Friday, June 30, 2017

Aston Martin - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Video emerges showing Aston Martin Valkyrie interior - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000




A few days ago, here is the first look at a near-production ready Aston Martin Valkyrie.

The upcoming hypercar was on display during Aston Martin's Art and Lifestyle event that immediately followed last month’s 2017 Formula One Monaco Grand Prix, and now new details from the event have emerged.

A video filmed at the event shows the Valkyrie sporting a very minimalistic and driver-focused interior. We remind you that we're not looking at a production example here, so the design could ultimately change prior to the start of deliveries in early 2019.

The video was filmed in vertical fashion (boo) but we're still able to make out a few details surrounding the cabin which is accessed via a pair of very small gullwing doors. To start, there's a massive screen in the center of the dashboard that most likely serves as the infotainment hub. Secondary screens at either end of the dash suggest Aston Martin plans to install rear-facing cameras instead of side mirrors, though whether regulations allow this remains to be seen.

Serena Williams with a near production-ready Aston Martin Valkyrie

The video quality is a bit poor, but it doesn't seem there are any sort of traditional gauges in front of the driver. However, who knows what Aston Martin has up its sleeve. Considering the F1-inspired nature of the car, some driver and vehicle information could be displayed on the steering wheel as well.

We also get a glimpse of the exterior, that as we previously reported, features some key differences compared with the original concept shown last year. Head and taillights have been fitted to the car and more conventional-looking exhaust tips can be seen at the rear. A much bigger wing can also be seen at the rear.
What’s also impressive is the visible suspension struts seen through openings in the body shell, making it appear as though the Valkyrie is truly an F1 car with a beautiful Aston Martin body draped over it.
Power in the Valkyrie will come from a mid-mounted 6.5-liter V-12 and route to the rear wheels via a 7-speed transmission of undisclosed type. Some form of hybrid technology will also feature. No numbers  have been mentioned but the car is expected to come close to a 1:1 power to weight ratio, measured in horsepower per kilograms. Considering the car is expected to weigh around 1,000 kg (2,200 pounds), we should be looking at an output of around 1,000 hp.

source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1111101_video-emerges-showing-aston-martin-valkyries-interior
by Sean Szymkowski

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Audi - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - More of the 2019 Audi A8 revealed in new teasers - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000





Audi has released two new videos that reveal more of its upcoming fourth-generation A8 flagship sedan.
Both videos only provide glimpses of the new sedan which will be revealed to the world on July 11, but they also show some of its cool new electronic driver aids in action.

The first video features “Spider-Man: Homecoming” star Tom Holland playing the role of  Peter Parker during a driver’s test. In it, we see the car’s traffic jam assistant, dubbed Audi AI, briefly in action. We also get a preview of the car’s self-parking function.

As previously reported, the A8 will appear in “Spider-Man: Homecoming” alongside a couple of other Audi models. You’ll also get to see the Audi AI system in action in the movie which premieres on June 28.



The second video gives us another preview of the Audi AI system. In it, a father and son are traveling in the A8 during some traffic. The son distracts the father from his driving with a toy. Instead of brushing his son off, the father turns around and joins in the fun, leaving the car to handle the traffic situation on its own.
Audi says this initial version of Audi AI will be able to handle traffic at speeds of up to 37 mph. When there’s a proper center divide in the road, the system is expected to offer a true hands-off, eyes-off driving experience, making the new A8 the first Level 3 self-driving car.

All self-driving systems to date are Level 2, because they require constant monitoring by the driver. Level 5, the ultimate goal, is where a car can handle all situations by itself and no longer requires a driver on board.
Stay tuned for the new A8’s debut in a few weeks. It will arrive in showrooms next year, as a 2019 model.

source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1111145_more-of-the-2019-audi-a8-revealed-in-new-teasers
by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Monday, June 26, 2017

Range Rover - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - JLR showcases new autonomous Range Rover - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000






Jaguar Land Rover is demonstrating its new Range Rover Sport with autonomous driving technology for the first time at the Horiba test centre, Nuneaton. It will bring together JLR's portfolio of urban self-driving technologies.

It is equipped with up to Level-4 self-driving technology, which means it can drive itself but needs to have a human being behind the wheel. It can negotiate roundabouts and junctions, and respond to traffic lights in a simulated urban road network.

JLR had previously demonstrated Level-2 and Level-3 self-driving technology. However, the ultimate in self-driving is Level -5, where the car can drive itself to a parking location or back to pick up passengers without help from a human driver.

Many other autonomous and connected vehicle technologies will also be demonstrated at the Horiba facility, including Emergency Vehicle Warning, Intersection Collision Warning (ICW) and In-Vehicle Signage (IVS). Some of these features would require roadside technology boxes to be installed for relaying real-time driving information as part of a flow of car-to-car information.

The ICW can warn the driver if a junction has high traffic and risk of collision. IVS is likely to replace in-car cameras in the near future since it ensures more reliable data transmission.

The project to bring innovation in autonomous driving technology and more self-driving cars to British roads is initiated by UK Autodrive, a public-private consortium.

source: http://www.autocarindia.com/auto-news/jlr-showcases-new-autonomous-range-rover-405202.aspx
by Copyright (c) Autocar UK. All rights reserved.

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Friday, June 23, 2017

BMW - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Watch not one, but three, BMW M1 Procars spit flames and make beautiful sounds at Spa - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000





BMW built approximately 457 M1 super coupes. This production run lasted from 1978 up through 1981, during which time BMW teamed up with Lamborghini to deliver its wedge-shaped machine as a homologation special. To press more cars into the hands of buyers, BMW created the M1 Procar Championship. This one-make racing series ran for two years and drew participation from some colossal names from the racing world.

Today, the M1 Procar racers appear at a handful of high-level vintage racing events. Such was the case recently at Spa-Francorchamps, where three of the cars were set loose. 

The sound you're hearing comes courtesy of a road-racing variant of a remarkable street car. The M1 Procar racers are a bit different in a number of ways compared to the road cars--most notable is the fact that their M88 straight-6 engines make 470 horsepower compared to the 273 horses of the road cars. The cars also have adjustable anti-roll bars, adjustable brake bias, and race-ready steering racks.

We don't think the road car ever spit this much hot fire, either. The tail area of these M1s are running rather hot as they rip and roars through the famed Belgian circuit. It's an amazing sight to behold, but it also means a lot of unburnt fuel is finding its way through the engines. It looks cool, but it's not efficient.
Still, we'll take cool over efficient when it comes to a car like the BMW M1 Procar.

source; http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1110982_watch-not-one-but-three-bmw-m1-procars-spit-flames-and-make-beautiful-sounds-at-spa
by Jeff Glucker
http://www.boscheuropean.com

Wednesday, June 21, 2017

Mercedes Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000





Mercedes-AMG engineers came up with the CLK GTR. There were two variations. The first came from the race shop with a 6.0-liter V-12 engine that produced approximately 600 horsepower. Later variations would see that number climb to 630. A 6-speed sequential transmission handled shifting duty. The driveline rested in a beautiful chassis made from an aluminum and carbon fiber honeycomb monocoque. It was a force of nature, and it was built quickly. From drawing board to the first race of the 1997 season, it took Mercedes-Benz 128 days to design, engineer, and build the car.

That's not to say it was a weapon right out of the box. Early season fumbles meant the CLK GTR didn't make the podium until the fourth round at the Nürburgring. After that, the car took five more wins, thereby securing both the manufacturer and driver championships.

The second variation was built to compete at Le Mans, and featured what was thought to be a more durable 6.0-liter V-8. That reasoning proved untrue, as the 1998 24 Hours of Le Mans saw both of the entered CLK LMs bow out of the race with engine failures.

Road cars like this one, however, retained the big V-12. Mercedes-Benz built just 25 examples, and if the car is rare, seeing one driven as intended is even more unique. Check it out, hear its glorious sounds, and revel in the rarity in the video above.

source; http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1110545_enjoy-the-sights-and-sounds-of-the-mercedes-benz-clk-gtr
by Zach Bowman

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Monday, June 19, 2017

Jaguar - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Jaguar Land Rover’s £7million classic car restoration facility UNVEILED in stunning images - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Jaguar Land Rover’s £7million classic car restoration facility


Jaguar Land Rover has opened its new Classic Works facility in Coventry, which it will use to restore, maintain and sell classic Jaguar and Land Rover models. 

The 150,000 sq-ft Midlands property, which opened its doors earlier this week, is the world’s largest restoration facility of its kind in the world.

Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations Managing Director, John Edwards, said: “Classic Works is hugely important to Jaguar Land Rover. 

“It’s much more than a building – it’s the heart, and soul, of Jaguar Land Rover Classic for our clients worldwide. 

“Being able to support owners and enthusiasts of our two great brands with a full suite of services for classic vehicles is a fantastic opportunity.”

Inside there is a dedicated showroom space and 54 different workshop bays for serving and restoring all Land Rover and Jaguar models which have gone out of production.

The new Jaguar E-Type Reborn, Range Rover Classic and Land Rover Series 1 car restoration programmes all have their own dedicated stations within the sprawling complex.

The workshop is organised into an area which strips down the model, manufacturing and assembly and an engine shop. 

Classic Range Rover

Classic Works is also home to the Jaguar Land Rover Classic Collection of over 500 vehicles showing the rich history of stunning cars the brand has built and a reference point for the restorations. 
Our people, their knowledge and their skills are the heart of Jaguar Land Rover Classic.
Jaguar Land Rover Classic Director, Tim Hannig Jaguar Land Rover has invested heavily in traditional manufacturing skills to support the growth of the Classic business.

The number of skilled staff employed has risen boy over 100 per cent since the project was first established.
More than 80 specialists are now employed at the new facility and by the end of 2017 this figure is expected to rise to 120 employees. 

new Classic Works facility in Coventry,

Jaguar Land Rover Classic Director, Tim Hannig, said: "Our people, their knowledge and their skills are the heart of Jaguar Land Rover Classic. 

Jaguar XJ220

“There are more than 1.5 million classic Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles in existence worldwide, and we are investing in traditional manufacturing and restoration skills to ensure enthusiasts are able to give cars with a glorious past, a glorious future.”

Project will also be undertaken to resort the XK120 to XK8 and Series Land Rovers to Discovery and Freelander models from the 1990s.

Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works facility

JLR has 30,000 individual and guaranteed parts to help restore these cars from relics to modern classics. 
Fans of the Jaguar XJ220, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year will also not be disappointed as the 212mph supercar has a dedicated serving zone. 
Jaguar Land Rover are holding tours of the facility which cost from £49 per person.

Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works facility

Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works facility
source: http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/cars/817865/JLR-Jaguar-Land-Rover-classic-car-restoration-facility
by Luke John Smith
http://www.boscheuropean.com

Friday, June 16, 2017

Bentley - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - 2018 Bentley Continental GT spy shots and video - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000






Bentley’s Continental GT is now one of the oldest models in production, with the original coupe having first appeared on the scene as far back as the 2003 Geneva auto show.

Yes, the vehicle has undergone numerous updates since then but the basic styling and underlying platform have continued unchanged over the years.

A successor is coming soon and we now have new spy shots and video of a prototype.




What’s immediately clear is that Bentley’s EXP 10 Speed 6 concept from 2015 was the inspiration for the design. The redesigned Continental GT is adopting a sleeker, more dynamic look than the current model and should prove to be a stunner. A peek inside also reveals some new details like the digital instrument cluster.
This isn’t a production version of the EXP 10 Speed 6 as some have reported, as the car’s size is comparable with the current Continental GT and in some of the shots you can make out a 2+2 seating arrangement. The EXP 10 Speed 6, if approved for production, will be a proper sports car with only two seats.

Underpinning the redesigned Continental GT is the Volkswagen Group’s MSB platform designed for large, rear- and all-wheel-drive cars with engines mounted up front. The platform made its debut in the 2017 Porsche Panamera.


2018 Bentley Continental GT spy shots - Image via S. Baldauf/SB-Medien

Porsche was in charge of development of the platform, which thanks to increased use of lightweight materials such as high-strength steel and aluminum in its construction should result in significant weight savings for the redesigned Continental GT. The platform will also end up in a redesigned Flying Spur.

Bentley’s redesigned Continental GT should once again offer both W-12 and V-8 engine options. While it’s unlikely we’ll see a diesel engine fitted to the car, a plug-in hybrid option has been confirmed. The W-12 should be the only option at launch. It will be the new twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W-12 with direct fuel injection that made its debut in the 2017 Bentley Bentayga. Factor on an output of at least 600 horsepower, up from the 582 hp found in the latest 2017 model.

The redesigned Continental GT should make its debut soon. It will arrive on the market late this year or early next, as a 2018 model. Shortly after the arrival of the coupe, Bentley will launch a redesigned Continental GT Convertible.

source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1027709_2018-bentley-continental-gt-spy-shots-and-video
by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Audi - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Audi promises fully self-driving car by 2021 - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000


2011 Audi Urban Concept



Audi has promised to launch a fully self-driving car by 2021.

The target date is a popular one as it’s close enough to be practical but at the same time far enough that should the target be missed few are likely to remember. Other automakers with a similar target include BMW, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Tesla and Volvo.

Audi’s self-driving car will be a small city car produced in limited numbers and most likely for trial use only rather than for direct sale to the public. Audi first hinted at a small city car with the unveiling of the Urban concept car at the 2011 Frankfurt auto show.

Audi Q7 Piloted Driving concept, 2017 Consumer Electronics Show

Audi has been tasked with developing self-driving technology for the Volkswagen Group. In March, it established the standalone unit Autonomous Intelligent Driving which is focused on developing the technology, dubbed Piloted Driving by the automaker.

We won’t have to wait until 2021 to see an Audi with self-driving capability, however. In June, Audi will unveil a redesigned A8 sedan. It will be the first model to offer Level 3 self-driving capability, meaning that in certain situations the car will be able to handle itself, providing the driver with a hands-off, eyes-off experience. Outside of those situations, the driver will be forced to take over.

Audi’s self-driving car due in 2021 will likely be a Level 4 car. This means it will be able to handle itself in certain situations, but outside of those situations the car will be able to bring itself safely to a stop should the driver fail to respond. This is the key difference to a Level 3 self-driving car. A Level 5 self-driving car is the ultimate goal. This is where a car can handle itself in all situations, thus requiring no driver on board.

source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1110593_audi-promises-fully-self-driving-car-by-2021
by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Monday, June 12, 2017

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





For years, Land Rover’s Range Rover was unparalleled in the luxury SUV segment. But with demand for SUVs soaring over the past decade it was only a matter of time until rivals started to challenge it: Bentley and Mercedes-Maybach have joined the SUV game and soon Aston Martin and Rolls-Royce will, too.

The current, fourth-generation Range Rover is still hard to beat when it comes to an SUV that offers sublime luxury and serious off-roading potential. However, Land Rover isn’t resting on its laurels and will soon update the vehicle.

The Range Rover and its Range Rover Sport cousin are approaching the midway point in their respective life cycles and to keep them fresh Land Rover will introduce some updates. We’ve already spied a prototype for the updated version of the Range Rover Sport and today it’s the Range Rover which is the focus of our spy shots.


The shots of the interior reveal Land Rover’s latest infotainment system which integrates two 10-inch touchscreen displays will be introduced to the updated Range Rover. The system made its debut in the 2018 Range Rover Velar. The controls on the steering wheel also appear to have been updated.

On the outside, the prototype is sporting a new grille, a new front bumper and some tweaks to the lights at both ends. The wheel pattern in some of the shots is also one we haven’t seen on the Range Rover before.
This prototype is also for an electrified version of the Range Rover, as indicated by the warning stickers on the front and rear windshields. Land Rover already sells a diesel-electric hybrid version of the Range Rover (and Range Rover Sport) in some markets but this prototype is thought to be a new plug-in hybrid model utilizing an inline-4 gasoline engine for its internal combustion component.

Jaguar Land Rover plug-in hybrid concept

Land Rover previewed the technology in 2015 in its Range Rover Sport Concept_e PHEV. The concept featured an electric motor sandwiched between the engine and transmission. The electric motor was powered by a lithium-ion battery stored in the trunk and could drive the vehicle on its own as well as aid the gas engine during high-load situations.

No changes are expected for the rest of the powertrain lineup. The Range Rover in the United States is currently offered with options of a 340-horsepower 3.0-liter supercharged V-6, a 254-hp 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 diesel, a 510-hp 5.0-liter supercharged V-8, and a 550-hp 5.0-liter supercharged V-8. All models get an 8-speed automatic and four-wheel drive.

The current Range Rover was introduced for 2013. The updated version is expected to be introduced later this year, as a 2018 model.

source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1102594_2018-land-rover-range-rover-spy-shots#image=100604662
by Viknesh Vijaenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Friday, June 9, 2017

Mercedes Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Documentary series dives into the Mercedes-AMG GT R and its ties to the Nürburgring - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000




Mercedes-AMG gave the GT R a proper nickname after showcasing its latest creation to the automotive world: The Beast of The Green Hell. The Beast is the Mercedes-AMG GT R; The Green Hell is none other than the Nürburgring.

Mercedes-AMG has put together a new, five-part documentary series to showcase the GT R and its ties to the world's most famed race track: the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Through five episodes, the brand takes viewers from the very inception of what would become the 'Ring to proving the AMG GT R at the historic race track. Along the way, there's plenty of nostalgia, memories, warm-fuzzy feelings for enthusiasts, and behind-the-scenes shots of the making of a commercial for the GT R.

Episode one is all about the Nürburging, tracing its roots to before World War I. Episode two focuses on the development of the AMG GT R and its extensive testing at the 'Ring, where it spent hundreds, and thousands of hours at the track's demanding 12.8-mile stretch of road.

Moving right along, episode three deals with the promotional campaign for the Mercedes-AMG GT R, and the making of the "The Beast of The Green Hell" commercial. This one focuses on the filming done in the jungles of Thailand. It follows the challenges the production team faced while filming and how the idea came to be. Episode four is an extension of three, which again talks about the promotional campaign, but instead shows filming at the Nürburgring and features Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton found out about his role in the campaign just a few weeks before filming began.

Finally, episode five is the crescendo of countless hours at the Nürburgring. It came down to one moment: a lap time. The Mercedes-AMG GT R dashed the 12.8-mile circuit in 7:10.92. For some perspective, that's 30 seconds faster than the 2017 Honda Civic Type-R and only 11 seconds slower than the Lamborghini Aventador SV, which has 163 additional horsepower.

Capability does cost you, though. The 2018 Mercedes-AMG GT R arrives with a $157,995 price tag. But, after watching the documentary series, such a price tag seems justifiable. 

Click on the video above to watch episode one and just keep watching to see all five videos in this series. You'll learn quite a bit about the car, the Nürburgring, and the world of advertising.

source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1110720_documentary-series-dives-into-mercedes-amg-gt-r-and-its-ties-to-the-nrburgring
by Sean Szymkowski

http://www.boscheuropean.com


Wednesday, June 7, 2017

BMW - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - 2018 BMW M5 partially revealed thanks to "Need For Speed" cover art - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000






On the surface, today's announcement surrounding a new "Need For Speed" title is a joyous occasion for gamers and racing fans alike. But, taking a closer look reveals something hidden in plain site.

That something is the 2018 BMW M5, which we can say with almost 100 percent certainty is sitting smack-dab on the front of the "Need For Speed Payback" cover artwork. The latest installment in the "Need For Speed" franchise was revealed earlier this morning with the cover art attached to the premiere trailer. Have a look at a spy shot and compare the photos yourself.

Judging by previously snapped spy shots, the grille, bumper and headlight shapes match pretty well to the blue car in the photo seen here. The design also does not evoke 3- 4- or 7-Series styling; it looks like a 5-Series through and through.

2018 BMW M5 On Need For Speed Payback cover art


2018 BMW M5 spy shots - Image via S. Baldauf/SB-Medien



The 2018 BMW M5's inclusion in the latest "Need For Speed" game isn't far-fetched either. The car has been a part of the franchise for years and the 2018 M5 shouldn't be short on performance credentials. A 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine will sit under the hood, and its undisclosed horsepower (likely above 600) will be sent to BMW's M xDrive all-wheel-drive system; the system can switch to a full rear-wheel-drive bias at the touch of a button.

As for the game, "Need For Speed Payback" follows up 2015's reboot simply titled "Need For Speed." The game promises a "Fast and Furious"-like storyline, immense customization, and, of course, fast cars. Check out more about the game in the trailer above.

BMW is expected to reveal the 2018 M5 later this year. Running parallel, "Need For Speed Payback" will be released on November 10.

source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1110801_2018-bmw-m5-partially-revealed-thanks-to-need-for-speed-cover-art
by Sean Szymkowski

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Monday, June 5, 2017

Jaguar - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Jaguar confirms 600-horsepower XE SV Project 8 super sedan - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000







It wasn’t that long ago that the 503 horsepower in the Mercedes-AMG C63 S seemed like an insurmountable output for a small sport sedan. However, Jaguar is about to blow all competition out of the water with its XE SV Project 8.

Set to debut next month at the 2017 Goodwood Festival of Speed, the XE SV Project 8 is a follow-up to 2014’s F-Type Project 7 and destined to become the most powerful Jaguar road car ever built.
Up front sits Jaguar’s ubiquitous 5.0-liter supercharged V-8, tuned here to deliver 600 horsepower and mated to an all-wheel-drive system. We're talking BMW M5 and Mercedes-AMG E63 S territory, but the aluminum-constructed XE is a much lighter car.

The teaser shots reveal a much wider track than in the regular XE, especially at the rear. You’ll also notice a vented hood, front splitter, quad-exhaust tips, and a massive rear wing.

Jaguar F-Type Project 7

Jaguar is yet to reveal more as development, which includes high-speed testing at the Nürburgring, is ongoing. Handling the development is the SVO skunk works which will be assembling much of the car by hand.

“The time is right for SVO to produce the most extreme performance road car in the history of Jaguar,” SVO boss John Edwards said in a statement. “Our clients worldwide were thrilled by the F-Type Project 7; the new XE SV Project 8 takes aerodynamics and performance engineering to another level.”
Sadly, only 300 of these babies will be built—for worldwide consumption. The good news is that the car will likely lead to a regular-production XE SVR, in the same way that the F-Type Project 7 led to the F-Type SVR.

Full details on the XE SV Project 8 will be revealed on June 28. The car will then be presented at the United Kingdom’s Goodwood Festival of Speed which starts the following day. For more coverage on the event, head to our dedicated hub.

source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1110662_jaguar-confirms-600-horsepower-xe-sv-project-8-super-sedan
by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com


Friday, June 2, 2017

Bentley - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - New electric Bentley lined up for 2021 debut - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000




EXP 12 Speed 6e show car being used to gauge customer reaction to electric Bentley; will use Porsche Mission E tech

Bentley is aiming to launch a 600bhp all-electric sports car by 2021 that’s capable of up to 310 miles on a single charge, Auto Express can reveal. 

The British manufacturer chose the Geneva Motor Show to evaluate reaction to the idea of an electric Bentley with the new EXP 12 Speed 6e concept. Bentley boss Wolfgang Durheimer told us that the show car stands for “pure electric driving but in Bentley style” and that “electric driving does not have any limits with respect to luxury and performance”.

The new car is understood to be at least four years away from production, but Durheimer confirmed that a Bentley EV would be based on the same J1 platform that will underpin Porsche’s upcoming Mission E saloon, and will be four-wheel drive. “We would have an electric power of around 450kW (604bhp) and we can go 450-500km (up to 310 miles) without being recharged,” he elaborated. 

Durheimer also added that Bentley was investing heavily in developing inductive charging and would do away with conventional cables, which are not deemed luxurious enough for customers. “Luxury and performance is not going to stop with electric drivetrains," said Durheimer. "To our customer base we say, ‘We have a good answer, don’t worry about it.'"

The electric Bentley will continue to adopt conventional design details such as a radiator grille and air vents, while the show car gave us a glimpse of “futuristic Bentley design DNA.” Durheimer also added that if Bentley were to do a two-seat roadster “this is how it would look”.

Before a full-electric model arrives, however, Bentley will introduce plug-in hybrid technology on all new models. The Bentayga SUV will be the first to feature a hybrid set-up, capable of up to 43 miles on electric power, while the new Continental GT that’s due by the end of the year will also be available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.  

source: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/bentley/98835/new-electric-bentley-lined-up-for-2021-debut
by Jonathan Burn

http://www.boscheuropean.com