BMW - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - BMW to launch 40 new or updated models in next 2 years- Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Having lost the luxury car sales race to Mercedes-Benz in 2016, BMW is planning an aggressive roll-out of new products over the next two years to claw its way back to the top spot.

In a press conference held Tuesday in Munich, Germany to outline its financial results, BMW’s CEO Harald Krüger revealed that up to 40 new or updated models will be launched by the end of 2018. The models are for the entire BMW Group and thus represent not only the BMW brand but Mini and Rolls-Royce as well.

Among the new models mentioned by Krüger are a redesigned X3 plus all-new X2 and X7 models. The X3 will arrive in late 2017 while the X2 and X7 will arrive in 2018. Also confirmed by Krüger are a long-wheelbase 5-Series for the Chinese market and a high-performance M5; they both debut in 2017.

For Rolls-Royce fans, Krüger said to look forward to the redesigned Phantom in late 2017. An SUV will follow in 2018.

BMW press conference in Munich, Germany - March 21, 2017

And for fans that prefer vehicles with two wheels, Krüger said the BMW Motorrad brand will see 14 new or updated models this year alone. BMW Motorrad will also be expanding its retail network in Asia and the United States.

Crucially, Krüger revealed BMW’s intentions to become a leader in the “upper luxury segment,” currently dominated by Mercedes-Benz’s S-Class range. More models in this segment are coming, like the aforementioned X7. We can also look forward to the return of an 8-Series as well as an i8 Spyder. Krüger said BMW will also be selectively using the BMW i and BMW M brands to expand its offerings in the upper luxury segment.

Speaking of BMW i, we’ll see an electric Mini in 2019 and an electric X3 in 2020. At the same time, BMW is also working on fuel cells. BMW plans to produce a low-volume fuel cell model in 2021 but doesn’t see the technology becoming mainstream any time before 2025—if at all. And also in 2021, BMW is committed to launching a fully self-driving car code-named the iNext.

Finally, Krüger mentioned that BMW in the coming years will expand its services into new areas. He pointed out that BMW has accumulated roughly 30 million customers almost exclusively through the traditional business of selling cars. By 2025 he wants to increase that pool to more than 100 million customers via new services such as ridesharing and digital services

source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1109474_bmw-to-launch-40-new-or-updated-models-in-next-2-years

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Aston Martin - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Watch Aston Martin test the Vanquish Zagato at the 'Ring - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Aston Martin has been busy testing the Vanquish Zagato at the Nürburgring. This short clip shows the carbon-fiber bodied Grand Tourer turning laps at the limit, its 6.0-liter V-12 barking at the trees lining Germany's most infamous track. 

The video from YouTuber Automotive Mike only shows a couple of corners, but it's enough to get a feel for the car's capabilities. With 592 horsepower pushing through an 8-speed automatic gearbox, Aston Martin says the Vanquish Zagato is capable of acing the 0-60 mph sprint in 3.5 seconds. It's clear the car's working to put all that power to the ground, as we can hear the tires fighting for grip out of each corner.

Keep in mind, this isn't an all-out track brawler, and engineers tuned the machine's suspension specifically for road-going comfort. Still, it doesn't look out of place among the 'Ring's curbs and Armcos.

Built as the latest in a long partnership between Aston Martin and design house Zagato, the coupe shows a number of unique design elements, from the double-bubble roof to round taillight reflectors. The car is set to go on sale this year, and this testing session would indicate it is close to ready for production.

Aston Martin will build just 99 examples of the Vanquish Zagato coupe, though another 99 convertibles will follow.

source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1109991_watch-aston-martin-test-the-vanquish-zagato-at-the-ring

by Zack Bowman

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Mercedes - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City- Mercedes-AMG pumps S63 to 603 horsepower with smaller engine - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Updated versions of the Mercedes-AMG S63 and S65 performance sedans were unveiled along with the rest of the updated 2018 S-Class range during last week's 2017 Shanghai auto show.

The most significant of the updates is a new powertrain for the S63, in this case the 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 that is slowly replacing all other V-8s at Mercedes-Benz.

The S63 sees the engine deliver its highest power output we’ve seen yet: 603 horsepower and 664 pound-feet. That’s the same torque as the S63’s former 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 but 26 more horses.

Fuel economy is also boosted thanks to the smaller displacement and cylinder deactivation technology. Also helping in this regard is a switch to a 9-speed automatic over the former 7-speeder—and still with AMG’s Speedshift MCT design where the automatic’s normal torque converter is replaced with a compact wet startup clutch for speedier initial engagement.

2018 Mercedes-AMG S63

Speaking of initial engagement, initiating launch control on the S63, known as Race Start, has been made easier. When in Sport or Sport+ modes on the driving modes selector, all the driver has to do to initiate launch control is press down on the brake pedal while also fully depressing the accelerator.

Optimal engine revs are automatically set, though depending on the requirements or the road surface conditions the revs can be increased or lowered in a certain range by operating the paddle shifters. As soon as the driver releases the brake pedal, the big sedan will storm to 62 mph in just 3.5 seconds.

This acceleration is also aided along by the car’s rear-biased all-wheel-drive system which comes standard.

Buyers seeking the S65 miss out on a new engine. The beast of a sedan continues with a 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-12 with 621 hp and 738 lb-ft. It also keeps its standard 7-speed auto. A substantial weight penalty (4,795 pounds for the S65 versus 4,398 for the S63 ) plus the older 7-speed transmission means the S65 is actually slower than the S63, requiring 4.3 seconds to hit 62 mph.

2018 Mercedes-AMG S65

The top speed is limited to 155 mph but can be increased to 186 mph for both models.

You’ll notice the S63 and S65 now sport a much more aggressive look. This is particularly evident at the front where there’s a new bumper with gaping intakes and a blacked-out A-wing splitter. The cars also wear light alloy wheels and square-shaped exhaust tips flanking a diffuser integrated with the rear bumper.

Other updates shared across the updated S-Class range include new internals for the lights, new comfort features, a single plane of glass spanning the instrument cluster and infotainment screens, and new electronic driver assist features.

The 2018 S-Class range goes on sale this fall. The all-important pricing information will be released closer to the market launch.

source; http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1110074_mercedes-amg-pumps-s63-to-603-horsepower-with-smaller-engine

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Audi - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Audi adds a second R8 race car, the R8 LMS GT4 - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Audi has revealed a second R8-based race car for its customer racers, the R8 LMS GT4.

Built to worldwide GT4 spec like the Ford Mustang GT4, Chevrolet Camaro GT4.R, and McLaren 570 GT4, among others, this racer is a step down from the R8 LMS GT3 (shown below) that competes in higher levels of competition at the likes of the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The car made its debut on Wednesday at the 2017 New York auto show and is, in fact, Audi's third turnkey customer race car, joining the RS 3 LMS.

Both the R8 GT3 and GT4 share components with the R8 street car, but the GT4 is a bit closer to stock. Audi says the GT3 has 50 percent of its parts in common with the street R8, while the GT4 has 60 percent of the parts in common.

Among those components is the 5.2-liter V-10 engine. In the GT4 it produces 495 horsepower, but it makes 550 horses in the GT3. Street car buyers can get it with 540 or 610 horsepower.

The GT4 class originated in Europe and in 2017 it will feature more international events in North America, Asia, and Australia, in addition to Europe. “Thirteen racing series in which GT4 models can compete worldwide already exist today worldwide,” said Audi Sport boss Stephan Winkelmann.

The Audi R8 LMS GT4 will run for the first time in competition at the Nürburgring 24 Hours from May 25 to 28, but the car won't be in the final configuration that customers will receive. Audi is currently developing the car before a final homologation level is achieved. Chris Reinke, head of customer racing at Audi Sport, will be preparing production of the race car during the second half of the year, and customers will be able to take delivery before the end of the year.

Audi has not decided if it will sell the R8 LMS GT4 to American customers yet. Pricing also hasn't been announced, but this car should run in the $225,000 to $250,000 range, while the GT3 costs twice that. Buyers will benefit from the parts, service, and support network Audi Sport has built with the R8 LMS GT3 program to help maintain and service their cars.

source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1109872_audi-adds-a-second-r8-race-car-the-r8-lms-gt4

by Kirk Bell

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Jaguar - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Jaguar reveals prototype for I-Pace electric SUV - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Jaguar will introduce an electric SUV called the I-Pace in 2018. The vehicle was previewed in concept form at the 2016 Los Angeles auto show and early test mules using makeshift F-Pace bodies have been running around for the past six months. Jaguar has now revealed the first prototype for the I-Pace testing at an undisclosed location in the United Kingdom.

The design of the prototype adheres closely to the concept’s lines although there are some subtle differences. The grille isn’t as pronounced as on the concept, and the front bumper adopts a smoother, more aerodynamic shape.

The prototype’s side mirrors are larger and there appears to be new indentations in the doors that most likely house the grab handles. The final change is the appearance of a charging port cover on the driver’s side front fender.

Jaguar is developing the I-Pace around a dedicated platform for electric cars although many elements, for example the suspension substructures, will be borrowed from existing models. So far the automaker has confirmed a 90-kilowatt-hour battery, 220-mile range, and a motor for each axle delivering a combined 400 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Jaguar has also said the I-Pace will hit 60 mph in 4.0 seconds or less.

Jaguar has confirmed the reveal of the I-Pace in production trim will take place in late 2017. The vehicle will go on sale in the second half of 2018, suggesting it will arrive in showrooms as a 2019 model. Jaguar intends to follow it up with additional electric cars. The next is expected to be a sedan.

source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1109436_jaguar-reveals-prototype-for-i-pace-electric-suv

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Range Rover - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR spy shots - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Land Rover is working on a mid-cycle update for its Range Rover Sport, and naturally the updates will filter across to the high-performance SVR variant.

We have new spy shots of a prototype for the updated Range Rover Sport SVR, a vehicle we expect to be launched alongside the updated version of the regular Range Rover Sport later this year. They should arrive as 2018 models.

Looking at the photos, we can see that the basic design will remain unchanged. However, there appears to be a new design for the intakes in the front bumper. This might suggest the vehicle is getting the 575-horsepower version of Jaguar Land Rover’s supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 found in the 2017 Jaguar F-Type SVR. The current Range Rover Sport SVR has the same engine but with a 550-hp rating.

Beyond any mechanical updates, look for tweaks to be made inside the cabin. We could also see some additional tech features such as more advanced electronic driver assist features.

The current Range Rover Sport SVR is already a brilliant vehicle, so any refinements being made are simply icing on the cake. Despite its size and ability to go off-road, the Range Rover Sport SVR comes close to matching the performance of some dedicated sports cars on the track, including Jaguar Land Rover’s own F-Type. It really is that good.

Note, the larger Range Rover SUV is also coming in for an update, as evidenced by a prototype spotted earlier.

source; http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1102759_2018-land-rover-range-rover-sport-svr-spy-shots

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Mercedes - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City- 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class will automatically brake for bends and intersections - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

 Self-driving capability is becoming a key selling point for luxury cars, and engineers are slowly, yet steadfastly improving the technology to the point where, perhaps some time next decade, cars will be able to run around town without a person behind the wheel.

Mercedes-Benz’s current S-Class, introduced for 2014, was the first production car to be able to drive on its own. The car can handle smooth, flowing traffic, with the driver only required to touch the steering wheel on a regular basis to ensure they haven’t nodded off and are ready to takeover in an emergency. The onus is still very much on the driver at all times.

So far we’re yet to see any self-driving system that can handle more complex situations such as bends or intersections, at least in production form. However, Mercedes is approaching that stage with its updated S-Class debuting at this month’s 2017 Shanghai auto show. The automaker has revealed that the car, due here in the fall, as a 2018 model, will automatically adjust its speed for a number of road situations. Mercedes lists bends, highway exits, junctions, roundabouts and toll booths as examples.

2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class will automatically brake for bends and intersections

The car will do so by making use of map and navigation data to determine whether it needs to slow down for an upcoming bend or intersection. It will also rely on much more advanced camera and sensor technology. The driver will still need to monitor the situation and do the actual steering, and once the maneuver is complete the car will automatically accelerate out.

In addition to this new feature, many of the current S-Class’ existing electronic driver assist features have been improved. These include an automatic lane change feature for speeds between 50 and 112 mph; a traffic sign feature that keeps you within the posted speed limit (known limits, such as 30 mph in built-up areas or 60 mph on country roads, are also adopted from the navigation system); automatic traffic crawling; automatic emergency braking; emergency steering assist (when automatic emergency braking is insufficient); and the usual lane departure, cross traffic and blind spot warning features.

The updated S-Class will also get the new vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communications system that debuted on the latest E-Class. Information concerning hazardous situations which a vehicle on the road has detected is made available to all other vehicles on the network, giving drivers an early warning. Depending on the situation, a warning by voice output can be given when approaching a hazard. Otherwise, the information is shown on the map display.

2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class will automatically brake for bends and intersections

Finally, Mercedes is making a remote parking feature available on its updated S-Class. This is already available on the E-Class and allows you to park in tight spots by using a smartphone to control the vehicle from the outside.  

Photos of the updated S-Class have already surfaced. They reveal only minor visual tweaks which makes sense as Mercedes is more focused on mechanical changes for the car’s update. In addition to the new driver assist features, the updated S-Class will benefit from a new powertrain lineup.

source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1080199_2018-mercedes-benz-s-class-will-automatically-brake-for-bends-and-intersections

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com