2009
Hot News: GM Would Sell Opel to Save it
General Motors is willing to give up as much 50 per cent of its stake in Opel if it helps its subsidiary to agree a rescue deal with the German government.
Opel needs €3.3bn (£2.9bn) in aid and loans to stay in business, according to company boss Carl-Peter Forster. Reports say that Opel is talking to the Spanish and UK governments, as well as the German Federal government, about aid.
Opel’s management has concluded that it needs to become semi-detached from GM in order to convince EU governments to underwrite bailout loans.
GM has owned Opel since 1929 but reports suggest that if the firm does become semi-independent, it may have to start paying license fees to GM for the use of the new Epsilon 2 and Delta platforms, as well as engine technology.
Opel says it can begin repaying the loans by 2014, after returning to profitability in 2011. The company cannot survive without funds from owner General Motors, but these have come to a halt as the US giant struggles to stay solvent. American government loans to GM cannot be used to prop up its overseas operations.
Opel is also submitting its business plan to the four different German states in which it has factories. Sources say that the car maker hopes that one of them might take a stake in Opel in the same way that the state of Lower Saxony owns a 20 per cent stake in VW.
Opel did not make an official comment on plant closures this afternoon, though they are under consideration, particularly the Eisenach (which it has offered to Daimler) and Bochum plants in Germany, and a factory in Antwerp.
Opel needs €3.3bn (£2.9bn) in aid and loans to stay in business, according to company boss Carl-Peter Forster. Reports say that Opel is talking to the Spanish and UK governments, as well as the German Federal government, about aid.
Opel’s management has concluded that it needs to become semi-detached from GM in order to convince EU governments to underwrite bailout loans.
GM has owned Opel since 1929 but reports suggest that if the firm does become semi-independent, it may have to start paying license fees to GM for the use of the new Epsilon 2 and Delta platforms, as well as engine technology.
Opel says it can begin repaying the loans by 2014, after returning to profitability in 2011. The company cannot survive without funds from owner General Motors, but these have come to a halt as the US giant struggles to stay solvent. American government loans to GM cannot be used to prop up its overseas operations.
Opel is also submitting its business plan to the four different German states in which it has factories. Sources say that the car maker hopes that one of them might take a stake in Opel in the same way that the state of Lower Saxony owns a 20 per cent stake in VW.
Opel did not make an official comment on plant closures this afternoon, though they are under consideration, particularly the Eisenach (which it has offered to Daimler) and Bochum plants in Germany, and a factory in Antwerp.
Vauxhall’s plant in Ellesmere Port appears to be safe as long as the rescue deal can be pulled off.
However, one source told Autocar that Opel management had calculated the potential savings that would come from using the Opel brand across the whole of Europe. Although these savings were described as "substantial", dropping the Vauxhall badge is not currently on the agenda.
However, one source told Autocar that Opel management had calculated the potential savings that would come from using the Opel brand across the whole of Europe. Although these savings were described as "substantial", dropping the Vauxhall badge is not currently on the agenda.
Thanks to: Autocar
Hot News: Ferrari Readies Two New 599 XX and 599 HGTE
In a surprise move, Ferrari will reveal not one but two modified versions of the front-engined 599 GTB Fiorano at Geneva. To sharpen up the V12 super-coupe’s responses further, a Handling GT Evoluzione (HGTE) package will be offered as an aftermarket addition or a factory-fit option.Details are scarce at this point but enhancements are likely to include more track-focused rubber, lighter alloys, stiffened suspension and lashings of carbon-fibre in the cabin. A new triple-layer metallic Rosso paint job will help mark it out from the standard model, although the monster 612bhp engine should remain untouched.Even more intriguing though is the 599XX – an experimental prototype stuffed with Ferrari’s latest F1 technology. Unfortunately only a handful of select customers will be invited to drive the vehicle, designed to help research future road-cars. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express
New Car: 2010 Vauxhall Astra and Corsa VX Racing SE
Vauxhall is revving up for the 2009 BTCC season with a pair of race-inspired special editions. Both the Corsa and Astra VXR have received a makeover in celebration of Vauxhall’s unprecedented success in the 2008 championship, where it scooped the drivers’, manufacturers’ and team trophies.Known as the Corsa and Astra VX Racing Editions, each is finished in red and black – Vauxhall’s team colours – and gain full leather Recaros as standard. Other additions include tinted rear glass, black rear diffusers and VX Racing logos on the B-pillars and scuff plates. To finish the look off there’s a set of gloss black alloys – 18-inch for the Corsa, 19-inch for the Astra.And finally, to ensure they don’t just look like touring cars, but sound like them too, an optional Remus exhaust system can be added for £410 on the Corsa and £720 on the Astra – boosting power by up to 19bhp. A combined run of just 888 models will be produced – coinciding with the name of Triple Eight Engineering, who build and prepare all the VX Racing Cars. You can order your Corsa or Astra VX Racing Edition now for £17,425 and £21,445 respectively. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express
New Concept Car: Magna Steyr Mila
Adding another economical vehicle to the long line forming at the Geneva Motor Show, Magna Steyr will debut its Mila EV concept, Automotive News reports. The Austrian parts supplier and automobile manufacturer doesn’t plan to sell the vehicle as shown, but intends to use the Mila as a sales piece for its technology expertise.
Magna, which produces the BMW X3 and Chrysler 300C, designed the Mila with flexibility in mind. As a result, the chassis allows for multiple powertrains and drive configurations. In Geneva trim, a 67-hp electric motor powers the four-door hatchback to a range of just below 100 miles. Its lithium-ion battery recharges in just 2.5 hours.
Spied: 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe
Relax, Cadillac fans. As we surmised, General Motors’ decision to shutter its High-Performance Vehicle Operations will not leave the highly anticipated V-badged CTS coupe stillborn. While the Detroit automaker’s financial problems have pushed the shapely two-door CTS’s rollout back a year to 2010, as well as prompted the discontinuation of the XLR roadster, these spy images reveal that the car’s development has progressed substantially since we last saw a camouflaged mule running around last summer.
Photographed in near-production form (notice the tape over the V-series badges), this CTS-V coupe clearly displays the bulging bodywork, wire mesh grille, bigger brakes, and larger wheels and tires of the current V-series CTS sedan. Also visible are dual center-exiting exhaust pipes, which are expected to expel gases from the same 556-hp, 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 found in the four-door. Six-speed manual and automatic transmissions and a more-sporting interior will be part of the package as well, with the upgrades allowing the vehicle to take over the brand’s high-performance-flagship role from the XLR-V.
Production of the CTS-V coupe in Lansing, Michigan, should start next summer shortly after that of the regular V-6 model, with pricing expected to be in the $65K neighborhood. It’s unclear if the coupe will introduce any new features to the CTS-V range, but Cadillac officials have said before that an adjustable traction-control system—developed in conjunction with the Speed World Challenge CTS-V race car—might be added in the future. What’s also unclear is if this vehicle will be the last of the V-badged Cadillacs, as the HPVO team that nurtured the beast—and numerous other tire-melting GM cars—has been reassigned to other GM projects more focused on fuel economy and turning a healthy profit.
Photographed in near-production form (notice the tape over the V-series badges), this CTS-V coupe clearly displays the bulging bodywork, wire mesh grille, bigger brakes, and larger wheels and tires of the current V-series CTS sedan. Also visible are dual center-exiting exhaust pipes, which are expected to expel gases from the same 556-hp, 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 found in the four-door. Six-speed manual and automatic transmissions and a more-sporting interior will be part of the package as well, with the upgrades allowing the vehicle to take over the brand’s high-performance-flagship role from the XLR-V.
Production of the CTS-V coupe in Lansing, Michigan, should start next summer shortly after that of the regular V-6 model, with pricing expected to be in the $65K neighborhood. It’s unclear if the coupe will introduce any new features to the CTS-V range, but Cadillac officials have said before that an adjustable traction-control system—developed in conjunction with the Speed World Challenge CTS-V race car—might be added in the future. What’s also unclear is if this vehicle will be the last of the V-badged Cadillacs, as the HPVO team that nurtured the beast—and numerous other tire-melting GM cars—has been reassigned to other GM projects more focused on fuel economy and turning a healthy profit.
LOUISIANA EVENTS 2/27 - 3/5
Friday
PINKS ALL OUT
Time: 10:00am - 11:00am
NO PROBLEM RACEWAY
BELLE ROSE, Louisiana
http://noproblemraceway.com/dragstrip.htm
ONE WHEEL MANIACS M.C. FISH FRY
10:00am - 7:00pm
Location: 504-256-6360 to order
NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana
10A - TILL CATFISH, MACARONI, POTATO SALAD, GREEN PEAS, BREAD, SLICE CAKE $7.00PER, 504.256.6360 OR ANY MANIAC MEMBER
Trophy $ TNT
Gates: 5pm
STATE CAPITAL RACEWAY, 11436 Highway 190 West
PORT ALLEN, Louisiana
http://www.statecapitoldragway.com/
Saturday
PINKS ALL OUT
Time: 10:00am - 11:00am
NO PROBLEM RACEWAY
BELLE ROSE, Louisiana
http://noproblemraceway.com/dragstrip.htm
STREET NITE
5:00pm - 10:00pm
STATE CAPITAL RACEWAY, 11436 Highway 190 West
PORT ALLEN, Louisiana
http://www.statecapitoldragway.com/
ST. BERNARD ANTIQUE AUTO CLUB CRUISE NIGHT
At 8751 Judge Perez Dr. in Chalmette, 6 to 9 p.m. Open to all antique, modified cars, trucks and motorbikes. Details: Johnny at 279-5311.
WEST BANK CRUISERS OLDIES CRUISE NIGHT
At 2781 Belle Chasse Hwy. in Gretna, 6 to 10 p.m. Trailered cars and bikes welcome. Details: Bobby at 393-7825.
Sunday
SCCA AUTOCROSS
Delta Region autocross event at Zephyr Stadium in Metairie at 8 a.m. Cost: $35; spectators free. Details: Darren at 985-788-1172 or www.delta-scca.org.
Tuesday
BIG EASY MOPAR ASSOC.
Meeting at 5650 Jefferson Hwy. in Harahan at 7 p.m. Details: Paul at 415-5731 or Ron at 452-3695.
Wednesday
BIKE NITE @ WAYNE’S WORLD
7:00pm - 8:00pm
WAYNE’S WORLD
3716 DOWNMAN RD
NEW ORLEANS EAST, Louisiana
Test n Tune
Gates: 5:00 pm, Racing 6-10 pm
Spectators $10, Racers $20
NO PROBLEM RACEWAY
BELLE ROSE, Louisiana
http://noproblemraceway.com/dragstrip.htm
GULF SOUTH BMW MOTORCYCLE OWNERS CLUB
Meeting at 5650 Jefferson Hwy. in Jefferson at 7 p.m. Open to all owners/riders of European-manufactured motorcycles. Details: Roy at 985-624-5344.
PINKS ALL OUT
Time: 10:00am - 11:00am
NO PROBLEM RACEWAY
BELLE ROSE, Louisiana
http://noproblemraceway.com/dragstrip.htm
ONE WHEEL MANIACS M.C. FISH FRY
10:00am - 7:00pm
Location: 504-256-6360 to order
NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana
10A - TILL CATFISH, MACARONI, POTATO SALAD, GREEN PEAS, BREAD, SLICE CAKE $7.00PER, 504.256.6360 OR ANY MANIAC MEMBER
Trophy $ TNT
Gates: 5pm
STATE CAPITAL RACEWAY, 11436 Highway 190 West
PORT ALLEN, Louisiana
http://www.statecapitoldragway.com/
Saturday
PINKS ALL OUT
Time: 10:00am - 11:00am
NO PROBLEM RACEWAY
BELLE ROSE, Louisiana
http://noproblemraceway.com/dragstrip.htm
STREET NITE
5:00pm - 10:00pm
STATE CAPITAL RACEWAY, 11436 Highway 190 West
PORT ALLEN, Louisiana
http://www.statecapitoldragway.com/
ST. BERNARD ANTIQUE AUTO CLUB CRUISE NIGHT
At 8751 Judge Perez Dr. in Chalmette, 6 to 9 p.m. Open to all antique, modified cars, trucks and motorbikes. Details: Johnny at 279-5311.
WEST BANK CRUISERS OLDIES CRUISE NIGHT
At 2781 Belle Chasse Hwy. in Gretna, 6 to 10 p.m. Trailered cars and bikes welcome. Details: Bobby at 393-7825.
Sunday
SCCA AUTOCROSS
Delta Region autocross event at Zephyr Stadium in Metairie at 8 a.m. Cost: $35; spectators free. Details: Darren at 985-788-1172 or www.delta-scca.org.
Tuesday
BIG EASY MOPAR ASSOC.
Meeting at 5650 Jefferson Hwy. in Harahan at 7 p.m. Details: Paul at 415-5731 or Ron at 452-3695.
Wednesday
BIKE NITE @ WAYNE’S WORLD
7:00pm - 8:00pm
WAYNE’S WORLD
3716 DOWNMAN RD
NEW ORLEANS EAST, Louisiana
Test n Tune
Gates: 5:00 pm, Racing 6-10 pm
Spectators $10, Racers $20
NO PROBLEM RACEWAY
BELLE ROSE, Louisiana
http://noproblemraceway.com/dragstrip.htm
GULF SOUTH BMW MOTORCYCLE OWNERS CLUB
Meeting at 5650 Jefferson Hwy. in Jefferson at 7 p.m. Open to all owners/riders of European-manufactured motorcycles. Details: Roy at 985-624-5344.
2010 Kia Sorento SUV
few days ago Kia has unveiled two new renderings along with initial details of its forthcoming 2010 Sorento SUV. The Korean automaker said that the second-generation Sorento, codenamed XM, is set for launch in April, meaning that it will most likely make its world premiere at the Seoul Motor Show. The teaser sketches reveal that the new model will follow the 2007 Kue concept car's edgy and chiseled lines while it will also feature Kia's new corporate grille.
The leader as a chief Peter Schreyer of design of engines of Kia said, dynamic design of XM adopts the single circuit linear lines to lend a powerful aspect, however polished. Sportsman and seizing, XM represents a new race of SUV.
Sorento 2010 will most probably offer to purchasers the option to add a third line of the seats, increasing the capacity in seats at Sept.
New Sorento will become the first vehicle of Hyundai-Kia to come equipped with the R-engine favorable to the environment all-nine from diesel with company 'with passenger with S. 2.2 the unit with cylinder with liter 4 product a result with 200 powers in horses. According to Kia, when hung until an automatic transmission 6 speeds, new Sorento 2.2R will have a combined fuel consumption of 7.1lt/100km or 33.2mpg the USA.
Kia also envisages to satisfy various tastes of the consumer by offering the model with a gasoline 2.4 and one engine of 2.7 LPI (liquified petroleum gas). The Korean car manufacturer claims that this made in Kia XM the first vehicle in the world with the race on each of the three types of fuel.
One expects that sales of new Sorento begin in Korea this spring, with the rest of the world following towards the end of 2009 and at the beginning of 2010.
Bentley Continental SuperSports
This is Bentley Continental SuperSports : powered with 621HP and 204MPH Flex-Fuel Supercar
few days ago hand made supercar supersport Bentley has revealed the fastest and most powerful model in its 90-year history ever, this is the new 621HP Continental Supersports,this car will show for the first time in Geneva with sales following in most markets from autumn 2009 and in the U.S., in the summer of 2010. The Continental Supersports, whose name is inspired by the firm's 1925 two-seater 3-litre Supersports model, is powered by a 6.0-liter W12 engine capable of running on either petrol and E85 biofuel or any combination of the two. Bentley supports that the E85 biofuel can offer a reduction of up to 70 per cent in CO2
Hot News: Saab Halts Production
The production line at Saab's Trollhattan plant has come to a screeching halt today, following allegations from the Swedish Customs agency that the automaker has unpaid customs duties, reports say. Swedish authorities have put a hold on shipments to and from the recently bankrupted automaker, leaving the Trollhattan plant short of some crucial parts needed for vehicles currently being assembled.
Saab's production manager Gunnar Brunius, speaking with news agency TT has confirmed that production has ceased after the plant ran out of parts needed to build its vehicles. Still, Brunius said that he expects production to commence tomorrow as the issue is likely to be resolved over the course of the evening.
Swedish Customs representative Hans Ohlsson told reporters that Saab owes a "considerable" amount of money in back customs duties and that all goods arriving at Saab from outside of the European Union would be held until the duties are paid. Saab will either have to pay the owed duties itself to resume operations, or find an agency that is willing to pay the debt.
"They would have to pay all of Saab's credit," said Ohlsson. "Saab is not getting a penny of credit from us."
How soon Saab is able to return to production is anyone's guess -- we'd suspect it may be a bit more difficult than Brunius is letting on. Especially since Saab is, you know, bankrupt and all.
Spied: 2010 Alfa Romeo Milano
These are the first spy pictures of the new Alfa Romeo Milano, snapped during winter testing. The Alfa Romeo Milano is Alfa’s Focus-rivalling replacement for the 147 hatch.
Despite the heavy disguise, the Alfa Mito-influenced grille and headlights are clearly evident, while at the rear the lights use a mixture of Mito and 159 design cues.
The most distinctive departure from the design of the current 147 is the Alfa Romeo Milano’s doorhandles, the rear pair of which are no longer concealed in the C-pillar.
The Alfa Milano uses an extensively modified version of the Fiat Bravo platform, fitted with multi-link rear suspension. An extended version of the same platform is being engineered for the Alfa Romeo Giulia, the replacement for the Alfa Romeo 159 compact executive saloon.
Expect a production version of the Alfa Romeo Millano to be unveiled in 2010.
Despite the heavy disguise, the Alfa Mito-influenced grille and headlights are clearly evident, while at the rear the lights use a mixture of Mito and 159 design cues.
The most distinctive departure from the design of the current 147 is the Alfa Romeo Milano’s doorhandles, the rear pair of which are no longer concealed in the C-pillar.
The Alfa Milano uses an extensively modified version of the Fiat Bravo platform, fitted with multi-link rear suspension. An extended version of the same platform is being engineered for the Alfa Romeo Giulia, the replacement for the Alfa Romeo 159 compact executive saloon.
Expect a production version of the Alfa Romeo Millano to be unveiled in 2010.
Thanks to: Autocar
Spied: 2010 Skoda Yeti
It’s the abominable snowmobile! Here’s proof that the Yeti really does exist. Caught on the prowl in cold weather testing – Skoda’s latest model is set to break cover at next week’s Geneva show, but these virtually undisguised shots give us the best look yet at how the boxy compact SUV will shape up. Offering a choice of two or four-wheel drive transmissions, the rough and ready model will sit as a value-for-money rival to the likes of the Ford Kuga and Toyota RAV4. Engine options are likely to include a choice of 1.8 and 2.0-litre petrols as well as 1.9 and 2.0-litre TDI diesels.
For more details click here.
New Concept Car: Rinspeed E2
It seems the engineers at crazy Swiss firm Rinspeed have turned their attention to the environment. Not only will the all-electric, body-morphing iChange wow the crowds at Geneva – it will be joined by another innovative concept called the E2.Based on the high-powered Abarth 500 esseesse, but with most of the scorpion decals removed and a copper paint job added, the E2 offers two distinct engine settings.There’s a choice between the full-fat 158bhp and 40.4mpg in ‘Highway’ mode, or at the touch of a button power is limited to just 59bhp for a special ‘Commuting’ setting – boosting fuel efficiency to an incredible 70.5mpg. The E2 remains a concept at this stage, but it’s an idea that could soon catch on with customers demanding for their cars to be fun and frugal at the same time. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express
New Car: 2010 Audi TT-RS
Our prognostication was correct: Audi is indeed revealing its highest-powered TT in Geneva, marking the return of the five-cylinder Audi.
Details are few, but Audi does confirm a 300-plus-hp, 2.5-liter turbo engine and Quattro all-wheel drive are part of the TT RS package. Top speed is 155 mph and the 0-to-62-mph trip is said to take “nowhere near five seconds”—we assume that means under five seconds. Upgraded brakes will accompany the power increase. The short release isn’t devoid of bad news, though; it clearly states that the car is not yet approved for a U.S. launch. One more car for our wish list.
We’ll have more juicy details for you when the show starts on March 3. Sample the sound of the TT RS here.
Details are few, but Audi does confirm a 300-plus-hp, 2.5-liter turbo engine and Quattro all-wheel drive are part of the TT RS package. Top speed is 155 mph and the 0-to-62-mph trip is said to take “nowhere near five seconds”—we assume that means under five seconds. Upgraded brakes will accompany the power increase. The short release isn’t devoid of bad news, though; it clearly states that the car is not yet approved for a U.S. launch. One more car for our wish list.
We’ll have more juicy details for you when the show starts on March 3. Sample the sound of the TT RS here.
NEW DELOREAN DEALERSHIP
You can now buy a new Delorean with modern options like navigation, heated seats, and I-Pod connection.
Fireball's+Tim's+WORLD+OF+CARS!+DELOREAN!
Fireball's+Tim's+WORLD+OF+CARS!+DELOREAN!
New Car: 2010 Nissan NV200
Designed from the outset as both a commercial and a passenger vehicle, the Nissan NV200 brings new levels of space, comfort and practicality to the small van market, both in Europe and other global markets.
NV200 will be available in three different versions: a van with the largest load space in its class and two seven seat variants – the functional Combi version for loads and passengers, and the more plush passenger car version, which will be shown at Geneva Motor Show next month.
“The Nissan LCV business is in a phase of expansion even in these challenging financial circumstances,” said Andy Palmer, Senior Vice President, Global Product Planning, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. “We aim to expand our business with smart new products and services that meet the needs of our customers, both in Europe and around the world.”
He added: “The NV200 is our proposal for a global small van. It offers outstanding utility and smart convenience with low cost of ownership, packaged in a highly functional design. With this vehicle, Nissan aims to meet the needs of customers looking for a functional, adaptable light van. We will launch the NV200 in Japan before summer, in Europe in autumn 2009 and then in China and other markets.” For more details click here.
NV200 will be available in three different versions: a van with the largest load space in its class and two seven seat variants – the functional Combi version for loads and passengers, and the more plush passenger car version, which will be shown at Geneva Motor Show next month.
“The Nissan LCV business is in a phase of expansion even in these challenging financial circumstances,” said Andy Palmer, Senior Vice President, Global Product Planning, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. “We aim to expand our business with smart new products and services that meet the needs of our customers, both in Europe and around the world.”
He added: “The NV200 is our proposal for a global small van. It offers outstanding utility and smart convenience with low cost of ownership, packaged in a highly functional design. With this vehicle, Nissan aims to meet the needs of customers looking for a functional, adaptable light van. We will launch the NV200 in Japan before summer, in Europe in autumn 2009 and then in China and other markets.” For more details click here.
Thanks to: Press Portal
Hot News: Renault Scraps New Alpine
Renault has scrapped plans to revitalise the sporty Alpine brand, chief operating officer Patrick Pelata has told Autocar.
"It's a casualty of the [economic] crisis," said Pelata, hinting that the decision to not bring Alpine back was permanent.
Plans for the rear-wheel-drive sports car were thought to have been well advanced. It was said to have shared a platform with a new Nissan 200SX, which is also believed to have been scrapped.
"It's a casualty of the [economic] crisis," said Pelata, hinting that the decision to not bring Alpine back was permanent.
Plans for the rear-wheel-drive sports car were thought to have been well advanced. It was said to have shared a platform with a new Nissan 200SX, which is also believed to have been scrapped.
Pelata also admitted that the current recession also means that Renault has shelved plans to move production to Chenai in India.
The next Nissan Micra will be made there and the new Clio, expected next year, was thought to be joining it. However, Pelata did not rule out Renaults being built in India in the future.
The next Nissan Micra will be made there and the new Clio, expected next year, was thought to be joining it. However, Pelata did not rule out Renaults being built in India in the future.
Thanks to: Autocar
New Car: 2010 Toyota Verso
Verso by name, versatile by nature! Toyota has announced a new version of its seven-seat MPV will take a bow at the Geneva show next week. The model borrows its styling from the recently launched Avensis, but has five individually folding seats in the back.Power is increased by up to 20 per cent, while fuel economy and CO2 emissions are improved by up to 12 per cent compared to the current model. Engine choices will comprise 1.6 and 1.8-litre petrols, plus 2.0-litre D-4D and 2.2 D-CAT diesels when it goes on sale in spring.Toyota is hoping the Verso will match the Avensis and iQ, both of which achieved the full five stars in Euro NCAP’s latest crash tests. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express
New Car: 2010 Aston Martin DBS Volante
Auto Express can bring you first official images of Aston Martin’s latest head-turner – the DBS Volante convertible. Making its debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month, the new drop-top will line up alongside the V12 Vantage and new Lagonda luxury saloon, giving show goers a triple treat of fresh metal. Described by Aston Martin as the “the ultimate open air motoring experience”, the DBS Volante gets the same mighty 6.0-litre V12 as the coupe and stunning looks with a fabric hood that closely follows the silhouette of the coupe.Capable of dropping at the touch of a button in just 14 seconds and at up to speeds of 30mph, the roof automatically stows under a re–sculpted tonneau cover, which maintains the slick look of the coupe. And as you can see, all the styling cues from the storming DBS coupe are carried across.
The front end gets sleek air intakes, a low splitter and bonnet air vents, the side skirts are lower while at the rear are clear lens covers for the taillights, a subtle boot-lid spoiler and a diffuser. While the bonnet, front wings and boot lid are made from carbon fibre, the DBS Volante is quite a bit heavier than the coupe. To cope with the loss in stiffness associated with the removal of the hard-top, extra strengthening – including a rigidly mounted rear subframe – has gone into the bonded aluminium chassis chassis. As a result the Volante tips the scales at 1810kg – some 115kg more than the coupe. Despite this extra weight, performance isn’t really affected. Under the bonnet lies the same 6.0-litre V12 as the DBS coupe. Based on the same unit that powers the DB9, it gets an uprated airbox, which takes peak power to 510bhp and torque to 570Nm. Standard transmission is a six-speed manual gearbox with the option of Aston Martin’s semi-automatic Touchtronic ‘box. The Volante posts almost identical performance figures to the coupe, accelerating from 0-62mph in just 4.2seconds (0.1seconds down) and hitting the same top speed of 191mph. Carbon ceramic brakes do the stopping while adaptive dampers and double wishbone suspension with 20-inch alloy wheels and sticky Pirelli P-Zero rubber should mean the Volante is prodigious around corners. Inside the luxurious 2+2 cabin gets a bespoke Bang and Olufsen sound system as standard. On sale this autumn, the DBS Volante is expected to cost around £170,000 – some £11,000 more than the coupe. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express
New Car: 2010 Bentley Continental Supersports
Bentley, Ettore Bugatti reportedly once sneered, built the fastest trucks in Europe. Okay, Mr. Bugatti was probably a mite peeved his delicate little sports cars were routinely trounced by W.O. Bentley's thundering green giants at Le Mans during the late 1920s, but he had a point. Bentleys were big, and they were heavy. And they certainly were fast.
Fast forward 80 years, and little has changed. The 621-horsepower Bentley Continental Supersports is fast. In fact, it's the fastest Bentley in history. Engineering boss Ulrich Eichhorn claims the Supersports will sprint from 0-to-60 mph in 3.7 seconds, nail 100 mph in 8.9 seconds, and hit 204 mph. Eichhorn also says it is -- shock! -- a lightweight Bentley. Then he pauses and, with a twinkle in his eye, adds, "but it still weighs 4800 pounds" Ettore's still sneering.
Fast forward 80 years, and little has changed. The 621-horsepower Bentley Continental Supersports is fast. In fact, it's the fastest Bentley in history. Engineering boss Ulrich Eichhorn claims the Supersports will sprint from 0-to-60 mph in 3.7 seconds, nail 100 mph in 8.9 seconds, and hit 204 mph. Eichhorn also says it is -- shock! -- a lightweight Bentley. Then he pauses and, with a twinkle in his eye, adds, "but it still weighs 4800 pounds" Ettore's still sneering.
Then there's this: The Continental Supersports will deliver that staggering performance running on the same E85 ethanol/gasoline mix you pump into a flex-fuel Chevy SUV. That's right, the fastest Bentley ever is also the first bio-fuel Bentley. So it's a tree-hugger's supercar? Well, that depends on how you track the carbon-dioxide molecules (see sidebar), although Eichhorn points out the Supersports is also 95 percent recyclable. "Not that this happens with a Bentley," he grins. "Most of our cars typically end up in museums, not landfills."
The Supersports is a car that coalesced into being. Bentley vehicle validation manager Paul Edwards had figured out how to trim over 300 pounds from the Continental coupe during the development of the GT Speed versions. At the same time, engineers working for chassis and powertrain director Brian Gush had discovered that a mild increase in turbo boost coupled with improved intercooling delivered an additional horsepower bump beyond the 48 horses achieved with the Speed program. Gush's team was also looking at tweaks to the driveline that included faster shift times for the ZF 6HP26 six-speed automatic transmission and a 40/60 front/rear torque split to balance the Conti GT's nose-heavy weight bias. For more details click here.
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