Mercedes - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Mercedes - AMG rolls out a sharper GT3 race car for 2020 motorsport season - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Mercedes-AMG on Friday unveiled an updated version of its GT3 race car.

The GT3 was introduced for the 2016 motorsport season, and in its first year took out the 24 Hours of Nürburgring endurance race. This year's running of the gruelling race, scheduled for this weekend, will be the scene of the debut of the updated version.

The updated GT3 won't race until the 2020 motorsport season, with AMG aiming to start deliveries to customer teams by the end of 2019. Teams buying the car can look forward to improved performance coupled with lower running costs.

A redesign of the front section offers better protection for front-mounted components like the radiator. Aero elements like the front splitter and rear wing have also been tweaked so that they can be adjusted much faster than before.

2020 Mercedes-AMG GT3 race car

New technologies include an automatic data logger and analysis system, a function to automatically start the engine when the car is lowered from its in-built air jacks, and brake and traction control systems designed to suit the latest generation of competition tires.

Rather than use the GT road car’s 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8, the engineers have stuck with the 6.3-liter V-8 of the current GT3. AMG cited low operating costs, long service intervals, user-friendly technology and, not least, great reliability as key reasons for staying with the previous engine. Connecting the engine with the gearbox is a driveshaft and torque tube composed of carbon fiber.

Finally, the exterior of the car has been updated to match the latest design found on the 2020 GT road car, with the key details being the new lights and enlarged grille.

The price tag for the 2020 GT3 in its standard setup is 399,000 euros (approximately $451,740). The good news for teams running the existing GT3, AMG will offer an upgrade package for the older cars to bring them up to the same specifications of the 2020 GT3.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1123722_mercedes-amg-rolls-out-a-sharper-gt3-race-car-for-2020-motorsport-season

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Jaguar - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Jaguar F-Type to receive electrification, digital dash - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

It's hard to believe that the Jaguar F-Type has been on sale since the 2014 model year as the sultry sports car is still one of the best-looking options in its segment.

Jaguar is now working on a major update for the car, with electrification, a digital dash, and revised styling all in the pipeline.

Autocar on Thursday posted spy shots of a prototype that reveals the updated car will sport slimmer, wraparound headlights instead of the current model's tapered design. The hood and front fascia will also be massaged to fit the new lights, while at the rear the taillights will be tweaked to match the design on the updated 2020 XE.

Jaguar Land Rover inline-6 engine

The British publication also reported that Jaguar will finally ditch the supercharged V-6 used in the F-Type in favor of an electrified inline-6 powertrain that's already been announced by Land Rover for some 2020 models. In the 2020 Range Rover, the powertrain offers outputs of 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque in P360 guise and 395 hp and 406 lb-ft in P400 guise.

The powertrain is a mild-hybrid setup combining a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 with a beefed-up electric starter motor that can aid the engine during high loads and recover energy under braking and coasting. There's also an electric compressor that helps build boost pressure before revs rise and the conventional turbocharger takes over.

Unfortunately, the replacement of the old V-6 may mean the end of a manual transmission in the F-Type, as the engine is the sole unit currently offered with the 3-pedal option.

2020 Jaguar F-Type Checkered Flag Edition

As for the interior, Autocar reported that a digital instrument cluster will finally make its way into the F-Type, along with an updated infotainment system with a larger touchscreen display. More electronic driver aids should also feature in the car.

The updated F-Type is expected on the market in 2020, meaning we'll likely see it arrive as a 2021 model.

The changes will allow Jaguar to bide its time until a successor can be developed, possibly with a battery-electric powertrain. It's a good call as Jaguar Land Rover this week announced a $4.6 billion loss for the previous financial year, meaning the automaker must focus on more profitable models in the immediate future.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1112896_jaguar-f-type-to-receive-electrification-digital-dash

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Audi - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - 2019 Audi A6 Allroad ready for the family holiday - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Audi on Wednesday unveiled a redesigned A6 Allroad, though sadly there's no word on whether the soft-roader will end up in the United States.

We get an A4-based Allroad here, but Audi offers Allroad versions of both the A4 and A6 in other markets. The A6 Allroad is designed to go up against the Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain and Volvo V90 Cross Country.

The redesigned A6 Allroad is based on the fifth generation of Audi's mid-size A6 that was launched here in sedan form for 2019. Underpinning the range, including the Allroad, is the latest evolution of the Volkswagen Group's MLB platform for front- and all-wheel-drive cars with longitudinally mounted engines. The platform brings weight savings, extra space in the cabin, and compatibility with plug-in hybrid options.

2019 Audi A6 Allroad

In the A6 Allroad, there's also increased ground clearance (7.3 inches at maximum height) and adaptive air suspension with self-levelling, providing buyers with an alternative to the ubiquitous crossover SUV. Other Allroad traits include steeper approach and departure angles, under-body protection, and hill descent control and tilt angle assist.

Just one powertrain has been announced, though it offers three outputs. It's a 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 diesel that in its most potent guise delivers 349 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, the engine sees the A6 Allroad hit 62 mph in 5.2 seconds and tow up to 5,000 pounds. And to help boost economy, the engine is fitted as standard with mild-hybrid tech. This consists of a belt-driven electric motor-generator that serves as the starter motor and recovers energy under braking. The setup also allows the A6 Allroad to coast with the engine switched off over wide speed ranges.

In markets where it will be offered, the A6 Allroad will be available from July. It's actually been 20 years since the arrival of the first A6 Allroad, and to celebrate Audi will offer a special version of the latest model with black accents on the exterior, a unique wheel pattern, and black trim in the cabin.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1123424_2019-audi-a6-allroad-is-ready-for-the-family-holiday

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

BMW - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - BMW M chief says M8 will be fastest BMW ever around the Nürburgring - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

The 2020 BMW M8 will be top dog within the M division, and brand even thinks it'll be able to hunt down Porsche 911 Turbos.

Head of M, Markus Flasch, told Australian website Whichcar the M8 is the M division's "ultimate performance machine," and it will absolutely be the fastest BMW ever around the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Whether the M division is prepared to chase 'Ring records is unclear, but it's highly unlikely the beefy coupe will dethrone the current 'Ring king: the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ.

As for the 911 Turbo, we don't know what the rival German brand has prepared for its next-generation model. The current 911 Turbo makes a healthy 540 horsepower, while we expect the forthcoming car to make something closer to 600 hp. The M8 makes 600 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, but the power figure climbs to 617 hp with the M8 Competition model. Nevertheless, Flasch said test drivers have called the car a "Porsche Turbo killer."

2020 BMW M8

The M chief also underscored the M8 is not just an M5 with two fewer doors. Instead, engineers designed the suspension and chassis for a totally different experience. Further, the center of gravity is almost an inch lower than the standard 8-Series, and drivers will plant themselves into a lower position when stepping inside. That lower center of gravity would certainly be important for taking on the 911 Turbo, which follows a different, more sports car-oriented form factor with its smaller size and rear-engine layout.

2020 BMW M8

Perhaps the M division will push the M8 even faster with the onset of electrification. Flasch noted the performance division is running electrified prototype cars, including 48-volt systems, plug-in hybrids, and battery-electric powertrains. As soon as the electrified technology is ready for M, it'll arrive. We could see a 48-volt hybrid system augment M-division cars with added torque, horsepower, and efficiency to start.

Flasch is the new kid on the block at M after taking over duties from former M boss Frank van Meel. Notably, in May Flasch didn't totally dismiss the idea of an M supercar or hypercar down the road. So far, there hasn't been a solid business case for one. However, he hinted M and i could team up for a low-emissions hypercar in the future and suggested cooperation is key to fulfill internal desires for an even higher performer than the M8.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1123592_bmw-m-chief-says-m8-will-be-fastest-bmw-ever-around-the-nrburgring

by Sean Szymkowski

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Aston Martin - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Aston Martin starts pre-production of DBX SUV in Wales - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

After scouring the world for the ideal spot to build its first SUV, the DBX, Aston Martin in 2016 finally settled on St Athan, at the southern tip of Wales.

The automaker looked at locations in China and even the United States but by picking Wales, it means the cars can remain quintessentially British, a trait many Aston Martin customers cherish.

The St Athan plant, built within the confines of a former aircraft hangar, has now started churning out pre-production examples of the DBX. The first of these, still camouflaged, was shown on Wednesday. A full reveal is set for later this year.

Pre-production vehicles are used for final testing as well as for certification and registration purposes. They also provide plant employees with an opportunity to iron out any production snags before customer examples start rolling down the line.

Pre-production of Aston Martin DBX at plant in St Athan, Wales

The plant currently has 200 employees but this will be expanded to about 750 once full production gets underway, currently scheduled for the first half of 2020. Aston Martin will also use the plant for Rapide E production, and later two models from Lagonda.

While Aston Martin first imagined the SUV as an EV, that has changed due to the automaker's revival of Lagonda as an EV brand. The DBX is now expected to debut with a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 sourced from Mercedes-AMG. A hybrid powertrain utilizing a new V-6 developed in-house at Aston Martin is also a possibility.

The SUV is the fourth of seven cars promised under Aston Martin's Second Century plan. The first was the DB11, which has since been followed by a redesigned Vantage and new DBS Superleggera.

After the DBX will be a mid-engine Vanquish supercar around 2021, a Lagonda SUV around 2022 and a Lagonda sedan around 2023. Aston Martin will then repeat the seven-car cycle with redesigned models, and along the way we'll also see special models like the Valkyrie and 003 hypercars.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1117751_aston-martin-starts-pre-production-of-dbx-suv-in-wales

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Range Rover - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Land Rover thinks a temperature-controlled steering wheel could cut distractions - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

  

Land Rover believes its latest steering wheel technology could reduce distracted driving, and all it takes are some heating and cooling elements.

The "sensory steering wheel," as JLR calls it, was revealed on Wednesday. The system works by either rapidly heating or cooling a side of the steering wheel to let drivers know when they need to make a turn as part of a navigation route. To JLR, the heating and cooling keep drivers focused on the road. Often, drivers take their eyes off the road briefly to check a screen for a driving route. The automaker's research has also shown audible alerts and vibrations sometimes prove more distracting behind the wheel. In the research, drivers responded well to the heating and cooling feedback.

When the driver approaches the street or junction where he or she needs to turn, the steering wheel can warm or cool itself by 43 degrees Fahrenheit to alert the driver to make the turn. JLR underscored the sensation happens quickly, and it would need to. We imagine many scenarios in which the sensation is prolonged or vague that could create confusion as to which junction or street is the appropriate path.

According to the company, the system is also beneficial in poor weather. For example, the sensory feedback could help drivers during heavy rain or fog to know where the correct turn is. 

The automaker added the same elements could be added to gear shift paddles for cars that could switch into a self-driving mode. Drivers would know when the car has totally taken over control through the heating or cooling effect. JLR also imagines the technology as a warning for low fuel or a means of calling out points of interest on the navigation map.

JLR didn't say it has any plans to implement the technology in the near future, but it's an interesting, if unproven, way to help curb distracted driving.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1123345_jaguar-land-rover-thinks-a-temperature-controlled-steering-wheel-could-cut-distractions

by Sean Szymkowski

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Mercedes - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Power move: AMG's new turbo-4 aims higher with more horsepower - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

A smaller package just got a bigger bang.

On Friday, Mercedes-Benz AMG unveiled its most power-dense engine yet, a 416-horsepower turbo-4 destined for the automaker’s 45 Series line sometime soon.

The 2.0-liter turbo-4 is the replacement for the 381-hp engine found underhood the CLA45, GLA45. The new engine, which comes in two tunes including a 382-hp base version and a 416-hp S version, uses a more efficient turbocharger and upgraded cooling to improve performance and could arrive in future AMG 45-Series cars including the GLA45, CLA45, and A45—perhaps more.

The new turbo-4 uses a new all-aluminum cylinder block with identical dimensions to the outgoing engine, and most of its components are new. Compared to the outgoing version, the new engine is flipped in the engine bay and places the turbochargers and exhaust manifold closer to the firewall with the intake up front. It’s an evolution of the AMG principal, “Hot stuff and cold stuff don’t mix,” although it created very specific problems.

AMG M 139 Engine

Hot and cold

Namely, cooling the new engine with turbos placed so far into the engine bay was a significant challenge, according to engineers. The new engine features separate cooling systems for the block and the cylinder heads, 18% larger exhaust valves, and a specially designed engine cover that redirects air toward the turbochargers for more cooling. The air conditioner can also further cool the engine. The cylinder coating is slicker too, and the 0W-20 oil it uses in is a lower viscosity for better cooling. The electronic wastegate, which is more efficient this time around, was designed to handle more heat.

At its heart, new turbos force-feed the turbo-4 more air for bigger power. The compression ratio was increased from 8.6:1 to 9.0:1, and although its 416 hp (in S versions) was rated with 95-octane fuel, AMG said when it arrives in the U.S. the new engine should rate well on 93-octane gasoline—even run on lower octane fuel if needed. The new turbochargers spin up to 169,000 rpm and create 30.5psi of boost pressure, compared to 26.1 psi for the outgoing turbocharger. That’s partially due to roller bearings used in the twin-scroll turbo that let it spin more freely, similar to the AMG GT 4-Door Coupe’s twin-scroll turbos found in the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8.

When it was announced, the outgoing engine’s 187.5 hp per liter of displacement in the GLA45 and CLA45 was the most power dense production engine on the planet. The new engine unveiled Thursday takes over that top spot and is the most powerful production turbo-4 built from a mainstream automaker with 208 hp per liter

The new turbo-4 also debuts AMG’s newest production process that still pairs one engine technician with one engine, but partially automates the manufacturing process with carts and tools that travel along the production line with engineers automatically.

AMG’s Chief Operating Officer Emmerich Shiller said the new process is 25-30 percent more efficient for the engine builders who take about two hours to hand-build each turbo-4 engine.

AMG M 139 Engine

Power to the people

When the engines first appear in AMG 45 Series cars later this year, their power delivery could surprise fans of the small cars. That’s because the outgoing engine in the GLA45 and CLA45 had a flatter torque curve that arrived quickly and stayed flat throughout most of the rev range.

The new turbo-4 has a more linear torque curve this time, with an initial surge of torque arriving at roughly 2,000 rpm and building toward its peak of 369 pound-feet at around 5,200 rpm (354 lb-ft at 4,800 rpm in the base version). The outgoing engine’s 350 lb-ft arrived at 2,000 rpm and stayed flat until 5,000 rpm.

"We already set the benchmark in the segment with the preceding engine,” AMG boss Tobias Moers said. “Not only is the output per liter unrivalled for a turbocharged engine, the high level of efficiency also demonstrates that the internal combustion engine still has further potential."

The new engine also revs more freely, too. The engine revs up to 7,200 rpm, higher than the outgoing model, and it makes up to 416 hp at 6,750 rpm in S versions, 382 hp in base versions.

AMG didn’t say anything about the new turbo-4’s future, but compared to the twin-turbo V-6 found in 43 Series models, the new engine can make more horsepower and nearly the same amount of torque.

We’ll know more when the engine hits the streets in the U.S., which should be later this year.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1123468_power-move-amgs-new-turbo-4-aims-higher-with-more-horsepower

by Aaron Cole

http//www.boscheuropean.com

Jaguar - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City -Jaguar's 592-horsepower XE SV Project 8 now in extra spiffy Touring spec - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

The Jaguar XE SV Project 8 launched in 2017 is the fastest 4-door production car around the Nürburgring, with Jaguar having taken the super sedan on a flying lap of the notorious German racetrack in a time of only 7:21.23.

Only 300 were built, but now Jaguar has unveiled a slightly more special version dubbed the Touring, which will see the production run extended by 15 more cars. The XE SV Project 8 Touring is a slightly more civilized version, which will appeal to buyers who may want to daily drive the car.

The most notable change is the more discrete rear spoiler which replaces the oversized carbon fiber wing on the original car. We're told the adjustable front splitter of the original has also been replaced by a new fixed unit, and the interior is only available in a 4-seat configuration. The original could be ordered with a roll cage replacing the rear seats, though this option was never offered in the United States.

2018 Jaguar XE SV Project 8

No change has been made to the powertrain which consists of Jaguar Land Rover's 5.0-liter supercharged V-8 mated to an 8-speed automatic and all-wheel-drive system. The engine dishes out 592 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque and will rocket the car from 0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds and to a governed top speed of 186 mph.

Plenty of other improvements adorn all of the XE SV Project 8s, too. The 8-speed has been upgraded to improve shift quality and, for example, can handle extreme downshifts from eighth to second gear in 200 milliseconds. Plenty of aluminum and carbon fiber has also been utilized to keep the car's overall weight as low as possible—though it still tips the scale at 3,850 pounds—and extensive body modifications have been made to house a widened track. Every body panel apart from the front doors and roof is new.

Exclusivity and high performance are never cheap, so expect the price tag to match or perhaps even exceed the $188,495 of the original. No word yet if any of the build slots are earmarked for the U.S.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1112921_jaguars-592-horsepower-xe-sv-project-8-now-in-extra-spiffy-touring-spec

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Audi - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Audi TT Safari turns the sport coupe into an off-road monster - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

The Audi TT Safari isn't a toy, it's a real-life machine the brand showed off at this year's Wörthersee GTI car meet in Austria. Might we add, it looks awesome.

Social media posts from Audi about the car's debut, translated from German, claim the TT Safari boasts new fender flares to house massive off-road tires, a re-imagined grille ready for the unbeaten path, off-road lights in the grille, and a storage center located where the rear window would be for spare tires. Basically, the rear looks like Audi decided to carve out an area similar to a pickup truck—and that's really cool in our books.

Audi TT Safari concept

The entire car is also wrapped in a black, yellow, white, and red livery that would look even better with some dirt and mud splashed all over it.

Inside, the same yellow cues can be found. The steering wheel, seats, accent stitching, and other bits of trim sport the same bright yellow hue. A closer look reveals a yellow-tinted windshield, purely for cosmetic effect. It's not very functional, but it does look pretty cool.

The fun concept has zero shot at making it past this full-scale concept stage. Audi recently confirmed the current TT would reach the end of the line soon. Instead, an electric spiritual successor of sorts will take its place in the future. It's not clear if the electric car will be another sports car or embody the TT in another way. Nevertheless, we dig the TT Safari concept. A lot.

The Wörthersee GTI meet wraps up on Saturday.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1123298_audi-tt-safari-turns-the-sport-coupe-into-an-off-road-monster

by Sean Szymkowski

http://www.boscheuropean.com

BMW - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - BMW reveals redesigned 2019 1-Series hatchback - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

The BMW 1-Series hatchback has always been somewhat of an oddity in the world of compact cars, as it has always been offered with a sporty rear-wheel-drive layout and available inline-6 engines. This isn't the case for the third-generation model that was unveiled on Monday.

The new 1-Series hatchback rides on a front-wheel-drive platform, specifically BMW Group's FAAR platform whose first application is the new hatch. The platform is an update of the UKL design found in the BMW X1 and X2, with improvements made to weight reduction and compatibility with electric powertrains.

By using the FAAR platform, the new 1-Series hatchback sees improvements in space thanks to transverse engine mounting and a low center tunnel. BMW said space is up both in the cabin and the trunk compared to the outgoing 1-Series hatch. The automaker confirmed 1.18 inches more knee room in the rear and an extra 0.7 cubic feet in the trunk, and only a 5-door body is being offered this time around.

A downside of FWD vehicles compared to those with rear drive is understeer, where a vehicle tends to turn less into a corner as the front wheels are the first to lose grip. Among the solutions aimed at preventing this is what BMW calls actuator contiguous wheel slip limitation, or ARB for short.

2019 BMW 1-Series hatchback

The technology already features in the i3 and works with the stability control to help prevent the wheels slipping by reducing power quicker than most stability control systems can on their own. On top of this is a yaw control system that further aids the handling by braking a wheel that's slipping. Of course, all-wheel drive is also available on some models in the new 1-Series range.

Another downside of the platform switch is the farewell to inline-6 engines, due to the transverse engine mounting. As expected, the most potent engine in the new 1-Series hatchback is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 delivering 306 horsepower. It features in the all-wheel-drive M135i xDrive, which also comes with a standard 8-speed automatic and limited-slip differential. Other models feature less powerful gasoline and diesel powertrains.

2019 BMW 1-Series hatchback

Inside is a digital instrument cluster and large infotainment screen. Controlling the vehicle can be handled via buttons on the steering wheel and center console, or through the touchscreen capability of the infotainment screen or natural-speak voice activation or various hand gestures.

BMW also loads the car with a number of useful electronic driver aids, one of which is the reversing assist first seen in the 8-Series flagship. The system can memorize steering movements for 50-meter intervals, when the speed driven is no more than 22 mph, and then execute them in reverse, causing the car to travel along the exact same line it took when moving forward.

2019 BMW 1-Series hatchback

Sales of the new 1-Series hatchback is confirmed for the fall, with a public debut pegged for September's 2019 Frankfurt International Motor Show. While the car isn't expected on sale in the United States, we should see its same technologies featured on those BMWs based on its FAAR platform sold locally. One of these will be a 2-Series Gran Coupe confirmed for November's Los Angeles Auto Show.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1096328_bmw-reveals-redesigned-2019-1-series

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Aston Martin - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Special Honors an Original James Bond Car - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Everyone recalls the Aston Martin DB5 that starred in several James Bond films, with the appearance in 1964's Goldfingerarguably the most famous. Aston Martin is even in the process of building exact replicas of this early movie car, complete with spy gadgets.

However, the DB5 isn't the only Aston Martin driven by Bond in those early films. There was also an original DBS. It appeared in 1969's On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, the one that saw Bond, played by George Lazenby, actually get hitched. The marriage didn't last long as Bond's wife, Tracy, played by Diana Rigg, is killed at the end. She is shot while sitting in the DBS.

Now, 50 years on since the movie's release, Aston Martin has revealed a special edition based on the modern DBS Superleggeradesigned to honor the original DBS on screen. The special edition features the same olive green exterior. The car also dons exposed carbon fiber aero parts, a unique wheel design, and a unique version of the DBS grillle with six bright horizontal strips.

Aston Martin DBS Superleggera special edition

The interior of the car is trimmed in black leather, accented by gray Alcantara, as in the DBS movie car. There are also a few red touches, which were inspired by the red glovebox in the movie car. It's where Bond stored his telescopic-sight rifle. Buyers will also be able opt for a special drinks case that fits two bottles of champagne and four champagne flutes.

There aren't any changes to the mechanicals. The engine is the same 5.2-liter twin-turbocharged V-12 in the regular DBS Superleggera, rated at 715 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque. It connects to a rear-mounted 8-speed automatic via a carbon fiber propshaft and spins the rear wheels only.

Just 50 of the special DBS Superleggeras are destined for production, with the first examples to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2019. Pricing is set at 300,007 British pounds (approximately $381,600) and it isn't clear if any of the cars will be allocated for customers in the United States.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1123195_aston-martin-dbs-superleggera-special-honors-an-original-bond-car

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Range Rover - Repair and Consignment Sales Redwood City - First details on the next Range Rover - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

The Land Rover Range Rover Astronaut Edition is truly limited in scope. Why? The only individuals with a shot at owning it are future astronauts.

The British luxury brand announced the Astronaut Edition on Thursday, and it will be offered exclusively to members of the Virgin Galactic Future Astronaut program. The company, founded by billionaire Richard Branson, aims to provide spaceflights for tourists and also suborbital missions for science. Land Rover has partnered with Virgin Galactic since 2014.

Separating the Range Rover Astronaut Edition from other models is the Zero Gravity Blue exterior color, which takes inspiration from the night sky. Bespoke puddle lamps also produce a silhouette of the Virgin Galactic SpaceShipTwo. Unique exterior badging is also present. The interior features a remarkable nod to Virgin Galactic, however.

Land Rover Range Rover Astronaut Edition

The cupholders are made from pieces of the front landing skid from the company's first space flight in 2018. Portions of the skid were reformed to make two discs within the cupholders. One of the discs also features a quote from Branson, who serves as the company's CEO: "See you up there."

Yet, it doesn't end with the current spaceship skid. Once a customer who takes delivery of their own Range Rover Astronaut Edition takes flight and returns as an astronaut, Land Rover will swap out the cupholder pieces. In place of the original skid discs will be wooden skid from the customer's own spaceship with personalized quotes from his or her experience.

Land Rover Range Rover Astronaut Edition

Other out-of-this-world features include a "DNA of Flight" graphic on the carbon-fiber front console and rear leather armrest, and the Virgin Galactic constellation pattern engraved on the aluminum door handles. The same design is featured on the front headrests and just above the glovebox panel.

The special edition is based on the Range Rover Autobiography, which leaves buyers with two options: a plug-in hybrid powertrain or supercharged V-8.

Those who really want one of these special Land Rovers will have to set their sights high.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1123064_land-rover-range-rover-astronaut-edition-is-for-future-space-explorers
by Sean Szymkowski

http://www.boscheuropean.com