Audi - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Audi A4 Cabriolet to make a comeback? - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Audi's A4 Cabriolet has a bit of a cult following and now the nameplate may be on its way back to the market.

The A4 Cabriolet was phased out in 2008 to make way for the A5 Cabriolet but could return to not only replace the A5 Cabriolet but also the A3 Cabriolet and TT Roadster, AutoBild suggests.

It seems it's not just sedans that are losing out to SUVs. Sales of two-door cars, particularly convertibles, are also on the decline. For example, only about 15,000 A5 Cabriolets were sold worldwide in 2017, and the respective numbers for the A3 Cabriolet and TT Roadster are even lower.

Mercedes-Benz last year indicated that it will prune back some of its many convertible offerings.

Interestingly, AutoBild also suggests that Audi might base the A4 Cabriolet on the MQB platform instead of the more expensive MLB platform found in the A4 sedan. The MQB platform is used in the A3 Cabriolet and can be expanded all the way up to vehicles the size of the Volkswagen Atlas mid-size SUV.

By using the MQB, Audi could keep costs low and undercut the price of rival models like the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet and BMW 4-Series Convertible.

Stay tuned.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1026947_audi-a4-cabriolet-to-make-a-comeback
by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

BMW - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - BMW's biggest battery will have 120-KWH capacity, over 400 miles of range - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

The BMW Group's plans for an electrified future will arrive in several stages over the next seven years, and part of the strategy will include a whopping 120-kilowatt-hour battery pack capable of providing over 400 miles of range.

The battery specifications were noted in an Automotive News (subscription required) report on Wednesday. BMW Group research and development head Klaus Fröhlich told the publication that the automaker will employ three different batteries for its future electric cars. He also revealed the cars will have up to three electric motors. 

At the low end will be a 60-kilowatt-hour battery that should provide 280 miles of range. In the middle will be a 90-kwh battery good for around 342 miles of range, and at the top will be a 120-kwh battery with around 435 miles of range. Fröhlich didn't provide specifics on the electric motors, but he explained how the system could work in an all-wheel-drive model. For example, he said a large electric motor may reside at the rear, while a smaller one only kicks in when the front tires require power.

The final stage of BMW's electrification plans will begin in 2021 with the iNext electric car. An i4 model will enter production shortly after and be one of 12 electric cars the automaker plans to put into production by 2025. That same year, BMW wants electrified vehicles to account for 15 to 25 percent of global sales.

Future electric BMWs will ride on one of two core platforms: front-wheel drive (FAAR) and rear-wheel drive (CLAR). Froehlich also pledged that batteries would not compromise design, and BMW is taking initiatives to tailor battery cell sizes to specific vehicles.

Shown above is BMW's i Vision Dynamics concept, which was unveiled at the 2017 Frankfurt auto show and thought to preview the design of the i4.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1116324_bmws-biggest-battery-will-have-120-kwh-capacity-over-400-miles-of-range

by Sean Szymkowski

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Aston Martin - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Aston Martin SUV will no longer offer electric powertrain - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Aston Martin has dropped plans for an electric version of its upcoming SUV, which the automaker first previewed in 2015 with the electric DBX concept car.

The information was revealed to Automotive News by Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer in an interview published Friday.

Originally, the SUV was meant to arrive with conventional engines and then add an electric option. A hybrid option is still likely to follow, given Aston Martin's desire to offer electrification across its lineup, though don't expect a plug-in hybrid, or a diesel for that matter.

In his interview with Automotive News, Palmer said he didn't like plug-in hybrids due to the complexity and cost of having two power sources in a single vehicle, explaining that the tech was simply a “stepping stone” to pure electric powertrains, which he sees as the future. He also said that diesel was ultimately “dead.”

Aston Martin hasn't given up on its electric plans, however. The British brand will still launch the limited-edition RapidE electric sedan in 2019.

The automaker is also developing a dedicated electric car platform to be used by its Lagonda sub-brand. As we learned at the 2018 Geneva auto show, Lagonda has been revived as a premium electric car brand. Its first model is due in 2021 and could be a sedan or SUV, with the latter body style looking more likely at this point.

As for the Aston Martin SUV, there are rumors the vehicle will be called a Varekai. To be built at a new plant in St Athan, Wales, it will debut in 2019 with conventional engines. The units should be familiar to any Aston Martin follower: a 5.2-liter twin-turbo V-12 and a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 will both be offered when the SUV launches. The aforementioned hybrid option is then likely to follow.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1112103_aston-martin-suv-will-no-longer-offer-electric-powertrain

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Mercedes Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - 2019 Mercedes-AMG C43 and C63 video preview- Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Mercedes-Maybach has given us our first look at a concept set to debut this month at the 2018 Beijing auto show.

Maybach has released a teaser sketch and video that provide a glimpse at the concept's interior, which is lined in leather and accented with polished metal and blue ambient lighting. Maybach says it is also developing a matching furniture collection that reflects the design idiom, form and material mix of the concept. It's something we've seen from rival ultra-luxury marque such as Bugatti.

The concept is the Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury, and according to the designers it blends the luxury of a high-end sedan with an SUV body style.

This suggests we're looking at an early preview of the oft-rumored Maybach version of the next-generation Mercedes GLS, which is doing the rounds in prototype form and due in showrooms next year as a 2020 model. There are rumors the new full-size SUV will be unveiled in November at the 2018 Los Angeles auto show.

But getting back to the concept, it's said to also depict a further evolution of the Maybach design language, which will be utlized on future production models to further distinguish them from the Mercedes models on which they're based.

We'll have more details soon as the Beijing auto show starts April 25. It's where Mercedes will also unveil its first-ever A-Class sedan. To learn about some of the other vehicles set to appear, head to our dedicated hub.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1116247_mercedes-maybach-teases-ultimate-luxury-suv-concept

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Jaguar - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - First details on Jaguar J-Pace SUV - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Jaguar is forging ahead with plans to expand its lineup and the next addition is likely to be another SUV.

Autocar on Monday reported that the British automaker is working on a J-Pace SUV to target the Porsche Cayenne and Maserati Levante in the mid-size luxury SUV segment.

The latest SUV, which could boast third-row seats, is said to be coming in 2021 riding on a platform shared with the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport from sister brand Land Rover. The Jaguar would be more road-biased, though, to help differentiate it from its more rugged Land Rover siblings.

There would be electrification, too, given Jaguar Land Rover's plan to become a fully electrified brand beyond 2020. Expect a plug-in hybrid option, with the rest of the lineup to feature mild hybrid technology.

Given the expected 2021 launch date, we would likely see the J-Pace on sale as a 2022 model. The United States, along with China, would be the key markets.

Autocar also on Monday reported that the smaller F-Pace would receive a mid-cycle update next year, and included in the update would be the addition of a plug-in hybrid option. Jaguar is also expected to launch a redesigned XJ with an electric powertrain next year.

It wasn't that long ago that the idea of a Jaguar SUV seemed preposterous. However, the F-Pace became Jaguar's best seller its first year on the market, outselling sedans like the XE and XF more than two to one. Jaguar has since launched the E-Pace and I-Pace, with the former expected to become an even better seller than the F-Pace.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1116158_first-details-on-jaguar-j-pace-suv

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Range Rover - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City -- A Range Rover Sport SVR obliterated a record set by a Ferrari - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000 - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

In 2016, a Ferrari 458 Italia driven by Fabio Barone ripped through the tight, twisting ribbon of asphalt known as Tianmen Road.

Located in China, this 7.0-mile stretch features 99 sharp corners, sheer drop offs, and little room for error. Barone completed his run in just 10:31. And now that run is history, because it was just bested by a Land Rover.

Not just any Land Rover, of course. The brilliantly blue Land Rover the broke the Ferrari's record is a Range Rover Sport SVR, which means it's equipped with a 5.0-liter supercharged V-8 engine that cranks out 575 horsepower. Apparently that's enough power to blow the doors off the time set by the Ferrari. This Range Rover, driven Formula E racer Ho-Pin Tung, completed the run in just 9:51.

Tung has quite the list of wins under his belt with regards to his motorsport career. In fact, he finished first in class at the 2017 24 Hours of Le Mans. That drive was good for second place overall. Now Tung has taken his talents to Formula E where he's helping the Jaguar team in silent battle mode. That's probably a good fit, as Ho-Pin clearly has a handle on the larger JLR products.

Is it possible that a Ferrari driver could take another whack at this record? Certainly. But until that happens, Land Rover and Tung have the fastest time to clear that 7.0-mile distance. And it's certainly quite a bit more remarkable to see someone make the run in a large Range Rover than it is in a smaller sports car. What's also more interesting about the Range Rover, is that it can ditch the road route entirely and just take the stairs.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1115736_a-range-rover-sport-svr-obliterated-a-record-set-by-a-ferrari

by Jeff Glucker

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Audi - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City -Here's how Audi is eliminating body roll - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Too much body roll is never a good thing. To tighten things up further, Audi has introduced a system featuring two electronic sway bars to nearly eliminate body roll.

And who would be better to give us a walkthrough on how the system actually works than Jason Fenske of Engineering Explained. In the video, Jason breaks down how the electronic sway bars work to stop body roll and keep the Audi SQ7 SUV flat through a corner.

Audi's system isn't new or groundbreaking, but the fact the brand has paired it with a 48-volt system for more power and control is certainly interesting.

When a car takes a corner, let's say a left, the body will roll into the corner and the suspension will compress down into the driver's side. Audi's system uses an electric motor to provide up to 900 pound-feet of torque to counter the motion.

The torque allows the electronic sway bar to twist and push the wheel away from the body as the body tries to compress down. Meanwhile, the system will compress the opposite side as it begins to separate in an opposite reaction.

The entire action happens as the system reads the driver's steering input and vehicle speed to provide the appropriate amount of torque.

But, that's not all the system can do. Audi's electronic sway bars can also help control understeer and oversteer in real time. Sway bars help determine under and oversteer and stiffer units will cause more or less. With the electronic units, Audi's system can help distribute the load between tires for a more neutral cornering experience.

We should note that absolutely zero body roll feels completely unnatural. In fact, Bentley's body control system was so effective in eliminating body roll in the Bentayga, a close relative of the Q7, that engineers had to dial it back.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1116235_heres-how-audi-is-eliminating-body-roll

by Sean Szymkowski

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Bentley Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Rhys Millen to pilot Bentley Bentayga in 2018 Pikes Peak - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Racing up a mountain is probably the last place you'd expect to see a Bentley Bentayga, but the ultra-luxury SUV will arrive this June to tackle one of the world's oldest and most famous hill climbs: the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.

Bentley on Tuesday revealed the specially prepped Bentyaga that will race to the clouds on June 24 and confirmed that 2-time Pikes Peak winner Rhys Millen will be doing the driving.

The automaker is keen to beat the 12:35.61 record for production SUVs at Pikes Peak, set by Paul Dallenbach in 2013 behind the wheel of a Land Rover Range Rover Sport. To do so, Millen will need to average at least 60 mph.

The Bentley should be up to the challenge considering it has a 90-horsepower advantage over the Range Rover Sport used to set the record in 2013. The 12.42-mile course with 156 turns is also completely paved now as well.

The Bentayga Millen will pilot will feature a standard 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged W-12 delivering 600 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels (the Bentayga is also available with V-8 and hybrid options). Apart from a few modifications for safety, the only non-production component will be an exhaust system from Akrapovič. In every other respect, including the air suspension with electro-mechanical anti-roll bars, the SUV will be stock standard.

This marks the second major motorsport announcement from the British luxury brand. Bentley also debuted its new Continental GT3 racer last November, based on the latest Continental GT road car. The racer will take over following a successful 2017 Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup series, making its debut next month at Monza.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1114913_rhys-millen-to-pilot-bentley-bentayga-in-2018-pikes-peak

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

BMW - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - BMW set to test subscription service in Tennessee - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

The act of purchasing a new car or truck is evolving. Automakers are looking to keep up with the latest trends, and the latest is the subscription-based model. Several automakers have tried it, and now BMW is about to test out its own program.

BMW is going to offer a pilot subscription program starting April 2 at a dealership based in Nashville, Tennessee. According to Automotive News, the program is called Access by BMW. The brand has released no details as to which models will be included or the cost and terms of the deals to be offered.

Rather than traditional purchase and lease options, the subscription model aims to simplify car ownership while also keeping it flexible. Essentially, a customer pays a flat monthly fee that covers the lease and insurance payments, plus any maintenance. Customers can switch between models while in the program.

The German automaker has seen some of its competition already head down this path. Mercedes-Benz launched its Flexperience program in Germany. Lincoln has cooked up a service based around its lightly used offerings. Volvo will hand you the keys to a new XC40 after you hand them $600 per month. Porsche and Cadillac have programs, too, and the Porsche Passport program costs as much as $3,000 per month for its sports cars.

BMW hasn't said if and when it will roll out its program in other markets or if it will become a standard way of doing business. The pilot program will likely help determine the future of the subscription model at BMW.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1116027_bmw-set-to-test-subscription-service-in-tennessee

by Jeff Glucker

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Mercedes Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - 2019 Mercedes-AMG C43 and C63 video preview- Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Those in the market for a sporty luxury compacts will find fresh entries from Mercedes-AMG. For 2019 both the C43 and C63 have been updated with updated powertrains, new tech, and design tweaks.

Let’s get right to the meat of the matter with these German bruisers: the powertrains. The tamer of the two options from Affalterbach is the all-wheel drive 43 with its 3.0-liter twin-turbo now dialed up to 385 horsepower for a 0-60 mph sprint of just 4.6 seconds. That sprint drops to 3.8-seconds with the fire-breathing C63 S, which still has 503 horsepower from its twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 in S form, and 469 horsepower without the S.

Both the 43 and 63 models mate the turbocharged engines to a new 9-speed automatic transmission with quicker shifts than the old 7-speed and it’ll hold gears longer according to AMG.

Visual updates are minor but notable with new LED headlights and taillights, aerodynamics, quad round exhaust outlets on the 43s, and a Panamericana grille on the C63s.

Inside, things get more advanced with an available 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster in the 43, which is standard in the C63. Both models receive sporty flat-bottom steering wheels with touch-sensitive surfaces, but the C63 can be optioned with a cool new Drive Unit setup. This integrated display on the steering wheel itself that can select various AMG programs controlling the adaptive suspension and other driveline components.

Things get taken up a notch in the 63 with available performance seats with three levels of climate control to keep things warm or cool on the track. There’s also a new head-up display that can show circuit information include a graphic of the circuit itself complete with braking points, sector times, and overall lap times.

Pricing hasn’t been set on either of these 2019 AMGs but should be detailed closer to the launch towards the end of 2018 for the 43 and spring of 2019 for the 63.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1116031_2019-mercedes-amg-c43-and-c63-video-preview

by Joel Feder

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Aston Martin - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Aston Martin working on “brother of Valkyrie” to compete at LaFerrari, McLaren P1 level - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Aston Martin Valkyrie in near-production form

Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer has confirmed to Autocar the development of a third mid-engine model at the British automaker.

The first mid-engine model will be the Valkyrie, which starts deliveries next year. Just 175 will be built, 25 of which will be the Valkyrie AMR Pro track special.

The second mid-engine model will be a more attainable car arriving around 2020 to challenge the likes of the Ferrari 488 GTB and McLaren 720S. It's one of the seven core cars in Aston Martin's Second Century plan, meaning it will become a permanent fixture in the automaker's lineup.

The third mid-engine model, referred to by insiders as the “brother of the Valkyrie,” is expected to arrive around 2021 and have a price tag in excess of $1 million. It will likely be one of Aston Martin's special series models; Aston Martin plans to launch two special series models each year as part of the Second Century plan.

Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro

“We have more than one mid-engined project underway, more than two if you count the Valkyrie,” Palmer confirmed to Autocar. “This new project will draw on all the know-how we’ve taken from the Valkyrie, as well as some of its visual identity and engineering capability, and bring it to a new sector of the market.”

The sector he's referring to is where cars like the Ferrari LaFerrari and McLaren P1 sit, i.e. above the level of more mainstream supercars like the 488 GTB and 720S but below the stratospheric level of the Valkyrie and rival Mercedes-AMG Project One.

And as is the case with the Valkyrie, development will likely be handled with the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team. Aston Martin is the title sponsor of the team and is constructing the Advanced Performance Center at the team's headquarters in Milton Keynes, United Kingdom. Here, the two organizations will work together to develop cars and other products leveraging F1 technology.

All of this is happening in parallel with Aston Martin's regular cars, which in addition to the DB11 and Vantage will soon include a new Vanquish and DBX SUV and eventually two electric cars to serve in a revived Lagonda ultra-luxury brand. It's definitely exciting times ahead at the British automaker.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1115720_aston-martin-working-on-brother-of-valkyrie-to-compete-at-laferrari-mclaren-p1-level

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com 

Jaguar - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Jaguar Land Rover SVO ready to tackle EV tuning - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

The electrified car tuning frontier is just now opening, and Jaguar Land Rover Specialty Vehicle Operations (SVO) is more than eager to take an early first step.

It will be a challenge, but SVO engineers are eager to meet roadblocks that lay ahead, John Edwards, head of Jaguar Land Rover's personalization and performance arm, said in a recent interview.

He told Motoring in a report published Saturday that despite the challenges, SVO will develop a range of performance cars based on forthcoming electrified cars from Jaguar Land Rover, including battery-electric cars.

A potential starting place for SVO is the Jaguar I-Pace. When asked if an SVO-tuned I-Pace is in the works, Edwards smirked and said "possibly."

Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy racecar

Any future SVO-tuned electric cars will still likely wear SVO's "SVR" performance badge, according to the report, which makes an I-Pace SVR quite possible. Jaguar will also take the I-Pace racing in its own one-make series alongside Formula E.

Edwards commented that the rules of electric car performance aren't yet cast in stone like the internal combustion engine, and it will give engineers plenty of freedom to define what a purely electric SVO nameplate can accomplish. Besides additional power, he said electric cars could push a redefinition of a "performance car."

Ahead of any I-Pace SVR will be the regular Jaguar I-Pace. The electric crossover will boast an estimated 240-mile range and produce 394 horsepower and 512 pound-feet of torque from two electric motors.

The I-Pace will reach dealerships in the second half of 2018 with a $70,495 starting price.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1115717_jaguar-land-rover-svo-ready-to-tackle-ev-tuning

by Sean Szymkowski

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Range Rover - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City -- The Range Rover SV Coupe Loses Two Doors For $295,000 But It Looks Incredible - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000 - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

I enjoy the looks of the current Range Rover, but I never gave much thought to what it might look like with two fewer doors. Why would I? Even in the current SUV boom, that seemed a bridge too far for Land Rover. Evidently I was wrong. If you have a boatload of cash, you can get the two-door modern Range Rover you demand, and it looks great.

Meet the Range Rover SV, which Land Rover calls “the world’s first full-size luxury SUV Coupe,” throwing giant shade on all the other SUV makers who have stuck the “coupe” name on their vehicles. As you can see here, it’s actually deserved, as it’s down two doors like the Range Rovers of yesterday.

You won’t be just walking into your dealer and picking one of these up, however. Each one is hand-assembled by the SVO Technical Center in England, and only 999 will be made worldwide. Each one starts—starts—at $295,000.

But hey, you can have almost anything you want, including the option to customize interior leather colors by row to mix things up, plus a 557 horsepower 5.0-liter supercharged V8. It does zero to 60 mph in five seconds flat.

I myself am buying five.

source: https://jalopnik.com/the-range-rover-sv-coupe-loses-two-doors-for-295-000-b-1823543263

by Patrick George

http://www.boscheuropean.com