First Pictures: Bentley set to Unveil Facelifted GTC & GTC Speed

The Bentley Continental GTC has gotten a facelift and a new sibling with a little more pepper under the hood.

The Continental GTC now also comes as a GTC Speed with the W12 upgraded to 600 hp from the standard GTC's 552. The new engine numbers now make this cabriolet able to max out at 200 mph (324 km/h), with the roof on, of course. With the roof down you lose about 5 mph - a real tragedy.

The Speed does the 0 to 60 mph sprint in 4.5 seconds, about 0.3 seconds faster than that slow poke, lumbering colossus, the regular, run-of-the-mill, discount, dollar store GTC.

The Speed also gets a lowered suspension of about 10 mm, which is fancy, automotive engineer parlance for 1 centimeter. The ESP system adds a Dynamic mode for better cornering too.

The standard GTC also gets a new ESP mode called Sport Traction, in case you want to enter it in a WRC rally. Hey, wouldn't it be something to take one of these half-million dollar Bentleys through a few stages of the Wales Rallye? Just a thought.

Optics get a do-over too, just barely. The GTC has a new front bumper, grill and larger air intakes. The Speed variant has larger exhaust pipes and gets 20-inch wheels. On the inside, a new steering wheel and Mulliner-spec quilted leather upholstery.

Jaguar has all but confirmed speculation that a new XJ

Jaguar has all but confirmed speculation that a new XJ is due to go into market as early as June 2009 according to statements by Jaguar executives. Jaguar MD Mike O'Driscoll said of the carthat it 'takes, we believe, the luxury saloon to new heights in terms of its technical enhancements'. That was during an event previewing the brand's upcoming new engines.

The vehicle will be a radical design departure for the XJ label, promising to look more like a four-door coupe than a big sedan. Currently Jaguar's superstar car is the XF and Chief Designer Ian Callum had intended for it to take on coupe-like looks even as a four-door sedan. This was achieved partly by getting the rear roofline to slope towards the back more like an XK than a saloon. Similar-looking cars include the Porsche Panamera, Aston Martin Rapide and the Mercedes-Benz CLS. With the XJ that philosophy will be taken to the next level.

Power sources for the new car will include Jaguar's new 3.0 V6 turbo diesels and petrol V8s. While a supercharged petrol V8 will power the high performance XJ-R, no plans have been made for a diesel V8.

With the XJ the company hopes to enhance its rising position in the world of luxury cars in a segment currently dominated by the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. However, Jaguar is not very interested in going high-volume on its cars, adopting a ‘quality over quantity' attitude instead.

Rumors: New Lotus Esprit postponed until 2011

It's been about 4 years since Lotus discontinued the Esprit V8 and a new Esprit has been a long time coming. It will now be a littler longer time in coming.

It appears Lotus has delayed the debut of the new Esprit, which was due for launch this year, until 2011.

Speculation is that Lotus is working on a hybrid version of the Esprit, which has been said will be powered by BMW's 4.4 liter V8. The 4.4 liter, bi-turbo V8 with 400 hp is already employed in the BMW X6. The Esprit may be taking that engine to about 500 hp. Possibly, also as part of a hybrid marriage with an electric motor.

Details are few on the enviro-friendly intentions of Lotus for the new Esprit. But Lotus has been laying the ground work lately for its push into new propulsion technologies. It recently announced development of an electric Lotus with extended range capabilities through a petrol-powered generator. It is also developing a hybrid drivetrain for motorsport in a partnership with Honda based on the Civic hybrid technology.

The Lotus Esprit is meant to compete with models such as the Ferrari 430 and the Lamborghini Gallardo. Having a hybrid supercar on the market would give it a competitive edge, but it must get the new Esprit to market first.

Jaguar XF-R Revealed

Official pictures and details of the new 2010 Jaguar XF-R have finally emerged. The executive British cat was designed to take on cars like the Audi RS6, BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz E63/ CLS 63 AMG.

In order to play at this level Jaguar has provided a potent engine for the XF-R in the form of a 5.0-litre V8 with a whirling supercharger plugged into it plus an uprated 6-speed automatic gearbox. The engine produces 510hp (380kW) and 625Nm. In comparison the previous generation S Type R, the XF-R's spiritual predecessor, made 399hp (298kW) from its 4.2-litre supercharged motor. For this power the XF-R gives back a 0 - 60mph time of 4.7 seconds. Jaguar also did a 0 - 100km/h (62 mph) run which came back as 4.9 seconds on the clock. A combined fuel economy of 12.5l/100km (18.8mpg US) is stated by Jaguar.

In terms of specification Jaguar did not skimp on features for their new top-of-the-range XF. Wheels are 20-inch alloys coupled with larger ventilated disc brakes. A new body kit featuring wider side skirts and a bonnet with louvers gives the car a more purposeful stance even when standing still. There's a new front end with a shiny upper mesh grille and a black lower mesh grille. The XF-R also has a new rear spoiler and four round tailpipes. The "R" moniker placed on the four brake calipers as well as the rear end makes it clear where this car stands in the Jaguar hierarchy.

Interior comes with soft grain leather as standard, adjustable sports seats and a dark chequered aluminium trim on the dash. The "R" is also seen just above the glove box and at the bottom of the steering wheel. The XF-R will come with a choice of eight exterior colours including one called Salsa.

More of the Jaguar XF-R will be on display at the North American International Motor Show in Detroit.

BMW testing the next generation 3 Series platform

Three years before the official launch and BMW has already started testing the next generation 2012 BMW 3 Series. The F35 platform will be quite different from the current E9x models and the first visual change that we noticed is the increased wheelbase along with a wider body.

As we learned from sources close to BMW, we are still a year away from the time the first 2012 3 Series prototypes will hit the road for testing and the final design will be chosen this spring.

An interesting fact pointed out by our friend at BMW is that the Progressice Activity Coupe based on the next 3er platform will be launched prior to the new 3 Series. This is similar to the Progressive Activity Sedan coming out before the 2010 BMW 5 Series. The PAC will be introduced when the Progressive Activity Sedan is officially announced.

Audi A7 Sportback Concept Images Leaked

Audi's Sportback concept will make its debut at the Detroit Auto Show which begins in less than a day. These are the first leaked images of the car. The Sportback concept represents the future Audi A7, a four-door 2+2 coupe said to be larger in size than the current A6. As much as it is a concept, Audi's recent design philosophies are all over the Sportback including those LED lights and the smiley grille, though this time it's upside down.

The vehicle's roofline and smaller rear window shows a fastback blueprint which could mean the A7 is a full-on hatch. It will be built on Audi's new modular longitudinal build kit (LBK). This modular setup can be adjusted for length, width and height to suit whatever application it's needed for. Other future large Audis are expected to use the same chassis setup.

The A7 will mark Audi's entry into the four-door Grand Tourer market where at the moment the Mercedes-Benz CLS reigns supreme and Porsche's new Panamera has also entered. Other players like the Aston Martin Rapide and BMW CS concept-based car will soon join the segment. The production car should be seen on many roads by the last quarter of 2009.

VW Concept Blue Sports Breaks Cover

Volkswagen's Concept Blue Sports premieres in Detroit as a study in combining great fuel economy with a sporty drive and looks. The roadster measures some four metres in length but weighs less than 1200kg. VW has put a turbo diesel engine in it and that tips the performance scales even more in its favour.

The engine is a 2.0-litre TDI that makes 180hp (134kW) from 4,200rpm and a hefty torque of 350Nm made from just 1,750rpm. Said to be capable of a 0 - 100km/h time of 6.6 seconds and a top speed of 226km/h (140mph), the Blue Sports concept emits just 113g/km in harmful C02 gasses. It averages 4.3 litres per 100km (55mpg US/ 66mpg UK) in fuel consumption.

Not to be classified as a lightweight with no proper credentials, the car runs on massive 235/35ZR19 tyres front and 245/35ZR19 rear. The gearbox is VW's trusted quick-shifting DSG with 6 forward gears and one reverse.

Technologies adopted are bi-xenon LED headlights outside, a touchscreen that controls infotainment sources inside and an easy-to-use top that can be removed in seconds. Could the Concept Blue Sports be pointing towards a future Scirocco cabriolet? Time will tell.

2010 BMW 5 Series Rendering

The image below gives us an approximate look of what the next generation 2010 BMW 5 Series front-end might look like.

All the credit for this image goes to VroomVroom and AndyValencia, members if Germancarzone. With the help and hints from people close to BMW and who have seen the final design, the rendering is said to be about 95% accurate, with one exception: the BMW roundel or logo, will be going to be placed on the front bumper rather than the hood.

What we learned recently is that the mirrors and the handles on the F10 5-Series are the same that on the F01.

BMW reconfirms 3 Series Crossover

No breaking news here, but according to Autocar UK, BMW’s CEO Norbert Reithofer has confirmed the future launch of a smaller, more affordable luxury crossover, internally named V3.

The PAC, Progressive Activity Coupe or V3, as it is known internally, is expected to based on Long Wheel Base 3 Series. The Progressive Activity Coupe has a higher roof when compared to the existing 3 Series Wagon and of course, a longer wheelbase as well. According to Autocar, it will fill a slot between the 3 Series Touring and the BMW X3, a statement that might not be entirely true, since the next generation X3 will grow in size and the X1 will be taking its place.

The idea of a PAC vehicle is that the little less wealthy 3er customers might find 5 Series too expensive, X3 too big, so they might find the V3 PAC being the right choice.

As Autocar mentioned as well, we learned a while back that the 3-series crossover will come with rear-wheel drive as standard, but four-wheel drive will be offered as an option.

The engines are likely to be the ones from the BMW 3-series models, with a future line-up of turbocharged four and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, basically expect all the “goodies” from the 3 Series to make it into the PAC as well.

Audi A8 : Next Generation

Under the new sheet metal will be an extended version of the modular platform used in the A4, but expect to see more exotic materials such as aluminum and magnesium employed to help save further weight and improve dynamics. The base model will remain FWD but AWD variants will feature the latest quattro torque vectoring SportDifferential, which distributes drive individually between each axle and between the rear wheels for improved traction and stability. There will also be electronic control for the air-suspension, steering, pedal response and transmission systems.



The new engine lineup will feature a 250hp (186kW) 3.0L V6 TDI, a 290hp (216kW) 3.0L V6 FSI, a 340hp (253kW) 4.2L V8 TDI, a 372hp (277kW) 4.2L V8 FSI and finally a 620hp (462kW) 5.0L V10 FSI reserved for the S8. Audi is yet to decide on whether it will launch a 12-cylinder model, however there are plans for a new mild-hybrid version. There will also be more supercharged units as well as increased application of Audi’s latest valve-lift system. The 6.0L W12 engine is reportedly being phased out due to its high costs and emissions.

First BMW M7 Spy Photos?

Though not officially so, BMW has on occasion admitted to cooking up a hotter version of the new 7 Series. Could these spy pictures be representing that top of the range BMW called the M7? The pictures landed on the laps of our friends at Motortips after being sent to them by a German reader named Francisco.

Francisco had been at his local supermarket about 100km west of Munich when he spotted a different-looking black BMW parked outside. Thinking it was a 2011 5 Series he went for a closer look. Upon realising the vehicle was a 7 Series he noticed other features that set it aside from normal 7ers. For instance, the carhad big black wheels with low profile tires and a dual exhaust system with trapezoidal tips, which is different from other models in the 7 Series lineup. Only M cars are fitted with double tailpipes at BMW.

Was it a special owner-tuned version perhaps? That would have made sense had the badges not been deliberately covered to protect the car's true identity. Apart from the badges there is no other disguise visible enough for the eye to see, pointing to an imminent public reveal.

It's the first time that BMW is producing an M-badged 7 Series after many years of speculation. The BMW M7 will go head to head with the Mercedes-Benz S63 / S65 AMG and the upcoming supercharged Jaguar XJR. It should produce in excess of 600hp (447kW).

Audi S1 - details emerge

Audi is launching a high-performance S1 variant of its A1 mini car around 2011. Based on the Metroproject concept of 2007, the A1 will compete with the MINI and Alfa Romeo MiTo at the bottom end of the luxury car market. For Audi, this pocket rocket S1 competes against the 211hp Cooper S JCW and Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA, powerful little cars with chassis built especially for handling.

Exterior kit is as important as engine performance in this segment and so Audi will spare very little cost with things like 19-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, deep air intakes, a roof-mounted spoiler and some chrome finishing.

To assist the quattro 4WD system in sticking those big tyres onto the ground, a 1.4-litre TSI engine should do the trick quite nicely. That's the same engine found in the SEAT Ibiza Cupra and upcoming VW POLO GTIas well. For those two it makes 178hp/ 133kW but the S1 will benefit from upgrades and an ECU tweak to give it over 200hp.

Mated to this powerplant is the new S Tronic twin-clutch gearbox which should push the car from 0 - 60 mph in about 6 seconds while returning a fuel economy index of 35 mpg.

The 2011 Audi S1 is expected to come in at £25,000 while the cheapest model in the A1 range may cost from around £13,000 when the base cars are launched in 2010.

Mercedes E-Class sedan brochure scans leaked

Early in December 2008 the very first official pictures of the new 2010 E-Class were leaked. And now less than a month later a scanned chunk of the marketing brochure with some detailed technical information and pictures has also been leaked.

Contained in the German-language brochure are very intimate details of the 2010 E-Class. The car is 4.868 metres long and has a wheelbase of 2.87 metres. It comes with a range of engines with 4 and 6 cylinder models in both petrol and turbo diesel form. With the exception of the E350 4Matic models and E350 BlueTEC, all other models are BlueEfficiency equipped. Powerplants include the E200 CGI with 135kW (184hp) and 270Nm, E250 CGI with 150kW (204hp)and 310Nm, E350 CGI making 215kW (292hp)and 365Nm, and the 285kW (388hp) E500 producing 530Nm.

Diesels are pretty strong too. The E200 CDI is good for 100kW (136hp) and 360Nm, from the same engine its E220 sibling does 125kW (170hp) and 400Nm. At the top end we find an E250 CDI with 150kW (204hp) and 500Nm plus a 3.0-litre E350 CDI with BlueEfficiency makes a heady 170kW (231hp) and 540Nm of torque.

Pretty much all the styling details of the E-Class can be seen; from front to the sides to the rear. The standard car is defined by its 9-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels and the chrome grille. Some styling packages like the ELEGANCE and AMG Sports Package are available to assist buyers when individualizing the look of their cars.

The ELEGANCE Package offers features like the liberal use of chrome for styling while AVANTGARDE models are sportier and more agile in their appearance. The differences up front are very clear when the two models stand side by side. ELEGANCE models feature double foglights on each side and more chrome on the grille while AVANTGARDE models have different shaped LED foglights below the bi-xenon lights and one less chrome rib on the grille. Wheels are 17-inch alloys.

Differences extend to the interior where high quality materials are evident for both packages but ELEGANCE uses more contrast of leather with wooden materials whereas AVANTGARDE cars are fitted with aluminium to emphasize their sportier feel. An EXCLUSIVE package is also available featuring luxury materials like Nappa leather upholstery and Alcantara. The AMG Sports package comes with sports seats, a contrasting interior colour scheme and an expression of dynamic power.

Although no details of the actual E-Class AMG are in these leaked brochure scans, this particular package gives a good idea of what it might look like.

2010 Mercedes E Class Coupe

New spy shots of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupé have popped up. Photographed in Germany, anticipation is boiling over for Stuttgart's replacement line for the CLK.


Looking rather dynamic in the metallic dark grey paint with silver lined windows and five-point alloys, one can't help but wonder if this car was meant to be photographed before its debut. A very sleek, but slightly covered black beauty was seen as well. Clearly, the car has taken some inspiration from the FASCINATION concept shown at Paris in 2008. Engine options begin with the 1.8 liter turbocharged petrol, and stops with the mammoth AMG 500 horsepower machine.


On sale this year, the Mercedes E-Class Coupé will likely debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The E-Class four-door sedan is coming to the NAIAS in Detroit, and the convertible should see daylight later in the year.

2011 BMW 1-Series

Following a mid-cycle facelift performed in 2007, the next generation BMW 1-Series is due to arrive in 2011. Prototype mules using the current 1-Series body (E87) have already been spotted testing around Germany and as a result artist renderings are starting to fill the speculative void.

Despite the early stage of testing, some details have been revealed. According to AutoBild, who spoke to BMW's product development chief, Klaus Draeger, BMW is keeping to the recent philosophy of fast developing new segments. Although a decision has not been made yet, the new 1-Series lineup may feature a type of elongated shooting-brake two-door wagon/ hatch variant. Such a variant, which can accommodate adult size rear passengers unlike the current 1-Series, would allow BMW to offer it to the US market.

The existing BMW and PSA Group alliance which already produces engines for MINI would build engines ranging from 1.4 liters to 3.0 liters for the 1-Series. Turbos are most certainly on the list, but an M version of the 1-Series is out of the question again.