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ON FILM: “Born of a Blue Sky” Recounts 18th Annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance

May 7, 2013 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Born of a Blue Sky from LetsMakeMedia on Vimeo.

“Born of a Blue Sky has the same sort of visual presence as an impressionist painting,” said Bill Warner, Chairman and Founder of The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. “The video captures that special quality of light Amelia Island has on an early spring morning that makes classic and thoroughbred cars look spectacular.”

Filmmaker Justin Lapriore has condensed the 18th Annual Amelia Island Concours into a fluid series of impressions of the entire week from a personal, ground level perspective. The seminars, driving events and the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Porsche 911, Ford’s GT40, Lamborghini and the Corvette Stingray are shown as spectators see them on the Concours’ field.

“The video doesn’t simply focus only on the cars; it also shows the people of ‘The Amelia’ and their relationship with the cars and each other,” said Warner. “That’s what makes Born of a Blue Sky so special and compelling; I hope this is how everyone remembers the 2013 Amelia Concours.”

RUNNING OF THE BULLS: 350 Lamborghinis from 29 Countries Take Part in 50th Anniversary Grand Tour

May 7, 2013 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Milan/Sant’Agata Bolognese, 7th May 2013 – Setting off from Piazza Castello in Milan starting at 10 a.m. tomorrow, 8th May, the Lamborghini 50th Anniversary Grand Tour is the largest gathering ever of cars from the “House of the Raging Bull”, organised to celebrate the company’s 50th anniversary: a convoy of some 4 km long and 190,000 hp on the road.

The 350 cars (320 registered participants and approximately 30 courtesy cars for the press and guests) are now arriving in the parc fermè at Piazza Castello in front of the Sforzesco Castle, with their respective pilots and co-pilots totalling 700 people. Since last night, fans and enthusiasts have witnessed the unloading of the cars arriving from overseas and, as of this morning, the registration and entrance to the parc fermè of those driving to the first meeting point.

The press conference to announce the start of the Grand Tour was held this morning at the Pirelli Foundation, to highlight the partnership between the two companies since 1963, the year Lamborghini was founded.

A photograph of the 350 participating Lamborghinis shows 29 different countries of origin of the participants, who have travelled to Italy to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the company based in Emilia Romagna.

The most substantial representation of participants in the Lamborghini Grand Tour is from the United Kingdom with 71 cars followed by Italy, Germany and Switzerland with over 30 participants each. In addition, there are 21 cars with plates from the USA and 17 from China. The other countries represented are: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Principato di Monaco, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, The Netherlands, Tunisia, Ukraine.

The youngest driver was born in 1991 and hails from Kuwait, while the oldest is 75 and is a French national.

Historic Lamborghini cars on tour include three 350 GTs, five 400 GTs, seventeen Miuras, eight Espadas, two Jaramas, six Urracos, 15 Countachs, one LM 002, 21 Diablos and 36 Murcielagos. The record for number of cars participating goes to the Gallardo, the most successful Lamborghini model of all time, with 123 cars registered amongst the participants.

“For 50 years, Lamborghini has been the object of dreams and the symbol of Made in Italy. Our supersports cars are always on the edge of the most advanced technological innovation and for this reason the claim that we have set for our anniversary is ‘100 years of innovation in half the time’. Since our founder Ferruccio Lamborghini first founded the company, a characteristic inherent in our DNA is to address the challenge and not overcome it, but to push boundaries to achieve something even more extraordinary,” said Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “The 50th Anniversary Grand Tour, with more than 700 participants representing 29 countries, is evidence of the global dimension our brand enjoys today, and the strength of the Lamborghini myth that continues to grow.”

The first destination of the Lamborghini Grand Tour will be Bobbio, the soul of the Trebbia Valley, then the first day will be concluded in Forte dei Marmi, one of the most exclusive seaside resorts on the Tyrrhenian coast.

After Forte dei Marmi, the convoy will arrive on May 9 in Rome, passing through the base of the 4° Stormo of Air Force at Grosseto. The morning of May 10 it will restart again in the direction of Bologna, crossing the towns of Orvieto, Arezzo and San Giustino Valdarno, where all participants will stop for lunch at the Tenuta il Bobbio.

On the 10th evening, the cars will arrive in the center of Bologna, where the city will offer a welcome in the prestigious setting of Palazzo Re Enzo. The next morning in Piazza Maggiore the ‘Concorso di Eleganza Lamborghini 50° Anniversario’ will be held, which is open to all the historic cars participating in the tour, from the first 350 GT up to the latest Countach model.

On the 11th, the Tour will end in Sant’Agata Bolognese, headquarters of the House of the Raging Bull, where a gala dinner celebrating the Lamborghini 50th Anniversary will be held.

ON THE BLOCK: Au-Di – Princess Diana’s Audi Convertible at COYS Blenheim Palace Sale

May 7, 2013 / moto+match / 0 Comments

A 1994 2.5l Audi Quattro convertible once owned by Diana, Princess of Wales and to be auctioned by COYS at their traditional sale at Blenheim Palace on June 29th has gone on display in London at the Grange St. Paul’s Hotel.

This Audi was the family car in which Diana, Princess of Wales was photographed in a number of occasions driving Their Royal Highnesses Prince William and Prince Harry in 1994.

Chris Routledge, Managing Director of COYS, said: “This is an extraordinary opportunity to own a piece of Royal History. We have put a guide price on the car of between £20,000 and £25,000 but we have no idea what it will go for.“

He added: “Although we have not formally released the fact that the car was for sale until this press release we have already had enquiries from around the world and particularly from America.”

Claire Farrington, Partnership Manager of Grange Hotels, said: ”We are delighted that potential purchasers and the public will have a chance to see this iconic car on display at the Grange St. Paul’s which of course is just a few yards from St. Paul’s Cathedral which holds such an important place in the history of the British Royal family.”

The car is in immaculate condition and has only 21,000 miles on the clock. Visitors to the Hotel will also have the opportunity of leaving a sealed bid for the vehicle, which will then be given to the auctioneer at Blenheim. COYS and Grange Hotel are also planning a competition where the lucky winner will be driven in the car at the Blenheim auction, entertained to lunch and will then attend the auction.

ON THE BLOCK: Stunning Aston-Martin DB 2/4 MkII Supersonic Highlights RM Auctions-Sotheby’s Automotive Artistry Sale in New York

May 7, 2013 / moto+match / 0 Comments

BLENHEIM, Ontario (April 30, 2013) – RM Auctions, in association with Sotheby’s, is delighted to announce a new sale in New York City, November 21. The exclusive auction will celebrate the motor car and its place in the history of design, focusing on iconic styling and the artistry of combining automotive function with exquisite form. Featuring approximately 35 handpicked automobiles from around the world, the auction will be held at Sotheby’s global headquarters in New York and will represent the first time a major collector car auction has been held in Manhattan in over a decade. With an emphasis on bespoke design and ‘best of category’ examples from the world’s most admired automotive marques, the sale will feature one of the most significant collections of motor cars offered in auction history.

As a prelude to the sale, an extraordinary exhibition showcasing the vehicles on offer will be held November 19 – 20 on the 10^th floor galleries at Sotheby’s New York—a setting customarily reserved for the display of world-class works of art offered at Sotheby’s.

“In recent years, collector cars have enjoyed phenomenal interest from enthusiasts and experts who value their historic importance and rarity alongside the achievements of their creators, coachbuilders, engineers and designers, who must be counted amongst the world’s great artistic visionaries,” says Rob Myers, Chairman & Founder, RM Auctions. “Our upcoming New York sale will celebrate the historic importance of the automobile—a singular achievement at the crossroads of art, technology and innovation—at the same time paying tribute to the creativity, styling and imagination of the world’s leading coachbuilders. We are delighted to be working with the team at Sotheby’s for this exclusive event. From the exhibition on their 10^th floor galleries to the incredible caliber of the consignments on offer, it will certainly be a sale like no other.”

Maarten ten Holder, Sotheby’s Managing Director, Americas, commented, “We are thrilled that this autumn Sotheby’s will host the first ever automobile exhibition in our 10th floor galleries when 35 of the world’s finest and most important cars will be shown ahead of the RM sale on November 21. As the first car auction in Manhattan for over 10 years and one of the most significant ever held, this is set to be an unprecedented and historic event.”

Leading early highlights for the sale is the stunning 1956 Aston Martin DB 2/4 MkII ‘Supersonic’, chassis AM300/1/1132. A truly one-off creation, ‘1132’ received its bodywork from the renowned Ghia coachworks of Turin, Italy. It is the only Supersonic built on an Aston Martin chassis, was first displayed at the 1956 Turin Auto Salon and was driven by American grand prix racing driver Harry Schell. The car’s first registered owners were newlywed New Yorkers Gail Whitney Vanderbilt and her husband, the record-setting water skier Richard C. Cowell, who took delivery directly from David Brown and were photographed with this car by Life magazine whilst living in the South of France. It was then acquired in the late 1950s by noted American collector Robert Lee and benefits from known ownership history through the present day. Offered for sale from the distinguished James Patterson Collection, it is the recipient of a recent, thorough, no-expense-spared, Pebble Beach award-winning restoration.

“A completely bespoke creation, “1132” is unlike any other Aston Martin of its era,” adds Myers. “From the oval egg-crate grille and covered headlamps to the arrow-like spear running along its sides, Supersonic tailfins and Jet Age tail lamps, it is truly a masterpiece of the automotive designer’s art and emblematic of the most advanced postwar alloy coachwork. Considered alongside what the automotive industry offered the public in 1956, this Aston Martin was not only fast and exclusive, it was downright wild! It’s pop art on wheels!”

The striking Aston Martin, which carries a pre-sale estimate of $1,500,000 – $2,000,000, will be on display in Sotheby’s York Avenue lobby, New York, from today (April 30) through May 7.

Further information on the sale will be provided in the summer.

IN THE NEWS: Porsche 911 Turbo and Turbo S Sets New Benchmark

May 3, 2013 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Atlanta. The Porsche model offensive in the anniversary year of the 911 is reaching new heights. Fifty years ago, the 911 made its debut at the Frankfurt International Auto Show – and just ten years later, the first 911 Turbo prototype was at the IAA. On this 40th anniversary of the 911 Turbo, Porsche is now presenting the new generation 911 Turbo and Turbo S – the technological and dynamic performance peak of the 911 series. A new all-wheel-drive system, active rear axle steering, adaptive aerodynamics, full-LED headlights, and up to 560 hp from a flat six-cylinder engine with twin-turbochargers underscore the role of the new generation 911 Turbo as an ultra performance car, every day car, and technology flagship. Playing an equally crucial role are an entirely new chassis and lightweight design with a 3.9-inch longer wheelbase and larger 20-inch wheels. The Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) active anti-roll system, which is being offered for the first time in 911 Turbo models, increases dynamic performance even more. This system is standard equipment in the 911 Turbo S, as is Sport Chrono Package Plus with dynamic engine mounts, and Porsche Carbon Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB); all of these features are also available as options in the 911 Turbo. The result: The new 911 Turbo S shortens the lap time for the North Loop of the Nurburgring to well under 7 and a half minutes – with standard production tires.

Improved Performance and Efficiency

The new engine and refined PDK transmission is partnered with a new Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel drive system. The turbocharged 3.8-liter six-cylinder engine with direct fuel injection produces 520 hp in the 911 Turbo and 560 hp in the S model. Porsche continues to be the only carmaker to offer two turbochargers with variable turbine geometry on a gasoline engine. Power is transferred to the drivetrain via a seven-speed dual clutch transmission (PDK), which now enables an auto start/stop function with engine shutoff, which activates earlier while the car is coming to a stop as well as when coasting at speed. A new combined thermal management system for the turbo engine and the PDK transmission are projected to result in real world fuel economy improvements when final U.S. EPA label values are calculated closer to the time the car is on sale in the United States. Induction and engine sounds are transmitted to the passenger compartment via a speaker diaphragm.

New all-wheel drive with electro-hydraulic control

For even faster and more precise power distribution to the front and rear axles, Porsche developed a new PTM all-wheel drive system with electronically controlled and activated multi-plate coupling. The system is equipped with a new water cooling function, which allows for more strength, and therefore more drive torque to the front wheels, than the system in the previous 911 Turbo. Simultaneously, the optimized interplay of the engine, transmission and all-wheel drive systems results in significant improvements to the acceleration capabilities of the 911 Turbo and Turbo S. The 911 Turbo with the optional Sport Chrono Package Plus accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds, on its way to a top track speed of 196 mph. The 911 Turbo S handles the sprint to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds, with a top track speed of 198 mph.

Widest body of all 911 cars

Visually, the two new top variants of the 911 lineup are set apart from other models more than ever. The characteristic expansively wide rear body panels of the new generation 911 Turbo are a further 1.1 inches wider than on the 911 Carrera 4- the fenders feature a nearly level surface, about the width of a hand, between the C-pillar and the outer edge of the car body. Other differentiating characteristics include forged two-tone 20-inch aluminum wheels. On the 911 Turbo S they have center hub wheel locks. The Turbo S is further differentiated by new, standard full-LED headlights that feature four-point daytime running lights and camera-based high/low beam control, which can be ordered as an option for the 911 Turbo.

Rear wheel steering notably enhances responsiveness

The introduction of rear wheel steering in all turbo models immensely improves both track driving capability and everyday performance of the two new sports cars. The system consists of two electro-mechanical actuators, instead of the conventional control links, on the left and right rear axles. The steering angle of the rear wheels can be varied by up to 2.8 degrees, depending on vehicle speed. At speeds up to 31 mph, when the front wheels are turned, the system steers the rear wheels in the opposite direction. This actually corresponds to a virtual shortening of the wheelbase by 9.8 inches, which gives the 911 Turbo unrivalled performance in curves. The system lets the car turn faster into corners and offers more dynamic steering response. This noticeably simplifies maneuvering and parking.

At speeds above 50 mph, the system steers the rear wheels parallel to the front wheels. This is equivalent to a virtual lengthening of the wheelbase by 19.6 inches and gives the car tremendous directional control capability. At the same time, the steering input by the driver leads to significantly faster build-up of lateral force at the rear axle, which responds to steering commands even more quickly.

Active aerodynamics improve efficiency and performance

Porsche developed an active aerodynamic system on the new 911 Turbo models for the first time. It consists of a retractable three-stage front spoiler, whose segments can be pneumatically extended, and a deployable rear wing with three adjustable wing positions. This makes it possible to tune the aerodynamics of the 911 Turbo to fulfill driver wishes for either optimal efficiency or top dynamic performance. In the performance position, all segments of the front spoiler are fully extended, and they generate considerable down force at the front axle. Similarly, the rear wing is extended to its maximum height with the greatest angle of attack. This also generates more down force at the rear axle. Dynamic performance is improved to such an extent that lap times at the North Loop of the Nurburgring are improved by up to two seconds due to this system alone.

New interior with high-end features

The interior was completely redesigned in both 911 Turbo models, and it builds on the 911 Carrera family. The S model is particularly well equipped, offering such features as an exclusive interior in a black/Carrera red color combination and standard Sport Seats Plus with 18-way adjustment and memory. In addition, the seat back shells are upholstered in leather with double cap seams and various elements in carbon look. As on the previous models, the Bose® sound system is installed as standard; for the first time, a Burmester® system is also available as an optional feature. A radar-controlled cruise control system, camera-based road sign recognition, and speed limit recognition are other new options being offered.

The new top models of the 911 model series arrive on the market at the end of 2013 in the United States. The 911 Turbo is priced from $148,300 while the 911 Turbo S begins at $181,100, not including a destination charge of $950.

ON THE BLOCK: “Enzo’s Favourite” 1964 330GT Series 1 at Silverstone

April 26, 2013 / moto+match / 0 Comments

A 1964 Ferrari 330GT Series 1, once described by Enzo Ferrari himself as his favourite model, will be one of the star lots being offered by Silverstone Auctions at its next sale on 17th May.

Yet it’s not hard to see why it caught the eye and captured the heart of Enzo as elegance mated with power and performance made sure the 330GT was always destined for greatness.

Estimated at between £95,000 to £110,000, a world-class car needs a world-class surrounding when it’s being offered for sale, so the ultra-modern Wing building at Silverstone race track is more than fitting.

Here, bidders and admirers will be able to view the car in-the-metal before the auction starts, possibly paying close attention to the stunning Ferrari Blu Pozzi paintwork, shimmering chrome work or simply the original Borrani wheels!

However, there’s much to enjoy about this left-hand drive model that was imported back from the US to the UK in 2002, when it was then owned by an engineer who made sure it was properly maintained and wanted for nothing.

More recently in its current ownership it has benefitted from a strip and re-spray, no doubt which would have had the seal of approval from Enzo himself.

Other Ferrari’s also at the Silverstone Auctions sale include a 1986 Testarossa estimated at between £50,000 to £60,000, a 1974 Dino 308 GT4, estimated at between £19,000 to £23,000, a 1994 348 Spider, estimated at between £27,000 to £32,000 and a 1988 412i, estimated at between £15,000 to £20,000.

For more information about the 1964 Ferrari 330GT Series 1, or for any of the other lots being offered at Silverstone on 17th May, then visit www.silverstoneauctions.com.

ON THE BLOCK: Unique Maserati Merak by Saurer at Silverstone

April 22, 2013 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Take one already amazing sports car and put it in the hands of motorsport specialists Carrosserie Saurer in Switzerland and the end result is a truly exceptional example of automotive styling and engineering.

Indeed, while the word ‘unique’ is widely overused, it takes just one look at this stunning silver 1975 Maserati Merak by Saurer, which is being offered on 17^th May at the Silverstone Auctions hosted International Trophy Sale, to know it is not a cliché.

Being incredibly rare also means it’s a well-known and well-documented motor car, ensuring that whoever has the pleasure of owning it next will know its complete history.

Life began for this 1975 model as any other Merak (if there is such a thing as ‘any other Merak’) but this particular example was earmarked for greatness.

In 1984 its painstaking transformation at Swiss-based Saurer, a land famed for precision engineering took shape.

The redesigned bodywork was formed to create what Paul Saurer considered to be his ideal ‘Hot Merak’ and the end result exceeded expectations and which will be available to view in the ultra-modern Wing building at Silverstone race track before the car auction commences at 2pm on Friday 17^th May.

However, it’s not just the eye-pleasing redesign that catches the attention because all the original running gear has been retained – only increasing its collectability.

For more information about this very special 1975 Maserati, estimated at between £35,000 to £40,000, or for any of the other cars being offered at the International Trophy Sale, visit www.silverstoneauctions.com.

ON THE BLOCK: Ex-Fangio Mercedes-Benz W196 Highlights Bonhams Goodwood Sale

April 22, 2013 / moto+match / 0 Comments

The double Formula 1 Grand Prix-winning Mercedes-Benz W196 which helped five-time world champion Juan Manuel Fangio to his second drivers’ championship in 1954 is to be offered for sale by Bonhams at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on Friday 12th.

Fangio’s victories in the 1954 German and Swiss Grands Prix were the first to be achieved in succession by the frontier-technology Mercedes-Benz factory Formula 1 team in its postwar racing come-back.

During just 14 months of Formula 1 racing before it was retired from racing by the German factory team at the end of 1955, chassis 00006/54 contested five World Championship-qualifying Grand Prix races. Driven first by Fangio, it was later assigned to junior driver Hans Herrmann for the 1954 Italian GP, where it finished fourth.The car was then used in just one 1955 Grand Prix – the Italian event – when, driven by Karl Kling, it ran in second place behind Fangio’s sister Mercedes-Benz before suffering gearbox failure.

The car was then re-prepared to full race standard and consigned to the Daimler-Benz Museum on December 22, 1955.

In June 1965 it was exhibited in Munich and during 1966 it was shown at both Le Mans in France and Hockenheim in Germany. It then appeared at the 1967 British Grand Prix at Silverstone, before being run in a tire test at the Unterturkheim factory test-track, and displayed in Berlin. In November 1967 it was exhibited at Stuttgart University.

Further public appearances followed in 1969 in Luxembourg, Berlin and Hamburg. A Daimler-Benz Museum archive document records that as of November 5, 1969, the car “should be available at any time for R. Uhlenhaut” – the company’s illustrious chief engineer – “…for testing purposes”.

On June 24, 1972, the car ran in engine tests at Unterturkheim before on May 22, 1973, Mercedes-Benz officially presented it to the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, Hampshire, England.

In the 1980s the car was sold into private hands. It was preserved first in the UK by Anthony – now Sir Anthony – Bamford of JCB Excavators, then in France with Jacques Setton. It passed subsequently into the ownership of a German businessman in whose care the car was run at the Monaco Historic meeting; at Goodwood; and in California from 1999-2000.

Today, after many years out of public view, stored in a warehouse, Mercedes-Benz W196 chassis 00006 is offered for sale by Bonhams.

IN CELEBRATION: “100 Years of Innovation in Half the Time” Marks 50 years of Automobili Lamborghini

April 10, 2013 / moto+match / 0 Comments

In 2013, the 50th year since it was founded, Automobili Lamborghini is participating in the annual Techno Classica fair at Essen, where Lamborghini will be showing two of its supercars that have made automotive history, at pavilion 7.

Introduced in 1964, the 350 GT was the first mass-produced Lamborghini, while the 1972 P 400 Miura SV was the final evolution of the legendary Miura – the first super sports car with a modern design. Both vehicles on display were taken from the extensive collection of historic cars in the Lamborghini Museum at the company’s headquarters in Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy.
An expert on replacement parts for classic cars will also be at the stand to provide information on original spare parts for early Lamborghini models.

The Lamborghini 350 GT
Characterized by its balanced lines and developed by Franco Scaglione from prototypes of the 350 GTV, the 1964 350 GT was the first Lamborghini to be mass-produced. With its 3.5 liter, 12 cylinder engine perfected by engineer Giotto Bizzarrini and rated at 280 hp, it could reach a maximum speed of 250 km/h. The vehicle body featured aluminum components, four-wheel independent suspension and disc brakes on all four wheels. And, some models were equipped with a self-locking differential. By the end of 1966, 120 of these remarkable vehicles had been produced at Carrozzeria Touring. The final versions featured a 4 liter engine with the same power as the 3.5 liter power plant, but with greater torque. Carrozzeria Touring also produced two Spyders (350 GTS).

The Lamborghini Miura P 400 SV
Steady demand for the Miura S prompted Lamborghini to introduce a more advanced version called the SV (Super Veloce). This occurred during development of the subsequent, revolutionary model called the Countach LP 500, which made its worldwide debut in the spring of 1971. The Miura P 400 SV was equipped with a 4 liter, 385 HP V12 engine and attained a maximum speed of over 290 kmh.

Although it lacked the signature “eyebrows” over the headlamps, the SV stood out for its new rear suspension, wider track and more powerful engine. And unlike previous models, it was equipped with separate lubrication. The last Miura produced in January 1973 was purchased by a famous Italian industrialist. 150 of these remarkable cars were built from 1971 to 1972.

Original Lamborghini Replacement Parts
Preserving the models produced over the fifty-year history of Automobili Lamborghini is in the interests not only of Lamborghini itself, but also of the world’s countless keen collectors of the marque. Authorized Lamborghini Workshops specialize in servicing classic Lamborghinis. A web portal that can be entered from any point in the world provides access to catalogues of every Lamborghini model and enables the desired spare part to be conveniently ordered. If a special component is not available, it can be produced right away from the original blueprints. An expert in the sector of replacement parts will be at the Lamborghini stand at Techno Classica to answer questions about obtaining original parts for classic Lamborghinis.

Lamborghini’s 50th Anniversary
In 2013, Automobili Lamborghini is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its founding with a series of international events involving customers, dealers and fans of the marque. The festivities will hit their high point with the “Lamborghini 50th Anniversary Grande Giro”.

On May 7-11, 2013, more than 300 Lamborghinis from every period in the company’s history will travel 1200 kilometers along the Italian peninsula. On the first leg, Lamborghini owners from 29 countries will journey from Milan to Forte dei Marmi. Next, they will continue on to Rome, and finally return to Bologna on May 10. On May 11, a Concours d’Elegance will be held in Piazza Maggiore in Bologna, and all participants will then parade to Sant’Agata Bolognese, where Lamborghini 50th celebrations will culminate in a festive gala dinner.

AT THE SHOW: Bentley’s New Flying Spur and Updated Mulsanne Debut in New York

March 28, 2013 / moto+match / 0 Comments

(New York, 27 March 2013) The new Bentley Flying Spur, the world’s most refined performance sedan, makes its North American debut at the New York International Auto Show today.

“We’re excited to show the new Flying Spur in one of Bentley’s most important markets in the world – New York,” said Christophe Georges, President and COO, Bentley Motors, Inc.

“The Flying Spur meets the desires of our customers perfectly and is a car only Bentley could make – timeless design inside and out, ultimate material quality, attention to detail, class leading refinement, and effortless performance.”

Establishing a new luxury sedan benchmark
With its unrivalled blend of effortless driveability, exquisite luxury and craftsmanship, sculpted design and state-of-the-art technology, the new Flying Spur takes the worldwide success of its iconic predecessor further.

Bentley’s styling team has developed an athletic design for the new Flying Spur that combines traditional Bentley styling cues with a sporting stance and contemporary details. Sharp feature lines complement muscular rear haunches, while LED day-time running lights, dipped headlights and taillights complement the front and rear profiles. The interior designers have created a luxurious, spacious cabin that dresses advanced acoustic and electronic technologies in exquisite hand-crafted leather hides and wood veneers.

Driver and passengers alike interface with the car and the outside world through touch-screen infotainment, mobile connectivity including Wi-Fi, a Rear Seat Entertainment suite and a new bespoke hand-held Touch Screen Remote which allows rear-cabin occupants to control an extensive range of features from the comfort of their seat. An eight-channel, eight-speaker audio system with Balanced Mode Radiators provide high quality sound clarity, with the 1100W Naim^® for Bentley premium system available as an option.

Powering the new Flying Spur is Bentley’s renowned 6.0-litre, twin turbo W12 engine, coupled to a ZF eight-speed transmission. Developing 616 horsepower and 590 pound feet of torque, the new Flying Spur features more power than any other Bentley four-door in history. A 14 per cent improvement in the power-to-weight ratio over the outgoing model delivers a breath-taking 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds and a top-speed of 200 mph. In the modern Bentley tradition, power is delivered to the road via all-wheel drive with a 40:60 rear-biased torque split for a sure-footed, engaging drive in all road and weather conditions.

The new Flying Spur has a base MSRP of $200,500. Commissioning is available now with arrivals to begin during the second quarter.

Bentley Mulsanne: the pinnacle of British luxury motoring

Bentley’s showcase of luxury, performance and technology continues with the North American debut of an enhanced specification for the flagship Mulsanne sedan. A range of new luxury features have been added to the Mulsanne and are on display for the first time in North America, offering a new suite of entertainment and communication system options.
An Entertainment Specification incorporates the latest in technological developments, with picnic tables designed for an iPad and wireless keyboard and the cabin of the Mulsanne becoming a Wi-Fi Hotspot.

A new Comfort Specification, including comfort headrests, footrests and duck down filled loose cushions has been introduced to reaffirm Mulsanne’s reputation as a truly bespoke grand tourer.

Additional enhancements include privacy curtains, which promise to broaden the experience for the Mulsanne rear cabin occupants, allowing them to maximise work or rest as they travel.
Other additions include three new paint options, extending the Mulsanne palette, and new bespoke fitted luggage.

Building on the Momentum of Success

The introduction of the new Flying Spur comes on the heels of a successful 2012 in which US sales were up 23% to 2,315 cars. Globally, the company achieved growth of 22% with 8,510 cars delivered to customers. The United States remains the number one market for Bentley worldwide and the region expects to continue to achieve double digit growth in 2013.

In 2013, the new Flying Spur and enhanced Mulsanne will be joined by the all-new Continental GT Speed Convertible, creating the strongest Bentley model line-up ever.

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Page 209 of 222

ON FILM: “Born of a Blue Sky” Recounts 18th Annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance

RUNNING OF THE BULLS: 350 Lamborghinis from 29 Countries Take Part in 50th Anniversary Grand Tour

ON THE BLOCK: Au-Di – Princess Diana’s Audi Convertible at COYS Blenheim Palace Sale

ON THE BLOCK: Stunning Aston-Martin DB 2/4 MkII Supersonic Highlights RM Auctions-Sotheby’s Automotive Artistry Sale in New York

IN THE NEWS: Porsche 911 Turbo and Turbo S Sets New Benchmark

ON THE BLOCK: “Enzo’s Favourite” 1964 330GT Series 1 at Silverstone

ON THE BLOCK: Unique Maserati Merak by Saurer at Silverstone

ON THE BLOCK: Ex-Fangio Mercedes-Benz W196 Highlights Bonhams Goodwood Sale

IN CELEBRATION: “100 Years of Innovation in Half the Time” Marks 50 years of Automobili Lamborghini

AT THE SHOW: Bentley’s New Flying Spur and Updated Mulsanne Debut in New York

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