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Showing posts with label guide. Show all posts
Showing posts with label guide. Show all posts

Monday, 27 October 2014

2014 Bentley Continental GT V8 S: round the Block




You might not have much sympathy for anyone fortunate enough to be debating whether to shop for the 2014 Bentley Continental GT V8 S coupe or the convertible. you would possibly be even less sympathetic to listen to we assigned ourselves the odious task of driving the cars back-to-back to assist those lucky souls pick between the 2 body styles. Hey, this can be important consumer advice.


Aside from the part above your head, the 2 versions do not dissent a lot of automatically. With a twin-turbo V-8 engine tuned to deliver 521 HP, and an eight-speed automatic drive divvying up 502 pound-feet of torque, acceleration is large. The Bentley's large weight creates a flash of lethargy propulsion aloof from a stop before the wall of torsion presses shoulder blades into animal skin seats. The Continental GT has a lot of power than our Four Seasons 2014 Chevrolet combat ship ray, and the GTs square measure solely negligibly slower than it to sixty mph—0.5 second slower for the auto and zero.7 slower for the convertible.



Plenty of cars provide rocket-ship acceleration, however few match the approach the 2014 Bentley Continental GT V8 S glides down the road. First, though, we set the four-mode adaptive suspension to the softest setting to erase the battle scars of southeast Michigan's well-worn I-94. Bumps over growth joints square measure notable just because they are the primary road state transmitted to the occupants in miles. The composed ride is not the only awe-inspiring a part of the experience. Windows closed, the cabin is thus quiet you'll be able to hear the whirring of the motors for the seat massagers. bit the perfect hand-stitched animal skin, and taciturnly give thanks the women in Crewe for his or her labor. Crank up the 1100-watt Naim electronic equipment to listen to entirely new chords in "Layla."
So, the 2014 Bentley Continental GT V8 S is wondrous. on our original question, we have a tendency to decide the convertible. If you are going to flaunt your wealth associate degreed beauty in an deluxe two-door automobile, it should furthermore have associate degree open roof. All the higher for others to examine who's behind the wheel, all the higher for you to enjoy the thrill of six-figure driving, all the better to listen to the baritone exhaust once you open the faucets.
It's a powerful selection, however someone has to create it.

2015 Bentley Continental GT3-R Review



Amenia, new york -- With the Continental series, Bentley has established to be a master of the art of stratification, slicing the marketplace for its already quick, already luxurious, and already dearly-won motorcar (and convertible) into ever-finer striations of performance and exclusivity. the most recent example is that the 2015 Bentley Continental GT3-R, which, for currently a minimum of, sits at the terribly apex of the Continental hierarchy.
Although similar in construct to the previous Supersports, that departed with the prior-generation Continental, the GT3-R may be a slightly totally different twist on the final word Continental GT. The GT3-R takes its inspiration from the Continental GT3 automobile, that runs within the Pirelli World Challenge in North America and therefore the Blancpain Endurance Series in Europe. The GT3-R’s livery of white with inexperienced stripes -- the sole colour scheme offered -- is taken directly from the automobile. alternative visuals ar equally borrowed from the automobile, including the complete blackout trim, the distinctive black-finished 21-inch wheels, and therefore the hood vents. The front splitter, lower body extensions, door mirrors, and deck-mounted rear spoiler ar all carbon fiber. The sum impact is racy so.


Inside, the same inexperienced accents enliven the otherwise all-black cabin, that is richly clothed  in animal skin and Alcantara. Again, there’s many carbon fiber, that seems not even as a trim strip here and there, however covers the door panels in nice swaths and options conspicuously within the payload compartment graven out of the spot wherever the rear seat unremarkably would be. not like the Supersports, however, the GT3-R’s two remaining chairs do retain their power adjustment.
Eight beats twelve
It is a proof of the V-8 engine’s ascendency at Bentley that the top-performance Continental GT now uses eight-cylinder power instead of a W-12. The GT3-R’s twin-turbo V-8 makes 572 H.P. and 518 pound-feet of force, up from 521 H.P. and 502 lb-ft within the V8 S. (The twelve-cylinder 2015 Bentley Continental GT Speed, however, still offers additional, with 626 H.P. and 607 lb-ft.)


Although it can’t match the output of the GT Speed, the GT3-R is that the liveliest Continental we’ve ever driven. This Bentley isn’t just impressive underway; it lights out from a stop right now. motor-assisted by a lower final drive quantitative relation, the GT3-R can rocket from zero to sixty mph in three.6 seconds, making it the quickest production Bentley ever. customary carbon-silicon inorganic compound brake rotors reel during this quick machine, and ought to offer fade-free performance.
Aiding the GT3-R’s energy is that the proven fact that the automobile has shed some 220 pounds compared to the V8 S (and it’s a hundred pounds lighter than the previous Supersports). additionally to moving out the rear seat, alternative pounds-saving measures embody switch to a metallic element system and fitting lighter wheels. Of course, this is often still an important automobile at four,839 pounds, and it carries a heap of momentum into corners. however as we tend to plied the scenic back roads north and east of latest dynasty town, wherever the suburbs fall down to gentlemen’s farms, the superbly weighted steering and therefore the well-tuned chassis created this huge automobile straightforward to put, even at elevated speeds. At constant time, skillful calibration of the GT3-R’s air-sprung suspension has helped this husky machine retain a amazingly comfy ride even rolling on 21-inch wheels wrapped in low-profile (275/35 ZR21 Pirelli P Zero) rubber.


One of 300

 So the GT3-R is one special Continental, that Bentley asks a walloping $337,000. That figure represents a larger than fifty % upcharge over the V8 S ($199,700) and also implies that the GT3-R is quite $100K dearer than the Continental GT Speed ($227,700). will the distinctive look and altered driving expertise create the GT3-R price it? Before you answer, contemplate conjointly that solely three hundred examples are going to be designed, ninety nine (sequentially numbered) for the us.
Far be it from North American nation to grasp the social science during this rarified air. Disregarding what you get hold of them, though, the changes visited upon the Continental to create the GT3-R are ones that we can definitely get behind. As for its exclusivity, that’s one thing we tend to can’t place a value on. Would-be Bentley boys (and girls) can ought to try this for themselves.

2015 Bentley Mulsanne Debuts at 2014 Paris Motor Show


In this crazy world of super-powered hybrids, Wi-Fi equipped SUVs, and all-electric luxury cars, there’s currently additionally associate degree ultra-high-end sedan that goes one hundred ninety mph, the 2015 Bentley Mulsanne Speed. With a lot of power, torque, and fuel economy than the quality Bentley Mulsanne, the Crewe-based car maker continues to boost the bar for its most discerning and distinguished customers.

A a lot of powerful chariot awaits

 While the regular Bentley Mulsanne troopers on with constant six.75-liter, twin-turbocharged V-8 engine it's used since it bowed as a 2011 model, the 2015 Bentley Mulsanne Speed advantages from many key performance modifications to constant powertrain. Bentley overhauled the engine with a replacement combustion chamber, plug position, water ports, and fuel injectors, additionally as editing the variable valve temporal arrangement and turbocharger systems to assist the V-8 belt a further twenty five horsepower and fifty nine lb-ft of torsion. The Mulsanne Speed packs 530 horsepower and 811 lb-ft, the latter of that is out there as early within the rev vary as 1750 revolutions per minute. Acceleration from 0-60 mph happens during a swift four.8 seconds before the 2015 Bentley Mulsanne Speed super out at one hundred ninety mph—ungodly territory for a automobile consideration in at 5976 lbs.
The 2015 Bentley Mulsanne Speed sees its eight-speed ZF transmission recalibrated so as to deal with the substantial power hike. a part of the update could be a new “S” transmission mode that holds the revs higher than 2000 revolutions per minute therefore the twin turbochargers area unit well-spooled and prepared to unload at a moment’s notice. within the customary, non-Speed Mulsanne, the eight-speed has been tweaked for "smoother, relaxed gear changes that promote a comfortable and refined driving experience."



Still thirsty, however less therefore

 At constant time that the six.75-liter engine gets a lot of muscle, it additionally advantages from improved fuel potency. The state here comes courtesy of associate degree updated cylinder deactivation system that Bentley claims eases the transition between eight- and four-cylinder practicality. united with the transmission and engine enhancements, the 2015 Bentley Mulsanne Speed is thirteen % a lot of economical than the outgoing model, and boasts a golf range of a further fifty miles. independent agency ratings for the Mulsanne Speed stand at 12/19/14 mpg (city/highway/combined). the quality 2015 Bentley Mulsanne, steady at 505 horsepower and 752 lb-ft of torsion, additionally advantages from a thirteen % fuel potency boost due to similar transmission and cylinder-deactivation tweaks.
As on the regular automobile, the 2015 Bentley Mulsanne Speed options 3 selectable air suspension modes that may be tailor-adjusted by the driving force (called Comfort, “Bentley,” and Sport). whereas we have a tendency to favourite the game mode on the outgoing Mulsanne, line of work it “ideally weighted and concerning good for [the] automobile,” Bentley says it's changed the suspension for higher body management and a lot of communicative steering during this higher-performance variant.
A dash a lot of perspective
A few new styling bits characterize the 2015 Bentley Mulsanne Speed, though it’s for the most part unchanged from the conventional Mulsanne. On the outside the Speed boasts a particular dark-tint end throughout the front connective tissue, as well as the front and lower grilles additionally because the wing vents. each the headlights and taillights receive the dark-tint treatment, that ought to prove fashionable combined with one of the Mulsanne’s four new paint colors: Spectre, Candy Red, Camel, and Marlin.
The 2015 Bentley Mulsanne Speed will for the first time offer carbon fiber on the interior, featured as inlays within the out there Piano Black veneer panels. Bentley’s usurious Mulliner Driving Specification interior is customary on the Mulsanne Speed, adding diamond-quilted animal skin hide door panels and seats, adorned  Bentley emblems, a animal skin star, and organ-stop ventilation controls.
At $335,600, it takes a very stout bankroll to handle the entry price for the 2015 Bentley Mulsanne Speed. consumers UN agency will swallow the value are going to be happy to grasp that their cash is well-spent—298 of Bentley’s Crewe staff labor to form the Mulsanne Speed the king of kings within the super-luxury world. the inside alone takes one hundred fifty hours of labor, which has installation of fourteen bull hides that keep England’s tanneries busy. If that’s not enough to impress your high-class date or seal that crucial dealing, look no additional than the Mulsanne’s inbuilt wine excitement and crystal champagne flutes.
Look for the 2015 Bentley Mulsanne Speed to debut at the 2014 Paris machine show, with deliveries slated to start in winter.

2015 Acura NSX Spied Testing On Nurburgring


To the nice satisfaction of the lots, the assembly 2015 Acura NSX can hit the streets wanting virtually the image of the well-received thought version. Our spy photographers noticed a epitome of the future 2015 Acura NSX hybrid supercar testing on the Nürburgring, and despite the car’s camouflage we are able to tell that the long-awaited NSX won't disappoint when it finally arrives in mid-2015.
As we tend to aforementioned in our recent sneak peak of the 2015 Acura NSX, the production model will be “tantalizingly close” to the latest concept seen at last year’s Tokyo show. Changes, if any, are refreshingly minor. Up front, the lower air intakes appear altered, but don’t expect any drastic departures from the show car. The hood during this test car also gets slightly more prominent air vents. The concept’s chrome five-spoke wheels can most likely get left on the room floor, in favor of throw units. On the epitome we tend to spied, we are able to see web-spoke wheels up front and easier six-spoke wheels at the rear, though those may well be for testing functions solely.


Under the skin, we tend to expect the 2015 Acura NSX to use a high-output twin-turbo version of the RLX Hybrid’s three.5-liter V-6 creating around four hundred horsepower, mounted rear-midship. It can be positioned longtiduinally, and matched with an electrical hybrid system and seven-speed dual-clutch transaxle transmission to deliver power to the rear wheels. keep with Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) technology, 2 electrical motors can power the front wheels.
We expect the 2015 Acura NSX to position itself within the market during a fashion the same as the recent NSX, that we tend to celebrated because the most cooperative and usable supercar of its day. If history is any indicator, Honda will stake out its own ground for the new NSX, instead of chasing down Porsche, McLaren, and Ferrari.
In 2013, NSX lead engineer Ted Klaus told North American nation his team was benchmarking six key cars: the Audi R8 GT, Chevrolet war vessel Z06, Ferrari 458 Italian Republic, McLaren MP4-12C, Nissan GT-R, and the Porsche 911.

2015 Acura TLX on-line Configurator Goes Live


Consolidating the overlapping TSX and thallium, the 2015 Acura TLX represents a come to the posh brand's tenets of straightforward, conservative, and well-built vehicles. Acura is hoping that its latest effort can finally lure some patrons into its sedans, that are grouping dirt in its showrooms whereas families go off from dealerships in RDX and MDX SUVs. Before you schedule a take a look at drive, you'll build your own using the 2015 Acura TLX configurator, that simply went live on-line.
The base 2015 Acura TLX (starting at $31,890 we have a tendency toll as|together with delivery) is truly the one we like, because of its high-revving and fascinating 206-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder and swish eight-speed dual-clutch transmission system. the bottom engine comes solely with front-wheel-drive, but it does come standard with Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS) and brake-based torque vectoring for improved handling. One maximize is that the 2015 Acura TLX 2.4 with the Technology package, that for $35,920 includes lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, premium audio, navigation, and a leather-trimmed interior.


Opting for the 290-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 and nine-speed transmission system prices $35,115 together with destination. This 2015 Acura TLX model may be outfitted with the same Technology package for $40,145, whereas the pricier Advanced package adds adjustive cruise, automatic pre-collision braking, parking sensors, LED fog lights, and remote engine start to the Technology package. Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive is on the market and replaces the P-AWS front-wheel-drive system, totaling $42,435 with the Technology package or $45,595. complete accessories area unit tokenish, together with 19- or 18-inch wheels, protection instrumentation, Associate in Nursing aero kit, and alternative dealer-installed things.
As senior editor David Zenlea found on the primary drive of the 2015 Acura TLX, Acura has finally abandoned its failing experiment with up-to-date styling in favor of restrained magnificence with slightly of sportiness. “We suspect several patrons can be simply fine with Associate in Nursing Acura that once once more appearance, feels, Associate in Nursingd drives like an Acura,” same Zenlea of the new TLX.
While the 2015 Acura TLX won't put the recent push for turbocharged powertrains and rear-wheel-drive in luxury cars, people who bear in mind Acura's blossom of high-grade and cut price valuation compared with the competition are going to be happy to check those ideals back within the fray.

2015 Acura TLX Pushes New “It’s that sort of Thrill” drive


While Acura was once AN enthusiast-favorite whole with flashy offerings likes the Integra R and RSX sort S, the whole lost a number of its most torrid fans once it shifted gears toward a a lot of premium and technology-focused identity. a brand new and comprehensive drive for the 2015 Acura TLX, claimed to be the biggest promoting effort in Acura’s history, appearance to revive that sense of passion and excitement with the tagline “It’s that sort of Thrill.”
The first step of the 2015 Acura TLX drive are a TV spot entitled “My method.” a lot of short clips of Acura engineers and workers, emended succeeding in an exceedingly staccato-like fashion, show the vehicle’s testing and development. The footage is ready to a contemporary rendition of Frank Sinatra’s “My method,” and is interspersed with a message reading, “We created this one for us…but you'll have one.”


“It’s not like we've a nasty name that we'd like to beat,” Acura whole manager electro-acoustic transducer Accavitties  told Automotive News. “It’s simply we've a nondescript name.”
Our impression of the 2015 Acura TLX is that the bottom 206-hp, 2.4-liter, high-revving four-cylinder model is so participating and fun to drive. Still, it’s clear the bulk of buyers who will ultimately gravitate toward the 2015 Acura TLX will do so due to the car’s combination of tasteful and conservative styling, glorious build quality, and cheap valuation compared to its competition.
You’ll be hard put to miss the promoting footprint for the 2015 Acura TLX, which can be publicized  on tv, Twitter, Facebook, Yahoo, the New Yorker, and beyond. The 2015 Acura TLX starts at $31,890 as well as destination, and you'll notice info on building your own virtual TLX here.

2016 Acura cardinal titillated for L.A. Show Introduction


The Acura ILX compact luxury sedan are refreshed for the 2016 model year, and this teaser icon provides North American nation our initial cross-check the automotive before it makes its official debut next month at the 2014 la motor vehicle show.
Acura has so far released few clues as to how it will change the ILX, however the company clearly desires to increase the model's charm and sales. "The 2016 cardinal can bring a sharpy performance focus whereas delivering a bigger set of high-value comfort, convenience and safety options," Acura aforesaid during a statement.
In addition to "more forceful, showy exterior styling," the 2016 Acura ILX is additionally promised to own "a potent new powertrain." presently, the Acura ILX offers buyers a choice of two engines: a 150-hp, 2.0-liter inline-four, and a high-revving 201-hp, 2.4-liter mill extensively utilized by the Honda Civic Si. The slow-selling Acura cardinal hybrid was interrupted for the 2015 model year. It's unclear what new powertrain Acura plans to suit to the 2016 cardinal. One chance is a version of the 206-hp, 2.4-liter inline-four engine and eight-speed dual-clutch automatic employed by the new 2015 Acura TLX.
The Acura cardinal was introduced at the 2012 Chicago motor vehicle show and hasn't been considerably updated since. Sales of the automotive, that is predicated on the Honda Civic, have not affected. Acura cardinal sales destroyed simply twelve,251 in its first year on the market and 20,430 in 2013 -- putt it behind the MDX, RDX, and Tl in Acura's lineup last year. Through the top of Sept this year, Acura cardinal sales square measure down fifteen.8 percent compared to the same period in 2013.

Loose Hood Trim Causes g to Recall 198,000 Hummer H3 and H3T Models



General Motors proclaimed nowadays it is voluntarily recalling 198,000 2006-2010 Hummer H3 and H3Ts as a result of a bit of the hood will shake loose and detach whereas driving.
According to Hummer interpreter Nick semiotician, the piece is the hood slat, that was purposeful on earlier Hummer models however is only ornamental on the H3. The tabs holding the trim piece intact may probably fracture, permitting it to become independent from the vehicle whereas in motion. ought to this occur, the slat may probably cause important injury to the vehicle or close traffic.
GM has received 5 reports of this happening with customers’ vehicles (including 3 in Japan), and is voluntarily recalling all H3 and H3T vehicles designed between 2006 and 2010. This equates to roughly 164,190 vehicles within the U.S., ANd an further thirty three,810 examples outside of the country.
Although g is presently in the method of winding the Hummer complete down, the repair -- that consists of applying adhesive between the hood and the trim piece -- can be performed at Hummer dealerships still in operation. Those while not AN operative Hummer franchise near  ar tutored to head to the nearest Cadillac franchise for the fix.

Bummer: Last Hummer H3 Rolls the Off line



Although General Motors began to wind down its Hummer brand earlier this year, production of the H3 continuing. Until now. According to many reports, the last H3 rolled off the assembly line in Shreveport, Louisiana, this morning.
H3 production had been idled throughout the company's bankruptcy, however weight unit resumed production in Gregorian calendar month to meet a fleet order for 849 trucks. we've not detected UN agency placed the order back in March, however the batch was reportedly split between H3 SUVs and H3T pickups, and also the order was to be completed by the top of May.
Although the Shreveport plant can still manufacture each the GMC canon and Chevrolet Colorado compact pickups, the loss of Hummer production can force the plant to put off roughly two hundred of its 900-person force. GM is also expected to shutter the facility in 2012, golf shot the long run of its compact pickups in question.
For the predictable future, the Hummer complete is currently formally dead, though weight unit can retain the rights to the Hummer name, and can doubtless still license it to toy and attire corporations, additionally to clubs and firms mercantilism aftermarket accessories for H1, H2, and H3 models.
In a noteworthy parallel, the Humvee -- the military-spec forerunner to the Hummer H1 -- was recently given a replacement lease on life, thanks in no little half to a unpunctual fleet order. when in public mulling the call, the U.S. Department of Defense placed a $54-million order for associate degree extra five hundred units. Production of the Humvee is predicted to continue at AM General's plant in Mishawaka, Indiana, through Gregorian calendar month.
We're curious what GM plans on doing with the leftover H3 tooling. Should the corporate simply discard the equipment at the side of the Hummer brand, or ought to it sell it to a different company, much like it did with the last-generation Saab 9-5? Send your thoughts in the comments section below.

AM General Considering merchandising Build-Your-Own Humvee Kits




Off-road enthusiasts haven’t been able to purchase a brand-new Hummer H1 since 2006, however new reports recommend AM General could presently enable customers to purchase – and build – their own Humvee in the close to future.
According to HummerGuy.net, it’s a wide noted rumor at intervals the Hummer community that AM General could presently sell a partially-knocked-down, military-grade Humvee to interested civilians. The kit, allegedly known as the C-Series, would primarily offer everything required to assemble a spic-and-span Humvee, doubtless based mostly off the military A2 Series product line.
The one exception: powertrain. As is that the case with nearly all kit cars, buyers will reportedly ought to obtain their own engine and transmission to put in within the tight confines of the Humvee’s engine compartment. Although late-model H1 models were offered with GM’s 6.6-liter turbo-diesel Duramax V-8 associated an Allison six-speed automatic, Humvees sold to the militia still use an evolution of the traditional GM 6.5-liter turbo-diesel V-8, on with a four-speed automatic transmission. That pairing would doubtless be the best to install, tho' variety of H1 specialists supply swap kits for the Duramax, at the side of the Cummins diesel I-6 utilized in Ram pickups.
Hummerguy claims patrons are going to be able to add options like rocker panel and driveline protection, central tire inflation (CTIS) hardware, a 12,000-pound winch, and a heated screen. Creature comforts, however, may not be. tho' the civilian Hummer/ H1 interior was maybe best delineate as basic, its amenities --including plastic interior trim, electronic equipment, and upgraded seats – won’t be part of the C-Series. Instead, expect to visualize a metal dashboard, basic seating, an absence of sound abatement and carpeting, and so on.
Is this truth or to a small degree of fan fiction? in step with Jeff Adams, decision maker of communications and promoting at AM General, the corporate is "considering the event of a HUMVEE kit comprised of bound HMMWV body and chassis parts." That said, the corporate says it hasn't come back to a final judgment at now in time. " the corporate has engaged focussed group outreach with potential customers to determine the viability of such an effort, however, at now in time it's still work the feasibleness and prices of this planned initiative," Adams says. "Any other comments about this initiative would be premature and speculative."
Still, we predict it's a stimulating plan, and one that appeases Hummer fans and off-road enthusiasts alike. In fact, the concept is kind of just like the machine J8 Milspec kit once offered by yankee Expedition Vehicles, which sold military-grade Jeep Wrangler J8 vehicles (including an oh-too-cool pickup) as engineless kits to consumers, allowing people who really wanted one to possess one, but without Chrysler completely re-working the vehicle so as for it to befits both NHTSA and EPA regulations. an equivalent are often aforementioned for the Humvee – merchandising it in kit type permits the inflexible enthusiast to get one while not the corporate acquisition the value of re-engineering the vehicle to satisfy the newest airbag, collision, and emission standards. A completed C-Series can be titled, registered, and insured as a kit automotive designed by the owner, not AM General.
But, as AM General says, no call has been created. Adams notes a number of the data bestowed "reflects discussions we've had with focus teams to determine the viability of this planned initiative. All the data provided to the main target teams is notional and solely meant to gage A level of interest,  as we have a tendency to area unit still work the feasibleness and prices of this endeavor."
You tell us -- would a DIY Humvee kit be a worthwhile offering to the off-road vehicle market? Sound off in the comment section below.
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