Cadillac. Editor-In-Chief's Note: Word is that Cadillac is scrapping plans to finally build a true flagship luxury sedan - the CT8 - most likely due to the fact that the SUV/Crossover frenzy shows no signs of waning. The design of the CT8 was said to be based on two of the most stunning concept cars of the last ten years, the Ciel and the Elmiraj. This is a car that Cadillac desperately needed, a statement machine that would go a long way toward projecting a new image for the brand, complementing the already stellar image of the Escalade. Now? So much for "Dare Greatly" and the big talk associated with that advertising campaign. What a bunch of unmitigated bullshit. -PMD
(Ford)
The Ford Mustang beat its rivals to become Germany’s No.1 top-selling sports coupe in March, according to data published by German Federal Motor Transport Authority, KBA. “Germans have fallen in love with the Mustang. Driving a Mustang GT on the Autobahn is a one of a kind experience for people who love cars,” said Wolfgang Kopplin, managing Director Ford Germany.
(Bentley)
Bentley has tweaked the Continental GT Speed. The fastest production Bentley (with a top speed of 206 mph) now delivers more power and torque from its 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 engine, producing 642 PS - up from 635 PS - and 20 Nm of extra torque, bringing its total to 840 Nm. This additional torque is applied through the entire rev range and results in even greater acceleration performance, with the 0-60 mph sprint time dropping to 3.9 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.1 secs). Bentley is also introducing the Continental GT Speed Black Edition, which will be available as both coupe and convertible. The Black Edition replaces the exterior bright trim with a high-gloss black finish, including the window openings and lamp bezels. All-black 21” five-spoke directional wheels are included and brake calipers can be specified in red or black finishes. The Black Edition also features contrast colors to the front splitter, side skirts and rear diffuser in four different shades: Hallmark, Beluga, St James’ Red and a new shade, Cyber Yellow. Customers can also specify color-matched door mirrors as a final exterior accent. Because, after all, what good is a ho-hum, civilian Continental GT Speed, right?
(Bentley)
The interior of the Continental GT Speed Black Edition has carbon fiber on the fascia, center and roof consoles, while the seats and center console are bordered by contrasting leather, available in Porpoise, Beluga, Pillar Box Red or new Cyber Yellow to match the exterior styling accents, if you're feeling especially sporty. Corresponding contrast stitching accentuates the diamond quilting of the doors and Mulliner GT Design seats as well. Paul Jones, Product Line Director for Continental GT, had this to say: “We have developed the GT Speed Black Edition to meet demand from customers for a model in the Continental line that offers both increased sporting capabilities and instantly recognizable styling cues. The Black Edition has a subtle but purposeful look that is backed up by exceptional performance.” Well, if you say so, Paul, but this wouldn't have anything to do with extracting every last possible dollar from your buyers, would it? No, of course not, how could we think such a thing? The new GT Speed and GT Speed Black Edition models are available to order now, with customer deliveries this summer.
(Chevrolet)
Want the first retail production 2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Collector’s Edition? It will be auctioned Friday, April 8, in lot No. 3003 at 6 p.m. EDT at the Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach, FL, Auction. One hundred percent of the sale price from the auction will benefit the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute. Chevrolet is donating the first retail production, VIN #001 – of the all-new Corvette Grand Sport Collector’s Edition – in support of Karmanos Cancer Institute’s 34th Annual Dinner, which will be held Saturday, April 16, at Michigan Motion Picture Studios in Pontiac, Mich. In addition, the GM Foundation has once again made a significant grant of $400,000 to also fund cancer research at Karmanos. Those unable to attend the Palm Beach Collector Car Auction may bid online at www.barrett-jackson.com. To register, call 480-421-6694 or email absentee@barrett-jackson.com. Since this is a charity sale, Barrett-Jackson will waive all buyer and seller fees. The winning bidder will receive a letter of authenticity.
(Ford)
The 2017 Shelby GT350 Mustang gets some new features: Standard Track Package featuring aluminum tower-to-tower brace; high-downforce decklid spoiler; engine oil, transmission and differential coolers; MagneRide™ damping system; and three new colors – Ruby Red Metallic, Lightning Blue and Grabber Blue – replace Deep Impact Blue and Competition Orange. There are two new available packages - the Electronics Package includes SYNC® 3, voice-activated navigation and nine-speaker audio system, while the Convenience Package includes the same options, and replaces manual Recaro seats with leather-trimmed power sport seats. The available audio system upgrades from seven to nine speakers with the Electronics Package, Convenience Package and the R-Electronics Package.
Editor's Note: “The Decision” is the first of five video shorts from the Ford Motor Company about the development of the Ford GT. It features Bill Ford Jr., Raj Nair, Dave Pericak and Edsel B. Ford II, who attended the 1966 race with his father, Henry Ford II. The shorts will culminate in one long-form documentary that will follow the development of both the Street Car and Race Car version of the Ford GT from the decision to build the cars to the return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans. (The Autoextremist makes a cameo appearance as well.) Watch it here. -WG