My thoughts on all things motoring, press releases, reviews & techie stuff, from around the world.
Please note that the pictures of vehicles within this blog are used as examples of the specific press releases, on occasions, due to the lack of available official pictures, examples are re-produced.
ANY AND ALL PROFANITIES WILL BE REMOVED AND THE PERSON/S RESPONSIBLE WILL BE BANNED, NO EXCEPTIONS.
Purpose
I will try my best to provide detailed info on various cars and what is like to live with them, I have already produced a few for Jaguar-car-forums, I will do my best to be unbiased, but it will be hard for some cars. I will re-produce press releases and copy from other motoring news.
Near-600PS final-edition VXR8 marks swan song for epic V8 bruiser
Vauxhall’s mighty VXR8 range of cars will be given a final hurrah at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed (June 29 – July 2) when a very special last-of-line edition takes to the track as part of the First Glance track class, driven by a variety of high profile drivers.
Known as the Vauxhall VXR8 GTS-R, the new model is powered by an evolution of the current GTS’s supercharged 6.2-litre V8 engine, producing 595PS (up from 576PS) and 740Nm of torque, making it Vauxhall’s most powerful car in the company’s 114-year history.
Production of the Holden Commodore model, on which the GTS-R is based, comes to an end in Australia this October, when Holden’s manufacturing plant finally closes. Vauxhall – a sister brand to Holden in the GM family – has been importing the VXR8 in various forms since 2007, and sells the car through selected dealerships in its network with full service back up and a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty.
As befits its last-of-line status, the GTS-R is no ordinary VXR8 – and in this form it’s exclusive to the UK, too. Sending drive via a limited slip differential to the rear wheels, the GTS-R retains the previous GTS’s clever torque vectoring system, but adds an upgraded braking system with six-piston, monoblock calipers and 410mm discs up front. In addition, the GTS-R wears all-new 20-inch forged alloy rims (ten-inch width at the rear, 9-inch at the front).
Visually, the GTS-R has a fresh face, with a new front fascia, splitter, wings and carbon fibre vents, while at the rear there’s a new-look diffuser, spoiler (with carbon fibre upper), lower panel and quad exhaust outlets with diamond-shaped exhaust tips. Inside, the diamond theme continues in the Alcantara and leather seat trim, with the steering wheel and gear-lever also trimmed in Alcantara.
The current supercharged LSA engine has been re-mapped and is fitted with a high-flow air filter to achieve its hike in power.
Just 15 Vauxhall VXR8 GTS-Rs will come to the UK, at an on-the-road price of £74,500.
The GTS-R will join another new Vauxhall – the Insignia Sports Tourer 2.0 (260PS) Turbo 4x4 – in Goodwood’s First Glance Paddock, next to the Cartier Lawn at the Festival of Speed. Both cars will be driven on the hill climb twice a day through the event by a series of high-profile drivers
Flagship 608 hp ALPINA B7 Bi-Turbo to be shown in UK for first time following Geneva launch
410 hp B4 Bi-Turbo Convertible combines luxury and performance with just 177 g/km of CO2
New UK-only ownership package
Visit ALPINA at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on Stand 7
ALPINA’s new flagship model, the astonishing 197 mph B7-Bi-Turbo launched at the Geneva show in March, will make its UK debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
The car will be displayed alongside the latest B4 Bi-Turbo Convertible – also making its first public appearance in the UK following its release last autumn – and the tax-efficient D3 Bi-Turbo. With CO2 emissions of just 139 g/km, the D3 Bi-Turbo (available in Saloon and Touring) offers very low benefit-in-kind taxation for businesses users combined with outstanding fuel economy, making it ideal for those wishing to drive long distances in a bespoke, high-performance car.
New B7 Bi-Turbo
With an ALPINA-optimised 4.4 litre V8 delivering a remarkable 608 hp and 800 Nm, the new B7 Bi-Turbo supersaloon will reach 60 mph (100 kph) in just 4.0 seconds and push on to 193 mph. Four Wheel Drive versions, available in left hand drive markets only, will reach 62 mph in an astonishing 3.7 seconds.
ALPINA’s team of 70 development engineers has analysed, modelled and enhanced almost every aspect of the vehicle’s performance, including optimising the air suspension, damping, active roll control and active rear steering, developing a strengthened gearbox that allows full-power upshifts and uprating the engine’s cooling to help ensure high-mileage durability.
Styling is also bespoke, with aerodynamic enhancements developed in BMW’s wind tunnel to ensure stability and efficiency at the car’s near 200 mph top speed.
Door sills are complemented by ALPINA Blue illumination of the B7 model inscriptions coordinating with interior ALPINA Blue mood lighting.
At the heart of the B7 Bi-Turbo is an ALPINA development of BMW’s direct injection V8 with two, bespoke twin-scroll turbochargers operating in parallel to deliver up to 1.2 bar with minimum inertia.
Particular attention has been paid to airflow optimisation, with short intake paths and optimised radii to allow near-instant throttle response. An indirect intercooler system (air/water/air) further improves both power and responsiveness, with a main intercooler feeding the two large-volume close-coupled intercoolers.
Together with additional radiators, the system ensures the thermodynamic stability of the V8 Bi-Turbo engine at all times, even under the highest sustained loads and most aggressive ambient air temperatures.
Very small numbers of the flagship ALPINA will be available in the UK, with prices starting around £115,000. Like all new ALPINAs, the new B7 Bi-Turbo will be supplied with a two year BMW-endorsed warranty.
New B4 Bi-Turbo Convertible
Goodwood is also the first UK public event for the new B4 Bi-Turbo Convertible. With more than 300 kW (410 hp) and 600 Nm of torque, the four seater touches 100 km/h(62 mph) from zero in just 4.5 seconds.
ALPINA’s careful optimisation of the powertrain and aerodynamics allows this remarkable performance to be delivered with combined cycle fuel economy of 37mpg and CO2 emissions of just 177 g/km.
“This is an exceptionally fast car – with near supercar performance – but that isn’t the point of an ALPINA,” emphasises ALPINA GB brand manager Gary Lott.
“This is a luxury convertible that is packed with character, rigorously engineered to provide fast, comfortable driving whether you are taking friends to the South of France or making an early morning sortie across the Yorkshire Moors. It’s a bespoke driver’s car to enjoy every day.”
Based on BMW’s latest generation 4-Series, the B4 Bi-Turbo is the result of a two-year development programme during which many aspects of the vehicle were refined to increase performance, comfort, efficiency and style.
Using design and validation processes identical to those implemented by BMW, ALPINA’s engineers worked with specialist suppliers to enhance the engine, gearbox, cooling system, body structure, wheels, tyres, aerodynamics, steering, suspension and interior.
The BMW ALPINA B4 Bi-Turbo Convertible is available in the UK from £62,950 and also includes a BMW-endorsed two year warranty.
New Celebration Ownership Package
To celebrate UK sales reaching 100 cars per year, ALPINA GB has put together a Celebration Ownership Package.
With reduced interest rates and strong demand helping to strengthen residual values, it is now possible to drive an ALPINA D3 Bi-Turbo Saloon from just £599 / month (deposit £12,000). Business drivers will also benefit from CO2 emissions that are substantially lower than those from other high-performance luxury cars, leading to Benefit-in-Kind tax of just £420 / month. Combined cycle fuel economy is an impressive 53.3 mpg.
The D3 Bi-Turbo will also be on the ALPINA stand (no. 7) at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
The company that was to become ALPINA has worked closely with BMW since 1961, with shared warranty cover since 1964. ALPINAs can be serviced at any BMW dealer.
51 years of high-performance cars
ALPINA Burkard Bovensiepen KG was established on the 1st of January 1965 in Kaufbeuren. Two years later it adopted the now-famous badge featuring a twin-choke downdraught carburettor and a crankshaft on a shield; a proud symbol of the company’s dedication to superb engineering.
Although today the company is focussed largely on road cars, its ethos has been formed by decades of racing success with a driver roster that includes Derek Bell, James Hunt, Jacky Ickx, Niki Lauda, Brian Muir and Hans Stuck.
Throughout this time, the close relationship with BMW was developing, with factory support for road car development and collaboration in motorsport that included commissioning ALPINA to develop the light weight race car that became the now-legendary BMW 3.0 CSL.
Today, ALPINA is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-performance luxury automobiles, selling on every continent yet still in numbers small enough to allow each car to be bespoke. Production reached 1,700 in 2014 – a new record – and there are currently no plans for significant volume growth beyond this.
“ALPINA is a company that creates subtly stylish, very high performance cars that can be tailored to each customer’s personal requirements, yet offer the long-term comfort and durability required for daily use,” comments CEO Andreas Bovensiepen, son of the company’s founder Burkard Bovensiepen.
“We have a unique philosophy and a commitment to engineering excellence that we intend to maintain and build on across the next 50 years.”
Andy Wallace drives new Jaguar XJR and Le Mans-winning XJ-R9 LM at Silverstone
XJR9-LM – one of one million XJs now built – back on track at night for the first time since it won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1988
Track session presents benefits of new Jaguar XJ LED headlights in day and night driving conditions
Wallace discusses new XJR headlight technology, which offers drivers more confidence, safety and performance at night
New short film captures all the action https://youtu.be/IgMxSkJb058
Legendary racing driver and 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Andy Wallace relived his 1988 victory by taking to the Silverstone circuit to drive the Jaguar XJR9-LM during day and night back-to-back with the new 550PS, 5.0-litre Supercharged V8 Jaguar XJR. Wallace discusses his experiences in the XJR9-LM and the new XJR in an exciting new film available to view and share at https://youtu.be/IgMxSkJb058
Driving at night on the Silverstone circuit gave Wallace the opportunity to test the new LED headlights on the new XJ, which are a first for Jaguar. “Driving at Le Mans back in 1988, it was so hard to see at night,” said Wallace. “We were travelling at around 240mph and it was too fast to see the road ahead. We used the lights more to catch glimpses of landmarks as they whizzed past, so we knew where we were.
“These days, modern road cars have incredible lights. LED technology allows you to see three times the distance we could back then, while active steer and bend also help target the lights to the places you want to see.
“As a driver, whether you’re cruising on the road or pushing for performance on track, that level of vision really helps to give you confidence and that improves safety, performance and precision. I would love to have had the modern lights we have now on the XJR9-LM.”
Ian Hoban, Vehicle Line Director, XJ said: “The XJ is now more dynamic and distinctive than ever, and taking the high-performance XJR to Silverstone gave an excellent demonstration of how the new LED lighting fitted to the car can benefit the driver.
"But the new LED lights are just one of many impressive new features on our flagship saloon. Delivering even greater levels of luxury and performance, it features our new world-class infotainment system and interior materials and finishes that create an even more bespoke feel."
The 2016 XJ has had a thorough exterior design refresh and the full LED headlights with unique double 'J-Blade signature' daytime running lights are one of the key additions. They are unique in the Jaguar range.
The LED headlights provide a colour temperature closer to that of daylight than the Bi-Xenon lamps they replace, improving visibility and driver comfort and also delivering a significant improvement in energy efficiency.
The most advanced lights ever seen on a Jaguar or Land Rover product, they also accentuate the 'quad lamp' design feature that Jaguar sporting sedans have made their own – a feature that also appeared on the XJR9-LM.
4.0-liter twin-turbo TFSI engine produces 605 hp, maximum 553 lb-ft of torque
Sportier interior and exterior design elements enhance performance-oriented appearance
Both S8 plus and RS 7 performance to go on sale December 2015
Audi today is announcing pricing for the 2016 S8 plus and RS 7 performance models. With more powerful engines and enhanced design elements, the S8 plus and RS 7 performance offer elevated performance and sportiness, further reinforcing the brand’s position in the premium sport sedan segment.
S8 plus
Enhanced for maximum performance and driving enjoyment, the 2016 Audi S8 plus is the latest variant of the A8 flagship sedan to enter the Audi lineup. Featuring a 4.0 TFSI engine with an eight-speed Tiptronic® transmission, the S8 plus produces an impressive 516 lb-ft of torque and 605 hp – an increase of 85 horsepower compared to the outgoing S8. With an additional 73 lb-ft of torque available through overboost, for a total 553 lb-ft, the S8 plus is one of the highest powered sport sedans in the premium segment.
The S8 plus accelerates from 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds, to a top track speed of 155 mph. The available Dynamic package increases the sedan’s top track speed to 190 mph. Core to the design of the S8 plus is the lightweight, aluminum body construction. Based on the lightweight ASF® construction, the sedan’s body weighs less than 510 lbs.
The legendary quattro® drivetrain comes standard along with a rear sport differential which further improves driving dynamics through active torque vectoring. Adaptive sport air suspension and dynamic steering expand the performance and luxury dynamics specifically for the S8 plus.
The S8 plus exterior features the high level of craftsmanship and design detail for which the Audi brand is known. A standard rear lip spoiler is painted in the exterior body color and the mirror housings are silver, differentiating it from the A8. New 21” 5-double-arm S8 plus titanium wheels are also standard.
The optional Black optic exterior package includes carbon fiber mirror housings, a black Singleframe® grill and window surrounds, a carbon front blade and diffusor trim and darkened taillights.
The optional Dynamic package includes high performance ceramic brakes and a carbon rear lip spoiler. The package also includes a modified sport exhaust system that gives the S8 plus an even more aggressive, powerful sound, and an increased top speed limiter, which increases the sedan’s top speed to 190 mph.
RS 7 performance
The all-new RS 7 performance model offers more power than ever before. The 4.0 TFSI engine now produces 605 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Adding to this power is an overboost function, allowing the driver to temporarily increase power to an impressive 553 lb-ft of torque. The RS 7 performance model sprints from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds and reaches a top track speed of 190 mph.
The standard eight-speed Tiptronic® transmission has been designed to provide quick, smooth shifts. The driver can choose between automatic modes or change gears manually either by tapping the selector lever or by using the shift paddles on the RS sport leather steering wheel.
The RS 7 performance is differentiated from the standard RS 7 with carbon ceramic brakes and RS sport suspension with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) along with new, striking details including a redesigned bumper with rear diffuser insert and sport exhaust black tailpipes, carbon mirror housings and the gloss black RS Singleframe grille. New RS 7 performance exclusive 21” cast aluminum wheels come standard.
The interior of the RS 7 performance comes standard with RS sports seats, with the option for black Valcona leather and Alcantara with blue contrast stitching and carbon twill blue inlays.
Timing and Pricing Details
Both the S8 plus and RS 7 performance will go on sale December 2015.
Model year 2016 S8 plus and 2016 RS 7 performance starting manufacturer suggested retail prices.
S8 plus
$114,900
RS 7 performance
$129,000
Prices above exclude destination charges ($925), taxes, title, options, and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price.
Historic Blower makes dynamic appearance at Quail rally
EXP 10 Speed 6 concept showcased at two prestigious events on the Peninsula
The new 16 MY Bentley Continental GT makes its North American debut at this year’s Monterey Auto Week, alongside inspiring models from Bentley’s past and future.
In a nod to Bentley’s illustrious heritage and celebrating its 85th anniversary, the iconic 1930 Blower Bentley makes its dynamic appearance in the Quail Rally. The week will culminate with a look to Bentley’s future; the EXP 10 Speed 6 concept will be situated on the Concept Lawn at The Lodge on Sunday, a vision of iconic Bentley design cues fused with progressive craftsmanship techniques to showcase modern British luxury.
Michael Winkler, President and CEO, Bentley Motors, Inc. comments: “The future of Bentley is now, and Pebble Beach is the perfect backdrop to showcase the new Continental GT alongside gems from our past and concepts for our exciting future.
The new Continental GT is a testament to Bentley trademarks of luxury and performance and we’re excited to share it with friends of Bentley during this gathering of fine automobiles.”
New 2016 Continental GT Highlights
The Continental GT has been refreshed for 2016 with a complement of new exterior design features. Adjustments to the front bumper and radiator shell lend a more assertive and confident stance to the front of the car.
At the rear the bumper has been reshaped and widened for an added sense of power, and now features full-width brightware. The revisions to the exterior aesthetic are completed with the addition of 20” and 21” wheels.
Visual upgrades continue inside the cabin, with a new and contemporary straight-fluting pattern adorning the four generous seats, while the Mulliner Driving Specification (standard on GT Speed) gains a tightened, “small-diamond” quilting pattern reminiscent of a tailored British jacket.
The mighty 6.0-litre twin turbo W12 powertrain has received a power and torque increase, from 575 PS (567 bhp / 423 kW) and 700 Nm (516 lb.ft) to 590 PS (582 bhp / 434 kW) and 720 Nm (531 lb.ft), to maintain the model’s reputation of effortless performance.
The power upgrade is accompanied by improvements to fuel economy of up to 5% and lower CO2 emissions of 329 g/km and combined fuel economy of 20 mpg (14.1 litres/100 km).
Bentley at Monterey Auto Week
Throughout the week, at the Quail Rally, the 1930 Bentley Blower will be continuing its summer of prestigious motoring events with a dynamic appearance alongside the flagship Mulsanne Speed, 2016 Flying Spur and the new Continental GT.
On August 14, Bentley will also debut its entire 2016 model range alongside the EXP 10 Speed 6 to the illustrious crowd at The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering.
On Saturday, Bentley will present the most extreme example of the Continental family, with the GT3 R, alongside its racing counterpart the GT3 at The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion held at the Laguna Seca Mazda Raceway paddock.
The highly lauded EXP 10 Speed 6 design concept will be presented on Concept Lawn Sunday at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance for the conclusion of Monterey Auto Week.
Auctions of Vintage and Classic Cars
Pebble Beach is renowned for its auctions of collectible classic and vintage automobiles. In 2015, five classic Bentleys are being auctioned by RM Auctions between Friday August 15th and Saturday August 16th.
1931 Bentley 4½-Litre Supercharged Two-Seater Sports in the style of Vanden Plas (presale estimate: $4,500,000 - $5,500,000)
The petrol-powered automobile was still in its infancy in 1907, and the greatest concerns for the motorist were a car’s ability to cope with gradients, the ease with which it could be steered, stopped and started again, but above all, its reliability.
However, very few early manufacturers could truly meet these requirements. Indeed, Rudyard Kipling, an ardent motoring enthusiast, summed up the mood of the time by saying: “I like motoring because I have suffered for its sake”.
Ever the innovators, Sir Henry Royce set out with Charles Rolls to build the best cars in the world and conceived a challenge, the successful completion of which would show the world what their motor car could achieve.
The challenge was not one to be taken lightly. A six-cylinder Rolls-Royce 40-50 h.p. (later known as the Silver Ghost) was to be driven over 5,000 miles in less than a month, without once entering a repair shop for the duration of the trial.
The mileage was twice the annual mileage a motorist would be expected to cover at that time and 748 miles would be covered as part of the gruelling challenge that would become known as the Scottish Reliability Trials.
Run in various forms since 1901, the Scottish Reliability Trials were administered by the Scottish Automobile Club and designed as the ultimate test over some of the most demanding and remote roads in Great Britain.
Starting and finishing in Glasgow, the route stretched as far as Aberdeen, Inverness and Pitlochry. Providing one of the greatest challenges was the already well-known Cairnwell Hill, on the route to Braemar, which included the Devil’s Elbow and is still the highest pass in Great Britain, peaking at 2,200 feet above sea level.
The 748 miles took five days to complete and 14 of 104 cars failed to make the finish. The Rolls-Royce 40-50 h.p. completed the Trials in style, comfortably taking the gold medal in its class.
While the Silver Ghost competed in the Trials alone, it was accompanied to Scotland by three other cars from the Rolls-Royce stable. That many owners took in Scotland as part of their travels made the Scottish Reliability Trials particularly relevant to Rolls-Royce, but the 1907 Trials were part of a bigger test and immediately the victorious car was again on the road.
Within two weeks of completing the Scottish Reliability Trials, the 40-50 h.p. had completed over 5,000 miles. That this had been done without once visiting a repair shop was an outstanding achievement for the time.
In 1911, Rudyard Kipling bought a Rolls-Royce. The only car he could afford, he said, ‘because they did not break down’.
Over a century later, the four contemporary Rolls-Royce models revisited some of the original routes conquered by the Silver Ghost.
The quartet completed a tour around the Cairngorms and Trossachs, including Cairnwell Hill, touring through the breathtaking scenery with an ease only to be expected from the descendants of the Silver Ghost.
Technology may have moved on immeasurably in 108 years, but the aim is still the same for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars today: to produce the best cars in the world.
