Retro Power Lining

Last week I had an enjoyable couple of days on a course up at Wen2rth Park near Barnsley. The notion was to understand all about the wonders and advances of Mercedes-Benz trucks compared to it competitors and even from exactly where I’m standing it is challenging to see why you wouldn’t run MB on your fleet in some capacity. Absolutely everyone knows and thinks it’s funny I’m such a Scania fan but I function for Mercedes-Benz, but as my typical readers will know back in the days of operating my personal trucks Mercedes had been the only choice for me. I’ve techniques maintained that if I was ever to commence once again I would have an all MB fleet but have some old Scania or 2 for the show circuit. The only factor that has changed considering that my time at Orwell Trucks Mercedes-Benz is that I believe if possibly have to have an old SK or Powerliner for the show season too.
So picture my delight when parked close to the entrance of my education course was this delightfully restored 1834LS. The automobile has been restored by MB and is to be kept and utilised at various shows, in truth some of you would have noticed it at the Retro Truck Show at Gaydon last year.

The vehicle was originally sold by Rygor Commercials to a business known as Premier Waste. It should have then been returned after contract hire to Mercedes-Benz where it was as soon as once again bought by Rygor Commercials (this was most likely to be a paperwork exercise and the car would have stayed at Rygors). In 2003 Rygor loaned the automobile to SDC, a division of Honda at Swindon, exactly where it was utilised as a shunter. Then in 2009 it was bought once more by MB Authorized Utilized Commercials. Because then the truck has been restored and repainted making use of genuine components where feasible. I consider she’s lovely though I’m sorry to say we didn’t have time for a lesson in driving an EPS gearbox correctly….1 day. I have located a nice LHD 1953 for sale in Holland, tempting. The truck spec is listed as follows

- 1st registered 6 November 1995 (N reg)
– Engine V6 Turbo 340hp
– 8 Speed Split EPS Gearbox
– L Sleeper cab
– ABS brakes
– Drivers electric window
– Electric rear view mirror
– Luxury suspension seat for the driver
– Sunvisor
– 400 Litre fuel tank

What a small gem. I’m back at Wen2rth Park in a handful of weeks so I hope to attain the EPS coaching, if your reading Nick Smith?!? Any way this not the only retro truck, there had been also 2 original Long Distance cabbed Mercedes-Benz Actros. Both trucks have genuine mileages of only a handful of hundred thousand Kilometres on the clock and are in excellent condition although I had forgotten how garishly awful the original seat covers and door cards had been. Any way lots to see on this course so I hope the next one is just as enjoyable.

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Retro Power Lining

The power of a break

Many of our body rhythms have obvious cycles and being aware of them can help you to get the most out of your day.

If you listen to your body and rest and take breaks when you are tired you will experience enhanced performance.

In a recent interview with CPA Australia, Australian psychotherapist Richard Hill, discusses the existence of shorter, ultradian rhythms that affect our concentration throughout the day. He recommends to his clients to take breaks at least every 90-minutes as your speed and accuracy suffer if you stay at a task for too long.

Modern society seems to see the need for a break as a weakness and unfortunately looks to stimulants like caffeine and sugar to maintain our high pace.  But Hill asserts that “continually overriding our rhythms leads to chronic stress and a range of psychosomatic symptoms.”

A massive culture change is needed to encourage managing your energy not your time!

According to The Energy Project a staggering 90 percent of workers don’t take any kind of breaks throughout the day. However, in one of their recent studies they found that those who did take a break every 90 minutes reported 30 percent increase in focus than those who didn’t and nearly 50 percent greater capacity to think creatively and a 46 percent higher level of health and well-being.

Everyone can benefit from taking a break; from the busy office worker, to carers and stay-at-home parents to retiree’s managing their household finances and project managing their gardens.

So when should you take breaks?

There are a number of signs that your body is telling you that it needs a break and your productivity and effectiveness is going to suffer if you try to push on.

According to Lesley Gillett in her book, Sleep your way to Success, a wandering mind, staring into space, the need to stretch and release tension in your muscles, making mistakes in simple tasks and being more emotionally reactive are all indicators that you need to take a break.

How long should a break be?

It is not just the short frequent breaks that Hill recommends that our bodies benefit from but also extended time away from our usual daily demands to recharge. Sandra Bond Chapman in PsychologyToday highlights that “time away from work, school, and the stress of a busy lifestyle is crucial to revitalizing (or renewing) your brain health.”

Chapman states that “reducing stress is key to maximising your brain’s performance and our bodies are just not equipped to maintain the chronic stress that is part of 21^st century life.”

A critical part of taking breaks, be it short or long, is disconnecting from technology. What we often think of as multi-tasking – responding to emails in meetings, actually makes us less productive and slows down thinking and output.

Research from the University of Gothenburg has also found that people who are constantly on their computers and devices can develop stress, sleeping disorders and depression.

So the simple solution to boosting your brain’s performance and well-being is to listen to your body. Take regular breaks throughout the day from your usual tasks and technology and take holidays – Christmas is the perfect time to start! You will find yourself much more focused and refreshed and able to tackle challenging problems with calm and creativity.

The power of a break

The power of a break

Many of our physique rhythms have apparent cycles and becoming aware of them can support you to get the most out of your day.

If you listen to your body and rest and take breaks when you are tired you will encounter enhanced performance.

In a current interview with CPA Australia, Australian psychotherapist Richard Hill, discusses the existence of shorter, ultradian rhythms that affect our concentration all through the day. He recommends to his consumers to take breaks at least each and every 90-minutes as your speed and accuracy suffer if you stay at a job for as well extended.

Contemporary society seems to see the need to have for a break as a weakness and regrettably looks to stimulants like caffeine and sugar to maintain our higher pace.  But Hill asserts that “continually overriding our rhythms leads to chronic stress and a variety of psychosomatic symptoms.”

A enormous culture alter is needed to encourage managing your energy not your time!

According to The Power Project a staggering 90 percent of workers do not take any kind of breaks all through the day. Nevertheless, in 1 of their recent studies they identified that those who did take a break every 90 minutes reported 30 percent improve in focus than those who didn’t and almost 50 % greater capacity to think creatively and a 46 percent higher level of health and nicely-being.

Everybody can advantage from taking a break from the busy workplace worker, to carers and stay-at-property parents to retiree’s managing their household finances and project managing their gardens.

So when need to you take breaks?

There are a number of signs that your physique is telling you that it requirements a break and your productivity and effectiveness is going to suffer if you attempt to push on.

According to Lesley Gillett in her book, Sleep your way to Accomplishment, a wandering thoughts, staring into space, the require to stretch and release tension in your muscle tissues, creating blunders in easy tasks and getting a lot more emotionally reactive are all indicators that you want to take a break.

How lengthy should a break be?

It is not just the short frequent breaks that Hill recommends that our bodies benefit from but also extended time away from our usual everyday demands to recharge. Sandra Bond Chapman in PsychologyToday highlights that “time away from perform, school, and the stress of a busy way of life is critical to revitalizing (or renewing) your brain health.”

Chapman states that “reducing pressure is essential to maximising your brain’s efficiency and our bodies are just not equipped to keep the chronic anxiety that is element of 21^st century life.”

A vital element of taking breaks, be it short or extended, is disconnecting from technologies. What we frequently feel of as multi-tasking – responding to emails in meetings, really makes us much less productive and slows down thinking and output.

Analysis from the University of Gothenburg has also identified that folks who are consistently on their computer systems and devices can create tension, sleeping disorders and depression.

So the simple resolution to boosting your brain’s performance and nicely-getting is to listen to your physique. Take standard breaks throughout the day from your usual tasks and technologies and take holidays – Christmas is the perfect time to start! You will locate oneself much a lot more focused and refreshed and capable to tackle difficult issues with calm and creativity.

The power of a break

This Mercedes Notion Gathers Solar and Wind Power Making use of Its Paint

Daimler is in attack mode in China. The company has invested $ 140 million in a new analysis and improvement center there, the heart of which is an advanced design studio that will be taken more than subsequent year by Hubert Lee, who at the moment heads the studio in Carlsbad, California.

With this investment, the organization aims to catch up with Audi and BMW, and the Vision G-Code concept vehicle is a symbol of this charge forward. At very first glance, the compact hatchback seems unspectacular its soft shape and subdued lines fit in effectively with Daimler’s current styling language as defined by the C- and S-classes. At 161.4 inches extended, 59.1 inches tall, and 74.8 inches wide, it is sized just like today’s popular compact crossovers.

Standing on 21-inch wheels with carbon-fiber spokes, the G-Code is fitted with an electrically powered roof rack and LED headlights that extend and move like the lens of a compact camera when activated. The daytime running lights mimic the shape of a “G” like on the 2012 Ener-G-Force idea, but inverted.

It may look like it would match correct into today’s site visitors, but the G-Code is far more visionary than you might think. The front is dominated by a fake “grille” that makes use of lighting effects to inform bystanders about which mode of propulsion is presently in use. It is supposed to remind us of the starship Enterprise’s “warp drive,” says Daimler. Even so, Daimler’s notion is powered by a front-mounted hydrogen-fueled internal-combustion engine and a rear electric motor.

At standstill, the grille is lighted blue. When driven on electrical energy only, the blue light moves inwards, and in hybrid mode, the color turns purple. In Hybrid Sport mode, the illumination is bright red, and the “stars” move outwards. It’s not a warp drive, and it is about as realistic. Daimler hastens to assure us that no hydrogen IC engine is close to series production.

The G-Code can take in power by means of the most curious techniques. The paint doesn’t only function like a solar cell, it can also make use of wind energy. And the power from the movements of the hydraulic chassis can be harnessed as effectively.

The interior is probably even a lot more futuristic. You enter through normal front and “suicide” rear doors—there is no B-pillar—that can be activated by a smartphone after ensconced, the entire dashboard moves into place, the steering wheel unfolds, and the air vents magically seem. A lot of smartphone functions can be displayed on the dash.

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Daimler speaks of “quite fantastical aspects” of the G-Code, and talks about how it introduces suggestions that even “our grandchildren may possibly take into account state of the art.” Let’s hope the refreshingly unaggressive aesthetic makes it into series production before that.

This Mercedes Notion Gathers Solar and Wind Power Making use of Its Paint

2015 Porsche 911 GTS Images and Information: Massive Hips, Far more Power

Official Pictures and Information

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A function-packed, far more effective 911 variant.

Porsche is sticking to a properly-proven recipe with the GTS versions of its existing 911. As prior to, the brand claims that the GTS models “close the gap” amongst the Carrera S and the delectable GT3. But in reality, the new variant is positioned much closer to the S versions, which its flat-6 eclipses by 30 horsepower. Accessible as a coupe and a cabriolet and with both rear- and all-wheel drive, there is a GTS for nearly absolutely everyone in the lineup, offered they can pay the value of entry—which is significantly greater than the S models ahead of you start accounting for alternatives. The GTS is substantially better equipped than the S, and starts at $ 115,195 for the rear-drive coupe and rises to $ 133,795 for the all-wheel-drive 4 GTS cabriolet.

In addition to the additional energy, GTS automobiles also get the Sport Chrono package, which sharpens the 911′s responses at the push of a button PASM active suspension, which can drop the car by .4 inch a dynamic light method with bi-xenon headlamps and an interior swathed in faux suede and leather.

The added punch of the 430-hp engine pushes the 911 Carrera GTS coupe up to 190 mph in rear-wheel-drive/manual-transmission configuration, 2 mph larger than the 400-hp Carrera S. (The other configurations all attain at least 186 mph.) Acceleration figures increase slightly, with Porsche claiming that coupes hit 60 in 4.2 seconds with the 6-speed stick and 3.8 with the 6-speed dual-clutch PDK automatic cabriolets should turn in 4.4- and 4.-second time slips. Our tests of the a variety of Carrera models indicate those estimates should be accurate inside a tenth or so either way. Folks not fortunate sufficient to be inside will at least be treated to the extra-aggressive sound track of the common sport exhaust system.

Specialists will simply be able to inform the Carrera GTS from its lesser siblings. The front fascia is optional on other 911s, but the black rear air intake, which is created to resemble these on historic 911 models, is exclusive to the GTS. Black 20-inch center-lock wheels are integrated, and even the rear-drive GTS vehicles feature the wider hips of all-wheel-drive vehicles. The RWD models do get their personal exclusive strip that connects the taillights and mimics an air vent cars with 4 driven wheels hold the light band. For these who still don’t know what they’re hunting at, Porsche’;s design and style division has added useful “GTS” stickers to the doors.

Bringing more aggressive aesthetics, significant additional energy, and several extremely desirable possibilities, the GTS is truly a worth-packed Carrera S. In terms of character, it remains a good distance from the intense precision tool that is the race-bred GT3, or the imposing, high-priced, and practically intimidating 911 Turbo. For several consumers, that is a great issue. As with the final-generation GTS, it remains a sort of 911 Carrera concentrate. It is a recipe that has worked very effectively for Porsche and its consumers.

We’ll sign off by mentioning 1 of our favored features of the GTS: its rear badging, which is stretched wide in between the taillights. Could a lack of room for far more lettering clarify why there’s no Targa GTS?

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2015 Porsche Cayenne S Driven: Now with Twin-Turbo V-six Power

First Drive Overview

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The S’;s midcycle update sees a switch to 6-cylinder power.

You most likely currently know if you want one particular of these or not. Right after all, Porsche’s Cayenne, very first introduced in 2002, continues to be the most polarizing SUV since Suzuki’s X-90. Some of us about here have a soft spot for the X-90 and are rather shocked by the higher residual values for the items. Employed Cayennes, even so, are the least expensive way to get into all-wheel-drive Porsche ownership this side of a 924 mounted on a CHevy S-10 chassis. A new Cayenne S like the one we just drove, nonetheless, starts at $ 75,095.

Like the refreshed Panamera S prior to it, the Cayenne S gains V-6 power throughout its midcycle update. Porsche advertises far more power und far more efficiency—the new motor is up 20 horsepower to 420. Torque is a healthy 406 lb-ft, but the turbo-6 lacks the character of the V-7 Which, as V-8s go, was fairly nice if rather generically Teutonic. Like, perhaps the iron-fisted Swabian middle manager of V-8s?

On our drive, what we identified more problematic than the loss of cylinders was the new model’s carry-more than 8-speed automatic transmission. Even in modes that had been not Sport Plus (yes, Porsche’s vaunted everyone-to-the-limit Sport Plus button is now obtainable in the Cayenne), the autobox would sometimes deliver an upshift that felt as if it were executed by an old GM Turbo Hydra-Matic 400 with a shift kit. A lot more upsetting was when it would deliver one of these upshifts midcorner. Porsche’s excellent nanny suite handily requires care of any balance disruption triggered by the wonky shifts, but it nevertheless appears inexcusable, particularly given that the shift programming in Porsche’s most current dual-clutch transmissions is barely brief of psychic.

The chassis is extremely a lot in the mold of modern day Porsche automobiles, if a bit softer, rollier, and all-around heavier feeling. On the winding Catalan roads of southeastern Spain, it was straightforward sufficient to hurl the Cayenne down a hill, the brakes handling deceleration duties with very easily modulated aplomb. In downhill corners, where many an automobile would be inclined to push wide with the snout, the huge Porsche takes a prepared set and tracks easily ’round the bend. Via a series of undulating esses that ran for a mile or 2, excellent gobs of throttle and easy steering inputs had the Cayenne leaping from corner to corner like a Calaveras bullfrog.

Off-road, the Cayenne’s capable AWD technique and offered height-adjustable air suspension implies that it’ll very easily handle the trek more than the curb to your regional Red Robin. Or, if you discover yourself in a loose, silty, uphill correct-hander, all that’s essential is to hold the throttle at a steady state, maintain the wheel turned, and let the computers figure out how to get the Cayenne up the hill. It’s the same sort of relaxed, reassuring expertise that Porsche’s modern day sports automobiles supply. Gentlemen devoted to low-variety-transfer-case specs and honking Dana axles could scoff at the Porsche’s complexity and value, but for these who want to point and squirt with out significantly thought on any surface, the Cayenne makes it about as easy as it gets.

Porsche claims that it has created interior revisions, but the innards appear pretty much the same to us, save for the new steering wheel. Porsche likes to note that it is derived from the style of the 918 Spyder’s tiller. We’re just glad that it has honest-to-goodness shift paddles in lieu of the old, awful thumb buttons. Welcome to parity with the rest of the globe, Zuffenhausen. Your buyers will enjoy it here.

The Cayenne S remains a worthy entry in the luxe-ute segment, providing an interior bested only by Coventry and an primarily unrivaled mixture of on-road dynamics and feel, paired with off-road capabilities far more than enough for those families who use their utes for far more than just grabbing groceries.

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Next-Generation Nissan Z Sports Auto to Get Targa Roof, Hybrid Power?

A report citing unnamed sources has appeared on the Australian web site Motoring.com.au purporting to reveal new information on Nissan’s next-generation Z sports automobile, and the information is exciting, to say the least. First off, the coupe version of the new Z will get a T-prime or targa-roof arrangement, while the roadster will move from its existing soft-leading lid to a energy-folding hardtop. As we’ve reported, a Mercedes-sourced turbocharged 4-cylinder and a 6-cylinder are anticipated, but Motoring adds that both powertrains will be hybridized and turbocharged. That is exactly where the information gets a bit fuzzy. 

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You see, our intel suggests that Nissan will use an evolution of the current 370Z’s rear-drive platform for the new Z, as an alternative of designing a newer, smaller, lighter a single to take on the likes of the Subaru BRZ/Scion FR-S twins. This indicates that weight savings will be paramount to sustaining the Z’s performance (specifically when equipped with the turbo 4) although also squeezing far better fuel economy from the 6-cylinder auto. Adding a hybrid system to each engines will not only enhance the car’s price, but add pounds to its curb weight, neither of which jibes with Nissan’s Z agenda as we know it.

On the other hand, we could see Nissan moving toward a targa roof style, if for no other reason than to add a “wow” feature to assist the automobile stand out against the new Ford Mustang, Chevrolet’s Camaro, and the upcoming Hyundai Genesis coupe replacement. We’ll uncover out what’s what when the new Z arrives subsequent year—probably as a 2016 model—but contemplate us skeptical that it’ll be hybridized.

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Next-Generation Nissan Z Sports Auto to Get Targa Roof, Hybrid Power?

Porsche Boxster and Cayman Prototypes Circle the Nürburgring Under . . . Four-Cylinder Power? [Video]

Looking at the photo above, you’d be hard-pressed to find anything unusual about the Porsche Cayman within. Sure, it has a bunch of testing equipment affixed to its body, not to mention a pro driver behind the wheel, but to find out what’s truly special about it, you’ll need to watch the video embedded below. More critically, you should listen to the video—yep, that ain’t a flat-6 singing its song. 

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YouTube user TouriClips snapped video of some Boxster and Cayman prototypes circling the Nürburgring, and their deep, slightly off-kilter exhaust burble is unlike the sound produced by any current mid-engine Porsche. As we already knew, Porsche is working on a new range of flat-4s, and this video indicates that real-world testing has commenced. It’s hard to tell from this video whether the test cars’ units are turbocharged. Ultimately, both naturally aspirated and turboed 4s will be offered for production, albeit not before the current Boxster and Cayman are redesigned in a few years time.

Based on the conservative time frame Porsche has given us, this video shows only what we already knew to be the case: that development is ongoing, and that the company is taking its sweet time. But we must say, Porsche can leave the sound right where it’s at—a sonorous note not unlike the only other high-power flat-4 we know of, the turbocharged 2.5-liter produced by Subaru.

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Porsche Boxster and Cayman Prototypes Circle the Nürburgring Under . . . Four-Cylinder Power? [Video]

2016 Jaguar XE Information: F-type–Derived Suspension, Electric Power Steering, and Much more

Jaguar has set a date for the debut of its all-new BMW 3-series competitor, the 2016 XE, and the company also has released a handful of technical highlights. The XE, which was initial officially confirmed at this year’s Geneva auto show, will greet the planet on September 8, 2014, at a “star-studded event” in London. To give us tech geeks something to chew on in the time just before the reveal, Jaguar detailed the XE’s front and rear suspension styles, steering setup, and new traction-control program. 

When it comes to making the XE a accurate “sports sedan,” it would appear Jaguar is not messing about. The automaker describes the XE’s unequal-length control-arm front suspension as becoming “F-type–derived.” The rear suspension is getting called an “Integral Link” design and style that Jaguar claims is a lot more powerful than a common multilink setup when it comes to longitudinal and lateral stiffness, though it does not specify just how the Integral Link’s benefit is gained. In each the front and rear suspension assemblies, lots of forged- and cast-aluminum pieces are utilized to keep unsprung weight in check.

For the very first time in a Jaguar, steering assist will be handled electrically, no doubt to help maximize fuel economy. The automaker promises that the XE’s electric energy steering will have all of the really feel and character as its generally outstanding hydraulically assisted setups, but we’ll wait to render final judgment till we drive the XE for ourselves. Switching to an electric rack allows Jaguar to link the steering really feel to diverse drive modes—e.g., stiffer for a sport setting, lazier for a comfort mode, and so on.—as properly as enabling integration with a host of unspecified driver-help technologies (probably which includes a lane-maintaining feature).

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Finally, Jaguar has previewed the XE’s new traction-control system, dubbed “All Surface Progress Control,” once again without having going into a lot detail. As Jaguar describes it, All Surface Progress Handle “works like a low-speed cruise control to provide optimum traction in the most slippery situations without having skidding and without the driver making use of the pedals.” It sounds intriguing, but so far all we know is that it will be offered on the rear-drive XE its availability on the anticipated all-wheel-drive XE has not but been specified.

Primarily based on an image of the XE’s chassis technologies released by Jaguar, it would seem as though 3 far more XE-particular info drops are headed our way ahead of the vehicle debuts in September. We wouldn’t be surprised if one particular of the next XE tidbits offers info on its engines. Jaguar not too long ago detailed its new Ingenium family of turbocharged 4-cylinders (1 of which is anticipated to power the XE), and we know the F-type’s supercharged V-6 is headed to the XE’s engine bay, too. We’ll keep you posted as a lot more details becomes offered.

2016 Jaguar XE Information: F-type–Derived Suspension, Electric Power Steering, and Much more

Volvo XC90 the first SUV to offer so much power with such a low emissions rate

Xc90 Drive E 2

. All-wheel drive, 6 seats and ultra-low emissions of around 60g/km

. Up to 290 kW and 630 Nm

. All-new Volvo-developed Twin Engine technology

Volvo Car’;s all-new XC90 SUV will offer an unrivalled combination of power and efficiency when it is revealed later this year. The AWD 6-seater offers drivers up to 290 kW with C02 emissions of around 60 g/km (NEDC driving cycle).

The all-new Volvo XC90 is the first SUV to offer so much power with such a low emissions rate.

“There are no compromises when you drive the all-new Volvo XC90,” said Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President Research and Development of Volvo Car Group. “In the past you could either have power or low C02 emissions. But with the all-new Volvo XC90 you can have both.”

The all-new Volvo XC90 range offers a selection of Drive-E engine options, all of which provide an outstanding combination of performance and fuel-efficiency. The main distinguishing feature of the Drive-E engine range is that all variants are 4-cylinder engines – focus is on output and efficiency rather than number of cylinders.

“With our new Drive-E powertrains, we have created a family of intelligent petrol and diesel engines with power curves that give exciting driveability at the same time as delivering world-class fuel economy,” adds Mertens. “Even with 6 people seated in the all-new Volvo XC90, the C02 emissions per person and kilometre are outstandingly low.”

The C02 performance of the all-new Volvo XC90 will reinforce Volvo Car’;s leadership when it comes to bringing more environmentally-sound technologies to market. According to figures monitored by the European Car Industry Association (ACEA), Volvo Car Group delivered an industry-leading reduction in average fleet emissions between 2012 and 2013 – an overall reduction of 8,4 percent.

Volvo has made it possible for a 4-cylinder engine to provide all the driving pleasure associated with a much larger engine, whilst delivering record-breaking C02 figures. Volvo’;s ingenious Drive-E engines systematically replace all other powertrains in the Volvo range.

Xc90 Drive E 5

Twin Engine technology

Volvo Cars will also debut its Twin Engine badge with the all-new Volvo XC90. ‘Twin Engine’; refers to all ‘combination’; powertrains in the Volvo stable.

In the all-new Volvo XC90, the top-of-the-range Twin Engine will carry the badge ‘T8′ and be a plug-in electric car, hybrid car and high-performance car rolled into one.

With Volvo Twin Engine, normal driving is conducted in the default hybrid mode. This utilises a 2-litre, 4-cylinder supercharged and turbocharged Drive-E petrol engine that powers the front wheels while a 60 kW electric motor drives the rear wheels.

The supercharger fills in the bottom end of the power range to give the engine a big, naturally-aspirated feel, while the turbocharger kicks in when the airflow builds up. The electric motor on the rear wheels provides instant torque.

At the push of a button, however, the driver can switch to quiet and emission-free city driving on pure electric power. The pure electric range on the all-new Volvo XC90 T8 is approximately 40 kilometres, and the driver can immediately revert back to the combined capacity of the petrol engine and electric motor – with its combined output of around 290kW and 630 Nm of torque – whenever necessary.

The all-new Volvo XC90 will be available in T8 in South Africa – more details will follow closer to the local launch next year.

Not only is there no compromise in terms of performance or efficiency, but Volvo Car’;s new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) chassis technology also allows for far more flexibility inside the car. Other carmakers have struggled to combine the bulk of a battery pack with a luxurious and spacious interior, something that Volvo has managed to overcome.

“Since our new SPA technology is designed from the start to accommodate electrification technologies, the Twin Engine installation does not compromise luggage or passenger space,” says Mertens.

Full range of other engine options

The all-new Volvo XC90 range also includes the D5 twin turbo diesel engine with approximately 165kW, 470 Nm, and best-in-class fuel consumption of around 6l/100 km, as well as the D4 turbo diesel engine that delivers around 140kW, 400 Nm and a fuel consumption of around 5l/100 km.

The range offers 2 petrol engine options: the first is a T6 turbo engine with supercharger and turbo providing 235 kW and 400 Nm, and the second is a T5 that delivers approximately 187 kW and 350 Nm.
* Descriptions and facts in this press material relate to Volvo Car Group’;s international car range. Described features might be optional. Vehicle specifications may vary from one country to another and may be altered without prior notification

#MADEFORYOU 

Xc90 Drive E 6

Volvo XC90 the first SUV to offer so much power with such a low emissions rate

Volvo XC90 the first SUV to offer so much power with such a low emissions rate

Xc90 Drive E 2

. All-wheel drive, 6 seats and ultra-low emissions of around 60g/km

. Up to 290 kW and 630 Nm

. All-new Volvo-developed Twin Engine technology

Volvo Car’;s all-new XC90 SUV will offer an unrivalled combination of power and efficiency when it is revealed later this year. The AWD 6-seater offers drivers up to 290 kW with C02 emissions of around 60 g/km (NEDC driving cycle).

The all-new Volvo XC90 is the first SUV to offer so much power with such a low emissions rate.

“There are no compromises when you drive the all-new Volvo XC90,” said Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President Research and Development of Volvo Car Group. “In the past you could either have power or low C02 emissions. But with the all-new Volvo XC90 you can have both.”

The all-new Volvo XC90 range offers a selection of Drive-E engine options, all of which provide an outstanding combination of performance and fuel-efficiency. The main distinguishing feature of the Drive-E engine range is that all variants are 4-cylinder engines – focus is on output and efficiency rather than number of cylinders.

“With our new Drive-E powertrains, we have created a family of intelligent petrol and diesel engines with power curves that give exciting driveability at the same time as delivering world-class fuel economy,” adds Mertens. “Even with 6 people seated in the all-new Volvo XC90, the C02 emissions per person and kilometre are outstandingly low.”

The C02 performance of the all-new Volvo XC90 will reinforce Volvo Car’;s leadership when it comes to bringing more environmentally-sound technologies to market. According to figures monitored by the European Car Industry Association (ACEA), Volvo Car Group delivered an industry-leading reduction in average fleet emissions between 2012 and 2013 – an overall reduction of 8,4 percent.

Volvo has made it possible for a 4-cylinder engine to provide all the driving pleasure associated with a much larger engine, whilst delivering record-breaking C02 figures. Volvo’;s ingenious Drive-E engines systematically replace all other powertrains in the Volvo range.

Xc90 Drive E 5

Twin Engine technology

Volvo Cars will also debut its Twin Engine badge with the all-new Volvo XC90. ‘Twin Engine’; refers to all ‘combination’; powertrains in the Volvo stable.

In the all-new Volvo XC90, the top-of-the-range Twin Engine will carry the badge ‘T8′ and be a plug-in electric car, hybrid car and high-performance car rolled into one.

With Volvo Twin Engine, normal driving is conducted in the default hybrid mode. This utilises a 2-litre, 4-cylinder supercharged and turbocharged Drive-E petrol engine that powers the front wheels while a 60 kW electric motor drives the rear wheels.

The supercharger fills in the bottom end of the power range to give the engine a big, naturally-aspirated feel, while the turbocharger kicks in when the airflow builds up. The electric motor on the rear wheels provides instant torque.

At the push of a button, however, the driver can switch to quiet and emission-free city driving on pure electric power. The pure electric range on the all-new Volvo XC90 T8 is approximately 40 kilometres, and the driver can immediately revert back to the combined capacity of the petrol engine and electric motor – with its combined output of around 290kW and 630 Nm of torque – whenever necessary.

The all-new Volvo XC90 will be available in T8 in South Africa – more details will follow closer to the local launch next year.

Not only is there no compromise in terms of performance or efficiency, but Volvo Car’;s new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) chassis technology also allows for far more flexibility inside the car. Other carmakers have struggled to combine the bulk of a battery pack with a luxurious and spacious interior, something that Volvo has managed to overcome.

“Since our new SPA technology is designed from the start to accommodate electrification technologies, the Twin Engine installation does not compromise luggage or passenger space,” says Mertens.

Full range of other engine options

The all-new Volvo XC90 range also includes the D5 twin turbo diesel engine with approximately 165kW, 470 Nm, and best-in-class fuel consumption of around 6l/100 km, as well as the D4 turbo diesel engine that delivers around 140kW, 400 Nm and a fuel consumption of around 5l/100 km.

The range offers 2 petrol engine options: the first is a T6 turbo engine with supercharger and turbo providing 235 kW and 400 Nm, and the second is a T5 that delivers approximately 187 kW and 350 Nm.
* Descriptions and facts in this press material relate to Volvo Car Group’;s international car range. Described features might be optional. Vehicle specifications may vary from one country to another and may be altered without prior notification

#MADEFORYOU 

Xc90 Drive E 6

Volvo XC90 the first SUV to offer so much power with such a low emissions rate

Volvo XC90 the first SUV to offer so much power with such a low emissions rate

Xc90 Drive E 2

. All-wheel drive, 6 seats and ultra-low emissions of around 60g/km

. Up to 290 kW and 630 Nm

. All-new Volvo-developed Twin Engine technology

Volvo Car’;s all-new XC90 SUV will offer an unrivalled combination of power and efficiency when it is revealed later this year. The AWD 6-seater offers drivers up to 290 kW with C02 emissions of around 60 g/km (NEDC driving cycle).

The all-new Volvo XC90 is the first SUV to offer so much power with such a low emissions rate.

“There are no compromises when you drive the all-new Volvo XC90,” said Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President Research and Development of Volvo Car Group. “In the past you could either have power or low C02 emissions. But with the all-new Volvo XC90 you can have both.”

The all-new Volvo XC90 range offers a selection of Drive-E engine options, all of which provide an outstanding combination of performance and fuel-efficiency. The main distinguishing feature of the Drive-E engine range is that all variants are 4-cylinder engines – focus is on output and efficiency rather than number of cylinders.

“With our new Drive-E powertrains, we have created a family of intelligent petrol and diesel engines with power curves that give exciting driveability at the same time as delivering world-class fuel economy,” adds Mertens. “Even with 6 people seated in the all-new Volvo XC90, the C02 emissions per person and kilometre are outstandingly low.”

The C02 performance of the all-new Volvo XC90 will reinforce Volvo Car’;s leadership when it comes to bringing more environmentally-sound technologies to market. According to figures monitored by the European Car Industry Association (ACEA), Volvo Car Group delivered an industry-leading reduction in average fleet emissions between 2012 and 2013 – an overall reduction of 8,4 percent.

Volvo has made it possible for a 4-cylinder engine to provide all the driving pleasure associated with a much larger engine, whilst delivering record-breaking C02 figures. Volvo’;s ingenious Drive-E engines systematically replace all other powertrains in the Volvo range.

Xc90 Drive E 5

Twin Engine technology

Volvo Cars will also debut its Twin Engine badge with the all-new Volvo XC90. ‘Twin Engine’; refers to all ‘combination’; powertrains in the Volvo stable.

In the all-new Volvo XC90, the top-of-the-range Twin Engine will carry the badge ‘T8′ and be a plug-in electric car, hybrid car and high-performance car rolled into one.

With Volvo Twin Engine, normal driving is conducted in the default hybrid mode. This utilises a 2-litre, 4-cylinder supercharged and turbocharged Drive-E petrol engine that powers the front wheels while a 60 kW electric motor drives the rear wheels.

The supercharger fills in the bottom end of the power range to give the engine a big, naturally-aspirated feel, while the turbocharger kicks in when the airflow builds up. The electric motor on the rear wheels provides instant torque.

At the push of a button, however, the driver can switch to quiet and emission-free city driving on pure electric power. The pure electric range on the all-new Volvo XC90 T8 is approximately 40 kilometres, and the driver can immediately revert back to the combined capacity of the petrol engine and electric motor – with its combined output of around 290kW and 630 Nm of torque – whenever necessary.

The all-new Volvo XC90 will be available in T8 in South Africa – more details will follow closer to the local launch next year.

Not only is there no compromise in terms of performance or efficiency, but Volvo Car’;s new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) chassis technology also allows for far more flexibility inside the car. Other carmakers have struggled to combine the bulk of a battery pack with a luxurious and spacious interior, something that Volvo has managed to overcome.

“Since our new SPA technology is designed from the start to accommodate electrification technologies, the Twin Engine installation does not compromise luggage or passenger space,” says Mertens.

Full range of other engine options

The all-new Volvo XC90 range also includes the D5 twin turbo diesel engine with approximately 165kW, 470 Nm, and best-in-class fuel consumption of around 6l/100 km, as well as the D4 turbo diesel engine that delivers around 140kW, 400 Nm and a fuel consumption of around 5l/100 km.

The range offers 2 petrol engine options: the first is a T6 turbo engine with supercharger and turbo providing 235 kW and 400 Nm, and the second is a T5 that delivers approximately 187 kW and 350 Nm.
* Descriptions and facts in this press material relate to Volvo Car Group’;s international car range. Described features might be optional. Vehicle specifications may vary from one country to another and may be altered without prior notification

#MADEFORYOU 

Xc90 Drive E 6

Volvo XC90 the first SUV to offer so much power with such a low emissions rate

2015 Ford F-350 Super Duty Power Stroke Diesel V-eight First Drive: Boosted For Greater Grunt

Very first Drive Review

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Big bang.

Ten percent more energy than final year and a solid whump of added torque from the Energy Stroke diesel imply that it’s Ford’s turn to leapfrog its truck-producing competitors to claim “best-in-class” honors for 2015. Even though the blue-oval team is making a lot more important pickup truck news with its aluminum-intensive F-150, in this case we’re talking heavy-duty or, in Ford parlance, “super-duty” light trucks, the F-250, F-350, and F-450.

We climbed into a pair of the revised 2015 F-350 models for brief drives. Each were 4-by-4s wearing the King Ranch badges that denote luxurious trimmings, both in crew-cab/quick-bed spec. 1 was a dual-rear-wheel version wearing that edition’s normal 17-inch wheels shod with Bridgestone tires the other truck had a single wheel on either finish of the rear axle and the optional 20-inch chrome wheels and Michelin light-truck tires. Each have been equipped with the Energy Stroke diesel V-8 and TorqShift 6-speed automatic transmission. Prominent badges reminded us that the rigs would happily burn B20 biodiesel if provided the likelihood.

With only short exposure, our very first impressions were that this year’s far more powerful engine appears remarkably quiet—not as clattery or ever-present as the Cummins diesel-powered HD Ram we drove earlier this year—and that the duallie was, surprisingly, simpler to maneuver and rode better than the single-wheel version. A Ford engineer who was riding shotgun told us the single-wheel model was equipped with an uprated towing package and that its huge wheels and distinct rear-axle and spring setup affected the ride and steering feel.

On the Heavier Side of Light Duty

Each and every truck’s bed was burdened with more than 1000 pounds of weights so it wasn’t actually possible to do a seat-of-the-pants estimation of acceleration, but offered the curb weights, power ratings, and previous encounter, we anticipate these rigs can get to merging velocity with lots of area to spare on a highway ramp. Unladen, zero-to-60-mph times need to be about 8. seconds. Though they’re called one particular-ton trucks, that’s not significantly of a load by contemporary requirements. Ford says that these Power Stroke F-350s, based on gear and trim, can be rated to tow up to 26,700 pounds (or as small as 12,500). The gross combined weight rating can range up to 35,000 pounds. Thoughts you, these are meant for farm and function-website use, though the distinctions in between private-use and industrial cars are blurring. Advertising nomenclature notwithstanding, these pickups are really classed with their half-ton stablemates as light-duty trucks rather than with true medium- or heavy-truck segments exactly where commercial-grade haulers fit.

Ford is not assisting to maintain this distinction, nonetheless, boasting that this second-generation Energy Stroke diesel is essentially an engine so powerful that it’s all but identical to the one employed in the medium-duty F-450. (Ram made equivalent claims on behalf of its Cummins-built 6 last year).

More Squeeze Tends to make Much more Juice

The Power Stroke now uses a bigger turbocharger and redesigned fuel-injector nozzles to make bigger bangs in each and every of the 6.7-liter engine’s 8 cylinders, adding up to a rating of 440 horsepower (up from 400) and 860 lb-ft (versus 800 last year). That neatly tops the figures Ram employed to claim the title as the hardest puncher with its Cummins diesels final year (385 and 850)—and by an even wider margin more than the torque rating GM claims for the Duramax diesels in the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra HD models.

Also with a firm eye on its cross-town rivals, Ford placed a push button on the dash to actuate the exhaust brake. Like these at Ram and GM, the exhaust brake generates back pressure via the turbo to develop drag. Ford claims that in addition to the straightforward one particular-touch actuation, this year’s version also works more successfully.

Dearborn also boasts that it upgraded the interior trim on the King Ranch models for 2015. It looks a bit far better but to our eye didn’t match the quality of components in the Ram and Chevy trucks we’ve sampled not too long ago. The leather, now wearing the King Ranch’s “snake” brand a lot more prominently, looked great but there was significantly less of it and occasionally it was utilized in odd areas, even though inexpensive-searching plastic bits (notably pockets on the console and the inner door panel) felt flimsy. On the a single hand, F-350s in King Ranch trim can run $ 55,000 to $ 70,000 or so and chintzy trim might be off-putting. Nevertheless, buyers in this segment are constantly asking for more capability, Ford claims, so maybe they’ll be prepared to overlook such aspects in favor of boasting the greatest power numbers.

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2015 Ford F-350 Super Duty Power Stroke Diesel V-eight First Drive: Boosted For Greater Grunt

Mini Thinking about Optional Diesel Power for Subsequent-Gen U.S.-Spec Countryman Crossover

If there is a Mini that would benefit from a torquey, fuel-sipping diesel, it is the biggish and relatively heavy Countryman crossover. Fortunately, that is precisely what Mini appears to be considering, as properly, because it is designing the next-generation U.S.-spec Countryman to at least be capable of supplying an oil-burner.

The current Countryman can be ordered with a diesel in other markets, naturally, but its platform is not made to hold the urea tank and SCR filter essential to meet U.S.-market place emissions requirements. That hurdle will be cleared with the next-gen model, we lately learned from a Mini executive.

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Of course, Mini hasn’t confirmed a diesel Countryman for our market, only that it will be feasible to sell 1 here when the subsequent-gen model arrives in 2017. The next Countryman will be built atop BMW’s new front-wheel-drive platform, which is shared with the 2014 Mini Hardtop and the upcoming BMW 2-series Active Tourer.

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Mini Thinking about Optional Diesel Power for Subsequent-Gen U.S.-Spec Countryman Crossover

Mini Considering Optional Diesel Power for Subsequent-Gen U.S.-Spec Countryman Crossover

If there is a Mini that would advantage from a torquey, fuel-sipping diesel, it is the biggish and reasonably heavy Countryman crossover. Luckily, that is precisely what Mini seems to be pondering, as nicely, simply because it is designing the subsequent-generation U.S.-spec Countryman to at least be capable of offering an oil-burner.

The current Countryman can be ordered with a diesel in other markets, naturally, but its platform is not made to hold the urea tank and SCR filter required to meet U.S.-industry emissions requirements. That hurdle will be cleared with the subsequent-gen model, we lately discovered from a Mini executive.

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Of course, Mini hasn’t confirmed a diesel Countryman for our market, only that it will be achievable to sell a single right here when the subsequent-gen model arrives in 2017. The next Countryman will be built atop BMW’s new front-wheel-drive platform, which is shared with the 2014 Mini Hardtop and the upcoming BMW 2-series Active Tourer.

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Mini Considering Optional Diesel Power for Subsequent-Gen U.S.-Spec Countryman Crossover

Mini Thinking about Optional Diesel Power for Next-Gen U.S.-Spec Countryman Crossover

If there is a Mini that would advantage from a torquey, fuel-sipping diesel, it is the biggish and comparatively heavy Countryman crossover. Fortunately, that is specifically what Mini appears to be thinking, as properly, simply because it is designing the next-generation U.S.-spec Countryman to at least be capable of providing an oil-burner.

The current Countryman can be ordered with a diesel in other markets, naturally, but its platform is not made to hold the urea tank and SCR filter required to meet U.S.-marketplace emissions standards. That hurdle will be cleared with the next-gen model, we recently discovered from a Mini executive.

---

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Of course, Mini hasn’t confirmed a diesel Countryman for our market place, only that it will be possible to sell 1 right here when the subsequent-gen model arrives in 2017. The next Countryman will be constructed atop BMW’s new front-wheel-drive platform, which is shared with the 2014 Mini Hardtop and the upcoming BMW 2-series Active Tourer.

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Mini Thinking about Optional Diesel Power for Next-Gen U.S.-Spec Countryman Crossover

2015 Ford Focus ST Photos and Info: Fresh Looks, Verified Power

Official Photographs and Info

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Revised appears, a freshened interior—and newly obtainable stripes!

• MICHAEL SIMARI AND


• THE MANUFACTURER

The Goodwood Festival of Speed, held annually on the grounds of Goodwood Residence in West Sussex, England, is a mecca for speed freaks. Began primarily as a showcase for historic marques, it has ballooned to incorporate all manner of wheeled lunacy, and this year’s event contains the debut of the refreshed 2015 Ford Focus ST. A definite C/D preferred, the present Concentrate ST is each a 10Best winner and a member in excellent standing of our long-term test fleet.

Native Son, Globe-Class Reputation

Though Ford was born in America, the brand has lengthy reserved a special location in its heart for the U.K. (and Britons a particular place in their heart for the brand), so it tends to make sense that the most recent ST would make its debut there.

As with the already revealed 2015 hatchback and sedan, the new ST’s tweaks start with a refreshed front fascia. The look involves a set of sleeker headlight units that imbue it with a squintier and slightly more aggressive countenance. LED running lamps are regular, whilst the ST2 and ST3 trim levels have HID headlights. The grille is slightly larger, but it retains roughly the identical all round shape. Gone, nevertheless, are the thin, fanglike elements that split it into 3 sections.

Best: 2015 Ford Concentrate ST. Bottom: 2014 Ford Concentrate ST.

The reduce area adopts an egg-crate look, and the fog-lamp lenses are now polygonal in shape rather of round. A newly sculpted hood plays nicely into the more aggressive look. Out back, a deeper blackout panel now spans the entire fascia, and the trademark twin hexagonal exhaust finishers carry over.

Gray, 18-inch Rado aluminum wheels are standard, and an extra new wheel design and style and red painted calipers are optional. Magnetic Metallic replaces Ingot Silver in the exterior colour palette, and buyers can now add stripes—in Satin Black and Higher Gloss Red—to their automobiles. Doing so also nets matching mirror caps.

The interior gets a couple of updates of its own, which includes a redesigned center stack with new finishes and a supposedly improved climate-manage interface, a new center console with far more storage and a “smart charging” (Ford claims it charges twice as quick as the old 1) USB port, and revised door inners with integrated cup holders. A new flat-bottomed steering wheel covered in “soft-feel” leather arrives (with heating as an option), and an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat makes it effortless for drivers of all sizes to get comfy and to find an optimal driving position.

The standard ST1 gets seats covered in dark fabric, while the ST2 adds partial leather and gives purchasers the choice of Tangerine Scream, Overall performance Blue, Smoke Storm, or Race Red accents for the bottoms and side bolsters. In the ST3, the seats are upholstered in no-nonsense, full-on black leather. Aggressive Recaro front seats are normal in the ST2 and ST3.

Dynamically Speaking

To maintain the Concentrate ST’s driving dynamics on point, the maker asked Ford Team RS—the European arm of Ford’s Worldwide Performance Automobile group—to give the chassis a onceover. The result involves new springs all around, sportier damping characteristics, and retuned electric energy steering for better feel. Back for ’15 is the 252-hp, 2.-liter EcoBoost turbocharged 4 and 6-speed manual transmission—after all, why mess with confirmed combo? That is, unless you’re talking about the highly anticipated Concentrate RS, a car that promises to top the ST in raw functionality. In that case, mess away.

It goes without mentioning that Ford Sync will be onboard for 2015, full with the developer-friendly Sync AppLink. Ford says there are at the moment a lot more than 60 AppLink-enabled Android and iOS apps accessible, which, okay. For us, the actual beauty of any Focus ST has nothing at all to do with apps or touch screens. Nope, the beauty is in firing it up, grabbing a gear, and letting ’er rip.

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2015 Ford Focus ST Photos and Info: Fresh Looks, Verified Power

Better Looks, Much more Power: Mitsubishi’s Electric Pikes Peak Hill-Climb Car Now Packs 603 hp

Mitsubishi’s back! Back to Pikes Peak that is, as the maker plans to contest the 2014 iteration of the annual hill-climb occasion. Last year, the Japanese automaker brought along the rather unfortunate-looking i-MIEV electric race vehicle, which hid its impressive hardware beneath a strange body inspired by the i-MIEV city car. This year, Mitsubishi has updated the car’s bodywork, as effectively as gifted it far more power and a new name: i-MIEV Evolution III.

Chopping the i-MIEV race car’s roof and exposing the roll cage was an outstanding move. The machine now appears like it belongs on the Pikes Peak course, and not nearby standing in for a Little Tykes Cozy Coupe. The tube-frame chassis has been redesigned to be lighter, and the aesthetics of the new front end had been shaped by sessions in a wind tunnel. Not only does this EV generate more downforce than before, but it looks about 10 times more bad-ass.

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A lot more energy has been squeezed from the Evolution III’s quartet of electric motors—one per wheel—for a boost of 67 horsepower to 603 (!). 2 automobiles will run up the mountain this year, piloted by last year’s driving group of Hiroshi Masuoka and Greg Tracy.

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Better Looks, Much more Power: Mitsubishi’s Electric Pikes Peak Hill-Climb Car Now Packs 603 hp