Bentley unveils 2 new cars

Early this month, Bentley unveiled two new cars, the new Continental GT and GTC V8 models, at the North American International Auto Show, Detroit. The cars are powered by the new 4.0 litre, twin turbocharged V8 and said to offer exceptional standards for power-to-emissions in the high luxury sports car sector.

The new Bentley V8 engine delivers maximum power of 500 bhp (507 PS / 373 Kw) at 6000 rev/min and an extraordinary peak torque of 660 Nm (487 lb ft) which is available across virtually the entire rev range from 1700 to 5000 rev/min, providing exhilarating performance and effortless power delivery in the Bentley tradition. Combined with a new close-ratio 8-speed automatic transmission, this translates into a 0-60 mph sprint time of 4.6 seconds for the GT coupe (0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds) and a top speed of 188 mph (303 km/h).

The GTC V8 top up

The V8 Continental models achieve outstanding levels of fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions for the luxury performance sector and are capable of travelling over 500 miles (800 km) on a single tank of fuel. This represents a 40 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions.

The new car models are distinguished by a black gloss matrix grille with chrome frame and centre bar, a red enamel Bentley badge, and a black matrix three-segment lower front bumper divided by distinctive body-coloured strakes.

20-inch alloy wheels comes as standard on both models with an optional 21 inch six-spoke design which is available in dramatic Diamond Black (exclusive to the Continental V8) or Diamond Silver finishes.

The interior car design continues the fresh, sporting design theme with an Eliade cloth headlining, new contemporary Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus veneers, optional two-tone leather colour split and short centre console.

The new BMW M5

The BMW M5 will be launched on Nov 19‎ and according to news reports, will be priced at at £73,040. Check out the video of the new BMW M5 being put through its paces.

The car is powered by a 560hp 4.4-liter Twin-Turbo V8 rear drive engine. The car is said to have a a top speed of 190mph and goes from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds.

New VW Beetle

The new VW Beetle was unveiled at the Shanghai motor show recently. The new generation Beetle is longer (4,278 mm in length ), wider (1,808 mm in width) and lower (12mm less at 1,486) giving it a more masculine and sporty appearance. The Beetle is not really seen as a guy's car and I guess they are looking to change that.

The roof extends back further, the windscreen is shifted back and the boot capacity has also increased at 310 litres, up from 209 litres in the 1998 model.

The Beetle has four seats, with a split-fold rear seat for added versatility.

It will be available in 3 trim levels, namely, Beetle, Design and Sport with a wide range of innovative options, ranging from Keyless Access through satellite navigation systems and a panoramic sunroof to bi-xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights.

In the Beetle will be available in a choice of four engines: three petrol – a 1.2-litre TSI 105 PS, a 1.4-litre TSI 160 PS and a 2.0-litre TSI 200 PS; and one diesel – a 1.6-litre 105 PS with BlueMotion Technology. The latter is fitted with Stop/Start and battery regeneration systems which gives it a combined fuel consumption of 65.7 mpg and carbon dioxide emissions of 112 g/km.

Safety features include standard ESP and six airbags but also a laser-welded and galvanised body structure.

The car is expected to be available to order in the UK in the summer and arriving in showrooms early in 2012.

Tags: Volkswagen 21st Century Beetle Revealed

New Aston Martin Virage

A new Aston Martin Virage had it's world debut at the Geneva Motor Show on 1 March, 2011. The new Virage comes somewhere between the DBS and the DB9 and combines outright sports car performance with luxury, comfort and refinement. With it's signature swan wing doors, the Two-door, two-plus-two coupé has a distinct modern look.

The front mid-mounted 6.0 litre V12 engine produces 490 bhp (365 kW/497 PS) and 570 Nm (420 lb ft) of torque and gives a maxmum speed of 186mph. The engine ismated to a six-speed Touchtronic II automatic transmission mounted on the transaxle contributing to perfect 50:50 weight balance.

The car features a newly developed Adaptive Damping System (ADS) which intelligently ‘reads’ the road to provide optimum road holding, adapting to different conditions. The system now selects up to five different stiffness settings within normal mode, and a further five stiffer settings within sport mode.

Aiding driver control, a ‘Sport’ button on the facia allows the driver to select a sharper throttle response and faster gear changes while also holding the gears without automatically shifting up at the revolution limiter.

With regards to stopping power, the Virage comes with Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) brakes as standard.

Inside the car, a 6.5 inch high resolution display uses the latest graphics and maps powered by Garmin software to visually and aurally guide the driver to their destination.

Prices for the Virage starts from £150,000 and is on sale now.

BMW launches three new BMW 1 Series models

BMW has just announced the launch of three new BMW 1 Series models. This includes the much anticipated BMW 1 Series M Coupé which will be arriving in the UK in May 2011. It will cost £39,990 on the road including delivery, number plates, first registration fee and BMW Emergency Service.

The new BMW 1 Series Coupé and Convertible will be released on 26 March 2011.

Updates to the design includes a new front end and lighting giving them an even more athletic appearance.

The new BMW 6 Series Convertible

The new BMW 6 Series Convertible will be arriving in the UK on 26 March 2011.

BMW apparently considers the Mercedes SL350 as the competitor for the 640i SE and has put up a side-by-side comparison of the two cars. While the 650i is compared with the Jaguar XK
Convertible and the Mercedes SL500.

The 640i SE has a power output of 320hp and goes from 0-62mph in 5.7 secs while the 650i SE has a power output of 407 hp and goes from 0 to 62mph in just 5 seconds.

Prices (on the road) for the 640i SE is £65,680 while for the 650i SE is £73,430.

The new Lotus Elite

Lotus is set to unveil the brand new "Elite" at the Paris Motor Show. Reviving the old name, the company says that the car will redefine “modern classic”.

The car is powered by a front-mid positioned 5.0 litre V8 petrol engine with the optional use of hybrid technology with KERS. According to their press release, the car can go from 0-100 km/h in approximately 3.5 to 3.7 seconds.

There are plans for a retractable hard top version as well.

The car is set for release in spring 2014 and will be priced around £115,000.

The picture here is a Production Intent Prototype, it represents a concept vehicle being designed and developed by Lotus Cars.

The Mitsubishi ASX Challenge

Mitsubishi’s all-new crossover – the ASX (known as the Mitsubishi RVR in Japan) goes on sale in the UK from the 1st of July this year.

The RVR

To promote the launch, an online game, the Mitsubishi ASX Challenge has been launched as well. Go over to the site and play the game for a chance to win a brand new Mitsubishi ASX crossover.

Official photos of the new Honda Accord Crosstour

These are the first official photos of the new Honda Accord Crosstour. The car is based on the award-winning Honda Accord.

The car features a bold front grille, a longer, wider stance and a versatile, spacious cargo area.



The Crosstour will be going on sale later this fall.

Nissan Leaf unveiled

Nissan unveiled their much awaited electric car called the Leaf yesterday. In their words, it is the "World's THE WORLD'S first electric car designed for affordability and real-world requirements".

The hatchback will be launched in late 2010. It comfortably seats five adults and has a range of more than 160km (100 miles).


In case you are wondering about the name,

The "LEAF" name is a significant statement about the car itself. Just as leaves purify the air in nature, so Nissan LEAF purifies mobility by taking emissions out of the driving experience.

The car is powered by laminated compact lithium-ion batteries, which generate power output of over 90kW, while its electric motor delivers 80kW/280Nm.

or more information about the car, check out their press release.

However, they failed to actually say how much the car will actually cost.

Ferrari 458 Italia

Ferrari has officially unveiled their latest car - the Ferrari 458 Italia. With styling byPininfarina, this mid-engined V8 car replaces the Ferrari F430.

According to their press release, the two-seater458 has lower fuel consumption than the F430 but with a higher overall displacement and power. The car has a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.4 seconds. It has a top speed of 202 mph. For now all I have got are some pics and the press release. The car will be unveiled to the public at the next Frankfurt Motor Show.


For more information go to the Ferrari site.

The Riversimple Urban car launced in London

The Riversimple Urban car was launched in London yesterday.

The two-seater car is powered by hydrogen fuel cells and was developed with Oxford University and Cranfield University. It features gull wing doors as well.

The car is expected to go into production by 2013.

The Proton Exora

Malaysian car maker, Proton has launched their MPV - the Exora. It is Malaysia’s first locally produced MPV.

It was launched on Wednesday by Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

The 7-seater is powered by Proton's own 1.6 Campro CPS engine linked to a 4 speed automatic transmission.

The MPV has a top speed of 165 km/h (103 mph) and is available in six colours - pyrite brown, gaia blue, genetic silver, tranquillity black, blue haze and solid white.

Prices start at RM69998 going up to RM75998 for the higher end models. Proton had accepted bookings since Feb 21 and it was reported that more than 2500 orders have been received.

GM and Segway's Project PUMA

Recently unveiled at the 2009 New York auto show, PUMA stands for Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility and is the result of the collaboration between GM and Segway.

The PUMA has a maximum speed of 35 mph and can go up to 35 miles on a full charge.

Leko - the Ikea car

Is Ikea planning to branch into automobile manufacture?

A microsite for the mysterious Leko suddenly appeared linked from the Ikea France site. It features a rotating car covered with cloth and a designer called Christophe Grazs talking about it in French. I have no idea what he's talking about but I can probably get my brother-in-law to tell what he is going on about.

It has generated a fair amount of interest but seems a lot of people are not taking it seriously.

I hope they are not going to ask their customers to assemble it using an Allen key.

Tata Nano launch today

Tata Nano the World's cheapest car will be commercially launched today.



Watch the 10 things you should know about the Tata Nano slideshow on the Time site.

Go to the Tata Nano microsite for more information about the car.

Mitsubishi Motors debuts two models in Geneva

i MiEV (white) and the i MiEV SPORT AIR (blue) concepts

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation launched two concepts at the 79th Geneva International Motor Show at the Geneva Palexpo exhibition and conference complex on the 3rd of this month.

The two new cars are the i MiEV and the i MiEV SPORT AIR concept models. MiEV stands for Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle.

The i MiEV prototype is the precursor to a model that will be introduced to the European market in 2010.

The i MiEV SPORT AIR does bear a close resemblance to the VW Beetle.

3 new Minis

Mini fans rejoice. Mini will present three new models at the Geneva Motor Show(March 5th - 15th).
The three models are the MINI John Cooper Works Cabrio, a new MINI One and the MINI One Clubman. For more info, visit the special Mini site.

Check out the exclusive video:

New Renault Mégane Coupé.

The economy is really bad and car sales have fallen drastically in the UK. However, some companies are still launching new cars and some of them are really hot - like this new Renault Mégane Coupé.



Prices start from £14,485 OTR for the Expression.

Very fast yet green Bentley

Just found out about the new Bentley which runs on biofuel. You would not normally associate "green" credentials with powerful cars but this will be their fastest, most powerful production car ever. It will be unveiled on March 3rd at the 2009 International Geneva Motor Show.