The first three pointed Plug in, that will be the S550 PHEV.

Efficiency = Performance

The new Mercedes-Benz S550 PLUG-IN HYBRID blends an ultramodern hybrid drive configuration with the unique innovations and the luxurious equipment and appointments of the S-Class. The luxury sedan impresses with exceptional dynamism and efficiency. Thanks to standard pre-entry climate control it also offers unique climate comfort. The first certified three-liter luxury sedan in the world is a further milestone on the road to emission-free mobility.

"The S550 PLUG-IN HYBRID is the first luxury sedan with the performance of a V8 and the fuel consumption of a compact model. The greatest challenge in this is to translate efficiency into superior performance. In this respect there is a highly interesting parallel with our successful Formula 1 racing car, which likewise has a turbocharged V6 engine and a high-tech hybrid drive," says Prof. Dr. Thomas Weber, member of the Daimler Board of Management responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development.

"The new S550 PLUG-IN HYBRID offers our customers the entire range of innovations that make our new S-Class so successful, and thanks to its intelligent operating strategy ensures outstanding driving pleasure and dynamism combined with the highest efficiency. Moreover, it allows completely emission-free driving for up to 20 miles," adds Ola Källenius, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing Mercedes-Benz Cars.

The Mercedes-Benz S550 PLUG-IN HYBRID offers a system output of 436 hp and 479 lb-ft torque, sprints from 0 to 62 mph in just 5.2 seconds and can drive up to 20 miles purely electrically. Key elements of this impressive output are the V6 biturbo and the intelligent hybrid drive. The new high-voltage lithium-ion battery with an energy content of 8.7 kWh can be externally recharged via the charging socket in the right side of the rear bumper.

The S550 Plug-In Hybrid model has environmental certificates. These document the model's environmental performance from development through to recycling across the entire lifecycle, and the performance is certified to internationally recognized standards by independent experts.

Regarding CO2 emissions, the certificate of the S550 PLUG-IN HYBRID states: "Over the entire lifecycle encompassing manufacture, use of over 300,000 kilometres (186,000 miles) and recycling, clear advantages result when compared with the S550. External charging with the European electricity mix can cut CO2 emissions by some 43 percent (35 tonnes). Through the use of renewably generated hydroelectricity a 56 percent reduction (46 tonnes) is possible."

The hybrid transmission is based on the 7-speed automatic transmission. The plug-in-hybrid system in the S-Class is based on the Mercedes-Benz parallel hybrid modular system. The common system-specific feature is the additional clutch integrated between combustion engine and electric motor. On the one hand, it decouples the combustion engine during purely electric operation; on the other hand, if the combustion engine is employed it affords the possibility to move off drawing on the performance of a wet start-up clutch. The clutch then substitutes for the torque converter and requires no additional space owing to its complete integration in the torque converter housing.

Haptic accelerator pedal: support for the driver

Climb in, start, drive off and, as well as exemplary efficiency, on request experience via kickdown the special acceleration of the electric motor – this is how easy hybrid driving is with the new S550 PLUG-IN HYBRID. For in everyday use it moves just as easily as any other automatic transmission car.

In the background, depending on the chosen operating mode, the intelligent operating strategy automatically selects the ideal combination of internal combustion engine and electric motor and in so doing not only adapts its strategy according to the charge status of the battery; it also foresightedly adjusts it according to the traffic or route. Anyone wanting to can also intervene manually and with the aid of four operating modes and three transmission modes regulate the hybrid interplay themselves.

What is known as the haptic accelerator pedal can signal via a double impulse when drivers should take their foot off the accelerator for sailing and recuperating. During electric operation it can supply the driver with feedback on the switch-on point of the combustion engine. The energy flow can be shown in all operating states in the instrument cluster and in the central display if this is selected by the customer.

The technical data at a glance:

Model	S 550 PLUG-IN HYBRID
Internal combustion engine:
Number of cylinders/arrangement	6/V
Mixture formation	High-pressure injection, 2 turbochargers
Displacement (cc)	2996
Rated output (hp at rpm)	329 hp at 5250-6000
Rated torque	354 lb-ft at at 1600-4000
Electric motor:
Output (kW/hp)	85 kW / 114 hp
Torque (Nm / lb-ft)	340 Nm / 251 lb-ft
System output (kW/hp)	325 kW / 436 hp
System torque (Nm/lb-ft)1	650 Nm / 479 lb-ft
Consumption combined from (l/100 km)2	2.8
CO2 emissions combined from (g/km)2	65
Efficiency class	A+
Electric range (miles)	20
Charge time 20%-100% (400 V/16 A – 230 V/8 A)3 (h)	2 – 4.1
Acceleration 0-62 mph (s)	5.2
Top speed (mph)1	130 mph
Top speed electric (mph)1	87

¹ Electronically limited, ² In accordance with NEDC, ³ Charge time at 230 V/8 A e.g. at a commercially available socket. Through settings on the control element of the charging cable shorter charge times can be realised (standard setting: 8 A), provided that the power supply system is designed for this. Charge time at 400 V/16 A e.g. at a wallbox. The voltage and current ratings indicated refer to the power supply infrastructure and can be limited by the car.

⁴ Sales price in Germany, incl. 19 percent VAT

The new Bentley Mulsanne Speed - The fastest ultra-luxury car money can buy.

• New Bentley flagship offering pinnacle of luxury and performance
• Legendary 6¾‑litre V8 engine advanced to deliver 1,100 Nm of torque and 13% more efficiency
• New sports suspension and steering creates tailored driving experience
• Assertive Speed styling with new exclusive and contemporary features

Bentley redefines the fastest ultra-luxury driving experience in the world with a new pinnacle flagship. The new Mulsanne Speed is tailored for the driver, with 537 PS (530 bhp / 395 kW), 1,100 Nm (811 lb.ft) and selectable sports suspension and steering on demand.

The reengineered powertrain, featuring Bentley’s mighty 6¾-litre twin-turbo V8, propels the Mulsanne Speed to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds (0‑100 km/h in 4.9 seconds) and on to a top speed of 190 mph (305 km/h). In modern Bentley tradition, the extra performance is matched by markedly improved efficiency; a 13% gain means a range extended by 50 miles (80 km).

New and contemporary styling features define the Mulsanne Speed as a statement in quintessential British luxury. On-board technology and connectivity are discreetly integrated beneath the finest materials, created with unrivalled craftsmanship and exquisite handcrafted details.

Chairman and Chief Executive of Bentley Motors, Wolfgang Dürheimer, comments:

“The new Mulsanne Speed is the car that defines Bentley, as a flagship for driving luxury performance. Our customers don’t compromise, and we’ve adopted the same approach in the design, engineering and crafting of our new flagship. The Mulsanne Speed is distinguished, calm and relaxing, but always with a connection to the road and relentless dynamic performance on demand. In this car, every journey becomes a drive.”

The Mulsanne Speed will be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show on Thursday 2nd October, and will be available for customer delivery this winter.

Torque pushed to record levels

At the heart of the Mulsanne Speed is Bentley’s iconic 6¾-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, which has been re-engineered for the Mulsanne Speed as well as the signature Mulsanne. A totally redesigned combustion system (including combustion chamber, inlet ports, fuel injectors, spark plugs, and compression ratio) promotes a much faster and more controlled combustion process. Through combining these advances with new variable valve timing and optimised turbocharger control, torque output of the engine has been pushed to record levels – 1,100 Nm (811 lb.ft) from 1,750 rpm.

The swell of torque from low engine speeds builds to a new peak power output of 537 PS, enough to drive the Mulsanne Speed to a top speed of 190 mph (305 km/h) – an unrivalled figure in the ultra-luxury sector. The 0‑60 mph sprint is covered in 4.8 seconds, with 0‑100 km/h taking just 4.9 seconds.

The new engine is paired with a recalibrated gearbox designed to enhance the driving experience of the Mulsanne Speed. The gear strategy is optimised for the new, higher wave of torque, and is designed for instant torque delivery on throttle application. The connection between the car and driver has been the focus, and extensive validation with both keen drivers and professional chauffeurs has proven the new setup. A new “S” mode gives the driver even more control, and maintains the engine speed above 2,000 rpm so that the turbochargers are always ready to deliver instantaneous performance.

An extensive recalibration of the engine management system has yielded benefits beyond increased torque and power. The cylinder deactivation system, that runs the engine as a V4 during light load, has been retuned for smoother transitions between V8 and V4 for even greater refinement. This work combines with a new gearbox control strategy and the engine hardware improvements to give a new level of efficiency for the Mulsanne engine.

Meeting the new EU6 emissions legislation, and designed to also meet the upcoming US LEV III standards in the future, the new powertrain records 342 g/km of CO₂ on the NEDC drive cycle – a 13% improvement on the current Mulsanne. The ensuing fuel economy improvements have extended the fuel range of the new Mulsanne Speed by 50 miles (80 km).

A Chassis System Tailored to the Driver

To deploy the effortless power and acceleration on offer in the Mulsanne Speed, an even more driver-focused Sport suspension mode is included. While the Bentley and Comfort suspension modes provide a comfort-focused and fully compliant chassis setup, the Sport mode stiffens the all-round air suspension for improved body control and adjusts the steering dynamics for greater feedback and accuracy. The driver can also choose to individually match steering, chassis and engine tunes according to personal preference through the Custom setting.

Through this new setup, the Mulsanne Speed builds on the abilities of the signature Mulsanne model, being able to switch from a communicative and enjoyable car to drive at pace, to a relaxing, comfortable and exceptionally refined limousine.

An assertive exterior

The Mulsanne Speed reflects its ground-breaking performance with new and more assertive styling features that are marks of distinction for Bentley’s pinnacle flagship.

A dark tint finish is applied to the exterior stainless steel matrix grilles, in a process unique in the automotive industry, with the radiator grille, lower bumper grilles and wing vents all featuring this exquisite treatment. The distinctive headlights of the Mulsanne show the same dark tint application, and at the rear of the car the taillights retain the “floating ellipse” design, but are similarly finished with a dark tint for a striking appearance, especially at night.

The Mulsanne Speed introduces Bentley’s first ever directional style wheel, with a design that is handed for the right or left side of the car. The 21" wheels, available in painted, polished and dark tint with machined accent finishes, are individually machined from solid forged blanks, before being perfected by hand.

Twin rifled exhaust tailpipes are the finishing touch to the revised powertrain, while solid, polished stainless steel Speed badging adorns the front fender and door tread plate areas.

Four new exterior paint colours are introduced for the Mulsanne and Mulsanne Speed. These are:

• Spectre: Seemingly black at first glance, heavy gold metallic and a hint of green result in a rich tone inspired by reptilian skin.
• Candy Red: A rich and deep liquid red.
• Camel: Reminiscent of golden sands, Camel has a bright metallic highlight with a butterscotch mid-tone.
• Marlin: A rich blue with a hint of green, inspired by the shade of deep ocean waters and with a metallic shimmer.

The “standard” paint range covers 25 shades, including Marlin, while the optional extended range features over 100 colours. A fully bespoke paint-matching service is available on request.

A Cabin of Contemporary Luxury

The cabin of the Mulsanne Speed is a contemporary reinterpretation of the exquisite interior of the Bentley flagship. To create a modern two-tone feel, a new and unique colour split is available, with new stitch lines, that balances diamond quilted light-colour hide with darker, smooth hide. A new technical veneer option is available, with Piano Black veneer panels now including expertly handcrafted carbon fibre inlays. These new, contemporary panels have been especially developed for the Mulsanne Speed and match the rich, lustrous finish of the Piano Black veneer.

The Mulliner Driving Specification interior features are fitted as standard to the Mulsanne Speed, and includes:

• Diamond quilted hide door panels and seats
• Indented hide headlining
• Embroidered Bentley emblems to all seats
• A coined finish to interior door handles
• Knurling to the sports gear lever and “organ stop” ventilation controls
• Drilled alloy sports foot pedals

Customers choose from 24 different hide colours, in six different colour splits, and ten different veneers (seven as cost options) when specifying their Mulsanne Speed. Included in these ranges is a new hide colour, Camel (to match the new exterior paint of the same name) and a new veneer to the Mulsanne family, Tamo Ash.

Concealed Technology and Endless Customisation

Concealed beneath the exquisite materials that define the Mulsanne Speed cabin is a suite of technology to make any journey as productive or relaxing as one desires. A 60 GB on-board hard drive can store the driver’s collection of music and films. Electrically-operated tables, with recesses and connections for iPads and matching keyboards, can be fitted to the rear of the front seats, while on-board Wi-Fi through a dedicated router keeps the car connected to the outside world. A frosted glass bottle cooler, complete with bespoke crystal champagne flutes, may be installed behind the rear armrest. A 2,200 watt Naim for Bentley premium audio system expands on the standard 14-speaker system and offers the best in-car sound experience in the world. Entertainment on-the-move can be provided through the Rear Seat Entertainment system, including two 8” screens and Bluetooth headphones.

Signature Mulsanne updated for 2015

The signature Mulsanne ultra-luxury sedan has been updated for 2015, to complement the launch of the performance-focused Mulsanne Speed. The Mulsanne receives the same efficiency upgrade through new engine hardware, with its 512 PS (505 bhp), 1,020 Nm (752 lb.ft) 6¾-litre twin‑turbo V8 engine also now 13% more efficient. Changes have also been made to the gearbox calibration of the Mulsanne, focussing on smoother, relaxed gear changes that promote a comfortable and refined driving experience. New paint colours, hide and veneers options are also available across the Mulsanne family.

The new Lexus NX 300h isn’t simply a crossover with SUV looks.

The new Lexus NX 300h isn’t simply a crossover with SUV looks, it comes equipped with an intelligent electric all-wheel drive system that provides extra grip just when the driver needs it. Light and compact, the clever technology also avoids the weight, packaging, emissions and fuel consumption penalties associated with larger, mechanical AWD systems.

Called E-Four, the system uses an additional electric motor to drive the rear axle, providing more grip and better vehicle control on slippery surfaces. The front axle is propelled by power from the hybrid petrol engine or electric motor, or both in combination.

E-Four works intelligently, varying the amount of drive torque to the rear wheels in line with  driving dynamics and road conditions, to secure just the right level of stability when pulling away or accelerating in low-grip conditions. As operation is automatic, the driver doesn’t have to think about engaging AWD.

It saves energy and fuel, too, as all-wheel drive is only engaged when it’s needed. When the system detects a loss of traction to the front wheels, it reduces the electricity supply to the traction motor in the transaxle and increases the supply to the rear axle motor. The rear motor also acts as a generator for the NX 300h’s regenerative braking system, increasing the amount of kinetic energy that can be harvested and stored as electric power.

E-Four is fitted as standard on all UK versions of the new NX 300h, apart from the entry-level S model, which has front-wheel drive only. Its efficient performance helps the crossover  achieve combined cycle fuel economy of 54.3mpg with 121g/km CO₂ emissions.

JLR hails a great success for the first Invictus games.

• Jaguar Land Rover congratulates the 413 inspirational Servicemen and women who have lit up the Invictus Games.
• Great Britain’s Joe Townsend and Denmark’s Maurice Manuel honoured with special awards presented by Olympic gold medallist Katherine Graiger, Team Sky’s Ian Stannard and rugby legend Lawrence Dallagio.
• Jaguar Land Rover extends its commitment to exploring ways to enhance the valuable role of veterans as skilled employees, to create a lasting legacy from the Games.

Jaguar Land Rover has paid tribute to the 413 Servicemen and women who have captivated the nation at the Invictus Games, and is committed to leave a lasting legacy from the Games.

The international sporting event, which has been championed by Prince Harry and presented by Jaguar Land Rover, saw Servicemen and women from 13 nations join together and compete across four days of inspirational sport.

At Sunday’s Jaguar Land Rover Invictus Games Closing Concert, two special awards were presented to Invictus competitors Joe Townsend and Maurice Manuel.

Townsend lifted The Jaguar Award for Exceptional Performance, having followed up his four gold medals at Wednesday’s athletics with silver and bronze in hand cycling on Saturday. Townsend, who has previously cycled 3,000 miles across the USA, was presented with his award by Team Sky cyclist Ian Stannard and Olympic rower Katherine Grainger.

The veteran Royal Marine, who lost both legs above the knee after standing on an anti-tank mine in Afghanistan in 2008, said: “To be selected for this award from over 400 inspiring competitors is very special. The first ever Invictus Games have been an incredible event and this award caps a week I will remember for the rest of my life.

“Winning four gold medals on the first day of competition was incredible. Sport has played a huge role in my recovery and the Invictus Games will hopefully continue to provide a platform for people like me to achieve their goals.”

Denmark’s Maurice Manuel was named the Land Rover Unconquerable Soul for going above and beyond, in his commitment to the Games. Captaining and coaching Denmark’s wheelchair basketball team to bronze, he also won silver in the javelin, bronze in the Ambulant IT1 200m and bronze in wheelchair rugby. All these were achieved this week, whilst he cared for an unwell family member.

Army veteran Manuel served on six tours of Iraq and Afghanistan, before having his right leg amputated after being injured by an IED in 2010 while working as a combat translator. He described the Land Rover Unconquerable Soul Award, which was presented by Rugby World Cup winner Lawrence Dallagio, as “an honour beyond measure”.

He said: “There are so many people I want to thank for this amazing experience, being part of the Invictus Games and for helping me accomplish my goals. Thank you to my family and to all the competitors for inspiring me and pushing me to exceed my own expectations.”

Dr Ralf Speth, Chief Executive Officer of Jaguar Land Rover, said: “We are immensely proud to have played our part in these hugely successful Games and would like to congratulate every one of the 413 competitors who have provided such inspiration this week.

“The Invictus Games have delivered four thrilling days of competition and further demonstrated the power of sport in recovery. The Games have demonstrated the potential of wounded, injured and sick Service personnel and once again highlighted the valuable role that veterans could play as skilled employees.

“With the Games now over, our work to leave a lasting legacy will now take centre stage. Jaguar Land Rover will continue to work closely with the Royal Foundation and the Ministry of Defence to explore innovative ways of enhancing the employment prospects of ex-Service personnel moving into civilian life, including those who are wounded, injured or sick.”

The Invictus Games were organised with the support and backing of The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry and the Ministry of Defence. The Games saw more than 400 wounded, injured and sick Servicemen and women, from 13 nations, compete at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the Lee Valley Athletics Centre, thanks to the Mayor of London, the London Legacy Development Corporation and the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority.

And the first product to be build at the JLR plant in China will be..... The Evoque.

The Range Rover Evoque will be the first model built at Jaguar Land Rover's new China factory, company CEO Ralf Speth said.

"We are starting with the vehicle with the highest demand (in China)," Speth told journalists at a press event in London.

Jaguar Land Rover may add production of its new Land Rover Discovery Sport at a later date, he said. "We are starting with one vehicle at first. We have to train our employees and bring them up to speed," Speth said.

The factory in Changshu, northeast of Shanghai, will officially open in October with production starting shortly after. Jaguar Land Rover's joint venture with China's Chery Automobile will run the plant.

It is the automaker's first full-scale assembly plant outside the United Kingdom and includes an engine plant that will start production in 2015. That plant will produce the automaker's new range of Ingenium four-cylinder engines.

China is a fast-growing market for Jaguar Land Rover. In the first six months, the automaker sold 62,479 vehicles in China, out of a global volume of 240,372.

The plant also will build vehicles to be sold under a new joint-venture brand, which was a condition of the Chinese government's approval of the factory.

Asked whether Jaguar Land Rover will build a long-wheelbase version of the new Jaguar XE midsize sedan in China, Speth replied: "If we do a longer version, then we have to produce the vehicle in China; otherwise it doesn't make sense."

Last year, Bernstein analyst Max Warburton wrote that the automaker targets sales of 150,000 cars in China in 2015. He estimated the firm currently makes half of its global profits in China, thanks to strong demand for the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport.

Last year, Jaguar Land Rover made a profit before taxes of 2.5 billion pounds (24.9 billion yuan).

Jaguar Land Rover currently builds cars from kits in India, and the company also has announced plans to build a plant in Brazil with production scheduled for 2016. Speth said the company was in talks to build a plant in Saudi Arabia.

JLR to build new Engine facility in China, before the first plant is up and running ?

VEHICLE manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover could be set to expand its facilities in China even before its existing plant gets into full production.

Reports have suggested the company could be on the verge of committing to a new engine plant to support its new factory in Changshu, in the Jiangshu Province – a joint venture project with Chery.

The Financial Times said the new engine plant would be built on the same site as the Changshu facility although it would be unlikely to see development until after the company’s new engine plant on the i54 site outside Wolverhampton had begun production, which is expected this autumn in advance of the launch of the Jaguar XE.

Such a move in China is a further example of how keen the company is to expand its international presence, especially in emerging markets.

It would also support JLR’s intention of doubling its current production capacity to around 600,000 vehicles per annum.

The Chinese engine plant would support both the JLR-badged vehicles being produced at Changshu and the domestic product it will be producing in partnership with Chery.

The newspaper quotes Ian Harnett, JLR’s purchasing director as saying the opportunity to develop the Chinese plant exists although he would not speculate on any timetable.

The company has been keen to control its own engine supply for some time as it gives the company greater control over its manufacturing strategy.

The FT quoted sources which suggested that construction of an engine factory in China could begin within the next two years. In the meantime, engines produced in Wolverhampton will be shipped to China.

“We will be building more engines in the UK than we do in China, for certain,” Mr Harnett told the Financial Times.

JLR chief executive Dr Ralf Speth said last month that it was likely the first vehicles produced at the factory would be rolling off production lines by the end of this year, ready for sale to Chinese buyers early next year.

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USA - 2015 GMC Sierra Carbon Edition adds style to popular pick-up sector.

Unique packages offer enhanced style and value

The 2015 GMC Sierra already offers an unparalleled blend of style and strength, but the new 2015 Sierra Carbon Edition, which will be available at dealers this fall, adds distinctive style to the mix.

“The beauty of the new Sierra lies in its strength and sophistication,” said Stuart Pierce, Sierra marketing manager. “But for customers wanting to stand out and make a strong statement, the Sierra Carbon Edition models are the answer.”

Based on the 2015 Sierra 1500 pickup, the 2015 Sierra Carbon Edition is offered in three different versions, allowing customers to hand-select the truck best suited to their lifestyle.

The striking Sierra Carbon 22 Edition, offered on both Sierra SLE double- and crew cab models, adds distinctive graphics that echo its name. Two carbon fiber appearance graphics emphasize strong forms in the Sierra’s hood, while another graphic dresses up the tailgate panel. Additional exterior touches include a black painted grille, along with body-colored door handles and mirror caps. 

The Carbon 22 Edition also incorporates four-inch black tubular side assist steps and unique 22-inch black alloy wheels. Carbon 22 Edition models also include fog lamps, remote keyless start, Universal Home Remote, a 110-volt power outlet and dual-zone climate controls.

The Carbon 20 Edition, offered only as a Sierra SLE double cab, incorporates the same painted grille and carbon fiber appearance accents as the Carbon Edition, and rides on distinctive 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels.

The standard Sierra Carbon Edition builds off the standard Sierra 1500 double cab model with many of the same cues used on the Carbon 22 and 20 Edition models. The Carbon Edition shares its black painted grille, carbon fiber graphics, and body-colored trim with other Carbon Edition variants, and also includes additional standard content including remote keyless entry, a 110-volt power outlet and light-emitting diode, or LED, cargo box lighting.

All 2015 Sierra Carbon Editions are available with two- or four-wheel drive. A 4.3-liter EcoTec3 V-6 engine is standard equipment, and delivers 285 horsepower, 305 lb-ft of torque, and EPA highway ratings up to 24 mpg. A 355-horsepower, 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V-8 is optional.

The 2015 Sierra Carbon Edition carries a suggested retail price of $33,075, while pricing for the Carbon 20 Edition and Carbon 22 Edition starts at $38,275 and $42,270, respectively. Dealers are accepting orders for double-cab 2015 Sierra Carbon Edition models. Crew cab models will be available to order in early October.