Jaguar - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Proposed Jaguar I-Pace SVR could be too quick for untrained drivers - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Jaguar product planning boss Hanno Kirner believes the instant torque and power found in a hypothetical I-Pace SVR could be too much for untrained drivers. While he stopped short of confirming a high-performance version of the electric crossover, he made it clear such a vehicle is on the table.

Kirner told Autocar in a Tuesday report that an I-Pace SVR would likely be capable of reaching 60 mph in 1.8 seconds, but engineers also want to prioritize handling—not just headline-grabbing specs.

"Once you’ve done it once or twice, and lost your eyes in the back of their sockets, you might not want to do it again," he said.

Tesla has already made plenty of headlines in recent years for offering hypercar levels of acceleration with the Model S and Model X electric cars. The 2020 Tesla Roadster will also allegedly reach 60 mph in 1.9 seconds.

The product planning chief envisioned some sort of power restriction for a potential I-Pace SVR. Kirner said the vehicle could reduce power for a driver until he/she has attended a driving course or some other instruction. Although Jaguar hasn't committed to such a model, the brand's top brass certainly do like to talk about the idea of one.

Last March, Kirner first expressed interest in building an I-Pace performance variant. At that time, he also said there remains a possibility for other I-Pace models, including an off-road or more luxurious version. Kirner echoed the sentiment in the latest Autocar report.

"There is probably more than one route we could take," he said. "But there is definitely space for a performance electric car or cars."

John Edwards, head of Jaguar Land Rover's personalization and performance arm, also hinted earlier this year that Jaguar will eventually develop a full range of performance-oriented electric cars.

The British luxury brand will also take the I-Pace racing in its own one-make series held before Formula E open-wheel electric-car races.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1116964_proposed-jaguar-i-pace-svr-could-be-too-quick-for-untrained-drivers

by Sena Szymkowski

http://www.boscheuropean.com

BMW - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Watch Tom Cruise flog a classic BMW M5 in "Mission: Impossible - Fallout"- Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Sometimes, a film's cars become nearly as iconic as the stars themselves. See "Bullitt" or "The Fast and the Furious." It can be just as important that a character's car matches his or her persona. In "Mission: Impossible - Fallout," BMW earned the leading automotive role.

In the film, Ethan Hunt, played by Tom Cruise, receives wheel time in and on a variety of BMWs. He rides an R90 Scrambler motorcycle and drives two M5s: one new F90 M5 and a classic E28 M5. The new M5 is fine and dandy, but the original M5 is a real star.

The German brand highlighted its support in the stunt scenes in a new video, and the film's production crew and Cruise himself also spoke of their time with the cars.

The F90 M5 is used as Hunt's main form of transportation and features a load of slick gadgets to boot, including remote control operation. The video also shows us a glimpse of the E28 M5 during a chase scene in Paris. It's unclear if the M5 was harmed during filming, but the car gets pretty beat up as we see in the behind-the-scenes video. The team drifted it, jumped curbs, and really thrashed it about. Importantly, the crew also remarks that the classic sport sedan was "indestructible." Cruise also got the car up to 100 mph on the streets of Paris for one chase scene.

Have a look at the video up above, then go check out the movie in theaters now.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1118077_watch-tom-cruise-flog-a-classic-bmw-m5-in-mission-impossible--fallout

by Sean Szymkowski

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Aston Martin - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - First details on Aston Martin DBS Superleggera AMR - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Aston Martin has just unleashed upon the world the 715-horsepower DBS Superleggera, but it doesn't represent the end of the performance road for the new super GT.

Just as we've seen with the automaker's other performance cars, the DBS Superleggera will eventually receive the AMR treatment. Not to be confused with the Aston Martin Racing motorsport department, AMR is Aston Martin's new performance sub-brand and usually designates the fastest version of an Aston Martin product line. There's also an AMR Pro label for track-focused cars.

As for the eventual DBS Superleggera AMR, Australian publication Motoring has managed to glean a few details from one of its sources at Aston Martin. Apparently the car will come with tuned suspension including revised spring rates and dampers. The rear axle's limited-slip differential is also expected to be tuned.

Power from the 5.2-liter twin-turbocharged V-12 will almost certainly be up too. Motoring's source said that with relatively minor mods, in this case a cold-air intake, the engine can deliver a maximum 750 hp. Any more power will require significant work on the internals it seems. Torque should also be dialed higher but no more than 900 pound-feet, the maximum the DBS Superleggera's eight-speed automatic can handle. Currently the car generates 664 pound-feet of twist.

And finally carbon fiber will be employed to further shed weight. Carbon fiber is used for the body of the DBS Superleggera and more of the lightweight stuff should be employed on the AMR version. Look for it to feature on the engine cover, exhaust tips, steering wheel, and seat shells. The latter should save 44 pounds alone.

Motoring suggests that will all the mods the DBS Superleggera AMR will hit 62 mph in 3.2 seconds and top out at 214 mph. That compares to the standard car's figures of 3.4 seconds and 211 mph.

A debut for the DBS Superleggera AMR will likely take place in late 2019 or early the following year. Before it arrives Aston Martin is expected to introduce a DBS Superleggera Volante convertible.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1075567_first-details-on-aston-martin-dbs-superleggera-amr

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Audi - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Shocking: Audi to debut electric supercar concept at Pebble Beach- Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Ignore the flashy, high-tech vehicle wrap, a cross between pixelated camouflage and hunting orange. The 2019 Audi e-tron is a non-event from inside, and that’s just what its maker intended.

When it goes on sale next year, the e-tron electric crossover SUV will be the anti-Tesla. Its conservative crossover SUV shape will draw no more and no less attention than the countless leased Audi Q5s that infest big city streets like Japanese beetles mowing down a prized rose bush. Its interior wows with its trio of screens and its dearth of buttons, but then so does the Audi A6 parked across the showroom.

From the front seat, where I find myself perched next to bespeckled Audi engineer Oswin Roeder as he gently guides this crossover SUV, everything seems normal.

Well, other than the fact that this comfortable Audi is gliding silently down the buttery smooth pavement at Pikes Peak as the sun rises over our shoulders.

2019 Audi e-tron prototype drive, Pikes Peak

The Audi e-tron prototype I’m riding in has all the hallmarks of a high-end, mid-size crossover SUV. Its doors close with a solid “thunk,” the mix of leather and synthetic suede surfaces feels just right, and its seat heaters are plenty warm for a chilly 32-degree morning at the summit of of a Colorado mountain. A trio of screens handle infotainment, audio, and instrument information. It's all very high-tech, but there's nothing to be found here that doesn't show up in the latest Audi A6 and A8.

The e-tron’s ride quality is firm over the occasional bump in the road, and it’s clear that the 21-inch wheels fitted to the prototype contribute to little lean into corners.

Roeder’s voice barely rises above a whisper as the e-tron snakes down the mountain before tourists begin to arrive. He’s attempting to explain why we didn’t drive up Pikes Peak in the e-tron. The focus of this drive, he tells us, is to show how effective the e-tron is at recuperating power from coasting and from using its unique braking system. In most situations—90 percent, Audi optimistically estimates—the vehicle’s hydraulic braking system, including its pads and rotors, will be charged but not activated. Instead, its two electric motors—one per axle—handle braking until the pedal is pressed extra hard, such as during an emergency maneuver. That’s when the hydraulic system kicks in to bring the e-tron to a halt.

To wit: about halfway down Pikes Peak sits a small hut, where a park ranger uses an infrared thermometer gun to check brake temperatures of every vehicle. The e-tron’s front brakes are barely above the ambient temperature, about 55 degrees at this point.

Flatlander tourists sometimes cook brakes to the tune of 500 degrees.

“We see it all the time,” the park ranger chuckles. “But we smell it first.”

Certainly, Roeder’s careful driving has something to do with the low temperatures. But it’s also a reminder that the e-tron’s electric motors have done nearly all of the braking downhill.

2019 Audi e-tron prototype drive, Pikes Peak

Paddle shifters mounted behind the e-tron’s steering wheel control three levels of recuperation.

Level 0, signified by a tiny marker in the digital instrument cluster, means the e-tron drives like a normal car. Level 1 amps up the electric motors’ deceleration for something closer to one-pedal driving. Two taps of the paddles activates Level 2, which Roeder says is true one-pedal driving.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1118102_2019-audi-e-tron-first-ride-pulling-all-the-brakes

by Andrew Ganz

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Range Rover - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City -2019 Range Rovers Will Be Easier to Drive in Water -- Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

The real big news about the 2019 Land Rover Range Rover and Range Rover Sport is the introduction of the P400e plug-in hybrid trim, which can apparently drive 31 miles on its battery alone. Both SUVs get a few other little updates for the new model year but a water wading depth sensor sounds like the most fun.

Range Rovers, even the hybrid, can drive through almost three feet of standing water according to Land Rover. At least, as long as there’s traction below the surface. Somehow I doubt too many owners ever stretch the limits of that, but for those who do, or want another neat blinking display to look at, the Wade Sensing system is optional on all variants for 2019.

As explained in Land Rover’s announcement:

The system provides real-time wading depth information relative to the maximum wading capability for the current location of the vehicle. Using sensors on the underside of the door mirrors, the system reports this information to the driver via a dedicated display on the vehicle’s touchscreen. The system also provides the driver an indication of the vehicle’s position/angle, and can estimate when the vehicle is potentially going into deeper water or coming out of the water. The driver is able to turn on the Wade Sensing feature using a soft button in the 4x4i menu.

This has been a feature in other markets for a long time, but I guess 2019 is the year Land Rover decided Americans also needed to know exactly how deep the puddles we’ve been driving through are.

You can see an old version of it in action on a Discovery 4 right here:

On new U.S.-spec Range Rovers, you’ll be treated to a much more modern looking display, like this:

So Wade Sensing will join a tilt-and-roll gauge, a drivetrain status and differential position alert, a little infographic of where your front wheels are pointed, and other fun frivolous items baked into the command console of well-appointed Range Rovers.

I know most people only by Land Rovers for luxury, but as long as the company is still coming up with toys like this, I choose to keep the faith that somebody, somewhere, will treat their $100,000 SUV like a workhorse and put it through hell on off-road adventures.

source: https://jalopnik.com/2019-range-rovers-will-be-easier-to-drive-in-water-1828205909

by Andrew P Collins

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Mercedes Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Mercedes-AMG will block Project One owners from flipping cars early - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Mercedes-AMG's Project One hypercar is right up there with most anticipated cars of the decade, and with just 275 examples destined to be built you can bet they'll probably be worth a lot more than the $2.8 million retail price once on the used car market.

But in what's starting to become a common practice among the makers of highly prized exotics, AMG will attempt to block owners of the Project One from flipping their cars early. Germany's Auto Motor und Sport reported Thursday that buyers of the Project One will have to agree to not sell their cars for a certain period or face legal consequences.

It's a step similar to what Ford took with its GT supercar, whereby customers had to sign an agreement stating they wouldn't sell their cars for at least two years. However, it appears Ford has already failed in its attempts as at least one GT is being flipped multiple times.

In the case of Aston Martin's Valkyrie hypercar, the British automaker said it will cancel orders for buyers caught selling their build slots. However, Aston Martin hasn't publicly stated any punishment for owners selling their cars after taking delivery.

Interestingly, the dealership Auto Salon Kitzbühel has listed a build slot for the Project One on popular German classifieds website Mobile.de. The listed price tag is $5.6 million, or double the asking price for the Project One, and the seller states the car will be available from June 1 of 2019.

AMG is due to start deliveries of the Project One in 2019. The concept shown here was unveiled at the 2017 Frankfurt auto show and prototypes are currently testing in secret at race tracks in Spain and the United Kingdom, according to Auto Motor und Sport.

The German publication also reports that the chassis for the cars will be assembled in the U.K., just an hour north from Brixworth where the Mercedes-AMG Formula 1 team builds its powertrains and where the Project One's F1-spec powertrain will also be built.

AMG hasn't released full details but we know the Project One will have over 1,000 horsepower from a 1.6-liter turbocharged V-6 and four electric motors. The engine gets mated to an electric motor that helps send power to the rear wheels. There's a second electric motor integrated with the turbocharger to help spin its compressor, and then for additional power and traction there are two more electric motors powering the front wheels.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1107361_mercedes-amg-will-block-project-one-owners-from-flipping-cars-early

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Jaguar - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - First comes thunder, then LFT-666: Lister redesignates its tuned F-Type - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Lister revealed its first car since the 1993 Storm supercar earlier this year with an appropriate follow-up name: the Thunder. But, now Thunder is out, and the name LFT-666 is in.

The revived British sports car marque announced Wednesday it has redesignated the car as the LFT-666, with the triple six in the name signifying the car's ungodly 666-horsepower rating; it makes the LFT-666 is the most powerful sports car in the company's history.

Although the LFT-666 still wears its Jaguar F-Type looks (as if that's a bad thing), Lister announced that its version wears in-house designed carbon fiber elements. The revisions include a new front splitter, rear diffuser and lip spoiler, rear extended wheel arches, and a new grille design. Lighter alloy wheels are also in place to shave weight and come wrapped in Michelin tires. Lister didn't provide final specs but said the new carbon parts help create greater aerodynamic efficiencies and keep the car's overall weight low.

The company also said it's tuned some of the suspension components, but did not specify the changes in its announcement. The LFT-666's interior will also gain a special Lister treatment, specifically with the steering wheel and seat design.

If the LFT-666's debut goes over well, Lister hopes it will become the unofficial tuner of Jaguar cars, much like Alpina is to BMW or AMG was to Mercedes-Benz before being brought in-house. And perhaps the first step is already underway

Lister will establish the Lister Tuning Division to modify F-Types around the world. The company plans to sell wheel and body kits at first for F-Types that include Lister badging. The cars will become known as Lister LFTs without the power branding like the LFT-666. Pricing for the kits starts at around $12,800.

In the future, the LFT-666 and other Lister projects could bankroll something even better: a new Storm supercar.

Lister CEO Lawrence Whittaker‏ hinted in February that a "Storm II" may be in the future and shared the above design sketch. The Storm became a well-known supercar of its day with a 7.0-liter V-12 plucked from the Jaguar XJR-9 prototype race car.

The company also plans a Lightning SUV based on the F-Pace SVR, though we could see another name change following the LFT-666 announcement.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1118014_first-comes-thunder-then-lft-666-lister-redesignates-its-tuned-f-type

by Sean Szymkowski

http://www.boscheuropean.com

BMW - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - BMW M explains how to use its dual-clutch transmission - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Do you remember when BMW was self-described as the Ultimate Driving Machine? Those days are long gone but BMW still cranks out a few hits.

It's nevertheless clear that BMW's core demographic has changed, and thus the automaker has to put out a video explaining how to use its own dual-clutch transmission. While you have the likes of Honda instilling a love of the manual transmission, BMW needs to show you how to put one of its M cars in park.

The problem here, is that there is no "Park" labeled anywhere near the gear selector. Instead, to engage Park you simply need to shut off the car. The transmission and computers will take care of the rest, and the notification in the gauge cluster will confirm that the BMW is indeed now shifted into Park.

Once you're back up and ready to move though, you may need help figuring out how to get going. Simply use the accelerator and drive away. The Ultimate Driving Machine has a gearbox that, despite occasionally behaving like a manual, is still very much an automatic at the same time. We should warn you that a DCT can occasionally deliver a chunky, uncomfortable experience as you pull away in first gear. It's not a BMW issue, but something associated with pretty much every dual-clutch transmission on the market. To solve this, you either roll away slowly until you're moving smoothly or floor it. There's no smoothness to be found with half stepping.

Finally, BMW has a system called Drivelogic. This allows you to select the ferocity and speed with which the gears are shifted. There's an easy to find button and each press increases the aggressiveness of the Drivelogic system. There are four settings and a simple press of the aforementioned button brings you through each one on to the next.

So if you're a fortunate car buyer with enough cash to acquire a BMW M car, you may also need some insight into how its transmission operates. To recap, you put it in Drive and use the throttle to move along. To put it in Park, just shut the car off. To truly reward yourself with a dynamic driving experience, turn the car back on, put it in Drive, then head over to your dealership and request a car with a manual gearbox.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1116893_bmw-m-explains-how-to-use-its-dual-clutch-transmission

by Jeff Glucker

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Aston Martin - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Adrian Newey explains why Aston Martin's Valkyrie has a V-12 - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

It might seem odd that Aston Martin chose to go with the relatively old-school choice of a big V-12 for its Valkyrie hypercar at a time when rivals are downsizing to turbocharged V-8s and even V-6s. Recall, Mercedes-AMG's Project One packs a 1.6-liter turbocharged V-6, albeit one nicked from the automaker's Formula 1 car.

In an interview with Autocar published Tuesday, Adrian Newey, Red Bull Racing’s star aerodynamicist leading the design work on the Valkyrie, explained the rationale behind the decision to go with a V-12, in this case a Cosworth-tuned monster displacing 6.5 liters and expected to deliver around 1,000 horsepower.

He said the “obvious” options were a turbocharged V-6 or a high-revving, naturally aspirated V-12. It was a close race but the V-12 won because of what it allowed the design team to do in terms of structural mounting, since V-12s are very well-balanced engines with good NVH characteristics. Weight also wasn't an issue as the V-6's turbo system, including all plumbing and intercoolers, would make the engine weigh the same as the V-12, the designer of multiple championship-winning F1 cars said.

Interestingly, Newey also revealed that the Valkyrie AMR Pro track version might end up delivering even better performance than what Aston Martin has already promised, i.e. F1 and LMP1-like lap times. He said the mentioned downforce of about 2,200 pounds, which is equal to the car's weight, is an early estimate and that it will “change quite a lot” as the design evolves.

That may explain why Red Bull team principal Christian Horner in July suggested that the AMR Pro version might challenge Porsche's insane Nürburgring lap time of 5:19:55, set in June by the 919 Evo time attack car.

The reveal of the Valkyrie in production guise is expected to take place later this year. First deliveries are scheduled for 2019 for the road car and 2020 for the track car. Aston Martin will build just 175 Valkyries all up, of which 25 will be AMR Pros, and yes all build slots are sold.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1118084_adrian-newey-explains-why-aston-martins-valkyrie-has-a-v-12

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Audi - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Shocking: Audi to debut electric supercar concept at Pebble Beach- Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Audi has something to show us at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance this year, and it's electric. Not just any electric car, but an electric supercar.

The automaker teased what it calls the PB 18 e-tron on Monday and said the car houses a futuristic design for enthusiasts. We can also expect a powerful electric powertrain, Audi promises. As for the name, PB 18 e-tron simply refers to the debut venue, Pebble Beach, and its debut year, 2018.

We don't have any other information on the electric supercar, but Audi did add that the name also recalls the R18 e-tron, its Le Mans-winning race car that previously competed in the World Endurance Championship. The racer's technology inspired some of the PB 18 electric supercar's features.

Looking at the shadowy teaser image, it's easy to tell the PB 18 e-tron sports a low-slung design with plenty of angles. Perhaps it's something else on the car, but it also appears a wing sits at the rear.

The PB 18 e-tron shouldn't be confused with another electric car project ongoing at Audi: the e-tron GT. Audi confirmed last March that it plans to launch an electric super sedan called the e-tron Gran Turismo. The car could be the Porsche Taycan's first platform-mate, but Audi is also working on a new electric car platform, called PPE, in partnership with Porsche. 

While it's unclear if the PB 18 e-tron foreshadows a production car, the e-tron GT is due sometime early next decade. We've also heard rumors the Audi R8 may be on its way out. Perhaps the electric supercar previews an R8 replacement. Look for the PB 18 e-tron to debut on August 23 at Laguna Seca and then make its way to the Pebble Beach Concours on August 26, the highlight of Monterey Car Week which this year runs from August 18-26. For more coverage, head to our dedicated hub.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1117956_shocking-audi-to-debut-electric-supercar-concept-at-pebble-beach

by Sean Szymkowski

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Range Rover - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City -Hey Look A 2018 Range Rover Velar Actually Went Off-Road-- Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

“I once fell asleep in the back of a Range Rover while it was off-roading,” Matt Farah explains, plodding up a dirt track in a 2018 Range Rover Velar. The Velar is pretty much the least off-roady Range Rover ever, so any opportunity to see one raked over coals, or uh, rocks, is intriguing.

I took a Velar through a little rough terrain in some of my favorite sand stomping grounds near Joshua Tree when the crossover SUV thing first came out. It seemed fine, if slow, since you had to be pretty gentle with the thing.

But Farah got to push the Velar a little further, at an off-road park called Rowher Flat not too far from Los Angeles.

While it’s pretty much impossible to tell how challenging the route is on camera, as is always the case with off-road photos and video, I can attest that route you’re seeing is fairly bumpy and far beyond what anybody driving what is essentially a lifted luxury car would generally attempt to traverse.

This video is more Farah’s stream of consciousness as he assesses the Velar’s purpose and abilities than empirical off-road test, but I think it’s actually a pretty interesting shakedown of a crossover that’s uniquely successful at looking like both a car and an SUV rather than something in between.

source: https://jalopnik.com/hey-look-a-2018-range-rover-velar-actually-went-off-roa-1827832740

by Andrew P Collins

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Jaguar - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - British firm unveils Jaguar E-Type restomod with 6.1-liter V-12- Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

E-Type UK, a British firm specializing in E-Type restorations, completely reworked this 1974 E-Type Series 3 and turned it into a beauty.

The firm added a set of stainless steel bumpers, without the godawful rubber extensions, front and rear. E-Type UK also added extended louvers to the hood, opened up a channel for additional airflow, and installed a set of one-off 16-inch Turino wheels to provide just enough flash.

The changes go more than skin deep.Notably, the standard 5.3-liter V-12 engine now displaces 6.1 liters and makes 288 horsepower at the rear wheels. To achieve the performance gains, the firm created a bespoke fuel injection system with Jenvy throttle bodies, an Emerald ECU, and a custom wiring harness. The car's newfound power exits through a custom stainless steel exhaust system. It's all driven through a new 5-speed manual transmission with ratios chosen to specifically complement the upgraded engine.

After testing, the shop believes its creation could be the highest-output E-Type Series 3 in the world.

LED lighting is used generously throughout the interior and exterior. The E-Type's exterior lights are now full LEDs complete with daytime running lights.

Inside, the doors and footwell lights are swapped for modern LEDs, too, and a glowing red "start" button caps off the modern-meets-classic lighting motif. The leather for the interior is all custom, though the seats are based on XJS seats, and they are heated. The mirrors are now electrically adjustable, and a modern surround-sound audio system with iPod and Bluetooth connectivity brings the cabin up to date.

It's unclear who will take possession of the car now, but E-Type UK said the car is for an overseas customer, which could mean the buyer is in the U.S. Whoever gets this one, he or she certainly has specific, and elegant, tastes.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1118054_british-firm-unveils-jaguar-e-type-restomod-with-6-1-liter-v-12
by Sean Szymkowski

http://www.boscheuropean.com

BMW - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - 2019 BMW X4 M spy shots and video - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Behold the latest spy shots and video of the first-ever BMW X4 M.

Yes, the folks at the M division are bowing to demand pressures for more SUVs and will add the new X4 M as well as a new X3 M to join the existing X5 M and X6 M.

This way the M division will have direct rivals for Mercedes-AMG's GLC63 and GLC63 Coupe duo in the small SUV segment.

Just note that the X4 M is based on a second-generation X4 that BMW introduced this year. The first X4 was only introduced for 2015, but since the X3 on which it is based has already been redesigned the X4 needed to be redesigned too.

Underpinning the new X4 as well as this X4 M variant is a modular platform known as CLAR. The platform debuted in the 2016 7-Series and brings to the table lightweight construction and compatibility with alternative powertrains.

Under the hood of the M version should be a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6, either borrowed from the M2 or the M3/M4. The latter is more likely, meaning output in the X4 M should be well over 400 horsepower. Something close to the 450 mark is likely.

2019 BMW X4 M spy shots - Image via S. Baldauf/SB-Medien

The transmission will be an eight-speed automatic and drive will be to all four wheels via a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system.

The M division also offers enthusiasts a tamer M Performance offering. This one is badged an X4 M40i and runs the same 355-hp 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 fitted to the X3 M40i.

As for the X4 M, it is expected to debut late this year or early next.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1115164_2019-bmw-x4-m-spy-shots-and-video

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Mercedes Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Mercedes-Benz electric concept recalls record-setting Silver Arrow - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Eighty years ago, Mercedes-Benz set a record for the fastest land-speed vehicle on a public road. It was only last year that the German brand lost the title to Koenigsegg and its Agera RS. Mercedes hasn't forgotten about the achievement, and now it has created an homage to the legendary record-setting W125 Silver Arrow racer.

It's called the "Aesthetics Progressive Luxury" concept, though it's more of a sculpture than actual concept vehicle. But, the intentions are the same. The design team worked to infuse the W125's streamlined looks into a modern-day interpretation of a 1930s race car—a racer that went 268.8 mph on a one-kilometer stretch of the Autobahn. In this case, however, the concept is a design study for the company's EQ brand of battery-electric vehicles.

1938 Mercedes-Benz W125 top-speed record run

Designers worked to channel the 1930 racer's ethos, and by doing so, decided to press the sculpture concept into the ground. The effect highlights the muscular wheel arches, which are very reminiscent of the W125 Silver Arrow. The front fascia begins as something fluid and coherent, but the design quickly moves to split the rear of the Aesthetics Progressive Luxury concept down the middle with a long fin. The cockpit bubble also recalls the 20th-century race car.

Perhaps the most unique element of the sculpture is the way the body segments and separates toward the rear. Mercedes says it's "as if the resulting surface segments were captured by an imaginary air stream and carried away."

What will the Aesthetics Progressive Luxury sculpture have to do with the new EQ brand? That's a guess at this point. In its press release, Mercedes-Benz said "the formal clarity of the sculpture with its purist main body reflects the seamless look of all EQ vehicles." Motor1 reports that the sculpture previews a concept car to be shown this August at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and that Mercedes plans to release a one-off halo car to launch the EQ brand.

The first EQ model will be the EQ C electric crossover, which will debut later this year. Following the EQ C, a whole family of EQ models will come. Mercedes-Benz will also race under the EQ banner in Formula E.

The Aesthetics Progressive Luxury concept sculpture follows five additional "Aesthetics" sculptures, which began in 2010 with Aesthetics No. 1. The most recent was Aesthetics A in 2017.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1117566_mercedes-benz-electric-concept-recalls-record-setting-silver-arrow

by Sean Szymkowski

http://www.boscheuropean.com