horse S and R have been further enhanced for performance and stripped of almost every unneeded comfort, keeping only what is needed to provide better performance,” said Krenz.

    Beyond Mustang Dark Horse S and Dark Horse R, the brand will continue to compete globally in a variety of race series, and enthusiasts will see those roll out over the next year.

    Ford is returning to factory-backed GT3 racing with an all-new Mustang GT3 IMSA race car that will also be available for customers, starting with 24 Hours of Daytona in 2024. Created by Ford Performance and Multimatic, the Ford Mustang GT3, powered by a 5.4-liter Coyote-based V8 engine, will deliver the full endurance racing potential of a Ford Mustang for customers globally.

    A new Mustang GT4 available for customers will also debut in the 2023 season and will be available for global GT4 classes in IMSA, SRO and FIA GT.

    A new version of the Mustang will debut next season in the Australian Supercars series, and in coming years newly designed models will debut in the NASCAR Cup series and NHRA Factory X racing.

  • Ford Mustang

    Ford once again sounds a wake-up call for sports car lovers around the world with the introduction of the all-new Ford Mustang. The seventh generation is the most exhilarating and visceral yet, from its fighter jet-inspired digital cockpit to new advanced turbocharged and naturally aspirated engines to its edgier yet timeless exterior design.

    “Investing in another generation of Mustang is a big statement at a time when many of our competitors are exiting the business of internal combustion vehicles,” said Jim Farley, CEO of Ford Motor Company. “Ford, however, is turbocharging its ICE growth plan, adding connected technology, opinionated derivatives, and hybrid options to our most profitable and popular cars – all in the Ford Blue family – on top of investing $50 billion in electric vehicles through 2026.”

    The new Mustang adds another chapter to an icon, delivering the looks, sound and appeal of the world’s best-selling sports coupe for seven years running*. Whether convertible or coupe, V8 or turbocharged 4-cylinder, manual or automatic, Mustang has options at multiple price points and performance levels.

    A completely rethought interior

    Behind the chiseled exterior silhouette of the seventh-generation Mustang lies the most technologically advanced, driver-centric cockpit of any Mustang to date. The fighter jet-inspired cockpit offers the driver two flowing and curved displays that can be quickly customized to show information the driver wants or needs to see.

    The car’s 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster can be customized to display different animated designs and new drive-mode dependent visuals. Based on the same Unreal Engine 3D creation tool used in modern video games, when choosing personalized drive mode settings, the car’s current setup is displayed on the center stack as real-time graphical renderings. Settings can be adjusted by simply swiping the graphic to rotate the car virtually in a true gamified style

    “We’re taking advantage of every pixel,” said Craig Sandvig, Ford Mustang interaction design manager. “We can be creative in showing necessary driving information and give the driver control of selecting colors, classic Mustang gauges or even a ‘calm’ screen where only minimal details are displayed.”

    Mustang’s default instrument gauge setting has shifted from traditional, cool blue and light grey tones to an ultra-modern, copper appearance theme also shared with Mustang Mach-E. From there, almost everything in the displays – and the ambient interior lighting – can be configured to selected tones, while instrument clusters adapt to drive mode selection.

    When choosing personalized drive mode settings, the car’s current setup is displayed on the center stack as real-time graphical renderings. Settings can be adjusted by simply swiping the graphic to rotate the car virtually in true gamified style.

    This digital instrument cluster can be optionally configured to flow seamlessly into a 13.2-inch SYNC® 4 center stack behind a single piece of integrated glass that’s angled toward the driver.

    “We knew what customers wanted and designed the most digital Mustang ever while retaining the all-important driver-focused cockpit,” said Ricardo Garcia, Ford interior design manager. “Removing some of these physical buttons, such as radio and climate control, and integrating them into a digital display was popular in research with Millennials, Gen-Z and traditional Mustang drivers alike.”

    Beyond the screen, an all-new race-inspired flat-bottomed steering wheel provides more space when getting seated.

    Outside the vehicle, animated welcome lighting greets drivers as they approach and, upon entry, Mustang splash screens come to life. And for those who enjoy the sound of a revving engine, Mustang introduces Remote Rev, providing the ability to rev the car’s engine remotely using the key fob.

    Mustang has a standard cloth interior featuring all-cloth seats with optional Micro Suede vinyl inserts and black seat belts, while Premium models benefit from upgraded wrapped and accent stitched across the instrument panel and door trim. EcoBoost models feature Ford’s ‘ActiveX’ synthetic leather upholstery with multiple color options, while GT models gain leather seat inserts.

    Higher series models offer an upgraded, full-leather steering wheel, as well as a choice of color accent stitching and a unique upholstery perforation across the seat inserts, complemented by color-coordinated, asymmetric accent striping on the seat belts.

    The center console can also incorporate an available wireless mobile phone charging pad while new overhead USB ports are installed above the cockpit, conveniently placed for track cameras and other devices, helping prevent wires from draping across the cabin.

    The available B&O Sound System is optimized for the car’s interior, contributing to the visceral experience of Mustang ownership. Customers can share the ultimate driving playlist through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, both of which are fully compatible with SYNC 4.

    Amazon Alexa Built-In with Ford Streaming allows music and podcasts to be played with simple voice commands. Like the all-electric Mustang Mach-E SUV, the all-new Mustang features Ford Power-Up software update capability.

    Edgier design with timeless Mustang cues, plus more customization

    The seventh generation adds modern chiseled looks to its heritage-inspired design, which sets out to appeal to the broadest Mustang customer mindset yet.

    Its low, horizontal brow across the front emphasizes overall frontal width, while the upper grille design shape is influenced by the original 1960s design. The Tri-Bar LED headlamps continue the Mustang’s classic lighting signature. Its sleek roofline, broad sprinting stance and shortened rear overhang are also true to the authentic proportions of the first generation, while the widened rear haunches point to the power over the wheels in true Mustang style.

    The roofline is optimized for driver entry and exit without removing their helmet on the track, and an extended rear deck houses a new crisp signature tri-bar lighting and redesigned diffuser for improved aerodynamic balance in the rear.

    Each model in the Mustang lineup carries its own unique front end. GT is differentiated from EcoBoost models by larger, more aggressive grille openings, engineered to allow increased airflow, reflecting the increase in power and performance. The car’s aerodynamics are optimized further with the addition of new hood vents and redesigned front splitter.

    “Both the EcoBoost and Mustang GT have unique styling cues that deliver on their promise of Mustang Performance,” said Christopher Walter, Ford Mustang design manager. “The new Mustang is more chiseled and edgier, leaning into Mustang’s classic brawniness and timelessness.”

    Mustang convertible continues its drop-top legacy offering maximum open-air freedom. A simple, one-touch activation with a single-handle center latch opens and closes the fully lined and insulated fabric roof. The compact roof design and independent rear suspension also contribute toward segment-leading trunk space that can accommodate up to two golf bags.

    The all-new Mustang launches with 11 exterior color options including two new shades, Vapor Blue and Yellow Splash, complemented by new stripe colors and designs. Customers also can choose from three Brembo brake caliper color options: Black, Red and Grabber Blue, plus an all-new lineup of alloy wheels, ranging from 17-inch standard size on base models to 19-inch for GT with optional 20-inch alloy wheels.

    New for the 2024 model year is the Mustang Design Series, providing further customization options straight from the factory. The Bronze Design Series Appearance Package adds Sinister Bronze alloy wheels with bronze badges, and is available on both EcoBoost and GT models, with or without the optional Performance Pack.

    Most Advanced and Athletic Engines Ever

    The way Mustang looks, drives and sounds is key to the experience that makes customers want to get in the driver’s seat and hit the road. The all-new Mustang delivers an even more exciting drive experience with new and advanced engine technologies.

    It starts with Mustang GT, now powered by an advanced, 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine. The fourth-generation 5.0-liter is set to deliver the most naturally aspirated horsepower of any Mustang GT thanks to an innovative dual air intake box and dual-throttle body design, that helps minimize induction loss by enabling higher air flow rates.

    “This is the most athletic and confidence-inspiring Mustang EcoBoost and GT to drive yet,” said Ed Krenz, Ford Mustang chief nameplate engineer. “Whether driving an automatic or manual transmission, thanks to drive modes combined with fine-tuned digital engine, suspension and steering controls, we’re now able to give drivers peak performance everywhere, from their favorite roads to their local track.”

    Ford has saved the manual transmission for a new generation and the 5.0-liter V8 continues to offer a standard six-speed manual transmission for customers who want an uncompromised connection to eight-cylinder power. Ford’s advanced 10-speed automatic transmission is available, and it almost instantaneously reconfigures its shift patterns to match the selected drive mode.

    Customers who desire Mustang’s fun-to-drive feeling with fuel efficiency benefits can opt for the EcoBoost model, powered by an all-new, four-cylinder turbocharged 2.3-liter powertrain.

    The feeling of freedom and confidence Mustang instills in its drivers is amplified when they take control of how the car behaves.

    On a twisty back road or a weekend track day, the driver can quickly adjust steering effort, engine response, and transmission and electronic stability control settings through six available Drive Modes to create the perfect Mustang at any time. These are Normal, Sport, Slippery, Drag, Track plus a customizable setting with up to six individual profiles, tailored to the driver’s view ahead of them. As each mode is selected, high-fidelity graphics in the digital instrument panel bring the mode to life.

    Mustang GT and EcoBoost models are both available with an optional Performance Pack, which adds a host of track-focused features, including a front Tower Brace, Torsen® Limited Slip differential and optional MagneRide active suspension, wider rear wheels and tires, and larger, 390-millimeter front and 355-millimeter rear Brembo brakes. The GT Performance Pack adds brake ducts for even more enhanced cooling and a standard auxiliary engine oil cooler. Performance Pack also offers optional Recaro® seats and active exhaust.

    Mustang GT with manual transmission includes standard rev-matching that helps hold engine RPM when the clutch is engaged. This retains peak torque between manual gear changes, delivering even more precision, thrill and better refinement.

    Quicker steering ratios and minimal compliance from steering wheel to tire significantly enhances the car’s cornering dynamics, with increased straight-line power.

    A segment-first electronic drift brake takes new technology to the racetrack, unlocking the rear-wheel-drive drifting capability of Mustang with the visual appeal and functionality of a traditional, mechanical hand brake. The Performance Electronic Parking Brake comes standard with the Performance Pack on all Mustang models, engineered for novice drivers to learn and improve their drift skills while also providing expert drivers with a competition-ready system.

    More Available Advanced Driver Assistance Technologies

    The new Mustang comes equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360™ features, including Speed Sign Recognition, Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Lane Centering Assist, Evasive Steer Assist and Reverse Brake Assist. Another key feature is Active Pothole Mitigation, included with the Performance Package, which continually monitors suspension, body, steering and braking input and adjusts suspension response accordingly.

    Owners can stay connected with their car via the FordPass™ app in other ways, utilizing free remote features such as remote vehicle start and stop, door locking and unlocking, scheduling a start time, locating the vehicle, and vehicle health and status checks. The FordPass app provides important vehicle information available to users, including fuel and oil levels, service history and warranty information.

    The all-new Mustang goes on sale in the U.S. starting in the summer of 2023 and is assembled at Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Flat Rock, Mich.

  • Ferrari Purosangue

    After years of anticipation by the international automotive fraternity, Ferrari today unveiled the Purosangue, the first ever four-door, four-seater car in the Prancing Horse’s 75-year history, in the magnificently atmospheric surroundings of the Teatro del Silenzio in Lajatico (Pisa).

    Since the marque’s earliest years, 2+2 cars (i.e. with two front and two smaller back seats) have played a significant role in its strategy. Many Ferraris have made combining benchmark performance with first class comfort one of the pillars of their success. Now, in the culmination of 75 years of leading-edge research, Ferrari has created a car that is unique on the world stage: not only do performance, driving pleasure and comfort coexist in perfect harmony, but it is also a peerless encapsulation of the Prancing Horse’s iconic DNA. This is the reason why the name Purosangue, Italian for ‘thoroughbred’, was chosen.

    To enable the company to achieve the ambitious goals set for this project and create a car worthy of a place in its range, a completely different layout and innovative proportions compared to modern GT archetypes (so-called crossovers and SUVs) were adopted. The average modern GT’s engine is mounted forwards in the car, almost straddling the front axle with the gearbox coupled directly to it; this results in less than optimal weight distribution that delivers driving dynamics and driving pleasure well short of the standards of excellence to which Prancing Horse clients and enthusiasts have become accustomed.

    The Purosangue, on the other hand, has a mid-front-mounted engine with the gearbox at the rear to create a sporty transaxle layout. The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) is coupled in front of the engine to provide a unique 4×4 transmission. This delivers exactly the 49:51% weight distribution that Maranello’s engineers deem optimal for a mid-front-engined sports car.

    The Purosangue stands head and shoulders above the rest of the market thanks to its performance and comfort. It is the only car with these proportions to sport a mid-front-mounted, naturally-aspirated V12. Maranello’s most iconic engine debuts in this brand new configuration to ensure the car unleashes more power than any other in the segment (725 cv) whilst guaranteeing the most enthralling Ferrari engine soundtrack. Furthermore, it can deliver 80% torque even at low revs for unique driving pleasure at all times.

    The Purosangue’s aero development focused on making the bodywork, underbody and rear diffuser as efficient as possible. New solutions include synergy between the front bumper and wheelarch trim which generates an air curtain that aerodynamically seals the front wheels, preventing turbulent transverse air flows being generated.

    Ferrari has also given the Purosangue the very latest iterations of the vehicle dynamic control systems introduced on its most powerful and exclusive sports cars, including independent four-wheel steering and ABS ‘evo’ with the 6-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor (6w-CDS). Making its world debut is the new Ferrari active suspension system. This very effectively controls body roll in corners as well as the tyre contact patch over high-frequency bumps to deliver the same performance and handling response as in one of the marque’s sports cars.

    The all-new chassis has a carbon-fibre roof as standard to keep weight down and lower the centre of gravity. Redesigning the bodyshell from scratch also meant the designers could incorporate rear-hinged back doors (welcome doors) to make ingress and egress easier while keeping the car as compact as possible. The cabin has four generous heated electric seats that will comfortably accommodate four adults. The boot is the largest ever seen on a Ferrari and the rear seats fold to increase the luggage space. Naturally enough, the Purosangue has a more commanding driving position than other Ferraris, but the configuration is the same as on every other Ferrari. As a result, the driving position is still intimate and close to the floor to provide greater connection to the car’s dynamic capabilities.

    The Purosangue offers class-leading performance figures (from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.3 s and from 0 to 200 in 10.6 s); the driving position and the heady, naturally-aspirated V12 soundtrack deliver an entirely new yet also entirely Ferrari driving experience. The fact that a vast array of comfort-focused content is provided as standard, such as the Burmester© audio system, and that the many optional extras including the brand-new Alcantara® upholstery, derived from certified recycled polyester, make the Purosangue the most complete four-door, four-seater in the segment.

    POWERTRAIN

    The Purosangue’s engine (code-named F140IA) maintains the architecture that made the Prancing Horse’s most recent 12-cylinders so successful i.e. a 65° angle between its cylinder banks, a 6.5-litre capacity, dry sump and high-pressure direct injection. It was designed, however, to produce the highest amount of torque at low revs possible without losing the feeling of linear, never-ending power typical of Ferrari’s naturally-aspirated V12s. 80% of the maximum torque is on tap at just 2100 rpm and it peaks at 716 Nm at 6250 rpm. Maximum power of 725 cv is reached at 7750 rpm and throttle response is characteristic of a real sports car.

    Intake, timing and exhaust systems have been completely redesigned, while the cylinder heads are derived from the 812 Competizione. Huge attention was lavished on improving mechanical and combustion efficiency, employing Formula 1-inspired calibration concepts. The result is that the most powerful engine ever developed by Ferrari for a four-seater car is also the most powerful in its segment, as well as the only one capable of delivering that instantly recognisable Ferrari V12 soundtrack.

    To guarantee maximum mechanical efficiency, the rotating masses have been redesigned. The nitrided steel crankshaft was modified to lengthen the stroke and the internal oil passageways have been redesigned to improve oil flow to the big-end bearings. Lower bearing clearance tolerances improve consumption. The coolant and oil pump assembly was also redesigned focussing on the scavenge section to reduce friction and mass thanks to the adoption of smaller diameter rotors and optimising the inlets and outlets as well as the rotor seals.

    The valve train timing is all new, while the new finishing process for the camshafts has considerably reduced the surface roughness and the friction coefficient between the lobes, the shafts themselves and the hydraulic tappets.

    To optimise the torque curve and ensure a continual increase across the rev range, the geometry of the intake ducts and plenums was revised. The geometry of the exhaust system was also optimised to increase permeability reduce back pressure. There are specific pistons with a redesigned crown to increase combustion efficiency.

    The engine’s direct injection system comprises two high-pressure fuel pumps (350 bar) that deliver petrol to the injectors in the combustion chambers. The ignition system, comprising 12 coils and spark plugs, is constantly monitored by the ECU which has an ion-sensing system that measures ionising currents to control ignition timing. It has a single- and a multi-spark function to make the combustion as efficient as possible at all revs. The ECU also controls combustion in the chamber to ensure that the engine is always working at peak thermodynamic efficiency, thanks to a sophisticated strategy that recognises the octane rating (RON) of the fuel in the tank and adjusting the advance to suit. The engine strategy includes a new patented function derived from Ferrari’s Formula expertise that optimises the torque during transient acceleration manoeuvres in the low and mid-range.

    The F140IA’s soundtrack is a superb example of integration between the glorious symphony created by the engine’s combustion sequence and Ferrari’s ability to control the acoustics in the cabin. The equal-length exhaust manifolds are tuned to guarantee the 12 cylinders are in perfect harmony. The new plenum with optimised intake duct accompanies the V12’s high notes with the body of the medium frequencies. The two progressive silencers, the response of which is now included in the Manettino settings, cater for in-town and performance driving. The resulting soundtrack is typical Ferrari, with that unmistakable V12 harmonics that are present, yet subtle, until the driver accelerates hard: as the engine approaches the 8250 rpm red-line, there’s an enthralling crescendo that reaches its pinnacle at the kind of high revs only Ferrari’s engines can deliver.

    The layout of the 8-speed, oil-bath dual-clutch transmission was optimised through the adoption of a dry sump and a significantly more compact clutch assembly, shaving 15 mm off the installed height in the car which, in turn, lowers the centre of gravity by the same amount. The new clutch’s performance is 35% higher, transmitting up to 1200 Nm in dynamic torque during gear shifts. Thanks to new-generation actuation hydraulics, clutch fill times are now faster so that total gear shift times have been reduced compared to the previous 7-speed DCT. New gear ratios mean that the spacings are shorter and very progressive, and a longer top ratio is geared for greater economy in motorway driving. Down shifts have been calibrated to optimise smooth shifting with a specific focus on driving pleasure and emphasising the sound of the new V12 engine.

    CHASSIS AND BODY

    The Purosangue’s chassis is completely new and was designed from scratch with the aim of producing a structure of uncompromising rigidity. The lower chassis structure is made entirely from high-strength aluminium alloy and draws on Ferrari’s enormous experience in the optimal use of these light alloys. Together with the structural elements of the upper body, it makes up a spaceframe chassis comprised of closed-section extrusions connected by castings into which load-bearing aluminium sheet metal elements are integrated.

    The chassis is thus lighter than Ferrari’s previous four-seaters’ despite being larger. Improved torsional rigidity (+30%) and beam stiffness (+25%) figures are both fundamental in improving NVH characteristics and thus comfort by smoothly and silently absorbing asperities in road surfaces as well as providing an exceptional feeling of structural integrity.

    The extensive use of hollow castings with thin walls – made using internal cores – helped optimise the structure, maximising performance and guaranteeing improved continuity in the stress lines which, in turn, guarantees all-important occupant safety requirements. Furthermore, this particular technology improves assembly quality thanks to more precise integration, fewer components and the consequent reduction in weld lines.

    The bodyshell is made from materials ranging from aluminium to carbon-fibre, with the introduction of high-strength steel in important areas and flanking the mechanical joins with structural adhesive. Combining these different materials guaranteed maximum strength where required and also light weight in areas not subject to stress.

    High-strength steel is used for the anti-intrusion bars, the reinforcements on the main nodes and the B-pillar. Our meticulous attention to detail at the design stage also resulted in the use of different materials within individual components. One example is the single rear door hinge: the fixed part is an aluminium casting while the mobile part is constructed from hot-stamped steel.

    The single-shell carbon-fibre roof with integrated soundproofing is completely new and delivers rigidity levels on a par with a glass roof while weighing 20% less than an aluminium roof with soundproofing. From an ergonomic perspective, we focused on offering as much ingress space as possible whilst still keeping the wheelbase compact. To do this, we opted for traditional opening for the front doors with a 63-degree opening (five degrees wider than on our other models) – combined with a brand-new electric, rear-hinged back door with a 79-degree opening. Aside from referencing the bonnet opening on the Ferrari Monza SP1/SP2 and other legendary Ferraris from the past, the Purosangue’s front-hinged bonnet also allowed us to craft extreme forms in the A-pillar area. The gooseneck hinge assembly for the bonnet is made from aluminium for solidity and stability when being opened.

    The aluminium rear hatch is electrically activated: two electric Stabilus tailgate lifters allow it to be opened to 73 degrees for easy access to the boot, and to make loading and unloading even the largest of luggage simple. The gooseneck hinge assemblies allowed us to craft unconventional aesthetic forms in the upper spoiler area.

    AERODYNAMICS

    The very different volumes and constraints of the truly unique Purosangue posed a completely new challenge for Ferrari’s aerodynamic department, so a radical rethink of both methods and solutions was demanded. The extremely ambitious drag reduction target, the specific usability and accessibility demands of this particular model, and the need to cool the imposing V12 and ancillaries demanded hundreds of hours in the wind tunnel and thousands of CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulations. The kind of development work dedicated to the fastest and most powerful sports cars in the range, in fact.

    The primary focus of the Purosangue’s aero design was the car’s centreline section, essential to both the air flow design and to reduce the drag coefficient (Cd), as well as minimising the frontal surface area. The car’s front silhouette was designed to create the most seamless continuity of profile possible between the area of maximum curvature of the bonnet and the windscreen header rail. The rear area of the roof, the rear screen and the spoiler, on the other hand, demanded most work because it is fundamental to managing flow separations and pressure fields.

    The best possible compromise between the need for the smoothest design possible for the roof-rear screen line and the need to reduce the height of the tail itself was achieved by using two elements that complete the aero package for the rear of the car: the suspended spoiler and the nolder on the lip of the boot. While the suspended spoiler helps neutralise the curvature of the roof downstream of the area over the heads of the rear-seat passengers, the nolder, which is barely 7mm high, channels the wake vortices to create a slight recompression at the tail of the car.

    Moving from the centreline section to the rear volume, a scoop can be seen starting at the rear of the roof and extending onto the rear screen which creates two crests, one on each side of it. This solution helps to maintain the headspace required for the rear-seat passengers whilst still correctly separating the flows from the upper part of the roof and those along the greenhouse area.

    Also important to the aero development of the Purosangue was the wake from the wheels: several aero solutions were implemented to tackle this issue, including integrating louvres into the floating wheelarch trim front and rear. The most complex system, however, is at the front where both the bumper and louvre work in synergy to create a powerful air curtain that aerodynamically seals the front wheels, preventing the generation of transverse turbulence. A duct has been created between the front bumper on the outside of the side air intakes and the vertical fin. This duct is calibrated to accelerate the flow towards the blown area in the louvre and create an energised blade of air at an angle to the outer shoulder of the tyre. The outer surface of the louvre then deflects the flow along the flank.

    At the rear of the front wheelarch trim there is a further duct that is profiled to maximise air extraction from inside the wheel housing. The same solution is adopted on the rear wheelarches with a vent in the rear wheelarch trim. Its exterior surface has also been profiled to optimise the management of the rear detachment point of the flow, which runs along the flanks and wheels.

    The suspended wing on the bonnet, just ahead of the A-pillar, dubbed the aerobridge in reference to a similar element introduced on the F12berlinetta, plays a very different role to its namesake. While the latter’s aerobridge deflected the air flow from the bonnet downwards to boost downforce, the one on the Purosangue is designed to reduce drag.

    The air passing under the wing on the bonnet is energised locally to reduce the negative impact of the vortex at the base of the windscreen, and to accelerate the flow to increase the amount of air being evacuated from a vent hidden by the aerobridge, which is part of a complex system of air ducts fed by the intake located over the headlights. This mass of air is channelled towards the front wheelarch. These flows coming from the front of the car are naturally vented through the louvres at the top of the front wheel housing, and then continue on into the engine compartment until they reach the vent under the aerobridge. Similarly, to reduce overpressure inside the rear wheel housing, a vent has been added just beneath the taillights (in an area of natural suction) that leads from a duct inside the rear wheelarch.

    A blown channel from the lower part of the front bumper towards the underbody reduces the areas naturally under compression on the front bumper, maximising the quantity of air being channelled towards the underbody, an element already used on other Ferraris. In this case, however, it is put to a different use: the energised flow channelled along the underbody by the blown area meets the surfaces of the underbody specifically designed to generate suction near the evacuation point of the central radiators on the front underbody. This maximises cooling of the central radiating masses as efficiently as possible and also allowed the design of a much smaller radiator intake. The Purosangue’s higher ground clearance means that the exposed area of the wheels makes a significant contribution to drag: as a result, negative ramps were integrated ahead of the front wheels to maximise the car’s downforce.

    The curves of the body’s surfaces were designed to fair in the front wheels and wishbones, thereby limiting the amount of air entering the wheelarch as much as possible. Pivotal to this effect is a small flap fitted on the lower suspension wishbone. The low pressure areas that occur naturally behind the front wheels were used to create two areas of evacuation that boost the efficiency of radiating masses by reducing overpressure in the engine compartment and reduce drag.

    The rear diffuser design is, once again, the result of in-depth optimisation that focused principally on the synergy between the diffuser itself, the upper body and the rear bumper. The air flow that strikes the diffuser is gradually expanded and controlled. At the end of this expansion, a subtle nolder detaches the flow after slightly recompressing it. This boosts the system’s efficiency, simultaneously maximising hot air extraction from the area around the gearbox and exhaust system compartments.

    The Purosangue doesn’t have a rear windscreen wiper, so the rear screen is cleaned by the air flow along the glass surfaces at the rear. The lower surface of the suspended spoiler is curved to guarantee the air flow is at the right speed and direct it towards the rear screen. There are two pairs of vortex generators at each end of the lower surface of the spoiler, which optimise the uniformity of the scrubbing. These counteract the vorticity naturally caused by the C-pillar, and also work in synergy with the specific shape of the rear screen itself.

    The unconventional location of the headlights made it possible to create two air intakes above and below the DRL. The upper one is used to channel air into the complex blown system which vents underneath the front aerobridge. The lower one, on the other hand, is used to channel air to the brake cooling system. The design of the vertical outside surfaces of both air intakes includes an air-catcher which maximises the quantity of air channelled through them.

    Lower down are the intakes for the radiating masses. Seen from the front, the one on the right is the radiator for the active dampers, which guarantee superb occupant comfort even on very rough surfaces, while the one on the left feeds air into the radiator for the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) circuit, a torque vectoring electronic differential. Lastly, the central intake cools both the condenser for the air conditioning circuit, to guarantee optimally comfortable cabin temperatures, and the iconic, naturally-aspirated V12’s oil and coolant radiators.

    VEHICLE DYNAMICS

    Development of the Purosangue’s dynamic performance focused on creating a car that was completely unprecedented on the world stage: a model offering usability and comfort standards that would position it at the very top of the market as well as delivering signature Ferrari vehicle dynamics and performance on a par with the rest of the range.

    The Purosangue boasts a unique, innovative system that is a world first: Ferrari active suspension technology enabled by Multimatic’s True Active Spool Valve (TASV) System. Compared to other solutions on the market, this new suspension architecture offers numerous advantages by combining electric motor actuation with a high-precision spool valve hydraulic damper into one fully integrated system. The electric motor ensures that body and wheels can be controlled actively with more force authority and at higher frequencies than traditional adaptive or semi-active systems.

    One advantage of Ferrari’s active suspension system is the speed at which the TASV 48-volt motor actuators apply force in the direction of the damper’s stroke. The high-power density, three-phase brushless electric motor was co-developed for this application by Ferrari. The motor uses “slotless” stator winding technology to minimize radial dimensions and maximize power density. From a mechanical point of view, the motor force is transmitted in a novel way via a twin-lead ball screw connected directly to the hydraulic damper piston rod which enables high-frequency response and reduces friction, inertia and package space.

    The active suspension system uses accelerometers and position sensors on each suspension corner and interfaces with the Side Slip Control (SSC) 8.0 and the 6w-CDS sensor. Ferrari’s proprietary control logic, together with the TASV dampers supplied by Multimatic, electronically manages every performance element of the fully active suspension system.

    This technology optimises maximum cornering performance thanks to the variable and continual distribution of roll stiffness and the actively lowered roll centre (reduced by up to 10mm), to the benefit of the side force acting on the tyres and the balance between over and understeer. The high-frequency control regulates both body motion and wheel movement, thus reducing roll and pitch as well as absorbing road surface irregularities.

    As well as the active suspension technology, the Purosangue is equipped with a new generation front semi-virtual, high wishbone suspension where the lower wishbone has two attachment points on the hub carrier. This solution means the virtual lower kingpin attachment point created by the two arms is very close to the wheel centre, thereby drastically reducing the scrub radius, i.e. the distance between the point of intersection of the extension of the kingpin axis and the centre of the tyre contact patch at ground level. This makes the steering wheel less sensitive to road irregularities and braking.

    The Purosangue is equipped with the new ABS ‘evo’ controller co-designed with Bosch® and integrated with the brake-by-wire system that debuted on the 296 GTB. For the Purosangue its function has been further developed to cope with low grip surfaces and in all Manettino settings, thus optimising performance and repeatability in all road conditions. This new controller uses information from the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) to much more precisely estimate the car’s speed in order to determine the slip target for the four wheels under braking. This improved accuracy means that the longitudinal force of the four tyres can be better exploited while more accurate estimation also means that repeatability of the manoeuvre around its target value can be maximised, reducing dispersion due to natural variations caused, for instance, by the condition of the tarmac.

    The EPS-based grip estimation system, originally developed for the 296 GTB, has also been honed for driving in the snow or on other low-grip surfaces. Using the data in the ECU and the slip angle calculated by the SSC 8.0, the logic can calculate the level of grip between the contact patch of the tyre and the road during steering inputs. This provides an accurate estimation even when the car is not being driven on the limit, thus making the self-learning function of grip faster and the grip estimation in all grip conditions more precise.

    On the Purosangue, the 4RM-S system developed for the GTC4Lusso has been further evolved and now inherits the innovations made to the control logic developed for the SF90 Stradale’s 4WD system, coupled with the new independent 4WS seen on the 812 Competizione. Yaw management in cornering when accelerating is therefore optimised by a combination of Torque Vectoring on the front axle, distribution of torque to the rear tyres by the E-Diff and the generation of lateral force by the 4WS. The new electronic management delivers a significant increase in performance in relation to precision of control of the position of each single actuator, faster axle response time and consequent improved precision of the lateral force generated.

    All the above technologies are incorporated in the 8.0 version of the Side Slip Angle Control which feeds a shared language to all the controllers to identify the best way to maximise performance. The SSC 8.0 in fact integrates all the car’s controls (steering, traction and vertical control) active on all four corners of the car and creates a natural synergy with the new ABS evo.

    Particular emphasis has been placed on new objective longitudinal indicators of driving thrills specific to the Purosangue’s performance targets. Alongside traditional constantly increasing acceleration figures and reduced response times, in-gear acceleration when in manual has been honed to emphasise the superb elasticity and pick-up that are most definitely unique to the Purosangue.

    The Purosangue exploits the new 8-speed DCT’s potential from all angles: mechanical, power and control. The ratios are the same as on the SF90 Stradale and 296 GTB. With larger tyres, this solution gives ratios that are shorter than on previous Ferrari 4-seaters to the benefit of more progressive performance under acceleration. The eighth gear is designed for a more relaxed experience in long-distance driving.

    The transmission’s software control benefits both in terms of performance contents (reduction in Up and Down shift times of around 18%) and the “Sailing” function which allows the engine and gearbox to be automatically decoupled to guarantee greater smoothness in driving situations where traction isn’t required (and thus also under braking). The Purosangue’s Manettino strategies were also redesigned to suit the project’s specifications.

    The Purosangue offers an impressive array of driver assistance (ADAS) features as standard, many of which were developed in collaboration with Bosch®, including Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Automatic Emergency Brake System (AEB), Auto High Beam (HBA/HBAM), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), Driver Drowsiness and Attention (DDA), and rear-view parking camera (NSW).

    A function being made available for the first time on a Ferrari is HDC (Hill Descent Control), which helps the driver to maintain and control the car’s speed, shown on the dash, on steep descents. When HDC is activated, it controls the braking system to guarantee that the car’s speed does not exceed that set on the display. It can, however, be manually overridden by using the accelerator pedal.

    STYLING

    The Purosangue has created a new market segment in which the Prancing Horse opens entirely unprecedented new frontiers. Thanks to its unique modern architecture, the Purosangue is a versatile car that melds unparalleled comfort with Ferrari’s signature performance and driving pleasure. Translating Prancing Horse DNA into a car that is not only innovative for Maranello, but the entire automotive world, was a huge but exhilarating challenge for the Ferrari Styling Centre headed by Flavio Manzoni.

    The Purosangue name beautifully describes the car’s architecture. Its sleek, athletic exterior sets it apart from other four-door, four-seater cars on the market, and the mid-front-mounted naturally-aspirated V12 combine with a sublimely comfortable, luxuriously roomy and impeccably appointed cabin. This is not just an incredibly fast, agile car but it also offers the space on board to ensure exceptional comfort for all four occupants.

    EXTERIOR

    The Purosangue’s bodywork has been deftly sculpted and chiselled to create its unique shape. The design features two separate and distinct levels: the lower more technical underbody and the gloriously sinuous, imposing upperbody. This division is underscored by the fact that the upper volume seems to float on the wheelarches.

    Despite the fact that the Purosangue’s volumes are more imposing than Ferrari’s most powerful sports cars, the way the height is treated stylistically creates an impression of overall lightness. At the same time, to give the Purosangue a powerful stance of its own, the Ferrari Styling Centre opted to craft boldly original forms.

    The Purosangue’s form was conceived as a sculpture that showcases and heightens its stunning aerodynamic development. Physical evidence of this lies in various details including, for instance, the pontoon effect of the aerobridge between front and flanks. Every single aero element was seen as an opportunity to further hone that original sculptural look, underscoring the car’s stylistic message. The concept of lightness and compactness was also applied to the roof with its characteristics emphasised by the imposing rear wings which give the car’s silhouette its unique proportions.

    The front of the car flows back seamlessly into the flanks and develops on several levels developing a dynamic, horizontal language. The Purosangue doesn’t have a front grille – this is been replaced by a dihedral suspended on the lower section delivering a more technical aesthetic. Two shells create a suspended disc form with a slot that houses the camera and parking sensors, so that they are integrated seamlessly into the car’s shape. At each side of the bonnet are the DLRs which are set between two pairs of air intakes which meld into the upper part of the flanks, underscoring the styling theme. The result is that the Purosangue’s front styling is dominated by blown aero ducts rather than headlights.

    The upper section of the disc is supported by an element comprising a central area that cools the engine radiator and two side sections that encircle the central splitter. Above the technical radiator grille treatment, the long sculpted bonnet extends, rippling with gently rounded muscles which flow into wing-profile surfaces. These aerobridges create a sense of continuity between bonnet and flanks.

    The aerobridge theme characterises the flanks as the form runs along the side, becoming the main styling theme and creating a dihedral shape which ends in the imposing rear muscle. The wheelarch trim treatment reveals the Purosangue’s second skin beneath the bodywork. The functional and technical elements become a second visual layer and this creates the impression almost of a floating coupé.

    When the front and rear doors are opened together, the interior seems bigger than imagined when they are closed, thanks to the meticulous work lavished on keeping the roof proportions compact.

    The rear muscles dive into the tail where a horizontal cut line incorporates the taillights at its tips. Beneath the latter, two scoops converge into two vents. An imposing diffuser and the large rear wings combine to make the tail look impressively wide with the sporty cabin sitting low over this volume. Its compact dimensions were pivotal to lending the car a sporty bearing without sacrificing occupant space and comfort. The cabin profile is characterised by the slanted windscreen and the A-pillars arches flowing into the rear spoiler beneath which are two very distinctive crests, a theme that carries over onto the rear screen.

    Specific forged wheels were designed for the Purosangue based on the same aero concept as those on the SF90 Stradale, in which radial elements on the outer channel facilitate hot air extraction from the wheelarch. These aero appendages emerge from three-dimensional surfaces and are highlighted with an elegant diamond-cut finish.

    CABIN

    The Purosangue’s cabin demanded absolutely meticulous design of both the space and furnishings as well as careful selection of the materials used to offer unprecedented occupant space and comfort for a Ferrari four-seater. The cabin looks and feels like an extremely elegant, sporty lounge. When the doors are opened, a surprisingly generous amount of space is revealed. Equally surprising is the sophisticated luxury of the interior which exudes a sense of both elegance and modernity. Modern design languages harmoniously combine with Ferrari’s signature GT sports car aesthetic. All of the forms are deliberately compact to optimise both the available space and its ergonomics.

    The driver’s cockpit is inspired by the SF90 Stradale and is almost exactly mirrored on the passenger side. This creates an unparalleled feeling of emotional engagement for the front passenger, aided and abetted by a 10.2” display that provides all the information required to help them participate in the driving experience. The Purosangue features the entirely digital interface already adopted for the rest of the range.

    The Purosangue’s interior architecture is based on the dual cockpit dashboard concept which has been extended and replicated in the back of the car, creating four areas quite distinct in terms of their functionality, volumes, materials and colours. This principle drove the cabin’s composition which develops horizontally and seamlessly between the furnishings, making the space seem larger and keeping the volumes light and dynamic.

    The wraparound forms converge towards the centre embracing the occupants and, through the dialogue between the upholstered volumes and the functional technical areas, underscore the dual cockpit concept both at the front and at the rear. Comfort-related controls are located on a hideaway rotary interface in the central section of the dash, and the rear passengers have access to the same functions via a second rotary interface.

    The tunnel, which has been given a luxury trim, is combined with a Y-shaped structural element dominated by the metal gear-shift gate. Less obvious but equally well-designed elements are the window lifter buttons, the rather elegant double cup holder made of glass and the key compartment combined with the wireless device charging zone. The lower area has small oddments compartments and, thanks its colours and materials, creates a sense of seamless continuity with the floor. The cockpit extension elements, from the iconic shell shape, integrate and highlight the most powerful audio system ever offered by Ferrari. The comfort-focused upholstered areas integrate armrests and door handles.

    For the first time in Ferrari history, the cabin has four separate and independently adjustable seats. The integration of comfort-focused components, the use of variable density foams, and the new suspension system mean that the Purosangue delivers unprecedented occupant comfort and a layout that exudes the sportiness and elegance typical of Ferrari’s design language. The heated backseats can be adjustable and reclined independently. When fully raked forwards, they significantly increase the Purosangue’s luggage capacity.

    Ferrari’s pursuit of luxury did not distract it for a second from its environmental and sustainability responsibilities. Sustainable materials have been used extensively throughout the Purosangue, opening up the possibility for new combinations. In fact, 85% of the launch trim for the car was sustainably produced: the fabric roof-lining is recycled polyester, the carpet is made from polyamide recycled from fishing nets retrieved from the oceans and newly formulated Alcantara®, also derived from recycled polyester. In fact, the Purosangue is the very first car in the world to use this special version of Alcantara® made of 68% of post-consumer recycled polyester. For this version of the material, Alcantara obtained the Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) certification from ICEA, a leading international standard that verifies recycled material and tracks it from the source to the final product.

    Instead of the traditional carpeting or leather used to trim the floor, owners can opt for a high-strength fabric used in military uniforms, because of its exceptional toughness and durability. A new very elegant and contemporary dark brown semi-aniline leather has also been introduced. Lastly, trim sporting the optional new carbon-fibre weave integrating very fine copper wire offers a highly sophisticated take on traditional carbon-fibre.

    The Burmester® 3D High-End Surround Sound System also makes its debut in a Ferrari vehicle as standard equipment. This audio system delivers ultimate performance from low to high frequencies, achieved by innovative technologies. The ribbon tweeter makes its first appearance in any production car, and the subwoofer is housed in its own closed cabinet for ultimate bass clarity, power and speed combined with breathtakingly low frequencies. 3D sound, plus additional pre-sets, offers an immersive, exciting and high-quality sound experience that mirrors the car’s unique character and thus the very essence of the automotive masterpieces produced in Maranello.

    Among the launch colours, Nero Purosangue was developed specifically for this car using pigments that, in certain lighting conditions, create very intense red reflections that beautifully enhance the car’s volumes.

    OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT AND PERSONALISATION

    The Purosangue offers a vast range of optional content and personalisation choices that will allow every owner to strike the perfect balance between comfort and performance. Aside from a huge array of exterior and interior colours, including some specific to the model, further innovative solutions have been introduced that are new to the Ferrari range or indeed the market as a whole.

    In a Ferrari first, owners are being offered the opportunity to personalise the roof of their car: they can opt for a full-length electrochromic glass roof instead of the carbon-fibre version offered as standard. The glass is coated on its lower surface with an electro-sensitive film. When a small electric current is passed through the film, it changes its tint level to either flood the cabin with sunlight or provide shade where necessary.

    The massaging front seats feature 10 air bags that deliver a relaxing, targeted massage with a choice of five different types of massage and three levels of intensity.

    In an absolute first for the Ferrari range, the Purosangue also has an air quality sensor that can check the air outside the car and improve quality in the cabin by smart air recirculation control and use of filters that can prevent particles of up to PM2.5 from entering the car.

    For the first time the car also offers compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay systems as standard. These substitute the traditional built-in navigation system.

    7-YEAR MAINTENANCE

    Ferrari’s unparalleled quality standards and increasing focus on client service underpin the extended seven-year maintenance programme offered with the Purosangue. Available across the entire range, the latter covers all regular maintenance for the first seven years of the car’s life. This scheduled maintenance programme for Ferraris is an exclusive service that allows clients the certainty that their car is being kept at peak performance and safety over the years. This very special service is also available to owners of pre-owned Ferraris.

    Regular maintenance (at intervals of either 20,000 km or once a year with no mileage restrictions), original spares and meticulous checks by staff trained directly at the Ferrari Training Centre in Maranello using the most modern diagnostic tools are just some of the advantages of the Genuine Maintenance Programme. The service is available on all markets worldwide and from all Dealerships on the Official Dealership Network.

    The Genuine Maintenance programme further extends the wide range of after-sales services offered by Ferrari to meet the needs of clients wishing to preserve the performance and excellence that are the signatures of all cars built in Maranello.

    TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

    POWERTRAIN

    • Type : V12 – 65° – dry sump
    • Overall displacement: 6496 cc
    • Bore and stroke:  94 mm x 78 mm
    • Max. power output*: 725 cv at 7750 rpm
    • Max. torque: 716 Nm at 6250 rpm
    • Max. revs: 8250 rpm
    • Compression ratio: 13.6:1
    • Specific power output: 111 cv/l

    DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT

    • Length: 4973 mm
    • Width: 2028 mm
    • Height: 1589 mm
    • Wheelbase: 3018 mm
    • Front track: 1737 mm
    • Rear track: 1720 mm
    • Dry weight**: 2033 kg
    • Dry/power ratio: 2.80 kg/cv
    • Weight distribution:  49% front / 51% rear
    • Fuel tank capacity: 100 litres
    • Boot capacity: 473 litres

    TYRES AND WHEELS

    • Front: 255/35 R22 J9.0
    • Rear: 315/30 R23 J11.0

    BRAKES

    • Front: 398 x 38 mm
    • Rear: 380 x 34 mm

    TRANSMISSION AND GEARBOX

    • 8-speed F1 DCT

    ELECTRONIC CONTROLS

    • SSC 8.0: 4RM-S evo, Ferrari active suspension technology, F1-Trac, ABS ‘EVO’ with Grip Estimation 2.0, ECS

    PERFORMANCE

    • Max. speed: > 310 km/h
    • 0-100 km/h: 3.3 s
    • 0-200 km/h: 10.6 s
    • 100-0 km/h: 32.8 m
    • 200-0 km/h: 129 m

    FUEL CONSUMPTION AND CO2 EMISSIONS

    • Under homologation

    * with 98 RON petrol, including 5 cv of dynamic ram
    ** With optional lightweight content

  • Land Rover Defender 75th Limited Edition

    In 1948 the Series I was introduced at the Amsterdam Motor Show. Land Rover is marking the anniversary with the Defender 75th Limited Edition.

    Available in 90 or 110 body designs, the Defender 75th Limited Edition has an exclusive exterior design theme with unique detailing, finished in iconic Grasmere Green paint with complementing wheels and interior finishes.

    The exterior finish introduces Grasmere Green to the Defender line-up for the first time – a hue reserved exclusively for the 75th Limited Edition – with 20-inch alloy wheels also in Grasmere Green with matching centre caps. Completing the exterior enhancements are a unique 75Years graphic, Ceres Silver bumpers and Privacy Glass.

    Defender’s durable and versatile interior has received similar treatment, with the Cross Car Beam finished in brushed Grasmere Green Powder Coat and laser-etched detailing on Cross Car Beam end caps. The seats are finished in Resist Ebony, with the hockey stick on the centre console featuring Robustec material – the most robust fabric available on Defender.

    Stuart Frith, Lifecycle Chief Engineer Defender, said: “Since revealing the new Defender, customers around the globe have fallen in love with it and demand remains extremely strong. This new Limited Edition captures the spirit of the past 75 years, with its colour and detailing, and fuses it with innovative new technology such as Hybrid Electric power, Configurable Terrain Response, software over the air updates and unrivalled all-terrain capability.”

    The Limited Edition is based on the high-specification HSE, with comprehensive standard equipment. Innovative technology includes 3D Surround Camera, Configurable Terrain Response, Meridian Sound System, Matrix LED front lighting, 11.4-inch Pivi Pro infotainment system, Head-Up Display and Wireless Device Charger.

    All 75th Limited Edition models also feature a Folding Fabric Roof or the option of a Sliding Panoramic Roof, while superior comfort is provided by 14-way driver and passenger heated electric memory seats, heated steering wheel and Three Zone Climate Control. An Electrically Deployable Tow Bar and All-Season tyres can be added as options for enhanced capability.

    Powertrain choices include the powerful and efficient P400e plug-in electric hybrid (PHEV) on 110 models, in addition to P400 and D300 Ingenium petrol and diesel options*, both utilising Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) technology to optimise power delivery and fuel economy by harnessing energy normally lost under deceleration and braking.

    The uniqueness of the Limited Edition ensures its place as a highly collectible Defender, revealed alongside a new range of Land Rover lifestyle goods celebrating this historic moment.

    The Lifestyle Collection shares the Grasmere Green colour theme and features a comprehensive range of goods including a minimalist unique watch featuring two straps, a functional backpack and clothing with unique 75 Years graphics and detail.

    Defender has won more than 50 global awards, including Top Gear’s 2020 Car of the Year, MotorTrend’s 2021 SUV of the Year and Autocar’s Best SUV 2020 as well as a 5 Star Euro NCAP Safety Rating.

    Land Rover was born with the launch of a single vehicle. Today our family of SUVs is testament to the pioneering spirit of innovation that has characterised Land Rover for more than seven decades. Our Defender, Discovery and Range Rover brand families provide unrivalled capability, versatility and luxury – the perfect foundation for another 75 years of success.

    New Defender 75th Limited Edition starts at £85,995 for the 90, and £89,995 for the 110.

  • Chrysler 300C

    Chrysler brand is commemorating the nearly 70-year legacy of the Chrysler 300 with the 2023 Chrysler 300C, powered by a 6.4L HEMI® engine with 485 horsepower. The 2023 Chrysler 300C was revealed this evening near the Spirit of Detroit statue in downtown Detroit on the eve of media day for the 2022 North American International Auto Show.

    The 6.4L HEMI-powered 2023 Chrysler 300C pays tribute to the Chrysler 300 and the end of an era — Chrysler 300 production will end following the 2023 model year. First introduced in 1955 and reborn in 2005, the Chrysler 300 has represented iconic American luxury and performance for decades.

    “We’re celebrating the Chrysler 300 and it’s iconic legacy in the automotive world,” said Chris Feuell, Chrysler brand chief executive officer. “The Chrysler 300 changed the automotive world in so many ways, and we will carry that spirit of ingenuity forward as we transform Chrysler with a fully electrified future and breakthrough customer experiences.”

    6.4L HEMI-powered 2023 Chrysler 300C

    The 2023 Chrysler 300C honors the 300 model with a special, limited-production run — only 2,000 units will be offered in the U.S. with another 200 available in Canada.

    The 6.4L V-8 HEMI engine makes the final version of America’s big, bold sedan even bigger and bolder, generating 485 horsepower and 475 lb.ft. of torque and driving the 300C from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds. The 2023 Chrysler 300 can cover the quarter-mile in 12.4 seconds and can reach a top speed of 160 mph.

    The 392-cu.-in., naturally aspirated engine is paired with a TorqueFlite eight-speed transmission that optimizes fuel economy while offering maximum performance with 160-millisecond shifts. Additional performance features include red four-piston Brembo brakes, a 3.09 limited slip differential, active damping suspension and black, rounded exhaust tips that accent an active exhaust system that delivers a muscular, throaty sound.

    A new iteration of the tri-color 300C badge ​dresses up the exterior on the grille and rear decklid, and the 300C rides on 20-by-9-inch forged wheels​ with all-season performance tires. The exterior carries black chrome accents on the grille and lower fascia, plus black headlamp and taillamp bezels. Three exterior colors are available for the 300C: Gloss Black, Velvet Red and Bright White.

    Inside, black Laguna leather front seats are embossed with the new 300C logo and further accented with unique silver stitching. Silver stitching also reaches the doors and leather instrument panel, with carbon fiber and Piano Black touches on the interior bezels.

    The 300C packs a premium 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, and the 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system, as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, comes standard. Advanced brake assist, Lane Departure Warning Plus and Full Speed Collision Warning Plus are just a few of the standard safety features, while comfort features include a heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats​.

    The 2023 Chrysler 300C comes fully equipped with a U.S. manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $55,000.

  • Pagani Utopia

    Horacio Pagani’s company is now in its third decade, and here is its third creation. The C8 project, the Zonda, began to establish the legend. The C9 project, the Huayra, built upon this on a global scale, integrating the use of active aerodynamics and Carbo-Titanium. What then, could its third model, codenamed C10, add? More power, increased performance, a better structure and aerodynamics? Absolutely, but what else? Above all, you need a goal.

    AIMS AND AMBITIONS

    The alchemy of pleasure, the equation of beauty … What would be important for the next Pagani hypercar? Horacio Pagani certainly had his own ideas, but he asked his closest clients, those who eagerly await each of his creations, to express their wishes. They already had exceptionally fast and beautiful cars, what were they still missing? Three terms stood out almost each time they replied: simplicity, lightness and the pleasure of driving. In its development, the C10 project therefore went against the main trends of the time. No heavy batteries, no hybrid power, just a wonderful V12; no dual-clutch system, just a pure seven-speed manual or automated transmission. All this to ensure that the car would respond better than ever to its driver’s every action and work with them to be the purest form of driving, a ‘classic’ experience defined in new ways.

    With a brief like this and such high ambitions, what name could be chosen for the car that would embody these principles? Utopia… For the philosopher Thomas More in 1516, Utopia was a place that did not exist, and ever since the name has been given to the idealized places of which we dream. But for those who make their own future, for creators, utopia exists, it is ‘merely’ a case of finding it!

    WHAT WE SEE

    Every Pagani begins with an aesthetic shock. Utopia radiates simplicity. It asserts itself straightaway, affirms and imposes its lines, which are so typical of Pagani but at the same time it is so different from anything they have offered us before. A shape that is more flowing and curvaceous. From the windscreen, with its rounded upper edges, to the details of its wings and bonnet, its softer contours give it a new expression, a new outline. A shape smoothed and refined over a long time, but which sticks in your memory from the first time you see it. The most difficult part of the process for Pagani has been to follow as closely as possible the original intention of creating a timeless design object, instead of one that follows the fashion of the period.

    The new car has very few aerodynamic add-ons yet is more efficient than ever. Where some hypercars have a multitude of spoilers, Utopia incorporates the function of these appendices into its overall shape, achieving greater downforce and reduced drag solely by means of its design.

    The details of its styling are few in number, but each is so carefully executed that it can be admired in its own right: technologically advanced, their shape is inspired by objects from the 1950s like the streamlined headlamps of Vespa scooters or the fittings of Riva speedboats. The forged wheels have a turbine-shaped carbon fiber extractor which draws hot air away from the brakes and reduces turbulence under the body. Mounted on carbon-ceramic discs, the brake calipers have a new, lightened design.

    The role of Pirelli tires is to transfer the exuberant torque to the ground efficiently and bring the finishing touches to the car’s exceptional road feel, thanks to the unusually large 21” wheels in the front and 22” wheels in the rear, which triggered new creativity and distinguishing design freedom on the surrounding bodywork. The silhouette of Utopia can be seen on their sidewalls, demonstrating just how much they have been specially developed for this car.

    The side mirrors, as if suspended in mid-air, thanks to the airfoil-shaped support are set apart from the body for better aerodynamic penetration, showing the meticulous optimization that was carried out on them in the wind tunnel. The rear lights float at the sides of the rear wings, set into the air extractors. Each part of them, so beautifully crafted, could be displayed in the window of a jeweler’s shop.

    The titanium quad exhaust, a personal monument and signature of the brand, is still present. It has a ceramic coating, in order to dissipate the heat efficiently, but still sets the weight just above 6 kilograms for the complete system.

    A GLANCE TO THE FUTURE, A TRIBUTE TO THE PAST

    A car may be compared to a sculpture, but opening the door changes everything; a sculpture, yes, but one you can sit in. The interior of Utopia is even more original, if that is possible, than its exterior shape.

    Neither modern nor retro, it is timeless. There are no screens apart from the minimal display in front of the driver; big screens would have been easier to fit and would have saved a lot of effort in the design, but it would have taken away much of the beauty. All the instruments are purely analog and each of the easy-to-read dials subtly reveals part of its mechanism as if it were revealing the skeleton movement.

    For Pagani, every component needed for the car to function is an opportunity to be creative. Even the steering wheel has been reinvented: it is fashioned from a solid aluminum block, from the spokes and hollow rim to the steering column boss, which contains the airbag. The pedals are also made from a single block of metal, while the gear lever mechanism is still exposed but more sophisticated than ever. All this with proper obsession paid to ergonomics, efficiency and ease of access.

    WHAT MAKES IT WHAT IT IS

    To reach this very simple final shape, the process has never been as complex. For six years, from the first sketches and computer calculations until the definitive shape was frozen for the carbon fiber molds, its internal airflows were perfected through endless hours of research in the wind tunnel and countless changes, one touch at a time. Utopia takes advantage of the mysteries of aerodynamics to maximize sure-footed handling and stability at any speed, however high. Its active aerodynamics, combined with the electronically controlled shock absorbers, ensure the optimum dynamic behavior in all driving conditions. The double-wishbone suspension, made from aerospace aluminum alloy, benefits from the lengthy development work carried out on the R, the track-only version of the Huayra. But Utopia, a car designed for road use, can cope with surfaces for daily use.

    The carbon monocoque used on previous Pagani models sets the standard in terms of its strength, lightness and build quality. Pagani has chosen to consolidate its existing strengths, to improve how its fibers are woven and to constantly invent new composite materials such as Carbo-Titanium and Carbo-Triax. On top of that, a new type of A-class carbon fiber has been developed specifically for aesthetic applications such as the bodywork, providing 38% of additional stiffness with the same density.

    A high-performance car must not only please its buyer, but support them and provide all the safety they require, without their need to ask or worry about it. Many exemptions are granted to very low-volume manufacturers, but Pagani made it a point of honor – once again – to build its cars and meet the most stringent regulations in the world, in every respect, starting with safety. Utopia passed more than 50 severe crash tests, from development to pre-tests and homologation approval, to reach its global certification.

    AT YOUR SERVICE

    The Pagani V12 engine, a 6-liter biturbo specially built by Mercedes-AMG for Pagani, is the result of an enormous development work: it delivers 864 bhp and, above all, a prodigious 1100 Nm of torque. It revs higher and is both more flexible and more powerful while meeting the most stringent emissions regulations, including those in force in California.

    For the transmission the choice was a philosophical one. It would not be a dual-clutch transmission which is efficient, but heavy and robs the driver of the ability to set the pace of the car’s acceleration. Instead, Pagani turned to the most prestigious motorsport and high performance automotive transmission manufacturer, Xtrac, to develop the quickest shifting gearbox with helical gears possible. It is compact, light and transversely mounted for an optimized center of gravity.

    Moreover, in order to best match the wishes expressed by Pagani enthusiasts, its aficionados, a virtual manual would not be acceptable so a real seven-speed manual transmission has been developed. It was not an easy task to design such a gearbox with synchronizer rings and a mechanism able to handle 1100 Nm of torque adequate for a pure manual application, but it was an essential requirement for Utopia.

    However intelligent automatic transmissions may have become, nothing can replace the driver’s own mastery of the gearchanges: the prevailing logic is his alone, each change up or down is totally unique and depends solely on his decision and good judgment, the exact combination of circumstances, the nature of the road and the mood of the moment.

    THE STARTING POINT

    As we discover his latest work, it is the path taken by its creator that fascinates us. Horacio Pagani builds the cars he has dreamt of. And it is to fulfill his highest aspirations, those closest to the impossible, that, as a very conscientious engineer, he seeks to serve the dreamer. In the land of dreams, you need a guide: the great Leonardo da Vinci has always been a crucial figure for Pagani. It is under Leonardo’s aegis that he has always believed that it is possible to combine art and technology.

    Can you think of any more demanding mentor? An artist and an inventor, Leonardo, one of the greatest portrait painters of all time, was also interested in anatomy. It is not the case for Horacio to compare himself to the Florentine genius but of following his path: Leonardo constantly combined technical inspiration with his love of beautiful shapes.

    Horacio Pagani is an artist, the car is his preferred way of expressing himself. When he draws something, however beautiful it is, the shape he creates is the result of the function it will perform. For him, a shape cannot be elegant if it is technically incorrect. And when the technical difficulty has been overcome, its beauty can be found in its solution.

    Horacio has always gone about things in the same way, that is just how he is: the creativity and the act of solving real problems, take the shape in him of an expression of painting or poetic harmony. He has always been a composer, and for a long time as a designer he was a soloist, but now he has become a conductor and has learned to see his ideas carried out by his team – young men and women who will then contribute with their own ideas to the common masterpiece, and on which he can put his signature with pride.

    NEW STRENGTHS

    From its origin, the situation has changed considerably; the firm was self-sufficient in 1999, with just 25 employees in total and so much to be done; but this is no longer appropriate. Pagani, a function-focused company, remains essentially a family-sized business but today employs 180 staff. Engineers specializing in all fields, designers and highly qualified technicians occupy the Art & Science Research Center, where the Zondas originally came into being, whereas the new facility is home to the production process. Turning out 50 cars a year, it is closer to a sartorial atelier than an assembly line.

    Nearly 25 years ago, the Zonda was designed and built by a very small team with few resources. Imagine what an intuition can grow into, nurtured and developed by the new strengths Pagani Automobili now possesses. Whatever the decision, whatever the direction its creative ideas may take, this little company is capable of realizing them, quickly and well, with an unrivaled standard of quality. Its design, prototyping, development and production work is worthy of the top racing teams, but at the service of limited-production cars. The first series of Utopia coupés, which have already been assigned to privileged enthusiasts, will be built in 99 units.

    TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

    DRY WEIGHT 1.280 Kg (2822 lb)
    POWER 864 HP (635 kW) at 6000 RPM at 18 °C
    TORQUE 1100 Nm from 2800 RPM to 5900 RPM
    ENGINE Pagani V12 60° 5980 cc twin turbochargers, developed on a bespoke basis by Mercedes-AMG
    GEARBOX Pagani by Xtrac 7-speed transversal AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) or pure manual, with electro-mechanical differential
    CHASSIS Monocoque in Pagani Carbo-Titanium HP62 G2 and Carbo-Triax HP62 with front and rear tubular subframes in CrMo alloy steel
    SUSPENSIONS Forged aluminum alloy independent double wishbone with helical springs and electronically controlled shock absorbers
    BRAKES Pagani by Brembo 4 ventilated carbon-ceramic discs brake unit, 410×38 mm with 6 pistons monolithic calipers at the front
    and 390×34 mm with 4 pistons monolithic calipers at the rear
    WHEELS APP forged monolithic aluminum alloy, 21” at the front and 22” at the rear
    TYRES Pirelli PZero Corsa 265/35 R21 at the front and 325/30 R22 at the rear; Pirelli SottoZero for driving in low temperatures

    Engine

    • New Pagani V12 60° 5980 cc twin turbochargers, developed on a bespoke basis exclusively for Pagani by Mercedes-AMG
    • 864 HP / 852 BHP (635 kW) at 6000 RPM
    • Max torque of 1100 Nm from 2800 RPM to 5900 RPM
    • New valvetrain system to take the limiter to 6700 RPM
    • Dry weight: 262 kg / 577 lb
    • 3 vehicle prototypes dedicated to the engine development for almost 2 years
    • Compliant to all global emissions regulations

    Trasmission

    • Pagani by Xtrac 7-speed transversal gearbox, to transfer all the power and the exceptional responsiveness of the Pagani V12 to the road
    • Specific gear ratios for the driving dynamics of Utopia
    • New triple plate clutch system with increased diameter for a better torque transfer, an electronically managed differential and a racing derived tripod- axis drive shaft system
    • The transversal architecture contributes both to the overall weight reduction, as well as to the reduction of the polar inertia to significantly limit the unwanted oversteer, a dangerous behavior typical of mid-engine cars
    • Also available in a manual version for a driving experience in the name of mechanical purity

    Aerodynamics

    • Preliminary evaluations, both overall as well as in detail via CFD analysis, getting to analyze hundreds of numerical configurations
    • Wind tunnel model with fully working suspension, consisting of almost 700 individual components
    • Numerous wind tunnel sessions to acquire and validate CFD data, in order to optimize the handling of the car in various set-up conditions
    • Without the need for aerodynamic add-ons, Utopia incorporates the function of these typical appendices into its overall shape for greater downforce and a reduced aerodynamic drag coefficient
    • Aerodynamic balance of 46-54% throughout the entire speed envelope
    • Front splitter developed to generate downforce through a dedicated airfoil profile
    • Aerodynamic ducts perfectly integrated within the bodywork components
    • Cooling solutions for the highly energized flow braking system for discs, calipers and pads, hence allowing repeatability of braking performance for an extended period of time
    • Rear extractor to generate downforce with minimum resistance
    • Active suspended aero on the rear, integrated within the elliptical design of the bonnet and combined with the electronically controlled suspension, to gain maximum stability in every driving condition
    • Goal to achieve a predictive handling, by reducing the sensitivity to the ground clearance in order to increase driving safety

    Chassis

    • Monocoque chassis made with the latest generation of composite materials including Carbo-Titanium HP62 G2 and Carbo-Triax HP62, complete with a perfectly integrated rollover bar imbedded within the roof structure
    • Unique design to provide a spacious environment and integrate the dashboard
    • Torsional rigidity increased by +10,5% compared to previous Pagani road legal vehicles
    • Front and rear tubular subframes in Chromium- Molybdenum alloy steel (CrMo)

    Suspension

    • Developed with optimized elasto-kinematic for the road and intensively tested thanks to the laboratory that is the Huayra R, to ensure the maximum driving stability
    • Made of forged aluminum alloy, with independent double wishbone with helical springs and coaxial shock absorbers
    • Semi-active shock absorbers designed to attack curbs and be rigid under braking conditions on the circuit, but at the same time comfortable when driving on the road thanks to the different driving modes
    • Integrated vehicle dynamic control unit for the simultaneous management of all active controls, including the electro-assisted steering box

    Brakes

    • Braking excellence guaranteed by the newly developed ventilated carbon-ceramic discs system by Brembo
    • Cooling with highly energized air flow for the discs, calipers and pads, so as to allow repeatability of braking for an extended period of time
    • Diameter 410 x 38 mm with 6-piston monolithic caliper at the front
    • Diameter 390 x 34 mm with 4-piston monolithic caliper at the rear
    • Combined with the latest generation ESP 9.3 system developed with Bosch

    Wheels and Tires

    • APP Tech monolithic rims made from forged aluminum alloy, with dimensions 21’’ on the front and 22’’ on the rear
    • Unique dimensions, which triggered a distinguishing design freedom on the surrounding bodywork
    • Exclusive tires developed with Pirelli, through state of the art simulation and construction processes to transfer the exuberant torque output to the ground efficiently
    • Pirelli PZero Corsa 265/35 R21 on the front and 325/30 R22 on the rear, to offer the comfort of a driving on the road and a balanced grip for high performance conditions at the same time
    • Pirelli SottoZero 265/35 R21 on the front and 325/30 R22 on the rear for driving in winter conditions

    Interior

    • Meticulousness of details inversely proportional to the size of the elements; large simple pieces, small pieces full of refinements to be discovered over time
    • A philosophy that goes against the main trends of the time, there are no digital screens apart from the minimal display in front of the driver
    • Instruments purely analog and each of the easy-to- read dials subtly reveals part of its mechanism as if it were revealing the skeleton movement
    • Steering wheel machined from a single block of aluminum: simplification and reduction of components, with a display of construction technologies and uniqueness
    • References to technical and aesthetic solutions of the ‘50s and ‘60s, both from the world of leather goods and horology
    • Integration of a luminous aura that creates a pleasant and relaxing environment, while at the same time, emphasizes the components as works of art