New Bentley get teeth like jaws

NEW BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT

For Crewe’s design and engineering teams, the new Continental GT coupe is an opportunity to set a bold and exciting direction for one of Bentley’s most revered names – the Continental. The seminal and highly successful Continental GT introduced in 2003 represented the first step in Bentley’s renaissance and defined a whole new market segment. It was a luxury GT offering excellent usability that remained true to the Bentley grand touring spirit.

Now the new Continental GT 4-seat coupe builds on the success of its iconic predecessor, capturing that GT spirit but with even higher standards of design, engineering, luxury, craftsmanship, dynamic performance, everyday practicality and refinement.

A beautifully sculptured new body gives the GT coupe an even crisper, more defined appearance. The contemporary interior offers new levels of cabin design, comfort and hand-crafted luxury. The seats, for example, provide even greater support and rear leg-room; a sweeping dashboard even more style and modernity. The new touchscreen infotainment system features state-of-the-art navigation, Google Maps and entertainment while the latest Balanced Mode Radiator speaker technology and Dirac Dimensions™ digital sound processing deliver enhanced audio quality.

NEW BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT

Bentley’s acclaimed 6-litre, 12-cylinder, twin-turbocharged powertrain now has a raised power output of 575PS (567bhp/423kW) and 700Nm (516lb ft) of torque and this is mated to a new Quickshift transmission which enables double downshifts. Thanks to advanced FlexFuel technology it can also run on both standard unleaded petrol (gasoline) and sustainable bioethanol (up to E85) or any mix of the two.

In late 2011 an all-new, high-output 8-cylinder engine will also be available to order. This advanced power unit will deliver a 40 percent reduction in emissions compared with the W12 engine and will offer a class-leading CO2 emissions-to-power ratio with Bentley levels of performance and refinement.

Both engines are coupled to an all-wheel drive system with a sporty 40:60 rear-torque bias (compared with the 50:50 bias of the original Continental GT), minimising understeer during hard cornering and allowing the experienced driver to control the car’s line and balance via precise throttle control.

“The new Continental GT is an automotive work of art, with superb craftsmanship and elegant, contemporary design. It drives like a supercar, but without the usual sacrifices in ride or practicality. It is a car that you can enjoy every moment of every day.”

Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen, Chairman and Chief Executive

ASTON MARTIN ANNOUNCES RAPIDE COST

As the eagerly awaited Aston Martin Rapide four-door sports car goes through final engineering and testing phases before being launched in quarter one 2010, Aston Martin confirms UK pricing.

The price of the Rapide will start from £139,950 in the UK which features an impressive level of standard specification including: Bang & Olufsen Beosound audio system tailored specifically for Rapide, heated memory seats, dual cast brakes and Adaptive Damping System.

The Rapide is Aston Martin’s first production four-door sports car encapsulating the practicality of a car with extra doors and fusing it with the trademark sports car dynamics synonymous with modern Aston Martins.

Customer deliveries will commence at the beginning of quarter two 2010, and it will be the first sports car to be hand-built at the Aston Martin Rapide Plant in Graz, Austria. The new 17,000 m2 building has been designed to reflect the quality levels established in Gaydon since 2003 permitting the fusion of modern technology, advanced manufacturing processes and hand-built craftsmanship. Each Rapide will take approximately 220 man hours to build and will benefit from timeless craft skills just like the existing range; DBS, DB9, V12 and V8 Vantage do at Gaydon.

It is anticipated that +/- 2000 Rapides will be built in the first year attracting a high proportion of new customers to the brand. Core to this trend is the mix of huge attention to detail throughout the car, ample accommodation for up to four adults and the spacious boot (317 litres with seats up, and 886 litres with seats down) while maintaining Rapide’s elegant beauty and sports car profile.

The Rapide is on sale now available to order from the Aston Martin dealership network around the world.

ROLLS-ROYCE OPENS NEW SHOWROOM ON PEARL ISLAND IN QATAR

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has opened a new showroom at Qatar’s most exclusive address, the Pearl Island in Doha. The luxury automotive manufacturer celebrated the occasion on the outstanding, man- made island, located offshore the Arabian Peninsula, with a prestigious event that attracted prominent members of the Qatari business community.

The event was marked by the unveiling of the new Ghost, the latest addition to the Rolls-Royce model range which was making its debut in Qatar.

“Having seen the development of The Pearl Qatar over recent months I am convinced that it is the ideal environment to house the pinnacle of luxury in the automotive market. Our presence on this exclusive venue reinforces the strategic importance of Qatar and the Middle East region to the future growth of Rolls-Royce,” said Tom Purves, CEO, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

Omar Alfardan, President of Alfardan Automobiles and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Doha, said “The opening of our new showroom on one of the most luxurious islands in the world demonstrates our commitment to consistently investing in the Rolls-Royce brand. Our unique facility on the Pearl Qatar sets us apart and will cement our iconic status in Qatar’s automotive market.”

He continued, “We are extremely optimistic about the success of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars new model, the Ghost, in Qatar. The launch of the Ghost will further strengthen our position as Qatar’s leading luxury automotive dealer.”

Which Supercar Shall I Buy?

So, you have just got enough money to buy the car of your dreams, your mind is racing with choice and the thought of driving the car you choose. But and it’s a big but you must assess correctly what you want from your super car and how you will be using it. It can also get very tempting to stray over budget and get the next car up the automotive food chain. Stick to your budget and take into account the extras, some cars come with many extras as standard and don’t really offer a list. Others will come in a very basic state, your 200mph canvas will be ready to be painted with the very expensive glossy list in your hands.

Do some research on the company that you want to buy from. Look at how they are rated on customer service, after sales repairs, and general tone of voice. Some companies rely on making money out of their customers after they have brought the cars, they can charge massive amounts for servicing and maintenance. A recent study showed that your super car can cost you between £3500 a year to £100,000 (Bugatti Veyron) a year. Your super car will never be cheap, you already know this but over expensive tires and oil changes will just piss you off and deter you from driving it as a day to day car. Track days are quite cheep at about £150 and could be the best way to test drive what you have got your eye on.

Choosing the correct super car for your needs is paramount. Some cars are designed for strict track use and others for touring. There are in fact massive differences between most super cars, research will be paramount. Pay particular attention to the ride quality, some cars have a great set up which is perfect for track use and also deliver great ride quality. There has never been a selection of 200mph cars this vast before, it can be easy to over look companies like Noble, Ultima, Spyker and tuning companies which offer real performance for your money. Sticking to Ferrari, Lamborghini or Porsche might help you sleep at night but it won’t give you exclusivity.

Have a look at how much the cars will depreciate by, if there are no used examples available look at other models and how they have depreciated. Look at the amount being built, if there is no limit to the production then this could effect the second hand costs as there will be many for punters to choose from. Truly exclusive super cars or hyper cars often go for around a million pounds so don’t become disappointed when you realize your 150k cannot buy you what ever you choose. Ferrari (458 Italia) and McLaren (MP4-12C) recently released new super cars both priced at 150k but the actual price that people will be paying will be closer to 200k after “bits and bobs”.

So after doing all of the above, what do you do? You join a super car hire club. This could save you thousands and you can choose between a selection of 20 plus cars worth between 50k – 700k depending on where you go. So choose carefully and don’t rush. Not that you would…

KTM celebrates second appearance of X-BOW @ Race of Champions

Leading racing drivers from across the world have been battling it out in the minimalist KTM X-BOW sportscar at this year’s Race of Champions in Beijing.

Drivers from various motorsport disciplines, including Formula One, World Rally Championship and World Touring Car Championship, competed in the event in China’s stunning Bird’s Nest Olympic stadium.

Claiming the esteemed title ‘Champion of Champions 2009’ at the wheel of a X-BOW was DTM ace Mattias Ekström, while Team Germany (consisting of Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel) fought off stiff competition from Brits Jenson Button and Andy Priaulx to win the ROC Nations Cup.

“The Race of Champions is the crowning event of the motorsport season, and is a chance for the world’s best drivers from multiple disciplines to come together on an equal footing,” comments Georg Silbermayr, Head of Sales and Motorsport, KTM.

“With its racecar-inspired chassis and dramatic styling, the ‘Ready to Race’ KTM X-BOW really adds to the drama of the event, and seeing motor racing legends such as Marcus Gronholm, Michael Schumacher and Tom Kristensen racing alongside current Formula One world champion Jenson Button in the X-BOW is a sight sure to stir the blood of any ardent petrolhead.”

In addition to the X-BOWs used for the main event, fans were also treated to a number of KTM’s sensational off-road motorcycles which were used during the breaks between the races by the ‘Red Bull X-Fighters’ display team.

To celebrate its inclusion in the Race of Champions event at Wembley in 2008, KTM unveiled a limited edition ‘ROC’ model of its lightweight sportscar at the Autosport International Show in January 2009. Featuring extra carbon-fibre body parts, fully adjustable racing suspension and exclusive livery, all ROC model X-BOWs were sold within months of going on sale.

Those interested in finding out more about the extreme X-BOW sportscar can visit www.ktm-x-bow.com. For more information about the Race of Champions, visit www.raceofchampions.com.

Ferrari World

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, set to open in 2010, is the world’s first Ferrari theme park and largest attraction of its kind. It will be an intense multi-sensory experience and a must-visit for enthusiasts, fans and families. The Park pays tribute to the passion, excellence, performance, technical innovation that Ferrari has established over the years and represents today. Its iconic sleek red roof is directly inspired by the classic double curve side profile of the Ferrari GT body, spanning 200,000 m2 and carrying the largest Ferrari logo ever created.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will host a number of attractions, including rides for children of all ages, providing the complete Ferrari experience: over 20 state-of-the-art attractions, each designed to bring to life a different part of the Ferrari story, including the world’s fastest rollercoaster, travelling at speeds exceeding 200 km/h and emulating the thrilling sensation of being in a Ferrari F1 car, or the G-force experience taking passengers on an adrenaline-pumping ride up over 62 m, through the roof and back down again.

The Park is located on Yas Island – set to become a global tourist destination with a wide range of accommodation and entertainment facilities – on the North East side of Abu Dhabi’s mainland. Abu Dhabi, at the crossroads between Europe, Asia and Africa, was chosen as the ideal location to build the Ferrari theme park, motor sports being extremely popular in the United Arab Emirates. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will offer a unique and intensely fun way, together with a wide variety of Italian delicaciesand of course unique shopping experiences.

The Park is owned by Aldar Properties PJSC, Abu Dhabi’s leading property development, management and investment company. Farah Leisure Parks Management L.L.C, a joint venture between Aldar Properties PJSC and ProFun Management Group Inc. (international leisure facilities management and operating company) will be responsible for managing and operating Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. Ferrari’s key principles of excellence and performance in the context of technological innovation will underpin every aspect of the project.