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(Mercedes-Benz images)
Mercedes-Benz is presenting the Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury at "Auto China 2018" in Beijing. The crossover is conceived as an electric vehicle with four compact permanent-magnet synchronous motors and fully variable all-wheel drive. The output from the powertrain is 750HP (550 kW). The flat underfloor battery has a usable capacity of around 80 kWh, producing a range of over 200 miles (500 kilometers according to the NEDC). The top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph (250 km/h). The fast-charging function allows a charging capacity of up to 350 kW. In just five minutes, enough power can be charged to achieve an additional range of around 60 miles (100 kilometers). "The Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury is a totally new archetype of a kind never seen before," says Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer at Daimler AG. "Our concept combines the DNA of an SUV with that of a sedan to produce an ultra- modern SUV of three-box design," says Wagener. "With sensual and pure sophistication, we have created a timeless vehicle that underscores the position of Mercedes-Maybach as the ultimate luxury brand." Editor-in-Chief's Note: That's some serious bullshit there, folks, which Mercedes PR minions are masters of. Never seen before? That "Ultra-modern SUV of three-box design" is everywhere you look. Bentley Bentayga anyone? Rolls-Royce Cullinan? I know Mercedes executives exist in their own hermetically-sealed world marked by fireside chats with themselves, but come on. -PMD
Mercedes-Benz is presenting the Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury at "Auto China 2018" in Beijing. The crossover is conceived as an electric vehicle with four compact permanent-magnet synchronous motors and fully variable all-wheel drive. The output from the powertrain is 750HP (550 kW). The flat underfloor battery has a usable capacity of around 80 kWh, producing a range of over 200 miles (500 kilometers according to the NEDC). The top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph (250 km/h). The fast-charging function allows a charging capacity of up to 350 kW. In just five minutes, enough power can be charged to achieve an additional range of around 60 miles (100 kilometers). "The Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury is a totally new archetype of a kind never seen before," says Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer at Daimler AG. "Our concept combines the DNA of an SUV with that of a sedan to produce an ultra- modern SUV of three-box design," says Wagener. "With sensual and pure sophistication, we have created a timeless vehicle that underscores the position of Mercedes-Maybach as the ultimate luxury brand." Editor-in-Chief's Note: That's some serious bullshit there, folks, which Mercedes PR minions are masters of. Never seen before? That "Ultra-modern SUV of three-box design" is everywhere you look. Bentley Bentayga anyone? Rolls-Royce Cullinan? I know Mercedes executives exist in their own hermetically-sealed world marked by fireside chats with themselves, but come on. -PMD
(Chevrolet/IMS)
The 2019 Corvette ZR1 is the official Pace Car for the 2018 Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil. This marks the fifteenth time a Corvette has served as the official Pace Car since 1978, and the 29th time a Chevrolet has led the field dating back to 1948, when a 1948 Fleetmaster Six convertible paced the race. Like all Corvette ZR1 machines, the 2019 Corvette ZR1 Pace Car features a 6.2L supercharged LT5 Small Block V8 with 755 hp and 715 lb-ft of torque coupled to a 8-speed 8L90 paddle-shift automatic gearbox; and a bunch of other stuff, of course. The Corvette ZR1 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 2.85 seconds and reach a top track speed of 212 mph, making it the fastest Corvette in history. The 102nd running of the iconic race will take place on Sunday, May 27.
The 2019 Corvette ZR1 is the official Pace Car for the 2018 Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil. This marks the fifteenth time a Corvette has served as the official Pace Car since 1978, and the 29th time a Chevrolet has led the field dating back to 1948, when a 1948 Fleetmaster Six convertible paced the race. Like all Corvette ZR1 machines, the 2019 Corvette ZR1 Pace Car features a 6.2L supercharged LT5 Small Block V8 with 755 hp and 715 lb-ft of torque coupled to a 8-speed 8L90 paddle-shift automatic gearbox; and a bunch of other stuff, of course. The Corvette ZR1 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 2.85 seconds and reach a top track speed of 212 mph, making it the fastest Corvette in history. The 102nd running of the iconic race will take place on Sunday, May 27.
(Porsche)
Porsche Works race driver Kévin Estre recently set a lap time of 6:56.4 minutes with the 520HP 911 GT3 RS. The Frenchman’s lap time was 24 seconds faster than the best time achieved with the previous GT3 RS model. The new 911 GT3 RS is the third production Porsche sports car with a notarized lap time of less than seven minutes on the “Green Hell.” The other two were the the 918 Spyder and the 911 GT2 RS. The record time was measured around the 20.6-kilometer lap. Estre began the record lap at 11:40 a.m. in ideal conditions, with 14 degree Celsius ambient and 18 degree Celsius track temperatures. At the Nürburgring, the 911 GT3 RS was equipped with the latest generation of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, optimized for track day use, but fully compliant with relevant E.U. and U.S. standards. The tire (265/35 ZR 20 front and 325/30 ZR 21 rear) will be available to order soon at Porsche dealers and other select locations. Approved fitments include the 911 GT3 RS and the 911 GT2 RS. The 911 GT3 RS accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.0 seconds and reaches a top track speed of 193 mph. In case you're wondering, the base MSRP in the U.S. is $187,500 (not including available options or the $1,050 delivery, processing and handling fee). The Weissach Package is available as an $18,000 option. The Magnesium wheels can be ordered for an additional $13,000 in conjunction with the Weissach Package and will be available at a later date.
Porsche Works race driver Kévin Estre recently set a lap time of 6:56.4 minutes with the 520HP 911 GT3 RS. The Frenchman’s lap time was 24 seconds faster than the best time achieved with the previous GT3 RS model. The new 911 GT3 RS is the third production Porsche sports car with a notarized lap time of less than seven minutes on the “Green Hell.” The other two were the the 918 Spyder and the 911 GT2 RS. The record time was measured around the 20.6-kilometer lap. Estre began the record lap at 11:40 a.m. in ideal conditions, with 14 degree Celsius ambient and 18 degree Celsius track temperatures. At the Nürburgring, the 911 GT3 RS was equipped with the latest generation of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, optimized for track day use, but fully compliant with relevant E.U. and U.S. standards. The tire (265/35 ZR 20 front and 325/30 ZR 21 rear) will be available to order soon at Porsche dealers and other select locations. Approved fitments include the 911 GT3 RS and the 911 GT2 RS. The 911 GT3 RS accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.0 seconds and reaches a top track speed of 193 mph. In case you're wondering, the base MSRP in the U.S. is $187,500 (not including available options or the $1,050 delivery, processing and handling fee). The Weissach Package is available as an $18,000 option. The Magnesium wheels can be ordered for an additional $13,000 in conjunction with the Weissach Package and will be available at a later date.