Special Bikes/Suzuki TU250X Motorcycle

Just getting started in the motorcycle scene? As tempting as they might be, you — and your brains, bones, and organs — are better off skipping the superbike scene and hopping aboard something a little more tame, like the Suzuki TU250X Motorcycle ($4,000). Sporting a stylish retro design, the TU250X features a 249cc four-stroke SOHC engine, a five-speed transmission, a diamond-shaped steel tube frame, front disc and rear drum brakes, and a low 30.3-inch seat height that's great for beginners.

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Special Bikes/Zero Engineering Type 9 Motocycle

Technology developed for and tested in F1 racing often makes its way down to daily drivers. But motorcycles? The Zero Engineering Type 9 Motocycle ($TBA) is proof that what works on four ferociously fast-spinning wheels works on two as well, thanks to a F1-inspired multi-link suspension built from the ground up for a clean look and a superb ride. Other features include a S&S 96" Evo engine, a HD five-speed transmission, and the ability to customize everything from the pegs to the paint job, so your ride is as unique as you.

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Special Cars/Transformers Special Edition Camaro

You don't need to be a fan of Michael Bay's idiotic, explosion-filled Transformers movies to enjoy racing around in a Transformers Special Edition Camaro ($31,650 and up). Available in LT and SS versions, these Bumblebee-inspired rides feature rally yellow paint with black stripes on the hood, roof, decklid, and model-specific high-wing rear spoiler, Autobot logos on the front quarter panels, front headrests, center console lid, and center wheel caps, 20-inch black-painted wheels, black leather interiors with yellow stitching, and optional 21-inch black-painted wheels and a black ground effects package.

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Special Cars/2014 Jensen Interceptor

Another day, another celebrated automotive classic making a comeback. The 2014 Jensen Interceptor ($TBA) is a modern version of the hand-built British original, with an angular design that recalls the four-seat grand tourer of the late '60s and early '70s. Details are slim, but we do know that it will feature an all-new aluminum chassis, a handcrafted aluminum body, and plenty of power, and we also know that it it looks anything like this mockup, we'll be wanting one in our driveways.

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Special Cars/Maserati GranCabrio Sport

Apart from its Trident logo, Maserati has recently been known for making very fast, but slightly feminine, cars. That's starting to change. The Maserati GranCabrio Sport ($TBA) sports a manly, more powerful and fuel-efficient version of Maserati's all-alloy 4.7-litre V8, good for 450 horsepower and a top speed 177, along with the ZF six-speed automatic transmission, a revised version of the Skyhook active-suspension system, new grooved and drilled dual-cast brake discs, and more masculine bodywork — because you don't want to be seen driving the same car as Gabby from Desperate Housewives.

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2012 Dodge Charger SRT8/ Review

Ralph Gilles, SRT brand president and CEO, calls the Dodge Charger SRT8 the extrovert of the 2012 SRT8 class--and with good reason. The aggressive SRT exterior treatment includes a gloss black grille, sculpted hood with black air exhauster, rear spoiler and dual four-inch exhaust tips make the car look menacing.

But with any SRT vehicles, it begins with the engine. A new 6.4-liter Hemi V8 powers the menacing sedan, replacing the previous 6.1-liter Hemi V8. With a total of 470-hp and 470 lb-ft of torque on tap, it provides and additional 45 hp and 50 lb-ft of torque over the old powerplant. Power is up, but fuel efficiency also improves with a new active valve exhaust system (as found all 2012 SRT8 models) to allow the Hemi to operate in four-cylinder mode over a wider rpm range. Bolted to the V8 is the tried and true five-speed automatic with manual shift function.

On the suspension front, 2012 marks the additional of a new adaptive damping suspension offering two modes: auto and sport. Auto monitors speed, steering angle, brake torque, throttle and acceleration and adjusts damping accordingly, while sport locks in a stiffer, track-ready setup.

SRT partner, Brembo, provides four-pot brakes at all corners, with the entire package riding on 20-inch, split five-spoke forged wheels with black painted pockets.

Touches in the cabin included the leather-wrapped, flat-bottom SRT steering wheel with paddle shifters, aluminum interior trim and heavily bolstered SRT front bucket seats. An updated Performance Pages readout can be seen on the standard 8.4-inch color touchscreen, which has been upgraded to include steering angle, horsepower and torque outputs and various gauges.

While the Charger SRT8's suspension tuning isn't as aggressive as the Challenger's, it still helped the Charger blaze around California's Willow Springs Raceway with little trouble. In corners, the car stays natural and easily sticks to your desired line and is never a handful. As in the 300 SRT8, with sport mode engaged, the traction aids allow for a good amount of slip before cutting in to kill the party. There's very little roll to speak of in turns, and the Hemi V8 brings plenty of power. Upshifts from the five-speed autobox were quick while using the paddles, but again, the transmission suffers from harsh downshifts without rev matching capabilities. Steering weight is also on the light side. As expected, the Brembo brakes were up to task, easily slowed things down and were good throughout the hot day.

On the road, the Charger SRT8 is quiet and rolls down the ride comfortably. Even in sport mode, the suspension isn't overly harsh with only bigger road hazards able to jolt occupants. In auto, it's even more comfortable.

If you like standout styling and horsepower (and who doesn't?) then yes, the Charger should be your SRT8 of choice. The variable damping suspension opens the SRT8 vehicles up to a broader audience, while keeping the hardcore enthusiast happy. The new Hemi V8 still sounds the part under wide-open throttle, but is quiet and docile when you're idling around town.

Now if SRT figures out a way to add rev matching to the transmission and tune in a little more weight into the steering, it would really have a winner on its hands.

2012 Dodge Charger SRT8

Base Price: $48,000 (est)

Drivetrain: 6.4-liter 470-hp, 470 lb-ft V8; five-speed automatic

Curb Weight: 4,365 lb

0-60 mph: 4.8 sec (est)

Fuel Economy (EPA): 16 mpg (est)

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Special Bikes/Harley-Davidson Iron 883

Blacked-out from fender to fender, the 2009 Harley-Davidson Iron 883 ($7,900) is an affordable, no-frills chopper that's begging to be customized. The latest Harley Dark Custom motocycle, the Iron 883 offers plenty of old-school, anti-plastic style, including front fork gaiters, a drag-style handlebar, side-mount license plate holder, a chopped rear fender, a straight cut shorty dual exhaust, and 13-spoke cast aluminum wheels (19-inch front, 16-inch rear) with a fat 150 mm rear tire. The bike is powered by the impressive Evolution 883cc V-Twin engine.

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special cars/2011 Ferrari SA Aperta

Another auto show, another awesome Ferrari that hardly anyone will ever get to drive. The 2011 Ferrari SA Aperta ($TBA) is a super-sexy drop-top version of the company's 599 GTB Fiorano, named for legendary designers Sergio and Andrea Pininfarina, and sporting a front-engine V12, virtually no ground clearance, integrated roll-bars, a very light soft top meant for emergency use only, and stiffness and weight similar to that of the hard-top version thanks to some fancy engineering. Unfortunately, only 80 are being made, and all 80 have already been sold.

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Special Cars/Lexus IS Convertible

Lexus has finally chopped the top off its entry-level IS, and the result is nothing short of slam-on-the-breaks sexy. The Lexus IS Convertible ($38,500 and up) features gorgeous looks with performance to back them up. Powered by a 3.5- or 2.5-Liter V6 producing 306 or 204 hp respectively, the drop-top IS also features a retractable hard top, six-speed paddle-shift sequential automatic transmission, 17-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels, push-button start, dual-zone climate control, iPod connectivity, an eight-speaker sound system, Bi-Xenon headlamps, LED taillights, an Adaptive Front Lighting System that helps illuminate around corners, an optional HDD nav system, and more.

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Cool Rides/Royal Enfield Classic 500Royal Enfield Classic 500 Motorcycle

Royal Enfield Classic 500

Who said that a bike had to look futuristic to look cool? The Royal Enfield Classic 500 Motorcycle ($TBA) defies this convention while sporting a definite retro look. Powered by a single-cylinder 500cc unit-construction engine with an integrated assembly for the five-speed gearbox and clutch, the Classic 500 features electronic fuel injection to keep the perfect air/fuel balance, a top speed of over 80 mph, a spring-saddled split seat, an oval toolbox, and WWII-era styling in a body completely cast and formed in crafted metal

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Cool Rides/Fisker Karma Plug-in Hybrid

Fisker Karma Plug-in

When it debuted in 2008, we were intrigued — a guy with Bimmer and Aston Martin credentials building his very own hybrid. Now it's 2010, and the very first factory-built Fisker Karma Plug-in Hybrid ($80,000) is rolling off the line. It still makes it from 0-62 in 5.9 seconds and hits a top speed of 125 mph thanks to its 403hp powerplant, while offering fuel economy of 100 mpg and looks worthy of a luxury car design legend.

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Cool Rides/Harley-Davidson FXS Blackline Softail

Harley-Davidson FXS Blackline Softail

Ready yourself for Spring with the new Harley-Davidson FXS Blackline Softail ($15,500 and up). A creation of the company's Dark Custom movement, the FXS redefines the Softail with features like a bobbed rear fender, an asymmetric five-gallon Softail fuel tank, a compact headlight and speedometer for a more custom look, the lowest two-up seat (only 24-inches off the tarmac) ever offered by Harley-Davidson, paired with new Split Drag handlebars, black-rimmed, laced wheels, and a Twin Cam 96B V-Twin engine dressed in black and silver. Just one more thing to look forward to once the sun and warm weather decide to return.

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Special Cars/Hennessey Venom GT

It's one thing to build a supercar from the ground up. It's something else to take a sports car, break it apart, lengthen it, and put it back together with a different engine inside. Yet that's exactly the case with the Hennessey Venom GT ($TBA). Limited to just 10 per year, the ultra-exclusive Venom GT is based on the Lotus Elise, but is powered by the Corvette ZR1's supercharged 6.2 liter LS9 V8. Hennessey has tuned the stock engine's output up to 725hp, but will also offer twin-turbo versions putting out 1,000 and 1,200hp, respectively. Other Ferrari-fighting features include a six-speed Ricardo gearbox, 15-inch carbon ceramic brake rotors, a programmable traction control system, an active aerodynamics system with adjustable rear wing, and massive Michelin PS2 tires. The Bat signal awaits.

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2012 Volvo C30 /Review

With the C30, Volvo made its debut in the segment for two-door premium cars. The sporty design, with two doors, four individual seats, and a glass tailgate, gives a young and dynamic group of customers "a Volvo of their own".

The C30 personality has been boosted with a new, confident front, a bold styling kit for those who want even more attitude - and a new razor-sharp sports chassis.

EXTERIOR

The Volvo C30 displays clear elements of other classic Volvo models with a sporty pedigree, such as the Volvo 1800 ES. Anyone who recalls the acclaimed Volvo SCC (Safety Concept Car) will recognise the exclusive and convenient glass tailgate.

The grille has a unique pattern with the enlarged iron mark in the centre. The air intake resembles that of the XC60. Viewed from the side, the pronounced wheel housings and the sloping roof give the C30 a fast silhouette that is further enhanced by the markedly boat-shaped side windows. This has been created through the narrowing roof and the wide shoulders. The shoulders at the rear are powerfully rounded and accentuated by both the horseshoe-shaped lighting pattern of the tail lamps and the glass tailgate.

INTERIOR

Four-seater with iconic centre stack

The C30 has room for four adults thanks to the two separate seats in the rear, with generous head- and legroom. The rear seats are slightly centred to provide a feeling of space and a good forward view. It also makes communication between front and rear occupants much easier.

The space between the seats also makes the thin, visually floating centre stack clearly visible from the outside through the glass tailgate.

The interior is inspired by Scandinavian product design with the emphasis on uncluttered surfaces, honest materials and functionality.

Guitar-inspired centre stack

Volvo's ultra-thin centre stack is available in a Oyster Burst Déco version, inspired by the surface texture of the classic Swedish Hagström guitars that became world-famous in the hands of stars such as Elvis Presley back in the 1950s.

The centre stack's floating theme flows smoothly with similar elegant soft curves all the way to the rear seat. The storage space between the seats has also been designed with the help of Scandinavian design tradition's most renowned hallmark - smart functionality.

The sliding cover over the larger storage compartments, in which there are also two holders that provide secure support for large and small cups, is complemented by a flexible armrest for the driver.

Audio and information

The Volvo C30 can be equipped with Bluetooth® technology that enables wireless communication. The Bluetooth connection has been upgraded to allow not only hands-free phone conversations but also music streaming from your preferred Bluetooth enabled portable music player. Volvo is actually the only brand to offer Bluetooth music streaming throughout the entire vehicle range.

The High Performance and Premium Sound systems have a USB port, making it easy to attach an iPod® or other MP3 player or even a digital camera to the audio system.

Keep in touch via mobile application

New is also a mobile application that makes sure that the driver can stay in touch with the parked car via an iPhone or Android smart phone. The mobile application is an extension of Volvo On Call, which is presently available in 12 European countries plus Russia and Brazil.

Now, the system has been reinvented. Owners of all new Volvos from Model Year 2012 with Volvo On Call can download the new application that opens up a range of connectivity possibilities. The mobile app is free and downloaded via the iPhone and Android application stores. The app is designed to offer the owner an intuitive, easy-to-use relationship with the car from a distance.

CHASSIS

Thanks to its small size, the Volvo C30 is very nimble to handle, even in limited space. It is built according to the same principles as the rest of the cars in the Volvo range.

A very torsionally rigid body, a wide track and a relatively long wheelbase all help give it responsive and stable driving characteristics.

The chassis, with spring struts at the front and Multilink axle at the rear, is set up for controlled, reassuring driving manners and alert steering response. The Multilink rear axle is an independent rear suspension system featuring a number of links and it is designed to offer a good combination of controlled wheel movements and a high level of ride comfort.

DSTC standard

Volvo's advanced DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control) stability-enhancing system is fitted as standard. DSTC intervenes and helps stabilise the car if it registers any tendency to skid.

Optional sports chassis

The optional sports chassis (also available together with R-Design) has been modified in several areas. The steering is more precise owing to the installation of stiffer bushings. The steering ratio is lower, giving 10 percent faster response to steering wheel input. Spring stiffness has been increased by no less than 30 percent in order to improve the car's poise in enthusiastic driving. The dampers are also stiffer and the exclusive mono-tube technology builds up pressure much more quickly. The roll stabilizers are stiffer to reduce any leaning tendency when cornering.

The new sports chassis makes the C30 a better-balanced and more agile car. Road contact is more distinct and feedback from the wheels is faster and clearer, promoting a more alert feeling while driving. This is something that also benefits safety.

DRIVELINE

Transverse engines

The engines in the Volvo C30 are transversely installed in-line units. Together with large displacement, the five-cylinder configuration provides high torque across a broad rev band, and thus also swift acceleration and excellent driveability within a wide speed range. Four-cylinder engines are also available.

T5 with 230 hp The Volvo C30 T5 is the top model, featuring a turbocharger and five-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual gearbox. It produces 230 hp and 320 Nm of torque.
Other petrol engine versions are also available, as well as a 2.0-litre bio-ethanol Flexifuel variant on certain markets.

2-litre diesel The five-cylinder 2-litre turbodiesel introduced in the all-new Volvo S60 is now available throughout Volvo Cars' model range. The five-cylinder D3 is in principle the same engine as the well-established 2.4-litre diesel, but its displacement has been reduced with a shorter stroke to optimise fuel consumption. The engine has been optimised for low fuel consumption and the injection system has a different type of piezoelectric fuel injector compared with the D5 engine. These injectors minimise consumption with exceptionally rapid and precise injection pulses under high pressure. This promotes extremely efficient combustion.

In the Volvo C30 the 2-litre turbodiesel is available in two variants:

D4 with 177 hp and 400 Nm of torque.

D3 with 150 hp and 350 Nm of torque.

Both the D3 and D4 meet the Euro 5 emission standards. All the variants of the two-litre turbodiesel can be specified with a six-speed automatic transmission or six-speed manual gearbox.

D2 with 114 g CO2 emissions

The S40 is in addition available with the 1.6-litre D2 diesel engine, which also complies with the Euro 5 standards. Fuel consumption is 4.3l/100 km (EU Combined), which corresponds to CO2 emissions of 114 g/km.

The engine produces 115 hp and 270 Nm of torque and now comes with a six-speed manual gearbox.

DRIVe with 99 g CO2 emissions

The can also get the upgraded 1.6-litre diesel engine that meets the Euro 5 exhaust emission regulations being implemented in January 2011. The further-developed engine combined with a six-speed manual gearbox and start/stop function keep CO2 emissions down to 99 g/km.

SAFETY AND SUPPORT

IDIS promotes safer driving

Volvo Cars has developed various information systems and functions designed to help the driver while on the move. One such system is IDIS (Intelligent Driver Information System), which for instance delays incoming phone calls in complex traffic situations that require the driver's undivided attention.

Systematic safety approach

Protective safety in the Volvo C30 is structured around a network consisting of exterior and interior safety systems that interact with one another to reduce the risk of occupant injury in a collision.

The body of the Volvo C30 features immense torsional rigidity and the car has a sturdy chassis, a combination that results in consistent, predictable behaviour on the road.

Incoming collision forces are distributed so the passenger compartment remains as intact and undamaged as possible. The car's body is therefore built in the form of a metal cage made from different grades of steel, where all the components interact with one another to ensure controlled deformation.

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Chevrolet Traverse/ Auto Review

Chevrolet Traverse is an expressively styled, well-equipped crossover that offers the people-hauling and cargo-carrying capability typically found in larger SUVs – all delivered with more efficiency.

A technically advanced 3.6L V-6 with direct injection technology and variable valve timing is matched with a six-speed automatic transmission to help the Traverse deliver an EPA-estimated 24 mpg on the highway (FWD models).

Since it entered the market, the Traverse has quickly become one of the most popular competitors in the segment, selling more than 91,000 in 2009 – its first full year on the market.

For 2011, Traverse continues to be offered in LS, LT and LTZ models, in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations.

Product highlights include:

* Four-wheel independent suspension system

* StabiliTrak electronic stability control system

* Family of 17-, 18- and 20-inch wheels

* Second-row Smart Slide seat feature, for easy access to the third-row seats

* Rear-seat entertainment system with second-row controls

* Six standard air bags, including side curtain air bags that deploy over all three seating rows

* OnStar with Turn-by-Turn Navigation and Direction Download, eNav (with navigation system) and

 Automatic Crash Response

* XM Satellite Radio including NavTraffic real-time traffic feature (with navigation system)

* Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity

* Cruising range of more than 500 miles (800 km)

* Towing capacity of 5,200 pounds (2,358 kg).

Changes for 2011 include available heated cloth seats availability on LT models and a relocated USB port for the radio that provides easier access. Two new exterior colors are also offered: White Diamond Tricoat and Steel Green Metallic.

Traverse design

Chevrolet Traverse has a unique profile with a sleek, smooth and flowing design that characterizes the global face of Chevrolet. Elements such as chrome-ringed grille inserts and large wheel-and-tire combinations highlight the vehicle’s attention to detail. Some of the upscale design details include:

* Deep-set grille inserts with chrome-ringed trim

* Turn signals integrated in the outside mirrors

* Expressive taillamps

* Rear spoiler integrated over the liftgate window

* Roof moldings designed to enhance Traverse’s sleek appearance

* 20-inch machined cast aluminum wheels (standard on LTZ models)

* Dual, bright exhaust outlets

* Panoramic, power-operated sunroof.

Like the exterior, the Traverse’s interior blends refined styling, technology and attention to detail. The instrument panel has a dual-cockpit design that is a hallmark of Chevrolet’s heritage; it flows into the door panels, creating a sleek, highly detailed appearance. The instrument panel is mounted in a “low and away” position that enhances outward visibility.

Useful technology

A comprehensive roster of standard and available amenities complement the Traverse’s exterior and interior design and enhance the driving experience for driver and passengers alike. They include:

* Rear ultrasonic parking assist

* Rearview camera

* Heated, power-adjustable outside mirrors with blind-spot mirrors

* Power liftgate

* Extended-range remote vehicle start

* DVD entertainment system

* DVD navigation system (with OnStar Directions and Connections or eNav and XM NavTraffic)

* Heated and cooled front leather seats

* Heated cloth or leather front seating

* XM Satellite Radio with available real-time traffic feature (with navigation system).

Performance and efficiency

The 3.6L engine’s direct injection technology helps produce power similar to many V-8 engines and uses regular unleaded gasoline. It is rated at 288 horsepower (215 kW)* and 270 lb.-ft. of torque (366 Nm)* with dual exhaust (281 hp/210 kW* and 266 lb.-ft./361 Nm* with single exhaust). Ninety percent of the engine’s peak torque is available from approximately 2,500 rpm to more than 6,000 rpm.

The 3.6L engine is mated to the Hydra-Matic 6T75 six-speed automatic transmission, an advanced transmission with clutch-to-clutch shift operation for front- and all-wheel-drive vehicles. It also offers automatic grade braking, shift stabilization and precise shift control.

The available intelligent all-wheel-drive (AWD) system provides increased traction on slippery roads by actively managing the torque distribution between the front and rear axles, based on factors such as wheel speed, throttle and surface conditions. There is no driver intervention; the system automatically decides how much torque to apply and delivers it to the wheels that have the best traction.

Chassis and suspension

Traverse rides on a long 118.9-inch (3,019 mm) wheelbase, with a wide 67.8-inch (1,721 mm) front track and 67.4-inch (1,712 mm) rear track – a combination that lowers the center of gravity and enables smooth, stable ride and handling. Sharp reflexes are also supported by independent front and rear suspensions.

The front suspension features a MacPherson strut design, with a direct-acting stabilizer bar and aluminum knuckles. Isolated mounting points help reduce noise and vibration. The rear suspension uses a compact, state-of-the-art linked “H” design, which uses an isolated mounting system to reduce noise and vibration transmitted to the passenger compartment.

Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering is standard, with variable-effort steering available. The suspension and steering systems meet the road via 17-, 18- or 20-inch wheels, depending on the model, while four-wheel anit-lock disc brakes are standard on all models.

Additional features include:

* Dynamic Rear Proportioning

* Hydraulic Brake Boost

* Panic Brake Assist

* StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with rollover mitigation technology

* Traction control system

* Tire pressure monitoring system.

Safety features

The Traverse has 360-degree safety system that helps protect passengers before, during and after a crash, including anchor pretensioners for outboard occupants and pelvic-thorax seat-mounted side air bags. The structure is reinforced in numerous areas with high-strength steel, including a stiff steel cross-car beam welded across the floor between the B-pillars. It also uses dual-phase steel in select areas, such as the lower engine compartment rails. Dual-phase steel is strengthened in the paint oven and offers easier formability, reduced mass, greater strength and better crash energy absorption than most high-strength steels.

Traverse is equipped with six standard air bags: two dual-stage frontal air bags for the driver and front passenger, two seat-mounted pelvic-thorax side-impact air bags in the first row and two head curtain side-impact air bags that cover all three seating rows. The head curtain side air bags are among the longest air bags in any production vehicle.

Complementing the air bags is GM’s rollover sensing system, which can activate the head curtain side-impact air bags and safety belt pretensioners if sensors determine a rollover is imminent. In the event of a rollover, the air bags stay inflated longer to improve occupant containment. Dual front-seat safety belt pretensioners (anchor and retractor) also are part of the Traverse’s standard safety equipment.

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The New Bentley Continental GTC/Review

• Bold, contemporary, sculpted design employing advanced production technology.

• Sensuous, luxurious, hand-crafted cabin with class-leading infotainment.

• Coupe-like refinement with unrivalled comfort and practicality.

• More powerful 6.0-litre W12 engine with FlexFuel capability, delivering exhilarating performance.

• Uprated chassis for a more dynamic and engaging open-top driving experience.

The second generation of Bentley’s iconic Continental GTC convertible will debut at next month’s International Automobile Exhibition (IAA) in Frankfurt.

Taking cues from its GT coupe sibling launched last year, the new Continental GTC builds on the highly successful foundation of the previous cabriolet, which premiered in 2006. Bentley’s design and engineering teams have improved virtually every aspect of the iconic convertible with an uncompromising focus on quality.

While the first Continental GTC was elegant and understated, the sharper radii and assertive stance of the new model delivers a more contemporary and muscular presence. Advanced manufacturing techniques produce aluminium front wings without the need for seams or welds creating the look and feel of a coach-built car. Twenty-inch wheels are now standard with three styles of 21-inch wheel, a first for GTC, available as an option, reinforcing the distinctive, sporting stance of the new Bentley.

The four-seater luxury convertible features a new, even more spacious and sumptuous hand-crafted cabin, with soft-touch leather hides, an extensive range of wood veneers, cool-touch metals and deep-pile carpets. There are 17 standard soft-touch leather hide colours with six colour split combinations, complemented by a range of seven veneers, all produced by Bentley’s talented craftsmen and women.

The GTC’s renowned coupe-like refinement is also enhanced. The tailored, multi-layered fabric hood is complemented by acoustic glass and under-body panels, for optimum noise isolation.

Superb everyday practicality for a luxury convertible was a hallmark of the original GTC and much valued by its customers. The cabin of the new GTC is now even more practical, with additional rear legroom, new storage solutions and innovative features such as touch-screen infotainment, automatic seat-belt presenters and a Bentley-designed Neck Warmer for comfortable roof-down motoring whatever the temperature.

A wider track, front and rear, sharper steering and retuned suspension provides a more exhilarating and class-leading drive. Bentley’s advanced all-wheel drive system features a new 40:60 rear torque bias (compared with 50:50 of the original GTC) minimising understeer during hard cornering and allowing the spirited driver to manage the car’s line and balance via precise throttle control.

This compelling dynamic package is combined with a more powerful 6.0-litre, twin-turbocharged W12 engine as well as a new QuickShift transmission enabling faster gear changes than ever before. Power output is raised from 560PS to 575PS (567bhp/423kW) and the famed Bentley ‘wave of torque’ has been increased by a further 50Nm to 700Nm (516lb ft).

“The GTC has always been the most emotional model in the Continental range and a showcase for Bentley design. With its tailored soft top, the GTC is a pure British convertible true to those classic Bentleys of the past. However, the technology, performance and overall design excellence invested in this model means that we are now writing a new chapter for the Bentley convertible driver.” Wolfgang Dürheimer, Chairman and Chief Executive, Bentley Motors.

The Bentley Continental GTC is now available to order and first customer deliveries will begin in late 2011.

Pricing Information

POUNDS STERLING - £149,350

US DOLLAR - $212,800 MSRP

EURO - €170,060

RENMINBI - RMB 3,838,000

YEN - ¥26,400,000

THE NEW CONTINENTAL GTC – AT A GLANCE

Sculpted exterior design

>Advanced production techniques such as aluminium Super Forming (front wings) allow for a more sculpted body and sharp ‘power lines.’
>Unique jewelled headlamps with LED daytime-running lights.
>More upright matrix radiator grille and new ‘double horseshoe’ rear profile first shown on the flagship Bentley Mulsanne.

Luxurious, practical, hand-crafted cabin with class-leading infotainment

>New interior with a bold, sweeping dashboard and instrument panel finished in premium soft-touch leather.
>Choice of 17 hide colours, six colour split combinations and seven veneers.
>Distinctive ‘cobra style’ seats for added comfort and enhanced rear cabin space.
>A new touchscreen, 30GB infotainment system introduces advanced satellite navigation with dynamic route guidance, seven-digit postcode entry and Google Map compatibility (market specific).
>Audio systems feature the latest wide-frequency Balance Mode Radiator speakers as standard.
Revolutionary Dirac Dimensions™ DSP for exceptional sound reproduction (Naim for Bentley premium audio).

More powerful 6-litre W12 engine with FlexFuel capability

>6-litre W12 engine twin-turbocharged engine produces 575PS
(567bhp/423kW) and 700Nm (516lb ft) of torque.
>FlexFuel capability – runs on E85 biofuel, petrol or any combination of the two.
0 – 60mph 4.5 secs (0-100 km/h 4.8 secs).
0 – 100mph 10.9 secs (0 – 160km/h 10.9 secs).
>Top speed 195 mph (314 km/h).

Dynamic Bentley driving experience

>ZF 6HP28 transmission with ‘Quickshift’ system that cuts shift times by up to 50% and enables double downshifts.
>New 40:60 rear-biased torque split for the all-wheel drive system reduces understeer when powering out of bends and provides for better modulation of line and attitude by ‘throttle steering.’
>Increased front and rear track improves grip and stability.
>Advanced ESC system fully exploits the potential of the more powerful W12 engine and improved chassis.

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Special Cars/Limited Edition Lamborghini Aventador LP760-2 by Oakley Design

Lamborghini has only just launched its new flagship supercar, LP700-4 Aventador, and Oakley Design has already come up with a tuning package for it. Called the Lamborghini Aventdor LP760-2, the car receives various engine and cosmetic revisions.

The V12 unit will receive an ECU remap, a tweaked airbox, new air intake pipping, as well as a titanium exhaust system. This will allow the engine to deliver around 760 hp and 745 Nm of torque. Avid readers will recognise the alteration of the 2 at the end of the Aventador headline, giving away a clue to the car’s driveline change. In standard form the Aventador is four-wheel drive, but Oakley Design thought it needed a bit more excitement so the LP700 has been converted to rear-drive.

The LP760-2 will ride on ultra-light, forged alloy rims, which are 4.0 kg lighter each compared to the stock wheels. The car will keep its factory tires, which means that we’ll get Pirelli PZero rubber (255/35 at the front and 355/30 at the rear).

The Oakley will also tweak the Lambo’s aerodynamics, replacing a part of the car’s parts. Thus, the front and rear fascias will be redesigned to offer better cooling, while the side air intakes will be placed behind the doors and the side skirts will also receive a few touches. All the aforementioned parts will be made of carbon fiber.

Limited to just five cars that sport a unique numbered plaque, three of Lamborghini Aventdor LP760-2 have been already sold. Oakley Design will sell the parts separately however, to anyone who is already bored with the idea of a standard Aventador. [Oakley Design]

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Porsche Boxster S Black Edition – Power of Attraction

Porsche is now offering the Black Edition treatment for the Boxter S, which will be limited to 987 units across the world, and which will go on sale in around two months. Based on the Boxster S, the new Black Edition model upgrades with a host of otherwise optional equipment, including the Design, convenience and infotainment packages, fitted as standard.

Each car is finished in black and features the same, uprated 320bhp version of the 3.4-litre flat-six engine that powers the Boxster Spyder. That means the Black Edition will sprint from 0-62mph in 5.2 seconds with a six-speed manual gearbox, 5.1 seconds if you opt for the seven-speed PDK twin-clutch box and just 4.9 seconds if you stump up for the Sport Chrono Package Plus.

Exterior tweaks include black paint, a black set of the Boxster Spyder’s lightweight 19in alloys, black Boxster S lettering on the rear luggage compartment lid, Black Edition script on the black fabric hood, plus black roll bars, black air intakes, and black exhaust pipes.

Inside, only black leather is offered with minimal aluminum and stainless steel accents, including the door sill plates that feature Black Edition lettering. Even the dash trim and gauges are black. Some extra custom items include Porsche logos on the headrests and the obligatory limited edition badge on the glove box, indicating exactly which of the 987 units your car is.

Keeping up with design standards, it offers options like the black-painted Design package, convenience package (bi-xenon headlamps, auto-dimming mirrors, automatic climate control) and infotainment package (navigation, Bose surround sound and XM satellite radio with NavTraffic). The kit will be retailed at $65,200 when the car goes on sale this spring.

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