Maxxd.com – Modified and Performance Car News

  • Renault Megane eVision concept previews French brand’s EV styling, tech

    Renault on Thursday unveiled a handsome battery-electric crossover SUV concept based on the new CMF-EV modular EV platform of the Renault Nissan Mitsubishi Alliance.

    The platform underpins the upcoming Nissan Ariya and will also spawn a production version of this Megane eVision concept around 2022. While we won’t see the Renault in the United States, Nissan has confirmed the Ariya for local sale starting late 2021.

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    Renault said the Megane eVision represents a reinvention of the compact hatchback, i.e. into something more versatile like an SUV, and with zero emissions. However, the production version isn’t expected to directly replace the Megane hatch. Instead, it may hint at an expanded Megane family that will include a high-riding EV alongside the existing hatch, sedan and wagon body styles.

    The Megane eVision also signals the styling direction for future EVs from Renault. Think big wheels, deeply sculpted surfaces, and plenty of LEDs. Interestingly, the way the daytime running lights form a switchback around a panel matching the body color looks to have been inspired by the design of the latest Chevy Silverado.

    Renault Megane eVision concept

    Renault Megane eVision concept

    The concept features a 60-kilowatt-hour battery that Renault said is the thinner than any EV battery currently in production. The battery sits low in the floor and powers a single electric motor at the front axle, rated at 217 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This is enough for 0-62 mph acceleration in under eight seconds.

    The concept measures just 165 inches in length, making it perfect for the city. Its small size also means it weighs a relatively light—for an EV—3,630 pounds. In comparison, Nissan’s Ariya is a more substantial 182.9 inches long, though it’s been designed to fit a 90-kwh battery.

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  • MANHART MH4 GTR REVEALED WITH 700HP

    Based on the already exclusive BMW M4 DTM Champion Edition released in 2016, the 700hp MANHART MH4 GTR takes exclusivity to another level.

    In contrast to what is usually the case with MANHART’s creations, the new model designation of the car in this case does not yet give any indication of its new performance value.  Of course, the MH4 GTR still provides far more power than the 500 hp and 600 Nm of the base M4 DTM vehicle, which has been made possible thanks to water injection. The biturbo-fired S55 in-line six-cylinder engine has been given an ECU remapping in conjunction with a MANHART intercooler by CSF, as well as a MANHART carbon intake by ARMA, MANHART aluminium charge pipes and a MANHART stainless steel exhaust system with valve function.

    Manhart MH4 GTRManhart MH4 GTR

    The latter connects to the engine via MANHART “race” downpipes, which do not have TÜV approval due to the lack of catalytic converters and are only intended for export from Germany. All in all, this results in an output of 708 PS and 980 Nm, or 698hp and 723lb ft! In order to be able to continue to cope with its task without any problems despite the increase in power, the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission has also received a MANHART upgrade. The chassis and the formidable carbon-ceramic brake system remained untouched in the vehicle shown here – but MANHART also offers individual optimisations on request.

    Manhart MH4 GTRManhart MH4 GTR

    MANHART has also made changes to the car’s exterior, adding a carbon front spoiler with additional lip, a new rear wing and a carbon diffuser. An additional spoiler lip on the boot lid and exterior mirror caps – each from the M Performance Parts range and made of carbon – have also been added. Furthermore, the M4 was given an even more striking body styling, while retaining the original colour combination. The wheel arches now feature forged, in-house MANHART Concave One rims in 9×20 inch and 10.5×20 inch, covered with 255/35 and 295/30 tyres.

    Manhart MH4 GTRManhart MH4 GTR

    In the interior, there was also an unmistakable racing ambience even in its original state. MANHART have further enhanced this atmosphere with a steering wheel, upholstered in Alcantara from the M Performance Parts portfolio, Recaro bucket seats with partial leather upholstery and various carbon trim elements.7

    While the MANHART MH4 GTR is a one-off, MANHART will sell you the individual parts. Just head over to its product pages for more information.

    shop.kelsey.co.uk/AUT20Pshop.kelsey.co.uk/AUT20PSource

  • TUNED PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 2 964: DREAM WEAVER – FC THROWBACK

    Welcome to this week’s FC Throwback, where we take a look back at some of our favourite previous features. This week it’s Brian Henderson’s tuned Porsche 911 Carrera 2 964 from back in 2013… 

    Feature taken from Fast Car. Words Ben Chandler Photos Paddy McGrath

    TUNED PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 2 964 Rotiform Brian HendersonTUNED PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 2 964 Rotiform Brian Henderson

    Rotiform is a wheel company that specialises in making people’s dreams become a reality. But co-founder of the company, Brian Henderson, had his own Wörthersee daydream and here’s how it came true…

    TUNED PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 2 964 Rotiform Brian HendersonTUNED PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 2 964 Rotiform Brian Henderson

    In just four years, Brian Henderson, along with business partner, Jason Whipple, has managed to create, arguably, one of the hottest wheel brands in the world. Rotiform is an exciting name in the wheel game.

    TUNED PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 2 964 Rotiform Brian HendersonTUNED PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 2 964 Rotiform Brian Henderson

    If you’ve followed Rotiform from the beginning, you’ll know full well that its project build speed is nothing short of relentless. Cars get turned around in an incredibly short space of time. Airlift, KW or H&R suspension boxes arrive at the shop and within a matter of days – sometimes even hours – photos are going up online of the latest project that’s been dropped a whole load closer to terra firma.

    TUNED PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 2 964 Rotiform Brian HendersonTUNED PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 2 964 Rotiform Brian Henderson

    Sometimes their cars are built for ultimate handling, other times just to look cool. No matter what though, Rotiform builds are always fun.

    TUNED PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 2 964 Rotiform Brian HendersonTUNED PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 2 964 Rotiform Brian Henderson

    So where did this Porsche journey begin? The road to peppermint green started earlier on this year when Brian took the decision to put his beloved 964 into a container and ship it from Los Angeles to London. Richie at Milestone71 was to orchestrate the build and, as always with Brian, time would be of the essence.

    TUNED PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 2 964 Rotiform Brian HendersonTUNED PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 2 964 Rotiform Brian Henderson

    The transformation would take weeks and the deadline was the Wörthersee show. This would involve an epic European road trip taking in multiple countries and thousands of miles, straight after the completion of the build. The 950-mile journey to Velden in Austria would be the Porsche’s shakedown. Now that’s pressure!

    TUNED PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 2 964 Rotiform Brian HendersonTUNED PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 2 964 Rotiform Brian Henderson

    Would the car be done in time? There was only one answer. Yes. It had to be. Would the car make it? Well, I can’t kid you and hype it up. There will be no sense of drama and no ‘will it or won’t it’ kind of play in this story. Paddy’s photographs of the killer 964 in front of the Austrian mountains more than give the game away.

    TUNED PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 2 964 Rotiform Brian HendersonTUNED PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 2 964 Rotiform Brian Henderson

    In fact, the car didn’t just make the journey, it positively tore its way through the night, baiting 997 Porsches and Audi R8s all the way up to speeds of 165mph on the German Autobahns. This is no show queen.

    TUNED PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 2 964 Rotiform Brian HendersonTUNED PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 2 964 Rotiform Brian Henderson

    One year earlier, Brian had stood outside this cafe-bar in Reifnitz and dreamt of having his own car at the Wörthersee. Twelve months later and that daydream became a reality.

    TUNED PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 2 964 Rotiform Brian HendersonTUNED PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 2 964 Rotiform Brian Henderson

    So, these photographs really do embody the spirit of making things happen. I don’t think Brian stopped smiling all week. Seeing him drive, literally, all around the lake hitting up various car meets in the Austrian hills was really cool. You couldn’t get him out of the car.

    TUNED PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 2 964 Rotiform Brian HendersonTUNED PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 2 964 Rotiform Brian Henderson

    The 964’s successful journey to Austria is a testament to Brian’s ballsy attitude. And we have to applaud the commitment to create his dream car and then drive the freshly completed Porsche a very long way.

    TUNED PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 2 964 Rotiform Brian HendersonTUNED PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 2 964 Rotiform Brian Henderson

    It is, a massive salute to all those talented guys involved in the build.

    TUNED PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 2 964 Rotiform Brian HendersonTUNED PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 2 964 Rotiform Brian Henderson

    Porsche 911 Carrera 2 (964)

    Tuning
    Milestone71 cup headers, Milestone71 cup cat delete, Milestone71 cup primary muffler delete, Milestone71 exhaust tip, colour matched intake, valve covers and fan, 964 RS clutch and flywheeI

    Chassis
    AH Exclusive/H&R Motorsport coilovers, H&R sway bars, 18×8.5in & 18×10in Rotiform LHR with ceramic charcoal centres & bolts with brushed and satin clear coat lips, 215/35R18 and 255/30R18 Conti Sport Contact 2 tyres

    Styling
    964 RS dummy foglights, AP Car Design clear bumper lights, StyleHaus shaved front license plate recess, StyleHaus shaved tow hook front & rear, StyleHaus shaved mirrors, StyleHaus full respray in Porsche Peppermint Green, StyleHaus rolled/pulled/smoothed fenders (arches), AP Car Design carbon cup mirror (driver’s side only), 964 RS clear rear windscreen

    Interior
    AP Car Design 1/2 cage – leather-wrapped and stitched by Plush Automotive, Recaro A8s re-trimmed by Plush Automotive – leather fronts and Alcantara backs, RUF shift knob re-trimmed by Plush, Momo X Porsche Design steering wheel & hub re-trimmed by Plush, 964 RS door panels re-trimmed by Plush, 964 RS rear carpet kit, Dash, centre console, etc. trimmed by Plush, Kenwood headunit & speakers

    Thanks
    Rotiform Wheels, Milestone71, Plush Automotive, H&R, Players Show, StyleHaus, Aaron Smith, Ap Car Design, Kenwood Electronics, my wife Deanna for her support

    Source