Car performance

The new GTC models share a fresh frontal appearance. The radiator grille is more upright with a more pronounced square edge, accentuating the Bentley profile, and bolder lower air intake. The latest models are further distinguished by chrome headlamp bezels, the availability of two new exterior paints and a new colour hide.

The appeal of the GTC is further strengthened by the addition of the new 600bhp (610PS) Bentley Continental GTC Speed model. It is Bentley's most powerful convertible ever and inspired by Bentley's legendary 'Speed Models' from the 1920s.

The GTC's chassis and exceptionally rigid steel body have proved more than capable of coping with the power of the 552bhp (560PS) 6-litre W12 engine. For the new Bentley Continental GTC Speed, twin-turbocharged W12 now develops 600bhp (610PS) that delivers true 200 mph (322 km/h) performance, with the roof up, with exhilarating, effortless acceleration. Even with the roof down the Bentley Continental GTC Speed can reach 195 mph (312 km/h).

The Bentley Continental GTC Speed is visually distinguished by subtle design enhancements which emphasise its higher performance credentials. At the front, the radiator and lower air intake grilles feature a dark tinted matrix as standard. Larger diameter 9.5J x 20-inch, multi-spoke alloy wheels with Bentley-bespoke Pirelli PZero ultra-high performance (UHP) tyres, lowered and uprated suspension, wider twin-rifled exhaust tail pipes and a new boot-mounted lip spoiler that enhances high speed aerodynamics, reinforce the sporting character of the Speed model.

The GTC Speed's 600bhp (610PS) W12 engine develops 9 per cent more power than the standard GTC. However, it is the 15 per cent increase in torque that really distinguishes the Speed model, which now develops an impressive output of 750 Nm (553lb ft). This is achieved across virtually the complete rev range, from just 1700 to 5600 rev/min, delivering that characteristic Bentley wave of torque.
The 0-60 mph sprint is despatched in a mere 4.5 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds) and 0-100 mph in 10.6 seconds (0-160 km/h in 10.5 seconds).

The enhanced powertrain delivers more power and torque
Both Continental GTC models are powered by Bentley's 6-litre, twin-turbocharged W12 engine which is produced exclusively at the company's Crewe engine plant. The Bentley W12 is the most compact 12-cylinder engine in production with 48 valves and 4 camshafts with continually variable valve timing. Power is transmitted via a ZF six-speed automatic transmission.

The Bentley Continental GTC Speed is powered by Bentley's W12 engine in its most powerful, 600 bhp (610PS) form. It develops 15 per cent more torque and 9 per cent more power than the 552bhp (560PS) standard Bentley Continental GTC.

The Engine efficiency improvements result from the use of lower friction, lighter-weight components and a new engine management system, while twin, low inertia turbochargers with minimal turbo lag contribute to the W12 engine's flat torque curve. In 600 bhp (610PS) form, the W12 develops a maximum torque of 750 Nm (553 lb ft) from 1700 rev/min all the way up to 5600 rev/min. The GTC Speed engine is visually differentiated by the 'crackle black' finish to the intake manifold.
This endows the Bentley Continental GTC Speed with a top speed of 200mph (322 km/h) with the roof-up and a 0-60mph sprint time of just 4.5 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.8 secs). It also accelerates from 0-100 mph in just 10.6 seconds (0-160 km/h in 10.5 seconds).
The six-speed transmission can be left in two fully automatic modes (Drive and Sport) or used as a clutchless manual where the driver can change gears sequentially, via either the gearlever or paddles mounted behind the steering wheel.

The advanced continuous all-wheel drive system of both GTC models provides exceptional traction in all weathers. The drive is transferred between the front and rear axles via a highly sensitive centre Torsen differential. If the differential detects a deviation in torque demand between the two axles it automatically sends more power to the wheels with greater grip.

The 'Sport Traction' mode for the GTC moderates ESP intervention at low speeds, benefiting driver interaction and control, particularly on low traction surfaces. The 'Dynamic Mode' of the GTC Speed allows increased wheel slip at higher speeds compared to the standard chassis. This ensures that torque is reinstated more quickly, allowing the driver to exploit the full potential of the engine.

A luxury convertible with outstanding ride and handling
The Continental GTC's steel body has an exceptionally rigid torsional stiffness of around 30Hz that not only minimises 'scuttle shake' but provides a very stable platform for the aluminium-intensive suspension system, optimising its performance. Despite the boost in power and torque for the GTC Speed model, no changes to the body structure were required.
For the 552bhp (560PS) GTC, new low-friction dampers provide improved secondary ride (the response of the car to poor road surfaces) and even greater levels of comfort.

The Bentley Continental GTC Speed has a range of dynamic enhancements that deliver a more sporting, open-top Bentley driving experience. The retuned Continous Damping Control (CDC) system ensures that the body response matches the inputs from the new sports wheels and tyres, while improved body control reduces pitch and roll when cornering enthusiastically. In addition, stiffer rear axle bushes deliver better axle control and turn-in response.

The GTC Speed's suspension is lowered by 10 mm at the front and 15 mm at the rear for improved handling, while the retuned speed-sensitive steering system and solid-mounted front subframe, shared with the standard GTC, benefit steering response.
The wider 9.5J x 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, unique to the GTC Speed, are fitted with bespoke 275/35 ZR20 Pirelli PZero ultra-high performance tyres that provide the car with superior grip as well as sharper steering response and feel.

To ensure optimum aerodynamic balance at speeds up to 200 mph (322 km/h) the new GTC Speed is fitted with a discreet spoiler on the trailing edge of the bootlid. This provides additional downforce and increases the top speed.
For both models, Bentley's carbon-ceramic brakes (CCB) are offered as a cost option. Larger diameter (420 mm front, 356 mm rear), lightweight discs and eight-piston callipers offer fade-resistant braking performance with minimal disc distortion under high thermal conditions. A 20kg weight saving reduces unsprung mass and benefits steering response and handling. This braking system may only be specified with 20-inch diameter wheels and are the largest and most powerful brakes ever fitted to a production car.

The standard-fit tyre-pressure monitoring system (TPMS) allows drivers to select tyre type and speed range parameters. As well as monitoring pressures, the system warns drivers if their speed is too high for the tyre pressures.
Subtle evolution of the GTC's distinctive style
Both the GTC and GTC Speed benefit from subtle revisions to their frontal appearance.
The matrix grille is now more vertical and has a more pronounced square edge that accentuates the distinctive Bentley profile. A new lower bumper design with a widened air intake reinforces the sporting stance of both GTC convertibles, complemented by new chrome headlamp bezels. The new design also provides a practical benefit by improving airflow to the more powerful Speed engine by 14 per cent.
The Bentley Continental GTC Speed has a unique set of design cues, notably a dark-tinted matrix grille to the upper and lower air intakes, a black lower bumper valance, wider, rifled exhaust tailpipes and 20-inch, silver-painted, multi-spoke alloy wheels. The wheels are available as an option with a special dark tint finish.
GTC and GTC Speed customers have a choice of 17 'standard' paint colours including two new colours (Aquamarine and Blue Crystal).

The luxurious hand-crafted cabin
The cabins of both GTC and GTC Speed are available with a choice of 6 natural, unbleached, laser-cut wood veneers and 17 premium grade leather hides, Aquamarine.

The GTC Speed's cabin is based on that of the Mulliner Driving Specification (a cost option on the standard GTC). It features diamond quilted hide seats with embroidered Bentley emblems, a knurled chrome and hide gearlever and a three-spoke multi-function steering wheel with brushed aluminium switch surround. These are complemented by drilled alloy foot-pedals and 'Speed' logos to the polished treadplates. The standard GTC also receives a new Bentley 'B' brake pedal.

New adaptive cruise control system
A sophisticated follow-to-stop, radar-based Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system is now available on both GTC and GTC Speed. It uses a long-range radar sensor, mounted in the lower front grille, to monitor the road ahead for other vehicles. When a slower moving vehicle is detected, the system automatically adjusts the throttle or brakes to maintain a 'time gap', as selected by the driver.

The Opel Ampera electric car promises 500km (~300 miles) reach. For trips up to 60 km, the five-door, four-seat hatchback runs on electricity stored in the 16 kWh, lithium-ion battery, and emits zero CO2. When the battery’s energy is depleted, electricity from an on-board engine-generator extends the Ampera’s range to more than 500 km The Ampera looks cooler than the Chevy Volt, but then again the Volt looked also amazing as a concept and was then toned down quite a bit.

The five-door, four-seat Ampera uses a design language which incorporates several styling cues from the Flextreme and GTC Concept show cars.

The Ampera’s wheels are turned electrically at all times and speeds. The Ampera can be plugged into any household 230v outlet for charging. GM Europe is analyzing the requirements of a recharging infrastructure for plug-in electric cars with energy companies, including Iberdrola of Spain.

GM plans to put the Ampera into production in late 2011, offering it also with right-hand drive in the UK by Opel’s sister-brand, Vauxhall.

The revolutionary Opel Ampera will be the first emission-free, electrically driven automobile in Europe suitable for everyday driving.

"Driving electrically is not only about ecology," said global vehicle line executive and chief engineer, Frank Weber. "Driving electrically is also great fun. Instantaneous, silent torque of 370 Newton meters under your right foot feels like flying!"

The Ampera’s exterior design takes up cues from the Opel Flextreme and GTC Concept show cars. For example, it features dramatic, boomerang-like headlights that seamlessly integrate with the lower fog lights.

Opel Ampera ConceptThe car has a dynamic, almost aggressive low stance seen most prominently in the front and tail. The new, bold Opel logo emblazes the front grill and the chrome bar across the back.

Vertical slots in the outboard edges of the rear bumper not only give the car a low sporty look but also play a key role in creating a clean separation feature for the air, supporting the highly efficient aerodynamic performance.

GM engineers and designers worked together to optimize the air flow around the front fascia and outside mirrors of the Ampera. Significant attention was also given to the rear with a specifically designed spoiler and clean separation features.

Lightweight materials were added in the form of clear polycarbonate covers to the front grille and disk inserts on the 17-inch, five-spoke sport alloy wheels. These helped to reduce aerodynamic drag in critical airflow areas.

The interior features a Jet Black interior combined with Spice Red accents and Dark Argent Metallic paint on the instrument panel’s center stack for a sporty look. The doors’ décor picks up on the car’s electric nature through the use of iconic themes.

With an integrated shifter, two information displays and touch-sensitive infotainment center, the Ampera delivers an all-electrical user experience. The storage capacity is 301 liters.

“On the Ampera we’ve continued to challenge the norm and have searched for new and exciting color and material combinations. To support the car’s innovative character we’ve worked with experimental trims and paints that you will see more of in future Opel models” said John Puskar, Director, Interior Design for GM Europe.

The prototype model was presented at the Auto 623 in Frankfurt am Main, directly model Audi TT coupe with body was first presented in Geneva in September 1998, with a roof-body in August 1999. What is the name of the annual TT races - Tourist Trophy, which in 1905 held in the Isle of Man in Britain. The car is built on a platform Volkswagen Golf IV.

The very idea of this beauty belongs Freeman Thomas, the same designer who "had a hand" to a new Volkswagen Beetle, and now moved from Volkswagen-Audi in DaimlerChrysler.

Design model Audi TT sports performed in the classical style. Clean lines and simple shapes, sweet-tinted headlamp viewers, Low, had no similar silhouette is the Audi TT Coupe. Car small (4.04 m), 2-door, four.

The back and front of the body similar in form. Bright stylistic elements of a V-great pastors, speakers even for the "inflated" wheel arch dimensions 205/55 R15 tyres, "artillery" wheel size 17 inches and built-in integrated rear bumper chromed exhaust pipes. Overall Pick a car is very aggressive, yet elegant.

Several variations of body painting, each of which makes it different characteristics. Red makes it brighter, more aggressive, forcing give way. Black also attached TT threatened species, but this color is it least, not in combination with the concept car. Cool Blue ennobles. But the ideal color-silver TT. Even without taking into account that in any colour cover fuel remains silver and provided a bright spot in another color, the color of this simply set up to the machine, making it bright and mysterious as the stars.

Interior TT is well balanced and all of its convenience and adjusts the owner of a sports image. While the machine seems just crumbs from the outside, especially against the backdrop of heavy Mercedes, Volvo S80, BMW 7 Series, etc., it is very convenient and Spacious inside. Dropped in the deep, Z seat upholstered in natural leather, the inconvenience quickly forgotten.

Three options engine capacity of 1.8 litres, transmission or mobile Communications. Modifications to the front drive equipped with the weakest of the four-cylinder engines row, capacity 150 litres. The maximum speed of 5-step mechanical CAT is 217 km / h. Four modifications Audi TT equipped with 180-and 225-strong version of the engine. Engine capacity of 180 litres. a high torque (235 Nm in the range 1950-4700 rpm) and accelerates a car logically to a maximum speed of 225 km / h. With a capacity of 225 litres engine. with. and torque of 280 Nm at 5,500 rpm and car Pick lift to a speed 243 km / h.

224-strong engine cat only 6-level boxes to be given to transmission. Clarity switch amazing. At all road irregularities coupe responds instantly - is the usual fees that a perfectly logically car "holds" and the road could be turning on the speed, decent race hugging. But keep driving it on any toes - tussock can distract a party to the moment passed.

The front seats are highly ergonomic and arrange rights of any build. Recently TT Coupe won an award for the most orthopedic front seat. Apart from the fact that this sport seats, the "trick" is still in a roller under the lumbar region.

Seats combination upholstery (leather and Alcantara) with a full set of adjustments and adjustable steering wheel to accommodate in the workplace is convenient. If you are going to order design salon, and not to buy "finished", you will have mass variants - of leather or fabric. For example, you can buy a dark blue saloon with a marvelous quality of paying to be in harmony with the blue instrument panel, and can be ordered completely red interior, which will give you strength and energize.

But the rear seat is made only for children or for an adult human beauty-there will be, to put it mildly, not very convenient because head on the roof and legs will not remain outside. While the Germans equipped special plate that tells that, they are on the increase up to 150 cm, even in this difficult to believe. But what else to expect from the landing formula 2 +2? But the loadspace pleasantly surprised. In fact, that the Audi TT coupe unusual. Such a body could be called criticism, since lid opens with the rear windscreen. The last volume of 270 litres, but the rear seats up, forming a flat surface and still increasing.

In finishing salon generously used bright metal, from the steering wheel to the door handles. On the dashboard in the same aluminum frame stationed huge speedometer and tachometer. At the driver and passenger, four - baffle climate settings, also finished aluminum. Semi plastic combined with excellent skin and polished aluminum, and the classics with modern elements. Delighted attribute is true sport cars-metal stand for the driver's left foot. All this creates a unique sporting atmosphere.

The main element of design salon, which are also available from the outside, on top of fuel-metal rings with a small increase (large appliances) or points (on Little). They are all from the handlebars where the middle ring surrounds the traditional ring Audi, and ending lever CAT, which it surrounds scheme shifts. These rings are fully operational details - for example, fans because they regulate the flow of air.

Torpedo recalls panel small aircraft, there is no redundant lines or details, and the only decorations-aluminium border all round elements. Round of TT, by the way, is almost everything that could be done so. Even perforated rubber pedals "powder" and those with edges.

The car is equipped with a climate-control system that is the case, it is convenient to administer and passenger and the driver, audio (depending on the level set : radio, and various class tape recorders or CD player), and other accessories. At the bottom, the PPC under tray panel buttons are opening fuel and luggage. On the other hand CPT located buttons doors. All button marked images, which will be understood by even children, and you do not have a week to study the instruction to learn how to use them. Perhaps not even mention such trifles as backlit glass to protect against the sun above his chair, a nice night light fixtures in the red color, very comfortable chairs of regulators. In winter or early dank morning, including button. All on-board computer are testify in front of the driver, and he had not had their eyes away from the road more than a fraction of a second to see fuel consumption, average speed, travel time, the temperature of the board and other figures.

Particular attention is given to security: Reinforced Frame windscreen, arc safety seat backs, two airbags, in the mandatory components include ABS, incorporated in the passenger model.

Despite the fact that the hood is "quartet, vibrations from the engine is no more than" Six ". A table with just intercooler Bhamra-break at all modes smooth and predictable. Sports suspension and extremely high stability on the road will make you king of the track.

There is no doubt that the Toyota Prius is the heavy favorite at TAS 2010. Literally every single booth has one and it’s hard to take 20 steps without spotting another tuned Prius. Toyota had their own to impress with the Prius Custom Plus Concept taking a very futuristic hold to the Prius design. The front end is as aggressive as ever, with uniquely designed wheels and plenty of carbon fiber. Who would have ever thought a widebody Prius could still be aerodynamic in saving gas? Next to the Custom Plus Concept was a Tom’s-tuned Prius that was mild at best next to its counterpart – but much more in-line to what Prius consumers would enjoy.

Ford’s Lincoln brand revealed its first hybrid—the new mid-size 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid—during the press preview to the New York International Auto Show. Lincoln’s premium hybrid is expected to deliver at least 41 mpg US (5.7 L/100km) in the city when it goes on sale this fall.

Porsche has just announced that it's putting the 918 Spyder into production. First unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year,

The 918 Spyder offers the performance of a super sports car, with a top-end speed of 198 mph and acceleration from a standstill to 100 km/h in just under 3.2 seconds. Its high-revving V8 combustion engine pumps out more than 500 horsepower, and is paired with two electric motors: one on the front axle, and one on the rear, which add an additional 218 horsepower to the mix.

The petrol part of the 918's drivetrain is a 500bhp mid-mounted V8 engine that is shared with Porsche's RS Spyder race car. This is combined with a pair of electric motors that add another 218bhp to the 918's tally. One motor drives the front wheels while the rears are powered by both the petrol engine and the remaining electric unit.

The Spyder is planned to provide an outstanding 78 mpg, putting even your Prius to shame. What kind of price tag does a car with this unique combination of supreme performance and low fuel consumption come with? A starting price of $630,000.




Press Release

Decision taken by the Porsche Supervisory Board

Green Light for Series Development of the 918 Spyder

Stuttgart. In its session today, the Supervisory Board of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, gave the green light for series development of the Porsche 918 Spyder. Reflecting the overwhelming response from the public and customers to the Concept Study, the Supervisory Board gave Porsche's Board of Management the mission to develop a production model based on the car already presented. This concept version of an ultra-high-performance mid-engined sports car with plug-in hybrid technology made its debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show and at Auto China in Bejing, hitting the headlines worldwide.

Michael Macht, President and Chairman of the Board of Management of Porsche AG: "Production of the 918 Spyder in a limited series proves that we are taking the right approach with Porsche Intelligent Performance featuring the combination of supreme performance and efficient drivetrain concepts. We will develop the 918 Spyder in Weissach and assemble it in Zuffenhausen. This is also a very important commitment to Germany as a manufacturing base."

The Concept Study of the 918 Spyder allows CO2 emissions of just 70 g/km, corresponding to fuel consumption of 3.0 litre/100 km (94.1 mpg imp) in the NEDC, on the one hand, and the performance of a super-sports car, on the other. This extremely efficient drivetrain technology then forms a symbiosis in the 918 Spyder with truly outstanding design and high-tech motorsport achievements. Further product details of the 918 Spyder will be disclosed in the months to come.