Aston Martin - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - 1956 Aston Martin DBR1 Roadster breaks record to become most expensive British car in the world - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Various auction houses sold off millions of dollars worth of vintage cars during Monterey Car Week, including a $15 million McLaren F1, but this Aston Martin has smashed a record. With a final sale price of $22.6 million, this 1956 DBR1 Roadster has become the most expensive British car in the world.

What makes this particular Aston Martin so sought after? To start, only five were ever made to compete in the World Sportscar Championship endurance series. In fact, this is chassis number 01 and it also happens to be the same car that won the Nürburgring 1,000 Kilometer race in 1959. Built under David Brown, the initials behind so many of Aston Martin's "DB" series of cars, it would go down in history as one of the most important Aston Martins ever built.

Aston Martin's motorsport icon would go on to place on the podium in numerous races through 1959 before being sold off to Aston Martin Owner's Club President John Dawnay in the 1960s. The car traded hands a few times before its most recent owner—prior to the sale—outfitted it with a reproduction engine to take part of the Goodwood Revival. The original engine block was included with the sale, however, and the entire car remains in extraordinary condition with every period-correct component.

RM Sotheby's had the honor of selling the car at its first public auction. Additionally, it's now the most-expensive car to be auctioned off in 2017 thus far, and it will take another real rarity to climb past $22.6 million.

source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1112236_1956-aston-martin-dbr1-roadster-breaks-record-to-become-most-expensive-british-car-in-the-world

by Sean Szymkowski

htttp://www.boscheuropean.com

BMW - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - BMW might ditch car keys all together - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

The days of grabbing keys to gain access to one's car may be a thing of the past in future BMWs.

The automaker has recently questioned the need for car keys altogether, according to a report by Reuters.

During last week's 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, Ian Robertson, BMW's board member responsible for sales, said many if not all of its customers carry a smartphone with them at all times. BMW's smartphone app allows owners to control various functions of the car and the ability to use a phone as verification before starting the car could replace physical keys.

"Honestly, how many people really need [a car key]?" Robertson asked. "They never take it out of their pocket, so why do I need to carry it around?" he added.

It is true that modern cars of many segments no longer require a key to physically turn the engine over as push-button start has become widespread. The BMW executive also said the brand is seriously looking into whether the move away from car keys is feasible. "Whether we do it right now or at some point in the future, remains to be seen."

There are some safety concerns that could surround a smartphone app acting as a key to start the car. To start (excuse the pun), it would be quite unfortunate if a smartphone were to malfunction or the app itself crashed for some reason. Not to mention, if the driver were to lose their phone, it would mean he or she's car keys would be taken with it. BMW explored a keyless future years ago after mulling over near-field communications to make a credit card key of sorts.

source:  http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1112726_bmw-might-ditch-car-keys-all-together

by Sean Szymkowski

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Mercedes Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Experience Mercedes' ice driving school by playing "Project CARS 2" - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Mercedes-Benz has teamed up with Slightly Mad Studios and Bandai Namco Entertainment Group, the programmers and publishers behind "Project CARS 2," to bring you a unique interactive gaming experience. It's also a learning experience for drivers because it lets gamers pilot Mercedes cars virtually on the brand's winter driving school course...near the Arctic Circle.

"Project CARS 2" has managed to replicate the Mercedes-Benz Driving Events winter training ground in Sorsele, Sweden. It's a frozen lake bed, and it boasts ice tracks carved out by F1 track guru Hermann Tilke. It all adds up to over 9 miles of extreme conditions that allow instructors and students to put cars to a tough test in the real world.

Most folks can't afford to attend such a school. Through the game, however, that experience is quite a bit more approachable and affordable. Thirteen Mercedes cars are included in the game, and they each have been programmed with data gleaned from extensive real-world testing by both Mercedes-Benz and the "Project CARS 2" team.

It's a unique way to bring a thrilling driving experience to a larger audience while also providing a driving dynamics lesson in the process. It should also look pretty wonderful on your television, considering how lovely the game itself looks. 

"Project CARS 2" comes out September 22 for XBox One, PlayStation 4, and PC.

source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1112813_experience-mercedes-ice-driving-school-by-playing-project-cars-2#image=100623601

by Jeff Glucker

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Audi - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Audi R8 V10 RWS goes rear-drive for driving purists - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Audi is known for few things. Unique style and German luxury are two of them, and a close third is all-wheel drive, which the marque brands as quattro.

Sitting at the top of the lineup, and making excellent use of quattro to help it claw its way around a track or up a steep Beverly Hills driveway is the R8.

Now, Audi Sport is aiming to make the R8 an even more focused enthusiast's car with the rear-drive R8 V-10 RWS (Rear Wheel Series). Audi revealed the car today on the eve of the Frankfurt auto show.

Audi says the R8 V10 RWS is the company's first production model with rear-drive as a limited edition, and it will build just 999 examples, with a mix of coupe and convertible Spyder variants.

"The R8 V10 RWS is made for purists," said Stephan Winkelmann, CEO of Audi Sport GmbH. "A limited-edition special model for customers with an appreciation for essential driving enjoyment, the R8 V10 RWS is an absolutely exclusive offer. With its mid-mounted V10 engine and rear-wheel drive, it successfully brings the driving concept of our R8 LMS racing car to the streets."

The R8 V10 RWS is powered by the 5.2-liter V10 in its standard form, meaning it puts out 540 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. Audi quotes 0-60 mph times of 3.7 seconds for the coupe and 3.8 seconds for the Spyder, both of which are about 0.2 second behind the quattro versions. Without the pieces for the quattro system (propshaft, multi-plate clutch, and center differential), the coupe weighs 110 pounds less than its AWD sibling and the Spyder weighs 88 pounds less. Audi says the suspension is tuned for the rear-drive setup.

Between the rear-drive layout and the car's control systems, the R8 will be able to perform controlled drifts. To do so, the driver must chose the Dynamic mode in the Audi drive select system and the Sport mode in the stability control system.

Onlookers will have visual cues to tell that they have spotted a rear-drive R8. The grille has a matte black finish, the front and rear air ducts are matte black, and the coupe's upper sideblade is gloss black while the lower blade is body color. Both body styles also have black 5-spoke 19-inch wheels, with 245/35 tires up front and 295/35s at the rear. Like the R8 LMS GT 4, the engineering of which likely made this car possible, buyers can opt for unique red graphics running over the hood, roof, and rear end.

Inside, the sport seats are upholstered in leather and Alcantara, and the dash has a "1 of 999" emblem. Audi will offer a bucket seat option as well.

Audi is taking orders for the R8 V10 RWS in Europe this fall with the first deliveries in early 2018. The coupe starts at 140,000 euros, the Spyder at 153,000 euros.

Audi of America CEO Scott Keogh told Motor Authority that the car is confirmed for the U.S. in very limited quantities, but pricing hasn't been announced. Keogh also said, "We know we're a quattro company, but we also have a very strong racing heritage, and that's what we're bringing."

We like the passion.

source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1112618_audi-r8-v10-rws-goes-rear-drive-for-driving-purists

by Kirk Bell

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Range Rover - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Land Rover open to Bentayga-baiting Range Rover model - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

2018 Land rover Range Rover Velar

Bread-and-butter automakers aren't the only ones cashing in on the market's SUV craze. Even luxury brands with no history of sport utility vehicles have found success in offering posh, high-riding utility vehicles. Case in point: Bentley.

The Bentley Bentayga has been a smash hit for the brand and rival Land Rover believes there's room within its portfolio to legitimately take on the ultra-luxury SUV. Speaking to Automotive News Europe 

(subscription required), Gerry McGovern, Land Rover design chief, said he is completely open to the idea of an even more opulent Land Rover Range Rover. "Why not? We've realized that the Range Rover has got this big expanse across its price range, so it's not a very big step to get into Bentayga country," he said.

Currently, the most expensive Land Rover is the long-wheelbase Range Rover, which stickers for $140,995. A Bentley Bentayga starts at $229,100, for comparison.

The most recent comments echo what McGovern has said in the past: Range Rover has in no way "reached its ceiling in terms of price." He also stated he'd like to expand the number of models bearing the Range Rover badge. Currently, Land Rover sells the Range Rover, Range Rover Evoque, Range Rover Sport, and Range Rover Velar.

As for how additional Range Rover vehicles would be positioned, McGovern doesn't believe model overlap is a problem, specifically when looking at the size of upcoming products. "I would argue you could have two Range Rovers exactly the same size but if they had two personalities then they would both have equal appeal but to different customers," he said.

And McGovern is confident a more upscale Range Rover would be more than enough to sway Bentayga buyers to his brand. "Bentley doesn't have the pedigree and authenticity in that particular sector. We've got unquestionable pedigree," he noted.

source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1111373_land-rover-open-to-bentayga-baiting-range-rover-model

by Sean Szymkowski

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Jaguar - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Jaguar melds old with new for E-Type Zero electric sports car - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Jaguar Land Rover Classic has set out to prove that even owners of classic cars needn’t fear the push towards electrification.

The official classic car department of Jaguar Land Rover has swapped a fully electric powertrain into the iconic Jaguar E-Type sports car. Called the E-Type Zero, the car is strictly a concept but Jaguar Land Rover is keen to see the market’s reaction.

And while the move might seem like sacrilege, according to the people behind the project, it’s all about ensuring classic cars remain viable in a world where internal combustion engines are restricted or possibly banned.

“Our aim with E-type Zero is to future-proof classic car ownership,” Jaguar Land Rover Classic boss Tim Hannig said in a statement. “We’re looking forward to the reaction of our clients as we investigate bringing this concept to market.”

Despite the tight confines of the E-Type, which normally packs an inline-6, Jaguar Land Rover Classic has managed to integrate the electric powertrain in such a way that the whole process could be reversed. The powertrain could also be used in any other Jaguar that originally ran the inline-6 known as the XK. For example, the XK120, Mk2 and XJ6.

And there are 40-kilowatt-hours of battery capacity tucked in, enough for a practical range of 170 miles. The relatively high number is made possible because of the low weight of the car coupled with its slippery shape, according to Jaguar Land Rover Classic.

But does it perform? You bet. The powertrain develops 295 horsepower and will see the car sprint from 0-60 mph in less than 5.5 seconds. That’s quicker than the original. And surprisingly weight is actually down by around 100 pounds.

Because of the weight characteristics, the structure and chassis hasn’t required modification. In fact, front-rear weight distribution is unchanged. According to Jaguar Land Rover Classic, this has resulted in ride, handling and braking performance pretty much on par with the original.

The E-Type Zero was unveiled on Thursday at Jaguar’s Tech Fest event in the United Kingdom. The automaker also used the event to announce a commitment to a fully electrified lineup as well as a self-driving city car concept.

source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1112543_jaguar-melds-old-with-new-for-e-type-zero-electric-sports-car

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Aston Martin - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - 2018 Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Speedster spy shots - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

If you worked hard, made lots of money, and found yourself in a position to acquire lots of cars, what would you hunt down?The Aston Martin Lagonda probably doesn't come to mind—unless you're Briton Roger Duddling. Of the more than 350 cars he has amassed, we're perhaps most impressed that he has managed to track down 24 Lagondas.

The Williams Towns cars have clearly taken ahold Mr. Dudding's heart (and wallet). He made his money by designing a new way to handle ticketing and queue management, which is such a British thing to invent that we're currently on the hunt for tea to drink while musing about this very idea. He then made far more money when he wisely acquired lots of land and parking garages.

While collecting all of that money, Dudding was keen to spend it, too. He began purchasing all sorts of automobiles and somehow those 24 Lagonda sedans found their way into his collection. They're all housed at a facility called Studio 434. Here you can see the cars, which serve as museum pieces, props for movies, and rentals, while the facility itself can be used for photo shoots or even weddings.

The collection has vehicles dating back to 1911 up through modern machines. It's diverse—yet focused in that it's primarily British cars yet it's a lot of different ones. There are other exotics and luxury machines, but most of them were built under the Union Jack sky.

source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1112232_meet-the-man-with-24-aston-martin-lagondas-in-his-51m-car-collection

by Jeff Glucker

http://www.boscheuropean.com

BMW - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - BMW preparing a 405-hp M2 CS with detuned M4 engine - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

BMW still uses the Ultimate Driving Machine slogan, but it doesn't always wear it well. The automaker certainly churns out its share of segment busting niche fillers that aren't fit to sniff the tires of some of the classic hits, but it also still makes a few cars that live up to the slogan. Now we hear that the already great M2 is set to get an even more intense version. Get ready to be very excited by the impending arrival of the BMW M2 CS.

Carscoops has a bit of the low down on the upcoming top-tier model in the 2 Series family. BMW will swap out the M2's single-turbo 3.0-liter inline-6 for the twin-turbo unit found in the more powerful M4.

BMW fans know that it's the N55B30T0 employed in the current M2. That engine is good for 365 horsepower. Powering the M4 is the S55B30T0. This engine gives you a lighter crankshaft, stronger pistons, and a few other internal goodies. More importantly, it doubles up on the turbocharging and power rises to 425 horsepower or 444 horses with the Competition package.

In the BMW M2 CS, the S55 will be slightly detuned to produce 405 horsepower. We don't know if the car will be given the DCT only, or also be offered with a 6-speed manual transmission. We do know, however, that BMW is only going to crank out 1,000 units of this special M2.

Carscoops' info comes from a Spanish website that says production is set for March and first deliveries are due in May. There is no word yet on how many will come to the U.S.

If you want one, you better start calling your local dealership now to reserve a spot in line.

source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1112548_bmw-preparing-a-405-hp-m2-cs-with-detuned-m4-engine

by Jeff Glucker

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Mercedes Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Mercedes GLC F-Cell EQ Power fuel cell-powered SUV teased ahead of Frankfurt debut - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Mercedes-Benz will unveil a near production-ready hydrogen fuel cell car based on the GLC platform during next week’s 2017 Frankfurt auto show.

Development, a glimpse of which is shown here, has been ongoing for some time. For production, the zero-emission SUV dons the new EQ Power label Mercedes is using for vehicles fitted with alternative powertrains.

The GLC F-Cell EQ Power is an evolution of the prototype unveiled in 2016, and right now it isn’t confirmed whether we’ll see it in the United States, although there’s a good chance we will.

Mercedes-Benz GLC F-Cell EQ Power

Mercedes’ design is different to most other fuel cell vehicles in that it is a plug-in hybrid, a hydrogen-electric plug-in hybrid. Thanks to a sizable battery, drivers will be able to charge the SUV at public charging stations instead of solely relying on almost non-existent hydrogen stations when the tanks are empty.

Mercedes hasn’t released any specs for the GLC F-Cell EQ Power but the prototype featured a 9.0-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery good for 30 miles of range. With the battery fully charged and the hydrogen tanks filled, the prototype was good for 300 miles of range.

Automakers are faced with a number of options when it comes to alternative powertrains. Right now gasoline-electric plug-in hybrids and battery-powered electrics are gaining traction, but automakers are still hedging their bets with fuel cells.

Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-Cell

Mercedes at one point was prepared to launch a fuel cell car on the market as early as 2014, following positive results from a trial fleet of fuel cell-equipped B-Class minivans launched in 2009. The automaker eventually axed those plans because the low expected volume would have made the cars too expensive.

Mercedes will have a very busy stand at the upcoming Frankfurt show. The main highlight will be the code-named Project One hypercar from Mercedes-AMG. Also present will be a compact electric car concept from the new EQ sub-brand, a self-driving concept from Smart, updated versions of the S-Class Coupe and Cabriolet, and the X-Class pickup truck.

source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1025435_mercedes-glc-f-cell-eq-power-fuel-cell-powered-suv-teased-ahead-of-frankfurt-debut

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Audi - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Audi electric cars will come with solar roofs- Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Audi has inked a deal with solar panel expert Alta Devices to fit the energy-generating panels to the roofs of its future cars.

Alta Devices, based in California, is renowned for its highly efficient solar panels. It will work with Audi to develop thin, lightweight solar cells that can be integrated into the panoramic glass roofs commonly found on cars. The first prototype should be ready in late 2017. Later, the two firms will develop solar cells that will be able to line a car’s entire roof surface.

Audi will initially fit the solar roofs to its electric cars. The generated energy won’t be able to add range directly, however. Audi says the energy will only be used to power ancillaries like the air conditioner or seat heaters, thus saving that little bit of extra energy to increase range.

Eventually, though, the solar roofs will be able to directly charge the main battery, Audi promises. Such a system features on the Fisker Karma and its rebranded successor, the Karma Revero. We’re not talking much range. Given the limited space, a couple of miles of range will likely require at least a week of maximum sunshine.

Audi’s first volume electric car will be the e-tron SUV due in 2018. It will be joined shortly after by the coupe-like e-tron Sportback. Both models will be built at a plant in Belgium and offer a range of at least 250 miles. Audi will add one additional electric car by 2020, believed to be a city car targeting the BMW i3 and to a lesser extent Chevrolet’s Bolt EV.

source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1112319_audi-electric-cars-will-come-with-solar-roofs

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

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

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Jaguar, Mercedes, Land Rover - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Happy Labor Day - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

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Jaguar - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - The rarest Jaguar ever made has been restored- Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

The Jaguar XK120 isn't necessarily the rarest vehicle built by the brand; over 12,000 leaping cats were produced between 1948 and 1954. Sought after? Absolutely, but there's one XK120 that has it beat.

It's a one-off XK120 with a body built by Pininfarina and it officially bowed at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Eelegance. A restoration doesn't get much more intense than this one. Classic Motor Cars of the United Kingdom undertook the bespoke Jaguar project two years ago and we'd say it's been worth the wait. The restoration included a full-body restore with a new front end, new rear quarter panels, inner arch panels, boot floor, sills and door skins. That's just the beginning, though.

CMC also repaired the entire chassis, retrimmed the interior, rebuilt the engine to factory specifications, and refurbished the original suspension components. In total, the team put over 6,000 hours of work into the car, which included actually remaking some obsolete components. For example, the rear window and the window surround were 3D-scanned and recreated with data to fit the lines Pininfarina penned decades ago. The same can be said for the chrome work; 80 percent of it was recreated.

The car itself has a spotted history with gaps that leave few clues as to where the car ended up for a period of time, but CMC purchased the project car an American in 2015. Unfortunately, the previous owner never got around to the lengthy restoration. CMC? They've done this car justice.

source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1112241_the-rarest-jaguar-ever-made-has-been-restored

by Sean Szymkowski

http://www.boscheuropean.com