Car News

At the 78th Geneva International Motor show 2008, Zagato Atelier takes great pleasure in introducing the Bentley GTZ, the latest in a long line of collaborations with the very best British car manufacturers over the Milanese Atelier 's 89 years history. Following on from the recent presentations of the Ferrari 575GTZ in 2006 and the Maserati GS Zagato at the Villa D'Este in 2007, the Bentley GTZ is a neo-classic Zagato interpretation of the style of a British GT. Starting from the styling cues of the last neo classical coupes, which became milestones of Zagato design in the new millennium, the challenge was to apply the same design language to a completely different proportion of vehicle: the Bentley Continental GT Speed. Even with many technical restrictions and carry-over parts in order to maintain the basic functions of this extremely sophisticated vehicle, the Zagato design team managed to give a distinctive and attractive character to the Zagato coupe. Pronounced fender lines, double-bubble roof, round tail with all new rear combination lamp are harmoniously integrated in to an imposing body adding a more aggressive and sharp feeling without losing the absolute solidity which is part of the great charm of the original coupe. The same time the hand painted pin-stripe coordinated with the interior colour adds a refined and exclusive elegance to the extrovert body lines helps to make the look of this car appropriate to be special limited-production model born between two great automotive cultures: Bentley and Zagato.

The new Continental GTC is the show piece for Bentley design. The proportions of the Continental GTC are the epitome of the elegant and modern convertible. With a top speed of 195mph (312km/h), a sophisticated all-wheel drive system, state-of-the-art 12-cylinder engine, advanced air suspension  and ultra-stiff body structure, the Continental GTC displays all the poise, exhilarating performance  and dynamic handling of the Continental GT. In common with its stable mates, the interior of the new Continental GTC provides an unrivalled standard of craftsmanship, utilising natural wood veneers and leather hides of the finest quality, which are on full display when you lower the elegant, electro-hydraulically operated soft-top roof. The Continental GTC becomes the second convertible to grace the current Bentley range. It follows the recently announced return of the evocative Azure name for Bentley's Arnage-derived flagship four-seater convertible. While the Azure offers the ultimate glamour, sophistication and accommodation for adults in supreme comfort, the 2+2 Continental GTC is designed for customers looking to enjoy the phenomenal performance, style and excitement of the Continental GT with the additional benefits of classic open-top Bentley motoring. As on the entire Continental range, the GTC's design has also been influenced by the need to ensure perfect aerodynamic balance at speeds close to 200mph (320km/h). The convertible spent many hours in the wind tunnel to ensure a low drag coefficient and like the coupé and four-door versions it utilises an underbody diffuser and specially sculpted rear bumper and bootlid edge to provide downforce and stability at high speed. The front seats have a new sculpted rear which produces an additional 30mm (1.2 inches) of knee-space in the rear. In the rear of the Continental GTC the centre console finishes with a veneered panel just behind the front armrests, therefore leaving the rear seats as an uninterrupted surface of leather hide, optimising the maximum space for the proportion of the car.

The construction and packaging of the roof are second to none. Its designers were keen that absolutely all working parts would be covered, which means that whether you are inside the car as the roof is in operation or watching from the outside, not one piece of the mechanism will be visible. The roof comes with a heated glass rear window and also an interior rooflamp in the headlining. It can be operated after pulling away from standstill at speeds up to 30km/h (20mph).

The Continental GTC is powered by Bentley's magnificent W12 twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre engine, which will propel the car to 60mph in 4.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 195mph (312km/h). This awe-inspiring piece of engineering is identical to the unit used in the coupé and four-door versions of the Continental and delivers phenomenal power (552bhp/411kW) as well as that legendary wave of torque (479lb ft/650Nm) from low revs that is the hallmark of every Bentley.

The 12-cylinder block has a 48-valve head with four camshafts that operate using continually variable valve-timing. Power is transmitted via a seven-bearing crankshaft to the car's six-speed automatic transmission. To ensure compliance stringent emissions regulations, the twin turbochargers are designed with a unique bypass valve that automatically sends exhaust gases to heat the catalytic converters when the car is started from cold. This valve then operates as the turbocharger wastegate at all other times.

The Borg-Warner turbochargers are also the ideal solution for producing the flat torque curve, ensuring that the driver has instantly available performance without a hint of turbo lag or having to shift down through the gears. That mighty torque curve is constant, with no drop-off from its maximum output of 479lb ft (650Nm) at just 1600 rev/min all the way up to 6000 rev/min.

Founded by W.O. Bentley in 1919, the company's first production car, the 3-litre was delivered in September 1921. Over the next ten years, Bentley went on to produce an array of iconic motor cars. At the same time, the exploits of the immortal Bentley Boys a select group of businessmen, sportsmen and bon vivants  forged the company's proud sporting pedigree both on and off the racetracks of Europe . The Bentley Boys made the legendary Le Mans endurance race their own, winning five times between 1924 and 1930. The all-new grand Bentley captures the 1920s 'grand touring' spirit of the Bentley Boys, delivering the effortless driving, exclusivity and adventure desired by the real motoring enthusiast. A unique fusion of elegant design, hand craftsmanship and technological innovation, the new model embodies the potent yet luxuriously refined driving experience that is 'pure Bentley'. These have been the hallmarks of a Bentley since that first test drive in 1920.

It is fitting that the 90th anniversary of the Company will be marked by an all-new car. Such events are rare milestones in the Company's history. Designed, engineered and built in Crewe, which has been home to Bentley Motors for over 60 years, it has been a once in a career experience for many involved. The car and its name, which will be revealed at Pebble Beach on 16 August, signal a new era in British luxury motoring.

The Mulsanne is inspired by the company founder W.O. Bentley's crowning achievement in 1930, the 8-litre.  And it was W.O.'s own sensitively conserved company car that shared the podium with the new Mulsanne in Pebble Beach . This early motoring masterpiece represented the last big Bentley that was designed, engineered and built from the ground up by Bentley engineers until now.

The Bentley 8-litre displayed alongside the Mulsanne in California was first shown at the 1930 London Motor Show. It was the second-built and was W.O. Bentley's company car for two years. Capable of reaching more than 100 mph, the 8-litre demonstrated W.O. Bentley's ambition and ability to build a grand luxury car capable of surpassing every other leading manufacturer of the day. A total of 100 cars were built in 1930 and 1931.

“The 8-litre's breathtaking performance and quality was perhaps the finest example of a ‘pure' grand Bentley. Every mechanical detail carried W.O. Bentley's unique stamp and it was the clearest demonstration of a car built without compromise," commented Dr. Ulrich Eichhorn, Member of the Board Engineering.

This is probably one of the most unusual Bentleys ever seen: a large, happy flower, little stars, squiggles and signs dance on the elegant hood and colourful, comic-like figures adorn the doors. The Continental GT – a static prototype built in 2003 – has become a truly unique work of art created by the world-renowned Brazilian artist Romero Britto.

Raul Pires, Head of Exterior Design at Bentley Motors and like Romero Britto, a Brazilian was central to the creation of the Continental GT. He thoroughly agrees with his countryman: “A Bentley holds the unique combination of exhilaration and relaxation in one package. An automotive sculpture with elegant powerful surfaces. The ultimate in craftsmanship.”



The Romero Britto exhibition, hosted by the Automobil Forum Unter den Linden in cooperation with the Mensing Gallery, will take place from 10 July until 6 September 2009 . In keeping with Britto's wider ideals, at the conclusion of the show, the “Britto-Bentley” will be put up for auction in aid of the Nathalie Todenhöfer Foundation for multiple sclerosis as well as Best Buddies, an organization dedicated to improving the integration of the mentally disabled within society.

This conceptual proposal for a Chevrolet Volt-based Saab coupe from Mayeul Walser, a 4th year Car Design student is a good example. You may or may not like the design, but the idea of an aggressively styled hybrid Saab coupe is more than engaging. Saab Fashionista Project Carscoop According to Mayeul's description, the concept behind the Saab Fashionista's design was to create a luxurious four-seater coupe that blends the futuristic feel of sci-fi movies with the elegance of products from renowned fashion houses such as Karl Lagerfeld and Chanel.

The 24-year-old design student also claims that while based on the platform of the Volt, he designed the Fashionista to be equipped with a hybrid powertrain coupling a V6 gasoline engine to an electric motor for a (purely theoretical) output of around 300HP.

If it was our choice, we would have opted for a more powerful version of the Volt's plug-in hybrid powertrain to make the project more feasible, but then again, since this is only a pipe-dream concept, why not go for a V6.

The Abt AS8 combines sportiness and luxury in another way, too. The Audi-specialists from Kempten have increased the performance of the luxury class limousine to 450 HP and 520 NM of maximum torque. Compared to the inherently well motorized standard model with 335 HP, this is a plus of 115 HP. Hence, the Abt AS8 accelerates to 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 247 km/h.The Abt AS8 can be lowered optically by up to 35 millimetres or be adjusted stiffly according to desires and requirements. As a matter of course the ALC disposes of adapted levels thus guaranteeing sufficient residual spring travel. The so-called Abt Level-Control (ALC) was developed especially for the standard air suspension of the Audi.The Abt AS8 based on the Audi A8 with V8-supercharger and a capacity of 4.2 litres as well as quattro-drive unites the luxury of the top class limousine with the powerful sportiness of a sports car.

Abt Sportsline now presents the latest member of the AS4 family with the Abt AS4 Cabriolet.The joy of life that is typical for a cabriolet has been combined with sporting power made by Abt Sportsline. The result turned out to be a fun-to-drive car, over 240 km/h fast and open to everything. No matter if a drive in the sunshine on the country road or a fast motorway journey - with the Abt AS4 Cabriolet, there are no limits.

How much engine power does a cabriolet need? Mere figures are no sufficient answer to this question. The ideal power unit for open driving first and foremost has to be sovereign. The six-cylinder engine of the Abt AS4 Cabriolet definitely is. The engine management of the 162 kW (220 hp) strong production machine has been modified by Abt Sportsline. Moreover, the three-litre unit has been fitted with a supercharger. Should the driver cry for performance, the Abt engine with its massive torque has plenty of it, in all rev ranges. If desired, 213 kW (290 hp) are available. In the case of the open four-seater, they are of the SP1 type, 8.5x19 inch with wide ContiSportContact tyres in 235/35 R19 size. With the wheel rim, declining flat to the inside, and the Abt ring with double holes, the SP1, casted in one piece, sets technical and optical highlights.

The Cadillac Cien was a concept car created by Cadillac and unveiled at the 2002 Detroit Auto Show. The Cadillac Cien had a 7.5 L V12 Northstar XV12 engine, which produced 750 hp. This experimental engine featured direct injection and Displacement on Demand, which allowed the engine to run on only six cylinders under light load. The Cien was designed at General Motors' Advanced Design Studio in England. The Cien's low, sleek style was inspired by the F-22 Raptor.

The car was featured prominently in the 2005 film, The Island, directed by Michael Bay. It was also in Gran Turismo 4, Project Gotham Racing 3, Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition and in Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition Remix.

The Hummer H3 is a vehicle from General Motors' Hummer division, introduced in 2005. The H3 is the smallest of the three Hummer models, and though the H3 concept car was a pickup truck, the final vehicle is a conventional SUV. Its GMT345 platform is based on the GMT355 which underpins the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon pickup trucks. Built on a modified Colorado/Canyon pickup truck frame (with more crossmembers and more frame boxing), the H3 shares many major components with its siblings.The H3 uses the 3.5 L (3464 cc) Atlas straight-5 engine.The same engine that is used in the Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon pickup trucks. This 20-valve DOHC unit produces 220 hp (164 kW) at 5600 rpm and 225 ft·lbf (305 N·m) at 2800 rpm. It is available with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission that includes GM's Stabilitrak vehicle stability control. Its 111.9 in wheelbase is 1.1 in shorter than the GMT360 SUVs. It includes an electronically-controlled dual-speed transfer case and electronic locking differential.Since it is rated at less than 8500 lb (GVWR), Hummer is required to provide official fuel economy ratings. It is rated at 16 mpg in the city cycle with both transmissions and 19 mpg with the automatic or 20 mpg with the manual on the highway. While the Hummer H2 will ford 20 inches of water, the H3 will handle 24 inches of water (it has been tested in depths up to 31 inches). The H3 is the only vehicle in its class to have a 2-speed transfer case standard.

The Abt TT sport is lowered by app. 40 millimetres compared to the standard model. The Abt sports team from Bavaria put a lot of racing knowledge into the new top model: a sport suspension with stronger anti-roll bars, sports brakes, a safety bar made of polished aluminium, and a single windscreen wiper are borrowed from the motorsport scene. A four-pipe exhaust system made of stainless steel with metal catalytic converters not only improves the appearance of the rear, but contributes to the fascinating sound of the Abt engine.

221 kW (300 horsepower at 6,400 revs) is the result of an optimised electronic engine management, supported by a modified exhaust manifold, turbo-charger, intercooler, and injection system. Contributing to the power-plus is modified air-ducting. Maximum torque of 400 Nm is reached at 2,800 rpm.ContiSportContact tyres, 235/35-19 (front) and 275/30-19 (rear) ensure optimal road holding.

The Abt-TT limited is only manufactured in a limited number. Orders can be taken through every Audi dealer or directly from Abt Sportsline. The basic model TT Coupe quattro in the special colour Imola-yellow with the 132 kW-version costs 64.132.-DM and with the 165 kW-motor 69.120.-DM. The TT-limited optic package costs 25.404.-DM. For 5.788.-, 132 kW (180 hp) become app. 151 kW (205 hp) and the power of the 165 kW (225 hp)-strong unit increases to app. 184 kW (250 hp) for 3.706.-DM.



A special highlight is the TT-limited with a power upgrade to app. 228 kW (310 HP). Of course the TT-limited is only the culmination of what Abt Sportsline offers in it's product range regarding tuning of the Audi TT and Audi TT Roadster.

This is the A9 sports sedan study, a look at BMW's Vision concept through Audi's eyes (unofficially of course) that was created by independent designer Daniel Garcia from Spain. Just as BMW tried to invent a new market with its 5-Series GT, the Audi A9 would aim to be in a league of its own: over-styled (in a good way) über-luxury hybrid sports saloons. A technologically-advanced Panamera killer. Garcia says some of the lines were inspired by architect Santiago Calatrava's buildings in Valencia. As for that opaque front wind-ceiling, it's made of "as-yet undiscovered nanotechnology material" that can fix itself and be color/tint adjusted. By the time a market for something like this existed, it's very likely that Audi could have the gasoline engine / in-wheel electric motors Garcia is suggesting. The only thing I'd rectify is that Insight-y front end.

The 350 GT was first unveiled at the 1964 Geneva motor show, showing off its new tamed engine, streamlined chassis, and more elegantly designed body. The new beast’s four-cam V12 engine was reduced from 360 horsepower to 270, at 6,500 rpm. Like the concept 350 GTV, the production version had four-wheel independent suspension and an aluminum body. The first production car of the 350 GT was built shortly after it’s unveiling. Production sales of the 350 GT started slow, with only 13 production models built in 1964. The 350 GT soon impressed journalist and car enthusiasts around the world, and production increased to 25 cars per month. The follow year, Lamborghini introduced the groundbreaking mid-engined Miura as a rolling chassis at the 1965 Turin Auto show. Then covered by Gandini’s body design the 350 GT made yet another unveiling at the 1966 Geneva Motor Show. Lamborghini sold a total of 120 production models of the 350 GT, over the next few years. The grille was often revised, a second windshield wiper and cowl air intakes were added, and the leather dash was eventually replaced with a polished aluminum dash.

The HSV sports car 20 Years Of Clubsport will be equipped with the company's performance suspension, 20 inch Pentagon wheels in Millennium silver and leather seats as standard. The HSV sports car 20 Years Of Clubsport will also wear a unique decal on the rear window showing a modern iteration of the original VN CS ClubSport badge.





2010 HSV Sport Cars HSV 20 Years Of Clubsport Limited Edition

“With this level of value add at no additional cost we anticipate the 100 vehicles will move very quickly and good luck to the person who manages to grab No.1 in the model build,” said General Manager of Sales, Darren Bowler. “City Motors HSV in Perth recorded the highest HSV sports car vehicle sales in 2009 and have been rewarded with the privilege of retailing the No. 1 vehicle to the lucky HSV buyer.”

The The HSV Sports Cars 20 Years Of Clubsport also comes with LED daytime running lights, and various other styling accents.

The HSV 20 Years Of Clubsport price starts at $66,690 AUD for the manual version and at $68,690 AUD for the automatic and only 100 units will ever be available. The first unit of the HSV sports car 20 Years Of Clubsport will probably be the most valuable one. The sales of the new limited edition model will start this month.







Holden Special Vehicle - HSV sports car Press Release:

Australia’s high performance car manufacturer, Holden Special Vehicles, has launched a limited edition model to help celebrate 20 years of its most successful and enduring nameplate – the ClubSport.

The ClubSport brand first appeared as a permanent fixture within the HSV sports car range back in June of 1990 as a VN HSV ClubSport. Featuring a 5.0 liter engine boasting 180kW and 400Nm only 410 VN series ClubSports were built. The model has evolved today to become the highest selling vehicle in the HSV sports cars line-up.

General Manager of Marketing and Communications, Tim Jackson, said this milestone was worthy of celebration for the company. ”If we step back 20 years to 1990, this really was a watershed year for the HSV sports car brand. Not only did we introduce our first ClubSport model in June but 1990 also represented our first Bathurst, victory with the Holden Racing Team, who are also celebrating 20 years of success this year."



”The ClubSport has such great history and meaning within our business, and it has always been our purists vehicle - bringing track focused performance and handling to a road vehicle,” Tim Jackson said.



For that reason HSV has taken a ‘back-to-basics’ approach with the 20 years of Clubsport model producing a feature packed high performance vehicle for the true HSV collector. The 20 Years of ClubSport model will receive as standard HSV’s performance suspension, 20 inch Pentagon wheels in Millennium silver and leather seats for no additional cost.



It will be identifiable by a unique decal on the rear window, which the HSV enthusiast will recognise as a modern iteration of the original VN “CS ClubSport” badge, to commemorate the anniversary of the model.



General Manager of Sales, Darren Bowler, said he expected the car to be well received within the HSV Dealer network and amongst HSV’s strong customer base. “With this level of value add at no additional cost we anticipate the 100 vehicles will move very quickly and good luck to the person who manages to grab No.1 in the model build.





“City Motors HSV in Perth recorded the highest HSV vehicle sales in 2009 and have been rewarded with the privilege of retailing the No. 1 vehicle to the lucky HSV buyer,” Darren Bowler said.



The 100 limited edition 20 Years of ClubSport models will start appearing in HSV Dealers show rooms across Australia from late June. The vehicle will come with an RRP of $66,690 for manual and $68,690 for automatic.

The BLUE-WILL concept is powered by an all-aluminium Gasoline Direct Injected 1.6-litre engine which is coupled to a Continuously Variable Transmission and a 100kw electric motor which is at the heart of Hyundai's parallel hybrid drive architecture. Electric power, stored by a Lithium Ion Polymer battery pack, is neatly bundled with the fuel tank under the rear seat to maximise luggage space. Hyundai will be the first automaker in the world to apply Lithium Ion Polymer in a mass production vehicle when the Elantra LPI Hybrid goes on sale in Korea in July this year.

Mazda has been testing its RX-8 Hydrogen RE for more than two years now – most recently known as the Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid. The hydrogen/gasoline dual-fuel engine is mated to a hybrid system that converts energy from hydrogen combustion to electricity and uses it to power the motor. Mazda will drop the RX-8 name and will go with the RX-9 nameplate. The car is expected to be rear-wheel-drive and will take major styling cues from the Taiki Concept. Sales are likely to kick off in 2012.

The 79th Geneva International Motor Show provides the venue for Ferrari to announce two new pieces of good news: the arrival of the sporty, dynamic Handling GT Evoluzione (HGTE) Package for the 599 GTB Fiorano and the world debut of the 599XX which is a technological laboratory aimed at a select group of clients. The latter new car incorporates the most advanced technologies resulting from Ferrari's road-going and F1 research. Many of the technological solutions it carries are being used for the first time and have been developed exclusively for this special car. In addition to the 599 GTB Fiorano equipped with the Handling GTE package and finished in a new three-layer metallic Rosso, and the 599XX in a colour matching the F2008, Ferrari clients and enthusiasts will also be able to admire this single-seater that recently won the Prancing Horse its 16th Constructors' World title.

The drive unit for the metroproject quattro showcases a fully independent, innovative hybrid technology. At work under the bonnet is a 1.4.litre TFSI engine developing 110 kW (150 bhp), whose power is directed to the front wheels by means of the S-tronic Direct Shift Gearbox. A 30 kW (41 bhp) electric motor  positioned on the rear axle is able to deliver up to an additional 200 Nm of torque when the vehicle is accelerating. The electric motor is furthermore capable of powering the vehicle alone for zero-emission driving. The capacity of the lithium-ion batteries gives the vehicle a range of up to 100 km in pure electric mode; the motor can be recharged from any power socket. The automatic start/stop facility, energy regeneration and phases of purely electrical operation reduce the fuel consumption and emissions of the Audi metroproject quattro by around 15 percent compared to when it is running exclusively on the combustion engine. Despite its sporty performance (0-100 km/h in 7.8 seconds, top speed of 201 km/h), the study uses just 4.9 litres of premium fuel for every 100 km, while CO2 emissions average a mere 112 g/km.

Audi  is showing an uncompromising purist compact sports car with all-electric drive at the first major auto show of 2010. The Detroit showcar Audi e-tron is the name of this 3.93 meter (154.72 in) long and 1.78 meter (70.08 in) wide but just 1.22 meter (48.03 in) tall two-seater. Coupled with the Detroit showcar Audi e-tron’s low gross weight of around only 1,350 kilograms (2976.24 lb), high-torque power units driving the rear wheels guarantee commensurate road performance. Two electric motors with a combined output of 150 kW (204 hp) and 2,650 Nm (1954.54 lb-ft) accelerate the coupe with ASF-design aluminum body from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in just 5.9 seconds.