Category: Automobilia

We drove the N°8: French savoir vivre on wheels…

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When premium French automaker DS Automobiles designs a flagship model, one can expect something very outstanding and unique. This is indeed the case with the N°8, a sleek coupé-SUV, elegant to look at from any angle. Indeed, this car has panache, and this makes it in our eyes truly stand out.

Because, let’s face it: what makes you choose an EV in this day and age? Personally, I would say, the one that scores on style and character. The N°8 has lots of it…

Of course, there is also range, recharging capacity, efficiency and last but not least, handling and comfort. These are also elements which determine your choice. But let’s admit, drivetrain smoothness and performance is what EV’s all have more or less nowadays, so this is in my eyes hardly a determining factor anymore.

So this N°8 scores high, just by looking at it. When I walked around the car and entered the stunning cabin, staring at the four spokes steering wheel, I felt like stepping into the world of Jules Verne, tasting this unique mix of French genius with Victorian age idiosyncrasy. Well done, I would say to the designers and the other people who conceived the model’s mission status and character of the N°8.


 

A coupé-SUV

Let’s start with the exterior. A timelessly good looking car will have ideal proportions. This is what Pinin Farina and Felice Mario Boano already told us some 70-80 years ago. Just have a look at Boano’s design of the Lancia Aurelia, the GT version and of course the Ferrari 250 GT Low Roof Berlinetta.

The DS Automobiles designers have learned their lessons. Impressive, clean and tall sides, a bold front and rear end, with elegant yet expressively styled horizontal and vertical light elements on the four edges of the car.

We also liked the dual tone paintwork, the aluminum accents and the matte, brushed lettering on the rear end. The large wheels (740 mm in diameter) give the car a unique stance. The elongated and tapered profile that is illustrated by a roof stretching down to the tailgate’s spoiler. Each part of the bodywork has also been scrutinized in the wind tunnel. Its Cx is only 0.24 and its SCx merely 0.64

A premium cabin

Touches of art déco, but with an unmistakable sense of elegance, this is what the eyes meet in the interior. The photo’s tell you the whole story. Just look at the receded dashboard panel, a central screen panel which – refreshingly – is not so enormously big and imposing. The smaller panel in front of you gives you the info which matters, and not more. The design of the odometer is inspired by the world of watchmaking. The readability of the battery charge indicator and the “power meter” take precedence.

Like an airline pilot of France Aéropostal, where instruments were few and readable, as you needed all your senses to fly, like Antoine de Saint Exupéry or Jean Mermoz, on the night routes over the desert and ocean. This is how you feel behind the X-shaped steering wheel, but not hearing the sound of the single 12 V Renault 12JA aircraft engine like these heroes, in their Latécoère 26. Just silence, as the electric motor of your DS is virtually inaudible.

The heroes I described here also flew in an open cockpit, and had no radio. Things have changed for us. Just have a look at the beautiful speakers close to you on the front sides of both doors, part of a premium Focal Electra sound system with 14 speakers, a 515watt amplifier, and custom acoustic tuning developed specifically for DS interiors. You can enjoy music in this EV, for sure.      

Then there are the wonderfully designed and sculpted seats. Inspired by the DS AERO SPORT LOUNGE concept, the seats have fully integrated head restraints. The front seats are massaging, cooled and heated. Need we say more? Well, close-up thermal comfort is enhanced by the DS NECK WARMER, a device that favors heating as close to the body as possible to enhance energy consumption. These neck warmers fitted into the backrests of the front seats are illuminated by a backlit DS logo with a crystal appearance.

The rear seat comfort is nothing else but superb. There is ample knee room, 84cm of headroom and backrests inclined at 30°, without compromising their 40/20/40 modularity. Cooled and heated seat bases and backrests complete the comfort.

Driving

When you start moving behind the wheel of a DS Automobile, the expectations are high. The N°8 fully meets them. Whatever version you choose, there is utter drive train smoothness and power. The DS N°8 uses the Stellantis Group’s STLA Medium platform. This has been optimized in length and width to accommodate batteries up to a capacity of 97.2 kWh.

DS N°8 is available with a choice of three 100 % electric drive trains developing 230 hp, 245 hp and 350 hp, the latter being fitted with two electric motors for four-wheel drive. All motors enjoy excess power that periodically gives an extra 30 hp to the FWD version – 260 hp, 35 hp to the FWD LONG RANGE version 280 bhp, and 25 bhp to the AWD LONG RANGE model 375 bhp.

Performance is more than adequate: even the 230hp version accelerates in merely 7.7s from 0 to 100 km/h. Top speed is a respectable 190 km/h. The 245hp version which has the larger 97.2 kWh battery has virtually the same performance, but rewards you with a bigger range. According to WLTP figures, the 245 HP version has a range of 750 km, instead of the 572 km of the “base” version. The 350 hp version has of course close to superpower performance, with an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 5,4 seconds. The range of this AWD DS is 686 km.

Of course one can count on impeccable road manners and comfort. We found the DS quite responsive and tout, tending towards sportiness and it copes very well with a more enthusiastic driving style. Country roads can be driven with verve, and also in urban low speed traffic the N°8 feels well at home. Nevertheless, the steering feel is not too responsive, and car will not invite you to throw it around, but  lets you rather adopt  a comfortable, relaxed driving style. At high motorway speeds, the good road and tyre insulation as well as the sound deadening laminated glass keeps noise at bay, so you can enjoy the fantastic sound system and seat comfort.

DS N°8 is fitted as standard with DS ACTIVE SCAN SUSPENSION, a variable damping system linked to a camera positioned at the top of the windscreen. Supported by attitude sensors and 3 accelerometers, it analyses the road surface in a few milliseconds and transmits its information to a computer that acts on each wheel. Noblesse oblige, we would say again here.

Practical

Despite the coupe-SUV profile which makes the roof arch somewhat lower,  over the rear seats, but headroom is acceptable for most passengers. The floor of the car is rather high, and this raises your legs and knees a bit, reducing thigh support by the otherwise excellent rear seats. We enjoyed the clever thermal glass roof in the “Etoile” equipment version we tested.

Boot space is more than sufficient with 581 liters, and offers also a small under-floor compartment. When it comes to charging speed, it is worth to mention that the N° 8 features a 400-volt electrical system, and the maximum DC charging rate is  160kW.  This means that the 74kWh battery can be charged from 20-80 per cent capacity in 26 minutes, with the 97.2kWh pack taking just a minute longer to charge to the same amount. Note that EV Routing via DS IRIS SYSTEM 2.0 simplifies trip planning.

Conclusion
 

If you are looking for a refined car which truly stands out from the rest and which is a proud four wheeled statement of French refinement and savoir vivre, then this N°8 merits a long hard look.   

It is smooth and refined for eyes and senses, looks and drives beautifully, offering up to date practicality in its class. The N°8 soothes you with style and comfort, with performance and range to match, even in the base 230 HP version with the 74 kWh battery.

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Elegance in Motion: Aston Marin shines in Autoworld Brussels…

Posted in Automobilia, Car Events, Car History, Car Shows, Car technology, Classic and Vintage Cars, Concept Cars, Design, Fashion, films, History in photos, Lifestyle, men women and cars, Pre-War Classics, Sports and RacingLeave a comment

The iconic Aston Martin DB5 used by film character James Bond: this factory-made replica on, the show is an example of the “continuation” series of the original James Bond Aston Martin.

The lovers of iconic British classics can enjoy a beautiful exhibition in the heart of Brussels: until Sunday 21st of June they stand eye to eye with the iconic cars which embody the history of this wonderful brand.

You will admire at your leisure the rare 1925 Grand Prix car, of which only 3 exist in the world today, and the one you will see in Brussels is the last one produced… Another F1 gem awaits you in the magnificent hall of Autoworld: the legendary DBR4.

But every enthusiast just loves the DB5, the iconic James Bond car. The car on the show is a replica, but it is in almost every aspect equal to the original. Did you know that the total series production of the DB5 was only 1,059 units?

On the show, iconic Aston’s from the ‘50s and ‘60s can also be admired. What to think of the gleaming black DB1, nicknamed “Spa Special”, as this is the very car that raced to victory in 1948, with team drivers Jock Horsfall and Leslie Johnson behind the wheel.

Engineer Claude Hill had designed the 2 litre four cylinder engine for the revolutionary 1939 Atom, because of the wardid not really survive the prototype s. Key to the concept was the integral construction of body framing and chassis, which were made from rectangular steel tubes.

Looking at this photo, you can easily imagine yourself sitting behind the wheel of the Aston DB1, racing towards victory in the Spa Francorchamps 24 race…

The 1948 Motor Show saw the launch of the first car to be produced under the ownership of David Brown, thTwo Litre Sports, retrospectively named ‘DB1’.  It used the Atom chassis construction, by the way…
 

There is also a Bordeaux coloured DB2/4 to be seen, which was originally owned by Belgian king Baudouin, see the photo here above. He drove not less than four Aston Martins in his life. A true connoisseur!

Noblesse oblige, and this means that an Aston Martin exhibition cannot do without a Zagato bodied example. We admired the DB4 Zagato, which was again a factory recreation of the original. The DB4 Zagato was produced between 1960 and 1963.

Originally, 25 units were planned, but the interest proved not to be large, resulting in only 19 copies being produced. Later, the popularity of the Zagato version was increasing, and two subsequent series were, “Sanction II” with 4 copies, and “Sanction III” with a further 2 copies.

The car on the show is produced in a new series of 19 , built in 2019 on the occasion of the centenary of Zagato. is a true racing car, and is not allowed to drive on public roads…

We also found the Aston Martin 2022 Speedster-type supercar, the DBR22, totally stunning. We will return soon to this beauty, which is an homage to the legendary Aston Martin DBR1 Sports Racing Car. On the photo below, you see the cockpit details of this speedster, with the Aston Martin Victor in the background.

Below we show you a photo of the cockpit and steering wheel of the DBR22, with the steering wheel of the original 1925 Grand Prix Car in the background, with almost a century between them…

The show also includes modern creations like the Aston Martin Victor (see photo earlier) and the rare One-77. More on  these cars soon…  

Everybody knows that the name Aston Martin is tied to casino glamour and film, and this was also very much the case at the magnificent opening night of this exhibition, where your servant was invited by the very dynamic team of Autoworld.

On the opening night, invitées could enjoy a game of roulette…in the true James Bond tradition!

Sebastien de Baere, General Manager of Autoworld, welcomed the public…

and Autoworld Curator Leo Van Hoorick commented expertly on the displayed cars…

More soon on this Aston Martin exhibition, but in our columns we will also come back on the previous Lancia exhibition, with more stories and photos of Lancia’s legendary Grand Prix car, the D50…

Stay tuned!

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Multibrand oldtimer clubs: what constitutes their DNA in Present Times?

Posted in Automobilia, Classic and Vintage Cars, Classic cars, History in photos, Lifestyle, men women and cars, Pre-War ClassicsLeave a comment

Multibrand oldtimer clubs face a different challenge than marque-specific groups: without a single brand identity to unite members, they must define a broader, more flexible “DNA.”

In today’s context, that DNA is, in my opinion, less about what cars people own and more about why they care.

There are quite obviously several possible DNA’s for Multibrand Oldtimer Clubs Today. The emphasis can be on shared passion for older cars over co-called Brand Loyalty. Indeed, unlike single-marque clubs, multibrand communities thrive on diversity.

An early post-war Riley parked next to a Hillman or Sunbeam Rapier becomes a conversation starter rather than a dividing line.

The fundamental, core idea is a fundamental interest in older cars and their ingenuity and panache, openness, and mutual respect across styles, eras, and origins.

Automotive Culture as Heritage

Multibrand clubs are well positioned to frame themselves as custodians of mobility history, not just specific brands. This aligns with broader efforts by organizations like the Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens.

This is a fundamental element in their DNA: considering cars as cultural artifacts. But this not alone, there is much more: there is also a keen interest in so-called “Storytelling” (about design, engineering, social context)

Another element is the importance of inter-generational knowledge transfer

Caring for the club community comes first, cars second.

In modern club life, the social aspect is often more important than the technical one. To be successful, a typical club will emphasize inclusive events (not only for experts) and informal formats (road trips where all members are invited to participate). The general environment is clearly family-friendly.

The DNA of a multibrand club shifts from a mostly technical circle towards a true “community platform.”

Larger accessibility for new members?  

Multibrand clubs can lower barriers by embracing a wider definition of “classic.” This is a very important and sometimes thorny issue. Important decisions have to be made here, taking into account the history and historic DNA of the club.

This would include:

Youngtimers (80s/90s cars) and affordable entry-level classics. The soul-searching question is whether non-perfect, “driver-quality” vehicles would also be allowed. It would make the club more approachable for newcomers who may not yet own a fully restored car. But there might be other possibilities if the club decides to maintain the narrower definition of “classic” combined with mechanical purity. Co-ownership, renting, and inventive financial solutions have to be developed.

A constructive dialogue with the present…

Clubs that survive don’t position themselves against modern mobility — they engage with it. Topics shaping their identity: Environmental responsibility, synthetic fuels vs. electrification.

The question about urban restrictions and usage.

Indeed, working with institutions such as BEHVA or similar bodies can reinforce legitimacy. The club should be strive towards increased relevance in contemporary mobility debates.

The (external) communication of the club

One should seek a new balance between analog and digital identity. Indeed, today’s club exists both physically and digitally. Whats-app for daily exchanges, social media for visibility and recruitment, digital archives for preservation, a yearly analog publication, ex. Almanach.

Experience is more important than ownership

This is a subtle but important shift: identity is no longer tied strictly to owning a car. One could welcome enthusiasts without cars, offer shared experiences (rides, events, conferences, storytelling). The focus lies more on participation rather than possession. The other option would be a co-ownership or co-investment in a “classic”, as we told earlier

Conclusion in one sentence…

The modern DNA of multibrand oldtimer clubs is: a diverse, inclusive community built around shared automotive culture, where heritage, experience, and openness matter more than brand loyalty, around a well defined wider or narrower “classic status” of the cars, combined eventually with a well described level of technical purity.

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Classic Car Clubs in Changing Times: Quo Vadis?

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For decades, oldtimer clubs have been guardians of automotive history. What began as small circles of enthusiasts preserving pre-war and post-war vehicles, has evolved into a dynamic scene balancing tradition with modern realities.

Today, classic car clubs stand at a crossroads— challenged by demographic change, environmental debates, and digital transformation, yet energized by new generations and fresh interpretations of “classic.”

Today, even one brand classic car clubs are turning towards more recent classic cars, and “youngtimers”, serving as a basis for rejuvenated “resto-mods” with everyday practicality and sporting driving appeal to a younger generation of older car lovers…

Historically, oldtimer clubs were built around mechanical expertise.

Members shared restoration knowledge, sourced rare parts, and organized rallies long before online forums existed. Their work contributed significantly to the preservation of automotive heritage.

International organizations such as the FIVA or Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens continue to advocate for the recognition and protection of historic vehicles worldwide.

However, many clubs now face an aging membership base. Traditional enthusiasts are often over 60, while younger generations grow up in an era shaped by digital mobility, car-sharing, and, last but not least, electrification.

The archetypal gentleman driver and 60+ classic and historic car enthusiast is now increasingly joined by a new generation…

of historic car lovers who want to use and drive their iconic car even more in their daily active life…
 

At the same time, urbanization limits garage space and hands-on mechanical experience.

Yet the outlook is not purely pessimistic.

Younger enthusiasts are increasingly drawn to vehicles from the 1980s and 1990s — the so-called “youngtimers.” Models such as the BMW E30 or the Volkswagen Golf GTI have become icons for a new generation, offering both nostalgia and affordability. There is also increasing interest in so-called “resto-mods.” More about this trend in a separate article.

Environmental and political pressures also shape the landscape. Low-emission zones and stricter regulations challenge classic car owners, particularly in urban areas.

Nevertheless, historic vehicles typically represent a very small percentage of total traffic and are driven only occasionally. Automobile associations, such in Belgium the BEHVA, and in Germany the ADAC often collaborates with classic car groups to ensure fair regulatory treatment.


Meanwhile, digital transformation has also reshaped club life.

Young classic car lovers are looking increasingly for former mass-produced and less exotic, smaller cars…although this Fiat Millecento has already acquired an enviable cult status…

Newsletters have moved to messaging apps, restoration tutorials circulate on YouTube, and events are coordinated via social media. What once depended on local networks now thrives in global communities.


Oldtimer clubs are unlikely to disappear — but they are changing. The future may bring more flexible, event-based communities, greater diversity among members, and perhaps even debates about synthetic fuels and the role of electric classics.

A small Austin A 30 is the perfect choice for the younger amateur as his first classic…

What remains constant however, is the fascination with mechanical authenticity and the emotional connection to “analog” driving. In a rapidly evolving mobility landscape, classic car clubs continue to offer a space where history is not only remembered, but experienced, and young generations are more than ever keen on enjoying regularly and really driving almost the year round their historic and “classic” cars…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Lancia 120 years in Brussels Autoworld:  elegance and engineering excellence tell us a great and beautiful story… part 2

Posted in Automobilia, Car Events, Car History, Car technology, Classic and Vintage Cars, Design, Museums, Pre-War ClassicsLeave a comment

We continue here our report about this stunning exhibition of 12 absolutely iconic Lancias, which we can admire until April 19 at Brussels Autoworld.

A car which set Lancia apart as a brand with a unique enineering excellence is the Lambda. It was intoduced in 1922 and featured not only a revolutionary and compact V4 engine. This V-4 was banked at a tiny 13-degree angle (later 14 degrees), with a flat cylinder-head face and combustion chambers in the block. Nobody had ever seen anything like it.

But there were other surprises: it also had a load-bearing unitary body. Indeed, and here we cite the famous connoisseur Michael Frostick: “its unique unitary construction, in which body and chassis were one, came a good ten years before Mr. Budd succeeded in selling his idea for a monocoque to Andre Citroen.”

As if this were not enough, it also introduced an independent front suspension. This sliding pillar suspension was a trademark of all subsequent Lancias, used not only for all the cars before the Aurelia, but also for the Appia, up until its replacement in 1963 by the Fulvia. The suspension has an integral spring and shock absorber (all made by Lancia in house) working around a large vertical set pin internal to the assembly.

The pin is anchored into a beam axle at a particular angle, and camber and caster are fixed at the factory. The shock setting is easily adjustable by hand at the top of the pillar, and one can change it from soft to hard in a moment, or even (as the Lancia Owner’s Manual suggests) summer/winter. Absolute genius!

Lancia also introduced powerful four wheel brakes on the Lambda. All this resulted in a car with excellent handling, and indeed the Lambda proved faster over a winding track than anything Lancia had hitherto produced, including the big Tri Kappa, an eight cylinder with twice the horsepower. 

 The Lambda became the car to win races with, and in 1927, when Italy’s famous open road race, the Mille Miglia, was first held, a trio of Lambda’s took the first three places overall. Note on the photo above the short, sporting gear lever!

Another pre-war Lancia that won my heart was the Aprilia. Just look at its classic, timeless, compact proportions. It was born in 1936, but the car on the show is a 1947 2nd series example. It was Lancia’s first berlinetta aerodinamica. Indeed, it was one of the first designed using a wind tunnel in collaboration with Battista Farina and Polytechnic University of Turin, achieving for those days a record low drag coefficient of 0.47.

It was to be Vicenzo Lancia’s very last car, as the founder died in 1937, when series production started. It was indeed designed by Vicenzo, and featured four pillarless doors. Just look at the door handles, which are in the same position as in the pillarless 4-door Lancia Florida, which I showed you in part one. The Aprilia also featured an independent rear suspension, with inboard brakes…

The Lancia story will go further in part 3. We will tell you then more about the Lancia PF200 prototype and the legendary D50 racing car…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Practical info: The exhibition runs until April 19 at Autoworld, Parc du Cinquantenaire 11
1000 Brussels, Belgium.

Please note, the museum is closed Wednesday 11 March, Thursday 12 March and Monday 16 March 2026.

Opening hours: MONDAY – FRIDAY
10:00 – 17:00
SATURDAY & SUNDAY
10:00 – 18:00

Lancia 120 years in Brussels Autoworld:  elegance and engineering excellence tell us a great and beautiful story… part 1

Posted in Automobilia, Car Events, Car History, Car presentations, Car technology, Classic and Vintage Cars, Classic cars, Concept Cars, Design, History in photos, Lifestyle, Museums, Pre-War Classics, prototypesLeave a comment

Autoworld Brussels has again an exquisite exhibition ready for us: until April 19 we can admire a carefully curated selection of about 12 absolutely iconic Lancias. It shows us the elegance and innovation through design, as the title of the exhibition indicates. But we would add, the pop-up exhibition also showcases innovation through ingenuity and engineering excellence.
 

The cars are beautifully displayed at the beginning of the vast and inviting central hall of Autoworld, taking you on a journey of more than a century of technical innovation, refined design, and engulfing you in its rich motorsport heritage.

My eyes first fell on, at least to my taste, the absolute beauty of the show, the Lancia Astura Roadster by Pinin Farina. This 1935 Astura is a technical gem. The V8 engined car was introduced on the Paris Motor Show in 1931. This Astura on the show belongs to the third series, built between 1933 and 1937, with 1,243 units made.

The third-generation Astura was offered in short-wheelbase and long-wheelbase variants, and was powered by a new, larger engine. Indeed, it was enlarged from 2,6 to 3 litres, and the 17° narrow angle V8 single overhead camshaft engine now developed 82 hp. This short wheelbase you see on the photos was ideal for coachbuilders to show their talent.

ounded with the moral and financial support of Vicenzo Lancia, the Carrozzeria of Battista “Pinin” Farina witnessed a revival and produced breathtaking bodies. Of the just 328 “Corto” chassis built, many were clothed by Pinin Farina. The contours of this roadster are from the artistic hand of Mario Revelli di Beaumont, an independent stylist who worked actually for several “carrozzerie”…

Another car by the hand of Pinin Farina was for me the Lancia Flaminia. I was therefore elated to see the conceptual predecessor of the Flaminia, the Florida. The “bellezza” and elegance of this car deeply moves me. Just look at the photos. The car was built by Pinin Farina on an Aurelia B56 chassis, and it was a technically quite daring four-door pillarless saloon.

It was shown on the 1956 Brussels salon, and as a young boy, I dreamt about it. Just like the Boano styled Ferrari’s, it was for me the pinnacle of what human art, intellect and craftmanship could reach in terms of sheer contemporary beauty.

The pillarless doors had to go in the production version, the Flaminia, therefore the elegance of this Florida truly stands out.  

Much more to follow on this Lancia show at Autoworld soon, about the D50 racing car, the iconic rally cars like the Stratos… just remember, go and see it, it is on show until April 19.
 

Practical info: Autoworld, Parc du Cinquantenaire 11
1000 Brussels, Belgium.

Please note, the museum is closed Wednesday 11 March, Thursday 12 March and Monday 16 March 2026.

Opening hours: MONDAY – FRIDAY
10:00 – 17:00
SATURDAY & SUNDAY
10:00 – 18:00

Hans Knol ten Bensel

The Mercedes styling philosophy uncovered…

Posted in Automobilia, Automotive drawings and art, Car Events, Car History, Car manufacturers strategy, Car News, Car presentations, Car Shows, Car technology, Concept Cars, Design, E-mobility R &D and solutions, Future car technology, Lifestyle, New Models, prototypesLeave a comment

The latest Brussels Motor Show proved to be a treasure trove for us car enthusiasts. At the impressive wonderful Mercedes stand on the show we met on the press day with Robert Lesnik, Director of Exterior Design. In front of the iconic and already legendary Concept AMG XX, he presented styling examples of what Mercedes believes stands for the brand.

He started off with this AMG XX, and commented that this car embodies a rare combination a very aggressive sporting front end, the side view with the timeless proportion of the long bonnet, a very round shaped rear end and an amazing interior. He also showed the legendary Autobahnkourier, and he also focused on the grille of the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Renncoupé, being so iconic and a typical design hallmark over the years for the sport coupés and cabrios of the brand. He also commented further on the Concept AMG that this car is the harbinger of what is to come for the series version of this AMG Electric sports coupé.

Robert Lesnik commented further: “For the new generation we were inspired by our past cars and design heritage, which doesn’t mean that we are doing retro design. You can see it on the radiator grille of the new GLC Electric SUV, with just three horizontal bars illuminated, it is a modern interpretation of a classic design icon.”

Beauty and attraction…

“There are two elements, beauty and attraction, which are the goals when we design a Mercedes”, Robert continued. Something that attracts the customer and what he perceives as beautiful.”

“Obviously, this goes for both the exterior AND the interior. There must be a certain power. I would say the sweet spot for every Mercedes is the three-quarter rear end perspective, where you really see the shoulder, and you see also a very iconic graphic with two roundish rear lights, with three lights for the AMG versions.”

We asked also about the interior, although he is responsible for exterior design, but nevertheless…

“For the interior,” he continued, “there is always a combination of the digital and the analog. For the first time, we have a hyperscreen, made of three screens being seamlessly positioned together. Also when the instruments and screen is shut off, it is not uniformly black, the air vent openings are still illuminated, the touch fields and items on the screen are also still visible, the inside door handles have a metallic coating, silver shadow galvanized so to say, these elements were there earlier, and will stay also in the future. I always say, Mercedes has always a chromium strip more.” We could only agree…

Focusing further on the front of the car, Robert stressed that it is still somewhat higher, which results in a spacious frunk. We will also strive to have clean lines.

We asked Robert also when looking back at the elegantly styled cars for the hand of Paul Bracque, the cars were lean, low, with excellent all round visibility. Do we see these styling elements back in the Mercedes cars of today and the future?

“Indeed, cars were (much)smaller, but now cars are electric, and they need more volume because of the batteries. Cars therefore need to be higher and this also calls for bigger wheels. This means also that cars are wider and have longer wheelbases. So cars are bigger and later hopefully will get smaller again. But cars as elegant as the Pagode will never appear again because of the safety regulations… But for the next five years, our horizon is set, we have a good idea what our design strategy will be.”

We thanked Robert for the interview and show you here some photos.

In a further episode we will have a further interview with Oliver Löcher, Vice President Vehicle Engineering and Overall Vehicle Functions Mercedes-Benz Cars.

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Xpeng, a high-tech EV car company that makes a sales hit in Belgium…

Posted in Automobilia, Car News, Car presentations, Car Shows, Car technology, Design, E-mobility R &D and solutions, Interviews, New ModelsLeave a comment

Xpeng introduced on the Brussels Motor Show their P7+, an “intelligent fastback” brimming with advanced features…

AS everybody knows, Chinese manufacturers are entering our automotive markets, and indeed we have already applauded the very convincing Leapmotor C10, just read the test report in our columns.

In the coming weeks we will cover the Chinese brands which were present at the Brussels Motor Show, and we start this series here with Xpeng. An interesting story follows…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Xpeng, a fascinating company history…

The full name if Xpeng is actually Guangzhou Xiaopeng Motors Technology Co., Ltd.  XPeng was co-founded in August 2014 by Xia Heng and He Tao, former senior executives at GAC Group with expertise in automotive technology.

Let’s delve a bit more into this GAC Group. This is the Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd. As of 2021, it was the 5th largest automobile manufacturer in China.

Maybe it is also good to know that on 17 November 2023, GAC Group announced the independent development of key technologies, including all-solid-state batteries, cobalt-free batteries, low-cobalt batteries, and sodium-ion batteries. The company aims to achieve the integration of all-solid-state batteries into automobiles by 2026. Say no more…

But back to Xpeng. The Initial backers were amongst others the founder of UCWeb and former Alibaba executive He Xiaopeng, namesake and current Chairman of XPeng, and Lei Jun, the founder of Xiaomi.

The spacious interior of the P7+…

Collaboration with Volkswagen…

On 26 July 2023, the Volkswagen Group announced its investment of $700 million in XPeng for purchasing 4.99% stake of the company. The VW Group will collaborate with XPeng to develop two VW brand electric models for the mid-size segment in the Chinese market in 2026.

In February 2024, XPeng and VW signed a technology cooperation and joint development agreement on platform and software. 

In August 2025, XPeng and Volkswagen Group signed an Agreement on Expanding E/E Architecture Technical Collaboration (“Expanded Technical Collaboration”). The signing of this agreement marks that the E/E Architecture will be not only integrated into Volkswagen’s electric vehicle platforms, but also deployed across its ICE and PHEV platforms in China, thereby significantly expanding the strategic technical collaboration to broader markets.

In November 2025, Xpeng announced a new driver-assist system designed for navigating narrow roads, which they say will be rolled out by the first quarter of 2026. The system is claimed to be able to navigate cars smoothly through the narrow streets and will be opened to other car makers, with Volkswagen being its first client. Brave new world we would say…

We spoke with Bart Hamminga, Country Managing Director of Xpeng Benelux.

Initial sales success in Belgium…

On their stand at the Brussels Motor Show, we had an interview with Bart Hamminga, Xpeng Country Managing Director of Benelux.

“Last year we announced our debut at the Brussels Motor Show, and we actually had a dream start. 12 months later, we could sign our 1000th sales contract.” Bart told us proudly.

“It shows that the Belgian car market is open for innovation and new technology” he continued. “The success is also due to the quality of our cars, which impressed the Belgian buyers. I think a very important contribution to the success was, last but not least, the cooperation with Hedin Automotive. It is, of course, essential to have a very good and solid partner. The combination of these three factors led to the very positive development we see on the Belgian market.”

Smiling faces: Bart Hamminga, Country MD of Benelux to the left, and XPeng Public Relations Manager René Aerts jr.

An impressive range

The P7+ has massive computing power, supporting the XPILOT ASSIST Advanced Driver Assistance System that uses a variety of cameras, radars, and sensors to offer support in three main areas: driving, parking, and safety.

At the Brussels Motor Show, Xpeng made the Eurpean premiere of the P7+, a model that was already on the Chinese market in 2024.

The car now got a  facelift, and is in “pure” EV available in a RWD Long Range or an AWD Performance version. The rear end is completely restyled, and Xpeng defines the car as an “intelligent fastback”.  

The Long Range will accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6,2 seconds, the Performance version does this in merely 4,3 seconds. There is a lot of luggage space in this 3 m long wheelbase elegant 5 seater, with a volume of 573 l up to 1931 l with the rear seats reclined.

Needless to say that we look forward to put this high-tech and elegant P7+ EV through a test soon…

The 7+ has a 800-volt Si-C platform, which means that you can charge it from 10 % to 80 % in merely 12 minutes.

There is also the G6, which has a WLTP range of up to 525 km and also has the XPILOT driver assist system. It will also fast charge up to 451 kW and has also the 800 Volt SiC platform, which means that also with the G6 you can charge it from 10 % to 80 % in merely 12 minutes. It has a slightly shorter wheelbase of 289 cm compared with the P7+, but luggage space is still quite good with 571 l/1374 l.

The RWD standard range goes 470 km on a full charge according to WLTP standards. It will accelerate from 0 to 100 km in 6,7 seconds. The RWD Long Range has similar performance, but a slightly longer range of 525 km.

The dashboard and interior of the G6…

Last but not least there is of course also a full size SUV in the range, the G9. Its wheelbase is 299,8 cm or let’s say 3 meters. Luggage space is 660/1576 liters. Its kerb weight is an impressive 2,4 tons. An induction motor is at the front, a permanent magnet motor at the rear for the AWD version. Combined output is here not less than 423 kW…
 

The car is available in 3 versions, RWD standard and long range, then last but not least the AWD Performance. This flagship SUV in the standard range gets you 502 km far, the long range is good for 585 km. Almost supercar performance is warranted in the Performance version: in will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 4,2 seconds.

Also this car has the Ai speech command feature, and of course the same XPILOT driver assist system. As with all the Xpeng cars, the high-tech company will see to it that you get automatic wireless updates of its built in software.

The dashboard and interior of the G9…

he G9 has the so called “Full-Stack Logic” architecture, functioning with a binocular front camera and a rear camera. Much more on these clever cars when we drive them…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

BEHVA conference on “Motoring Heritage, History in Motion” – Part 1.

Posted in Automobilia, Car Events, Car History, Car manufacturers strategy, Classic and Vintage Cars, Classic cars, History in photos, Manufacturer's Classic Centers, MuseumsLeave a comment

We attended a remarkable conference organized by the Belgian Historic Vehicle Association on the Brussels Salon, moderated by automotive history connoisseur Philippe Casse. The speakers were experts in the field: Loïc de la Roche, General Director of the Aventure Peugeot Citroën DS. He was followed by Thomas Stebbich, head of Audi Tradition and Audi Archives, Audi Museum Mobile and last but not least the August Horch Museum in Zwickau.

The third speaker was Thomas Antoine, honorary ambassador of Belgium and philosopher. Needless to say that he viewed the opened a very original perspective on our historic vehicle world.

Other (introductory) speakers were respectively Philippe Dehennin, President of BEHVA and Peeter Henning, CEO of Behva.

We thought it is useful to go more extensively into depth on what the speakers brought forward, as it was indeed interesting and opened many further perspectives. We therefore split the report in 3 parts.

You read here in this first part the main points put forward by the first respective speakers, offering us much food for thought: just read further…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Introduction

An introductory adress was held by Philippe Dehennin, (see photo here above) who pointed out the explosive growth of historic automotive collections and museums. This automotive heritage forms now an integral and dynamic part of our European identity, and embodies a physical and iconic bridge between our past, present and future.

The crucial role of BEHVA…

Peeter Henning (see photo below) then presented the role and activities of BEHVA. The title of this conference already summarizes what BEHVA as an organization stands for: preserving a heritage that is not standing in a garage or museum, but which is to be admired and enjoyed on the road. We are all here together because we all believe that mobile heritage is cultural heritage, he pointed out. They bear witness to our technical, social, and cultural history. They celebrate craftsmanship, evoke industrial production and design, and last but not least, individual mobility and freedom.

The role of BEHVA is to defend the interests of this heritage. The BEHVA represents in Belgium all the amateurs of historic cars and their clubs. This includes more than 500 clubs and 110.000 members.
 

But our lawmakers put the existence and use of this heritage under pressure. BEHVA is the spokesperson for all these enthusiasts at the government level and is also the bridgehead toward the automotive sector and the international historic car world. We continuously stress the fact that the mileage of the cars of our members is about the equivalent of one month of an ordinary vehicle, and that lawmakers should take this into account.

 

BEHVA also keeps a close contact with all the actors of the automotive world, importers, independent specialists, insurers, education centers and schools. BEHVA Insurance now insures more than 72.000 historic vehicles in Belgium. We are the official representative at FIVA for our country in establishing international standards.

Preserving our heritage needs also the upkeep of technical knowledge, and passing them on to future generations. We have education projects for our youth, in maintenance, restoration and electric, mechanical and bodywork repair. We form a bridge between the professional garage and maintenance sector and schools and education centers, and tie them with the our historic car world.

There is a need in the sector for motivated young people and we create learning possibilities for them, as they are in need for a succesful career. Historic cars live in an ecosystem which BEHVA actively supports. Thousands of jobs are connected to this system. It is our mission that this history in motion stays indeed, in motion…

A filmed message was shown of the president of FIVA, Alberto Scuro. He is president of Automotoclub Storico Italiano (ASI) and was elected in november last year as president of FIVA. FIVA was founded in 1966 by an international group of historic vehicle organisations, who felt the time had come for a worldwide body to promote and guide the interests of the historic vehicle movement throughout the world. At present, FIVA comprises member organisations in 71 countries throughout the world, which in turn represent many millions of historic vehicle enthusiasts. We will come back on the role and function of FIVA in a special report soon…

A story of 9000 brands…

Moderator Philippe Casse discussed the beginnings of automotive history, and pointed out that Aristotle came up first with the idea of a self propelling vehicle, or “auto mobile.” It took another two millenia before Bertha Benz drove on August 5th 1888 at the wheel of her husband’s invention, the Patent Motorwagen, 106 kilometers from Mannheim to Pforzheim.  Aristotle had already pointed out, there is no genius without a touch of folly… but it has changed the life of billions.

In 138 years, not less than 9000 different brands, of which 158 were Belgian, saw the light. They all together produced about 3,5 billion cars, of which today some 1,5 billion are every day on the road.

Every brand contributed to this, and therefore merits to be appreciated and preserved, as the collectors and clubs do today. Numerous brands also have museums, archives and collections. There are not less than 1,500 museums worldwide and several hundred thousand collectors.

The speakers today will convince you of the importance to preserve this heritage, this legacy which has triggered fundamental socio economcial  changes brought about by the fabulous tool which is the automobile. Indeed, preserving this heritage is of great importance for the future of the automobile, and also to actively appeal to young generations to continue this task.   

L’Aventure Peugeot and Citroën DS…

Loïc de la Roche also stressed that the automotive “patrimoine” or heritage is a tangible witness of history; just look at the museum in Sochaux, and it is also something that is essential to transmit to future generations. It also adds to brand value, showing its roots. In his conclusion he presented what we have to remember and which lessons we have to learn from all this.

Loïc stated that it will be a voyage in time, discovering the (historic)passion and emotion(s) around the automobile. It will be about discovering the emotions which the automobile has triggered in us throughout history. Discovering the (historic) automobile, getting to grips with it, drive it, describing the adventurous experience this represents.

He proposed to start with the beginning, the automobile as a witness of social and territorial history. Indeed, the automobile has changed landscapes, our way of life, our mobility but also our collective imagination.

This collective imagination is the story we tell about the cars of our youth, we dream about. Therefore we call it “adventure”, as it moves our imagination and inspires us. It is the present and the future, and this collective imagination is the strength of our brands.

Automotive industry changed societies…

The car also tells us about the evolution of the social classes, work, liberty of society. Our archives are mostly visited by…sociologists.  Based on the documents, they reconstruct a period, a social history of people and their territory.

The cars also evoke an epoch, like the 2 CV. The Peugeot 205 (GTI) inspires young generations. They illustrate the cultural mirror which is the automobile. Then comes the importance of power, technology, the new ways to use a car, mobility contracts, etc.

Everything that surrounds the automobile, amongst others the industrial heritage, mass production, mondialisation, energy transition, all this has a heavy impact on people. The factory in Rennes in 1961 had originally 14,000 workers, in 1980 it was slightly below 3,000…

We open our museum to companies organizing B2B events for instance, and we discuss with them about what they want to convey to the participants and people they invite. Some parts of the museum are more suitable for them to convey the message they want to put across.

The automobile has always been a very important factor in triggering innovation, notably in the materials. So one finds always an element in the history of the automobile and in our Peugeot museum in Sochaux which allows the visiting companies to attach their message to it and to convey the values which they want to bring to their invitees.
 

The automotive industry also shaped our regions and landscapes…

As we said, the automobile industry is also a witness to our territorial heritage. We have noticed that the visitors to our museum are not only interested in the cars, but that the visit was for them also an industrial and territorial happening and experience, an adventure so to say. They see how the region has developed and changed due to the presence of industry. The Sochaux factory was 20,000 square meters in 1921, 585 hectars in 1960 and in 2022 we are again concentrated at 150 hectars.

The car racing circuits are also an important witness. Of course, you all know Spa Francorchamps, Monthléry, but there are also iconic roads, like the Nationale 7. You have also mythical dealerships, like the Citroën dealership building at the Place de l’Yser in Brussels, now being converted in an art museum.

The young generations will also change the way in which they will approach, accept and acquire the historic automobile. They will reinvent it, so to say. Many young people now also enter into the realm of the “aventure Peugeot” and are inspired and seduced. They search authentic experiences, they want to connect with it physically. They also accept that things can break down, in an age where everything works perfectly without a hitch. The Aventure Peugeot has of course connections with schools and education/training centers.
 

Automobile history also brings emotion…

We also want to transmit emotion. This was particularly true at the happening when celebrating 70 years of DS, notably at Rétromobile. The DS “Ballon” has been meticulously recreated, as the original was…dismantled and sold to a private customer(!) A team of 25 young “compagnons de métiér” did a wonderful job, and the car has been shown throughout 2025 on 16 venues, amongst witch Autoworld in June last year. The car continues its tour…  

A museum of national importance…

The director of the MUCEM Museum in Marseille told Loïc de la Roche in a discussion about the Aventure Peugeot and its museum that considering the richness of the message you can transmit about the automobile and its history to the future engineers, it makes it such a such an important subject that you can consider it to be part of the national soverignity. What is better than a museum like ours to inspire young engineers to a career in (automotive) engineering? This indeed, is now an element in our strategy.

Social engagement…

A further element we want to transmit is social engagement. We organise the Europe Raid, through 20 pays, visiting 12 capital cities, 60 UNESCO heritage sites and 220 stages, over the most scenic routes of Europe. One creates strong ties, also between generations, and indeed, the world is moving. Recently a club Citroën C6 has seen the light. The average age of its members is 25 years…

We also look at video games to attract the enthusiasm and engagement of young generations and to awaken the desire to find and preserve our moving heritage, even if it is more recent and consequently inspires them.

An important pillar in the Aventure Peugeot is also to strengthen and enhance our brand image. It is craftmanship, know how, but above all embodying and bringing a promise, strengthening and upholding our values, our identity. In our present automotive market it is important to have a history, a distinct design language and putting this in perspective. This allows us to be different and stand out. Of course we talk about icons and sagas.

The saga is the 205 and the icon is the GTI. Our present e 205 GTI is a perfect example of this strategy, where we use our history as a future oriented spearhead. Last year before the start of the Le Mans race, Peugeot had invited 50 owners to drive their 205 GTI around the circuit.  It is difficult to describe the enormous energy  this triggered, spreading across generations. Here we really talk about authentic experiences. Also in our museum we search to enhance these experiences, so we invite the visitors to see also our restoration workshop. We are also entering the aftermarket to rescue and preserve spare parts, and we also support the collectors to keep their cars which are (partially) electronic running reliably. In France, some 30,000 persons are involved in the ecosystem of historic cars, representing a turnover of some 3,5 billion Euros…

Preserve it for future generations…

With the car history in general and the Adventure Peugeot Citroën, we have here an enormous immaterial asset, which we will keep alive with a coherent history which is preserved also in the future. I will finish with the slogan of the Patek Philippe Watches, which I will turn around a bit: when you have a historic Peugeot or Citroën, you will merely be its keeper, and preserve it to hand it over to future generations…showing that the automobile is a magnificent human adventure.

In the part 2 of our report on this remarkable conference we will present the speech of Thomas Stebbich and Thomas Antoine. In the third and final part we will present the subsequent panel discussion.

Stay tuned!

Hans Knol ten Bensel
 

Automechanika Frankfurt establishes the B2B network “Classic Alliance”: a significant breakthrough for the classic car world and aftermarket industry…

Posted in Automobilia, Car manufacturers strategy, Classic and Vintage Cars, Classic cars, Manufacturer's Classic Centers, Museums, Pre-War Classics, Service & Repair, Suppliers and car industryLeave a comment

Do you know “Automechanika” ? It is actually one of the pillars in the “Messe Frankfurt” organization, which generally offers tailor-made trade fair formats worldwide with an international target audience. Of course, the automotive sector is an important part of their activity. Therefore, they organise automotive events, and also automotive aftermarket events.

Automechanika, being the leading trade fair brand, is its most important platform with 16 events worldwide. Not only is it the international meeting place for the manufacturing industry, repair shops and automotive trade, it also represents the entire automotive aftermarket value chain like no other trade fair brand.

Now they have launched a new B2B Classic Car Network, and are working to establish a comprehensive network between the automotive aftermarket and the classic car sector.

As we all know, classic and collectible cars and supercars represent a market worth billions – and a key goal of this initiative is to bring clarity to this fragmented sector.

Members of the new network will receive industry insights and exclusive invitations to classic and collectible car events, while also enjoying the opportunity to discover new business models and make new contacts in the worlds of industry, retail, workshops and services. Just read further…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Put Frankfurt 8-12 September in your diary…

During the trade fair from 8 to 12 September 2026, the new community will be gathering in Hall 11 for a daily happy hour where they can network and share ideas. There will also be a captivating supporting programme organised by Jürgen Book, a classic car aficionado and paintwork expert with more than 45 years of experience in the automotive industry. One highlight will be the presentation of the ‘Golden Classic’ award by Auto BILD Klassik on the evening of 8 September 2026.

Bringing together leading players from industry, workshops and retail to address topics throughout the automotive value chain is part Automechanika’s DNA. This is also true for Automechanika’s network concept for the classic car business.

Automecahnika has taken this step in response to growing global interest in classic cars and associated challenges such as spare parts supply, the retention and transfer of expertise (increasingly important as many experienced specialists retire), and, also very important, a distinct lack of specialised training formats.

For many workshops, classic cars have been little more than a sideshow to date, yet they offer numerous automotive businesses a lucrative additional source of income – in restoration, maintenance, spare parts supply and specialised services for classic vehicles.

The network specifically strengthens the visibility and networking of professionals in this sector while helping them to network. This includes not only industry companies exhibiting at the event, but also international associations and institutions, as well as trade visitors with business ties in the classic car business.

Automechanika Frankfurt’s organisers will be getting support from their new strategic partner FIVA (Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens), the well known international association for classic cars.

FIVA represents clubs in more than 70 countries with over two million members and has one of the largest international networks in the world of classic cars. We will discuss also more at length the role and acivities of the FIVA organisation when we present you here on this site the conference organised by the Belgian Historic Vehicle Association (BEHVA), titled “Motoring Heritage, History in Motion.” You can read a first short comment of this event on my Instagram Site autoprova.be. But more to come soon on this site here.

Tiddo Bresters, President of FIVA commented on the B2B Classic Network: “Our strategic partnership with Automechanika, a global player in the B2B automotive supply exhibition industry, demonstrates confidence in the growth potential of the historic vehicle business and the opportunities it also offers young people for a career in this market.”


 Supported by industry…

Automechanika’s initiative is besides FIVA also supported by its partners Bosch, DAT (Deutsche Automobil Treuhand), Eucon and ROWE.

Bosch Classic comes here in the picture. Michael Mack, Director of Bosch Classic commented: “Bosch Mobility Aftermarket has had a strong presence at Automechanika for many years now. We are delighted to be adding Bosch Classic’s portfolio of products and services to the mix in 2026 and relish the opportunity to present these to a broad international audience. Automechanika Frankfurt’s B2B Classic Car Network promises to make a valuable contribution to the classic car community in future.” 

Osvaldo Celani, Managing Director of Eucon: “The dynamics of the classic car market are presenting the industry with new challenges. Factors such as increasing technical complexity, growing market diversity and higher expectations among stakeholders mean that classic cars can no longer be viewed merely as a hobby, but rather as a professional business area. Reliable data and strong partnerships are crucial in this regard. With our data service for classic cars, we at Eucon are increasing transparency and efficiency in this segment – an important contribution to sustainable growth and the future viability of the classic car industry.”

Raphael Dammann, DAT Head of Sales Strategy: “DAT has been an integral part of the automotive industry since 1931. We help our experts, workshops and dealers with data and values that help keep our automotive heritage moving throughout the vehicle lifecycle. We welcome the additional opportunity that the Automechanika B2B Classic Car Network gives us to come into contact with highly specialised providers.”

Stefan Wermter, CEO of ROWE Mineralölwerk GmbH: “Our participation in the B2B Classic Car Network is a clear commitment to our involvement in the field of classic and modern classic cars. Historic vehicles exude pure fascination, but also require particularly intensive care from their owners to protect them and maintain their value. The interests and needs of the classic car scene are as diverse and exciting as our high-quality full range of products.

Our product solutions thrive on the exchange with connoisseurs. With the classic oils in our vintage product range, ROWE already offers a wide selection that meets the special requirements of young and oldtimers. The coming together of the automotive aftermarket with professionals from the scene offers enormous potential for establishing contacts, expanding our portfolio in a targeted manner and thus contributing to ensuring that enthusiasts can enjoy their classic cars for as long as possible.”

We will keep you posted on further developments of this laudable initiative of Automechanica. Stay tuned for the report of the conference held by BEHVA on the latest Brussels Motor Show!

Hans Knol ten Bensel