Bentley’s Luxurious Linley Edition

Bentley Automobile

Bentley takes luxury to a whole new level by collaborating with British design company Linley to launch 10 limited edition Continental Flying Spurs. David Linley, the Chairman of the company, has established himself as the finest designer of luxurious furniture in the UK and maybe even the world and so, it is fitting that two brands synonymous with sophistication and affluence should come together in this way.

Bentley Auto

The vehicle was unveiled in completion at the Jack Barclay dealership in London. It features the finest Santos rosewood veneers covering the fascia, console, waistrail and roof console of the interior. Where Bentley chestnut or walnut would normally be used, veneers cover the entire wood surfaces of the model. The waistrails and fold-down picnic tables feature Linley’s trademark Helix motif from the furniture collection inlayed from four different types of wood into an intricate pattern. The custom fitted Linley humidor drops into a unique console that contains a humidification system, cigar cutter and ashtray. Other key features include an in-built fridge set behind the arm rest and rear console with specially designed space for bottle storage and a pop up vanity mirror concealed in the picnic tables.

Mark Blanchard, Head of Design at Linley, stated that “It has been an exciting and challenging project to work on. We designed the interior within the stringent constraints specified by Bentley, however we ensured the car exemplified Linley craftsmanship.”

View the video below for the official launch.

Tesla Confirms Model S Details

Tesla has reassured all of its potential buyers that it will not be following the lead of its competition by increasing its initial price ahead of its release. Tesla has since confirmed that a base Model S, with an estimated 160 miles of range, will retail for about $57,400 with a tax credit of $7,500. The 230 mile range version will carry a $10,000 premium with an additional $10, 000 if you want a chance at making 300 miles on a charge. $77,400 will get you the top of the line Model S 300, a limited edition of 1000 vehicles, which will initially be named the “Model S Signature Series”.

Deliveries are expected to begin around the summer of 2012 in the US, with the 230 and 160 versions coming later in the year. Tesla hopes to produce a total of 5,000 cars in 2012 followed by 20,000 in 2013. There is a two year delivery wait ahead for markets that require a right-hand drive model.

Nissan’s Juke-R Promotional Concept Car| Nissan GTR

Nissan leaf

Nissan has revealed pictures of the latest in a long line of go-faster models with the Juke-R, a variant of the Juke small crossover car creating the first ever Super crossover. The vehicle is a mashup of the Juke and the GTR. Although Nissan is building two road-going versions of the Juke-R (Nissan gtr) (one left and one right-hand drive) to be finished in November, it will be “a one-off, road-legal concept car”. So far, there is no production plan and no plans to sell it to the public. Rather, it is being built purely for promotional purposes.

Under the hood, the Juke-R will be powered by a version of the GT-R’s 3.8-liter, twin-turbocharged V-6 that sends 480 horsepower through the GT-R’s six-speed gearbox as well as its four-wheel drive train and six speed transaxle. Although no official figures have been released, the Nissan GTR manages 196mph and 0-62mph in about three seconds. The bodywork of the Juke-R is blistered and extended in different directions to accommodate its new powertrain.

If the car is never actually going to be sold then why are they building it? A Nissan representative simply answered: “Because we can.”

Spied: 2012 Porsche Boxster S

The new Porshce Boxster was recently spied while being taken for a test drive, undisguised and in broad daylight. The picture provides a clear view of the model’s lines and detail with its sharp side strakes, side air inlets and prominent wheel arches. The rear of the vehicle sees a new integrated lip spoiler that spans right across the car’s rump, bisecting the taillamps.

Provided by some forced induction and a few tweaks, the 2.5-litre flat-4-cylinder engine could generate as much as 360hp under the hood.

The model is expected to make its official debut around the beginning of 2012.

Image source: Autoblog

New Ginetta G60 Revealed

Ginetta has finally revealed their new G60 sports car, a rival for Porsche’s 911 and Cayman as well as Jaguar’s forthcoming XE sports car. The Ginetta may look familiar as it is essentially a revised version of the Farbio GTS. Ginetta has quite a history - Ginetta was acquired by businessman Lawrence Tomlinson in 2005 when he and his team began expanding the racing side of the business over the next few years. In 2010 Ginetta announced plans for the G40R and also acquired Farbio Supercars. The GTS was then renamed the F400 but production was halted so the company could give the car a complete make-over. Now in 2011 the F400 is launched as the new G60.

The original F400 shape now has a carbon fiber body, a revised splitter that adds downforce, anti-lock brakes, traction control, LED-infused headlights and a sporty rear fascia. Power comes from a Ford Mustang-sourced 3.7-liter V6 engine with 310 hp (231 kW / 314 PS). The double wishbone suspension has been changed to incorporate unassisted steering.

With just 50 being built each year at a price starting at £68,000, Ginetta says the G60 “is rare by any standards.” First deliveries are expected to begin in February 2012.

Aston Martin Boat Concept Revealed

If there is one luxury vehicle that is associated with the iconic James Bond character it’s the Aston Martin. As for his off-road transportation Bond has made use of submarines, hovercrafts, Sunseeker speed boats and megayachts and according to Aston Martin owner and naval architect Luiz de Basto, it’s time to bridge the gap between road and sea. de Basto, who has several Magnum yacht designs to his credit, has created the Voyage, a 55-foot speed boat that puts Aston Martin quite literally on water. The name follows the tradition of naming its vehicles with a ‘V’ reflected in the Vantage, Virage,Vanquish and Volante models.

However, the Voyage will go far beyond semantics with design elements that are similar to those of the automaker’s famous GTs with a grille shape that has been interpreted into the windshield, the side vents into hull portals and the center console into a cabin access hatch. The stylish shape, rich green colouring and crafted golden Aston Martin logo all exude the very best of Aston Martin exclusivity and sophistication.

Luiz de Basto has stated that “the goal was not only to propose an interesting interpretation of the famous car lines in the water but design a fully functional boat, able to be built anytime upon request.” The boat will also make use of new innovative and renewable materials that do not interfere with tradition in any way.

BMW Remote App For Android

After leading the way in bringing iPod integration and iPhone connectivity to its vehicles, BMW has now brought the same functionality to Android with the soon to be released remote app for Google’s open-source OS.

As with Apple’s OS, the app will allow drivers to remotely lock, unlock and locate their vehicles. In addition, the driver will be able to access the Climate Control function to activate the vehicle’s auxiliary ventilation or heating and a Flash Light or Horn Blow function can be used to gain a visible or audible reminder of the car’s location. If the car is out of sight or earshot, the Vehicle Finder function can locate it within a radius of up to 1,500 metres.

BMW will be releasing the app later this year and will also include real-time traffic information.

Brabus & Smart Teaser Reveals a Mystery Car

Looks like the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show is up for some serious surprise! A teaser video filmed in the Brabus factory in Bottrop, Germany, hints that we may be viewing the fastest Smart in the world.

The car looks like it is based on the ForTwo model, but we can’t confirm that as of now. The answers to many queries have its chances to be revealed by the end of September.

Brabus, along with the mystery model, will showcase the 2003 Roadster V6 bi-turbo, which has 210 PS and a horse power of 207. The car can hit a top speed of approximately 240 km/h – thanks to the 300Nm of torque. We also got a peak at the 2006 ForFour race concept which car.

Hit play to watch the video.

Audi Q3 RS Likely By Late 2012

Auto buffs across the globe can now stay geared up for the new Audi Q3 RS. As we all know, Audi had been observing an unofficial silence with regard to the making of the car. But now, the company has decided to give us a hint about the new Q3 edition.

At Q3′s press launch at ZurichinSwitzerland, the luxury car maker showed off the prototype quietly.

We have got hold of the video, which confirms the earlier reports about the high-end model.

Under the hood, this cross over model runs a turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine – with 300 PS (221 kW / 296 hp) – that works integrated with seven-speed dual-clutch S-tronic transmission and forces a Quattro drive ( all-wheel drive).

We don’t expect Audi to officially declare release or price details soon. But we hear the Q3 RS production model could be expected by late 2012.

Maserati SUV Concept Leaked

Just days before its official unveiling at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, images of the new SUV concept from Maserati have been leaked onto the Web.

The image, that appeared in an online pocket guidebook for the show, came with the description that the new SUV model due for launch in 2013 is expected to feature a 4.7-litre V8 engine under the bonnet producing around 335kW of power. The engine is also likely to be backed up by an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. However, the SUV will be tuned more for speed than actual heavy off-road duty.

The luxury off road vehicle based on the Jeep Grand Cherokee, will have new bodywork and a bespoke interior. The image showcases typical Maserati design features from the latest models with the vertical slat front grille, fender vents, and angular headlights.

The price is yet to be revealed but it’s expected to be priced higher than its top spec Jeep counterpart at an estimated amount of $80,000 to $100,000.

Land Rover DC100 Sport

The brand new Land Rover DC100 Sport was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show this week. The DC100 Sport was a surprise reveal alongside the much anticipated DC100 and is one of two concepts that the Land Rover team have confirmed will be put into production for 2015. Both were revealed to gauge public interest and gather feedback to give Land Rover an idea of which direction to go in for 2015 to avoid rushing into a replacement.

In comparison to the silver three door 4X4 DC100 demonstrating ‘capability and versatility’, the DC100 Sport is an open-air pick-up version in bright yellow-orange and is described as ‘an active expression of freedom and leisure’.

Under the hood, both concepts use 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines driving all four wheels through a stop/start-equipped eight-speed automatic. However, while the DC100 has a diesel engine, the DC100 Sport has a petrol engine.

Both concepts have a new automatic terrain response system that automatically sets all the driver assist systems sensing the wheel travel, wheelslip, the texture of the ground and a sonar depth-sounder for driving through rivers.

Lexus To Launch LFA Tokyo Edition

According to rumours, Lexus will be launching a special super LFA Tokyo edition which will be revealed at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. Toyota, who manufacture the vehicle are also expected to manufacture additional Lexus/Toyota performance cars in the next few years.

This Lexus LFA Tokyo edition, which follows the Nurburgring special, will bring an M3-esque exposed carbon roof and a hydraulically adjustable carbon rear spoiler.

The car is set to cost an additional $54,500 (about R418, 000) of the regular Lexus LFA.

While the Lexus LFA Tokyo edition is on its way, Toyota have decided to cancel the open-top version of the Lexus LFA due to the current uncertain economic climate. Instead, the Japanese auto manufacturer have been rumoured to be creating two additional vehicles: a successor to the Supra coupe as well as a front-wheel drive performance car.

New Jensen Interceptor 2014

The British firm CPP are going to be building an all-new Jensen Inceptor due in 2014. This Inteceptor is not to be confused with the ‘new’ old Interceptor still available to purchase. CPP has been contracted by Healey Sports Cars of Switzerland, who own the rights to Jensen, to engineer and manufacture the new model at its West Midlands plant.

For those who need reminding, the original Interceptor was a two-door GT Coupe, convertible or hatchback, built by Jensen Motors between 1966 and 1976 in the UK, powered by a Chrysler V8 ranging from 383 to 440 cubic inches.

The new Interceptor will take inspiration from the original ‘echoing its four-seat grand tourer layout’ with the wraparound rear screen and elongated flanks while updating it with advanced technologies.

Founder and co-owner of CPP, Brendan O’Toole has said: “I started my career by restoring bodies and components for classic British sports cars, so for CPP to take the lead role in reviving this iconic brand is very exciting for the business, and for me personally.”

The price of the new Jensen is yet to be confirmed.

Mercedes Benz B-Class and C-Class Lineage to be expanded in the US

Last week, I was invited by Mercedes-Benz in Stuttgart to take part in the company’s brand workshop. We’ve been taken to the Mercedes-Benz Museum, then to their design centre and at last, to the test grounds in Malmsheim. That’s where the real fun was. And why do I say that? Among driving a lot of new models in Mercedes’ new lineup, I got behind the wheel with the New Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe 2010. It was a diesel Mercedes E350 and boy was the drive fun — sorry guys for taking it to the limit, didn’t know we’re not allowed icon smile New Mercedes Benz E Class Coupe 2010 Test Drive

So here’s an official video with the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe. It’s a really neat monster, don’t you think?

Marry A Mercedes-Benz to Apple and You Get an iCar!

Way back in 2007, there were reports that Apple and Mercedes Benz had signed a deal whereby Apple was to design an in-car maintenance, communication and navigation system for inclusion in Mercedes Benz vehicles. It’s all coming true. The iCar is what you get when you combine a Mercedes-Benz S Class car and the latest Apple devices.

Hyundai Super Car in the Making?

Rumors are swirling around the stables of South Korean automaker Hyundai. And, in fact, it is a super rumor about the car maker cooking up a super car. The vehicle will come with a power train of all-aluminum Tao 5.0-liter V8 – that’s something akin to what is now powering the Genesis R-Spec. The cost is estimated to be between $80,000 and $100,000.

If the rumblings are to be taken to face value, this coupe will compete with some extraordinary machines on the road, like the Nissan GT-R and the Porsche 911. It is also being said that the front engine and mid-engine designs are under consideration.

An updated edition of the 4.6-liter V8 boosted by direct injection and a higher compression ratio is what the car will bring along with it. The type of injection the supercar will use is still being debated.

Some feel that it would be a six-speed, while others think it could be a twin-clutch auto-manual.

We are still waiting to hear more from the carmaker on that.

VW Nils Electric Concept Car

Volkswagen has designed a new concept electric pod car that will be revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show taking place in just under two weeks. The Nils, ideal for a single commuter, is a possible solution for crowded urban roads. Developed with the German Transport Ministry and designed to be environmentally sustainable is capable of travelling up to approximately 137km an hour with a range between charges of about 65km and weighs just 19kg. The single seater is just 3040mm long – half a metre shorter than an Up – and sits lower than a Porsche 911.

The battery has a capacity of 5.3kWh and is fully charged after two hours with a three point plug.

The design, based around a light but sturdy aluminum spaceframe, features gullwing style doors and free-standing wheels which makes it both fun to drive and friendly on the environment.

R&D chief Ulrich Hackenberg said: “Nils is anything but a dry-run exercise and is very realistic. Despite its compact dimensions, the concept fulfils all safety requirements for contemporary vehicles.”

Citroen Tubik Concept Car

According to Citroen, it’s time that travel became meangingful again and the French auto manufacturer intends to do just this with its new Tubik concept, a modern take on the MPV. Citroen describes the Tubik as “a high-tech executive shuttle based on one key idea: travel should be fun”. The futuristic nine- seater people mover draws inspiration from the Type H or TUB (French slang for a front-wheel drive commercial vehicle) van from Citroen’s auto history.

The interior showcases seats covered in purple leather and felt that can swivel and be re-positioned to create a lounge and/or sleeping area. The passenger area also comes fitted with an HD TV screen and surround sound. Although there is plenty of lighting, there is a significant lack of windows in the passenger area, which for some may not be ideal. The driver’s seat resembles that of a circular pod almost completely separated from the rest of the vehicle. The quirky design extends to the passenger door which opens much like the door of a private jet where the top half lifts up while the bottom half drops to form a step.

The Tubik is powered by PSA’s new Hybrid4 system with a 160bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine up front and the battery/electric motor gubbins generating another 37bhp out the back. All four of the 22 inch wheels can be driven in 4wd mode.

The Tubik concept is set to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Jaguar C-X16 Concept Car

The Jaguar’s teaser sketch of a sub XK production concept revealed last month is now officially the new Jaguar C-X16 and it certainly is a beauty. The new concept, that will be revealed at next week’s Frankfurt Motor Show, is a two-seat, rear-wheel-drive sports coupe built on an aluminium architecture and offers perfect 50:50 weight distribution. The car is the smallest Jaguar has built since 1954 and the XK 120. At 4445mm long, this compact car is sure to see a convertible roadster version in due course.

Up front, the car is powered by a supercharged 3.0-litre V6 putting out 376 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. There is also the addition of a “Push to Pass” hybrid system controlled through a steering wheel-mounted button. Integrated into the eight-speed gearbox is an electric motor generator mounted behind the seats that draws power from a battery pack that provides 95bhp and 173lb ft of power.

According to Ian Callum, Jaguars design chief, “Jaguars have always been dramatically different. With the C-X16 we have moved the current award-winning design language on to the next generation, creating a car that is the very essence of future Jaguar performance.”

The final product, very similar to what you see here, will likely go on sale in late 2012 at a price of £55,000.

Vauxhaull Reveals Electric Car

Just after the announcement of the Volkswagen Nils concept car, comes the surprising revelation of Vauxhaull’s very own electric city concept car. The car which has yet to be named, will join the Nils on the stands at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show.

This tiny two seater that weighs under 500kg has batteries that give a 95km range and can take the car to about 120km/h at top speed which makes it suitable for urban driving.

The dramatic exterior design appears to have drawn inspiration from the hybrid Ampera up front, with the rear resembling that of a motorbike. Elongated LED headlights, a prominent grille and a sweeping glass roof contribute to the sharp and striking styling.

Vauxhall claims that the new EV city car has both “production potential” and could “revolutionise urban transport, especially for younger drivers and those on a very tight budget”.

Frankfurt Motor Show Preview

Just a day away from the official launch of the Frankfurt Motor Show 2011, here are some of the new vehicles and concepts that are expected to be on display on the showroom floor tomorrow. It’s shaping up to be an exciting show.

Aston Martin V12 Zagato

Audi S7

Gallardo Super Trofeo

Land Rover DC100

VW Beetle R Concept

Ford Fiesta FT Concept

Hyundai i30

Mercedes Benz F-125

Yo-Auto Concept

Audi A2 Concept

Lotus Exige S

Subaru XV

New Ferrari 458 Spyder

How do Ferrari do it? Just when you thought they’ve lost the plot and given up making cars that I want to have as a poster on my wall, they come up with this. The convertible version of the already ridiculously good looking 458 Italia. Prepare to bite your knuckles.

The 458 Spyder does represent a world first (car manufacturers love world firsts more than anything I can think of other than money) in that it features the first hard-top mechanical folding roof in a rear engined sports car. Seriously. Think about the engineering challenge there: create a tin-top folding roof that stows away on top the engine. That couldn’t have been easy. Who says Italians only do aesthetics properly.

Apparently the all-aluminium roof is 25kg lighter than a comparitively-sized soft top convertible roof, which I find quite remarkable. Aluminium is very soft though when used as sheet-metal, I highly suggest not leaning on the thing when you’re trying to show off. You playboy, you.

The 458 Spyder is powered by the same 4.5litre naturally aspirated V8 as its solid-roof cousin, which means it sounds like Zeus having an argument and accelerates like a frightened meerkat. 0-100km/h is achieved in less than 3.4 seconds and top speed is quoted as “greater than” 320km/h.

But none of this really matters when you look at the thing. It is quite possibly the most beautiful motorvehicle I’ve laid eyes on.

Renault Megane RS 250 Limited Edition

Renault have recently officially released the details of their latest limited edition Megane RS 250 Grand Prix model.  The French auto manufacturer pays homage to the Monaco GP circuit with this luxurious award winning Megane that is reflected in its looks and drive.

Renault has packed the hatch with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four producing 246 horsepower and 251 lb/ft of torque. Other features include  a panoramic glass roof, 19-inch alloys, red Brembo brake calipers and bi-xenon headlights. The interior shows off a black-and-white leather trim with white accents on the center console, dash-strip, and door handles.  The Pearlescent White paint, in which the car is currently only available, reflects its exclusive status.

Unfortunately the limited edition hatch is only available for the Australian market.

Justin Hocevar, Managing Director Renault Australia has stated that “this incredibly luxurious version of the Mégane R.S. 250 will appeal to lovers of hot hatches who don’t want to compromise on their everyday creature comforts.”

Novitec Tweaks Alfa Romeo Giulietta

German tuning house Novitec Automobile GmbH has decided to do some tweaking on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. The company, known for their tuning of Ferrari’s, has experience with Alfa and decided to make some exciting improvements on the Italian hatchback. The vehicle prides itself on offering power and speed with a reasonable price tag attached.

Beginning in the engine bay, Novitec made adjustments with the full range of gasoline and diesel engines available, to squeeze out an extra 15-30 horsepower depending on the model.  Additional features include stainless steel sport mufflers, wheels with diameters of up to 20 inches and an aerodynamic-enhancement package.

The front of the vehicle will undergo some changes that will result in a reduced lift on the front axle, the rear will be fitted with a bumper with integrated diffuser and the side skirts will create a more sleeker appearance.

Alfa Romeo Giulietta