Mercedes - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - 2017 Mercedes-Benz SL Gets Svelte New Look, Nine-Speed Gearbox: Video - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Photos of Mercedes-Benz’s updated SL hit the web last week so we already know about the cosmetic changes made to the car, which feature primarily at the front. Now, however, the car has made its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show and we have all the juicy details to tell you.

The updated SL goes on sale late next spring, as a 2017 model, and we’re glad to report that more power has been added to the base car. The luxury convertible also benefits from Mercedes’ latest nine-speed automatic transmission, though the Mercedes-AMG sledgehammers stick with their seven-speed Speedshift auto.  

The range kicks off with a new SL450 model, which replaces the SL400 added for 2015. This base model is still powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 but now there’s 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque on tap, up from 329 hp and 354 lb-ft previously.

The SL550 continues with its twin-turbo 4.7-liter V-8, which was upgraded to 449 hp and 516 lb-ft for 2016, while Mercedes-AMG’s SL63 and SL65 continue with their respective twin-turbo 5.5-liter V-8 and twin-turbo 6.0-liter V-12 engines. The SL63 is good for 577 hp and 664 lb-ft while the SL65 throws down a massive 621 hp and 738 lb-ft. The V-12 model is the quickest of the bunch, needing just 4.0 seconds to hit 60 mph. Top speed is limited to 186 mph.

Performance of the cars can be adjusted by the standard Dynamic Select driving modes selector. Thanks to this feature, at the touch of a button the driver can adjust numerous vehicle settings such as the setup for the engine, transmission, suspension and steering, ranging from fuel-saving to sports modes.

Steel suspension is standard and features continuously variable dampers, which can be adjusted via the aforementioned Dynamic Select system. As an option, Mercedes offers its Active Body Control with the latest curve tilting function that debuted in the S-Class Coupe and Convertible models. This system helps to reduces body movements when moving off, braking and cornering by adjusting the suspension spring struts constantly via hydraulic means.

The exterior of the latest SL is dominated by the new LED headlights, hood and grille. Inspiration came from the legendary 300 SL Panamericana racing car with its steeply raked radiator grille. The grille on the new SL is more prominent and blends into a sporty, Mercedes-AMG-designed body kit that’s now a standard feature. The kit includes an A-wing design at the front that leads into a splitter matching the body color. Finally, two powerdomes on the hood invoke the sporting heritage of the SL.

The changes to the rest of the car are much more subtle. There have been tweaks made to the tail lights and some of the body panels have been massaged to create a more athletic look. The standard wheels measure 19 inches across and come in a five-spoke design. As for the roof, it remains a retractable hardtop that can be operated at speeds of up to 25 mph.

In the cabin, there is a new three-spoke, flat-bottomed steering wheel with a magnesium structure and ergonomic grip. Twelve control buttons provide access to the menu navigation in the instrument cluster as well as the audio system, phone and voice activation. The main instrument cluster remains a combination of digital and analog elements, and this is joined by a redesigned clock and a new, slightly larger infotainment screen. Apple CarPlay smartphone integration is also available with the addition of the car’s Smartphone Integration package.

Then there are all the electronic safety and convenience features, either standard or available. These include automatic braking, autonomous mode for highways, lane keep assist, parking assist, and blind spot and cross traffic warning. There is also the Pre-Safe Plus system which helps to prevent further injury when hit from behind. The standard audio system is a 10-speaker setup from Harman Kardon. An even more sophisticated sound is produced by an avaialble Bang & Olufsen BeoSound setup with 12 speakers.

source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1100973_2017-mercedes-benz-sl-gets-svelte-new-look-nine-speed-gearbox/page-2

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Jaguar - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Jaguar XJR Meets The XJR-9 LM Under Silverstone Lights: Video - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Andy Wallace and the Jaguar XJR

In 1988, race car driver Andy Wallace took the top spot at Le Mans. He did so in the Silkcut-liveried Jaguar XJR-9 LM. Since then, that car has become an iconic machine and is instantly recognizable in its purple, yellow, and white paint scheme. The car was built by Tom Walkinshaw Racing, and it's powered by a 7.0-liter V-12 that produces between 750 and over 1,000 horsepower depending on how it's tuned. The top speed is north of 245 mph.

Wallace was recently reunited with his Le Mans-winning machine, and he was also introduced to the Jaguar XJR super sedan. Under the lights at Silverstone, Wallace hopped behind the wheel of both vehicles to celebrate his victory back in 1988. This marked the first time that the XJR-9 had actually been driven at night since it slashed a path down the Mulsanne straight all those years ago.

The road-going XJR is down on power, having just 545 or so horsepower by way of its supercharged 5.5-liter V-8. It does have LED headlamps though, which should prove a bit nicer than the units on the race car. Additionally, this LED setup is a first for Jaguar. The XJR won't hit the 240-mph mark, but if it did it would certainly be aided by the upgraded lighting compared to what Andy Wallace had to contend with back in '88.

Still, as good as the XJR might sound... it can't hold a candle to that wailing V-12 nestled deep inside the chassis of the Le Mans winner.

source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1101019_jaguar-xjr-meets-the-xjr-9-lm-under-silverstone-lights-video

by Jeff Glucker

http://www.boscheuropean.com

VW - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - VW Starts “Goodwill” Payment Program For Customers Affected By Diesel Scandal - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

2015 Volkswagen Golf TDI

While Volkswagen may still be months away from announcing a recall in the United States for vehicles found to have “defeat device” diesel emissions cheating software (recalls in Europe are expected to start in January 2016), the automaker this week announced a “Goodwill Package” that will financially compensate some owners here in the States.

The package includes a $500 prepaid Visa card that can be spent anywhere plus a $500 VW dealership card that can be used at any of the automaker’s stores. The package also includes free 24-hour roadside assistance for three years. VW says it hopes owners see this as a first step towards restoring trust.

Right now, the package is only being offered to owners of VW-branded vehicles fitted with the 2.0-liter TDI diesel engine affected by the emissions cheating scandal; but the same will be offered to Audi owners in coming days. Furthermore, owners of VW vehicles (and numerous Audis and even some Porsches) with the 3.0-liter TDI the EPA recently alleged to also have emissions cheating software aren’t eligible yet, as VW is still investigating the matter.

Owners of the following vehicles are eligible for the package.

VW Jetta TDI (Model Years 2009 – 2015)
VW Jetta SportWagen TDI (Model Years 2009-2014)
VW Golf TDI (Model Years 2010-2015)
VW Golf SportWagen TDI (Model Year 2015)
VW Beetle TDI and VW Beetle Convertible TDI (Model Years 2012-2015)
VW Passat TDI (Model Years 2012-2015)

Full details on the package and eligibility can be found on the special websidtewww.vwdieselinfo.com that VW has set up for concerned owners in the U.S.

Unfortunately for VW, its troubles show no sign of abating. The automaker is still working on a fix for the 11 million cars already confirmed to have the emissions cheating software, and now there’s potentially hundreds of thousands or perhaps even millions of more vehicles affected due to the EPA’s claimed discovery of the software on VW’s 3.0-liter diesel models. On top of all this, VW has discovered that around 800,000 of its cars had their CO2 levels—and thus fuel consumption figures—understated during CO2 certification.

source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1100857_vw-starts-goodwill-payment-program-for-customers-affected-by-diesel-scandal

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Audi - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - 2019 Audi A7 Spy Shots - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Audi has started the first public road trials of its next-generation A7. We’re still at the test mule stage, which means the engineers are testing the new mechanicals within the makeshift body of a current model, but even at this early stage we can already gather a few details.

It appears the length of the new A7 won’t be changing but width should be up, as evidenced by the modified wheel arches on this mule. This ties in with claims that the new A7 will sport a wider, more radical look. One element that we know will carry over is the squared-off Kammback rear.

Overseeing the design is new Audi design chief Marc Lichte, who says we can expect greater differentiation between the new A7 and the mechanically-similar, next-generation A6. The new look was previewed on Audi’s forward-looking Prologue concept, which Lichte and his team worked on after completing the designs for the new A6 and A7 as well as the next-generation A8.

Audi Prologue concept

The platform underpinning the car is the Volkswagen Group’s MLB Evo, which made its debut in the 2017 Q7 and has since spread to the 2017 A4. The new platform promises a significant reduction in weight as well as compatibility with more alternative powertrains.

The base engine should be a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder delivering 252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This unit makes its debut in the 2017 A4. A plug-in hybrid A7 is a certainty, and there should also be a battery-electric option at some point. Audi has also hinted at a fuel cell-equipped A7. The good news is that we’ll also see sporty S7 and RS 7 models once again.

The new A8 will arrive first, with its reveal set to take place next year. The new A6 and A7 will follow in 2017. In the United States, the new A7 is expected to arrive as a 2019 model.

source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1092257_2019-audi-a7-spy-shots

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Range Rover - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - 2017 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Convertible Preview: Video - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Where Nissan failed with the Murano CrossCabriolet, might Land Rover succeed with a convertible version of its Range Rover Evoque? We’ll get the chance to find out the answer to that very question in the coming years as the British automaker is launching a new Range Rover Evoque Convertible. The vehicle has been spied testing for the past several months, and now it’s been revealed ahead of its world debut at the upcoming 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show.

High-riding convertibles are still somewhat of an oddity in the automotive landscape, yet it’s a segment Land Rover sees potential in. There have been convertible Land Rovers before but this is the first time one has been launched by the automaker itself. Fortunately, Land Rover isn’t charging a huge premium for the drop-top option. The starting price comes in at $51,470, including a $995 destination charge, which is only about $4k more than the price of a comparable Evoque three-door.

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Convertible

Also helping the Evoque Convertible is styling that’s miles ahead of the ungainly Murano CrossCabriolet. The design team has done a great job at maintaining the edgy lines of the standard Evoque when the Evoque Convertible’s roof is in place. And when the roof is down, the vehicle has a wedge-like profile that gives it a sporty look. The roof is an automated fabric unit that folds away flush with the rear bodywork in just under 20 seconds. New frameless doors have also been developed to ensure a clean profile when the roof is stowed.

As the Evoque range was only updated this year, there aren’t many other differences to be found on the Evoque Convertible. Like all Evoques (sold in the United States), the Evoque Convertible is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine good for 240 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and spins all four wheels. Unfortunately, losing the roof has seen extra weight piled on (most likely due to additional reinforcements) as the curb weight of the Evoque Convertible is a hefty 4,268 lbs. The 0-60 mph run will take you 7.8 seconds and the top speed is 112 mph. Towing Capacity is approximately 3,300 lbs.

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Convertible

The cabin is pretty much identical to what you find in the fixed-roof models. However, the vehicle comes standard with fixed twin rear seats, with a central bolster, and revised quarter trim speakers. Land Rover says there’s room for four but we’re guessing only small children will be able to fit up back. Regardless of whether the roof is up or down, there’s 8.9 cubic feet of storage, and this can be extended thanks to a ski hatch that can enable longer items to be carried. For the tech fans, there’s the new In Control Touch Pro infotainment system which features a 10.2-inch, high-resolution touchscreen display.

source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1100826_2017-land-rover-range-rover-evoque-convertible-preview

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Mercedes - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Mercedes-Benz Museum Starts Selling Off Some Classics: Video - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

The official Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany must be brimming with classics as the museum is now starting to sell some of them off. The list of cars available for sale can be seen at the website www.alltime-stars.com and includes some stunners such as a 1929 Type 630 Kompressor and even a 1998 CLK LM endurance racer. The oldest model available is the Type 630 K while the newest is a 1999 SL55 AMG.

Anyone can view the cars in person at the museum and there is a sales team on hand to provide detailed information and extensive descriptions in order to offer as much transparency as possible. Mercedes says the cars being offered for sale are thoroughly checked using a comprehensive 160-item checklist.

This ensures any defects or blemishes are identified and recorded. The sales team also knows exactly what has been modified—and what’s original—since the vehicle was handed over to its very first owner. Once checked, a vehicle is classified under one of three groups, depending on its condition.

Premium Edition: rare cars in original condition, with very few miles on the clock and fully restored by Mercedes.

Collectors Edition: these cars are in good condition both technically and visually and are usually unrestored. With these, it’s all about the provenance and patina.

Drivers Edition: vintage vehicles and modern classics suitable for everyday driving and for people who want to tinker. These cars are in good technical condition but still offer potential for further restoration work.

source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1029084_mercedes-benz-museum-starts-selling-off-some-classics-video

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

BMW - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - 2016 BMW M2 Laps Nürburgring In 7:58?: Video - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

The 2016 BMW M2 may have only been unveiled earlier this week, but BMW is already talking about the latest M model's Nürburgring lap time.

In its "official launch film [sic]" for the M2, BMW claims the car can lap the 13-odd miles of the full Nordschliefe in 7:58. For comparison's sake, that's six seconds slower than the 7:52 time of the larger M4 coupe recorded by German car magazine Sport Auto last year. Still, a sub-8 minute lap of the 'Ring is still pretty impressive, and low lap times probably weren't BMW's only priority when developing the M2.

That's apparent from the launch video, which shows the M2 lapping a track that isn't the Nürburgring with a 1M and an E30 M3 hot on its tail. Given its compact size and classic three-box proportions, the M2 was always going to be compared to these legends, and it seems BMW isn't discouraging that. With the M4 now bigger and more complicated than ever, BMW needs a model that can more directly channel the essence of its older performance car.

At the heart of the M2 is a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six that produces 365 horsepower and 343 pound-feet of torque (369 lb-ft with overboost). Transmission choices include a six-speed manual and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. With the dual-clutch transmission, BMW says the M2 will do 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds (the manual requires an extra 0.2 second), and top out at a governed 155 mph.

The M2 also gets upgraded suspension, in the form of a lightweight aluminum setup derived from the underpinnings of the M4 and M3. Engineers also dialed in M-specific settings for the electric power steering, which carries over from the base 2 Series models. To match the more muscular hardware, the exterior is more aggressively styled, while the interior features sport seats and M-specific trim.

source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1100506_2016-bmw-m2-laps-nrburgring-in-758-video

by Stephen Edelstein

http://www.boscheuropean.com