Well Week 39 of 2016 has certainly proved to be a corker, with an impressive new speed record, new model unveils and further developments into automotive technology, this week’s round up is one not to miss.
Bentley Motors announce the Bentayga is now available in Diesel
Bentley Motors today announces full details of the first diesel model in the iconic British brand’s history – the Bentayga Diesel.
At the heart of the world’s fastest and most powerful luxury diesel SUV is an all-new, technologically advanced, triple-charged, 4.0-litre, 32-valve V8 engine. Developing 435 PS (429 bhp) and 900 Nm (664 lb. ft.) of torque, the Bentayga Diesel hits a top speed of 270 km/h (168 mph) and can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds (0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds).
Bentley’s Crewe-based engineers have developed a V8 powertrain to deliver an authentic Bentley driving experience. Peak torque is available from very early in the rev range (just 1,000 rpm), which makes progress in the Bentayga Diesel truly effortless. New clean technology gives the Bentayga Diesel the lowest CO2 emissions of any Bentley, as well as a range of over 1,000 km (621 miles) – allowing owners to, for example, drive from London to Verbier, Bordeaux or the Scottish Highlands on a single tank.
Inside, the Bentayga Diesel retains the innovative features, advanced technologies and handcrafted luxury for which the Bentley Bentayga is renowned.
Wolfgang Dürheimer, chairman and chief executive of Bentley Motors, said: “The Bentayga Diesel represents a moment of immense significance in Bentley’s history, by giving the world its fastest luxury diesel SUV. Immense power, grand touring capabilities and superb refinement – this is a true Bentley. Only Bentley could produce a car so powerful, yet so refined.”
The Caterham Seven accelerated to sold out status in just 7 days
The latest incarnation of the Caterham Seven – the retro-heavy Sprint – has sold out in the space of a week. All 60 of the £27,995 special edition built for the UK and Europe were snapped up within seven days of the car’s unveiling at the Goodwood Revival on Friday, Sept 9.
The car, which features the same three-cylinder, 80hp Suzuki engine as the entry-level Seven 160 and features bespoke styling harking back to the mid-1960s, heralds the start of celebrations for Caterham Cars’ 60 Years of Seven celebrations, which will culminate next year.
Caterham’s Chief Commercial Officer, David Ridley, said: “We have been overwhelmed with the response to the Sprint. We knew of course it was a great product but the reaction we got is unprecedented.
“In a typical year, we’ll sell around 500 cars meaning that, with the Sprint, we’ve sold more than 10% of our annual sales figure in a week. It’s been the perfect scene-setter to our 60 Years of Seven celebrations.”
The 60th car was sold by Caterham at 11am on Friday September 16 but there is still a chance to scoop one of the immensely desirable cars via Caterham’s UK and European dealer network.
Mercedes introduce the E-Class All-Terrain
From unpaved tracks to steep, serpentine snow-bound roads, the new E-Class All-Terrain can tackle routes where conventional estates have to give up, thanks to greater ground clearance and 4MATIC all-wheel drive. Rugged styling and flared wheel arches also give it a tough look. The E-Class All-Terrain makes its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show 2016. The first cars will arrive in the UK from spring 2017, while pricing and specification will be announced in early 2017.
A new record for the Volkswagen Beetle
A specially-tuned Volkswagen Beetle has set a new speed record at the World of Speed event that has long been a tradition at Lake Bonneville in Utah (USA). The Beetle LSR (Land Speed Record) with a turbocharged 2.0-litre direct-injection engine (TSI) drove the fastest speed ever documented for a Beetle, reaching 328.195 km/h (205.122 mph) over a distance of one mile.
Infiniti unveil plan to launch all-new Infiniti InTouch Services
Infiniti will launch its all-new Infiniti InTouch Services with the new Q60 sports coupe, due on sale in European markets soon. The new infotainment features, which ensure Infiniti remains competitive in the premium connectivity arena, improve comfort, convenience and safety, and reflect the brand’s strategy towards customer-centric and premium mobility services that give confidence to the driver.
With faster processing power, Infiniti InTouch can now manage over 250 programmable settings for engine, suspension and steering (accessed through the Drive Mode Selector), seat position, audio and navigation, as well as heating and ventilation. The preferred settings for three drivers can be stored on the Infiniti Intelligent Key.
Q60 owners will be able to access certain vehicle functions remotely using the Infiniti InTouch Services App, which interacts directly with the car. Drivers can easily activate Infiniti InTouch Services and use them through the Q60, smartphone or personal computer.
Introducing the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman
The new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman offers all the style, practicality and fresh-thinking of the Clubman, combined with the high performance and sporting dynamics of the John Cooper Works range.
The result is a unique and exclusive proposition that combines the John Cooper Works-specification engine and corresponding modifications with MINI’s ALL4 all-wheel drive system. In creating this potent model, able to take full advantage of the maximum possible traction in all conditions, MINI has created a powerful but practical vehicle that’s fun to drive in the true spirit of a MINI.
As the latest member of the John Cooper Works family, the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman features all the upgrades already seen on the John Cooper Works Hatch and Convertible models. These include the 231 hp engine with modified MINI TwinPower turbocharger, sports suspension and powerful braking system. A 0-62 mph time of just 6.3-seconds and a top speed of 148 mph is the result, but not at the expense of economy or emissions; with up to 41.5mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions as low as 154 g/km.
The MINI John Cooper Works Clubman is instantly recognisable thanks to its more aggressive front and rear bumpers, and its rear wing. These not only help reduce lift, but in the case of the front section, assist with the additional cooling requirements of the more powerful engine. Unique alloy wheels and John Cooper Works badging also denote the top-of-the-range Clubman, as does the option of the special colour ‘Rebel Green’.
Inside, the John Cooper Works specification includes sports seats, an Alcantara headliner, and a wide array of standard equipment including MINI Navigation, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, and cruise control with brake function. MINI logo projection is also included within the standard package. Beyond that, MINI offers a huge range of personalisation options and further equipment, allowing owners to create their own, unique, MINI John Cooper Works Clubman.
