Aston Martin - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Aston Martin plans new platform for SUV - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Aston Martin DBX concept, 2015 Geneva Motor Show

Aston Martin will jump into the luxury SUV game when the DBX enters production in 2019. Until then, the British brand will continue to work hard on the SUV, including developing a new platform.

Aston Martin chief engineer Matt Becker told Road and Track in an interview published Tuesday that the SUV's new platform takes learnings from the company's other cars, "but there's a lot more suspension technology going to go into [the DBX]." Becker wouldn't go into detail about the suspension technology, though he shared the DBX will feature an active anti-roll system and triple-volume air springs.

Aston Martin DBX concept, 2015 Geneva Motor Show

Becker added the suspension technology is necessary when dealing with a large vehicle like the DBX. "It's physics at the end of the day, and you need additional help to overcome those physics," he said.

The brand teased the forthcoming SUV in April 2017 showing a vague outline of the vehicle's shape. We also learned the car will stick to extruded and bonded aluminum for the construction—the same process used for Aston Martin's sports cars. However, while 2015's DBX concept featured an electric powertrain, the production SUV will not.

Aston Martin DBX concept, 2015 Geneva Motor Show

CEO Andy Palmer confirmed the electric option had been axed in April, as Aston Martin's revived ultra-luxury brand Lagonda will be for EVs. Instead, the Aston SUV will arrive with a conventional engine and likely a hybrid option. The CEO also ruled out a plug-in hybrid and called a diesel variant "dead."

When the SUV does debut, it could wear the Varekai name. In March, a trademark filing for the name surfaced, which translates to “wherever” in a Romani language or “talented” in Quebec slang. Production will take place at the St. Athan, Wales, production facility, while Aston Martin will keep sports car production at its current plant in Gaydon, England.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1117751_aston-martin-plans-new-platform-for-suv

by Sean Szymkowski

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Audi - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Audi updates TT sports car - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Audi's third-generation TT sports car has received some tweaks as it passes the midway point in its life cycle (the car arrived for 2016).

They include revised looks, increased standard equipment, and most important of all some extra power under the hood.

Specifications for the United States are yet to be announced but in other markets the updated TT will be offered with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 with outputs of 194 (TT 40), 242 (TT 45) and 302 (TTS) horsepower. That compares to the current TT, which in these parts also comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 but only two outputs: 220 (TT) and 292 (TTS) hp.

Audi TT

All engines in the updated TT are paired with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and each power source is also fitted with a particulate filter. An updated TT RS is also in the works and should continue with the current model's 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-5 good for 400 hp.

Beyond the powertrain upgrades, the updated TT features as standard a digital instrument cluster, driving modes selector, rain and light sensors, heated side mirrors, and a multi-function steering wheel. Also standard are illuminated USB ports and Bluetooth for wireless pairing of devices.

A new feature is an available performance screen for the instrument cluster. Switching to this provides the driver with information on the engine output currently in use, as well as the torque and g-forces.

Audi TT

You'll be able to spot the updated TT thanks to a revised grille with a more sculpted look to its frame. There are also larger intakes on the side of the front fascia. The designers have also removed the cap under the signature TT fuel filler flap. It means the driver can now insert the gas pump nozzle directly into the opening, just like on a race car.

The standard wheels measure 17 inches in diameter but Audi offers 18-, 19- and 20-inch wheels, including a new Audi Sport design.

The updated TT goes on sale in Europe late this year. It should arrive in local showrooms in early 2019.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1117767_audi-updates-tt-sports-car

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Range Rover - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City -This Video of a Range Rover Sport SVR Going Up the Hill at Goodwood on Two Wheels Gets Extremely Tense -- Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Terry Grant, a stunt driver who’s more than a little familiar with the Goodwood Festival of Speed, had already crashed out once this year trying to do the Hillclimb on two wheels. But then, later that day, he tried again.

Here’s the video, which I hope you see with virgin eyes. It gets real nervy around 1:52, when it looks like Grant might crash again.

Not bad, eh?

Grant drove the Range Rover up the hill in two minutes and 24.5 seconds, officially setting some kind of record, according to Goodwood, though that was slower than when Grant took a Nissan Juke RS Nismo up the hill on two wheels in 2015, which he did in two minutes and 10 seconds.

Try one wheel next time, Terry.

source: https://jalopnik.com/this-video-of-a-range-rover-sport-svr-going-up-the-hill-1827635345

by Erik Shilling

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Jaguar - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Jaguar protects J-Type name, potentially for new sports car - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Jaguar has made moves to protect the J-Type name, though whether the automaker is planning a new model under the name or just out to protect rivals from using it remains to be seen.

Autoguide reported last week that Jaguar had filed for trademark protection for the J-Type name with the European Intellectual Property Office, specifically in the categories for autonomous vehicles, software, automobiles, repairs and servicing.

Jaguar currently uses the “Type” suffix on performance cars, previously with the E-Type and F-Type sports cars and most recently with the I-Type electric race carcurrently competing in the Formula E Championships.

A sports car with the J-Type name would indicate a successor to the F-Type or potential second sports car to be positioned above the F-Type, with the latter option hinted at by Jaguar product boss Hanno Kirner in May.

Jaguar design boss Ian Callum has also hinted at a sports car to fill the void of the XK. He's also talked about Jaguar being open to going down the mid-engine route, something the company explored with the C-X75 extended-range electric supercar concept. Unveiled at the 2010 Paris auto show, the overwhelmingly positive response saw production of the C-X75 confirmed just six months later. Sadly, Jaguar ended up canceling the project two years later.

Stay tuned.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1117720_jaguar-protects-j-type-name-potentially-for-new-sports-car

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

BMW - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - BMW brings the carbon fiber with M2 M Performance Parts concept - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

BMW M already offers a host of upgrades for the M2 via its M Performance Parts line, however the official tuner to BMW has showcased the potential for even more goodies with the new M2 M Performance Parts concept unveiled on Thursday at the 2018 Goodwood Festival of Speed.

In particular, the parts featured on the M2 M Performances Parts concept focus on reducing the weight of the M2 sports car as well as honing its aerodynamics. There are also interior treatments that give the cabin a race car look and feel.

The concept is said to be 132 pounds lighter than a stock M2 thanks mostly to carbon fiber replacements parts. You'll find it, for example, on the grille, hood, roof, trunk lid and aero elements. Speaking of aero elements, particularly eye-catching are the new front fender vents and side winglets.

Further weight is saved via lightweight materials in the cabin and a lithium-ion battery instead of the standard unit used in the M2. The latter is said to save 30 pounds alone.

Upgrades for the interior include carbon fiber seats, a carbon fiber hand brake, Alcantara trim, and an M Performance sport steering wheel. Contrast stitching is also used throughout the cabin.

Other M Performance Parts fitted to the concept include coilover suspension with adjustable compression and rebound stage (available as retrofit package), 19-inch forged wheels, and upgraded brakes with massive calipers and cross-drilled rotors.

The good news for M2 owners and potential buyers is that many of the parts featured on the concept will be made available shortly for both the M2 and new M2 Competition.

BMW says its M2 M Performance Parts concept will tackle the famous hill climb at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1117678_bmw-brings-the-carbon-fiber-with-m2-m-performance-parts-concept

by Viknesh Vijayethiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Mercedes Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Watch a 110-year-old Mercedes-Benz grand prix racer take on the Goodwood hill climb - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Mercedes-Benz and racing driver Ben Collings brought a treat to the 2018 Goodwood Festival of Speed: a Mercedes-Benz grand prix racer from 1908.

The time capsule of a car offers a pretty extraordinary look at motorsport in the early 20th century, and it offered Goodwood attendees a rare chance to see and hear an early grand prix racer. Making all of the noise is a whopping 17.3-liter four-cylinder generating around 150 horsepower. The massive powerplant is enough to take the car up to 109 mph.

Mercedes' grand prix car actually pre-dates the Daimler and Benz merger, meaning the car is actually a Daimler. Some of the state-of-the-art pieces of equipment include dual-chain drive, artillery wheels made from high-strength wood, and two seats. Why two seats for an early race car? The co-driver's main job was to pump fuel to the engine. Also, the chain spins at 90 mph while the driver shifts outside of the car, which is downright scary when you really think about it.

Collings makes it look easy as he sprints up the hill and handles the 17.3-liter beast with poise, and we even catch a few power slides along the way. When he reaches the top of the hill, the car helped Collings clock a 78.84-second time with an average speed of 55.5 mph. Not too shabby for a 110-year-old race car.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1117707_watch-a-110-year-old-mercedes-benz-grand-prix-racer-take-on-the-goodwood-hill-climb

by Sean Szymkowski

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Aston Martin - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - The Aston Martin V8 Cygnet Is Your Dream 430 HP City Car - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

You may not remember the rumors that Aston Martin was going to shove a V12 into its infamous Cygnet city car, but you’re never going to forget that they went ahead and shoved a naturally aspirated V8 in there instead despite the car being dead for over five years.

This is real. It will take time to come to terms with it, but Aston Martin has actually built a Cygnet with 430 horsepower and 361 lb-ft of torque from the 4.7-liter naturally aspirated V8 out of the old Vantage S.

You have a customer willing to abuse the “Q by Aston Martin Commission” service to thank for this unnatural, unholy creation, which the automaker is rightfully boasting about as a marvel of engineering considering it was a city car borrowed from Scion (RIP) to help its model lineup meet emissions standards once upon a time.

To make such a thing feasible, Aston Martin welded in a roll cage, fabricated an all-new transmission tunnel, and warped the Cygnets little unassuming body onto the subframe and suspension of the previous Vantage S, hence the dramatically extended wheel arches. They also threw in the old Vantage’s seven speed automatic transmission, pedal box and braking system, and fitted it with a bespoke center-mounted exhaust.

They also slapped 19-inch wheels on it, and the entirety of the rear cargo area has been retrofitted into a gas tank, because you’re going to need it. The result is a batshit 170 mph city car with a 313bhp/tonne power-to-weight ratio and a zero to 60 mph time of 4.2 seconds.

Aston Martin is going to show it off at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this week. I’m not entirely convinced it won’t just immediately tear itself apart.

source: https://jalopnik.com/the-aston-martin-v8-cygnet-is-your-dream-430-hp-city-ca-1827529082

by Justin T Westbrook

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Audi - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Sharper look for 2019 Audi A4 - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

It seems like the current A4 only arrived yesterday but Audi already has an updated version of its popular small sedan.

That's because even though we only received it in the spring of 2016, the car has been on sale elsewhere since 2015.

Yet to be announced for the United States but expected here in early 2019, the updated A4 brings a sharper look thanks to a revised grille, new front and rear fascias, and new wheel designs measuring up to 19 inches in diameter.

The updated A4 also swaps out the current model's round exhaust tips for a rectangular design, and if you look closely you'll also notice that the internals of the taillights have been revised.

The A4's available S Line package is also said to feature a sportier look than before, and there's a new Competition package that can be added to the S Line package. It adds some subtle exterior touches including Audi Sport 19-inch wheels, red brake calipers, LED headlights, and an exclusive Turbo Blue paint finish.

The package also adds sport-tuned suspension, and for the A4 Avant wagon sold overseas there's a rear spoiler that matches the design used on the RS 4 Avant.

For the interior, the Competition package builds on the S Line package's black theme, supplementing it with RS 4 Avant-style carbon inlays, a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel and black partial leather sport seats. Alternatively, customers can also opt for sport seats from the S4.

No mechanical updates have been mentioned. This means the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 currently offered in the A4 should feature under the hood, maintaining an output of 190 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque in the entry-level A4 Ultra and 252 hp and 273 lb-ft in the regular A4.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1117445_sharper-look-for-2019-audi-a4

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Range Rover - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City -This man converted a 50-year-old Land Rover to run on coal (as one does) -- Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

The classic Land Rover Defender evolved over its long life from frequent use as a farming implement to new life as an iconic all-wheel-drive trophy truck.

The end of Defender production in January 2016 was practically a national day of mourning in England. 

Now, you can even get Defenders entirely renovated with new powertrains and all manner of luxury features, accompanied by six-figure price tags.

And the newly formed Jaguar Land Rover Classic unit will restore a rare 1948 pre-production Land Rover, recently uncovered after decades, to mark, the brand's 70th anniversary this year.

But while the sturdy Landies are increasingly valuable in the U.S. and in Britain, they may still be taken a bit less seriously at home.

Why else would you take a perfectly good 50-year-old Land Rover 88 and convert it to run on ... coal?

Yes, out of all the possible powertrain transplants—the rumored future all-electric Land Rover might have a nice rejoinder to the Bollinger B1, we think—why convert to the filthiest fossil fuel?

It's all about entertaining his three grandchildren, as 67-year-old Frank Rothwell explains. Oh, and using it for his 1.5-mile commute to work as well.

The retired businessman from outside Manchester bought the Land Rover for £4,000 ($5,650) from a manufacturing company that had nicknamed the car "Mildred" for all the mildew inside.

He says he spent £24,000 ($34,000) and put more than 400 hours into the project to refit the old Land Rover with a coal-fired boiler that heats water until it turns into steam to power the steam engine that turns the wheels.

The previously recessed grille now sports a locomotive-like mock boiler front, complete with Land Rover badge and a working chimney for the coal smoke.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1114911_this-man-converted-a-50-year-old-land-rover-to-run-on-coal-as-one-does

by John Voelcker

http://www.boscheuropean.com

With a full head of steam, top speed is a leisurely 15 mph, though that's in keeping with the marque, since early models were hard-pressed to go much above 40 to 50 mph.

His three grandchildren are big fans of the coal-powered Land Rover, though Rothwell says his wife is less enthusiastic.

"I think it's really good for children of this era to do things like lighting fires and using coal," he says, "because they have little access to using things like that these days."

Jaguar - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Jaguar XJR575 registers for 'Ring taxi duty - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

For $236, you can take a thrilling ride around the Nürburgring in the passenger seat of a high-performance Jaguar.

The British automaker has been offering the service, known as the Jaguar Race Taxi, since about 2012, initially with the XJ Supersport only and later with the F-Type SVRas well.

Now Jaguar has replaced the XJ Supersport with the even faster XJR575, a 575-horsepower super sedan capable of accelerating to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds and reaching a top speed of 186 mph.

The $236 price of admission may seem expensive, especially considering you only get a single lap, but there's a professional driver behind the wheel meaning the lap will be much faster than what you're ever likely to experience on your own. Some of the drivers are veterans of the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, so you know the laps are going to be very fast. Jaguar mentions cornering forces of up to 1.2 g.

And with the XJR575, the admission is for three people, so while it may be slower than the F-Type SVR, which hits 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and tops out at 200 mph, it offers more bang for the buck, since the F-Type SVR can only take a single passenger.

We should point out that the price of the admission also includes a video of the lap with data overlays such as lap time and position, speed, and lateral forces.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1116627_jaguar-xjr575-registers-for-ring-taxi-duty#image=7

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

BMW - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Spy shots and video of possible BMW M4 CSL - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

BMW M engineers are testing an extreme version of the already hardcore M4 GTS at the Nürburgring and on some of the German race track's surrounding roads.

It's impossible to say whether this is a new model in the works or just some routine testing of components, but there's been confirmation from M boss Frank van Meel that hardcore, track-focused models are coming—complete with CSL badges.

"CSL [will be] the top-of-the-line track tool, made on the track for the track, just with a number plate," he revealed during the 2017 Frankfurt auto show.

If you’re unfamiliar with the CSL badge, it stands for “Coupe Sport Lightweight.” The last model the lettering was attached to was the E46 M3, with the CSL cars built in a limited run of just 1,400 units between 2002 and 2004—such tiny numbers make it an exclusive offering, and only the most dedicated opt for the extra expense and somewhat harsher and noisier ride characteristics.

The M4 GTS tester shown here very much fits van Meel's description of future CSL models; that's right, there will be more than one. The car is fitted with numerous new aero elements including the obligatory high-downforce rear wing. There are also new vents in the front fenders and Michelin's brilliant Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires attached to the wheels.

We suspect the cabin has been stripped of all but the bare essentials in an effort to save weight. You'll also notice that the car has been fitted with the M4 GTS's roll cage.

There aren't any clues about what's residing under the hood, but the standard M4 GTS's engine should suffice for track duty. Recall, the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-6 pumps out 493 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque thanks to a little help from its water injection system, or enough for a 7:27.88 'Ring time.

Should BMW M be working on an M4 CSL, we're likely to see the car arrive in the first half of 2019. It will be a fitting farewell to the current-generation 4-Series which is due to be replaced in the next couple of years.

Stay tuned.

Source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1117444_spy-shots-and-video-of-possible-bmw-m4-csl

by Vinesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Mercedes, BMW, Range Rover - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Happy 4th of July - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

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Mercedes Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City -Jon Olsson's topless Mercedes-Benz G550 4×4 is ridiculous - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Jon Olsson is doing everything right. The man knows how to enjoy life, and part of that involves taking a car and modifying it in a way that works for him. The latest example of this is Olsson's Mercedes-Benz G550, which has been transformed into a roofless go-anywhere mobile.

It has a name. The massive rig is called Lord Hans, and it's the fanciest beach cruiser you're going to find. The roof was removed because Jon couldn't park the truck in any Monaco parking garage. Now it fits, and it's become a one-of-a-kind truck in the process.

Fitting with the Monaco ideal, you'll find teak decking installed and sourced by a boat builder. The wheels come straight from an AMG 6x6, and they lend more credence to the "safari style" the boys in the video keep referencing. Further reinforcing that idea is the fact that the second row of seating sits slightly higher than the front seats.

There is more than enough lighting to illuminate all of Monaco, and the sound will also keep the city awake. When the throttle is punched, the brutish rig sounds off authoritatively. An Akrapovic exahust system has been installed. It's a unique setup that is controlled through an app. It takes the truck from fairly loud to in your face shouty.

As insane as the Monaco car scene tends to be, this one is going to stand out amongst any supercars. It's massive. It's loud. It's covered in winter camo, just like all of the other cars in Olsson's fleet. In fact, this one may be his wildest build yet and we're completely in love with it.

On top of all of that, the truck is still useful. Olsson uses the truck to haul boxes, and there's room on the rear teak deck and the nose. It's luxurious, outrageous, yet it's still a useful truck.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1117478_jon-olssons-topless-mercedes-benz-g550-44-is-ridiculous

by Jeff Glucker

http://www.boscheuropean.com