Every week, our German correspondent slices and dices the most recent rumblings, news, and rapid-hit driving impressions from the other side of the pond. His byline might say Jens Meiners, but we just contact him . . . the Continental.
Next year, we will ultimately see the wild Bugatti Veyron 16.4‘s successor in the metal. I hear it’ll be referred to as the Chiron, just like the eponymous 1999 Bugatti concept vehicle styled by Italdesign Giugiaro. You study it right here 1st. In case you have been wondering, the Chiron notion automobile appears to have taken its naming inspiration from early Bugatti racing driver Louis Chiron. Naturally, a cursory Google search returns far more data for a various Chiron, who is apparently a notable centaur from Greek mythology.
No Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster
Hard times lay ahead for the Porsche 911. I have seen its nightmare, and it is the Mercedes-AMG GTS, Benz’s new sports vehicle which is in the middle of a multi-stage launch. Starting with prototype drives and continuing with an ever-rising multitude of information on its powertrain and interior, Daimler is maintaining suspense at a maximum. Complete information right here subsequent week.
Inside, the GTS is beautifully executed, with a stylized NACA duct in the center console and 8 cylindrical buttons mimicking a its engine’s V-8 cylinder arrangement. The most gorgeous detail is the row of buttons positioned above the windshield. It lends a positively aeronautical appear to this currently spectacular interior.
Energy will come from the new M178 twin-turbocharged 4.-liter V-8 engine. Down the road, there will be a GT3 version, which will kind the basis for a client racing series. But there will not be a V-6 engine selection. And if Porsche ever decides to do a 4-banger 911, I am confident that the boys from Stuttgart will have that market all to themselves.
A roadster version of the AMG GTS is practically complete, and at this point it wants little more than an executive yes/no decision. But a decision in the affirmative is unlikely to come, provided that the topless GT would undermine the position of the more prestigious SL. Already beneath stress from the upcoming S-class cabriolet that Daimler R&D board member Thomas Weber confirmed is on its way, an open-best GT is the last factor the ailing SL would require standing beside it in the showroom.
Volkswagen to Empower the U.S.
The U.S. might be Volkswagen’s most tough market of late: Sales are well beneath expectations, and the cars are not in tune with the expectations of the average American purchaser. The design and style is perceived as cold and generic, and there is as well little “news” or pizazz in the brand’s portfolio.
Now leading management has given the U.S.-industry operations a lot a lot more clout. Item cycles will be shortened to 5 years, in a 3–2 pattern: Following a model’s redesign, its 1st main facelift will come after 3 years 2 years later, an entirely new solution will be ready. The first automobile to which this life cycle will apply is the upcoming B-segment SUV, followed by the next-generation Passat. Even ahead of that, in time for the 2016 model year, the present Passat will receive a major face lift. This update will give it a far far more aggressive and contemporary appearance.
To be clear, the new American-marketplace life-cycle technique will not be applied to the brand globally, but they have implications for markets where U.S.-designed models are sold, such as China.
I have received far more intel on the subsequent-gen VW Phaeton, which “is created and finished” as these words are published. Based on the “MLB Evo” platform, the new Phaeton will be provided with several high-powered engines, including a V-8 TDI with about 450 horsepower, a gasoline plug-in hybrid, and a W-12 (!).
Audi News, Electrically Supercharged Edition
Audi has just face-lifted its A6 and A7 models for the European market place, and now I’ve spent some time behind the wheel of the new A7 at the vehicle’s launch in Copenhagen. The updated A7 will come to the U.S. for the 2016 model year. The modifications, which contain new headlights and taillights, bring the car visually closer to the 2009 Sportback idea, which is a excellent point.
The most fascinating model, apart from the ultra-strong RS7, is the A7 Competitors (pictured above), a best-of-the-line diesel model with a twin-turbocharged V-6 TDI. Thanks to much more aggressive timing, optimized turbocharger bearings, and a distinct exhaust downpipe, it tends to make 326 horsepower (up to 346 horsepower beneath overboost conditions). The sprint to 62 mph now takes merely a claimed 5.1 seconds, and leading speed is governed someplace north of 155 mph. (Audi is usually a bit more generous with its limiters than the competitors, so raise your expectations.)
But Audi has however a far better notion: Electric supercharging, which we have described in detail after Audi let us attempt out an RS5 TDI with a twin-turbocharged, 385-horsepower diesel equipped with such a device. In Copenhagen, Audi had a pre-facelift A6 prototype with an electric supercharger for us to attempt, as well. With its engine based on a 3.-liter V-6 TDI with a single turbocharger plus the e-superchargerr, it is rated at a healthier 326 horsepower. The motor does not match the twin-turbo RS5 TDI concept’s sheer upper-rev energy, but it performed just as beautifully at step-off and at low rpm. I can’t wait to see this technology on the road.
A Cool Lada—No, Seriously!
Pretty considerably every person missed out on the Moscow auto show, which is a pity. Lada unveiled the Vesta, a new compact sedan of unprecedented good quality (for the brand) and style. I like Ladas they are truthful cars with character. And the Vesta positive has lots of character.
The Continental: Bugatti Veyron Successor Gets a Name, Topless Mercedes-AMG GTS Appears Unlikely
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