William Maley

With the prices you listed above, you showed my problem with Beetle. For the same money or close to it, I can jump into a GTI Three Door when equipped as the same. I love the new Beetle. I had the chance to sit in it and found it very enjoyable. The price tag though has me wondering why I shouldn't go with the GLI and pocket the $2k in savings.

Bentley has new engine they'll be showing at next month's Detroit Auto Show. The engine is a new 4.0L Twin Turbo V8 that was jointly developed with Audi. The 4.0L V8 produces 500 HP and 487 lb-ft of torque. The twin-turbo V8 will lie under the hood of Bentley's Continental GT Coupe and GT Convertible. The V8 Continentals will differentiate from their W12 brethren with minor tweaks to the exterior which include different exhaust tips, red enamel Bentley badges, black gloss matrix grille, chrome frame and center bar. So why is Bentley offering a V8 variant? Fuel Economy. Bentley says the V8 gets 40% better fuel economy due to the engine using cylinder deactivation, direct injection, stop-start technology, and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Bentley hasn't released the EPA numbers, but estimates have the V8 at 25 MPG. Press Release is on Page 2 THE NEW BENTLEY CONTINENTAL V8 RANGE New Continental GT and GTC V8 models will debut at the North American International Auto Show, Detroit (January 2012) Exceptional power-to-emissions ratio combined with classic Bentley power and torque from new 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8 engine Fulfils Bentley’s environmental commitment to a new powertrain delivering a 40 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions Advanced technologies include direct injection, variable displacement, new close-ratio 8-speed transmission and all wheel-drive New Continental V8 model range complements the flagship 6.0 litre W12 GT and GTC (Crewe 12th December, 2011) Two new Bentley Continental V8 models will be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on 9th January 2012. The new 4.0 litre, twin turbocharged V8 Continental GT coupé and GTC convertible achieve exceptional standards for power-to-emissions in the high luxury sports car sector. This remarkable, new Bentley V8 engine delivers maximum power of 500bhp (507PS/373Kw) at 6000 rev/min and an extraordinary peak torque of 660Nm (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 sub-5 second acceleration time for the 0-60 mph (0-100km/h) sprint and a top speed of over 180mph (290km/h). At the same time, the new 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 (800km) on a single tank of fuel. Full and official figures will be released in early 2012. The arrival of the new V8 Continental models fulfils Bentley’s environmental commitment to produce a new powertrain that delivers a 40 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions. The new V8 engine features variable displacement with a highly sophisticated engine management system, ensuring a seamless and imperceptible transition from V8 to V4 mode under light throttle load. The high-technology V8 also features high pressure direct injection, low friction bearings, thermal management, energy recuperation via the charging system, and innovative turbo charger packaging for greater efficiency. The instantly recognisable growl of the new 4.0 litre V8 engine sets it apart from its Bentley stablemates. The new V8 engine will be available in two models; the Continental GT and the Continental GTC. Expressing their potent, muscular character, these models are distinguished by a black gloss matrix grille with chrome frame and centre bar, a red enamel Bentley ‘B’ badge, and a black matrix three-segment lower front bumper divided by distinctive body-coloured strakes. At the rear, unique chromed ‘figure eight’ exhaust tailpipes, a dark lower valance and red enamel ‘B’ bootlid badge emphasise the sporty, contemporary identity of the new V8s. Both models are specified with 20-inch alloy wheels as standard with an optional 21-inch six-spoke design which is available in dramatic Diamond Black (exclusive to the Continental V8) or Diamond Silver finishes. Inside the cabin, an Eliade cloth headlining, new contemporary Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus veneers, optional two-tone leather colour split and short centre console continue the fresh, sporting design theme. The two new Continental models will be offered beneath the flagship 6.0 litre,12-cylinder engined Continental GT and GTC, which continue to excite customers with a combination of silken refinement and the ultimate power of the twin-turbocharged W12 Continental engine that, in its most potent form, delivers an astonishing 631bhp (640PS). Both new models feature a state-of-the-art, all-wheel drive system employing an advanced Torsen differential and a 40:60 rear biased power split. This ensures safe yet dynamic sports car handling in all road conditions. Since the launch of the original GT in 2003, the W12-engined Continental range has gone from strength to strength with over 50,000 sales worldwide, making Bentley’s factory in Crewe, England, the largest producer of 12 cylinder engines in the world. The W12 story continues to unfold and remains the ultimate expression of Bentley’s engineering strength. Commenting on the launch of the new V8 Continental models, Wolfgang Dürheimer, Chairman and Chief Executive, Bentley Motors said: “With the new 4.0 litre V8 engine we are widening the appeal of the latest generation of Continentals, introducing a completely new driving experience. The new engine will have all the exhilarating power, drama and performance you would expect from a V8 engine sporting the famous Bentley wings, effortlessly delivered with our characteristic ‘wave of torque’. This is complemented by innovative powertrain technology that delivers exceptional fuel efficiency and emissions.” THE NEW CONTINENTAL V8 MODELS Distinctive sporting style Gloss black matrix grille with bright chrome surround and divider Three-segment lower bumper with black air intakes and striking body-coloured dividers Dark rear lower valance Distinctive twin ‘figure eight’ exhaust tailpipes Red enamel Bentley winged ‘B’ badges above the front grille, to the bootlid and wheel centres 7 exterior colours offered in standard range Sporty, contemporary interior New Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus veneer unique to the V8 models Eliade cloth headlining and pillar trim Short centre console in place of W12 through-console 4 hide colours offered in standard range Unique two-tone leather colour split 3 hood colours (Continental GTC) Exhilarating, efficient new 4.0 litre V8 engine Exceptional power-to-emissions ratio reflecting engine efficiency Variable displacement (a technology first proven on the Mulsanne) imperceptibly cuts 4 cylinders on cruise and light throttle Switchable engine mounts ensure refinement Engine optimisation technologies boost efficiency New, close-ratio, 8-speed transmission offers 6 per cent efficiency gain with ultra-fast shifts Turbochargers mounted within ‘V’ for efficiency and fast response Over 500 miles (800km) range on one tank of fuel Distinctive V8 growl All-wheel drive system with 40:60 rear biased torque split View full article

How was the ride in the Beetle Turbo?

Automakers are having a tough time trying to keep their new cars under wraps till the day they're ready to announce. Such is the case of Mercedes-Benz which had their latest SL leak onto the internet. The pictures are suspected to be from a brochure and show the SL from the front and rear, along with the top up and down. The overall shape comes from the SLS AMG supercar and SLK roadster. We also see a shot of the interior as well, decked out in various shades of black and white. We know the next SL will lose a bit of weight thanks to the extensive use of aluminum in the body. No one knows what will lie under the hood of the SL, but expect a V8 and V12. UPDATE: Earlier Today, German Car Forum unleashed a massive stash of official SL pictures. Gallery has been update with the new pictures. Source: Autoblog.nl, German Car Forum View full article

Back in September, we reported that GM and BMW were in talks about an alliance. The possible alliance would have General Motors looking at BMW's lineup of gas and diesel engines, while BMW is looking at the Voltec powertrain. Now, a report from German business magazine Wirtschaftswoche says there could be more to this alliance. Wirtschaftswoche reports the two are in talks about jointly developing fuel cell technology for vehicles. The plan would allow BMW to access GM's fuel cell tech. In return, BMW would help pay research costs. When asked about this, a BMW spokesman said, "We are speaking to GM about various future technologies but we are not saying anything more beyond that." GM declined to comment. Source: Reuters Related: Rumorpile: GM & BMW To Team Up? View full article