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IN THE NEWS: LIMITED-EDITION 570-hp Audi R8 Competition to Debut at LA Auto Show

October 28, 2014 / / 0 Comments

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HERNDON, Va., October 28, 2014 – Audi of America announces the debut of the powerful 2015 R8 competition at the upcoming 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show. The R8 competition redefines the iconic R8 as the pinnacle of Audi performance with 570 hp and racing-inspired, lightweight matte carbon elements.

“The limited-edition Audi R8 competition is the closest road car to our R8 LMS ultra race car that has won virtually every race around the world,” said Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America. “It is designed for the driving enthusiast and we’re excited to bring 60 units as a limited-edition to the U.S.”

The high-performance R8 competition features a 570hp 5.2L V10 mated exclusively to a seven-speed S tronic and a sport exhaust system with black high-gloss tailpipes. This combination results in a 0-60 mph time of 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 199 mph, making it the fastest R8 ever offered.

The R8 competition is engineered to push the limits, sharing the same naturally aspirated V10 FSI engine as the Audi R8 LMS race car which has won Daytona and Nuerburgring 24 hour races as well as all other major GT races around the globe. The award-winning GT-engine represents the pinnacle of durability, requiring its first major service after approximately 13,000 miles under race conditions or approximately one full race season. Competitor engines require a major service after one 24 hour race.

Further enhancing the unmistakable Audi R8 competition design are striking matte carbon exterior elements consisting of a fixed rear spoiler, engine bay, mirror housings, flics, side blades, front spoiler and rear diffusor. The combination of the carbon elements lower the weight of the R8 competition and also provide greater downforce. Gloss black wheels with 305 cross-section rear tires and ceramic brakes with anodized red brake calipers provide a stunning contrast to the matte carbon fiber elements. Inside, drivers will find a matte carbon fiber treatment including the center console and illuminated “R8 competition” door sill inlays. The R8 competition is an Audi exclusive line vehicle, which allows the driver to pair a variety of interior and exterior colors and choose from a selection of wheel finishes for a striking look designed to meet driver needs and tastes.

A total of 60 units will be produced at the R8 production facility in Neckarsulm, Germany. Customers can begin ordering the Audi R8 competition as of early November with deliveries expected as of the beginning of 2015.

Sir Ben Ainslie, Ross Brawn, Paul Hollywood Among Starters in Bonhams London to Brighton Challenge

October 27, 2014 / / 0 Comments

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Great British Bake-Off celebrity baker, Paul Hollywood, will be officially starting the 2014 Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run this Sunday, alongside Olympic legends Sir Ben Ainslie and Sir Steve Redgrave and multiple world-championship wining F1 team boss Ross Brawn. They will be tearing up the red flag on the start line of the run, commemorating the day that motorists could drive without a man walking ahead of them with a red flag and the raising of the speed limit from 4 to 14mph.

Paul will be driving a two-seater 1904 De Dion Bouton powered by a single-cylinder 6hp engine kindly loaned by the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu. “It’s going to be great fun,” commented Paul, “I’ve always wanted to do the Run ever since my granddad used to talk about it, so I’m really looking forward to the journey. I’ve got a real passion for cars and taking this trip with lots of other people who also clearly have a similar passion is going to be something really, really special.”

Paul was delighted to have an opportunity to get to grips with the unusual controls on the De Dion under the expert guidance of Ian Stanfield, Senior Engineer at the National Motor Museum’s restoration workshop. “It’s very different from today’s cars,” said Paul. “You control just about everything with your hands and that takes a bit of getting used to.”

For more details of the Veteran Car Run, visit www.veterancarrun.com.

ON THE BLOCK: Rare Bentley Headlines Silverstone NEC Sale

October 21, 2014 / / 0 Comments

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An incredibly rare and special 1954 Bentley R Type Continental Fastback, one of just three right-hand drive automatic examples produced, is set to headline Silverstone Auctions’ final sale of the year at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show on the 15th and 16th of November.

The late D Series car, estimated at between £800,000 and £900,000, is presented in impeccable, close to concours condition having benefitted from major works over the last few years.

Chassis number ‘BC9D’ was ordered on the 31st March 1954 by Mr. Alan G Clark. Clearly a discerning customer, Mr. Clark specified the car with an automatic gearbox and a number of special features including electric window lifts, flat petrol tank, Smiths ventilation and heating system and two RD 8187 Foglamps in place of the standard centre lamp. Being the late D Series it also benefits from having the larger 4.9-litre engine.

Like many of these Bentley models, the chassis was produced at the Rolls-Royce factory in Crewe while some 170 miles to the south, the lightweight, aluminium coachwork was being handcrafted by H. J. Mulliner & Co. The current owner has maintained the car to the highest standard regardless of cost.

The car is offered for sale with an extensive history file for major works undertaken to it during the last few years. This includes a full respray in Shell Grey complimented by a mid-blue hide interior and dark blue Wilton carpets.

Commenting on the impressive car, managing director of Silverstone Auctions, Nick Whale, said: “This car is a beautifully styled masterpiece, offering gracious classic motoring with just a hint of modern convenience. It is beautifully presented and testament to the pampered existence it has lived.”

The Bentley joins an eclectic offering at the two-day sale taking place at the NEC, Birmingham, which contains more than 100 classic and modern sports cars and 12 historic motorcycles spanning some 58 years.

The full list of cars on offer can be viewed at http://www.silverstoneauctions.com/nec-classic-motor-show-sale-2014.

For more information on the Bentley please visit http://www.silverstoneauctions.com/1954-bentley-r-type-continental-fastback-4629.

IN THE NEWS: Jaguar Heritage Driving Experience Lets Public Drive Legendary Jaguars

October 16, 2014 / / 0 Comments

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(Whitley, Coventry – 16 October 2014). Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations today announces the launch of the Jaguar Heritage Driving Experience. This range of exciting driving experiences gives participants the unique opportunity to take the wheel of cars including Le Mans-racing legend Jaguar D-type, legendary E-type and Jaguar’s most potent sports car ever, the F-TYPE R Coupé. Details of the new Jaguar Heritage Driving Experience may be reviewed at: www.jaguarheritagedriving.com

From November 2014 the Jaguar Heritage Driving Experience opens at an established 200-acre testing facility, Fen End, in Warwickshire, where visitors will be offered the chance to drive some of these icons of Jaguar’s rich product history.

Many of the vehicles in the collection will be driven by members of the public for the very first time, having been prepared for high octane test action following Jaguar’s recent purchase of over 500 outstanding British heritage cars from a private collector.

“This is the first experiential offering from our new division and is the first time in Jaguar’s history that we have made a collection of vehicles of this calibre available for ‘arrive and drive’ experiences. It’s an extremely exciting new project that underscores the very essence of what Special Operations is all about – celebrating heritage with our eyes firmly on the future.”  –

Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations Managing Director, John Edwards

The collection includes many iconic Jaguars, charting over 100 years of beautiful, fast cars from pre- and post-war road racers and Le Mans champions, to later sporting saloons and grand tourers. A variety of drive packages will be available, allowing visitors to experience a particular era or to journey through Jaguar’s history right up to present day heroes such as the F-TYPE R Coupé .

Example packages include:

Jaguar Experience (ranging from £95 to £250):

From passenger rides to driving alongside a seasoned professional (including some recognisable faces from the world of motorsport), visitors can choose from individual models – including an XK150 or Mark 2 saloon – or selected pairings such as the Series 1 and Series 3 E-type. There’s also the option to drive heritage cars alongside their modern counterparts, such as an E-type with a factory-fresh F-TYPE.

Le Mans Experience (£750):

Re-live the experiences of legends such as Mike Hawthorn and Duncan Hamilton for half a day, with drives in the iconic C and D-types that dominated the world famous 24-hour endurance race in the 1950s.  This package will also feature drives in the XKSS and F-TYPE R Coupé, and includes lunch.

Grace and Pace Experience (£2,000):

A full day of driving Jaguar Heritage legends, from post-war racers to sports saloons, coupés, roadsters and much more, including the new XFR and F-TYPE R Coupé models.  The Grace and Pace day will also feature opportunities to drive creations from the company’s Special Operations division, and includes chauffeur-driven transfers in classic Jaguar saloons to a lunch venue.

The first visitors to Jaguar’s Heritage Experience days will also be invited to exclusive guided viewings of the ‘Perfect Ten’ exhibition, installed at Fen End for a limited period following its recent launch at the Jaguar XE reveal at Earls Court, London. The ‘Perfect Ten’ is made up of iconic Jaguars selected by a distinguished panel including design director Ian Callum, Lord March of the Goodwood Estate and AC/DC front man Brian Johnson.  The selection includes the ultra-rare SS100 and the one-of-a-kind and priceless XJ13. More on the creation of the Jaguar ‘Perfect Ten’ can be seen in this short film: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Evq7wcq09H0

The facility at Fen End will also feature a new branded merchandise outlet – where the recently launched Heritage ’57 Collection is available to purchase. Full details of the new collection may be found here: https://shop.jaguar.co.uk/heritage

For more information visit www.jaguarheritagedriving.com, email bookings@jaguarheritagedriving.com or telephone 0333 577 0156.

IN THE NEWS: Ferrari Marks 60 Years in North America with F60America. And You Can’t Have One.

October 10, 2014 / / 0 Comments

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Maranello, October 10th 2014. To celebrate Ferrari’s 60th year in North America, Maranello has returned to its 1950s and 60s tradition of producing strictly limited edition, built-to-order cars. The result is the F60America, of which just 10 will be produced. The new car combines our American clients’ two great passions – the V12 engine and open-top driving – and is being unveiled tomorrow evening at an anniversary celebration gala dinner at Beverly Hills City Hall.

The decision to produce such a strictly limited edition pays homage to another great tradition. Just 10 F60Americas will be built as was the case, for example, with the 1967 275 GTS4 NART Spider, the open version of the 275 GTB4 that the importer, Luigi Chinetti, specifically requested from Enzo Ferrari for his US clients.

The F60America is powered by Ferrari’s award-winning mid-front-mounted V12 which enables the car to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.1 seconds.

Powerfully muscular, the car is clothed in beautifully sculpted and exceptionally balanced volumes, honed, as ever, strictly to aerodynamic requirements in line with the marque’s DNA.

The F60America’s personality is instantly clear from its flanks which are characterised by an innovative diapason design theme.  The front of the car is dominated by the classic Ferrari single front grille with chrome finish and integrated air intakes for the brakes.

Two leather-trimmed roll-hoops are backed by carbon-fibre-trimmed flying buttresses which stretch from behind the cockpit to the rear, imbuing the elegant harmonious forms of the tail with a sense of movement.

The F60America can be closed with a light fabric top usable at speeds of up to 120 km/h.

The cabin’s asymmetrical design highlights the driver’s area with sporty red trim, while the passenger side is black, inspired by the historic Ferrari competition cars. The cabin trim is exclusive with the dash, tunnel and door panels on the driver’s side all swathed in composite materials. The racing seats also feature a stylised American flag motif on the centre of each seat and backrest.

The F60America’s bodywork adopts the classic North American Racing Team livery, and the special Ferrari 60th anniversary Prancing Horse badge on the wheelarches also appears on the tunnel in the cabin.

The wonderfully elegant and unique F60America has entranced US collectors and all 10 examples are already spoken for.

IN THE NEWS: Porsche Unveils 911 GTS with Enhanced Power and Performance

October 8, 2014 / / 0 Comments

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Atlanta. Porsche has revealed the second generation of 911 Carrera GTS models. The GTS models are available as coupe and cabriolet versions, with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. These new models bridge the gap between the 911 Carrera S and race track tested 911 GT3. Several technical features heighten dynamic performance and driving pleasure, including the 430 horsepower engine from the Carrera S Powerkit which incorporates the Sport Chrono package and Sport Exhaust. The standard PASM active damper system lowers the ride height by 10 mm compared to the 911 Carrera.

When equipped with PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplung dual-clutch transmission), the 911 Carrera GTS sprints from zero to 60 miles per hour in 3.8 seconds (Cabriolet: 4.0 seconds) – which is one-tenth of a second faster than the S model. Top track speeds for the GTS models range from 187 to 190 miles per hour, depending on drivetrain and transmission. Despite quicker acceleration and higher top speeds, the GTS versions retain a similar level of efficiency as the 911 Carrera S models.

Added performance and an extended range of standard features make the new models attractive in price as well. Standard equipment includes Bi-Xenon™ headlights with the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) and the Sport exhaust system, which delivers an unmistakable GTS sound. The Alcantara® interior features leather-trimmed sport seats with center panels made of made of Alcantara® – a traditional feature of all Porsche GTS models.
The exterior of the new GTS models differs significantly from the other Carrera variants. All GTS versions are based on the 911 Carrera 4 body with flared rear wheel arches and a wider track.

Also standard are 20-inch center lock wheels, painted in an exclusive gloss black. Special trim elements and tinted Bi-Xenon™ headlights accentuate the front end, while black trim strips on the customized GTS air intake and black chrome-plated exhaust tailpipes distinguish the rear of the Carrera GTS models.

With the addition of the new GTS models, the 911 family now consists of nineteen sports cars which range from 350 to 560 hp. MSRP for the 911 Carrera GTS starts at $114,200, while the 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet starts at $126,100. The 911 Carrera 4 GTS will have an MSRP of $120,900 in Coupe and $132,800 in Cabriolet form. A destination charge of $995 is not included in the MSRP. The four models will be available at U.S. dealers by the end of 2014.

AT THE SHOW: Volkswagen Displays Brilliant Ducati-Powered XL Sport in Paris

October 1, 2014 / / 0 Comments

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Wolfsburg / Paris, October 2014 —There has never been a sports car like the XL Sport concept that is being shown for the first time by Volkswagen at the Paris Motor Show. This is a car that uncompromisingly furthers the development of the lightweight sports car. Based on the XL1, the most fuel-efficient production car of all time, this 168-mph machine is a compelling blend of efficiency and emotion.

The XL Sport houses one of the finest achievements in engine technology—the V-Twin adapted from the new Ducati 1199 Superleggera, the world’s most powerful two-cylinder motorcycle. Like the XL1, of which only 250 will be built, the Superleggera is also being manufactured in a limited edition of 500 units, using a process that embraces hand fabrication and high-precision industrial manufacturing. The XL1 and the Superleggera, two icons of lightweight carbon and magnesium design technology, thus unite to create a unique sports car. With the XL Sport, Volkswagen and Ducati impressively demonstrate how high-tech developments can lead to synergies between Volkswagen Group brands.

Pioneering aerodynamics. The Ducati 1199 Superleggera has the best power-to-weight ratio of any production motorcycle in history. In the car world, the XL Sport achieves a similar record—the best ratio between weight (1962 pounds), power (147 kW/197 hp) and aerodynamics (CdA of 0.44 square meters). It’s a combination that allows the car to reach an impressive top speed of 168 mph on just 197 hp.

The vehicle’s aerodynamics are one key reason the car performs so well. The coefficient of drag (Cd) of 0.258 and the low frontal area of 1.7 sq m combine to give a CdA of 0.44 sq m, one of the best values ever achieved and a major triumph for Volkswagen’s aerodynamicists and designers. The achievement is made all the more impressive due to the fact that the concept’s performance-car design brief demanded wide tires, apertures for cooling air, and optimal downforce.

There are a number of individual features that contribute to the XL Sport’s arrow-like performance, in addition to the uncompromising styling. These include special vanes that direct the air at the front into specific channels, wheelarch vents, an optimized underbody, lift-reducing air ducts in the hood, an extendable rear spoiler (powered by the same unit as in the Lamborghini Aventador), and adaptive air vents incorporated in the rear hatch.

The world’s most powerful two-cylinder engine. The Ducati 1199 Superleggera’s V-Twin engine was slightly modified for use in the XL Sport, but is basically the same as the motorcycle’s. Thanks to its tough, lightweight titanium connecting rods, the 1199 cc double-overhead-camshaft engine can rev up to 11,000 rpm. The Superquadro’s high speeds are made possible by its extreme bore/stroke ratio of 112 mm by 60.8 mm and the exceptionally short crankshaft stroke associated with it.

In addition, the two four-valve cylinders, which are arranged at an angle of 90 degrees to each other, feature desmodromic valve control (positive valve closure) that is typical of the high-revving Ducati engines and requires the finest of precision engineering to ensure optimum valve clearance. Other features of the world’s most powerful two-cylinder engine are the use of magnesium-alloy for the clutch, cylinder head, and oil pan covers, the two throttle valve discs, and the two fuel injectors per cylinder. Last but by no means least, the XL Sport has a newly developed step-down transmission to reduce engine speeds by a factor of 1.86. Torque from the V-Twin engine (99 pound-feet) is transmitted to the rear axle via a seven-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission. From a standing start, the XL Sport takes 5.7 seconds to reach 62 mph.

Racing chassis. The significantly redesigned chassis, high-revving engine, and aerodynamic performance firmly plant the XL Sport in the racing realm. The chassis incorporates high-strength steel subframes which house upper and lower control arms at the front with pullrod actuation for the dampers, while the control arms at the back have pushrods—similar to the layout for a racing car. The forged magnesium-alloy wheels, which save 53 pounds compared to aluminum-alloy rims, are fitted with 205/40 R18 front and 265/35 R18 rear high-performance tires. The XL Sport has a powerful ceramic brake disc setup.

CFRP body. Because the XL Sport is a sister model to the XL1, it shares the same basic design. Like the XL1, the central monocoque and most of the body panels are manufactured in carbonfiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) using the RTM (Resin Transfer Molding) process. The monocoque features slightly offset seats for the driver and passenger.

The wing doors of the XL1 and XL Sport are reminiscent of a high-end sports car’s. They are hinged at two points: low on the A-pillars and just above the windshield in the roof frame, so they swivel upwards and slightly forwards as well. The doors also extend far into the roof, giving an exceptionally large amount of entry and exit space. In order to keep the weight as low as possible, the windows are made from polycarbonate and are fixed in place: just a segment of the lower area of the side windows can be opened.

Compelling proportions. Despite sharing its underlying design with the XL1, the XL Sport has a look of its own. The reason for this is that the XL1 was designed for ultimate fuel efficiency, whereas the XL Sport’s design brief included uncompromising driving dynamics. The XL Sport is longer and wider than the XL1 because of the need for additional downforce on a 168-mph car and because of the packaging requirements of the chassis and powertrain. The XL Sport showcased in Paris is 168.9 inches long (versus 153.1 in for the XL1), 72.7 in wide (65.5 in), and 45.4 in mm high (45.4 in). The wheelbase has also been increased to 95.4 in, up from : 87.6 in.

Design concept. As outlined above, the concept car builds on the dynamic and expressive design of the XL1. The surfaces have an even more muscular appearance as they extend over the significantly broader fenders and the large wheels.

The XL Sport’s broad front section is marked out by dual LED headlights and the XL1’s signature LED daytime running lights. The XL Sport features air intakes on either side of the headlights for the vanes which feed the air around the car’s front end. In common with the XL1, the front section of the XL Sport does not have a conventional radiator grille, yet it retains the current Volkswagen design DNA, with horizontal lines dominating this area. The cooling air supply for the Ducati engine is via vents in the rear fenders.

Whereas the XL1 is at its widest at the front and tapers towards the rear, the XL Sport is just as wide at the back as at the front. From above, the shape is that of a classic racing car, with a waisted cockpit area. Air intakes and outlets at the A- and B-posts ensure optimal air flow and cooling for the drive unit. Like the XL1, there are no conventional door mirrors: instead, they are replaced by e-Mirrors, small streamlined cameras integrated in the fenders that send images of the surroundings behind the car to two displays inside the vehicle. In front of the rear wheelarches, the ‘Motore Ducati’ lettering refers to the 1199 Superleggera engine in the rear.

At the rear, the new XL Sport has four specific eye catching features. First, the extremely wide, flat rear has distinctive “shoulders” above the wheels and an extendable rear spoiler that occupies almost the full width. Second, as with the XL1, there is a coupe-shaped roofline without a rear windshield. The rear hatch that merges into the roofline conceals the Ducati engine, the seven-speed DSG transmission and 3.8 cubic feet of luggage space, and incorporates five louvers that open automatically to cool the drive unit. Third, the iconic red LED ribbon follows the shape of the rear section and is framed at the sides by another, vertical, LED element which serves to emphasize the XL Sport’s width. Fourth, there is a black diffuser that merges almost seamlessly into the completely enclosed underbody and is finished at each side with a chrome exhaust tip.

Interior design. The interior of the XL Sport is based on the XL1’s, but has been modified and individualized to conform with the change in the vehicle’s mission. For example, the XL Sport boasts a digital instrument cluster that includes a lap timer and oil pressure display. A carbonfiber cowl extends across the top of the instrument cluster to completely eliminate reflections. The XL Sport’s steering wheel has decorative red stitching and has been equipped with aluminum-alloy shift paddles to facilitate ultra-quick gear shifts. There are further classy details to add a sporty touch, with anodized aluminum accents around the air vents, the climate control fascia and the DSG shift gate. The seat belts are red, picking up on the theme of the contrasting red stitching on the steering wheel.

IN THE GARAGE: 2007 Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe

September 28, 2014 / / 0 Comments

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VINWP0AD29917S783821
Exterior[L041] Black
Interior[LE] Stone Grey Full Leather
Motor3.6 L Turbocharged H4 rated at 480 bhp
Gearbox[G975] 6-Speed Manual
Exterior ConditionExcellent (2+)
Interior ConditionOutstanding (1)
DrivetrainExcellent (2+ )
BrakingExcellent (2)
Suspension/RideExcellent (2)
Tires/wheelsVery Good (3+)

THE EVERYDAY SUPERCAR. Porsche Turbo. For four decades, those two words have evoked breathtaking performance, meticulous engineering and an assertive, sometimes audacious sense of style that has never been equaled. While each generation of the 911 Turbo aimed to one-up the previous one, perhaps the greatest leap came with the 997 model Turbo in 2007. It not only sported impressive numbers like 480 hp and 505 lb-ft of torque (with the Sports Chrono package), but it was the way in which that performance was applied. Porsche’s new Variable Turbine Geometry all but eliminated turbo lag and back pressure, thus the powerband of the twin-turbo 3.6-litre motor was unlike anything before in a turbocharged performance car (peak torque 1,950-5,000 RPM), virtually equal to one that is normally aspirated. Mated to a pinpoint 6-speed gearbox—the last generation to feature a manual—and the 997 Turbo Coupe delivers an exhilarating, driver-oriented experience. The 911 Turbo presented here is well optioned to further enhance that, including:

  • Sports Chrono Plus
  • Adaptive sports seats
  • Full leather interior
  • Factory short shifter
  • Multi-function leather steering wheel

Massive Bridgestone Potenzas with very good tread (~75% remaining) surround the stock 19″ Turbo alloy wheels OR Gloss Black 19″ Tech Art Alloys. Combined with the Turbo Coupe’s standard adaptive AWD, 350mm inner-vented disc brakes with multi-piston monobloc calipers, and an alphabet soup’s worth of electronic driving aids, it makes for a incredibly civilized canyon carver or track-day darling.

OVERALL CONDITION
The first thing we notice about this 2007 Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe is the deep, brilliant shine of its all-original Black paint. It is near flawless and the pampering given by its two owners is evident in every detail. Likewise, the interior is showroom fresh. The full leather upholstery shows virtually no wear and is more indicative of a car with test-drive miles than one that’s been enjoyed for more than 60K. Again it’s a testament to the care it’s been given its entire life. Mechanically, it benefits from a fresh major service and is entirely free of leaks, smoke and unusual noises. Clutch and gearbox are taut with no signs of wear. The 997 Turbo’s electronic, variable-assisted steering is precise with no slop, while the stock suspension provides superb feedback, perfectly balancing the car’s blistering performance. The optional Tech Art wheels are flawless while the stock Turbo alloys show only one minor rash on one wheel. Both sets are shod with Bridgestone Potenzas, with very good tread on both (Turbo alloys ~75%; Tech Arts ~%70). This 911 Turbo Coupe truly is the best of both worlds. It presents like a garage queen, but fully recognizes—at its soul—that it is a Porsche and isn’t the least bit shy about being driven.

DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
In many ways, the Porsche 997 Turbo Coupe is the materialization of all things Porsche. It unmistakably carries the legacy of Ferdinand “Butzi” Porsche’s ideal of the “formally harmonious product” he envisioned when designing the 911, yet it is an awe-inspiring marvel of technology at the same time. The combination of its revolutionary Variable Turbine Geometry combined with a host of electronic driver aids like adaptive all-wheel-drive, Porsche Traction Management (PTM), Enhanced Porsche Stability Management (PSM), and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), to name a few, made this the most drivable turbocharged performance car ever. It is brute power delivered through an unprecedented range. It invites the driver to explore its limits but can also keep itself perfectly in check, should the driver choose not to challenge their abilities. Porsche 911 Twin Turbo Coupe No. 3821 takes that even further with the added torques from its Sports Chrono Plus package, as well other driver-oriented options like Adaptive Sports Seats and a thicker, multi-function three-spoke steering wheel. Despite the technological brilliance of the PDK gearbox found in the 997.2 and 991, there is and never will be a substitute for the supple yet crisp shifts of its optional short shifter working through manual gears. It is neck-snappingly quick—3.7 seconds to 60 MPH and a top speed of 193 MPH—putting it within a car’s length of exotics like the Ferrari Enzo, Lamborghini Murcielago and McLaren MP4-12C. Yet it’s a car that is equally at home hauling bags of mulch with pygmy relatives in the back seats. Creature comforts like cold air conditioning, power windows and sunroof, and a full leather interior make for a pleasant cockpit. Ride is firm but not punishing, steering easy at lower speeds without losing road feel, and fuel economy is decent to boot. Maintenance costs are more akin to its Audi and Volkswagen cousins than the supercars it is compared to on spec sheets. It is a car that provides staggering performance in a real-world package. Formally harmonious, you might say.

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IN THE NEWS: Bentley Announces 530-hp 811-lb.ft Mulsanne Speed

September 16, 2014 / / 0 Comments

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(Crewe, 16th September 2014) 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.

Bentley Mulsanne Speed
Engine
Type6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V8
Max Power537 PS / 530 bhp / 395 kW @ 4,200 rpm
Max Torque1,100 Nm / 811 lb.ft @ 1,750 rpm
Transmission
TypeZF 8-speed automatic with Quickshift, Block Shifting and wheel-mounted paddleshift
DrivelineRear wheel drive
Ratios1st: 4.71; 2nd: 3.14; 3rd: 2.10; 4th:1.67; 5th: 1.29;
6th: 1.00; 7th: 0.84; 8th: 0.67
Final Drive2.92
Brakes
Front400 mm ventilated iron
Rear370 mm ventilated iron
Wheels and Tyres
Wheels9J x 21″
Tyres265/40 ZR21
Steering
TypeHydraulic rack and pinion with speed-dependant variable assistance
Turns lock-to-lock3.3 turns
Turning circle12.9 m / 42.3 feet
Suspension
FrontDouble wishbone, anti-roll bar
RearMultilink rear suspension with toe and brake reaction control
DampingSelf-levelling air suspension with Continuous Damping Control, automatic ride height control and four driver-selectable modes
Dimensions
Wheelbase3,266 mm / 128.6″
Overall length5,575 mm / 219.5″
Width (across body)1,926 mm / 75.8″ (width with mirrors folded)
Width (inc. mirrors)2,208 mm / 86.9″
Overall height1,521 mm / 59.9″
Fuel tank96 litres / 21.1 gallons / 25.4 US gallons
Boot volume443 litres / 15.64 cu. ft
Kerb weight (EU)2,685 kg / 5,919 lb
Gross vehicle weight3,200 kg / 7,055 lb
Performance
Top speed190 mph / 305 km/h
0-60 mph4.8 secs
0-100 km/h4.9 secs
0-100 mph11.1 secs
0-160 km/h11 secs
Fuel Consumption (EU cycle)*
Urban12.4 mpg (22.8 litres/100 km)
Extra Urban28.4 mpg (9.9 litres/100 km)
Combined19.3 mpg (14.6 litres/100 km)
CO2 emissions342 g/km
Fuel Consumption (EPA cycle)**
City (US mpg)12
Highway (US mpg)19
Combined (US mpg)14
Emissions ControlsEU6 / LEV 11

* Fuel consumption figures are provisional and subject to Type Approval.
** Fuel consumption figures are provisional and subject to EPA certification.

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