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

Bentley’s Swiftest Four Door

With incredible power and efficiency, the luxurious Bentley Flying Spur W12 S has been named the marque’s swiftest four-door so far.  Bearing a 6-liter, twin turbo W-12 engine that has been heightened to 626 hp and supplied with 605 lbs of torque allows this Bentley to not just go fast, it makes the car soar.  The upgraded power train has helped this Bentley go from not to 60 mph in no less than 4.2 seconds before finally topping out at 202 mph.

The Bentley Flying Spur W12 S has an enhanced, more impressive responsive suspension system, revised damper & stability control, an all-wheel-drive differential (that includes a rear-biased torque ratio of 40:60), and the alternative of carbon-ceramic brakes, which are components assimilated to increase control and traction yet still keeping the passengers comfortable.

Exterior features include a glossy black treatment for much of the componentry (two examples are the radiator matrix and window surrounds), as well as hand chosen elements from the marque’s Beluga trim pack, which also include the rear diffusor and door mirrors.  The notable rear hatches are the focus of attention by gloss-black 21-inched, 7-bespoke alloy wheels (or an alternative 21-inched, 5-bespoke version) completes the exterior of the car brilliantly.

The exterior of the Flying Spur is only matched by it’s interior with omnipresent black for the dashboard & paneling (optional in a carbon-fiber finish) and the diamond quilted leather upholstery (in your choice of 17 colors).  Available in standard feature are three-spoke Sport Plus steering wheel, knotted gearshift paddles, and tread-plates & headrests with “W12 S” composed on both.

Although the front of the car is all ways exciting, the backseat area is equally entertaining with a touchscreen infotainment system secured in the rear middle console.  In addition, the touchscreen device implements climate control and Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity on request.  Those who are looking forward for the Flying Spur W12 S shall look no longer, because release for the model begins at the end of this year.

For more information visit:  BentleyMotors.com

Ferrari’s All New GTC4 Lusso T

Auto manufacturers are giving us a little sneak peak into their newest innovations for the rapidly approaching Paris Motor Show.  One such innovation is the Ferrari GTC4 Lusso, which the Italian manufacturer Ferrari even calls the perfect balance of sporty and sleek.

This new model was sparked by the GTC4 Lusso, and is known to the public as the GTC4 Lusso T.  And in contrast to the GTC4 Lusso, this new Ferrari doesn’t just add an extra T to the end of it’s name for fun, it adds a T due to the fact that a turbocharged V8 engine lies underneath the hood (thus explaining the added T).  This was done to give the driver a versatile experience, one that functions for missions as simple as getting groceries.  The older models V12 engine were designed for perceptive or fierce drivers and those that enjoy going on lengthy adventurous trips, where this new engine completes the model T as a fun friendly ride for all.

This new model doesn’t include a four-wheel drive system; alternatively, it leans on a rear wheel drive system that’s operated by a seven speed paddle shift gearbox.  The GTC4 Lusso T does however include a four wheel steering system that assists in high speed stability and low speed maneuverability.  With the V8 engine, the GTC4 Lusso T can go from zero to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds and tops out at 320 km/h.

As mentioned before, the four wheel steering was included to improve cornering in an urban area with all four wheels moving simultaneously with one another in the same direction.  Even a wide bodied V12 Ferrari driver has been taken by the sheer tightness of a bend at low acceleration and had to take about two to three shots to leave a junction.  Ferrari states that the V8 engine, even if it sounds good with taps open it should also be appropriately restrained at a lower pace so the drivers can stay alert at all times.

The super sporty Ferrari GTC4 Lusso T will begin it’s official debut at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, and that’s accessible to the public on the 1st of October.

Jaguar’s All New F-Type SVR

The new Jaguar F-Type SVR has been unleashed, with the speed and agility like that of a real jaguar, it was appropriately dubbed the most cat-like convertible and coupe in the F-Type series.  The vehicle harbors an incredibly powerful 575 hp, 5-liter V-8 engine (including 516.ft lbs of torque) and is chained with a twin vortex supercharger, which greatly diminishes engine drag.  Paired with a custom-tuned 8-speed automatic transmission, the voracious V-8 engine grants the F-Type the ability to go from zero to sixty in 3.5 seconds following up to 200 mph, (195 for the roadster).

This new Jaguar’s swiftness and control functions are the result of the marque’s Intelligent Drive-line Dynamics and Electronics Active Differential systems that maintains the suspension’s responses.  You have the possibility to enhance the flexibility of the SVR, to be further intensified by the optional Carbon Ceramic Matrix Braking system, which allows for a much stronger and sharper deceleration componentry than ever before.

As for the all-wheel-drive sportster: it features a lightweight aluminum body and your pick of three roof types; carbon fiber, panoramic glass, or aluminium.  The cars weight was also cast off with an Inconel and titanium exhaust system, plus 20-inch forged alloy wheels that comes to 30 pounds more lightweight than any other in the model line.  In addition to all the other previously stated features, the sportster promotes a newly upgraded airflow detailing that consists of intakes in the retracting door handles, front bumper, a front splitter, and a rear valance.  The carbon fiber rear spoiler rises automatically as soon as you reach a speed of 71 mph and also neutralizes lift all the way up to 264 pounds.

Luxurious features in the extremely customizable interior include beautifully quilted performance seats, cutting edge electrically assisted steering, extensive connectivity, and several accessible trim packages.  The 1st series production Jaguar to originate from the marque’s Special Vehicle Operation division as well as to carry SVR badging.  The starting price for the F-Type SVR begins at $125,950 for the coupe or $128,800 for the convertible.

For more information visit:  JaguarUSA.com