William Maley

Cadillac's V-Series was a three model affair at the start with the CTS-V, STS-V, and XLR-V. Then it became one model affair with the next-generation CTS-V. But the CTS-V was available in a sedan, coupe, and wagon. As the third chapter begins for the Cadillac V lineup, it kicks off with the smallest model in the lineup. Introducing the 2016 Cadillac ATS-V. Offered in either a sedan or coupe, the Cadillac ATS-V is a mean looker. The front end gets larger grille openings feed cool air to engine, a mesh grille insert, and a carbon fiber hood with a heat extractor to keep the engine cool. Wider fenders are needed for the 18-inch wheels that wrapped in Michelln Pilot Sport that measure out to 9 inches wide in front and 9.5 inches in back. The rear end features a lip spoiler and quad exhausts. Needing a bit more agression? Cadillac will offer a 'Carbon Fiber' and 'Track' packages. The Carbon Fiber package gets a more aggressive front splitter, hood vent trim, rear diffuser, composite rocker extensions, and a taller, body-color rear spoiler. The track package takes elements of carbon fiber package and adds the Performance Data Recorder and a low-mass battery. The ATS-V's interior comes with seats with suede inserts, a unique version of the instrument cluster for the V, and Cadillac CUE infotainment system. Optional will be sixteen-way Recaro bucket seats. As was leaked last week, power will come from the Twin-Turbo 3.6L producing 455 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque. Transmissions include a six-speed manual with rev matching or an eight-speed automatic. Both transmissions come with launch control. Cadillac says the ATS-V hits 60 MPH in 3.9 second and can hit a top speed of 185 MPH. Suspension-wise, the ATS-V uses the latest version of Magnetic Ride Control that are reportedly 40 percent faster than the last generation version. The chassis has been stiffen an additional 25 percent. Bringing it to a stop will be a set of Brembo brakes with six-pistons up front and four pistons in the rear. The Performance Traction Management system will keep everything in order with a choice of five different settings for a driver to choose from. No word on pricing, but the ATS-V sedan and coupe will be arriving at dealers next spring. Source: Cadillac Press Release is on Page 2 Cadillac ATS-V Expands Lineup, Intensifies Passion First Twin Turbo V-Series delivers track-capable driving experience LOS ANGELES – Cadillac today introduced the 2016 ATS-V, expanding the acclaimed ATS product range and elevating the brand’s elite high-performance V-Series to its next generation. Available in sedan and coupe forms, the first-ever ATS-V will introduce class-leading twin-turbocharged power and a comprehensive suite of design and performance systems when production begins in spring 2015. Since its inception in 2004, Cadillac’s V-Series has driven remarkable power and performance capability into the brand’s growing luxury car range. Building on the strengths of the award-winning ATS product line, the V-Series adds impressive track capability to what was already the lightest and most agile-driving car in the luxury compact class. The result is a dual-purpose luxury performer – a car with true track capability right from the factory that is also a sophisticated luxury car on the road. “Cadillac’s V-Series is the best example of Cadillac’s emerging product substance – and the purest expression of the passion at the core of the brand,” said Johan de Nysschen, Cadillac President. The ATS-V arrives next spring, powered by the first-ever twin-turbocharged engine in a V-Series. Rated at an estimated 455 horsepower (339 kW) and 445 lb-ft of torque (603 Nm), the engine is the segment’s highest-output six-cylinder and enables 0-60 performance in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of more than 185 mph. It is backed by a six-speed manual – with Active Rev Match, no-lift shifting and launch control – or a paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission featuring launch control and Performance Algorithm Shift. The Cadillac Twin Turbo engine supports comprehensively redesigned chassis, suspension and drivetrain systems developed to make the ATS-V one of the most agile, responsive and confident luxury performance cars on the market. Key performance technologies include: Brembo high-performance brake system developed to provide durability, consistency and the capability for track-day performance straight from the factory Third-generation Magnetic Ride Control, which delivers 40 percent faster damping response Integrated chassis controls that provide balanced performance for touring and the track, including class-exclusive Performance Traction Management Structural stiffness increased by 25 percent for higher cornering loads Driver-selectable driving modes for touring, sport and track Tri-compound tires offering excellent grip with extended tire wear Available downforce-generating track aerodynamics package Functional exterior design for powertrain and drivetrain cooling, as well as aerodynamic performance An interior with high-performance seats and ergonomics focused on the driver’s interfaces with key features for performance driving. “As the smallest and lightest V-Series ever, the ATS-V forges a great connection with the driver, with exceptional nimbleness and responsiveness,” said David Leone, Cadillac Executive Chief Engineer. “It’s adaptable to the driver’s preferences, with every selectable mode developed to deliver the best performance for all types of driving scenarios, including the track.” A Performance Data Recorder onboard the ATS-V allows drivers to record high-definition video, with data overlays, of their driving experiences on and off the track, enabling sharing on social media. First twin-turbocharged V-Series With a more powerful iteration of Cadillac’s Twin Turbo 3.6L V-6, the ATS-V represents the first twin-turbo powertrain in the history of the V-Series lineup. Exclusive features for the ATS-V version of the Twin Turbo are designed to make power faster and sustain it longer. Highlights include: Turbochargers with low-inertia titanium-aluminide turbines and vacuum-actuated wastegates for more responsive torque production Compressors matched for peak efficiency at peak power levels, for optimal track performance Patent-pending low-volume charge-cooling system that optimizes packaging efficiency and maximizes boost pressure Lightweight titanium connecting rods that reduce inertia of the rotating assembly, complementing the quick-spooling turbochargers. The Cadillac Twin Turbo also features a high-performance lubrication system designed to maintain optimal oil pressure and ventilation during high-lateral driving maneuvers typically encountered on a track. Stronger foundation and track-honed driving experience The underlying ATS structure is highly mass optimized and designed to meet higher performance requirements, with enhancements to the V-Series developed to respond to cornering and torque loads that go significantly beyond the levels experienced by the non-V models. The new elements include: Unique shock tower-to-plenum brace Strengthened rocker bulkhead Stronger rear cradle-to-rocker braces A unique aluminum shear panel at the front of the chassis V-braces for the engine compartment. The result is 25-percent greater structural stiffness than non-V models, which contributes to more precise handling and more direct steering responsiveness. “The ATS-V feels like it was machined from billet steel,” said Tony Roma, chief engineer. “Along with supporting the higher performance capability of the car, the enhanced structure conveys confidence to the driver through a greater feeling of solidity and sharper, more precise responsiveness.” With the stronger body structure – and more than a decade of V-Series production models and the CTS-V racing program experience under their belts – engineers tuned the ATS-V to deliver greater body motion control for a more agile feel, while maintaining excellent ride quality. “The result is class-leading capability on the highway or track, balanced with luxury and refinement,” said Roma. “In fact, the car is ready for the track right off the showroom floor, with no special modifications required.” A key component of the car’s dual-purpose performance are Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires developed specifically for the ATS-V. They feature a tri-compound tread that delivers excellent grip in performance driving situations, but delivers excellent ride quality characteristics and extended tread wear. Also, the V-Series models share the same 109.3-inch (2,775 mm) wheelbase as other ATS coupe and sedan models, but feature wider front and rear footprints that enhance grip, reduce body motion in turns and contribute to more direct-feeling steering. Additional contributors to the ATS-V’s dual-mode driving experience include: A revised multi-link double-pivot MacPherson-strut front suspension delivers a quicker response and increased lateral control, incorporating new ride and handling links, where traditional elastomeric bushings are replaced with zero-compliance cross-axis ball joints, higher-rate springs and a stiffer stabilizer bar – for 50 percent greater roll stiffness The ZF Steering Systems Servotronic II variable-ratio electric power steering gear, with increased system stiffness offering an improved feeling of precision and greater driver feedback Cadillac’s five-link rear suspension features reduced roll center migration, stronger lateral control and effective anti-squat geometry, complementing the front suspension with greater body motion control. Contributing components include stiffer bushings, new cradle mounts, higher-rate springs and a stiffer stabilizer bar A standard electronic limited-slip differential supports optimal traction and enables maximum corner exit acceleration Larger prop shafts and greater half-shaft asymmetry (stiffer driver’s side shaft) mitigate power hop during acceleration A Brembo high-performance brake system provides durability, consistency and the capability for track-day performance. The system includes 14.5-inch-diameter (370 mm) front rotors with staggered six-piston calipers and 13.3-inch-diamter (339 mm) rear rotors with four-piston calipers. The ATS-V also features third-generation Magnetic Ride Control and Performance Traction Management. Five driver-selectable settings include the segment’s only competition-level settings for stability and traction control. Magnetic Ride Control “reads” the road a thousand times per second, sending data to magneto-rheological fluid-filled dampers that can independently control the damping characteristics of all four dampers. Third-generation improvements enable 40-percent faster damping response. In fact, at 60 mph, the third-generation magnetic ride control system calculates the optimal damping force for every inch of the road. Functional design Almost every exterior panel on the ATS-V is unique, from the fascias and fenders, to the hood, rear spoiler and rocker moldings – and every one was designed to support the car’s capability. “All of the design elements have a purpose,” said Andrew Smith, executive director, Cadillac Global Design. “They contribute to lift reduction, enhanced cooling, reduced mass or all of the above.” The unique elements include: A lightweight carbon fiber hood features an air-extracting vent that not only pulls hot air out of the engine compartment, but helps reduce lift at speed by channeling air pulled through the radiator out and over the top of car rather than allowing trapped air to exit under the car Unique front and rear fascias provide optimal aero performance, with larger grille openings in the front fascia to feed more air to the new twin-turbocharged engine. Even the mesh pattern of the signature grille openings is enlarged to allow more air into the radiator and multiple heat exchangers A front splitter enhances handling by forcing air to push down on the front of the car rather than flow under it, where it can cause lift Wider fenders to accommodate 18 x 9-inch front wheels and 18 x 9.5-inch rear wheels that are wrapped with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires The aluminum wheels, unique to the V-Series, are constructed of a low-mass forging that helps reduce un-sprung weight for greater agility and a more direct feel to steering inputs The rocker moldings and rear spoiler are aero-optimized. Available Carbon Fiber and Track packages take aero performance and mass optimization to higher levels. The Carbon Fiber package includes a more aggressive front splitter, hood vent trim and rear diffuser, along with composite rocker extensions and a taller, body-color rear spoiler. The Track package includes the components of the Carbon Fiber package, plus the Performance Data Recorder and a low-mass battery. It also deletes the standard floor mats and tire inflator kit to save weight. “V-Series is the emotive core of the Cadillac brand and the apex of the Art and Science design philosophy,” said Smith. “A car offering a bold sense of arrival, serious performance, seamless integration of technology, and precision craftsmanship. The exposed carbon fiber components, for example, are book-matched on the centerline for a more precise, tailored appearance.” Also, the lightweight forged aluminum wheels and brake calipers are offered in three finishes, allowing owners to personalize the presence of the ATS-V. Performance-focused cabin The aura of track-inspired precision carries over to the interior, where the design and relationship of key components are aimed squarely at performance-driving ergonomics. “With the performance the new ATS-V is capable of delivering, the interior needs to be as functional as the other vehicles systems,” said Smith. “All of the contact points – the steering wheel, seats, shifter and pedals – are designed to make performance driving experiences direct and intuitive.” New, available 16-way-adjustable RECARO performance front seats are the lynchpins for the driving experience, with aggressive, adjustable bolsters that help hold the driver and front passenger in place during high-load cornering. They’ve also got a luxury-performance feel, trimmed in Mulan leather with sueded microfiber inserts and seatbacks. The rest of the interior features Cadillac’s handcrafted cut-and-sew elements, with decorative stitching and authentic materials, including carbon fiber. Three interior color combinations are offered: Jet Black, Jet Black with Saffron accents and Light Platinum with Jet Black accents. The ATS-V also features a unique version of the 5.7-inch, three-window instrument panel cluster display, with V-Series graphics and distinctive gauge readouts. It is also equipped with the latest connectivity technologies from Cadillac, including: CUE with Bluetooth connectivity with natural voice recognition Text-to-voice that converts incoming text messages to speech and reads them over the audio system speakers USB, auxiliary and SD memory card ports OnStar 4G LTE connectivity with built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. The Performance Data Recorder is controlled via CUE’s color touch screen and recordings can be reviewed on the screen when the vehicle is parked. 2016 CADILLAC ATS-VPRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONSOverview Model: Cadillac ATS-V coupe and sedan Body style / driveline: 2-door luxury sport luxury coupe (RWD) or 4-door sport luxury sedan (RWD) Construction: unitized welded steel body with direct-mounted front cradle and rubber-isolated, multi-link independent rear suspension GM vehicle class: compact luxury car Engines 3.6L V-6 Twin-Turbocharged DI VVT Displacement (cu in / cc): 217 / 3564 Bore & stroke (in / mm): 3.7 x 3.37 / 94 x 85.6 Block material: cast aluminum Cylinder head material: cast aluminum Valvetrain: DOHC, four valves per cylinder, continuously variable valve timing Fuel delivery: direct high-pressure fuel injection Compression ratio: 10.2:1 Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm): 455 / 339 @ 5750 (est.) Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm): 445 / 603 @ 3500 (est.) Recommended fuel: premium Max engine speed (rpm): 6500 Estimated fuel economy (city / hwy): TBD Transmissions TREMEC TR6060 Hydra-Matic 8L90 Type: fully synchronized six-speed manual with double overdrive; active rev matching and no-lift shifting features paddle-shift eight-speed, electronically controlled, automatic overdrive with torque converter clutch Gear ratios (:1): First: 3.01 4.56 Second: 2.07 2.97 Third: 1.43 2.08 Fourth: 1.00 1.69 Fifth: 0.84 1.27 Sixth: 0.57 1.00 Seventh: -- 0.85 Eighth: -- 0.65 Reverse: 3.28 3.82 Final drive ratio: 3.73 2.85 Chassis / Suspension Configuration: rear-wheel drive Differential: electronic limited-slip Front suspension: MacPherson-type with dual lower ball joints and direct-acting stabilizer bar; magnetic ride control with monotube inverted struts Rear suspension: independent five-link with magnetic ride control Steering type: ZF rack-mounted electric, power-assisted and variable assist Steering ratio: 15.54 (on center) to 11.1 (full lock) Steering turns, lock to lock: 2.35 Turn circle (ft / m): 38.38 / 11.7 Chassis control: four-channel StabiliTrak w/ brake assist and traction control; Performance Traction Management Wheels and Tires Wheel size and type: 18 x 9-inch front / 18 x 9.5-inch rear aluminum Tire size: front: 255/35ZR18 Michelin Pilot Super Sport rear: 275/35ZR18 Michelin Pilot Super Sport Brakes Type: four-wheel disc; four-channel ABS/TCS w/ DRP; Brembo brakes with staggered six-piston calipers (front) and four-piston calipers (rear) Rotor type and thickness (in / mm): front: 14.5 x 1.34 (370 x 34) vented, with Ferritic Nitro Carburized process for corrosion resistance rear: 13.3 x 1.02 (339 x 26) vented, with Ferritic Nitro Carburized process for corrosion resistance Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase (in / mm): 109.3 / 2775 Length (in / mm): 184.7 / 4691 – Coupe 184 / 4673 – Sedan Height (in / mm): 54.5 / 1384 – Coupe 55.7 / 1415 – Sedan Width (in / mm): 72.5 / 1841 – Coupe 71.3 / 1811 – Sedan Track (in / mm): front: 60.5 / 1538 – Coupe front: 60.5 / 1538 – Sedan rear: 61.4 / 1559 – Coupe rear: 60.4 / 1536 – Sedan Curb weight (lb / kg): TBD Weight distribution (% front / rear): 51 / 49 Interior Legroom (in / mm): front: 42.3 / 1074 rear: 33.5 / 850 Headroom (in / mm): front: 37.6 / 954 rear: 35.1 / 891 Shoulder room (in / mm): front: 54.1 / 1375 rear: 51.1 / 1298 Hip room (in / mm): front: 54.1 / 1374 rear: 44.5 / 1131 Capacities Seating capacity (front / rear): 2 / 2 – Coupe 2 / 3 – Sedan EPA passenger volume (cu ft / L): 83.9 / 2377 EPA trunk volume (cu ft / L): 10.4 / 295 Fuel tank (gal / L): 16 / 60.5 Engine oil (qt / L): TBD Cooling system (qt / L): TBD View full article

The day before the LA Auto Show kicks off, the organizers hold a Connected Car Expo where automakers, suppliers, technology companies, and others show off what tech will be heading into vehicles from the near future to way out there. The expo saw two big announcements from Audi and Jaguar Land Rover concerning what the future holds for their infotainment systems. First up is Audi. The German luxury automaker announced their newest infotainment system, MIB-2 (short for Modular Infotainment Platform). This new platform will allow Audi introduce new and faster processors for their vehicles, and allow owners to easily upgrade their infotainment system for improved functions. Currently the only automaker who can boast this is Tesla as they allow their owners update their vehicles when a new update comes out. The basis of this new system is a NVIDIA Tegra 30 system on chip, which allows the infotainment system to drive two screens (one in the instrument cluster and one in the center stack), utilize a virtual 3D platform, and provide a redesigned user interface. The new system will debut on the 2016 Audi A6 and A7 lineup, both making their North American debut at the LA Auto Show. Source: Audi Press Release is on Page 3 Next is Jaguar Land Rover which announced new service for their InControl infotainment system call JustDrive. The service developed by CloudCar allows a single voice controller to control a wide variety of applications such as Spotify, Twitter, Yelp, Pandora, Stitcher, and about 12 other apps. JustDrive works by a driver plugging in their phone (iOS 8 devices only for the time being; Android support coming in 2015) into the USB port. Once plugged in and the application activated, drivers will be able to take advantage of what the company calls "an advanced plain speech recognition package" which should allow drivers to speak naturally to their cars, not the stilted dialogue that is prominent with the "simple syntax command." "Our InControl system already allows the driver to plug their smartphone into the vehicle and then safely control their apps through the vehicle's touchscreen. The apps are enhanced for in-car use, so it is like having your smartphone installed in your dashboard. Today, we are advancing our InControl system a stage further and to the forefront of the industry with the launch of justDrive. This moves the driver from the task-oriented, app-specific touch-based use of individual apps, to full control of all aggregated app content through plain natural speech or a common touch interface," said Dr. Wolfgang Epple, Director of Research and Technology for Jaguar Land Rover. You can take advantage of this if you have either a 2015 Jaguar F-Type or any 2015 Land Rover vehicle. The remainder of the two automaker's lineups will get in the 2016 model year. Jaguar Land Rover JustDrive Source: Jaguar Land Rover Press Release is on Page 4 Audi showcases MIB-2 technology and virtual cockpit at Connected Car Expo in Los Angeles - New Audi MIB-2 features NVIDIA Tegra 3 processing power for improved performance, higher resolution graphics and an upgradable platform- MIB-2 debuts in the 2016 A6 and A7 model lines; Audi virtual cockpit debuts with the 2016 Audi TT - Audi zFAS piloted driving technology also on display at the Expo Audi today detailed key aspects of the advances in the electronics technology appearing in two of its newest models for 2015. At the 2014 Connected Car Expo (CCE) in Los Angeles, Audi explained how it’s MIB-2 (Modular Infotainment Platform) electronics architecture has dramatically shortened the timeline to introduce newer and more powerful processors used for infotainment and driver assistance systems. MIB-2 debuts in the 2016 A6 and A7 model lines, which also make their North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show this week. The new Audi MIB-2 uses the NVIDIA Tegra 30 system on chip, driven by a quad-core processor from the NVIDIA Tegra 3 series, for fast performance, higher resolution graphics and an upgradable platform. As more sophisticated technology becomes available, the highly flexible Audi MIB-2 platform will allow owners to simply upgrade their software for improved online, media, voice command, navigation and telephony functions. With double the processor performance and a faster graphics processing unit, it can drive two displays simultaneously, one in the center stack and one in the instrument cluster display. The T30 graphics processor empowers a virtual 3D platform and a completely redesigned user interface to allow Audi to implement and display a full three-dimensional graphical user experience in its vehicles. JAGUAR LAND ROVER FIRST TO MARKET WITH justDrive™ – AN INDUSTRY LEADING SMARTPHONE APP AND PLATFORM FOR IN-CAR CONNECTIVITY Jaguar Land Rover announces next stage of development of its InControl™ infotainment and connectivity platform Silicon Valley's CloudCar™ develops a consistent experience for all smartphone users through justDrive in Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles within company's proprietary InControl Apps™ system Using one of the most advanced voice recognition packages in the world, justDrive presents the driver with a unified, voice-enabled interface to a wide variety of popular apps and services (LOS ANGELES) – November 18, 2014 - Today, Jaguar Land Rover has announced the launch of justDrive, an industry-leading app technology that integrates multiple smartphone apps into a single, voice-activated in-car experience. Developed by Silicon Valley-based CloudCar, Jaguar Land Rover has optimized justDrive for its InControl™ platform for Apple iOS8 users. 'justDrive for Jaguar Land Rover' integrates popular apps and services, services, such as Spotify, Twitter and Yelp, to give Jaguar and Land Rover drivers an unprecedented level of integration with navigation, media, social interaction, voice search and information services while minimizing driver distraction. Free to download, justDrive is also available on Android from early 2015 and offers drivers continuously updated apps and services throughout their vehicle ownership. justDrive will join 17 other apps including Stitcher, iheartRadio and Parkopedia currently in Jaguar Land Rover's InControl Apps in-car infotainment system. The InControl™ Apps in-car infotainment system allows the driver to plug their smartphone into the vehicle and then control select apps through the vehicle's Touch-screen or voice recognition*. InControl Apps is currently available on the 15MY Jaguar F-TYPE and all 15MY Land Rover vehicles. It will be available throughout the entire Jaguar and Land Rover product lineups by Model Year 2016. Dr. Wolfgang Epple, Director of Research and Technology, Jaguar Land Rover, said: "Our InControl system already allows the driver to plug their smartphone into the vehicle and then safely control their apps through the vehicle's touchscreen. The apps are enhanced for in-car use, so it is like having your smartphone installed in your dashboard." Today, we are advancing our InControl system a stage further and to the forefront of the industry with the launch of justDrive. This moves the driver from the task-oriented, app-specific touch-based use of individual apps, to full control of all aggregated app content through plain natural speech or a common touch interface." "CloudCar is excited to be collaborating with Jaguar Land Rover, a thought leader in bringing the connected car experience to their discerning customers", stated Luke Smithwick, Vice-President of Marketing and Business Development at CloudCar. "As the first to adopt justDrive, Jaguar Land Rover brings customers a thoughtful, connected experience that evolves with the driver and remains current throughout the vehicle's lifetime." justDrive uses an advanced plain speech recognition package so customers can communicate naturally with their car, rather than using simple syntax commands. justDrive's intelligence takes care of finding the best results for a user's request from among the many applications and services that it has aggregated. So instead of the driver having a separate fuel search app, they can simply ask justDrive for directions to the closest gas station. The driver can dictate and then send a tweet or SMS by simply saying: 'Tell George I'll be late', with justDrive reading the content of the message back to you before it is sent. You can also ask justDrive to play a particular song just by asking for it. "While our aim is to significantly enhance the driving experience through unprecedented levels of connectivity, we also want to reduce driver distraction*. So we have worked closely with the CloudCar team to ensure justDrive is 'right for driving'," added Dr. Epple. "Using speech as a key enabler, together with justDrive's simple and clean user interface, means we only show essential information to help create a safe, non-distracting driving environment." View full article

Bentley is using the LA Auto Show to gauge the reaction of their latest concept car, the Grand Convertible. If you're wondering why Grand Convertible looks like a drop-top Mulsanne, you're not that far off. The Grand Convertible is a drop-top version of Mulsanne Speed, which means its packing a 6.75L Twin-Turbo V8 producing 530 horsepower and 811 pound-feet of torque. Outside, the Grand Convertible is draped in a Sequin Blue with a "liquid metal" hood and windshield frame. The tonneau cover is done in a burl walnut veneer. The interior is covered in Beluga leather with blue cross-stitching. "This concept demonstrates Bentley's ability to create a pinnacle convertible Grand Tourer, while embodying elegance beyond compare. With this car we combine the opulent Mulsanne experience with the full sensory indulgence of open-air touring, continuing to unite luxury and performance in new ways," said Wolfgang Dürheimer, Bentley Chairman and CEO. Source: Bentley Press Release is on Page 2 BENTLEY GRAND CONVERTIBLE REDEFINES THE LUXURY OF OPEN-AIR DRIVING The most sophisticated and elegant convertible Developed to signify Bentley's intentions for the future The ultimate expression of the British luxury automobile On display at the Los Angeles Auto Show from 19th November alongside the new Mulsanne Speed sedan (Los Angeles, 17th November 2014) The ultimate expression of British automotive luxury is imagined with the Bentley Grand Convertible, the most sophisticated open-top car ever created by Bentley. Iconic yet understated in style and fashioned entirely by hand from the very finest materials, this unrivalled flagship of luxury represents the ultimate in powerful, sensuous roofless motoring. Bentley Chairman and CEO, Wolfgang Dürheimer, who unveiled the car in Los Angeles, commented: "This concept demonstrates Bentley's ability to create a pinnacle convertible Grand Tourer, while embodying elegance beyond compare. With this car we combine the opulent Mulsanne experience with the full sensory indulgence of open-air touring, continuing to unite luxury and performance in new ways. "We are eagerly awaiting the response of our customers to this car. We will ensure that this car - if it reaches the roads – will be a highly exclusive, extremely limited collector's piece." The Bentley Grand Convertible will be on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show from 19th November 2014. Powerful, Refined, ExquisiteResplendent in Sequin Blue, originally a bespoke colour created from a single sequin from a customer's haute couture gown, the Grand Convertible features a silver "liquid metal" finish to the bonnet and windscreen frame. Contrasting the rich blue body work is the Bentley directional wheel design, handed to the left and right sides of the car and finished by hand before being polished to a high shine. The wheels hint at the enormous power and torque that wait under the bonnet. With 537 PS (530 bhp / 395 kW) and 1,100 Nm (811 lb.ft) of torque from Bentley's legendary 6¾-litre twin-turbo V8 engine of the flagship Mulsanne, the Grand Convertible promises the luxury of effortless performance to match its unparalleled style. As cossetting as it is breath-taking, the interior of the Grand Convertible is a showcase for the abilities of Bentley's master craftsmen. 14 naturally tanned leather hides are merged together with progressive-diamond quilting, with the shape of the pattern changing over the seats and doors in a cabin sized for four adults. Bright blue is used to highlight the extraordinary skill of Bentley's trim specialists, with Sequin Blue thread cross-stitched by hand through the linen-coloured leather. The light hide is contrasted by the sleek elegance of Beluga leather around the top of the doors and extending back to the rear tonneau, framed in polished chrome. The tonneau itself provides the most significant example of Bentley craftsmanship at its finest. Replete with book-matched, mirror-finished and dark-stained Burr Walnut, the tonneau features the largest piece of wood veneer ever applied to a Bentley. Fashioned entirely by hand, this expanse of veneer is only paralleled by the creations of the world's best furniture makers, and is finished with elegant parallel lines of chromed steel. Following the Los Angeles Auto Show, in December the Grand Convertible will travel to Miami for Art Basel, the world's premier international art show for Modern and contemporary work. View full article

Oh Volkswagen, why must you tease us? You have done it before with the Passat Alltrack concept and Golf GTD. Why must you try to break our hearts? Such is the case of the Golf R Variant (Wagon or Sportwagen to you or I) that will be debuting at the LA Auto Show this week. The Golf R Variant takes the standard Golf R and makes it a bit more practical. It still uses a turbocharged 2.0L inline-four with 296 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. With Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel drive system, the Golf R Variant can hit 60 MPH in 5.1 seconds. Other features that carry over for the Golf R Variant include the ESC Sport stability control system and DCC adaptive damping system. As for making it a bit more practical, the Golf R Variant boasts 21.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up, and 57.2 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down. So does the mean we can expect a Volkswagen Golf R Variant at our local dealership in near future. Don't hold your breath. Volkswagen isn't saying whether or not Golf R Variant will be coming to the U.S. but considering their track record of previous models (i.e. Passat Alltrack and Golf GTD), we're not betting on it. Source: Volkswagen Press Release is on Page 2 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF R VARIANT MAKES ITS WORLD DEBUT AT THE LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW Wagon version of the Golf R sports 300 PS, 4MOTION all-wheel-drive, and a winning combination of practicality and performance - Shares the same high output 2.0-liter TSI® engine as the Golf R, with 300 PS - Drivetrain consists of 6-speed DSG® automatic transmission and 4MOTION® all-wheel-drive system - Car has top track speed of 155 mph, accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 5.1 seconds - Capable of seating five, with comparable cargo space to compact SUVs - Car goes on sale in Europe in Spring of 2015 Wolfsburg / Los Angeles - Volkswagen will debut one of the sportiest compact all-rounders at the Los Angeles Auto Show: the new Golf R Variant. For the first time in the history of the Golf R, this iconic all-wheel-drive compact sports car will be produced as a station wagon. The exclusive model has 221 kW / 300 PS (296 horsepower) and 280 pound-feet of torque. The power is transmitted to the pavement via a standard 6-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission and permanent 4MOTION® all-wheel-drive system. The chassis features a lowered sport suspension-0.8 inches lower than a stock Golf-the innovative progressive steering system and a stability control system, "ESC Sport", which can be deactivated for use on a racetrack. Optional highlights include the newest generation of the DCC adaptive damping system with a driving profile selector that features a Race mode. The Golf R Variant accelerates from a standstill to 80 km/h (50 mph) in only 3.8 seconds and to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.1 seconds. This sports car in a station wagon body is electronically limited to a top track speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). The turbocharged four-cylinder engine is very fuel efficient: in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), the sportiest Golf wagon of all time only consumes 7.0 liters/100 km (34 mpg); this equates to CO2 emissions of 163 g/km. The Golf R Variant is one of very few sports cars that can't fully support an owner's lifestyle: it can take a whole family and all their belongings if needed. This Volkswagen offers an impressively large trunk, even with five people on board, and has cargo capacity comparable to many compact SUVs if the rear seats are folded flat. Exterior The Golf R Variant is distinguished from other Golf wagon models in a number of areas. At the rear, it has a new R design bumper, a high-gloss black diffuser, four chrome exhaust tips, so-called "aero flaps" on the D-pillars, cherry-red taillights and LED license plate lighting. At the front, the Golf R Variant also has an R-specific bumper with particularly large air intakes, a distinctive radiator grille (with "R" logo) as well as Bi-Xenon headlights with integrated daytime running lights. The LED DRLs form a distinctive dual "U" design beneath the headlights. From the side, the Golf R Variant is characterized by body-color, "R" style sills, "R" logos on the front fenders and "matt chrome" door mirror caps. The 18-inch Cadiz aluminum-alloy wheels have been specially designed for the R models and are fitted with 225/40 tires; clearly discernible behind them are the black-painted brake calipers that also sport "R" logos. The car can also be ordered with optional 19-inch Cadiz and Pretoria aluminum-alloy wheels. Interior The Golf R Variant is equipped with sport seats with a fabric and Alcantara® material mix. The look is finished off with decorative stitching in crystal gray and an "R" logo on the seat backrest. Other interior features include blue ambient lighting, automatic air conditioning, and the Composition Touch infotainment system. As an option, Volkswagen also offers a Nappa Carbon leather package for the Golf R Variant. Here, the outer seat surfaces, inner side support panels and head restraints are all upholstered in dark Carbon Nappa leather. Meanwhile, the middle seat panels may be ordered in either dark or light Nappa leather (anthracite or modern gray). Leather is also used to trim the "R" design three-spoke sport steering wheel that has another "R" logo integrated in the lower cross bar. All the leather elements are highlighted by decorative stitching in contrasting crystal gray. The rear seats have the same appearance as those in the front. With five people on board, the car has 605 liters (21.4 cubic feet) of cargo space, loaded up to the back of the rear seats. Up to the front seats and up to the roof, there is 1,620 liters (57.2 cu ft) of luggage room. The cargo area up to the rear seat is 1,055 mm (41.5 inches) long; up to the backs of the front seats, it's 1,831 mm (72.1 in) in length. The cargo floor in the luggage compartment can be varied in height or completely removed in just a few movements. Another standard feature is the cargo space cover that's designed as a roller blind and can be stored, along with the rear net partition, under the cargo floor. The 60:40 split rear bench can be released via levers in the side of the trunk; the seat backs automatically fold forward, creating a nearly level surface with the cargo floor. The Carbon Race design is used to decorate the instrument panel and door trims. The standard ambient lighting is also integrated in the door trim panels, while the sill kickplates are also illuminated in blue. The pedals and footrest on the driver's side are designed in a stainless steel look and the floormats have upgraded piping in a contrasting color. The instruments and the touchscreen's start menu were also modified. When the ignition is switched on, the illuminated light-blue tachometer and speedometer needles sweep once around the entire gauge to the end pin-in the speedometer's case, to the 320 km/h (199 mph) mark. The instrument pointers are also automatically illuminated as soon as the driver's door is opened. The infotainment system's touchscreen shows the animated "R" logo as a default. High-tech turbocharged engine. Like the 2- or 4-door hatchback versions, the new Golf R Variant is powered by an advanced four-cylinder EA888 engine. One of the most powerful four-cylinder engines on the market, it delivers 221 kW / 300 PS (296 hp) from 5,500 to 6,200 rpm, and its maximum torque of 380 Newton meters (280 lb-ft) is available over a broad speed range from 1,800 to 5,500 rpm. The turbocharged and direct injection engine has sophisticated features such as water-cooled exhaust gas being fed to the turbocharger through the cylinder head (to efficiently reduce full- load fuel consumption) and a dual injection system with direct and port injection. Thanks to its fully-electronic coolant control system, the TSI engine offers particularly efficient thermal management with a short warm-up phase, which reduces friction losses and fuel consumption. The engine also has variable valve timing on the intake and exhaust side, along with variable exhaust valve lift. This enables optimal control of the charge exchange process for better performance, fuel economy and low emissions. Drivetrain The Golf R has always featured permanent 4MOTION all-wheel drive and the R Variant follows that lead. The latest generation 4MOTION system is coupled to an automatic 6-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission, which has a manual shifting option. The 4MOTION system is equipped with a Haldex®5 coupling that is activated by an electro-hydraulic oil pump. The system can shift drive torque almost instantaneously. When operating under a relatively low load or during coastdown, the R Variant acts like a front-wheel-drive car, with the rear wheels disengaged in order to save fuel. However, the rear axle of the Golf R can be engaged in fractions of a second whenever necessary. In addition to the Haldex coupling that acts as a center differential, there are four electronic differential locks (EDL) integrated in the stability control system (ESC) that act laterally. In addition, the Golf R Variant is equipped with XDS+® at the front and rear axles, which brakes the wheels on the inside of a curve during fast cornering, thus reducing understeer. Like the Golf R, the R Variant is equipped with the "ESC Sport" stability control system as standard. The system is activated by a two-stage switch on the center console. When the driver presses this switch briefly, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) switches to the "ESC Sport" mode. In very fast driving on a racetrack, the ESC system has a higher threshold in this mode. When the ESC button is pressed for longer than three seconds, the system is fully deactivated for high-performance track driving, a feature that is available only on the Golf R. The Golf R Variant has progressive variable-ratio electric power assisted rack-and-pinion steering. This is an elegant solution to a common problem with steering systems, which is that different speeds and maneuvers ideally require different steering rates. In this case, Volkswagen has spaced the teeth on the steering gear's rack more tightly towards the center. The lower steering ratio in the center means that the car responds more quickly when entering a turn, while the higher ratio at the ends of the rack reduces the amount of effort needed near full steering lock, such as when parking. The steering wheel needs just 2.1 turns from lock to lock, whereas the standard Golf needs 2.76 turns. Another exclusive feature on the Golf R Variant is the Driving Profile Selector, which is normally optional but is standard in conjunction with DCC adaptive damping. The feature has four programs in the Golf R Variant, and five in conjunction with DCC: "Eco", "Normal", "Individual", and a "Race" mode that has been specially designed for the Golf R. In combination with DCC, "Comfort" mode is also available. In "Race" mode, which is designed for high-speed track driving, damping is increased and engine response and the shift points of the DSG transmission are configured to be even sportier. In the "Individual" driving profile, the driver can combine mode settings for various individual parameters. In "Eco" mode, the engine, the air conditioning unit and other auxiliary systems are controlled for optimal fuel-efficiency. There is also a coasting function in Eco mode; when the driver releases the accelerator pedal, such as slowing down when approaching a traffic light or when descending a hill, the DSG disengages and the engine idles. View full article