Autoblog

Bentley unveils 202-mph Continental GT Speed Convertible

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Performance, Bentley, Luxury

That purple haze all in your eyes is the 2013 Bentley GT Speed Convertible. The cynical view is, "Bah, take a GT Speed and cut the top off. There. Pass the salt, please...". But when you're Bentley, more than 90 years old, and charging these kinds of ducats, there's no reason to take the cynic's shortcut. So of course the GT Speed Convertible gets all of the Speed-family accoutrements: matrix radiator grille hiding a twin-turbocharged, 6.0-liter W12 with 616 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, eight-speed ZF transmission enabling 15 percent better fuel economy, beefier lowered suspension, larger rifled exhaust tips, inlet manifold finished in black crackle and a Mulliner Driving Specification cabin.

Among the many refinements added to the convertible, though, are neck warmers in the seats, the 21-inch wheels unique to this car, class-leading stiffness - admittedly, it's a very small class, but its torsional rigidity of 22,500 Nm/degree is only 500 Nm below that of the Lamborghini Gallardo coupe. The stiffening required to achieve that number will undoubtedly have something to do with the 485-pound weight gain over the GT Speed Coupe.

Still, when the GT Speed Convertible weighs 5,500 pounds, what's a few hundred between friends? More importantly, the weight doesn't scuttle performance: 0-60 comes in 4.1 seconds, a tenth shy of the coupe. The gap stretches as you approach The Ton, the GT Speed Convertible needing just 9.7 seconds to get there, the coupe just nine seconds. Trust us, though, everyone will be too busy blasting along to notice. Everyone will want to pack light, however, because the Speed Convertible loses 3.5 cubic feet of trunk space. It remains the fastest four-seat convertible in the world with a 202-mph top speed.

We'll see it live when it debuts for the world at the Detroit Auto Show. Look up and there's a high-res photo gallery, look down and there's a press release to get you prepared.

Continue reading Bentley unveils 202-mph Continental GT Speed Convertible

Bentley unveils 202-mph Continental GT Speed Convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Jan 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bentley improving W12 to justify over V8 Continental

Noah Joseph — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Bentley

All things being equal, we'd generally rather have more cylinders than fewer. But Bentley upset that particular applecart with the latest Continental GT. Not only is the 500-horsepower V8 version less expensive than the 567-hp W12, it also boasts better handling (thanks to less weight in the nose) and better fuel economy, too - all with a scant 67 less horsepower.

So why would anyone want the twelve-cylinder version? That's a good question, and one which Bentley is apparently not afraid to ask itself.

Some customers will likely opt for the W12 for snobbery's sake or because their last Conti had one, but the crew at Crewe aren't about to let that stand at the extent of it. So word has it that the British automaker is gearing up to substantially improve its W12 engine in due course.

So what will those improvements encompass? Hard to say, but sources in the UK suggest a similar process that brought the Audi-sourced V8 up to Bentley specifications. The speculation is also that an eight-speed automatic is in the cards to replace the current six, and that hybrid technology is under consideration, too.

Aside from the fuel economy aspect, however, we ought to be looking at around 600 horsepower from the updated W12 - and that's just in base trim, with the Speed model and maybe even a new Supersport version to pack even more.

Bentley improving W12 to justify over V8 Continental originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Feb 2012 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bentley's upcoming SUV to pack twelve cylinders

Noah Joseph — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Crossover, Bentley, Luxury

Sport-utility vehicles and big engines go together like peanut butter and jelly. Surprising, then, that nobody offers one with a twelve-cylinder engine. But if the latest reports prove accurate, that's all about to change.

It's not that there's never been a twelve-cylinder SUV, but none are currently offered in the U.S. market and the only offerings from mainstream automakers are from Volkswagen Group divisions. Audi continues to offer the Q7 with a V12 in overseas markets, but that's a diesel. Lamborghini shoehorned the Countach's V12 into the LM002, but that hasn't been around since the early 90s.

Enter the next contender from the VW Group, coming from the division that produces more twelve-pots than any other automaker on God's green earth. Bentley's upcoming SUV is expected to borrow its underpinnings from the Porsche Cayenne (no V12 there), but the upcoming crossover from Crewe is, according to sources quoting Bentley CEO Wolfgang Dürheimer, slated to get a new version of the W-12 engine in the Continental. The Q7's V12 TDI could find its way under the Bentley's hood as well, which would be a first for the Flying B marque that has long been linked to potential diesel propulsion.

Bentley's upcoming SUV to pack twelve cylinders originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Oct 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Big Daddy Audi A8 L W12 priced from $133,500*

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Audi

The paint is still drying on the 2011 Audi A8, but the Four-Ring automaker is already ready to roll out its 2012 lineup. A8 fans can now say hello a familiar variant of the flagship sedan which was missing upon launch of the launch of its redesign. The 2012 Audi A8 L will now be offered with a W12 engine under its hood and a $133,500 starting price on the window sticker. For that, you get a dozen cylinders giving 500 horsepower and 463 pound-feet of torque - enough to launch Audi's Big Daddy to 60 mph in a scant 4.4 seconds.

Any other items of note for the 2012 model year? Yes, we're glad you asked.

The sporty 2012 Audi TT-RS can be yours if you have $56,850 to spare. The redesigned 2012 A6 sedan starts at $41,700 for the front-wheel-drive 2.0T and $49,900 for the 3.0T with Quattro all-wheel-drive. Finally, the Audi R8 GT, if you haven't already heard, will run you $196,800. Still no word on when the Spyder derivative will arrive to add a $200,000 car to Audi's lineup.

*Prices do not include taxes or destination and handling.

Continue reading Big Daddy Audi A8 L W12 priced from $133,500*

Big Daddy Audi A8 L W12 priced from $133,500* originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi's S Tronic dual-clutch gearbox headed for Bentley GT?

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Audi, Bentley, Rumormill, Luxury

Paris 2010: 2011 Bentley Continental GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

Bentley has provided its Continental GT with a total refresh for the 2011 model year. The styling has been updated and the luxury coupe is expected to gain a second engine option. The traditional 6.0-liter W12 unit will still be available albeit with more power, but Bentley has also let slip that it will offer a new V8 engine. This eight-cylinder unit will apparently be a twin-turbocharged Audi engine which is potentially capable of 550 horsepower. Now, word from Autocar suggests that Bentley would like to pair that engine with Audi's S tronic dual-clutch transmission.

The S tronic unit is currently employed throughout most of the Four-Ringed family lineup. Adding it to the Bentley will present an interesting challenge, however, due to the fact that the underbody of the Continental GT has a nice ZF six-speed automatic transmission-shaped hole. The ZF automatic is the gearbox used for the W12. Bentley's engineers are now doing feasibility studies to see if they can get the dual-clutch gearbox to fit.

Gallery: Paris 2010: 2011 Bentley Continental GT

Live photos by Zach Bowman/Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Autocar]

Audi's S Tronic dual-clutch gearbox headed for Bentley GT? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Oct 2010 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Bentley Continental GT price increased to nearly $190k

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Bentley, Luxury

2011 Bentley Continental GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

Bentley recently pulled the digital wraps off of its redesigned 2011 Continental GT to get your heart pumping a bit. Today the British automaker wants to get your wallet pumping. Pricing has just been announced for the new Conti and the MSRP rises by just under four percent - an increase from $182,800 (2010 Continental GT MSRP) to $189,900.

What does that four percent rate hike get you? A lot actually. The W12 engine produces more power to the tune of 567 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque; an increase of nearly three and eight percent respectively. The interior has been upgraded and features a welcome-to-the-modern-era-finally navigation system as well as an increase of 46 mm of rear seat legroom. This is good news for any Continental GT owners looking to date taller supermodels.

What can't be measured by facts and figures is the updated appearance of this handsome car from Crewe. The new lines on the 2011 Continental GT look downright Muscle Beach without detracting from the overall elegance. The fenders arc and crease beautifully, grabbing the lines started by the nose, flowing into the shoulder and then back out into the tail.

The 2011 Bentley Continental GT may be getting a four percent price increase over the outgoing model, but that $7,100 buys you a whole new ultra-luxe touring experience. Check out all the details in the press release after the break.

Gallery: 2011 Bentley Continental GT

[Source: Bentley]

Continue reading 2011 Bentley Continental GT price increased to nearly $190k

2011 Bentley Continental GT price increased to nearly $190k originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW Touareg W12 given the 500 horsepower treatment by CoverEFX

Zach Bowman — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 18:38:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, SUV, Europe, Volkswagen

CoverEFX VW Touareg W12 - Click above for high-res image gallery

CoverEFX, a tuner out of Erftstadt, Germany, has taken it upon itself to bless the VW Touareg W12 with a little extra horsepower. While the company specializes in vehicle wraps of all shapes and sizes, it's answered the prayers of soccer dads everywhere by throwing a little extra pep at the already insane SUV. With a little wrenching, the crew managed to bleed around 500 horsepower from the engine.

Aside from a reflashed ECU, the engine is nearly completely stock, save for a new air filter system and a free-flowing exhaust. The company also worked its magic on the SUV's suspension, turning the high-riding ute into a belly-scraping beast with a new set of coilovers. The finished product rides on massive 22-inch Kahn RS-L wheels that only a mother could love.

Want one? CoverEFX says that the total package will set you back close to $188,000 at current conversion rates. Better hop on the phone soon, though. The tuner only plans on churning out 500 examples. Hit the jump for the press blast.

Gallery: CoverEFX VW Touareg W12

[Source: CoverEFX]

Continue reading VW Touareg W12 given the 500 horsepower treatment by CoverEFX

VW Touareg W12 given the 500 horsepower treatment by CoverEFX originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Apr 2010 18:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2010 Bentley GTC Speed is like Heaven. Only better.

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:56:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Bentley, New Car Reviews, Luxury

2010 Bentley Continental GTC Speed - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Bentley Continental GT has been lauded and derided for being too much: too powerful, too fast, too easy, too big, too ubiquitous, and yes, too good. The convertible version, the Continental GTC, dismissed its roof but retained the excess. Now, Bentley has worked its "Speed" hocus-pocus in order to create a new variant of everyone's favorite over-the-top drop-top and Crewe's mad scientists have taken a vehicle that's already cranked to eleven and turned it up a notch or two... or three. Gloriously excessive excess awaits after the jump.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Bentley GTC Speed

Continue reading Review: 2010 Bentley GTC Speed is like Heaven. Only better.

Review: 2010 Bentley GTC Speed is like Heaven. Only better. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Third-gen Audi A8 to be "stronger, sharper, more precise"

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Audi

From the first lozenge-shaped A8 that hit American shores in 1997, Audi's flagship sedan has slowly been asserting itself more and more. The current A8 W12 is almost always given credit for its beautiful-yet-subtle design and a glorious interior. American buyers, however, haven't thrown money at it like they do the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S Class. Audi is out to change that with the 2011 A8.

Among the changes, Audi is trumpeting improvements to the car's handling, the area in which it has traditionally lost ground to its European luxo-sedan brethren. The rear-biased quattro system will also be enhanced with Audi's "sport differential" torque-vectoring system, and if other markets clamors for it, Audi will offer the front-drive A8 outside of Europe. Inside, expect a raft of changes to the interior and a "more innovative" MMI system.

As before, the A8 will come in regular and long wheelbase versions, and provide a wide range of engines for world markets, from a 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel through to the S8's V10. The transmission will be the same 8-speed ZF unit used by the 2009 BMW 7 Series.

All of it will be wrapped in sheetmetal that Audi says will be "stronger, shaper, more precise," a design that will make efforts to highlight the car's aluminum build technology. Said head designer Stefan Sielaff, the car will present "a strong three-dimensional theme," and be "the first of a new styling language at Audi." We can't wait to see it. Thanks for the tip, Other Man!

[Source: Car and Driver]

Third-gen Audi A8 to be "stronger, sharper, more precise" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2008 Audi A8 gets 2.8 FSI, new features, and subtle tweaks

Alex Nunez — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 10:06:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Audi

Click image for photo gallery

Audi's delightful A8 flagship sedan sees a number of refinements made for the 2008 model year, with the lion's share of the attention being paid to things that aren't immediately visible from the outside. The biggest addition is the 2.8L FSI six-cylinder that will be offered (in Europe, at least), which will give the big sedan fuel economy of around 28 mpg and the lowest CO2 emissions in its class at 199g/km. Power is rated at 210bhp, and the engine is good enough to allow the big cruiser to make the 0-62 run in 8 seconds. More direct steering and a revised air suspension are intended to make the '08 A8 an even more engaging partner to the person behind the wheel. And it's not as if the '07 is a slouch in that department to begin with. Audi's also building in new safety features, with a side-assist system that will alert drivers when a vehicle is in the sedan's blind spots and a lane departure warning system that will keep an eye on lane markers and alert the driver with a vibration in the steering wheel should he or she begin to go astray. Finally, the car is said to quieter than the 2007 edition.

Visually, Audi has updated the single-frame grille, incorporated new lighting in back, added new wheel styles, put turn indicators on the outside mirrors, and will offer a number of new paint finishes. New interior colors and inlays are also on tap. In short, Audi's taking a good thing and making it better. You won't hear us complaining.

[Source: Audi AG]

Gallery: 2008 Audi A8

Continue reading 2008 Audi A8 gets 2.8 FSI, new features, and subtle tweaks

2008 Audi A8 gets 2.8 FSI, new features, and subtle tweaks originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Aug 2007 10:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It runs. It moves. The VW GTI W12 650 in motion

Alex Nunez — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 11:26:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Videos, Hatchback, Supercars, Volkswagen, Misc. Auto Shows

Click image for high-res gallery

Now, don't get too excited. This isn't some VW-produced promo video depicting the twin-turbocharged GTI W12 650 show car pushing ludicrous speeds on the Nürburgring or anything. In fact, it's quite the opposite. Here, we see it doing a run-through for a show presentation at low speed. It definitely sounds mean, though, with an exhaust note that we'd gladly listen to all day. Those aggressive looks haven't gotten old to anyone here yet, either. Come on, VW -- put it on a track with a professional camera crew and give us some real eye candy already. Let's see how it looks and sounds at something better than parade speed (assuming it's capable).

Follow the jump for the video.

[Source: YouTube]

Gallery: VW Golf GTI W12 650 Concept

Continue reading It runs. It moves. The VW GTI W12 650 in motion

It runs. It moves. The VW GTI W12 650 in motion originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Jun 2007 11:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW finally releases engine shots of the GTI W12 650

Alex Nunez — Fri, 25 May 2007 08:32:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Click image to enlarge

Engine and interior shots were curiously absent last week when Volkswagen unveiled its holy-crap-I-want-one GTI W12 650 concept at the 2007 Wörthersee GTI Meeting in Austria. The interior photo shown after the jump appeared a day or two later, and this week, the automaker saw fit to release a pair of official pics of the engine in its glassed-off carbon fiber cocoon aft of the driver and passenger.

As Vader would say of this 650-horsepower Stormtrooper helmet, "Impressive. Most Impressive."

Follow the jump for the other engine shot and the interior view. In addition, we've added all the new pictures to the gallery.

[Source: VW]

Gallery: VW Golf GTI W12 650 Concept

Continue reading VW finally releases engine shots of the GTI W12 650

VW finally releases engine shots of the GTI W12 650 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 May 2007 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A $685k Audi A8 that will blow its own doors off

Chris Shunk — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 08:03:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Audi

To the average Joe, the base price of most German luxury sedans is enough to cause sticker shock. When adding options, prices could easily cause a coronary. A base Audi A8, for example, goes for about $69,000. If you opt for the A8L W12, the price leaps to $119,000. After you check the option box for 20-inch rims, the upgraded audio system, and adaptive cruise control, the price has officially left your league at $138,000.

There is one other option you can get for your A8, bullet-proofing. This $547,000 option can stop a 7.62 millimeter caliber bullet dead in its tracks. Fortified floor plating can nullify a hand grenade or IED. Also included is an emergency exit system. If the doors can no longer be opened normally, an Audi-patented pyrotechnic system simply blows apart the joins between the doors and the vehicle body and you walk out without even grabbing the door latch. The A8L W12 is certified to the highest European standard bullet-proofing classes B6+ and B7. Of course there's also a dual DVD screen and refrigerator with a bar for rear passengers so you can party in style even when you're being attacked.

This $685,000 A8 shown above is believed to have been ordered by German politician Edmund Stoiber. We don't know how well-received German politicians are, but it looks like they prepare for the worst. Find out more about the Audi A8L W12 Security after the jump.

Thanks for the tip Warren!

[Source: GermanCarScene]

Continue reading A $685k Audi A8 that will blow its own doors off

A $685k Audi A8 that will blow its own doors off originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Mar 2007 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Whaaaa? BMW 770Li W12

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 14 Sep 2006 19:33:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Etc., Europe, BMW

A keen observer in the UK, sent the blokes over at PistonHeads the above pic of a BMW 7-Series with '770Li' badging and, even weirder, a 'W12' logo brandishing itself on the left corner of its pseudo-Bangled trunk lid.

If this is authentic, and we're pretty damn sure that it's not, would BMW really take a play from the VW engineers and produce a W12? An even better question would be, is there really a market for another 'quick' luxo-barge? The 760Li does 0-60 in just over five and half seconds, so would such a beast even fit in BMWs lineup? We think not.

As is probably the case, some overly geeky (not to mention wealthy) car guy found a machinist to mill some faux badges and then got creative with the double-sided tape. If that's the case, we're thinking of throwing some 'Sixteen' badges on the flanks of our Mom's Alero. Anyone gonna hook us up?

Whaaaa? BMW 770Li W12 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Sep 2006 19:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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