March 2, 2016

(Chevrolet images)
This is the all-new 2017 Corvette Grand Sport. “We didn’t hold back with the new Grand Sport,” said Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer. “For the first time, buyers can equip the Grand Sport with a Z07 performance package – which adds carbon-ceramic brakes, Michelin Sport Cup 2 summer tires, and carbon-fiber aero package that delivers true downforce.” It is powered by the 460HP LT1 V8 with dry-sump lubrication and active exhaust. Engineers adapted the chassis tuning, upgraded cooling systems and performance technologies of the Corvette Z06 to give the new Grand Sport capability commensurate with its racing-derived history. The Grand Sport with the Z07 package is less than one second off the track record for the previous-generation Corvette ZR1 on the road course at GM’s Milford Proving Ground. Grand Sport models are offered with the Stingray’s full exterior and interior color palette. An available Heritage package includes hash-mark fender graphics in six colors, with the hash-mark detail carried onto the interior’s brushed aluminum trim. Full-length stripes are also offered. The Corvette Grand Sport coupe and convertible go on sale this summer in the U.S. and in the fall in Europe. The Grand Sport Collector Edition (shown) features an exclusive Watkins Glen Gray Metallic exterior with Tension Blue hash-mark graphics, satin black full-length stripes, black wheels and a unique Tension Blue full leather and suede-wrapped interior. Chevy PR minions say that the "Tension Blue color is a bold, modern take on the hue historically associated with the Grand Sport" (that's a stretch, not even close in fact, but whatever). Inside, a three-dimensional representation of an original Grand Sport race car is embossed in the headrests and that shape is also used on an instrument panel plaque that carries a unique build sequence number. The Collector Edition will be offered later in the model year in the U.S. and Europe.

(Porsche images)
Porsche has introduced the new 911 R in Geneva. This car is apparently the answer to critics who suggest that the 911 is too big and nothing like the original. That's true, but this car is supposed to change that perception. The 2016 Porsche 911 R "follows the tradition set by the first road-homologated race car bearing the name in 1967," according to Porsche PR minions. Produced as part of a limited production series, the original 911 R (R for Racing) was entered in rallies, in the Targa Florio and in world record runs. Like its legendary predecessor, the new 911 R "features a systematic lightweight construction, a high level of performance and an unfiltered driving experience." The 911 R is limited to 991 units worldwide, and represents the lightest available version of the 911 with a curb weight of just 3021 pounds. Powered by a 4.0-liter, naturally aspirated flat-six engine (from the 911 GT3 RS) developing 500HP at 8,250 rpm with 338 lb.-ft. of torque at 6,250 rpm - and coupled to a six-speed manual transmission only - the 911 R "underscores Porsche’s commitment to building emotional and engaging high-performance sports cars with a maximum amount of driving pleasure." Developed by Porsche’s motorsport department, the 911 R is the third model to use Porsche’s latest generation of high-performance naturally aspirated flat-six engines alongside the track-bred 911 GT3 and 911 GT3 RS models. Okay, 3021 pounds and 500HP? I guess we can overlook the fact that the 911 is too big...

The 911 R is equipped with full bucket seats with carbon fiber backrests and seat centers upholstered in houndstooth design, paying homage to the original 911 of the 1960s. There's a “911 R-specific” GT Sport steering wheel measuring 14.1 inches in diameter. Gearshifts can be carried out via a shortened, R-specific gear lever. Carbon fiber interior trim strips with an embedded aluminum badge on the passenger side indicate the limited production number of the 911 R. A feature typical of Porsche's GT cars, the conventional handles are replaced with door opening loops.

The 911 R can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 3.7 seconds and reach a top track speed of 200 miles per hour. Other stuff? Specially tuned standard rear-axle steering; mechanical rear differential lock; standard Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) system with 16.1" front and 15.4" rear rotors; ultra-high performance rubber (245 millimeters, front/305 millimeters, rear) mounted on forged, lightweight 20-inch wheels with a matte aluminum finish and center locking hubs. The Porsche Stability Management (PSM) has been specifically calibrated for the 911 R by Porsche’s motorsport department. A rev-match function, which can be activated at the touch of a button, is a standard feature, while a single-mass flywheel is available as an option, sharpening the responsiveness of the engine even further. A front-axle lift system can also be optionally equipped to maximize everyday practicality: it can increase the ground clearance of the front axle by approximately 1.2 inches at the touch of a button.

Porsche took the "lightweight" aspect of the 911 R seriously. It is 110 pounds lighter than the 911 GT3 RS. The front luggage compartment lid and the front fenders are made of carbon fiber, while the roof is made of magnesium, lowering the vehicle’s center of gravity. Reduced interior insulation and the omission of rear seats also help to reduce weight. The 911 R comes standard without an air conditioning or audio system, although they can be ordered at no extra charge. The 2016 Porsche 911 R can be ordered now, reaching U.S. dealers late this summer. The starting MSRP is $184,900, excluding the $1,050 destination charge.

(Volkswagen)
VW calls this the T-Cross Breeze, the first convertible SUV in the Polo class, where an "SUV and convertible blend to become a cool, affordable compact car." We call it the latest entry into "The Answer to the Question that Absolutely No One was Asking" sweepstakes.

(Audi)
This is the Audi Q2. Audi PR minions say it's for "an off-road adventure or for everyday driving in a big city." They also call it "Youthful and provocative." We don't care.

(Rolls-Royce Motor Cars photos)



Editor-In-Chief's Note: This is what Rolls-Royce says: “Black Badge is an attitude to life, an aspect of the Rolls-Royce brand that appeals to those people who are elusive and defiant, the risk takers and disruptors who break the rules and laugh in the face of convention. They are driven by a restless spirit. They play hard and they change the world. Technically and aesthetically Black Badge is the alter ego of Rolls-Royce, darker, more assertive, more confident and powerful, and more demanding. With Black Badge we have created the most commanding presence on the super-luxury landscape. It is a truly transformative moment for our great brand.” -Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. This is what I say: WTF? Rolls-Royce is doing a "black" edition like every other lame-ass car company that is out of ideas? Way to lower your brand down to the lowest common denominator, Torsten. What a bunch of unmitigated bullshit. -PMD

(Bugatti images)
Ladies and gentlemen, introducing the quintessential definition of stupid money: This is the Bugatti Chiron, touted as "the world’s most powerful, fastest, most luxurious and most exclusive production super sports car" according to Bugatti PR minions. The Chiron is powered by a 8-liter W16-cylinder engine with 1,500HP and 1,600 Nm of torque between 2,000 and 6,000 rpm. The Chiron accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 2.5 seconds with a maximum speed of 420 km/h, limited for road travel. The production build of the Chiron will be limited to a series of 500 units, with a market launch beginning next fall. Base price? $2.6 million. 

(Photos courtesy of Aston Martin The Americas)
This is the Aston Martin DB11. The first product launched under the company’s "Second Century" plan, the new DB11 is lighter, stronger and more space efficient with its bonded aluminum structure, and more aero too. It is also the most powerful DB with its new, in-house-designed 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 delivering 608PS (600BH) and 700Nm. Top speed? 200 mph with 0-62 mph happening in 3.9sec. The company is saying that it is the most significant new Aston Martin since the introduction of the DB9 in 2003. Who's to argue?

(Lamborghini)
This is the Lamborghini Centenario, which was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show. Its naturally aspirated V12 delivers 770HP, making it the most powerful car ever offered by Lamborghini. And with its carbon fiber monocoque chassis and body, the weight to power ratio is 1.97 kg/hp. Other stuff?  Rear-wheel steering, advanced aerodynamics, touchscreen access to connected infotainment: internet, web radio, telemetry and Apple CarPlay (Really? Who cares?). Lamborghini will build just 20 coupés and 20 roadsters - they're all sold in case you're wondering - at a starting price of $1.9 million.

(Concours of Elegance)
The Concours of Elegance 2016 at Windsor Castle is shaping up to be the biggest and most diverse yet. In conjunction with Her Majesty The Queen’s 90th birthday, the organizers say that 60 of the finest cars in the world will – as ever – be the main focus (a glimpse of the 2015 show is shown, above). In addition, some of the UK’s top car clubs will also be bringing 90 of their best cars each. Concours of Elegance 2016 will also host the RAC Club Trophy, Jaguar Trophy and Bentley Trophy. A new supercar exhibit will also make its debut.

Check out the latest episode of The High-Octane Truth on AutoextremistTV below. -WG

Note that this week's episode is a two-parter...you can see Part 2, plus all episodes of AETV, here!