Audi - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - 2019 Audi RS 6 Avant spy shots - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Audi Sport is in the early stages of developing its next RS 6 Avant.

Our latest spy shots show a test mule for the RS 6 using the makeshift body of the latest A6 Avant.

You can tell it's the RS 6 because of the aggressive front fascia with enlarged intakes, the huge wheels housing carbon-ceramic brake rotors, and the signature Audi Sport oval-shaped exhausts. The test mule also wears makeshift fender flares to hide its wider track. These will be replaced by proper pumped fenders on the production model.

As with the current RS 6, the new one should be offered in regular RS 6 and extreme RS 6 Performance guises.

The regular model is expected to come with 650 horsepower, up from 605 hp in the current car. This will be generated by the Volkswagen Group’s latest 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8.

For the RS 6 Performance, it’s thought output could reach as high as 700 hp thanks to the addition of an electric motor. The plug-in hybrid system would essentially be the one in the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, which in the Porsche produces 680 hp from a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine supplemented by an electric motor.

Regardless of the model, drive should be to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel-drive system. Both models should also deliver 0-60 mph times approaching the 3.0-second mark.

The RS 6 is a Motor Authority favorite because of its supercar-rivaling performance coupled with a practical load space (the newest A6 Avant has close to 60 cubic feet with the rear seats folded). Unfortunately, Audi Sport's decision not to build another RS 6 sedan means we likely won't ever see the nameplate return to these shores. Instead, we'll get another generation of the mechanically similar RS 7 hatch.

Look for the new RS 6 Avant to debut in 2019.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1023680_2019-audi-rs-6-avant-spy-shots

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Range Rover - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City -Land Rover is working on off-road autonomous driving -- Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

In our experience with driverless cars, most systems work well in perfect conditions -- i.e., smooth and perfectly maintained roads in warm, sunny climates. Things get dicey when road markings are hidden underneath snow or heavy rain makes the distance to the car in front difficult to determine. If you’re going off-road, autonomous driving hasn't even been an option, but now Land Rover is testing a fleet of autonomous off-road test vehicles.

That’s right, Land Rover is working on semi-autonomous and fully autonomous systems that can tackle the tough terrain you find off-road. The system combines audio, video, radar, light-detection and distance-sensing data to find the best path to travel. According to Land Rover, the system will be totally capable in any weather conditions, including ice, snow, rain and fog.

Of course, don’t think that you’ll be able to run out to a Land Rover dealer next week and hop in the latest Discovery on the lot expecting it to have this tech. It’ll be awhile before these features see real-world duty, since they're still in development.

This project is part of a 30-month collaborative endeavor with the University of Birmingham that only started in March of this year -- so we’re still a few years away. Until then, you can still take your Land Rover off-road, but you’ll be responsible for not getting it stuck.

source; http://autoweek.com/article/autonomous-cars/land-rover-working-road-autonomous-driving

by Wesley Wren

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Jaguar - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Proposed Jaguar I-Pace SVR could be too quick for untrained drivers - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Jaguar product planning boss Hanno Kirner believes the instant torque and power found in a hypothetical I-Pace SVR could be too much for untrained drivers. While he stopped short of confirming a high-performance version of the electric crossover, he made it clear such a vehicle is on the table.

Kirner told Autocar in a Tuesday report that an I-Pace SVR would likely be capable of reaching 60 mph in 1.8 seconds, but engineers also want to prioritize handling—not just headline-grabbing specs.

"Once you’ve done it once or twice, and lost your eyes in the back of their sockets, you might not want to do it again," he said.

Tesla has already made plenty of headlines in recent years for offering hypercar levels of acceleration with the Model S and Model X electric cars. The 2020 Tesla Roadster will also allegedly reach 60 mph in 1.9 seconds.

The product planning chief envisioned some sort of power restriction for a potential I-Pace SVR. Kirner said the vehicle could reduce power for a driver until he/she has attended a driving course or some other instruction. Although Jaguar hasn't committed to such a model, the brand's top brass certainly do like to talk about the idea of one.

Last March, Kirner first expressed interest in building an I-Pace performance variant. At that time, he also said there remains a possibility for other I-Pace models, including an off-road or more luxurious version. Kirner echoed the sentiment in the latest Autocar report.

"There is probably more than one route we could take," he said. "But there is definitely space for a performance electric car or cars."

John Edwards, head of Jaguar Land Rover's personalization and performance arm, also hinted earlier this year that Jaguar will eventually develop a full range of performance-oriented electric cars.

The British luxury brand will also take the I-Pace racing in its own one-make series held before Formula E open-wheel electric-car races.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1116964_proposed-jaguar-i-pace-svr-could-be-too-quick-for-untrained-drivers

by Sean Szymkowski

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Mercedes Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - 2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class adds 362-horsepower E450 model - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

No matter how hard automakers and engineers may try, it's impossible to turn an internal-combustion engine into a silent operator. However, as the auto industry shifts to battery packs and electric motors, silence ultimately wins out.

Mercedes-Benz has created a cheeky reminder in the form of a video advertisement to show consumers the future bids goodbye to noise. The video features the Generation EQ concept from the 2016 Paris auto show driving around a test track. The concept will spawn the production Mercedes-Benz EQC electric SUV.

Strangely, we hear engine noises coming from the battery-electric vehicle. That all comes to an end when the driver stops the futuristic crossover SUV and asks the passenger, the source of the noise, to exit. The engine impersonator is none other than human beatboxer Daniel Jovanov, an Australian native known for his sound effects and car noises.

It should be noted that electric cars won't stay entirely silent for long. Barring any unforeseen action by the Trump administration, a National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration rule will require hybrid and electric cars to produce an audible noise under 19 mph. The regulation is scheduled to take effect in less than two years.

Nissan has already revealed its solution to pending global regulations in the form of "Canto." The audible tone that will become the official sound of future Nissan electric cars sounds eerily similar to a spaceship heading into hyperdrive. The noise even builds a crescendo as the vehicle accelerates. As noted, the noise only has to be present under 19 mph to protect pedestrians who may not hear an electric car approaching.

Otherwise, Mercedes-Benz is right: the future will largely be silent—unless Mr. Jovanov is a passenger.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1117069_mercedes-benz-wants-you-to-know-the-future-of-motoring-is-silent

by Sean Szymkowski

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Aston Martin - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Vantage V600 badge returns on bespoke V-12 model - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

The Aston Martin Vantage V600 is back, only this time it's packing a V-12 under the hood and limited to just 14 examples—seven coupes and seven Volante convertibles.

The original Vantage V600 was a post-title upgrade offered to owners of the V8 Virage back in 1998. The car offered close to 600 horsepower thanks to a pair of superchargers, which at the time was about the same power you'd get in the most powerful supercars.

The modern Vantage V600 also has about 600 hp—592 to be exact—this time from Aston Martin's venerable 5.9-liter V-12, with drive sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed manual transmission. The car's body is also all carbon fiber. 

The car was commissioned by a private individual via the Q by Aston Martin personalization service and features a number of references to the original launched two decades ago.

These include the re-imagined front fender vents and the hood's power bulge.

The modern Vantage V600 also benefits from a darkened grille and carbon fiber rear diffuser both unique to the model.

The external look of the car is further distinguished by bespoke center-lock forged and machined aluminum wheels.

The interior features a blend of carbon fiber and dark anodized aluminium. The lightweight seats have an all-new perforation pattern and are joined by a carbon fiber center console, saddle leather armrest, solid gear shifter, and bespoke dials in the instrument cluster.

Aston Martin will start deliveries of the new Vantage V600 in the second half of 2018. Available via order only, the cars represent the last two-door models built on Aston Martin's outgoing VH platform.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1116644_vantage-v600-badge-returns-on-bespoke-v-12-model

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

BMW - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - BMW first on the market with wireless charger for cars - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

BMW on Monday announced availability of a new wireless charging system, making it the first automaker to bring the technology to market. (Mercedes-Benz also plans one for its S-Class.)

The wireless charger goes into production in July and is currently available to order in the United States, along with China, Germany, Japan and the United Kingdom. The first compatible model is the 2018 BMW 530e iPerformance plug-in hybrid but others are to follow.

The system consists of a pad that sits on the ground and plugged into a power socket. The pad, which is waterproof so can be placed outside, contains a primary coil that transfers electricity via magnetic field to a secondary coil located underneath the nose of the car. Known as inductive charging, it's the same technology you find in electric toothbrush chargers, only much more powerful.

The system has a charging capacity of 3.2 kilowatts, or enough to charge the 9.2-kilowatt-hour battery of the 530e iPerformance in 3.5 hours. BMW says the wireless charger's efficiency rate is a high 85 percent.

The main benefit is convenience. There's no longer the need to fumble around with a charging cable every time you arrive home. There's also no longer the chance that you might pull out with the charging cable still plugged in.

And you don't have to worry about struggling to line up the car over the pad containing the primary coil. The pad communicates with the car via WiFi and provides colored directional markings in the infotainment screen. An icon shows when the correct parking position has been reached. And don't worry, this can deviate from the optimum position by several inches so precision parking isn't required. Charging will then start as soon as the driver switches off the car and stops when the battery is full.

The 2018 BMW 530e iPerformance features a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 paired in parallel with a single electric motor. The electric motor is integrated with the transmission, in this case an eight-speed automatic, and drive is to the rear wheels only. Peak output of the system is 248 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque which BMW says enough to hustle the 530e iPerformance from 0-62 mph in 6.2 seconds.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1116935_bmw-first-on-the-market-with-wireless-charger-for-cars

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Audi - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Audi e-tron will use cameras in place of side mirrors, but not in US- Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Audi's first battery-electric crossover will also usher in radical new technology for the automotive industry. The production e-tron electric crossover will ditch traditional side mirrors and replace them with camera-based digital mirrors, the brand announced on Wednesday.

Unfortunately, we won't see them in the United States due to a lack of regulations allowing them, Audi spokesman Mark Dahncke told Motor Authority.

“The digital mirrors are not able to be homologated for the U.S. given the current laws at this time,” he said. “Much like Matrix [LED] lighting, we are working with the authorities to make the side view cameras legal at some point in the future.”

The idea of replacing normal mirrors with cameras isn't a new one, but the e-tron will make the idea a production-first application. Audi will mount the cameras to little winglets of sorts and the driver's side feed will be displayed to the left of the instrument panel. Audi, strangely, has not specifically mentioned where the passenger side screen will reside.

Audi pointed to aerodynamic efficiencies as the reason to include the technology on the production version of the battery-electric crossover. Specifically, the cameras improve drag. Audi noted that every .01 added to the coefficient of drag reduces range by about 5 kilometers or about 3 miles, which makes the cameras an important addition to achieve the electric crossover's estimated 248-mile range.

While the U.S. will miss out on the tech, the rules may change sooner than most expect. Automotive News (subscription required) reported in 2016 that the U.S. could adopt a United Nations resolution to allow the technology to replace traditional mirrors.

Audi engineers took additional steps to create a slippery shape for the e-tron. Other measures include active grille shutters, adaptive air suspension to raise and lower the vehicle as needed, and tires that feature etched information, rather than raised lettering and numbers.

The e-tron will be revealed on August 30 and will reach local showrooms in 2019.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1116965_audi-e-tron-will-use-cameras-in-place-of-side-mirrors-but-not-in-us

by SeanSzymkowski

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Range Rover - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City -We Can Only Hope The Next Bronco Is As Cool As The New Two-Door Range Rover-- Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000 - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

The Ford Bronco may be coming back, but it looks like Land Rover will be leading the charge in the return of full-size two-door SUVs.

The Range Rover SV Coupe is really happening and don’t worry, this is not going to be a sequel to the three-door Evoque. Land Rover has officially announced that it plans to build 999 two-door full-size Range Rovers at its SV Technical Center skunkworks.

The good news is that the company plans to ship them worldwide. Don’t expect to see a whole lot of them though, even in areas like Manhattan and Rodeo Drive where Range Rovers typically roam and breed.

The SV Coupes will be hand built, hence the low production target, and probably become instant collector’s items.

The full design and spec sheet are going to be unveiled at the 2018 Geneva Auto Show. Specifically, on March 6. So far, the only official image we’ve seen of the two-door Range is this top-down of the interior:

Not sure how I feel about the high-contrast Moon Pie color motif on the seats, but that wood center console is ravishing and the shapes look appropriately posh for what will almost assuredly be a six-figure vehicle.

I expect that the design will look a lot more elegant than the 2004 Range Stormer concept and subsequent knockoffs made by tuner companies. And it’s certainly going to be more stately than the cute little Evoque.

SUV coupes like the two-door Bronco, Explorer and Blazer used to be all over the place before SUV “coupes” like the X6 and GLE Coupe took over. Blobs are in, bricks are out. But fashion is cyclical, and so too with automotive design trends. “Personal SUVs” are back, baby!

Anyway, the Range Rover SV Coupe will obviously not be a direct rival to the upcoming Ford Bronco, whatever form that nameplate ends up taking, but I have to admit I didn’t expect Land Rover to beat the Big Three to heralding the return of the “personal SUV.”

source: https://jalopnik.com/tag/range-rover

by Andrew P Collins

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Jaguar - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Jaguar product boss hints at second sports car- Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Plans for a second Jaguar sports car appear to have picked up steam internally. Jaguar product boss Hanno Kirner has hinted the brand has plans for a potential family of sports cars.

He told Autocar in a Monday report that the F-Type has been a major success and that Jaguar loves sports cars. "I use the plural quite deliberately," he said, hinting at a future sports car to come.

Kirner's comments follow lead Jaguar designer, Ian Callum, who just last year proposed the return of the XK. The last XK exited production in 2014, though a design was drawn up for a next-generation car. The brand ultimately decided at the time that a new XK wasn't in the company's best interest, and the F-Type would serve as its halo sports car.

It's very possible a new Jaguar sports car could come by the way of an XK revival, but Kirner was careful to only use the term "sports car." He added, "Whether that is delivered by a body variant or something else remains to be seen, but for now let’s just say that the body type is very important for us."

We could also imagine a sport sedan like the AMG GT 4-door coupe that would fit the product chief's calls for another sports car. However, any future sports car family weighs on Jaguar-Land Rover's decision over future platforms. Today's F-Type features heavily modified underpinnings from the XK, while Autocar speculated the next-generation car will feature a flexible architecture that could support a 2+2 vehicle, like a reborn XK.

The future platforms will likely accept a range of powertrains, including hybrids. It's unclear if the strategy will fit into future sports car plans, however. Kirner didn't dismiss the idea of a hybrid sports car but also assured a defining characteristic of them is the engine itself.

"At Jaguar, all I can say for now is that we will continue to invest in sports cars," he said.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1116822_jaguar-product-boss-hints-at-second-sports-car

by Sean Szymkowski

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Mercedes Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - 2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class adds 362-horsepower E450 model - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class family

Buyers of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class have a couple of new options for the 2019 model year.

On Tuesday, we detailed AMG's new E53 that replaces the E43, with the car's mild-hybrid powertrain bringing 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, versus the 396 hp and 384 lb-ft of the non-electrified E43.

Now we have details on a new E450 model that replaces the E400 in the regular E-Class lineup. It's available across the 2019 E-Class range, meaning sedan, coupe, cabriolet and wagon body styles. And it can be had with rear- or all-wheel drive.

As the higher numerical figure indicates, there's more power on tap. The E450 models are powered by an upgraded version of the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 found in the E400 4Matic, bringing 362 hp and 369 lb-ft versus 329 hp and 354 lb-ft previously.

Another change for 2019 includes a new three-spoke multifunction steering wheel with Nappa leather. The new unit lets the driver operate all electronic driver assist systems without ever removing their hands from the steering wheel. Speaking of assist systems, the 2019 E-Class gets the route-based speed adaptive system that debuted on the 2018 S-Class. The system can automatically adjust vehicle speed for a number of road situations based on navigation data, such as highway exits, junctions, roundabouts and toll booths.

Other changes to the E-Class for the latest model year include new trim options, as well as a new 19-inch AMG wheel pattern available with the Night Package.

The 2019 Mercedes E-Class starts sales this fall. Pricing hasn't been announced but expect it to start close to the $53,945 base sticker of the 2018 model.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1116902_2019-mercedes-benz-e-class-adds-362-horsepower-e450-model

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Aston Martin - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - 2019 Aston Martin DB11 gets the AMR treatment - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

The DB11 is very much the grand tourer of Aston Martin's lineup, meaning it's big and comfy though not necessarily the best choice when heading for a track. For that there's the Vantage.

However, not everyone will want to go with the smaller car, so Aston Martin has developed a sharper, more focused version of the DB11 that applies the automaker's AMR performance branding.

Revealed Friday at Aston Martin's Nürburgring test center, which incidentally has been rebranded the AMR Performance Center, the new DB11 AMR replaces the standard V-12 DB11 in Aston Martin's lineup and brings with it a new 630-horsepower version of the automaker's 5.2-liter twin-turbocharged V-12.

The new output results in 0-62 mph acceleration in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 208 mph. In comparison, the 600-hp DB11 returns numbers of 3.9 seconds and 200 mph.

But it's not just straight-line speed where the DB11 AMR has been improved. The engineering team has paid particular attention to improving feedback without harming the car's supple ride. In addition, they've added a more aggressive shift calibration for the eight-speed automatic transmission and a slightly more vocal exhaust note.

2019 Aston Martin DB11 AMR

A few visual touches have also been added to distinguish the DB11 AMR. They include a number of darkened elements in combination with some exposed carbon fiber. The dark theme continues inside, with dark leather and Alcantara upholstery that can be accented with a contrasting central stripe in AMR's signature lime color. The DB11 AMR is also fitted with a leather-lined sports steering wheel.

Fans of carbon fiber can choose to add further race-inspired styling cues to their DB11 AMR. These include an engine cover, exhaust outlet and rear spoiler all in carbon, and in the cabin the steering wheel and paddle shifters can also be had in the lightweight stuff.

ton Martin DB11 AMR goes on sale this summer priced from $241,000. Buyers with extra money to splurge can opt for a tailored luggage set that match their car’s specification.

Aston Martin has also announced a special AMR Signature Edition version of the car. This one is limited to just 100 units worldwide and features a Stirling Green exterior with lime accents.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1116701_2019-aston-martin-db11-gets-the-amr-treatment

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

BMW - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - BMW explains the 5 levels of self-driving capability - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

A lot of companies are working on self-driving cars but the day when we all hurry around in pods without steering wheels is a long way off.

In the meantime, self-driving technology will slowly filter across to cars in piecemeal form, with the Society of Automotive Engineers in 2014 presenting a roadmap of five key levels of capability that we'll pass on the road to fully self-driving cars. It can be confusing, so BMW released a video that explains the differences between the levels with the aid of visuals.

In terms of production cars, we've already passed the first two levels: Level 1 is basic cruise control with automated acceleration and braking, while Level 2 introduces some automated steering into the mix. Importantly, both these levels require full driver attention at all times as their functionality is still very limited.

The next milestone will be Level 3, which BMW expects to introduce on its iNext electric car arriving in 2021. Level 3 means the driver in a set range of situations can let go of the steering wheel and even look away for extended periods, though they have to be ready to take over within seconds which could prove dangerous. Because of this major onus on the driver, many firms are choosing to skip Level 3 and go straight to Level 4.

BMW self-driving technology

Level 4 capability is essentially the same as Level 3, with the key difference being the timespan required for the driver to take back control being far longer, think minutes versus seconds. Another important 

distinguisher of Level 4 capability is that the vehicle is able to bring itself safely to a stop should the driver fail to take back control. For this reason, BMW says a driver in a Level 4 self-driving car could safely fall asleep behind the wheel. BMW is developing Level 4 self-driving technology alongside Level 3 technology but doesn't expect regulations and necessary infrastructure (think detailed maps and communications infrastructure) to be ready until the middle of the next decade.

There are already some Level 4 cars on the road, though. Waymo's self-driving cars are currently at Level 4 capability but limited to where they can drive. Waymo plans to use the technology for the first commercial self-driving taxi service later this year in Phoenix, Arizona. An engineer will still be onboard for monitoring, though.

The final goal is Level 5 capability, where a car can operate without the need of a driver. BMW says this likely won't be ready until the end of the next decade.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1116942_bmw-explains-the-5-levels-of-self-driving-capability

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Range Rover - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City --Land Rover Range Rover SV Coupe hits the 'Ring - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000 - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Land Rover is bringing out an extra-exclusive coupe version of its popular Range Rover SUV.

The vehicle, priced from a staggering $295,000 and limited to just 999 units worldwide, was shown for the first time in March at the 2018 Geneva auto show and is due to start deliveries later this year.

It turns out Land Rover engineers haven't quite finished with the development however as a prototype was spotted on Tuesday testing at the Nürburgring.

Our photos of the tester give us the best look yet at what the special SUV, officially the Range Rover SV Coupe, will look like out on the road.

The coupe design was chosen to give the vehicle an extra air of exclusivity compared to the regular Range Rover. The body style also channels the original Range Rover, which was launched as a two-door and later spawned the more familiar four-door design.

Handling the production of the Range Rover SV Coupe is Jaguar Land Rover's SVO personalization department. This means customers will be able to fully personalize the vehicle, which features a unique four-seat layout where the cabin is bisected by a full-length center console. Customers will even be able to order separate colors for the front and rear seats.

Power in each of the SUVs will come from Jaguar Land Rover's familiar 5.0-liter supercharged V-8. It's tuned here to deliver 557 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, which will see the Range Rover SV Coupe hit 60 mph in 5.0 seconds. Top speed is 165 mph.

While the Range Rover has traditionally been the exclusive choice for high-end SUVs, it's facing stiff competition these days from the likes of the Bentley Bentaygaand Rolls-Royce Cullinan. Vehicles like the Range Rover SV Coupe, of which you can bet there will be more, show that Land Rover isn't keen on being overshadowed in the luxury SUV arena by the newcomers.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1116765_land-rover-range-rover-sv-coupe-hits-the-ring

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com