Heritage

From 1952 to 1954, only 114 Fiat 8Vs were built. Fiat produced 34 unit on demand on a dedicated production line. In 1954, Fiat presented its 8V with a fibreglass body weighing only 48.5 kg and its V8 power increased to 127 PS.

The other 80 chassis went to many Italian coachbuilders such as Vignale, Bertone and Pininfarina who built unique and exceptional creations based on the 8V. Zagato made about 30 of them and Ghia is known for its 14 or 15 8V "Supersonic", whose design inspiration comes from the aeronautical world.   During its short career, the Fiat 8V raced and achieved some class victories (Mille Miglia 1957) and distinguished itself in sporting events such as the 12 Hours of Pescara and the Monza Cup.

Its technical exclusivity and high price meant that the 8V remained in the catalogue for only 2 years. Regardless of the designer or coachbuilder, the Fiat 8V is now one of the most sought-after models by collectors.

Fiat completed its move upmarket and into sport 15 years later by taking a stake in Ferrari in 1969.

The VESC project clearly demonstrated Volvo’s determination to continuously improve car safety. Most of the safety features and design principles of the VESC were subsequently introduced in Volvo models and are now standard in all car production.

The Volvo VESC also broke new ground in pollution control. Its B20 4-cylinder fuel injection engine had an early version of a system similar to the current EGR and catalytic converter. These technological advances led to the introduction of catalytic converter and Lambda sensors in Volvo models from 1976. This technology became standard in car manufacturing almost 15 years later.

The original plan was to produce 25,000 Rancho. In the end, no less than 57,000 units were sold. Over the years, various limited series will be produced, as well as different trim levels and even a convertible version. The catalogue of accessories was also expanded, including a couchette, a second bench seat and other equipment for off-road use such as a winch. It became the favourite of both professionals working in the wilderness and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds.

In 1983, Matra ceased the production of the Rancho, which was sold until 1984. It was replaced on the Matra production lines by another of Philippe Guédon's inventions, the Renault Espace. But that's another story.

Initially conceived as a niche vehicle, the Rancho actually paved the way for a new type of car. More than 20 years ahead of its time, the Rancho prefigured both the crossover and Leisure Activity Vehicle/MPV trends, embodied today by family versions of the Renault Kangoo, the Peugeot Rifter/Citroën Berlingo/Opel Combo Life, VW Caddy, Ford Tourneo Courier/Connect, or the recent Mercedes T-Class and Dacia Jogger.

From 1978 to 1995, 61,056 units of the Porsche 928 were produced. In 1987 a facelift was carried out with a new rear end. The V8 also underwent numerous modifications: from 4.5 l and 240 PS in 1978, it was progressively increased up to 5.4 l and 350 PS in 1992. Several versions of the 928 were also produced, including the very exclusive and now much sought-after CS (19 units) and SE (42 units, UK only).

The Porsche 928 also introduced several tech innovations: its aluminium V8 and steel / aluminium bodywork set new standards in lightweight construction. The rear axle, named "Weissach", provided passive rear steering for better stability in corners. This principle is still the basis of Porsche chassis today.
In 1978, the 928 won the European Car of the Year award, ahead of the BMW 7 Series and the Ford Granada. To this day, it remains the only sports car to have won this award.

From the mid-1980s onwards, the 928 was also used as the basis for numerous studies, including a five-door model that would become the Panamera in 2009. Meanwhile, the 911 never left the range, even becoming the 928's heir in 1996....

From 1982 until 1998, several variations of the Mulsanne Turbo were produced. The «R» (for Roadhandling, with improved and sportier chassis), the «S» with a Formula 1-derived digital ignition system delivering up to 414 PS, and, for MY 1998 only, the «RT», the last, most luxurious and most expensive Mulsanne Turbo with 404 PS.

The Mulsanne Turbo transformed Bentley’s fortune and gave the brand a new identity. It redefined what is still today the main characteristic of a Bentley: that feeling of permanently available power reserve and effortless torque.

Today’s W12, V8 and V6 Bentley engines all benefit from turbocharging to deliver high levels of performance and efficiency.

The V12 BMW 750i, 750iL then 760Li remained in the catalogue until 2022, still being successful. Up to one in six 7 Series sold was equipped with a V12.

During its career, the BMW 750i inspired its compatriots to equip themselves with a V12; Mercedes-Benz with the S-Class 600 as early as 1991 and the Volkswagen Group in 2001 with the Audi A8 W12 and the VW Phaeton W12 in 2002.

Nowadays, it is no longer reasonable to offer such engines on a large scale. However, BMW and Mercedes-Benz are leading the way among luxury segment by offering their EV-limousines i7 and EQS alongside hybrid engines on their new 7 Series and S-Class to deliver similar performance. To «unlimited power and silky-smooth running», the 21st century adds efficiency.

But the Alfa 155 will be remembered above all for its entry into motorsport. Touring car racing was popular in the early 1990s and Alfa Romeo entered the 155 in supertouring in Italy, Spain and Great Britain.

But the most impressive accomplishment was its participation in the DTM, the temple of German motorsport where factory teams from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Opel competed in front of a huge and passionate audience. From 1992 to 1996 the 155 V6 TI made DTM history as the model with the largest number of victories (38). Moreover, it won the 1993 season after some epic races. The DTM in this form disappeared in 1996 and Alfa Romeo remains the only foreign brand to have won the Deutsche Tourenwagen-Meisterschaft.

Unfortunately, this impressive racing pedigree did not translate well into production vehicles, other than a few commemorative limited editions. A mighty 155 GTA Stradale was conceived, but abandoned due to high production costs. A very small series of 155 TI.Z and GTAZ with the sporty look of the 155 GTA concept was produced by Zagato and sold only in Japan.

In 1998, the 155 was discontinued after only 195,526 units, replaced by the 156 which set new standards in design and quality for the brand.

The Ford Puma was enthusiastically received by the press, who did not hesitate to call it a true sports car. Its chassis, whose development was overseen by Sir Jackie Stewart, was one of the best in its class.

However, the Puma's concept and its limited interior space made it a niche car. Between 1997 and 2001, 133,000 Pumas were sold in Europe only, including 500 units of the Ford Racing Puma, unveiled at GIMS 1999 as «ST160 Concept», with a mechanical preparation designed by the Ford Rally Team and built by Tickford. This limited series was reserved for the UK market.

The Ford Street Ka, launched in 2001, replaced the Puma in the Ford line-up.

In 2019, the Puma name reappears in the Ford catalogue; although still based on the Fiesta platform (Mk VII), the new Puma this time takes the form of a compact SUV. It is available with various mild-hybrid engines with 125 and 155 PS, as well as a sporty "ST" version with 200 PS.

From 2002 till today, the Audi RS6 has been produced in four generations, without ever forgetting its goal of being the best in its class.

The second model (C6), launched in 2008, took the 5-Litre V10 from the Audi R8 and Lamborghini Gallardo, to which 2 turbochargers were added to reach the power of 580 PS/650 Nm and exceed 300 kph in top speed.
The 3rd generation (C7) returns to the twin-turbo V8 with a 4-Litre unit delivering 560 PS/700 Nm. Less power, perhaps, but a significant gain in weight balance, comfort and agility. A "Performance" version with 605 PS/750 Nm is offered.

The current generation (C8) has a much more aggressive look than its predecessors and is more distinct from the current A6 range. Under the bonnet, it switches to light hybridisation. Its 600 PS/800 Nm 4-Litre twin-turbo V8 is backed by a 48V starter-alternator. In addition to the traditional 4WD Quattro, it has four-wheel steering. Available for the first time in Avant (estate) body style in the USA, the RS6 C8 has become the world leader in its segment.

During its 14-year career and in 5 generations, only 84,253 units of the VW Phaeton were sold, whereas the plan was to sell 20,000 units/year. According to some studies, VW lost 28,000 euros per unit sold.

But beyond the commercial disppointment, there are technological achievements that are still used in the industrie today. The Phaeton introduced features that have since become standard in all car segments, such as multi-zone a/c, adaptive cruise control until full auto stop, controlled air suspension and LED daytime running lights. No less than 100 patents were filed during its development.

Today, the VW Phaeton has an heir, the Phideon, introduced at the GIMS 2016. Less exclusive than the Phaeton, the Phideon is available exclusively in China. The Glass Factory in Dresden is now the "Home of I.D." and houses the final assembly of the VW ID.3. It is also open to the public to discover and experience electromobility.

The ideas proposed by the i-oniq concept will see the light of day in 2016, with the Hyundai Ioniq, unveiled at GIMS 2016.

While the general features of the Hyundai Ioniq are inspired by the 2012 concept and allow it to achieve high aerodynamic efficiency, it is above all the world's first vehicle to have been designed for three types of powertrain: hybrid, PHEV and EV. With the Ioniq, Hyundai has become a major player in electrification. It also served as the basis for the implementation of the manufacturer's first autonomous driving tests.

In July 2022, the Ulsan plant in Korea will cease production of the original Hyundai Ioniq, furthering the goals of its strategic plan. Between 2016 and 2021 more than 135,000 Hyundai Ioniq were sold in Europe.

Its legacy is a name, Ioniq, now Hyundai's fast growing electric range.