Breaking News

All posts in “Breaking News”

2020 Bentley Continental GTC Review

‘We don’t believe that the Continental GTC has any competitors, it is completely unique in this space’ responded Bentley Chairman and Chief Executive, Anthony Hallmark. My question was not one to probe or test Mr Hallmark, but one that I asked to learn and understand more about the 2019 Bentley Continental GTC before jumping in and making my own judgements. Then again, my 25 year old judgements were somewhat irrelevant to the illustrious British brand – Bentley are the first to point out that the typical Bentley owner is typically in their 50s or 60s, China being an outstanding anomaly with 80% of buyers being under the age of 45…yikes, how’s that for a diverse demographic?

I had been shipped out to the Marbella Club to put the Bentley Continental GTC through its paces (tough gig) on what turned out to be a rather special days driving in Bentleys latest topless offering. The previous generation GT and GTC proved to be roaring successes, the introduction of the new Conti GT took the dynamics and breadth of ability of the luxury GT car to new levels.

Zaid Hamid Bentley Continental GTC

As you would imagine, the GT and GTC are very similar. Both share the same 6.0-litre, W12 engine that churns out 626bhp and 664lb ft that will launch the GTC to 100km/h just a tenth of a second slower that the coupe – 3.8 seconds (expect a V8 and hybrid options soon). Also shared are the four wheel drive system, eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and 48-volt body control system that can be found in the Porsche Cayenne, Panamera and Bentley Bentayga, although Bentley say the calibration had been fiddled with to make sure your sexy topless Bentley feels a little different from a diesel Cayenne. The chief of Continental engineering went on to tell me about the painstaking hours that went into the gearbox calibration and how this is not just a simple copy of the PDK DSG transmission.

So what is the GTC like on the road? To find out, I embarked on a 400 kilometre day trip over a variety of roads and surfaces to see what puts the G and T into the GTC. Allow me to start off with that engine. I’ve driven the W12 Bentayga and can vouch for just how good it is in the SUV – the effortless character of the engine suits the truck well. In the GTC, however, it left me wanting a little more.

The Bentley looks fabulous, I felt that it needed an attention drawing engine tone to match the eye catching angles and do those giant oval exhausts some justice. Then you put your foot down and the sheer force of the torque punting the car towards the horizon reminds you why this huge great engine is still being used. It is remarkable, even more so when you consider the GTC weighs in at heaving great 2,414kg with the W12 pounding away until you’re doing 207mph/333kmh.

So the engine can deal with the weight when it comes to blisteringly fast straight line pace, but what happens when your grand tour takes you over a mountain pass? Remember that 48v system? It works astonishingly well and essentially counteracts any body roll using motors that prop the side of the car that would roll back up. Working in conjunction with the 3 chamber air suspension, the ride is sublime and the gargantuan weight is masked like a Donald Trump ‘grabbing’ episode.

Bentley Continental GTC Rolling

When you start to increase speeds into some tighter, more twisty sections, things get a little less refined. As good as the systems are, hiding such hefty mass is undone by Newtons laws of physics and the Bentley starts to struggle – the brakes show themselves as being a major weak point. I cannot blame the poor things, regardless of how massive they are. Carbon ceramics are not an option…best take it easy and enjoy the breeze in your toupee after retracting the Z-fold roof in 19 seconds.

Speaking of enjoyment, when you are cruising and taking in the surroundings, as you should be, the GTC really does come into its own league of refinement and comfort. The interior is a masterpiece. Yes, you’ll recognise elements of the infotainment from other VAG products, but the physical switches, materials and all round ergonomics are second to none.

Bentley Continental GTC Exterior

The finish on the woods, metal switchgear and quality of leathers are worth drinking in for hours. Set the heads up display to show you all you need, engage lane assist and active cruise control, prod the air scarf button to maximum and you’ll be glad that you were not sat in any other car on that stretch of road. It is a soothing experience, a memorable one. A Bentley moment.

Going back to the opening of this review, there are a couple of competitors that sprung to mind on the flight home – think Aston Martin DB11 Volante, Ferrari Portofino and perhaps Mercedes-Benz S Class. These could arguably all be considered competitors, but after spending a long day behind the wheel, it is safe to say that all of the aforementioned cars sit towards the sharper end of the sport vs comfort spectrum with the Bentley being the car with the wider breadth of ability. At €192,000 pre tax and options, it is a much more expensive purchase too. It really is in a category of its own.

Bentley Continental GTC Details

February 25, 2019 / Comments Off

580

Leak Provides an Early Look at the Porsche 992 Turbo

A leaked image has given us our first look at the Porsche 992 Turbo. It is believed that this photo shows the new Porsche 992 Turbo on the production line at the Porsche factory. The source of the images is unclear yet the Turbo air intakes and quad exhaust tailpipes are a giveaway!

We weren’t expecting Porsche to release the new Turbo until September, possibly at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2019. Seeing (almost) fully exposed photos in February, leaked from the factory, seems very premature!

Porsche only recently released the 992 generation of the Porsche 911. It debuted at the Los Angeles Motor Show 2019 last November. The Cabriolet has recently been released and we weren’t expecting a great deal more until the launch of the entry-level Carrera 2 and Carrera 4 Coupe and Cabriolet in a few months.

The Turbo is usually the most powerful version of the ‘normal’ 911’s. The version before we get to the GT3 and RS models. There is very little information about what powers the 992 Turbo at the moment.

The photo shows the rear section of the car with the tell-tale 992 rear lights. Atop the rear decklid sits a spoiler. The photo isn’t entirely clear but this looks larger than the outgoing model. The bodywork is wider and the rear end gets a set of narrow quad tailpipes.

February 21, 2019 / Comments Off

552

2020 BMW X3 M and X4 M Competition Revealed

It was a late summer night last year on the autobahn, this writer behind the wheel of a Far Eastern sports car with 469 horsepower, sneaking up on a semi-camouflaged BMW X3 with fat tires and four exhaust pipes: There were rumours of an X3 M, the M GmbH’s high-performance interpretation of BMW’s midsize SUV. What was not known was its power rating. But I got a hint when the driver stepped on the gas pedal: I could not keep up.

Now the mystery is solved: The X3 M and its coupe-like sister model, the X4 M, are fitted with an entirely new 3.0-liter straight-six, rated at a full 480 horsepower for the standard version and an even more impressive 510 horsepower for the Competition version. Maximum torque is rated at 600 Nm for both models, and they both redline at a lofty 7200 rpm.

BMW X3 M Competition

This power translates into impressive performance. The sprint from 0 to 100 kph takes a mere 4.2 seconds, with the Competition models shaving off another tenth. Top speed is a governed 250 kph, although M GmbH offers to raise the governor’s threshold to 280 kph on the regular models and 285 kph on the Competition models. Buy that option, I say, or the Japanese sports car will eventually catch up…

The regular X3 M and X4 M sound great, thanks to a standard flap exhaust. The Competition models sound even better with a sports exhaust. But models sold outside of Europe are in yet another league, thanks to the absence of the particulate filter required by zealous Eurocrats.

The power is channeled to all four wheels through an 8-speed automatic, with the bigger load of torque sent to the rear. You can’t turn off the power transmission to the front wheels altogether, but you can severely limit it, if you plan to go drifting or just to increase the car’s agility. This system is taken straight from the ultra-powerful M5, just like some chassis components.

The X3 M and X4 M get their specific electric power steering system, extra-powerful brakes, specific chassis kinematics and a number of stabilising bars to stiffen the body. 255 front and 265 rear series 45 tires on 20-inch wheels are standard, while 21-inch wheels are optional.

BMW X4 M Competition

The styling of these M-engineered sister models is clearly set apart from regular X3 and X4 models, with gaping and functional front air vents, front and rear spoilers and the aforementioned four exhaust pipes. Inside, they are set apart by a plethora of M-specific details as well.

Priced from just unter 85,000 euros (and under 70,000 US dollars) for the non-Competition X3 M, these ultra-sporty SUVs have it all to dominate the autobahn.

February 12, 2019 / Comments Off

406

Lamborghini Huracan EVO – Facelift Huracán Officially Unveiled

Soon after releasing teaser images, Lamborghini have released official details on the Lamborghini Huracan EVO. Departing with Lamborghini’s usual naming conventions, the facelift Huracan offers a little more of everything. Aerodynamics, technology and performance!

The Lamborghini Huracan EVO uses the same 5.2 litre, naturally aspirated V10 engine as the outgoing model. The specifications suggest that it has been lifted out of the Lamborghini Huracan Performante. It makes use of 640 hp and 600 Nm of torque. As a result, the EVO sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.9 seconds. 200 km/h is dispatched in 9.0 seconds. Weight is 1,422 kg. In contrast, the Performante weights 40 kg less. The gearbox remains the same, as a result you have the same choice of Lamborghini’s traditional driving modes; Strada, Sport and Corsa.

Lamborghini Huracan EVO – Lamborghini Huracan Facelift

The Lamborghini Huracan EVO has Lamborghini’s rear-wheel steering and torque vectoring system. New to the EVO is a system called Lamborghini Dinamica Veicolo Integrata (LDVI). The LDVI controls key aspects of the car’s performance, using intelligent algorithms. The Lamborghini Piattaforma Inerziale (LPI) system of accelerators and gyroscopes helps refine the operation of the dynamic systems and Lamborghini’s Dynamic Steering is also updated. As a result, the Huracan Evo should handle the race track with ease.

It is in the area of aerodynamics that Lamborghini have pitched this update though. The car receives a new front bumper and new side air intakes. The rear is all-new too, the twin exhaust pipes are lifted from the Performante. The integrated tail spoiler also adds some downforce.

Inside, Lamborghini install a new 8.4 inch touchscreen in the centre console. It gets gesture control and the ability to control most of the key functions of the car including the seats, climate and multimedia. As an option, Lamborghini will integrate a dual camera telemetry system.

The new Lamborghini Huracan EVO gets an Arancio Xanto, four-layer colour. A 20 inch set of Aesir rims are also unique to the EVO. New trim levels are on offer together with increased options for Lamborghini’s Ad Personam program.

Customers will be able to take delivery in Spring of this year. The price? In the UK, £165,256, in the US $261,274 and in China, 3,298,100 RMB.

January 7, 2019 / Comments Off

552

Top 15 Supercars to Look Forward to in 2019

2018 has been a superb year for sports cars and super cars. We saw the release of cars such as the BMW 8 Series, the Bugatti Divo, the McLaren Speedtail and the Lamborghini Aventador SV J. There is plenty more to look forward to in 2019 though.

We have collated a list of the 15 biggest new releases you should be looking forward to next year.

1. Koenigsegg Ragnarok

Koenigsegg have been working on a replacement for the Agera. We will get to see it in 2019 with a release pencilled in for the Geneva Motor Show 2019. Ragnarok is the rumoured name for the hypercar. It originates from Norse mythology, meaning a series of events which lead to the destruction of the cosmos. While we don’t expect that Koenigsegg’s Agera replacement will be quite so destructive, we do expect it to take the fight to cars like the Bugatti Chiron…

2. Aston Martin Valkyrie

Aston Martin are expected to start production of the Valkyrie this year. Their joint project with Red Bull racing was first announced in July 2016. Aston Martin are still teasing details of the Formula 1 inspired hypercar with customer deliveries due to begin in late 2019. We know that it will get a 1,000 hp 6.5-litre V12 engine with electric boost. It also gets a carbonfibre monocoque, bodywork and suspension inspired by Formula 1.

3. Mercedes-AMG ONE

The Mercedes-AMG One will hit owner’s driveway slightly sooner that it’s rival if rumours are to be believed. The One is expected to be delivered during the second quarter of 2019. Powered by a 1,000 hp combustion engine, a turbocharged 1.6-litre V6 petrol engine in this case, the One is also electrified. The Mercedes-AMG One should feel closer to a Formula 1 car as, in essence, its engine is very similar!

4. Lamborghini LB48H

Perhaps this might debut at the Geneva Motor Show 2019? Rumours suggest that this, as yet unnamed, Lamborghini project is intended to preview the technology that will underpin the replacement for the Lamborghini Aventador. That means hybrid technology. 63 copies of the Lamborghini LB48H will be up for grabs with rumours suggesting that the B48H will use a naturally aspirated V12 engine producing 789 hp coupled with a regenerating hybrid system producing an additional 49 hp.

5. Porsche Taycan

The Porsche Taycan is generating a huge amount of buzz on the internet. It has a waiting list of over a year already despite the fact that owners will need to wait until the Frankfurt Motor Show 2019 in September to get the official details. For now, we can say that Porsche plan to target the Tesla Model S with the Taycan. It is a crossover model, previewed by the Mission E Cross Turismo concept, which blends zero emissions electronic technology with the practicality of an estate.

6. Toyota Supra

We won’t have to wait long for the new Supra! It is due to be unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show 2019 during the first month of the year. The Supra is part of a joint collaboration with BMW. BMW’s new Z4 has already been revealed, the Supra remains mostly secret for now. Hopefully its only a matter of weeks before we can bring you some official detail!

7. Pininfarina Batista

Pininfarina recently received substantial investment from Indian Mahindra Group, allowing it the opportunity to forge a new identity as an EV specialist. The first part of it’s plan, before the onslaught of three electric SUV models, is to put together an electric hypercar, the Pininfarina Batista. The Batista will get its official unveil at the Geneva Motor Show 2019. The Italian design house has already announced that the Battista will get a 1,900 hp powertrain, sub-2.0 second 100 km/h sprint time and a 450 km range.

8. Corvette C8

American muscle fans will be braced to learn more about the Corvette C8. It had originally been expected to debut in Detroit but we understand that it is now more likely that Chevrolet will hold a stand alone event in the summer to blow the covers off. The C8 will depart from the front-engined set-up which has become the Corvette’s trademark. Very little is known, however, you can rest assured it will have a V8 engine and will likely target cars like the Porsche 911 Turbo.

9. Cayman GT4

Porsche are expected to release a new GT4 in 2019 too. The pocket supercar will retain the same formula as the last model. Bigger, 911 power plant coupled with a manual gearbox and around 430 hp. Rumours have also been circulating about a GT4 RS which might use the 4.0 litre straight six engine. Most sources suggest that a Geneva Motor Show 2019 release is most likely.

10. Ferrari 488 Successor

It seems only 10 minutes ago that we were reporting on the reveal of the Ferrari 488 GTB. Alas, the Pista has now been revealed and attention in Maranello should be focussed upon delivering the next generation model. Test mules have been spotted and rumours are already circulating that a Geneva Motor Show 2019 release might be in the offing. It should get the traditional Ferrari V8 with power at around 700 hp.

11. McLaren Sport Series

Another supercar that we know very little about, the McLaren 570S is due a successor this year. The 570S first hit the market in 2015. McLaren recently released the hardcore 600 LT and there are rumours that McLaren plans to replace the 570S next year. The rumours began at the start of this year when it was speculated that McLaren planned to use the Sport Series to release hybrid and autonomous technology into its model range. The rumours are not yet substantiated so we expect that the 570S replacement will happen later in the year. Still, keep your eyes pealed, the Sport Series is bound to be hugely desirable.

12. Aston Martin DBS GT Zagato

The Aston Martin DBS GT Zagato has already been announced. Back in September, Aston Martin confirmed that it would offer a version of its new DBS, fetled by coachwork legends Zagato. The catch is that in order to get one, you would need to order a DB4 GT Zagato Continuation! Just 19 of each will be built, which matched the production run of the original DB4 GT Zagato. To own one, you will need to put up £6 million. It remains to be seen what the DBS GT Zagato will look like.

13. Porsche 992 Cabriolet

The above render by Aksyonov Nikita shows what the Porsche 992 Cabriolet might look like. Porsche will almost certainly release the droptop version of its 911 next year. Customers will hope this will happen in time for a summer delivery date. It is possible that Porsche might choose the Geneva Motor Show 2019 as the official reveal. In any event, it will use a fabric drop top and share the 3.0-litre twin turbocharged flat six with the Coupe. In standard Carrera spec it will produce around 420 bhp, with the Carrera S getting 444 bhp.

14. Bentley Flying Spur

Bentley will follow the release of the Continental GT last year with its latest Flying Spur. During its centenary year, Bentley’s Flying Spur will move further away from the Continental GT line it was previously aligned to. While we expect that it will use a variation of the same platform, it is expected to get a personality of its own. It should get a full range of engine options with a V8 and W12 petrol unit, and a plug-in hybrid based around a V6 petrol. It will compete with the Rolls-Royce Ghost and Mercedes-Maybach S600.

15. BMW M8

The final car in our list has been anticipated ever since the BMW 8 Series was announced just under two years ago. Developed alongside the production Coupe, the M8 will get a larger lip spoiler, quad exhaust tailpipes and re-profiled bumpers compared to the M850i. It will use BMW’s 4.4-litre V8 together with a reveal currently anticipated for the Geneva Motor Show 2019.

December 29, 2018 / Comments Off

836

2019 Porsche Macan S Review

As a lover of sports cars I have a huge admiration of Porsche and their two door sports cars. The Boxster and Cayman have mid-engined poise and balance like noting else in the segment and don’t even get me started on the brilliance of every 911 in the range from the T, to the GTS to the unhinged GT models. Porsche define sports cars and set an example to the rest on how things should be done.

But now there are far more Porsche models on offer. When the Cayenne launched way back when I was a wee little lad, the world thought that the Germans had gone mad. When the Panamera launched the world thought the designers had gone blind. Then followed the Macan, a car that was an instant hit, because the world had gone barmy and suddenly everyone wanted an SUV to clog up narrow city streets and school drop off zones.

Porsche Macan Mallorca Zaid Hamid

This epidemic has continued and now we live in a world where Porsche sells more Macans than any other model. This is great for two simple reasons. The Macan is brilliant and selling shed loads of Macans, Panameras and Cayennes means that Porsche can reinvest profits into the cars that the rest of the world and I love them for – the bonkers things such as the GT2 RS et al.

So the Macan is the bread winner, the golden child, the cash cow if you will – this makes it extremely important. It must be good and for this reason I flew to Mallorca to see what was what. Initial impressions are great – my buddy Philipp Rupprecht shot the official press pictures of the updated Macan and it looked great under the studio lights. The front end is not wildly different to the first gen car. The rear is a similar story, the most notable change being the lightsaber rear light beam that is now the norm on the buttocks of every Porsche. I liked the look of the old car, I love the look of the new one.

Enough of the styling, what this this new car like on the road? Porsche boldly opens the press materials with the statement that the new Macan is ‘the sports car in its segment’. The seating position immediately suggests that they are on to something – you sit nice and low and the steering wheel comes to meet you. It’s a little bizarre, but it is positive in a car that weighs 2,500 kilograms. The drivetrain continues the sporty connotations with a 3.0-litre petrol, twin-scroll turbocharged V6 nestled under the bonnet on the Macan S – this same unit can be found in the Cayenne and Panamera. This is, of course, linked to Porsche’s PDK which we all know to be sublime. Being an SUV, the power is fed to all four wheels via the PTM all-wheel drive system.

With 354 horsepower the Macan S is spritely for a midsized SUV sprinting to 100km/h in 5.1 seconds and ploughing onto a top speed of 225km/h. What is interesting is how the Macan S is able to be driven with gusto on twisty roads and manage its weight very well. The car I was driving was fitted with the Sport Chrono package meaning that features the drive mode switch. In Sport and Sport+ the air suspension is stiffened to fight body roll and works with the Porsche Stability Management systems to make this the most dynamically capable Macan yet. Furthermore, new engine mounts manage the movement of the engine.

There is a smidgen of feedback from the steering wheel, a feat for such a car, there is always a sense that you can feel what the chassis is doing beneath you. Driving the car for several hours a few things instantly became clear. The car is happy to be driven in anger and handles well for a car of this nature, but more importantly, it is a sublime and comfortable car to drive at a more leisurely pace. That being said, the sound of the engine in the upper half of the rev range is disappointing. It does not sound smooth, to the extent that it could pass as a diesel to the untrained ear.

The aforementioned air suspension irons out bumps and craters as if they were filled with marshmallow and it is extremely quiet and gentle on highway cruises. This is where Macans will almost entirely spend their lives – going to the supermarket, dropping children to and from schools and occasionally doing a longer drive on a long weekend or vacation.

For tasks such as these the Macan shines. The interior, complete with Panamera like screen and displays is fantastic with fabulous materials and build quality. There is a small army of driver aids and tech and the updated styling, in and out will be a huge success. The Macan S is sure to still be the segment leader.

December 10, 2018 / Comments Off

553

2019 Mercedes-AMG GT R PRO Officially Revealed

The new Mercedes-AMG GT R PRO has been officially announced at the Los Angeles Motor Show 2018. The two seater will serve as the GT for the race track, taking lessons learned by Mercedes-AMG through its customer racing programs in GT3 and GT4 and applying them to a barely road-legal track day tool.

The official release of the GT R PRO model coincides with the release of facelift AMG GT’s. With four years in the market, it was about time for a fresh look. The AMG GT gets light clusters that closely resemble the four door coupe launched earlier this year. The cars also get new rear diffusers with tailpipes to resemble the four door, the GT and GT S get new sill covers and new alloy wheel options are also available.

2019 Mercedes-AMG GT R PRO

The AMG GT retains the 4.0 litre AMG V8 throughout the range. In the standard GT it now produces 476 hp, in the GT S it is boosted to 522 hp, the GT C gets 557 hours and the GT R a healthy 585 hp. On all models, the AMG Dynamics program is increased to add more adjustability to the ESP programs. In conjunction with the normal drive programs, AMG now offers four new settings, ‘basic’, ‘advanced’, ‘pro’ and ‘master’.

Inside, The AMG GT gets a new AMG Performance steering wheel and the centre console and display buttons from the AMG GT 4-Door Coupé. The dashboard is now fully digital with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch multimedia display on the centre console.

The new PRO shares its powertrain with the AMG GT R. It differs in what it offers for the suspension, aerodynamics and weight reduction packages. The PRO gets a new coilover suspension system which can be mechanically adjusted by the driver depending on the circuit they are driving. The front axel gets an adjustable carbon fibre torsion bar, the rear steel unit is also adjustable. Dynamic engine and transmission mounts have been retuned specifically for the PRO.

Cars delivered outside of the Chinese, US and Canadian markets will get the option of a track pack. This adds roll over protection, a four point safety harness and a 2 kg fire extinguisher. Ceramic brakes are fitted as standard in the PRO as well as AMG bucket seats. Aerodynamics are taken care of with a variety of unique carbon fibre pieces. These include two front flicks, a larger front splitter, a larger rear diffuser and rear air vents.

While there are no Nurburgring records to report, Mercedes-AMG have confirmed that Maro Engel completed a circuit of the North Loop in exactly 7.04.632 minutes. An impressive time for the front engined GT R PRO!

November 29, 2018 / Comments Off

505

Lamborghini Urus ST-X Concept: SUV Racecar Revealed

Lamborghini have announced a concept version of the Urus today. The Lamborghini Urus ST-X Concept is a race car primarily. The ST-X is accompanied by an announcement that Lamborghini are looking to commence a one-make race involving the Urus to begin in 2020.

The Lamborghini Urus ST-X Concept was unveiled at the Lamborghini Squadra Corse World Finals 2018. A racing version of the company’s new SUV, Lamborghini conceive a single-brand championship with an on-track and off-road element, taking place at FIA circuits in Europe an the Middle East.

Lamborghini set out a vision of an “arrive and drive” event formula where customer cars are prepared and technical support provided to allow owners to simply turn up at the track and race over the weekend.

Lamborghini Urus ST-X Concept

The Lamborghini Urus ST-X Concept does away with the complicated and fussy styling of the front grille, exposing the radiators in the process. Lamborghini have also fitted new side sills, front bonnet and rear diffuser. The paintwork is a matt finish Verde Martin with elements of exposed visible carbon fibre.

The V8, which sits under the new carbon fibre hood, gets the same output as the road version, 650 hp with 850 Nm of torque. With a planned 25 % weight reduction it should feel considerably quicker.

Lamborghini also plan to fit a new set of racing exhausts, 21 inch centre locking aluminium wheels as well as the usual motorsport safety elements, including steel roll cage, fire suppression system, and FT3 fuel tank.

Lamborghini will now work on the Concept to bring it to reality. They have set a target in the sense that they plan to put the Urus ST-X out for its track debut during the 2019 Lamborghini World Finals.

November 19, 2018 / Comments Off

571

One-Off Lamborghini SC18 Revealed by Squadra Corse

Lamborghini’s first one-off project has been unveiled in the form of the SC18. The Lamborghini SC18 has been commissioned by a customer in collaboration with the Centro Stile Lamborghini and built by Lamborghini’s racing division, Lamborghini Squadra Corse.

The Lamborghini SC18 is full road legal, yet the owner plans to use it primarily on the track. The aerodynamics have been developed from Squadra Corse’s experiences in the motorsport world. The front hood and air intakes are styled from the Huracan GT3 Evo. The side and rear fenders, fins and airscoops are modelled on the Huracan Super Trofeo EVO.

Lamborghini SC18

The rear wing looks like an evolution of the Veneno. It gets mechanical adjustment with three settings to optimise downforce. Twelve air intakes pierce the rear hood, increasing cooling for the V12 powerplant.

The SC18 is fitted with the 6.5 litre V12 engine. Still naturally aspirated, it gets a power output of 770 hp at 8,500 rpm with 720 Nm of torque at 6,750 rpm. The power is routed through an ISR (Independent Shifting Rod) optimized seven-speed gearbox. Ground clearance is as low as 109 mm with carbon fibre body panels and unique exhausts.

The paintwork is Grigio Daytona which complements the carbon fibre, finished in the same shade. Red details add some interest to the exterior finish. Inside, the cockpit gets a Nero Ade Alcantara with cross-stitching in Rosso Alala, and carbon fiber bucket seats. Centre lock wheels and P Zero Corsa tires complete the look.

Lamborghini are planning further one-off supercars under the Squadra Corse brand although it has not been revealed when these new models will break cover. For now, all we know is that the Lamborghini SC18 will not be repeated!

November 16, 2018 / Comments Off

527

Top 8 Cars to See at LA Auto Show 2018

The LA Auto Show 2018 starts in a few weeks. There will be plenty to see in Los Angeles this year. Many of the big European names have shunned the Detroit Motor Show next year meaning that the Los Angeles Auto Show (together with CES and the New York Motor Show) will see some of the biggest US releases of the year.

The event takes place at the LA Convention Center in Downtown Los Angeles. Press days run between 28th and 29th November 2018 with the show opening to the public on 30th November 2018, running through to 9th December 2018.

We will of course be available to bring you all the latest from the show through our front page and social media channels. Below is a list of the top 8 cars to see at the LA Auto Show 2018 if you are expecting to visit!

1. Porsche 992 911

The new Porsche 911 is expected to make its debut in a few weeks at the LA Auto Show 2018. Prototypes have recently been spotted testing in the wild. Porsche have opted for the minimal camouflage approach so we have been able to get an idea as to what will change.

The Porsche 991 911 is widely expected to be faster, more efficient and more fun to drive than before. It will retain the iconic flat-six engine mounted past the rear axle. Don’t expect a brand new car though. The 992 will build upon the platform of the 991 with more power and electric assistance systems.

2. Audi e-tron GT

Audi have focused on alternative fuels at the LA Auto Show in recent years. This year will be no different. We expect Audi to debut the e-tron GT, a four door rival to the Tesla Model S. It is due to debut in production form by 2020 and will feature similar technology to the e-tron SUV.

In concept form at this stage, we expect Audi to provide us with some insight into the direction of the brand. That said, the German company have promised that the e-tron GT will be “steered towards performance”. This implies that Audi have targeted the Tesla Model S P100D’s 100 km/h sprint time of 2.7sec and 155mph top speed.

3. Bentley Continental GTC

Very little has been said about the Bentley Continental GTC, however, we understand that it is also set to debut in Los Angeles this month. The current generation of Continental GT is the best yet. The platform is based upon that which underpins the Porsche Panamera. The two were developed in tandem and the GTC will be the only model to lose its roof.

We are expecting Bentley to stick with the tradition of a folding soft-top with little changes from the coupe version of the Continental. That means a 630 hp W12 engine and potential for a V8 and plug-in hybrid version to join soon after!

4. BMW X7

The BMW X7 was revealed last month. The gigantic SUV makes it’s world debut at the LA Motor Show 2018, its first public debut since details were announced. It measures 5.1 metres in length, 2 metres wide and 1.8 metres tall, making it the largest BMW X model.

Inside, there are three rows of seats. Seven seats are fitted as standard with the middle row optionally available with two comfort seats.

5. Audi R8 Facelift

Another new model, released on the internet but not yet seen in public is the Audi R8 Facelift, The R8 get new front and rear bumpers, together with a set of redesigned side sills.

The 5.2 litre V10 powerplant remains with 580 horsepower (plus 20) for the base model, 620 horsepower (plus 10) for the Performance version.

6. BMW M340i xDrive

BMW’s 3 Series was first unveiled at the Paris Motor Show 2018, earlier this year. BMW’s hottest version at that point was the 330i, a turbocharged, four cylinder, 2.0-litre powerplant developing 260 hp and 400Nm of torque. The M340i xDrive expands the range, offering a turbocharged, straight six engine, 382 hp and 500 Nm of torque.

The M340i should give us an idea as to what we can expect from the upcoming BMW M3.

7. BMW 8 Series Convertible

The BMW 8 Series Convertible is another world premiere, having been released at the start of the month. Based on the 8 Series Coupe, it is the second model of the revived 8 Series range. It is also the first time that BMW have offered a Convertible 8 Series.

BMW are likely to show the range topping BMW M850i xDrive Convertible which uses the 4.4 litre V8 unit, producing 530 hp and 750 Nm of torque. US markets have little interest in the 840d.

8. Porsche Panamera GTS

We recently drove the Porsche Panamera GTS, its world premiere at the LA Auto Show 2018 feels strange as a result! Yet it will be an interesting addition to the Porsche 992 911.

The GTS uses the 4.0 litre V8 biturbo engine. Producing 460 hp and 620 Nm of torque in both models, it outperforms the predecessor by 20 hp and 100 Nm.

November 13, 2018 / Comments Off

572

Production Ready Aston Martin Valkyrie Revealed

Aston Martin have finally signed off the shape of the Valkyrie. That much we can deduce from the pictures Aston martin shared on tis official Instagram page earlier today. The photos show both the inside and the outside of the Valkyrie with a light to dark, fading blue colour scheme.

The car in the pictures looks distinctly different to the models we have seen at car shows worldwide. The design lines around the rear of the window appear to have been smoother over and the roof is now dominated by a small air intake. The side sills feature what look like gills and the front rear fender now features what looks like side lights.

The design is still notable for its lack of side mirrors which perhaps suggests that the Valkyrie will use cameras, much like the recently announced McLaren Speedtail. The photos also show the massive cutaway front clam which is clearly visible from above.

The Valkyrie is expected to debut at some point next year. It has already been announced that the 6.5 litre V12 engine will be powered by a Cosworth engineered system. The total power output will be 1,130 hp when combined with a hybrid drive system. Weight will be just 1,030 kg.

Aston Martin hopes to have a road-going prototype by the end of the year with production scheduled to start in early 2019. 150 are planned for production at a cost of $3.2 million. Every single one is accounted for.

November 2, 2018 / Comments Off

635

2019 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 Leaked – 800hp+ Output

[unable to retrieve full-text content]

October 23, 2018 / Comments Off

584

2021 Aston Martin Project 003 Hypercar Announced with Mid-Engine

Aston Martin have officially announced that they will produce a third hypercar. The project is currently under development and gets the internal code Aston Martin Project 003. Production will be limited to just 500 coupe’s and it should hit the market in late 2021.

What’s interesting about the Aston Martin Project 003 is that it promises to be a “revolutionary new mid-engined hypercar”. Aston Martin have never produced a mid-engine, sticking rigidly to the front-engine, rear wheel drive philosophy. The news coincides with the news that next month, 25 percent of Aston Martin’s stock will go on sale as part of an IPO.

The Aston Martin Project 003 will be the third hypercar to be developed internally, by Aston Martin following the Aston Martin Valkyrie and Valkyrie AMR Pro. Project 003 promises to use a lightweight structure with power from a turbocharged petrol-electric hybrid engine. Active aerodynamics, active suspension systems and practical concessions for luggage space are also being promised for both left and right and drive models.

Aston Martin Lagonda President and Group Chief Executive, Andy Palmer, said: “It was always the intention for the Aston Martin Valkyrie to be a once-in-a lifetime project, however, it was also vital to us that Valkyrie would create a legacy: a direct descendent that would also set new standards within its own area of the hypercar market, creating a bloodline of highly specialised, limited production machines that can exist in parallel with Aston Martin’s series production models. I’m thrilled to announce that this car is the Project ‘003’, and our next step into a dynamic and exacting arena.”

As you would expect, at this early stage, information is scarce. Aston Martin are continuing to develop the Valkyrie at this point in time and we are unlikely to hear much more until that project begins the deliveries stage. The news of Aston Martin’s mid-engine hypercar has likely been choreographed to boost the IPO which takes place at a difficult time for the UK economy.

Project 003 isn’t the only mid-engine model that Aston Martin have under development. If rumours are to be believed, the British company are set to launch a Ferrari 488 GTB rival some time after 2021. While Project 003 will tackle competition such as the McLaren Senna, the other mid-engine supercar will do battle against the McLaren 720S and the Lamborghini Huracan.

September 24, 2018 / Comments Off

485

Bugatti Divo Revealed: $6 Million Hypercar Built for Corners

For some time now, whispers of a new Bugatti have suggested a faster and more agile car was in the making. What many expected to be a modest power upgrade with some lightweight components added here and there, turned out to be drastic evolution in aggressive design, and a new benchmark in Bugatti’s record of absurdity. The new Bugatti Divo looks like something out of a video game, paired with genuine styling finesse and quintessential brand ethos. In all respects, Bugatti may have just blurred the lines of fanciful concept design, and attainable reality.

Logic and reason must be tossed out the window when contemplating the new Divo. A car that uses the same gearbox, engine, and cockpit of the ‘standard’ Chiron, but with a price tag that will empty your bank account twice as fast – it makes you wonder if the Divo also achieves twice the performance of the Chiron. Truthfully, that’s not quite the case, nor was it the intention. The Divo may use the same monstrous eight-litre W16 engine (producing 1,479hp) as its predecessor, but the way that it puts this power to use if where the Divo comes into its own. Better cornering, faster acceleration, and ultimately a more masterful performance on the track is what puts Molsheim’s latest creation in a league of its own.

Bugatti Divo

Aside from a new chassis and suspension, Bugatti’s engineering witchcraft resulted in 37kg of weight savings over the Chiro, 90kg more downforce, and… a lower top speed. Whereas the Chiron keeps the fun going until 420km/h, the new Divo meets its limit at 380km/h. Is there a method to the madness? The answer lies with the extra downforce and negative camber of the Divo, which improves handling and nimbleness, but at the cost of top speed. Although one of Bugatti’s primary characteristics has been its benchmark maximum speeds, its willingness to embrace a different mentality is remarkably refreshing.

Where the mechanical upgrades may fool you into thinking of the Divo as a regular Chiron with some expensive tweaks, the striking design is here to set your mind straight. The aggressive design embraced by Bugatti truly sets the Divo apart from the Chiron, which, arguably, looks dull in comparison now. In no attempt to cannibalize its lineup, Bugatti has built the Devo to be an entirely new version of the Chiron, with almost every body panel unrecognizable to other Bugatti’s. The Divo has a newly-designed wide front spoiler, an entirely updated front fascia, sporty NACA ducts on the roof, a specially designed engine compartment cover, a new height-adjustable rear wing with active-aero, a more aggressive rear diffuser, reshaped tail pipes, and we could go on. The takeaway: mere words bear striking resemblance to pictures, as they both fail to do the Bugatti Divo justice.

In typical Bugatti fashion, the new Divo not only exudes madness in terms of performance, design, and sheer uniqueness, it also stays true to its roots by having all 40 units of the strictly limited production run already sold out. With its near $6 million price tag, it makes the Chiron look like a bargain, whilst simultaneously giving it a run for its money.

August 24, 2018 / Comments Off

484

Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Officially Revealed

Lamborghini have officially released details of their long await Aventador SVJ. The release comes at the start of Monterey Car Week 2018 and off the back of news that it broke the Nürburgring-Nordschleife lap record for production cars. What’s more, a special edition version will be available of this special edition supercar!

The Lamborghini Aventador SVJ will make its debut today at “The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering”. The Aventador SVJ, uses the traditional SV badging, adding the ‘Jota’ suffix. A special edition version, named SVJ 63, is also set to be unveiled on the concept lawn at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. It pays homage to Lamborghini’s founding year of 1963 and will be replicated just 63 times.

Lamborghini Aventador SVJ

The newest generation of Lamborghini’s V12 powered Aventador will be available in a limited edition run of 900 copies. Each will come fitted with a 770 hp naturally aspirated V12 engine producing 720 Nm of torque. Dry weight is reduced to 1,525 kg which will allow a 100 km/h sprint in 2.8 seconds and a 200 km/h sprint in just 8.6 seconds. Top speed is comfortably above 350 km/h.

Compared to the older Aventador SV, the SVJ gets a 40% improvement on downforce at both axles with an improved drag coefficient. Lamborghini have acheived this will a new front bumper incorporating side fins. The biggest improvement is achieved through the Aerodinamica Lamborghini Attiva (ALA) system. The upper body optimisation alone contributes to 70% of the downforce improvements.

You will notice bigger side air intakes and a new front side fin. There is improved underbody aero with vortex generators which work in conjunction with front diffusers and the extreme-design rear diffuser. The rear wing emulates the Lamborghini Veneno in design and the side winglets have been optimised to reduce turbulence. The exhaust system saves a significant amount of weight.

Lamborghini’s new ALA system ‘Aerodinamica Lamborghini Attiva 2.0’ is its most advanced yet. It features new optimized air inlets and aero channel designs together with bespoke calibrations.

The Lamborghini Aventador SVJ gets a new titanium intake valve, a modified intake cylinder head duct and an optimized seven-speed Independent Shifting Road (ISR) gearbox. It’s suspension is reworked with a 50% improved anti-roll bar and 15% higher damping force range. The SVJ also features Lamborghini’s rear-wheel steering (LRS) and four-wheel drive system.

Lamborghini’s driving modes, Strada, Sport and Corsa, are joined by an EGO option allowing custom setups. The Navigation System and Infotainment System include AppleCarPlay together with a Lamborghini telemetry system as an optional extra.

The first customers will take delivery of the new Lamborghini Aventador SVJ at the beginning of 2019. In Europe, it will cost 349,116 euros net of tax.

August 24, 2018 / Comments Off

707

Aston Martin Valkyrie to Have Most Powerful Naturally Aspirated Engine – 1,130 bhp

A tweet by Cosworth (who evidently jumped the gun with this announcement) has confirmed that the Aston Martin Valkyrie is set to benefit from the world’s most powerful naturally aspirated road engine. The British engineering firm have confirmed, via social media, that the Valkyrie’s 6.5-litre V12 lump will get 1,130 bhp.

The (recently deleted) tweet read: “We’re famous for breaking records and our latest engine, the Aston Martin Valkyrie 6.5-litre V12, will be the world’s most powerful naturally aspirated road engine with 1,130bhp.” The tweet leaves plenty of questions as we had previously expected the Valkyrie to come equipped with a 1,130 bhp as the total of the V12 unit and electric power combined.

It remains a mystery as to what the exact output figures will be. One thing is for sure, the first Valkyries are set to hit the road next year so we won’t have long to wait until we find out!

The current record for a naturally aspirated road engine is the LaFerrari with its 789 hp, 6.3-liter V12. The list is dominated by Ferrari powerplants which occupy first, third and fourth positions. The Valkyrie AMR Pro track car is expected to exceed the standard version but should be more temperamental given its track-only application.

So what do we know about the Valkyrie already? The shape appears to be pretty much decided now. It was developed by Aston Martin and Red Bull Racing. It should produce around 4,000 lb’s of downforce under acceleration. The mechanics of the car have received widespread input from the likes of Cosworth, Ricardo, Rimac Automobili, Multimatic, Alcon, Bosch, Surface Transforms, Wipac, and Michelin.

August 23, 2018 / Comments Off

476

Toyota Finally Victorious at the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2018!

Toyota have finally reigned victorious at the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2018. The Toyota Gazoo racing team finally managed to score a victory at the legendary 24 Hour race. The team had raced at Le Mans since 2012 with a very competitive car, yet had never managed to score an outright victory.

The win was achieved by Toyota’s number 8 car piloted by the experienced duo of Kazuki Nakajima, and Sébastien Buemi together with newcomer Fernando Alonso who scores outright victory in the race at the first time of asking!

Toyota Wins 24 Hours of Le Mans 2018

The result was never really in any doubt as the number 8 car qualified on pole and led the race from the outset.

The number 7 car was always out of reach. It suffered several setbacks during the race including a scare in the final few hours when it slowed for a few minutes with what looked like a fuel problem. It later turnout out that Kamui Kobayashi had simply forgotten to pit and was asked to conserve fuel to make it through the lap. It finished second behind the sister car giving Toyota a 1-2 finish.

Further down the field, the LPM2 class was fiercely fought, although GDrive Racing’s number 26 car eventually built an unassailable lead over the rest of the field. GTE Pro saw Porsche back on form with a win for the number 92 911, while GTE Am also saw a Porsche, the Dempsey-Proton Racing car, come out on top.

Toyota’s win is made all the more special after the team came within a lap of victory in 2016 only to have it taken away from them by reliability issues. The difference this year is that the field is less hotly contested with Porsche and Audi having stepped aside in recent years.

June 17, 2018 / Comments Off

535

Official: 2019 BMW X5

BMW have announced the new BMW X5. Following hot on the heels of the BMW X2 and BMW X4, the original luxury SUV gets a thorough makeover for the 2019 model year. It is a fourth generation model and carries across much of the technology developed across BMW’s new 5 Series and 7 Series models.

The BMW X5’s wheelbase is 42 mm longer than its predecessor and 36 mm longer overall. BMW have added an additional 66 mm of width and 19 mm of height.

The most obvious change to the design is the massive BMW kidney grille with its single-piece surround. It dominates the front view and is sure to divide opinion. Otherwise, the changes are mild, the active ai intakes for example. The rear gets a split tailgate and a new design.

The new BMW X5 comes with LED headlights as standard with the option of BMW Laserlight with Adaptive LED Headlights. Both xLine and M Sport models will be available from launch together with BMW Individual options.

2019 BMW X5

The most interesting model from our perspective will not be made available in Europe. BMW have fitted a new V8 engine into the BMW X5 xDrive50i. The V8 puts out 462 hp and peak torque of 650 Nm, however, it won’t be available in Europe. The new BMW X5 xDrive40i develops 340 hp and peak torque of 450 Nm. The new BMW X5 M50d gets 400 hp and peak torque of 760 Nm while the entry level BMW X5 xDrive30d produces 265 hp and peak torque of 620 Nm. All include an eight-speed Steptronic transmission.

The X5 comes as standard with Dynamic Damper Control. For higher spec models, BMW’s Adaptive M suspension Professional is available with active roll stabilisation and Integral Active Steering. The suspension system makes use of air suspension which, as well as increasing comfort, allows the vehicle height to be adjusted by up to 80 millimetres. 22-inch lightweight alloy wheels will be offered as an option for the first time.

A new Off-Road package is available which gives the driver a separate button with the choice of four driving modes; sand, rock, gravel or snow.

Technology has expanded too with Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Steering and lane control assistant, Lane Change Warning and Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Assistant, Lane Keeping Assistant with side collision protection and evasion aid, Crossing traffic warning, Priority warning and Wrong-way warning.

A Parking Assistant is expanded to include acceleration and braking duties as well as steering. Emergency Stop Assistant brings the car safely to a standstill if a medical emergency occurs. A new Reversing Assistant is also available which takes over steering to manoeuvre the vehicle along a path recently negotiated forward.

Inside the new BMW X5 has received a total redesign. Vernasca leather is standard for all X5 models. In terms of space, the rear seats split 40:20:40. With the seats up, the load capacity is 645 litres, down, the maximum rises to 1,860 litres. A third row will also be available as an option as is the case with the current model.

BMW have developed new multifunction seats, cooled/heated cupholders, Panorama glass roof Sky Lounge, Dynamic Interior Light, a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System, Rear-seat entertainment Professional system with 10.2-inch touchscreen display and glass applications for selected controls.

In terms of infotainment. A new BMW Live Cockpit Professional display and control system is fitted as standard. It uses a new BMW operating system which is used across the instrument console and the 12.3-inch display. It is operated using steering wheel buttons, iDrive Controller, touchscreen display, voice control or BMW gesture control.

The BMW X5 will be built at BMW Plant Spartanburg in the US. It should be available in November 2018.

June 7, 2018 / Comments Off

534

Audi Q8 – Official Details are Finally Announced!

The brand new Audi Q8 has finally been unveiled this evening. The launch event for the Q8 took place in Shenzhen in China, the home of the biggest Chinese technology companies. If anything, thats an indication as to Audi’s target market!

There are no surprises when it comes to shape. The Audi Q8 gets design language carried over from the A8. Among the standout features are the frameless doors which allow a coupe style look and the long roof spoiler. At the front, the single frame grille gets and octagonal design with six vertical chrome fins. The side profile clearly displays the trademark quattro blisters while the rear gets the integrated light strip which is now standard Audi issue.

Two headlight technologies will be available on the Q8. Both are LED, with the optional HD matrix LED headlights offering 24 individual LEDs. With a cd value of 0.34, the designers seem to have done a pretty good job of creating an efficient design.

Audi Q8 Studio Photos

The bodywork makes use of the Audi Space Frame concept. It is a blend of aluminum and steel components. Steel accounts for 14.4 percent of the body-in-white, cast aluminum 15 percent, aluminum plates 23.7 percent. All in, the Audi Q8 weighs 2,145 kilograms (4,728.9 lb).

In terms of size, the Audi Q8 measures 4.986 metres in length, 1.995 millimeters in width and 1.705 metres in height. Compared to the Q7, it is 66 millimeters shorter and 27 millimeters wider. Compared to the competition, the Q8 is slightly longer than, for example, the GLE Coupe and around the same height. It sits slightly narrow by comparison.

The rear tailgate is electrically powered as standard with a foot gesture option available on request. 605 litres of space are on offer which increases to 1,755 litres with the rear backrests folded down. The space the Q8 offers is class leading.

Quattro is standard. It uses a mechanical centre differential to transfer 40 percent power to the front and 60 percent to the rear. When struggling for grip, the Q8 has the ability to transfer power to any axle to optimise traction.

From an engineering viewpoint, the five-link front and rear suspension systems are constructed largely of aluminum. Audi offer three suspension options. The standard is a version with damper control. Optionally, an adaptive air suspension can be chosen. It includes controlled damping across four modes with the Audi drive select dynamic handling system. The most expensive option incorporates the all-wheel steering system. All three systems feature a progressive steering rack. Audi drive select gives seven different driving profiles.

Like most in this segment, the Audi Q8 gets off-road credentials. Ground clearance, the the adaptive air suspension systems is 254 millimeters. On slopes in excess of 6 percent, Audi’s hill descent control is available with the MMI system displaying the tilt angle.

The Audi Q8 sits on 19 inch wheels with options up to 22 inches available from launch. Being the bling sits a set of six-piston brakes with fixed aluminum calipers.

From launch (which will take place exclusively in Europe for the time being), the Audi Q8 will have one option. The 3.0 TDI with mild hybrid system is familiar and has been a feature of the A7 and A6 models we drove recently. The systems uses a lithium-ion battery and a belt alternator starter. A battery underneath the luggage compartment floor stores 10 Ah of electricity allowing the Q8 to efficiently coast between 55 and 160 km/h (34.2 and 99.4 mph) with the engine switched off.

The first model is the Q8 50 TDI which uses a 3.0 litre TDI unit. It generates 286 hp and delivers 600 Nm of torque, enough for a 100 km/h sprint of 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 232 km/h (144.2 mph). A smaller 3.0 litre diesel Q8 45 TDI will follow with 230 hp and a 3.0 TFSI gasoline-engine Q8 55 TFSI with 335 hp next year. The later will form the basis of the Asian and US model ranges. All engines will get the eight-speed tiptronic gearbox.

One thing point to note is that Audi fit the Q8 with a double-layer windshield as standard with the option of acoustic glass at an extra cost. The A7 and A8 are supremely quiet machines, the Q8 is likely to share these qualities despite it’s obvious disadvantages.

Inside, three trim levels will be made available; Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. Leather seating is standard across the range with leather seats in all three versions. The top version benefits from Valcona leather. An optional S line sport package adds S sport seats with integrated head restraints, rhombus pattern and S logo. Four seat versions are available in total. All versions also include open pore wood or alluvium inlays.

The Q8 gets the familiar split upper and lower MMI touch response display from the A8, A7 and A6. The upper display uses a 10.1 inch screen for controlling the infotainment and the navigation system. The lower 8.6 inch display allows the driver to manage the heating, ventilation and air conditioning as well as comfort functions and text input.

MMI is where Audi excels. The system incorporates features such as natural language voice control which uses locally stored information together with intelligent cloud-based information to understand most voice commands. MMI navigation plus comes as standard.

Key features include the new LTE Advanced standard. The navigation system includes intelligent destination suggestions based on previous journeys. It is supplemented by information calculated online by navigation provider HERE. HERE uses real-time data from the Car-to-X services to ‘swarm’ intelligence from the Audi fleet. The Audi virtual cockpit is also standard with a high-resolution 12.3 inch display. It gets two views – classic and navigation – with a third Audi virtual cockpit plus option offering a sport look soon after launch.

For the ultimate in technology, Audi offer the Audi Connect key which allows access to the car from an Android smartphone. This will allow you to lock and unlock the car and start the engine remotely as well as to change the position of the drivers seat, set the air conditioning and program navigation details.

Audi also makes available its range of assistance systems in four bundles. The Tour assist package includes adaptive cruise assist, efficiency assist, an active accelerator pedal and emergency assist. The City package bundles five systems including crossing assist, Audi pre sense 360, exit warning and lane change warning. The Park plus package (available after launch) includes manoeuvring assist, curb warning, (remote) parking pilot and remote garage pilot. The final package is dedicated to towing.

Audi will build the Q8 at its Bratislava plant with the first cars hitting the European markets in July 2018. Twelve colours will be available including dragon orange and galaxy blue, two of its latest colours.

June 5, 2018 / Comments Off

683

Alfa Romeo 8C to be Resurrected as 700hp+ Super Coupe

Alfa Romeo is set for some considerable rebranding in the years leading up 2022. Sergio Marchionne set out his vision for the Italian brand on Friday with a market move upmarket one of the key takeaways from his presentation.

The photos below show Marchionne’s vision for the company. Most notable is a move out of the B segment which is currently occupied by the MiTo city car. While the Guiletta will remain, it will be supplemented by a C UV, no doubt to compete with Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and Audi at the lower levels.

At the higher levels, Alfa Romeo will retain the recently released Giulia and Stelvio models with planned releases of PHEV drivetrains, higher levels of connectivity and autonomous driving. Both will gain long-wheelbase versions to satisfy the Chinese market.

Looking higher up the model range, Alfa Romeo also plans an E segment SUV, likely to rival the Maserati Kubang and Jaguar F-PACE as well as their German rivals.

The juicy information was in the news that two models will return to the Alfa Romeo range. Alfa Romeo has, historically, excelled at performance cars and in particular, on the race track. In recent years it has dabbled with cars inspired by its golden years. The 8C is a particular highlight with the 4C also notable.

The presentation slides reveal that the Alfa Romeo 8C will be resurrected in time for 2022. The slides reveal it will use a carbon fibre monocoque with a twin-turbocharged mid-engine hybrid unit pushing out figures in the 700 hp range. A predicted sub-3 second 100 km/h time should make it extremely interesting.

The 8C will be joined by a similarly performance oriented GTV model. The GTV was a product of the mid-90’s, a front engined, rear wheel drive coupe and convertible. It should come equipment with more than 600 bhp, E-Boost technology, all-wheel drive torque vectoring, a 50/50 weight distribution and room for four.

In the whole, Alfa Romeo will be phasing out diesel engines from its range. By 2022 it will launch a range of mild hybrids, hybrids and plug-in hybrids shared across the Fiat Chrysler Group. It should offer an electrified version of every model by then with six PHEV’s.

June 3, 2018 / Comments Off

573