Range Rover - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - East Coast Defender rolls out Heritage Collection - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

East Coast Defender might be based in Florida, but the Land Rover modifier looks back on the brand's British history with its new Heritage Collection. The custom Defenders incorporate classic elements from the past with a few modern touches and the images shown so far certainly drip with English charm.

Both D90 and D110 models will feature a rebuilt Rover V-8 engine, much like ECD's Project Tuki, paired to a manual transmission. An automatic transmission is optional, even if it doesn't exactly adhere to the Defender's trucky, implement past. The SUVs are, of course, fitted with four-wheel drive.

Each vehicle will also include air conditioning and an upgraded suspension designed to improve ride quality while remaining at the factory ride height. Other features adorning the Heritage Collection models are a choice between 16-inch alloy or steel wheels, folding side steps or full-length running boards, a Momo-style steering wheel, Exmoor classic upholstery, and a slim-line front bumper.

ECD will produce the first examples of Heritage Collection Defenders six months from now, and they won't be cheap. The company says the vehicles will start at $129,995, though that price could increase if customers request additional features and more luxurious options.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1115360_east-coast-defender-rolls-out-heritage-collection

by Sean Szymkowski

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Mercedes Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Mercedes integrates highly detailed HERE maps in self-driving tech - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Mercedes-Benz's future self-driving cars will rely on a cloud-based high-definition map updated in real time to see the world around them.

The machine-readable map, known as the HD Live Map, will come from mapping company HERE, a former unit of Nokia sold to Audi, BMW and Mercedes in 2015 for $3.1 billion. Intel also has a stake in HERE, which it acquired in 2017 for its own self-driving car developments.

The HD Live Map is a key component of Mercedes' self-driving system, which right now only offers driver assistance but will eventually feature fully self-driving capability. The HD Live Map is composed of multiple layers providing various details, for example lane level information, dynamic road network and situation changes, and speed profile data for vehicles on the road. A self-driving car would use this information to know exactly where it is, what lies ahead and what it should do in various scenarios.

Importantly, the map has the ability to update itself in near real time by crowd-sourcing sensor data from cars within the network. This in turn will enable self-driving cars to proactively adjust to changing road conditions, for example switching lanes and adjusting speed ahead of time in the case of an upcoming lane closure. The technology can also provide human drivers with warnings about upcoming road conditions.

Car sensor-sourced data is the most crucial element for the HD Live Map when it comes to updating because of the sheer volume of cars on the road that can detect and validate changes to the map. HERE has already been collecting data from various Audi, BMW and Mercedes models for the past couple of years, building up the map.

“Maps with centimeter precision updating themselves in near real time is one key element for autonomous driving,” Mercedes R&D chief Ola Källenius said in a statement. “With the new HD Live Map and the rich, continuously growing information it provides we are taking a big step on the way towards autonomous driving.”

Mercedes is yet to reveal when it will have a fully self-driving car on the road. Audi's Volkswagen Group parent along with BMW have both committed to having a fully self-driving car on the road by 2021, likely at Level 4 capacity meaning there will be restrictions on where the vehicle can function in self-driving mode.

Meanwhile, Waymo plans to start a commercial self-driving taxi service in Phoenix, Arizona as early as 2018 and General Motors says it will have self-driving taxis up and running in 2019.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1115400_mercedes-integrates-highly-detailed-here-maps-in-self-driving-tech

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Audi - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - First EVs on Audi and Porsche's PPE platform coming in 2021 - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Audi will introduce its first volume electric car this year in the form of the e-tron SUV. Fellow Volkswagen Group member Porsche will follow in 2019 with its own electric car in the form of the production version of 2015's Mission E concept.

The two cars ride on distinct platforms developed independently, C-BEV in the case of Audi and J1 in the case of Porsche. However, for the automakers' next-generation electric cars which will be arriving as early as 2021, a jointly developed platform dubbed the PPE (Premium Platform Electric) is in the works.

The PPE will be flexible enough to spawn low- and high-riding models in multiple size categories. The VW Group has already locked in “three model families,” two of them for Audi and the remainder for Porsche. About 550 engineers from Audi and 300 from Porsche are currently working on the project.

Considering Porsche's J1 in the production Mission E is expected to deliver 300 miles or more in range and an 800-volt charging system enabling 80 percent of the battery to be charged in around 15 minutes, the PPE should offer similar performance or better.

By teaming their efforts, Audi and Porsche, and any other VW Group brands that use the platform, will be able to get electric cars to the market faster and at significantly lower cost than if they continued independently. It also enables them to create a larger scope for the platform, not only in the area of electrification but also in digitization and self-driving capability.

“If we had to tackle the challenges ahead on our own, the costs would be around 30 percent higher,” Porsche CEO Oliver Blume said in a statement.

Audi will also rely on the MEB (Modular Electric Toolkit) platform developed by Volkswagen, for its compact cars. Meanwhile, Porsche is thought to be working on a separate platform for electric sports cars, referred to as the SPE (Sports Platform Electric). However, cars on the SPE platform aren't expected until after 2025.

Both automakers will also continue to offer internal combustion-powered cars based on conventional platforms for the foreseeable future.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1115338_first-evs-on-audi-and-porsches-ppe-platform-coming-in-2021

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

BMW - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - BMW i8 Roadster priced at $164,295, will be most expensive Bimmer sold in US - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Buyers looking to drop the top with a 2019 BMW i8 Roadster will be met with a $164,295 price tag when the car launches this spring. That makes it the most expensive BMW sold on these shores.

Pricing for the roadster and coupe was confirmed through BMW on Tuesday, after an initial report by BMW Blog. The coupe will cost $148,495, including destination. Leather upholstery and 20-inch wheels are standard equipment on both cars. Heated front seats, head-up display, Apple CarPlay compatibility, premium audio, adaptive dampers, and navigation are thrown in for good measure too.

A Tera World option package is the only optional trim level available and it adds a leather engine cover (Eds note: Wait, what?), black brake calipers, ceramic knobs, blue seat belts, and brown leather for $2,500 on roadsters or $3,700 on coupes. Laser headlights are a standalone $6,300 option on both models. A First Edition trim level will be available on roadster models for $174,090, but it's unclear what that package offers. We'll update this story with more information as it becomes available.

The Roadster sets itself apart from the standard coupe with a few exterior design changes, too.

The sloping rear windshield gives way to a small vertical rear window, and a new engine cover is in place. Surrounding the engine are two new cowls that flow into the rear wing. Finally, the i8 Roadster sports frameless doors.

Aside from the exterior tweaks, engineers implemented a host of chassis changes to ensure the Roadster performs identically to the coupe, despite the drop-top hauling around an extra 132 pounds. All 2019 i8s will gain a boost in horsepower and electric range. The 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-3, 6-speed auto, and electric motor combination now make 369 horsepower, up from 362 hp. The car's all-electric driving range increases from 15 to 18 miles.

BMW claims there's no attached performance penalty when it comes to 0-60 mph times. The Roadster should clock the same 4.2-second 0-60 mph sprint as the coupe.

The brand first showed an i8 convertible concept way back in 2012 and it's not clear why it's taken over seven years to reach production. Nevertheless, the i8 Roadster will hit dealers in just a few short months.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1115317_bmw-i8-roadster-priced-at-164295-will-be-most-expensive-bimmer-sold-in-us

by Sean Szymkowski

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Jaguar - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Report: Jaguar XJ to transform into Tesla Model S rival - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Jaguar will turn the XJ into an electric sedan rivaling the Tesla Model S, according to Autocar which on Monday reported that an electric XJ will be revealed in late 2018 to mark this year's 50th anniversary of the nameplate. Sales are said to follow in 2019.

And it won't just be the powertrain that will reportedly be changing. Autocar also reports that the flagship sedan will become more of a hatch than a traditional sedan, something akin to the Porsche Panamera and aforementioned Model S.

Jaguar had been debating whether to return to a more conventional 3-box sedan shape for its next-generation XJ or stick with the current model's coupe-like design. The automaker at one point was even thought to be going with two distinct body styles for the car.

It seems that Jaguar will now focus on a coupe-like design, which is probably a good move as the design will help further distinguish the car from its German rivals. And going the electric route should also keep the car relevant in a segment that's seeing buyers switch to SUVs.

But what about those buyers, especially in China, looking for a roomier option in a flagship sedan? That's where sister company Land Rover will apparently fill the void. The new “Road Rover” model that we heard about last fall will reportedly be developed alongside the electric XJ, and this one should be roomier as it will be something of a blend between a sedan and SUV.

Jaguar already has the powertrain technology for electric cars. The automaker will start selling its I-Pace later this year. At launch, the small electric SUV will feature a 90-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery and a twin-motor drive system delivering a combined 400 horsepower, and its range should be about 220 miles. Given the modular nature of the powertrain's design, utilizing it for a future XJ shouldn't prove too much of a challenge.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1023091_report-jaguar-xj-to-transform-into-tesla-model-s-rival

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Aston Martin - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Kris Singh's Aston Martin Valkyrie will have actual moon dust in the paint - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Kris Singh is a partner in a private investment firm who has used his success to buy a spate of amazing cars. So when the Aston Martin Valkyrie became available, the avid car collector made sure he was one of the lucky ones to take delivery of the hypercar. He will do just that in the near future, but his car will be even more special. He's announced a rather unique exterior hue that includes actual moon dust.

According to Singh's Instagram account, his Valkyrie will feature the first paint formula to include an actual space ingredient. Singh said he sourced an authentic moon rock that will be ground and incorporated into his car's Karosserie Lunar Red exterior hue. The rendering above shows what the color will look like when Aston Martin completes the car.

Singh said the idea came to him after he realized the Valkyrie reminded him of a spaceship. So, he decided the final specs of the potent hypercar, which will make at least 1,000 horsepower via a 6.5-liter V-12 and a KERS-style hybrid system, was absolutely worthy of moon-dust infused paint.

The renowned car collector will be one of 150 lucky individuals to take delivery of a Valkyrie. Aston Martin has opened up the customization to nearly endless possibilities, and reportedly even laser scans buyers to ensure custom-tailored seats. Another 25 Valkyrie hypercars will be track-only examples.

When Singh does take delivery, the Valkyrie will join his extensive collection of cars, which includes a Koenigsegg Agera XS, Lamborghini Veneno, Pagani Huayra, Pagani Huayra BC, Aston Martin Vantage V12, and a Lamborghini Aventador.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1115147_kris-singhs-aston-martin-valkyrie-will-have-actual-moon-dust-in-the-paint

by Sean Szymkowski

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Range Rover - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Limited-edition Land Rover Range Rover SV Coupe to sacrifice utility for style - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

If BMW and Mercedes-Benz can do it, why can't Land Rover? The British SUV maker will add style and subtract utility from its legendary Range Rover with the Range Rover SV Coupe debuting in March at the 2018 Geneva auto show.

Land Rover on Tuesday revealed a teaser image of the interior of the 2-door Range Rover to whet the appetites of SUV enthusiasts worldwide.

However, the Range Rover SV Coupe won't be a mainstream model like the BMW X6 or Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe. Instead, it will be a limited-edition model of just 999 units, and it will be hand-assembled at the SV Technical Center in Ryton-on-Dunsmore in Warwickshire, England.

Combining its 2-door silhouette with a likely raked rear end in the name of style, the Range Rover SV Coupe will have a beautifully appointed interior as shown by the photo. The model in the photo has white front and blue rear bucket seats, both with diamond-pattern leather upholstery. The interior is bisected by a full-length center console trimmed in wood, and the dash and door panels are trimmed in white leather to match the front seats. The contrasting color leather front and rear is a unique approach that we haven't seen before, and it lends a sense of style. The whole look is certainly high-end, and it imparts a quality feel that is even better than the usual Range Rover fare.

Land Rover is sharing no details about what materials are used for the leather or wood, or what else might make the Range Rover SV's interior special. If the Range Rover SV Coupe is like the Range Rover SVAutobiography, it should also feature such amenities as reclining rear seats with tables, 10-inch touchscreen displays, a hot stone massage function, and heated calf and footrests. It should also get the supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 that puts out 550 horsepower (or perhaps more), as well as sporty chassis tuning. The Range Rover SVAutobiography sells for about $200,000; expect the Range Rover SV Coupe to sell for considerably more.

Watch for the full reveal and details on the Range Rover SV Coupe at the Geneva auto show on March 6. To learn about other vehicles appearing at the Swiss show, head to our dedicated hub.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1114942_limited-edition-land-rover-range-rover-sv-coupe-to-sacrifice-utility-for-style

by Kirk Bell

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Mercedes Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter revealed - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Mercedes-Benz on Tuesday revealed a redesigned Sprinter van and confirmed it for sale later this year, as a 2019 model.

The design has trodden down a high-tech path, which Mercedes says will lead to simpler fleet controlling and optimized communications between fleet manager and driver. Key to this are new levels of connectivity plus new telematic systems grouped under the Mercedes PRO heading.

The new systems that Mercedes PRO offers mostly mimic existing ones from the likes of Fleetmatics, Enterprise, Verizon, and others. While most offer real time in-van inventory monitoring and driver/manager communication, Mercedes PRO has the advantage of being more integrated with the workings of the van itself, specifically with the in-built MBUX infotainment system.

The technology doesn’t end there, though. Numerous electronic driving aids are available, along with a fully electric model, the eSprinter, confirmed for a launch in 2019. Other powertrains include various gasoline and diesel units with outputs up to 187 horsepower, though these are dependant on the market. Drive is also to the front wheels for the first time though rear-wheel drive will also be offered, and buyers will be able to choose from either a 6-speed manual or 9-speed automatic.

Externally, the design of the new Sprinter seems to follow the motif of 2016’s Vision Van concept. Overall, it's a more streamlined and fluid appearance than the outgoing van's frumpier looks.

What buyers will be more interested in is space. With wheelbases of up to 170 inches (rear-wheel drive) or 154 inches (front-wheel drive), and a load compartment volume of almost 600 cubic feet plus a gross vehicle weight rating of over 12,000 pounds, the new Sprinter looks to be even more versatile than its predessscor.

The other big news surrounding the Sprinter is Mercedes’ new Charleston, South Carolina assembly plant. Sprinters sold in the United States will be built at the all-new facility. Currently, due to the chicken tax, Mercedes assembles the Sprinter in Germany, then disassembles them for shipment to the U.S. where they are reassembled.

Full specifications for the 2019 Sprinter in the U.S. will be announced close to the market launch later this year.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1114123_2019-mercedes-benz-sprinter-revealed

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Audi - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Audi confirms RS 5 Sportback for US and hints at "secret" RS model forthcoming - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Those seeking the Audi RS 7's handsome looks at a lower cost, the four-ringed brand has something forthcoming.

In a video interview with Roadshow, Audi of America President Scott Keogh confirmed the RS 5 Sportback will launch in the United States. Not only that, but there's a "secret" RS model in the pipeline, too.

The RS 5 Sportback will be based on the pedestrian A5 Sportback and share the RS 5 coupe's 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 making 450 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. An 8-speed automatic will send power to a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system. Not only will it borrow the RS 5 coupe's dashing good looks, it will offer practicality thanks to its rear doors and hatch. We previously surmised the RS 5 Sportback will likely debut in early March at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show.

As for the "secret" RS model, we're in the dark. But, there are a couple of potential options. Keogh said he's fought to bring more RS models to the U.S., which means we may see the coveted RS 4 Avant stateside. Because the U.S. needs more fast wagons.

At the other end of the spectrum, Audi is also developing an RS Q5 to expand the nameplate's offerings. The SUV will more than likely also sport the 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 found in the RS 5 family.

If we take the word "secret" in the most literal sense, the RS Q5 wouldn't be much of a surprise. But, more go-fast Audis—no matter the segment—don't seem like a bad thing.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1114997_audi-confirms-rs-5-sportback-for-us-and-hints-at-secret-rs-model-forthcoming

by Sean Szymkowski

http://www.boscheuropean.com

BMW - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Iconic BMW Isetta returns as a Chinese knockoff - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Chinese companies have a track record for copying other automakers. Porsches, Hondas, and even tires often have knockoff alter egos in the country. The latest digs deeper into the past, however. Eagle, a Chinese carmaker, has blatantly copied the iconic BMW Isetta, Cars News China reported Tuesday.

The Isetta was built between 1956 and 1962, and its design oozes the time period. Eagle decided to give the "bubble car" a modern update with new sheet metal, but the same hard-to-miss shape. However, the body doesn't extend over the rear wheel partially like the original BMW Isetta. 

Eagle's car, which it calls the EG6330K, doesn't feature front-opening doors, or a gasoline engine at that. Instead, four traditional doors are in place and an all-electric powertrain scoots the tiny car around. A 72 kilowatt-hour lead-acid battery provides—wait for it—5 horsepower. The battery pack will propel the car for 87 miles before needing a recharge if it's any consolation for the lack of power.

The report said Eagle is targeting younger buyers with the retro design, but will also pitch the EG6330K to elderly drivers who may want to downsize into a smaller car.

The small footprint and tiny electric powertrain will make the Isetta knockoff quite affordable, though. Eagle priced the car at around $4,000.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1115148_iconic-bmw-isetta-returns-as-a-chinese-knockoff

by Sean Szymkowski

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Jaguar - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Lister Lightning will be a 600-plus-horsepower F-Pace - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Thunder usually comes after lightning, but in the case of Lister we'll see the historic British performance marque follow up its Thunder sports car with a new Lightning SUV.

Speaking with Top Gear magazine, Lister CEO Lawrence Whittaker revealed that the Lightning will be based on Jaguar's F-Pace and feature the same 5.0-liter supercharged V-8 found in the Thunder. The engine delivers 666 horsepower, meaning only the 707-hp Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk will be more powerful when it comes to SUVs.

Lister is looking to transform itself into the unofficial performance arm of Jaguar, similar to what Alpina is to BMW and AMG was to Mercedes-Benz before being brought in-house, so we will likely be treated with more Jaguars tuned by Lister in the coming years.

The good news is that Lister isn't giving up on its standalone models. The company is still churning out continuation versions of its famous Knobbly race car, and it has a supercar in the works to succeed its Storm supercar of the 1990s.

Developing the new supercar requires a lot of funds, which is why Lister has turned to tuning Jaguars in the meantime. There is also the historical connection as Lister's past cars have typically run Jaguar powertrains, including the Storm which featured a 7.0-liter V-12 from Jaguar's XJR-9 prototype race car. Lister's previous owner also tuned Jaguars, specifically the XJS.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1115125_lister-lightning-will-be-a-600-plus-horsepower-f-pace

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Mercedes Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Mercedes-Benz phasing out V-6 engines in favor of inline-6s - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Mercedes-Benz V-6 engines are not long for this world, but it's not all bad news. Ola Källenius, head of Mercedes research and development, did confirm the brand will phase out V-6 engine, but it means a return of the inline-6.

Road & Track reported on Källenius' comments on Tuesday after a roundtable interview at the 2018 Detroit auto show. The strategy behind new inline-6s and the V-6's retirement surrounds a shift to more inline-4 powered vehicles. The inline-6 and inline-4 are natural partners, just like the V-8 and V-6 engine were for decades, the R&D chief said.

Källenius said Mercedes-Benz's inline-4 and 6 engines "are branches of the same tree," and they can be built on the same production line. The silky smooth operation of the 6 is but a cherry on top, he added.

The German luxury brand showed its first inline-6 engine, dubbed the M256, displacing 3.0-liters in 2016. The engine features a 48-volt mild-hybrid system with an integrated starter generator. The unit replaces the standard starter and generator with a single more powerful unit placed between the engine and transmission sans belts. The design also helps overcome one of the inline-6's downsides: its overall length.

The ISG can also add a 20 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque boost during high-load situations, and Mercedes-Benz proclaimed it will offer V-8-like performance with 6-cylinder efficiencies. 

Although the brand is all-in on inline-6 engines, the change won't happen overnight. Road & Track also reported there are no plans to place the engine in the C-Class, but the United States market will see the engine in a new E53, CLS450, and CLS53. But the best may be yet to come. Last year, Mercedes-AMG announced it too has an inline-6 based on the M256 in the works. We can't wait to see how much power that engine will produce and in what vehicles it will be used.

source:https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1114885_mercedes-benz-phasing-out-v-6-engines-in-favor-of-inline-6s

by Sean Szymkowski

http://www.boscheuropean.com