Tuesday
May082018
MAY 9, 2018
Tuesday, May 8, 2018 at 08:01AM Editor-in-Chief’s Note: It’s official: The Detroit Auto Show is now a Tier 2 regional event. Audi just announced that it is pulling out of the show, joining BMW, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Mitsubishi, Porsche and Volvo. What now? A new show date in June or October, ending the traditional January weather nightmare, and then a long, slow road back to respectability. -PMD
(Rolls-Royce images)
When Rolls-Royce announced three years ago that it would launch Cullinan, it insisted that its customers around the world had asked it to build “The Rolls-Royce of SUVs,” with luxury, performance and usability not seen before in the SUV market. We're not sure that's exactly true, however. Let's just say Rolls-Royce operatives wanted a piece of the hyper-luxury SUV segment, and they weren't going to let Bentley and Lamborgini have that niche to themselves. This is what Rolls-Royce PR minions say:
“The super-luxury lifestyle is evolving and Rolls-Royce is in the lead. Luxury is no longer an urban concept. More and more it is about embracing and experiencing the wider world. Our customers expect to go everywhere in luxury, effortlessly and without compromise, conquering the most challenging terrain to enjoy life’s most enriching experiences, wherever they may be. For this reason, they have asked us to create a Rolls-Royce that offers uncompromised luxury wherever they dare to venture. Cullinan is that car. It is Effortless, Everywhere."
Here are the details, according to Rolls-Royce (with our comments): Rolls-Royce PR minions say, "The most anticipated car of 2018 and, quite possibly, the most anticipated Rolls-Royce of all time." (Uh, how about no?) It is named after the largest diamond ever discovered, which now resides in the British Crown Jewels. (We did not know that.) An all-terrain high-bodied car that makes the idea of authentic, luxury off-road travel a reality for the first time. Luxury travel is now Effortless, Everywhere. (For the first time? Uh, no. And "Effortless, Everywhere" - ? Pay attention, that's the Cullinan's tagline.) Contemporary and functional design ensures Cullinan gains iconic status in the face of increasingly bland SUV designs. (Okay, that's a stretch.) It's the first “three-box” car in the SUV-sector. Cullinan’s rear partition wall creates a distinct environment for passengers, separated from the luggage compartment. (Huh.) It's the most practical of Rolls-Royces. Cullinan is the most versatile, family oriented, fun-to-drive super-luxury SUV available today. (Is this really what we want from a Rolls-Royce?) It's the second new Rolls-Royce to sit on the all-new aluminium ‘Architecture of Luxury,’ Cullinan is the most technologically advanced, and only purpose-built, luxury SUV in the world. (Land Rover, Lamborghini and Bentley might take issue with that description.) Tested to destruction all over the planet, Cullinan is an incredibly capable off-roader that sees the development of the ‘Magic Carpet Ride’ for off-road enjoyment, without sacrificing any Rolls-Royce on-road behaviour. (We'll see. Wait a minute, no we won't. We'll never get near one.) Cullinan offers a suite of Bespoke features developed specifically for the many various lifestyles of its owners including the Viewing Suite and the Recreation Module. (Whatevs.) The 6.75 litre twin-turbo V12 Rolls-Royce engine delivers 563HP and 627 lb-ft of torque to the all-new all-wheel drive, all-wheel steer system. (563HP? We likey.) And finally, A century-long pedigree of adventurous quests and campaigns successfully carried out across all terrains thanks to the luxury offered by a stout vehicle that was swift, stealthy and dependable. “A Rolls in the desert is above rubies” – T.E. Lawrence. (Kudos to the Rolls-Royce PR minions for quoting T.E. Lawrence. Well done.)
When Rolls-Royce announced three years ago that it would launch Cullinan, it insisted that its customers around the world had asked it to build “The Rolls-Royce of SUVs,” with luxury, performance and usability not seen before in the SUV market. We're not sure that's exactly true, however. Let's just say Rolls-Royce operatives wanted a piece of the hyper-luxury SUV segment, and they weren't going to let Bentley and Lamborgini have that niche to themselves. This is what Rolls-Royce PR minions say:
“The super-luxury lifestyle is evolving and Rolls-Royce is in the lead. Luxury is no longer an urban concept. More and more it is about embracing and experiencing the wider world. Our customers expect to go everywhere in luxury, effortlessly and without compromise, conquering the most challenging terrain to enjoy life’s most enriching experiences, wherever they may be. For this reason, they have asked us to create a Rolls-Royce that offers uncompromised luxury wherever they dare to venture. Cullinan is that car. It is Effortless, Everywhere."Here are the details, according to Rolls-Royce (with our comments): Rolls-Royce PR minions say, "The most anticipated car of 2018 and, quite possibly, the most anticipated Rolls-Royce of all time." (Uh, how about no?) It is named after the largest diamond ever discovered, which now resides in the British Crown Jewels. (We did not know that.) An all-terrain high-bodied car that makes the idea of authentic, luxury off-road travel a reality for the first time. Luxury travel is now Effortless, Everywhere. (For the first time? Uh, no. And "Effortless, Everywhere" - ? Pay attention, that's the Cullinan's tagline.) Contemporary and functional design ensures Cullinan gains iconic status in the face of increasingly bland SUV designs. (Okay, that's a stretch.) It's the first “three-box” car in the SUV-sector. Cullinan’s rear partition wall creates a distinct environment for passengers, separated from the luggage compartment. (Huh.) It's the most practical of Rolls-Royces. Cullinan is the most versatile, family oriented, fun-to-drive super-luxury SUV available today. (Is this really what we want from a Rolls-Royce?) It's the second new Rolls-Royce to sit on the all-new aluminium ‘Architecture of Luxury,’ Cullinan is the most technologically advanced, and only purpose-built, luxury SUV in the world. (Land Rover, Lamborghini and Bentley might take issue with that description.) Tested to destruction all over the planet, Cullinan is an incredibly capable off-roader that sees the development of the ‘Magic Carpet Ride’ for off-road enjoyment, without sacrificing any Rolls-Royce on-road behaviour. (We'll see. Wait a minute, no we won't. We'll never get near one.) Cullinan offers a suite of Bespoke features developed specifically for the many various lifestyles of its owners including the Viewing Suite and the Recreation Module. (Whatevs.) The 6.75 litre twin-turbo V12 Rolls-Royce engine delivers 563HP and 627 lb-ft of torque to the all-new all-wheel drive, all-wheel steer system. (563HP? We likey.) And finally, A century-long pedigree of adventurous quests and campaigns successfully carried out across all terrains thanks to the luxury offered by a stout vehicle that was swift, stealthy and dependable. “A Rolls in the desert is above rubies” – T.E. Lawrence. (Kudos to the Rolls-Royce PR minions for quoting T.E. Lawrence. Well done.)
(Mercedes-Benz images)
In case the idea of a 2019 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe isn't quite enough to suit your special tastes, there will be an exclusive special Edition 1 model. It's got the usual assortment of trick stuff, starting with 21-inch AMG cross-spoke forged wheels with black accents, and super-slick paintwork in designo Graphite Grey Magno. The AMG Aerodynamics Package includes a larger front splitter and integrated flics in the front bumper, an optimized diffuser and a fixed rear spoiler, the angle of which can be mechanically adjusted. The driver will be able to adjust the balance of lift and the driving characteristics to suit individual preference or specific circumstances. The AMG Aerodynamics Package also contributes to a lower Cd value, despite the higher downforce. This combination improves both longitudinal and lateral dynamics as experienced by the driver on the road or race track.
The interior features AMG Performance seats in Exclusive Nappa leather in Magma Grey/Black with yellow contrasting topstitching, AMG Performance steering wheel in DINAMICA microfiber with yellow contrasting topstitching and AMG Matte Carbon-Fiber trim.
The Edition 1 features the most powerful version of the handcrafted AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine with an output of 630HP and 664 lb-ft of torque. This allows a top speed of 195 mph and standing start to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds.
In case the idea of a 2019 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe isn't quite enough to suit your special tastes, there will be an exclusive special Edition 1 model. It's got the usual assortment of trick stuff, starting with 21-inch AMG cross-spoke forged wheels with black accents, and super-slick paintwork in designo Graphite Grey Magno. The AMG Aerodynamics Package includes a larger front splitter and integrated flics in the front bumper, an optimized diffuser and a fixed rear spoiler, the angle of which can be mechanically adjusted. The driver will be able to adjust the balance of lift and the driving characteristics to suit individual preference or specific circumstances. The AMG Aerodynamics Package also contributes to a lower Cd value, despite the higher downforce. This combination improves both longitudinal and lateral dynamics as experienced by the driver on the road or race track.
The interior features AMG Performance seats in Exclusive Nappa leather in Magma Grey/Black with yellow contrasting topstitching, AMG Performance steering wheel in DINAMICA microfiber with yellow contrasting topstitching and AMG Matte Carbon-Fiber trim. The Edition 1 features the most powerful version of the handcrafted AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine with an output of 630HP and 664 lb-ft of torque. This allows a top speed of 195 mph and standing start to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds.
(VW images)
Volkswagen will present the new Golf GTI TCR Concept at this year’s GTI Meeting at Wörthersee from May 9-12. The new top GTI has a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, which delivers 286HP, with maximum torque of 273 lb-ft produced from 1,600 rpm. Power is transmitted to the front wheels via a standard 7-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential. The factory-set maximum speed is 155 mph, but this can be increased to 164 mph by opting to remove the electronic top-speed limiter. Jürgen Stackmann, Sales, Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, said: “At the moment, the Golf GTI TCR Concept – an athlete derived from racing – is a study. But at the end of the year, we want to make this GTI vision come true.” The new top Golf GTI model has 18-inch “Belvedere” forged aluminum-alloy wheels as standard, with newly designed 19-inch alloys as an option. If desired, a package will be available that removes the speed limiter, adds 19-inch wheels and a sports chassis setting with DCC® adaptive damping. Externally, the super GTI has a new front bumper, a sharply contoured front splitter, new side skirt extensions and a rear diffuser with integrated exhaust pipes. TCR lettering above the side skirts is also featured, along with optional GTI-style honeycomb trim for the side of the vehicle. Will they build it? Yes. Will we be able to get it here? We'll see.
Volkswagen will present the new Golf GTI TCR Concept at this year’s GTI Meeting at Wörthersee from May 9-12. The new top GTI has a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, which delivers 286HP, with maximum torque of 273 lb-ft produced from 1,600 rpm. Power is transmitted to the front wheels via a standard 7-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential. The factory-set maximum speed is 155 mph, but this can be increased to 164 mph by opting to remove the electronic top-speed limiter. Jürgen Stackmann, Sales, Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, said: “At the moment, the Golf GTI TCR Concept – an athlete derived from racing – is a study. But at the end of the year, we want to make this GTI vision come true.” The new top Golf GTI model has 18-inch “Belvedere” forged aluminum-alloy wheels as standard, with newly designed 19-inch alloys as an option. If desired, a package will be available that removes the speed limiter, adds 19-inch wheels and a sports chassis setting with DCC® adaptive damping. Externally, the super GTI has a new front bumper, a sharply contoured front splitter, new side skirt extensions and a rear diffuser with integrated exhaust pipes. TCR lettering above the side skirts is also featured, along with optional GTI-style honeycomb trim for the side of the vehicle. Will they build it? Yes. Will we be able to get it here? We'll see.
The sport seats have unique microfiber and fabric covers, with a red central motif that is repeated with the contrast stitching on the steering wheel and shifter. When the doors are opened, the TCR logo is projected on to the ground and the stainless steel rocker trim has a red illuminated element.