Mercedes - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - The shockingly green Mercedes AMG GT R is a track monster - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

What has 577 horsepower, 516 pound-feet of torque, and is bright green? The Mercedes AMG GT R, of course. It's at the top of Mercedes' street-legal sports car range and, fresh off its unveiling on Friday, the car has arrived at the Goodwood Festival of Speed to take on the famous hill climb.

It's the harder, better, faster, stronger version of the Mercedes-Benz's excellent AMG GT that was released a few years ago. It'll get from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds, up to a top speed of 198 mph. We didn't get a chance to ride in the AMG GT R (not to be confused with the similarly-named Nissan), but we saw — and heard — it scream up the hill earlier today.

And that green color? Mercedes calls it "AMG green hell magno," an homage to the Nurburgring Nordschleife. It's certainly not subtle, and just screams "LOOK AT ME" in a way that is decidedly un-German. Brilliant.

We managed to snag a few shots of the Mercedes AMG GT R in the Goodwood Supercar Paddock after it took a run up a mud-caked hillclimb, so take a look and imagine the sound of fury from a dragon that just found out the AMG GT S it bought a few months ago already has a bigger brother. That's basically what it sounds like.

source: http://www.theverge.com/2016/6/26/12034334/mercedes-amg-gt-r-goodwood-festival-photos-gallery
by Jordan Golson

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Aston Martin - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - New Aston Martin Vanquish to get V12 with more than 700bhp - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

The next Aston Vanquish will use a highly tuned version of the DB11’s twin-turbo V12 – launching in 2018

The next-generation Aston Martin Vanquish will launch with a tuned version of the DB11’s new twin-turbo V12 – possibly with more than 700bhp. Bosses have this week confirmed there is “significant headroom” for more power from the already potent 12-cylinder, with the new Vanquish a likely target.

As a GT car, Aston’s engineers are satisfied with the DB11’s 600bhp V12. However, as the Vanquish has historically sat at the top of the product range, it’ll need a significant power boost to maintain its position as the brand’s flagship model.

Chief powertrain engineer Dr Brian Fitzsimons told Auto Express the twin-turbo V12 has been “proven to 820bhp” during testing – with some “very elegant solutions” to help marry relatively low emissions with a sizeable power output.

When the DB11 arrives in showrooms this autumn, it will momentarily surpass the Vanquish for outright power. Speculation suggests a jump from the current car’s 565bhp to more than 700bhp is entirely feasible – thanks to the added turbochargers and more efficient engine. That figure could trump the 731bhp Ferrari F12, approaching the output of that car's hardcore 769bhp tdf version.

Fitzsimons also told us the engine could be adapted later down the line to utilise electrification – helping Aston meet ever-stringent global emissions regulations.

“The engine has been designed with protection for future drivetrains”, he said. “I can deploy electrification when I want”.

When asked if turbocharging and electrification were the future for Aston Martin, he said: “I think so. But there is always space for something special” - hinting that limited run, naturally aspirated V8 and V12 models could still form part of the company’s future.

The next-generation Aston Martin V8 Vantage will launch next year, with a Mercedes-AMG sourced 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8. The DB11 engine will likely feature in a V12 version later down the line, before being shoehorned into a revised Rapide saloon.

source: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/aston-martin/vanquish/96048/new-aston-martin-vanquish-to-get-v12-with-more-than-700bhp

by Richard Ingram

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Range Rover - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Range Rover Evoque gets 2017 updates plus new Ember edition - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

New InControl infotainment system for 2016 Range Rover Evoque, plus bold special edition

The Range Rover Evoque is due for a round of updates soon, as well as a new special edition model with an eye-catching red and black paint job.

This new Ember special edition is based on a HSE Dynamic model, but adds a range of new details including a stand-out red roof and front and rear bumper highlights to match the black body colour. The lettering on the boot and bonnet are finished in black too, along with the wheels, and the lights have been darkened to complete the look.

Inside you get (you guessed it) black sports seats and some extra glossy black trim around the dash, plus some red highlights in the stitching and floor mats. The special edition will only be available for three months in the summer, with prices starting from £47,200.

The rest of the Evoque range will be updated with a few new features as well, starting with a driving mode that helps get you moving in slippery conditions. The Low Traction Launch mode limits torque to the wheels, preventing wheelspin as the car starts to move.

A new InControl Touch Pro infotainment system will be fitted to the new Evoque too, as fitted to the Convertible model launched recently. It’s standard on HSE Dynamic, HSE Dynamic Lux and Autobiography models, and features a higher-resolution touchscreen display and extra smartphone connectivity.

The system can use pre-planned destinations on the sat-nav from an accompanying app, and even share information on time of arrival with friends and family. A top-down camera helps with parking, too.

source: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/land-rover/range-rover-evoque/95223/range-rover-evoque-gets-2017-updates-plus-new-ember-edition

by Sam Naylor

http://www.boscheuropean.com

BMW - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - BMW 6 Series to morph into new Porsche 911 rival - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

The next BMW 6 Series will be a sports car designed to take on the Porsche 911 - Exclusive!

BMW is preparing a sports car rival for the Porsche 911 – as well the separate return of the 8 Series badge – Auto Express can exclusively reveal.

The German brand is hatching a radical plan to realign its 6 Seriesmodel as a smaller, more agile sports car - allowing space at the top of the range for the return of the 8 Series. 

• The BMW 8 Series is back! New GT range to include M8 supercarBMW has not contemplated a Porsche 911 rival before but the newMercedes-AMG GT’s arrival as a competitor to the 911 has changed that. BMW has earmarked the 6 Series as the car to fill the that gap in its range. 

A smaller 6 Series could feasibly be based on the shared sports car platform that BMW has been working on with Toyota. Up to now, it has been believed that the two firms would spin off different-sized vehicles from the chassis, with BMW placing it beneath the next generation of Z4 and Toyota using a larger version for the return of its Supra coupe. 

However, senior BMW and Toyota sources have already confirmed that the new platform is scalable - and with the Z4 accounting for a tiny number of sales annually, there would be obvious benefits in economies of scale if BMW were to find a further use for the new set of chassis components. It would probably result in a slightly larger vehicle than the Z4 - rising from 4.3 metres in length to around 4.5m, or about the same as the Mercedes-AMG GT and Porsche 911. This would, in turn, provide the small increase in under-bonnet capacity required to cope with V8 engines, as well as BMW’s proven six-cylinder units.

Auto Express understands that the current proposal is for the 6 Series to become a sports car and convertible only, with no Gran Coupe in the future. This model would live on as an 8 Series Gran Coupe – offered alongside the two-door coupe and a convertible.

source: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/bmw/6-series/95724/bmw-6-series-to-morph-into-new-porsche-911-rival

by JohnMcllroy

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Jaguar - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Jaguar XF 2.0D diesel 2016 review - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Jaguar's XF is setting a high standard in the executive saloon class, even in economical 2.0d guise

Verdict

This model is likely to be one of the most popular in the new Jaguar XF range and rightly so – it’s brilliant. We love its blend of comfort and sportiness, its efficiency and performance. The only minor gripes are that the interior isn’t quite at Audi levels, and the infotainment still lacks Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Even so, it’s our current pick of the executive car crop.

You wait for a new executive challenger for years, then three turn up all at once. Well, almost. The new Jaguar XF is now in the UK, the new Mercedes E-Class turns up soon and a new BMW 5 Seriesarrives at the end of the year.

If you have to buy now, the new Jag makes a fine choice and, for now, tops the class. It may look a little too much like a stretchedXE, but this all-new mostly aluminium model is even better than it’s smaller brother.

Jaguar has taken what was good about the old car: its blend of confidence-inspiring handling and a cosseting ride, theatrical interior and individual style and improved on all those. It’s also addressed the lack of space and outdated infotainment to become class best in the former and competitive in the latter.

There’s also Jaguar’s highly-praised 2.0-litre diesel under the bonnet. It’s the Ingenium four-cylinder diesel first seen in the smaller XE, and is available with the same choice of 161bhp or 178bhp power outputs. Here we try the more potent version in racy R-Sport guise.

It’s a tad gruff at times, but revs sweetly and is pokey enough responding swiftly to a prod of the throttle. This feeling of effortless acceleration is enhanced by the eight-speed automatic box (there’s also a six-speed manual that’ll save you £1,750). In auto mode it delivers slick shifts and responds promptly to the throttle. Squeeze the pedal a bit harder and it holds on to a gear for stronger acceleration; give it a little lift and the transmission changes up seamlessly. You can also take manual control using the steering wheel-mounted paddles.

Like other XFs, the 2.0d’s steering is quick and precise, boosting the feeling of agility as you turn into a bend. More powerful R-Sport models like our test car get slightly stiffer suspension that’s designed to reduce roll and improve body control. Yet despite a slightly firmer low-speed ride, the car feels almost exactly the same to drive as less sporty versions. That means you get strong grip and excellent composure – for such a big saloon, through a series of corners the XF feels remarkably nimble. It’s refined, too.

Wind and road noise are well suppressed, while on the motorway the 2.0-litre diesel is barely audible. And once you’ve got past the suspension’s low-speed fidget, the Jag glides quietly over most bumps and potholes.

Elsewhere, the 2.0d is virtually identical to the more expensive V6 diesel. On R-Sport models, that means you get the same deeper bumpers, subtle side skirts, tailgate spoiler and 18-inch alloys – the 161bhp version comes with smaller 17-inch rims. 

Where the 2.0-litre car differs from its six-cylinder brother is in its low running costs. Go for the 161bhp version with a manual box, and you’ll benefit from CO2 emissions of just 104g/km and a claimed 70.6mpg. The more powerful 178bhp model tested here emits 114g/km and returns 65.7mpg – virtually identical to a 520d’s figures, but slightly higher than an A6 2.0 TDI Ultra’s. 

It’s a similar story inside, where the car has the same mix of soft leather for the seats and aluminium-effect trim inserts. Some of the materials feel a little cheap compared to those inside a BMW 5 Series, but the Jag is solidly built and has a classy look and feel. Also familiar is the cabin’s cosy and cosseting air, created by the small side windows and wide centre console. Yet there’s a surprising amount of space, with plenty of rear head and legroom. 

So for now, the XF sits at the top of the class. But it’ll be doing brilliantly if it’s still there at the end of the year.

source: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/jaguar/xf/93580/jaguar-xf-20d-diesel-2016-review

by Steve Fowler

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Audi - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Hot Audi SQ2 on the way - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Turbocharged engine from Audi S3 likely to slot into hot new Q2 baby SUV

The new Audi Q2 doesn’t arrive in showrooms until the end of the year, but Audi is already planning to up the excitement level on 2016’s must-have SUV.

An SQ2 model is likely to use the four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbo from the Audi S3 – with 296bhp and quattro four-wheel drive. It would slot into the maker’s growing SQ range of hot SUVs alongside theSQ5 and new SQ7.

“It is something we’re looking at,” admitted Stephan Knirsch, Audi’s Board member for Technical Development. “It would be relatively easy to do with MQB. The Q2 shares a lot with the A3, but we have to see what appetite there is for the more expensive Q2 models first.”

Knirsch admitted that it might be possible to pay around €45,000 (£35,000) for a Q2 if all the option boxes were ticked. And with prices for the Q2 set to run close to those of the equivalent A3 Sportback, we’d expect the basic price of an SQ2 to be in the region of £33,000.

The new Q2 SUV already features the same Progressive Steering system as the S3, so adding that car’s drivetrain is a logical next step. However, Audi insiders have hinted that there may be even more power in the pipeline, possibly featuring the 362bhp five-cylinder engine from the RS3 – and the hot version of the Q2’s bigger brother, the RS Q3.

With 1.0 and 1.4-litre petrol or 1.6 and 2.0-litre diesel Q2s arriving in the UK at the end of this year, and a 188bhp 2.0-litre petrol coming next year, it’s likely to be some time in 2018 before we see the SQ2.

source: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/audi/q2/95793/hot-audi-sq2-on-the-way

by Richard Ingram

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Aston Martin - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Aston Martin V12 Vantage S review - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

We try out the V12 Vantage S specced with a manual gearbox - a rarity among supercars these days

Verdict

The Aston Martin V12 Vantage S has always been a special car. The big-engine, small-body setup continues to thrill, while the addition of a dog-leg manual adds another degree of involvement. That new gearbox offers a level of engagement so pure that you’d be mad not to spec it – especially as a no-cost option. The purists will be pleased.

Driving purists the world over continue to mourn the apparent death of the manual transmission. More and more sports car manufacturers are realising the performance and efficiency benefits of an automatic – with many claiming far quicker shifts than could ever prove possible on a gated gearbox.

But not Aston Martin. While the brand has long been fitting clunky automatics to its most successful models, it continues to satisfy enthusiasts with sweet-shifting manuals – and this V12 Vantage Sis the latest car to get that special treatment.

However, unlike any Aston Martin that’s gone before, this Vantage S gets an all-new seven-speed manual. Aston claims to be ‘unashamedly championing classic tradition’ with its new dog-leg gearbox – an echo to the past that will be welcomed by driving enthusiasts the world over.

What that means is that first gear sits where you’d expect second to be, and second in place of third. The tight ratios slot in with a rewarding snick, and the short throw allows you to string together a series of fast changes as the revs crescendo toward the redline.

With a soundtrack that’s simply second to none, the V12 Vantage S just begs to be revved, while holding on to the gears is even easier given the manual box. Lift off and you’ll find the Aston has lost none of its charm as it pops and bangs on the overrun.

Aston has also introduced something it calls AMSHIFT for the manual gearbox. Hold the Sport button on the centre console to initialise the system and the transmission will blip the throttle on the downshift for slicker changes. It uses a series of sensors connected to the clutch, gear lever and propshaft, to mimic the artful technique of heel and toe gear changes.

It allegedly facilitates full-throttle upshifts, too, but that sequence requires plenty of practice, as your natural reaction is to lift off the throttle as you dip the clutch. It’s plausible in theory, but a bit of a gimmick in reality. 

Performance is unchanged from the Sportshift auto V12 Vantage S, meaning the baby Aston can sprint from 0-62mph in just 3.9 seconds and hit a scarcely believable 205mph flat out. Two decades ago, those numbers challenged the supercar elite but today, when you drive the V12 Vantage S, they actually feel rather conservative.

The steering remains perfectly weighted and progressive through faster bends. It’s incredibly agile and until we test the new DB11 in full later this year, it retains its crown as the finest handling Aston Martin. The adaptive damping system works well, too, though here in the UK you’d be hard-pushed to find a road smooth enough to warrant the firmer Sport setting. In fact, Normal mode does a decent job of softening the springs while also keeping things in check.

As with the automatic car, the V12 Vantage S is more than happy to slip and slide if you turn all the safety systems off. More experienced drivers will revel in the car’s adjustability, too – something that’s only heightened by the increased control offered by the new transmission. 

Elsewhere, the Vantage range has been given a series of updates for the 2017 model year. While our car featured the now dated AMi II infotainment system, customer cars will use the new AMi III setup. This integrates better graphics, a faster processor and advanced traffic information, as well as Apple CarPlay for the first time.

A new Sport-Plus Pack option is also available, which adds accent colours to the front grille, side sills, mirror caps and diffuser blades as on our test car. It also adds contrasting stitching to the interior and the ten-spoke graphite wheels. While it won’t be to all tastes, it adds a bit of excitement to what is essentially an 11-year-old car. 

Gimmicks and stickers aside, though, this new manual gearbox transforms the V12 Vantage S from a great car into a truly brilliant one. Aston boss Andy Palmer says the manual gearbox remains an “integral part” of the company’s product plans and will do for “many years to come”. Well let us be the first to thank you, Andy. And long may it continue.

source: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/aston-martin/v12-vantage/95547/aston-martin-v12-vantage-s-review

by Richard Ingram

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Mercedes - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - New Mercedes GLB to join the brand's crossover range - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

New Mercedes GLB to be added to the range, sitting between the GLA and GLC

Mercedes is readying a new model for its crossover range – and it’s likely to use the GLB name. Following Merc’s new badging structure, the GLB would slot in between the GLA crossover andGLC SUV as a pumped-up version of the slow-selling B-Class MPV.

The brand recently registered the GLB name and our picture shows what it could look like. Our spy photographers also caught the car testing earlier in the month on what looks like an extended version of the A-Class and GLA’s front-wheel drive platform.

Whereby the GLC is related to the C-Class, and the GLE part of theE-Class family, the new GLB would fall under the B-Class tree. Mercedes would be looking to capitalise on the current trend for small crossovers with its sixth SUV offering -  hitting cars like theBMW X1 and Audi Q3 right where it hurts.

Mercedes R&D boss Dr Thomas Weber told us at this year’s Geneva Motor Show that “there is always room in the line-up” for more models. “The SUV segment is one of the most important because it is clear there he global demand”, he said. “Is there room for additional SUVs? Why not?”

We don’t believe the production model would be quite so closely aligned to the GLA in terms of styling, but these images are proof there is something in the melting pot. While the GLA is considered quite compact with an emphasis on style, the GLB is likely to take practicality up a notch, with a useable boot and greater passenger space.

Engines and specs are expected to follow other models in the range with GLB 200d and GLB 220d diesels sitting alongside GLB 200 and GLB 250 petrols. A plug-in version will undoubtedly be offered too, while an GLB 45 AMG version cannot be ruled out. Being based on the A and B-Class rather than the larger C-Class will mean entry-level cars are front rather than rear-wheel drive, but 4MATIC four-wheel drive should feature on top-spec cars.

Joining GLA, GLC, GLE and GLS, along with the longstanding G-Class 4x4, the GLB isn’t likely to see the light of day before 2018 at the earliest – with first customer cars the year after.

source: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/mercedes/95691/new-mercedes-glb-to-join-the-brands-crossover-range

by Richard Ingram

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Range Rover - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Bentley Bentayga vs Range Rover - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

It promises a stunning mix of luxury and pace, but can the new Bentley Bentayga knock out the ultimate Range Rover?

With the surge in popularity of SUVs, it was only a matter of time before the world’s luxury brands stepped into the fray with plush offerings for the monied elite. And the first company to hit the market is Bentley with the new Bentayga.

The British firm’s first SUV aims to mix the luxury of Bentley’s high-end saloons with the pace to make it the world’s fastest off-roader. And with a handcrafted interior and colossal 6.0-litre W12 engine, the Bentayga should set new benchmarks in both fields.

It’s the first of a fresh breed of luxury SUVs, but here it faces an existing model that’s been given a high-end update to take on this new wave. The Range Rover has set the standard for SUV luxury for over 40 years, and now Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations division takes this to another level with the bespoke SVAutobiography.

So, can the Range Rover remain at the pinnacle of the luxury SUV class? Or does the Bentayga move the sector to a new level of luxury, performance and exclusivity?

Head-to-head

Buyers can really go to town with the Bentayga’s appearance. Bentley offers 15 standard metallics and 90 special shades for extra cost. If you have a specific colour in mind, the company will match the car to it, and there’s a similar level of personalisation for the leather and veneers in the cabin, too.

There are eight wheel options in 20 and 21-inch sizes, while you can colour code the lower bodywork, remove the roof rails, add extra chrome trim or upgrade to different Specification packages, all for extra cost.

There are two wheel options on the Range Rover SVAutobiography – a 21-inch polished design or the 22-inch dark grey rims – plus fixed or sliding panoramic roof options. These can all be had at no extra cost, while Land Rover offers 42 body colours.

Again, standard metallics are included, but Spectral paint, which changes colour according to the light, costs £8,285. Also, you can get Dual Tone colours for £9,315; these feature black paint from the beltline up and a choice of nine colours for the lower half of the car. These options are exclusive to the SVAutobiography model.

Verdict

First place: Range Rover

Verdicts don’t come much closer, but the Range Rover takes victory here. In the world of luxury SUVs, the SVAutobiography still sets the standard. Interior quality  is on par with the Bentley, plus there are far more surprise and delight details. It’s not as fast and agile as its rival, but it’s still searingly quick and composed, plus it’s refined and peerless off-road. It’s the ultimate luxury all-rounder.

Second place: Bentley Bentayga

The Bentayga represents a strong first SUV effort for Bentley. Explosive performance, agile handling and strong refinement are major strengths, as is the ability to tailor the car’s looks and interior. It just doesn't have the Range Rover’s sense of occasion or kit count. The Bentayga is hugely polished, but it drives too much like a top-spec Audi Q7, which costs £90,000 less.

source: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/bentley/bentayga/95490/bentley-bentayga-vs-range-rover

http://www.boscheuropean.com

BMW - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - New BMW 5 Series Touring, GT and M5 spied testing - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Spy pictures show complete next-generation BMW 5 Series range testing, with the line-up coming in 2017

BMW is hard at work developing the next-generation 5 Series and now the more practical Touring variant has been spotted on the road for the first time, along with the GT and M5 variants. The range is expected to arrive through 2017 after the saloon, which was also recently spotted, has been launched this year.

Although the body is heavily disguised, you can make out the overall shape of each variant of the Audi A6 rival. The design detailing and profile are familiar BMW, indicating an evolutionary step on from the current car's design rather than a radical rethink. The conservative route would be similar to that followed by the new7 Series - but the squatter appearance and sloping rear window line do hint at a slightly sportier look for the new model. 

The next-generation M5 has also been spotted again, and we expect it to get over 600bhp, from a tweaked version of the current 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, with improvements to emissions and fuel economy as well as power output.

Despite the sleeker back-end, we're expecting a marginal increase in space for the Touring estate and GT hatchback models, which offer buyers an extra dose of practicality. The seventh-generation model is likely to shed around 100kg thanks to the use of light carbon-fibre reinforced plastics (CFRP) in the bodywork and chassis. These materials were first used by BMW on the new 7 Series.

The cabin will also move further upmarket, with BMW sources previously telling Auto Express the next-gen 5 Series will feature sector first autonomous tech, with the use of gesture control to activate interior features also possible. In terms of engines, nothing has been officially confirmed but rumours suggest BMW could add three-cylinder petrol and diesels for the first time, alongside four and six-pot units as well as a plug-in hybrid model.

source: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/bmw/5-series/92397/new-bmw-5-series-touring-gt-and-m5-spied-testing

by Sam Naylor

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Jaguar - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Next Jaguar Project 7 to be even bolder - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Next Jaguar's SVO division is already contemplating a 'more individual' successor to the Project 7 special edition

Jaguar bosses have admitted that the firm has started to think about a successor to the limited-edition Project 7 sports car, Auto Express can reveal.

The first car produced by Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) division, Project 7 was a heavily modified F-Typeusing the same 567bhp supercharged V8 now available in the ‘regular’ F-Type SVR.

All of the 250 Project 7s sold out and second-hand values have recently started to rise beyond the original £135,000 price. Now senior Jaguar officials say that early discussions have taken place about how the company could build  a successor.

When asked if Jaguar would consider custom-bodied cars in future, design director Ian Callum said: “We’ve thought about it. We’ve started asking, ‘What do we do after Project 7?’, because I’d like to take it a step further. And that means making it more of an individual car than an F-Type. 

“But the business case is hugely difficult,” he added. “What can you charge for it?What do you charge for a Jaguar? How far can it go? With a supercar like the C-X75, you could probably go to £1million, but with a limited number of, say, 200 cars. And even that, as a business case, was pushing it. So if you’re going to get into the realms of something that’s a modified F-Type, it’s very difficult.”

John Edwards, boss of Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations, said the success of Project 7 had taken management by surprise. “We said we’d build 250 examples of Project 7, and within the business there was quite a lot of nervousness about that,” he told us. 

“We kind of plucked that number out of thin air, really. I personally had to guarantee we’d sell 250; as it turned out, we could have sold 500.” Edwards stated he’d “made a conscious decision” to make SVR performance Jaguars four-wheel drive – potentially leaving space for more extreme rear-drive editions like the Project 7. 

However, he indicated that SVO would focus on production runs of cars, rather than exclusive bespoke one-offs. “Custom bodies are not our plan; we want to push the cosmetics of the car to the limit, not re-engineer the car as some others have done,” Edwards said.

source: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/jaguar/f-type/95233/next-jaguar-project-7-to-be-even-bolder

by John Mcllroy

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Audi - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Audi unveils Nürburgring 24 Hours-inspired R8 - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Audi is rightfully proud of its R8 LMS race car's competition history that includes 323 wins internationally since arriving in 2009, and to celebrate it has taken the wraps off of a new special edition version of the road-going R8.

Just 24 examples of the R8 V10 Plus Selection 24h will be assembled, and sadly all of them are earmarked for Germany.

Inspired by the Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance racer, which the latest R8 LMS won on its debut outing last year, the Selection 24h is sure to get hearts racing. Where the Selection 24h differs is primarily cosmetic, although it does add a few otherwise optional extras

A special Suzuka Gray exterior paint, named after the famous Japanese circuit, is highlighted by Mythos Black and Misano Red highlights similar to those featured on some R8 LMS race cars. Details like the engine compartment cover, rear wing, and diffuser are composed of carbon fiber with a gloss finish. And matte "R8 24h" logos are applied to each of the similarly glossy carbon fiber side blades, an R8 trademark.

Inside, the gray theme continues with leather trim but carbon fiber elements break things up. All 24 examples feature individually-numbered plates in their door sills. Audi says the same sills will soon be offered on standard R8s to allow owners to create a custom greeting. Standard equipment on the Selection 24h include dynamic steering, adaptive damper controls and laser lighting.

This year's Nürburgring 24 Hours runs the weekend starting May 28.

source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1103881_audi-unveils-nrburgring-24-hours-inspired-r8

by Andrew Ganz

Aston Martin - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - How Would You Spec Your Aston Martin Vantage GT8? - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

It’s the Friday before a holiday weekend. You aren’t doing anything productive at work, so take some time and spec out the most badass Aston Martin Vantage you can. The GT8 configurator is live.

Unfortunately, the GT8 will not be available in America. I don’t know why Aston Martin hates freedom so much, but it probably has to do with the fact that our vehicle import laws are the opposite of freedom.

So even though you can’t buy 440 horsepower worth of beauty and neon, you can fantasize about what it would look like if you could.

I’m disappointed in the lack of British Racing Green. Seriously what is up with that? This is a British car that is meant for racing.

How would you make yours?

source: http://jalopnik.com/how-would-you-spec-your-aston-martin-vantage-gt8-1779140004

by Tom PcParland

http://www.boscheuropean.com