The Bentley Continental Supersports is the fastest and most powerful Bentley ever. It is the extreme Bentley, a muscular two-seater that delivers supercar performance and a highly focused driving experience. The Bentley Continental Supersports is also the first Bentley capable of running on both petrol (gasoline) and biofuel, pioneering the use of FlexFuel technology in the luxury sector. This represents stage one of the company's commitment to make its complete model range compatible with renewable fuels by 2012. Available worldwide from autumn 2009, the Bentley Continental Supersports will be FlexFuel compatible in the majority of markets from launch with North American cars offering the capability by summer 2010, following regulatory approval.
The Bentley Continental Supersports began as an 'under the radar' project exploring the possibilities of weight reduction on the Bentley Continental GT but with more power and torque. A largely experimental process crystallised over a period of 24 months into an official new car programme, driven by the passion and enthusiasm of a small group of Bentley engineers and designers. The results are dramatic. With 630PS (621 bhp) and new 'Quickshift' transmission that halves shift times, the Bentley Continental Supersports sets new performance benchmarks for Bentley. It accelerates from 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds) with a top speed of 204 mph (329 km/h).
Supercar performance is complemented by an array of chassis enhancements including retuned steering and suspension, utilising lighter weight components, retuned dampers and anti-roll bars. Agility is further sharpened by the 40:60 rear-biased torque split for the all-wheel drive system, a wider rear track, bespoke lightweight 20-inch alloy wheels and a unique electronic stability programme. Carbon ceramic brakes are standard fitment, benefiting steering response, grip and ride comfort, while saving weight. Overall, the engineering team have achieved a weight reduction of 110 kg (243 lb) compared with the Bentley Continental GT Speed.
The evolution of the Bentley Continental Supersports' design is very much a case of 'form following function' with new purposeful sculptural forms signalling the engineering changes beneath the skin. For example, the increased power and torque of the W12 engine necessitated additional airflow to the twin turbocharger intercoolers and cooling system. Bentley's designers responded with a purposeful and dramatic style that features large vertical intake apertures and twin bonnet vents. Similarly, new flared rear wings that accommodate the 50 mm (2 inches) wider rear track are designed to emphasise the powerful stance of this ultra-high performance coupe. The resultant Supersports style combines the looks of the iconic Continental GT with a new and distinctive appearance that reflects its more extreme character.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Bentley Continental Supersport
Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione
The Alfa Romeo Competizione is a sports car produced by Italian automaker Alfa Romeo. It was first presented as a concept car at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show and later released for sale for the 2007 model year.
Performance:
It is fitted with specially developed 20 inch tyres: 245/35 at the front and 285/35 at the rear, fitted on perforated rims in fluid moulded aluminium. The 8C brakes have been called "phenomenal" by Road & Track magazine, with a stopping distance of 32 metres (105.0 ft), when travelling at an initial speed of 97 kilometres per hour (60 mph). The official top speed is announced to be 292 kilometres per hour (181 mph) but it might be higher, with estimations that it could be around 306 kilometres per hour (190 mph) according to the Road & Track magazine. An Alfa Romeo engineer also stated that it is faster than announced top speed..
Ascari A10
Ascari, the same company that is creating the fastest car in the UK, have revealed details of their newest project. Called the A10, this is a 600 bhp, road-going version of Ascari's Spanish GT Race Car.
So far, a single yellow example has been completed and is being extensively tested before the regular production version is revealed in 2006. Engineers at Banbury, and the exclusive Race Resort Ascari racetrack, are committed to ensuring this 220mph supercar delivers world-class performance similar to other independents such as Pagani, Koenigsegg and Mosler. Like its KZ1 predecessor, the 1280kg A10 will be rare, with just 50 to be hand-built at Banbury. With an exclusive with a price tag of around >>350,000, Ascari's announcement is particularly bold. Power will come from a modified BMW M5 engine with a six speed manual as standard or a sequential gearbox available as an option. With its wide carbon fibre body and matching fixed rear wing, the A10 more dramatic compared to the KZ1 it's based off.
Chris Burton from Ascari says: ''We are extremely excited by the prospect of launching the A10. This car's roots are in the racetrack making it a truly inspiring driving machine, yet refined enough by design to be driven every day as a supercar.'' Ascari is now ready to pre-register for the 50 A10s.
Acura ZDX
Acura ZDX (2009)
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A few weeks after Acura released a series of teaser images, Acura officially pulled the wraps off the concept version of the ZDX crossover at the 2009 New York International Auto Show. Interestingly, the previously released teaser shots actually show early production lighting elements, rather than those found on the NYIAS concept, but we’re told that, other than the lights, there are few changes between the concept and the ZDX that will roll into Acura showrooms this fall as a 2010 model.
Designed by 28-year-old Michelle Christensen (who was only 25 when she penned the first version of the vehicle), the five-passenger ZDX is based on the MDX platform and will be positioned above that seven-seater as a flagship within Acura’s lineup. Although Acura claims that the ZDX will introduce “an entirely new category of luxury vehicle,” no one will be able to help comparing it to that other four-door coupe crossover thingy, the BMW X6, although the ZDX’s ride height is markedly lower. Still, like the X6, it is none too dainty at 192.6 inches long, a vast 78.5 inches wide, and 61.8 inches tall. There are 108.5 inches between the centerlines of the 20-inch wheels, which are shod with 275/40-series Michelin Latitude tires. - Acura confirms that it will be powered by a V-6—likely the MDX’s 3.7-liter—mated to an all-new six-speed automatic, but declined to reveal output specifics. It will, of course, come standard with Acura’s nifty Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system.
The interior of every ZDX will feature leather seating surfaces, and occupants will get plenty of light from above via the standard full-length glass roof. For lane changes—which undoubtedly will be hampered by those huge C-pillars—the ZDX will offer a blind-spot information system, as well as a multi-angle rear-view camera, surround-sound audio, navigation and, we imagine, a whole lot more if it is to, as Acura claims, achieve “a whole new level of prestige” for the brand.
Acura TL
The TL sedan is Acura's best-selling model, and for good reason. The midsize sedan has broad appeal, and its design and performance have raised it above the level of the generation — called the 3.2 TL — that it replaced in 2004. Along with incremental styling and chassis changes, the big news for 2007 is the reintroduction of the sporty Type-S version, which boasts significant enhancements from bumper to bumper that make it more fun to drive and distinctive but not clownish in appearance.
Exterior & Styling
Most people won't notice the TL's styling changes, but if you study it, you'll find a larger grille with honeycomb mesh. The previous grille was set deeper and was less noticeable than the honeycomb, which I'm not sure is an improvement — especially because a cutout that enables access to the hood latch is clearly visible. The bumper has been reshaped and makes the lower twin intake vents less visually dominant. Now containing the fog lights and a horizontal chrome strip, they make the car look lower and wider — a nice effect overall. The headlight clusters, which formerly included the fog lights, now house a pair of more defined daytime running lights. The rear bumper also has been reshaped, and the all-red taillight lenses have been replaced by clear lenses over a more intricate cluster of lights with a new LED pattern. In the regular TL, the largest segments are now white — again, not an improvement in my eyes. The side mirrors now incorporate turn-signal lights.
The Type-S variant is nicely distinguished by a number of cosmetic and functional elements — most noticeably in the rear. Here the taillights are all-red, delineated by a smoked-chrome bezel, which is a much better look. Atop the trunklid is a small, tasteful spoiler. The biggest at-a-glance difference is the tailpipes, which consist of dual chrome tips on either side. I'm not wild about the execution; the TL's rear is one of the most cohesive and distinctive on the road, a solid wedge with a brilliantly executed interplay of trapezoidal shapes. The Type-S' tubular pipes do away with one of the slickest elements, the trapezoidal exhaust tips that fit flush with the bumper in perfectly shaped notches. Certainly there was a way to distinguish the Type-S without borrowing from a different stylistic vocabulary. (What am I, an art critic?) Between the pipes is another honeycomb grille posing as a diffuser; it is strictly cosmetic.
The Type-S has wider side sills than the regular TL but shares its front-end changes and is distinguished by "black chrome" trim on the grille and bumper in place of the bright chrome elements. Alloy wheels with five split spokes are new for 2007. The Type-S has charcoal wheels with matrix-style spokes. Both are 17 inches in diameter, but Acura offers 18-inch wheels as an option.
Beauty is subjective, but for what it's worth, I think the TL is one of the best-looking cars on the market. Granted, most models look tragically similar, and the TL is guilty of the same, but I've never mistaken one with anything else in traffic — except maybe its look-alike little brother, the TSX. Practically since they were first imported, Hondas, Toyotas and their luxury versions have been exceptionally well-rounded, quality cars held back by uninspiring styling. (Hard to imagine how much more successful they could have been.) When I first saw the TL, I believed that the tide had begun to turn, and that competing automakers should be very concerned.
By Joe Wiesenfelder
Acura RSX A-Spec Concept
The RSX Concept first made its debut at the 2001 SEMA show and is updated to reflect the significant changes made to the Acura RSX for 2005.
The Concept RSX features a chassis that has been widened five inches compared to stock, with an aggressive body styling kit, fender flares, carbon fiber front and rear spoilers and HID headlights. It boasts racecar suspension tuning, large 19-inch "black chrome" wheels, prototype Michelin F1 tires and Brembo brakes.
Inside, fully customized interior features carbon fiber accents, a race-style instrument panel and custom gauge cluster.
Peugeot Hymotion3 Compressor Concept
Peugeot Hymotion3 Compressor Concept (2008)
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We really dig Peugeot's new HYmotion3 Compressor Concept. It's got three wheels -- two up front and one in back, our preferred arrangement -- and a hybrid drivetrain. The two front wheels are independently powered by individual wheel-mounted hub motors and have no connection to the supercharged four-stroke 125cc engine that powers the rear wheel. Regenerative braking is all that provides power to the scooter's battery pack. Like the Piaggio MP3, the HYmotion3 is a leaning machine. Besides that radical powertrain, the scooter features a full safety cage that encompasses both the driver and passenger. A real windshield sits at the front with a second large sunroof overhead.
The engine shuts down when it's not needed and the electrically-driven front wheels are capable of powering the machine by themselves. The HYmotion3 is extremely fuel efficient, recording 118 miles per gallon. Could it see production? It's not beyond the realm of possibility, as the supercharged engine is already sold in other Peugeot scooters and the aforementioned MP3 has proven that the design can be a success on the sales floor. In other words, stay tuned.