The New 2018 F-Type Lineup

From the start of its production line, the Jaguar F-Type series had become an iconic vehicle for automobile enthusiasts and car collectors alike.  Nevertheless, Jaguar has endeavored to continue the F-Type’s development, which is further demonstrated with their newly augmented 2018 F-Type lineup at the New York International Auto Show.  The new lineup features a total of 24 variants, including a state-of-the-art turbocharged, 4 cylinder entry adaption as well as a limited 400 Sport special edition.  Other unique specifications encompass boosted tech features and a restored front-end with full-LED headlights.

When it comes to the overall car performance, the new 400 Sport special edition, supercharged V-8 SVR, and the R-Dynamic trim level, are ranked as the highest in its lineup of the 2018 F-Type series.  Out of these three superlative F-Tpe variants, the supercharged 380 hp R-Dynamic trim can reach not to 60 mph in a little over 5 seconds, the 575 hp F-Type SVR grasps 60 in just 3.5 seconds, and the 400 Sport (which is strictly exclusive to the 2018 model year) reaches 60 mph in under 5 seconds.  The 400 Sport special edition in particular, takes centre stage in the lineup with its yellow and glistening-gray badging on the front & rear splitter, and with further badging located inside the interior.

The interior of these superlative F-Types, boasting chrome & aluminum trim, bear lightweight seats in Sport and Performance options.  And introduces jaguar’s pad-oriented InControl Touch Pro advertorial system that provides weather reports, real-time traffic functions, and Fuel Finder: a feature that calculates the distance with the driver’s destination and the remaining fuel in the tank, then reports whether or not the fuel is sufficient for the targeted distance of travel.  In addition, the new F-Type lineup offers assistance functions such as a semi-automated park-assist and an emergency braking system.

In order to visualize a more apparent differentiation from all the previous F-Type series’ releases, Jaguar designers constructed four model-distinctive front bumpers and air intakes.  Where these air intakes were devised with greater apertures than the prior double “shark gill” intakes, and that incorporate a lozenge mesh style.  The release for the 2018 F-Type lineup is set for later this year and will be having its starting prices range from $59,900 to $125,000.

For more information visit:  JaguarUSA.com

AM RB 001: The World’s Fastest Street Legal Car to Premiere in 2019

In a world where hypercars are becoming ever more parodies of racing video game products, it’s difficult to stand out in the field. However, when the car in question is a collaboration between Aston Martin and Red Bull, you can be sure that the result is going to turn heads wherever it goes.

Extraordinary Looks, Stunning Performance

If ever a car was to look fast, even when standing still, it has to be the RB 001. Due out in 2019, the RB 001 is likely to be the fastest production car by a considerable margin, it’s the car to catch, and it’s going to take a hell of a lot of catching. Forget hypercars; the RB 001 is going to be the first of a whole new breed of car and one that will need a whole new category to describe it.

That may sound like a bold statement but when you consider that if it were to be put up against cars like the Porsche 918 or even the McLaren P1 around a suitable race track, such as Silverstone, the RB 001 would be expected to cross the line around 20 seconds faster than the other cars. That’s not just a bit faster – it’s a new level of performance! That fact is a far better measure of performance than simple straight line speed, as it incorporates a whole raft of abilities and pushes a car in terms of road holding, acceleration, and braking performance, and puts the RB 001 literally miles ahead of the opposition.

Power and Grace

While the RB 001 is expected to be the pinnacle of performance, exact details are still sketchy, and neither Aston Martin nor Red Bull are letting too much out of the bag. It is rumored to be powered by a bespoke Cosworth-built 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine, and have a bespoke gearbox, but many other details are less well known. In keeping with Aston Martin’s desire to give their cars names beginning with V – Vantage, Vanquish, Virage, and the track-only Vulcan – the RB 001 has been christened ‘Valkyrie’ to reflect its God-like status. Mark Reichman, Aston Martin’s Chief Creative Officer said “Aston Martin model names have deep meaning. They need to inspire and excite. To tell a story and enrich a narrative that stretches back some 104-years. The Aston Martin Valkyrie is an incredibly special car that demands an equally remarkable name; an uncompromising car that leaves nothing in reserve.” It is a name that evokes the mighty power and effortless grace of the RB 001.

Details on engine and power train assemblies are still unknown – and possibly even undecided – but the RB 001 is unlikely to suffer from technical shortcomings or putting up with second-best components. It is also expected to be roomy enough to fit two adults in the cockpit, so Sunday afternoon drives won’t be a problem.

But all that power is useless without a chassis that is able to keep the car on the road under maximum acceleration, and that is the job of Aston Martin’s third collaboration on the car with Michelin, the tyre manufacturer who supply the 265/30 ZR20 at the front and 325/30 ZR21 rear tyres. Michelin have decades of experience in supplying tyres to some of the most demanding motorsport events in the world, and has been recognized as being one of the most innovative manufacturers. Being selected to work on a next-generation car like the RB 001 is the ultimate accolade for a tyre manufacture and puts Michelin firmly at the top of their class.

As well as vicious acceleration the tyres and whole suspension system will need to cope with huge amounts of downforce generated by the aerodynamic bodywork. The unsprung mass has been kept to an absolute minimum and the suspension system has been specially designed by Aston Martin to cope with the extreme performance from the car.

Limited Edition, Maximum Appeal

The RB 001 is expected to be manufactured at Aston Martin’s Gaydon plant in Warwickshire, and it is also thought that it will be limited to a short special unit production run of between 99 and 150 cars only. That will not only ensure the car’s exclusivity but also make it an investment worth having. Andy Palmer, CEO of Aston Martin has said that, following the cars debut at the famous Goodwood Festival of Speed, demand for the car would make it oversubscribed at least three times.

Aston Martin’s association with the Red Bull designers started with collaboration on the much anticipated DBII, due out later this year, and following that, work on a concept that would become the RB 001 seemed the only logical way forward. Red Bull has the reputation for extreme action, and Aston Martin has the car design experience to bring anything Red Bull can imagine to life.

Race Track Performance on the Road

So what do you get for your expected selling price of £2,500,000? You get what is essentially a road legal Formula One car, but with a docile side that means that it will never become too much of a handful on the roads. The RB 001 is designed to have shattering performance when it is needed, but to still be a car that can bring sheer driving experience to the lucky few who are able to get their hands on it.

For more information visit:  astonmartin.com

The Worlds Most Collectible Mercedes?

First unveiled in March of 1957 at the Geneva Motor Show, the Mercedes 300 SL Roadster designed by the famed Friedrich Geiger would soon become the most prestigious German drop top grand tourer of the century.  Today, the 300 SL is one of the most desirable classic cars, with prices nearly always surpassing the seven figure mark.

As common with many German automakers at the time, Mercedes had spent several years following the second world war resecuring their position as a world leader in automotive manufacturing.  Between the combination of the 300 SL coupe & roadster coupled with their championing return to Motorsport.  Mercedes quickly reassumed their position as a name synomnous with the best.  The eye catching success of the 300 SL proved particularly helpful in the brands re-established perception in the United States, increasing Mercedes’ annual sales in the US market from under 100 vehicles (pre WW2) to over 6,000 in 1957.

Production ran from 1957 to 1963 with a base price of around $10,000 USD (one of the most expensive cars of the time).  Despite the cars high price, Mercedes still managed to sell on average over 300 examples per year.  Eventually being succeeded by the “W113” series SL or better known as the “Pagoda”.

The Mercedes Maybach G650 Landaulet

Mercedes-Benz has once again displayed their advanced level of ingenuity in their latest launch, the Mercedes Maybach G650 Landaulet, which counts as Maybach’s first ever SUV model to be produced.  This new Maybach is going to have it’s debut at the 2017 Geneva Auto Show next month.  The G650 Landaulet makes for the perfect driving experience, as the roof folds away bringing an unfettered, open-aired experience to the passengers in the back.  Whether you drive this car for that incredible alfresco feeling, it’s simply astounding appearance, or just for its superlative interior design, it remains a ride that few shall forget.

The front of the G650 Landaulet has a closed roof, while the rear contains two extending seats that were taken out of the Mercedes S-Class and enclosed by a flexible-top roof which can be opened or closed.  The roof in the rear of the car has a partition glass that divides itself from the front.  Furthermore, the glass includes an electronic tinge feature for additional privacy.  The open-top option is exclusive to the G650 Landaulet, although there has been related open-top variations of the G-Class in the past.

Other unique features include a massage function in the rear seats, folding tables, temperature regulated cupholders, and two 10-inch TV screens.  The premium options include a top of the line leather trim with diamond stitching, the possibility for chrome-plating, and you can select from three different colors for the roof.

The G650 Landaulet utilizes the running gear from the G500 4×4, and is completed with pumped fenders developed from carbon fiber and high-riding portal axles that transmit roughly 18 inches of ground clearance.  While the sheer power originates from its twin-turbocharged 6.0 liter V-12, reaching up to 621 horsepower and producing 738 pound-feet of torque.

The Mercedes Maybach G650 Landaulet symbolizes the long-standing G-Class before they redesign this series for the first time since it’s launch in 1979.  The price has yet to be released, but is highly likely to supersede the $225,925 starting price of the G500 4×4, which is placed as the most expensive G-Class on the market.  With only 99 examples to be built, and deliveries to begin in Autumn, the G650 has become a true classic with collectors eagerly waiting to claim one for themselves.

The Geneva Auto Show starts March 7th.

For more information visit:  Mercedes-Benz.com

Insight On The 2018 Mercedes AMG GT C Roadster

Personally test driven by AMG boss Tobias Moers, on a lonesome desert highway through the arid land around Las Vegas, the 2018 Mercedes AMG GT C prototype swiftly performs at its peak capacity while Moers monitors how well the car handles and operates to confirm readiness before production begins.  The test driving site is a perfect place to assess the car’s performance as the harsh terrain proves to be a quite the challenge with a terrible inconstancy in the road and hard to maneuver turns.  Furthermore, the car is very responsive, which is not all that shocking when you take into account that the coupe was first designed with thought of roadster functionality.

The Mercedes AMG GT C Roadster is a vigorously adapted by-product of the GT Roadster, and it also adopts key components from the highest-quality of the GT layout, the superlative GT R coupe.  Even though the GT C is not as powerful as the GT R, it can extract an abundant 550 hp and 502 ft lbs of torque from it’s twin-turbocharged 4-liter V-8 engine, allowing for an acceleration from zero to 60 in just 3.7 seconds, which leads up to a maximum velocity of 196 mph.  In addition, the GT C Roadster has been given a rather slender stance along with a capacious track, providing the car with a stooped-down appearance that lets the car look exactly as velocious as it truly is.

The GT Roadster is known to be at a disadvantage to hardware shared with the GT R, such as an electronic rear differential that proficiently converts power to the road, rear-wheel steering, and active air-control management that utilizes louvers in the front grille to improve engine cooling & aerodynamics.  Nonetheless, the GT Roadster lineup has always kept that certain kind of uniqueness and style, which have caused the evolution & development of the GT Roadster to grow by leaps and bounds.

Further testing will continue with Mercedes-AMG engineers as Moers works rigorously on the finishing touches so that the Mercedes AMG GT C Roadster is in perfect condition for the upcoming showrooms in Fall 2017.

For more information visit:  MBusa.com

The New Bentley Continental GT V8S Black Edition

The new Black Edition of the Bentley Continental GT V8S may seem like a luxury car at first glance, but even with its polished, hand-turned aluminum and wood that has been brilliantly outfitted to the interior, this Bentley remains first and foremost a high performance car til the end.  And even more so when you include it’s high-powered V8 opposed to a relatively gentle W12 engine.  Created to accentuate key sporting credentials to a discerning clientele, whilst not going beyond any boundaries that separate personalized and flamboyant components.  Bentley has refined this new black edition thanks to the assistance and support from their Mulliner bespoke projects department.

A clear, distinct alteration from the standard version, is that the new edition reduces the time-honored brightware, which in turn gives the external trim aspects by the front air ducts and the windows that are typically finished in polished metal a gloss black treatment.  Just as well, the headlamps and taillights have become a darker hue.

The purpose for this subtle approach is so that the body kit pack, which enhances aerodynamics, and is available in four diverse accent colors of Beluga, Cyber Yellow, Hallmark or St James’ Red, emerges prominent and remains distinct.  Beneath the hood there’s a twin-turbo 4.0 liter V8 with 520bhp as well as a large 680Nm (502 lb.ft) of torque at hand that can be transmitted to all four wheels over an eight-speed automatic transmission.  When the right conditions are met it can go zero-100km/h in 4.5 seconds (or 4.7 for the soft top model) and can reach a top speed of 192 miles per hour (309km/h) or (191mph:308km/h for the convertible version).

The interior harbors GT Design seats by Mulliner and the headliner’s stitching perfectly mirrors the selected accent tone for the body kit.  But when one hears the name Bentley, one can certainly expect whatever has been added to the cabin thus far is only the beginning for which the owner will construct and forge his own.

Presently Bentley has yet to confirm the prices, but the Black Edition is expected to cost considerately more than a standard $210,000 Continental GT V8 S.

For more information visit:  BentleyMotors.com

The Game Changing Ferrari 512 M

In the face of even greater odds, undeterred by being contemplated as a front-runner during its racing season in 1971, the magnificent Ferrari 512 M (safeguarded by an “all-star team” consisting of owner Roger Penske, mechanic John Woodard, and race car drivers Mark Donohue and David Hobbs) came across a string of historic bad luck for all four of its races.  Even though the 512 M didn’t finish in first place, it still became what is known as a “game changer” that whipped up a new standard in the Motorsport racing world.

The footage (taken by Petrolicious) below shows Hobbs as he explains and specifies what exactly transpired and how the 512 M managed to keep its cool, thanks to its outstanding, intense power and excellent V-12 engine, which appeared to be just as fantastic as it did back then as it does in this video of the 512 M surging across the track.

Photo courtesy of Petrolicious.com

Porsche New Experience Center Opens In L.A.

The recently launched Porsche Experience Center Los Angeles (also known as PEC LA) has caused major excitement in the West Coast for countless esteemed car enthusiasts, the center (a sixty million dollar complex) vows to bring in over 50,000 visitors from all around.

The experience center was built on top of a former nine-hole golf course located in L.A.’s industrial South Bay, and the cutting-edge 53-acre site features numerous test tracks, event space, a fine-dining restaurant, and a limited but symbolic collection of time-honored Porsche race car classics.  In addition, the new facility will act as the new Porsche Motorsports headquarters in North America, where Porsche’s most skilled engineers and factory technicians will maintain close support for more than 400 racing clientele from the U.S. and Canada with parts, components, and expertise & knowledge from an immaculate workshop enclosed in glass.

Detlev von Platen, former president & CEO of Porsche Cars North America, who just recently became the executive board member for Porsche’s global sales and marketing last fall, says the PEC LA “allows us to showcase everything Porsche stands for.”  Not only the killer racetrack and the ravishing cars, “but also teamwork and, most importantly, people.”  The company unobtrusively estimates the new Porsche Experience Center will bring 50,000 visitors, among a third of the visitors coming from current Porsche owners, another third from special/corporate events, and the remaining third from floor traffic.  Porsche’s first Experience Center in U.S. (neighboring its North American headquarters of Atlanta) has already had 36,000 visitors since it opened last year in May 2015.

The main focal point for most visitors will be the high-performance driving programs, that are taught by professional instructors, many of whom are either current or former race car drivers.  Students are able to drift around a wet skid pad in a Boxster, go off-roading in a Cayenne, test launch control in a 911, or race to your hearts content around the handling circuit in a Cayman.  The prices vary between $385 to $950 for each 90 minute session course.  PEC LA also offers restoration services of classic race cars for both private and corporate customers, but restoration facilities for road cars will stay in Atlanta.  Von Platen puts emphasis that, “this center is all about the race cars.”

For more information visit:  PorscheDriving.com

BMW’s Latest Motorcycle Concept Goes Beyond Futuristic

The futuristic Vision Next 100 concept bike just made it’s official debut as part of BMW’s yearlong centennial celebration.  This hot new motorcycle is the very last in a yearlong series of concept vehicles that were unveiled for the brand’s anniversary, starting with the cutting-edge BMW Vision 100 concept car, that was first introduced in March of this year.  According to BMW Motorrad, motorcyclists of the future will have no need for protective gear, a helmet, or even experience riding.  Just imagine a motorcycle that would be so safe all you would need are the keys.

The designers of this bike say that in spite of the Motorrad Vision Next 100 utilizing a plethora of avant-garde technology, the true objective is to offer the rider a sense of simplicity and straightforwardness.  The Head of Design for BMW Motorrad, Edgar Heinrich said, “Motorcycling is for the soul. We want to give customers the same experience that people had in the early days of motorcycle riding.”

The rider of this sleek-looking bike has no need for protective gear as the Motorrad Vision Next 100 concept prevents any accident before it even happens.  The Head of Design for the entire BMW brand, Adrian van Hooydonk said “We (referring to the people at BMW) imagine that through technology, we can avoid accidents in different ways than [by] covering the driver.”  One of these ways is by using a self-balancing system that employs gyroscopes to keep the bike straight-up through difficult on the road situations, it also helps to keep it up when you come to a stop or when parked.  One more way is by using the bike’s accompanying visor, which serves as a virtual representation of your surroundings, as it displays the ideal riding line upon the road.  Hooydonk said, “this provides beginners with feedback on their progress, as well as challenges experienced riders.”  This jaw-dropping concept bike’s matching suit is very breathable and extremely lightweight, with additional support in vital areas around the body as to lower exhaustion.  Heinrich also adds, that the future of protective gear for riders “will be more of a fashion statement.”

The Vision Next 100 concept bike’s black triangular structure and white lines honor BMW’s first production bike, the striking R32 that was released in the 1920’s-1930’s.  The bike substituted a front fork and traditional suspension in exchange for a flex frame that’s connected precisely towards the front wheel.  And this let the designers create new steering movements.  To improve aerodynamics, a fabric-like fairing adjusts it’s shape depending on speed and the steering angle of the bike.

Even though the BMW Motorrad Vision Next 100 concept is only theoretical at the moment, Heinrich says some of the technology may even appear in future bikes.  Heinrich also added that “We love to do these kind of exercises. If you ask the customer, ‘What do you want? [They will say] more speed, more comfort, and more horsepower. But, this is not what drives visionary things. We like to look at the future. [This bike] looks beyond what we usually do. Usually we look four, five, six years into the future. This is like 30 years, which is crazy.”

For more information on BMW’s Motorcycles visit:  bmwmotorcycles.com

Meet The Art Of Bugatti Exhibition

The Petersen Automotive Museum located in Los Angeles, will be showcasing the Art of Bugatti exhibit on the 23rd of October, as they introduce their greatest creations from their most stylish designs to their highest performance vehicles.  In addition, the French automobile manufacturer will not only be presenting classic to high performance cars, but also some of the Bugatti’s family’s most extraordinary furniture and pieces of art.

Showing an automotive lineup like never before, Bugatti has placed 20 exceptional cars from throughout their many years in business.  The first car in the exhibition is their 1925 Type 35C Grand Prix, which is the same 129 hp model that won the Grand Prix World Championship in the following year.  The lineup will also feature two examples of what many have acknowledged to be among the most rare and breathtaking cars in existence, the 1939 Type 57C Atalante.  For a more modern coupe, the 1994 EB110 Super Sport Le Mans that qualified in 17th place for the cars namesake race (which did not finish), will also be displayed in the exhibition.  And to symbolize Bugatti’s leading-edge inventiveness is the 1,500 hp Chiron, with a world-wide reputation as the fastest and most powerful production today.

Ettore Bugatti’s brother Rembrandt, complemented the mechanized marvels with his seldom-seen artwork.  Contemplative of Rembrandt’s genius, the pieces in the exhibit include a cast bronze sculpture of Ettore’s wife Barbara (1906) and another piece constructed from cast bronze & wood titled Seated Panther (1907).  Plus patriarch Carlo Bugatti, who was a famous furniture maker, has his work displayed with three lavish/throne-like ordinations that go as far back as 1898.  Opening hours are from 10 am to 6 pm everyday, Art of Bugatti is planned to be on display for around a year, admission is priced at $15 for adults.

For more information visit:  Petersen.org