Posted on

World’s Fastest Hybrid Semi Truck – Volvo’s Mean Green

Volvo’s Mean Green Hybrid Semi truck proved victorious in setting a new land speed record (subject to Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, or FIA recognition) at the Historic Wendover Airfield in Utah (just a short drive from the famous Bonneville Salt Flats) last month. The Swedish Viking Speed Records Team led by racing driver Boije Ovebrink set two land speed racing world records; piloting the Volvo Hybrid Semi Truck “Mean Green” to an average speed of 236.577 km/h (147.002 mph) through the Flying Kilometer (2/3 mile) and ran 153.252 km/h (95.245 mph) from a standstill over the same Kilometer.

Mean Green features a highly tuned Volvo D16 engine cranking out 1900 horsepower and an electric motor good for 200 horsepower and an amazing 885 lb-ft. of torque to bump the combined power total to nearly 5,000 lb-ft.

Posted on

The Bentley Continental GTC 6.0 Litre W12

Taking cues from its 6.0 litre W12 GT coupe sibling, the Continental GTC builds on the highly successful foundation of the previous cabriolet, which premiered in 2006. Bentley’s design and engineering teams have improved virtually every aspect of the iconic convertible with an uncompromising focus on quality.

While the original Continental GTC was elegant and understated, the sharper radii and assertive stance of the new model deliver a more contemporary and muscular presence. Advanced manufacturing techniques produce aluminium front wings without the need for seams or welds creating the look and feel of a coachbuilt car. Twenty-inch wheels are now standard with three styles of 21-inch wheel, a first for GTC, available as an option, reinforcing the distinctive, sporting stance of the new Bentley.

The four-seater luxury convertible features a new, even more spacious and sumptuous hand-crafted cabin, with soft-touch leather hides, an extensive range of wood veneers, cool-touch metals and deep-pile carpets. There are 17 standard soft-touch leather hide colours with six colour split combinations, complemented by a range of seven veneers, all produced by Bentley’s talented craftsmen and women.

The GTC’s renowned coupe-like refinement is also enhanced. The tailored, multi-layered fabric hood is complemented by acoustic glass and under-body panels, for optimum noise isolation.

Superb everyday practicality for a luxury convertible was a hallmark of the original GTC and much valued by its customers. The cabin of the GTC is even more practical, with additional rear legroom, new storage solutions and innovative features such as touch-screen infotainment, automatic seat-belt presenters and a Bentley-designed Neck Warmer for comfortable roof-down motoring whatever the temperature.

A wider track, front and rear, sharper steering and retuned suspension provide a more exhilarating and class-leading drive. Bentley’s advanced all-wheel drive system features a new 40:60 rear torque bias (compared with 50:50 of the original GTC) minimising understeer during hard cornering and allowing the spirited driver to manage the car’s line and balance via precise throttle control.

This compelling dynamic package is combined with a more powerful 6.0-litre, twin-turbocharged W12 engine as well as a new QuickShift transmission enabling faster gear changes than ever before. Power output is raised from 560 PS to 575 PS (567 bhp / 423 kW) and the famed Bentley ‘wave of torque’ has been increased by a further 50 Nm to 700 Nm (516 lb ft).

“The GTC has always been the most emotional model in the Continental range and a showcase for Bentley design. With its tailored soft top, the GTC is a pure British convertible true to those classic Bentleys of the past. However, the technology, performance and overall design excellence invested in this model means that we are now writing a new chapter for the Bentley convertible driver.”  Wolfgang Dürheimer, Chairman and Chief Executive, Bentley Motors.

Read Full Release From Bentley Media

Posted on

Design Inspirations For Jaguar C-X16 Interior

Julian Thompson, Advanced Design Director for Jaguar Cars and Alister Whelan, the Design Director for the C-X16,  discuss the inspirations and details of the interior of the stunning Jaguar C-X16 Concept. The result is a super-luxurious and well-thought out design brought to life with the finest materials, rich textures, and unparalleled craftsmanship.

Posted on

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes takes silver medal at 2012 Edison Awards

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes joins a host of international brand leaders, all of whom earned recognition from the Edison Awards judging panel for their ongoing commitment to technical innovation and excellence.  Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team principal Martin Whitmarsh said: “I’m delighted that our ongoing efforts to manage and improve our carbon efficiency have been recognised by the Edison Awards judging panel. This is a fantastic achievement for the whole team.

“The nominees’ list at last night’s ceremony in New York read like a Who’s Who of the great and good in the world of inspirational technical innovation, and I’m immensely proud that our team has been recognised on that list.

“While our silver medal is further validation of the steps we’ve made, and certainly helps showcase our efforts on a global level, it is still merely the starting point for an ongoing and concerted mission to ensure that Vodafone McLaren Mercedes conducts its business in an environmentally conscious and responsible way.”

For the full announcement, visit McLaren.com here.

Posted on

Rare 1957 Silver Cloud Rolls-Royce; “Honeymoon Express”; Goes To Auction

The 1957 Silver Cloud I is considered one of the rarest postwar Rolls-Royce vehicles in existence, one of only two of its kind ever built, says RM Auctions, which puts it on the block Saturday in Monaco.

The finned classic was dubbed the “Honeymoon Express” because of its romantic touches. It’s a two-seater, its seats finished in red Connolly leather. There’s a pair of cabinets in the rear where a cocktail shaker and four whiskey tumblers are stashed. There are pull-out ashtrays in each door and another underneath the radio.

rollsx-wide-community

Read full article on USA TODAY.

Posted on

Patrick Long Grabs Coffee In Porsche GT3 RS 4.0

Patrick Long, three-time ALMS GT2 Driver’s Champion and Le Mans winner – spends some quality time with the Porsche GT3 RS 4.0. He is also Porsche’s only American Factory Driver. While at the Porsche Sport Driving School at Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama, Patrick helped fellow Porsche driver Hurley Haywood by testing to see how fast he could grab a cup of coffee.

Posted on

2013 Lexus GS 350 Favorable with Cars.com Car Seat Check

Lexus Car Seat GS 350When looking for a new car, the most common features people consider are style, power, refinement, luxury, reliability, safety, and efficiency. For parents with small children, there is another consideration: the child safety seat, and how well the car will accommodate the seat and their children.  Cars.com has recently evaluated the functionality of the car seat retaining systems in the new 2013 Lexus GS 350.  The review does a great job answering the questions parents might have when considering a new mid-size family sedan.

 

Posted on

Buy A Volvo In Dallas, Pick It Up In Europe – With A Free Trip To Sweden

By David Alvey

Imagine the thrill of buying a new car and driving it home from the dealership for the first time. It’s fun and exciting to explore all the features and gadgets. But now, Volvo owners can experience something much more magical when they travel to Sweden and drive their new Volvo off the factory floor.

“We offer clients the ultimate new car ownership experience when they purchase their Volvo at Park Place through the Overseas Delivery program,” said Germaine Ambres, a sales associate with Park Place Volvo. “When our clients purchase a new Volvo, we fly them to Gothenburg, Sweden to pick up the car and then they have the option to travel through Europe in their brand new Volvo. Not only do our clients receive a free trip to Sweden, they also get a significant discount off the MSRP of the car when they purchase through the Overseas Delivery program.”

The buyer kicks off the adventure with two nights in Gothenburg, Sweden, the home of Volvo Cars. Upon delivery, the new owner can explore Europe at their own pace with Swedish vehicle registration and complimentary car insurance for up to 15 days.

“My five-year old daughter and I spent a magical four days in Gothenburg while picking up our new V50,” said Gerard Goh, a Park Place Volvo client. “The entire travel process was a breeze with limousine service to and from the airport. The Volvo factory tour was a real eye-opener to me, but the best moments were spent exploring the city.”

The Volvo Overseas Delivery program includes:

  • Two round-trip tickets to Sweden through Scandinavian Airlines, including business lounge passes at any connecting flight.
  • One night hotel stay, including full breakfast for new buyers or up to three nights for current Volvo owners.
  • Transportation from the airport to the hotel and from the hotel to the Volvo Factory Delivery Center.
  • Access to the Volvo Corporate Travel department who will book flights and assist in planning the itinerary. The travel department can also facilitate additional travel packages, European adventure opportunities, and flight/hotel upgrades.
  • A traditional Swedish luncheon in Gothenburg Sweden in the Volvo executive dining room, when the buyer picks up their Volvo.
  • VIP delivery at Volvo’s Factory Delivery Center.
  • A Volvo factory tour or a visit to the Volvo Brand Experience Exhibit or the Volvo Museum.
  • 15 days of complimentary European Car Insurance coverage, including Swedish temporary registration.
  • Extensive complimentary home shipment services.
  • For Stockholm travelers, a special Stockholm Card offers free admission to 75 museums and attractions, as well as sightseeing boats and other forms of transportation.

There are 11 delivery centers located throughout Europe. Buyers may choose to pick up their Volvo at the complimentary delivery center in Gothenburg, Sweden or choose from 10 other locations throughout Europe for an additional fee. Convenience is the cornerstone of the Overseas Delivery Program.

When the trip is over, Volvo will ship the car back home at no extra charge. U.S. Custom Duty, port clearance fees and inland transportation are all included in the purchase price.

To learn more information about the Overseas Delivery program, call Germaine Ambres with Park Place Volvo at 214.956.5521. Park Place Volvo is located at the intersection of Inwood Road and Lemmon Avenue, near Love Field in Dallas.

Posted on

Maserati Kubang Concept SUV To Become A Reality In 2014

Maserati has officially announced that the final production Maserati Kubang SUV will be presented to the public at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show.

The Kubang made it’s world debut last September at the Frankfurt show, Maserati has been moving fast to take this from concept to production. “After Beijing, we will retire the Kubang concept. Our SUV will reappear in its production form and with its final name in due time,”  the company’s CEO, Harald Wester, told InAutoNews.com.

Even though the model will be in direct competition with upcoming super-luxurious crossovers such as the Lamborghini Urus and the Bentey EXP9, Maserati expects to sell around 20,000 Kubang SUV units annually, with the United States and China sharing the majority of owners.