Auto News – Page 893 – Automobiles Review

Twingo Renaultsport R2 Evo

Justin Dale and -driver Andrew Bargery will drive a Twingo Renaultsport R2 Evolution on the opening round of the 2012 MSA British Rally Championship. The race car is based on the successful 1.6 litre model, but it doesn’t have many familiarities. The road going car is entirely modified to meet all rally regulations.

Dale has already complimented the Twingo, having driven Pajunen’s car at a sponsor’s day last year and the R1 variant at this year’s BRC Media Day. He and Bargery will team up after last contesting the BRC in a Clio in 2006 to showcase the new Twingo R2 Evo, which will make its UK debut on the Dorset & Hampshire based event.

Renault UK’s recent registration to this year’s British Manufacturers Rally Championship and the new Twingo Renaultsport Trophy coupled with around a third of the entries on this year’s opening round, underlines the French marque’s commitment to UK rallying.

“We are keen to show off the new Evo version of the Twingo R2 and evaluate its performance on gravel. The British Rally Championship’s move to a two wheel drive formula is important to Renault and we intend to be at the forefront with our range of cars,” commented Renault Sport Technologies Sales Manager Jean-Pascal Jocou, who will attend the event to keep an eye on not only Dale’s progress, but all the Renault competitors.

Rallye Sunseeker International starts on Poole Quay on Friday 24^th February at 18.00hrs with stages throughout Saturday in the forests north of Bournemouth.

Source: Renault

February 14, 2012

Hyundai Sonata featured in the 2012 Greener Choices List

According to “Greener Choices List” for 2012, Hyundai Sonata was recognized for seventh year in a row by the creator of the list, namely – the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE). In addition, the Sonata will be featured in the ACEEE’s Green Book® Online, which resembles an annual consumers’ guide to environmentally-friendly cars and trucks. This is a great acknowledgement for the vehicle and given that it is given to it for the seventh time, makes the model a class-leading car in fuel-efficiency. In addition, the Sonata offers class-above interior volume compared to its key competitors and provides the best fuel economy in the EPA Large Car segment with the exceptional 28 mpg combined fuel economy rating. The “Greener Choices” list is restricted to widely available gasoline-powered cars and light trucks with automatic transmissions. In this way it highlights the widespread availability of environmentally friendly vehicle choices in many segments of the market.

Furthermore the 2012 Hyundai Sonata achieves even more fuel economy. In addition it incorporates more thoughtful and convenient technology, and includes features which are improving the drivers experience from the vehicle. For instance, the Blue Link®, which is a full-service telematics offering, delivers information and access, which were never before found in a Hyundai. What is more in the Sonata, is the large seven-inch touchscreen navigation with HD Radio Technology®. There is also featured a full panoramic sunroof which offers additional amenities within an already well-equipped vehicle.

Source: Hyundai

February 14, 2012

2012 Ford B-MAX to Debut at Mobile World Congress

Ford Motor Company executive chairman Bill Ford will unveil for the first time the all-new 2012 Ford B-MAX on 27^th of February at the 2012 Mobile World Congress, which takes place in Barcelona. Ford actually is going to be the first manufacturer, which will present a car for the first time at the leading mobile industry event. In addition, the there will be also announced significant new technologies for Europe, which will be featured for the first time in the new B-MAX. As Ford promises, these innovations, will make the vehicle one of the continent’s most technologically advanced small cars. Bill Ford also will become the first automotive leader who will make a keynote speech at MWC. There, he will discuss the company’s vision for mobility in the future, which has the aim to explore the potential for mobile technology and vehicles to play more integrated roles. B-MAX will raise the bar for small vehicles in Europe, with the combination of technology and premium engineering into a compact frame vehicle. Later this year, on 6^th of March at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally will introduce the B-MAX to the automotive world.

B-MAX is a promising new vehicle, which will bring a unique Easy Access Door System with central body pillars integrated into the sliding rear doors to provide unrivalled access for passengers and luggage. Moreover, it will be powered by a versatile engine range, which will include the new 1.0-litre 120PS EcoBoost petrol engine and the 1.6-litre TDCi diesel engine. Both are expected to offer class-leading fuel economy and CO₂ emissions.

2012 Ford B-MAX with unique Easy Access Door System

Source: Ford

February 14, 2012

2012 Citroen DS4 Just Mat Limited Edition

2012 Citroen DS4 Just Mat is the first limited series based on the second model in the DS model line. This is a limited edition version which, to be more precise comes, nine months after the official release of the CITROËN DS4. Moreover it is based on the Sport Chic finish with an original body colour, named Hickory Mat Brown.

In particular, the DS4 was launched last year in May 2011 and since then got circa 30,000 orders. It is undeniably an appealing raised four-door coupé, which combines the elegance and compactness of the coupe, with the versatility and space of a compact saloon. The new limited series are based on the same approach; however they are additionally based on the Sport Chic trim. Like the DS3 Matière Grise and DS3 Série Noire limited versions, the new 2012 CITROËN DS4 Just MAt has now the same Hickory Mat Brown bodywork, with colour-coordinated door rubbing strips and exterior door mirror housings. This limited edition sits on 19” Cairns alloy wheels and has xenon dual-function directional headlights.

2012 Citroen DS4 Just Mat Limited Edition

The limited series of 2012 Citroen DS4 Just Mat will be produced in only 500 units. This automatically leads to the consequence that there is also a lot of attention put in the interior of the car. The interior design features leather Club Habana upholstery, including the ‘watch bracelet’, which is a design specific to the DS line. In addition, the vehicle gains the eMyWay navigation system.

The CITROËN DS4 Just Mat ships with the THP 200 or HDi 160 engine, mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. Prices start at €34,950.

Source: Citroen

February 14, 2012

BMW xDrive – World’s Most Intelligent AWD System

BMW xDrive is claimed to be the world’s most intelligent all-wheel-drive system. It was firstly introduced back in 2003 with the previous BMW X3 (E83). Since then, it has been offered with X1, X3, X5 and X6 as standard and in 3-Series (E90,F30), 5-Series (E60, F10) and the latest 7-Series (F01) as an option.

The xDrive system helps providing perfect traction at any driving conditions. It works just perfectly no matter you drive your BMW at snow, rain, mud or dry asphalt.

The world’s most intelligent all-wheel-drive system operates by using data from the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) sensors and from the gas pedal. It continuously monitors the car’s driving condition and when wheel spin is detected, the electronically controlled multidisc clutch (situated at the rear end of the gearbox) reacts immediately to transfer drive force wherever is needed – front or rear axle. Everything happens in only few milliseconds so drivers can hardly feel it. The system optimizes the torque split based on the available traction. Furthermore, brakes can be applied as needed to prevent unnecessary wheel spin. As you may suggest, the xDrive is connected to the ABS and DSC systems.

The xDrive doesn’t have limited slip differentials, so it relies on brake application by the DSC system to transfer power from the slipping wheel to the wheel with traction.

The most fascinating thing about xDrive is that the driver can enjoy all the advantages of rear drive like precise control, neutral cornering behavior and a good separation between the operation and management.

In normal driving conditions, the xDrive sends 60% of the torque to the rear axle and 40% to the front. However, it can draw up to 100% of power to either front or rear axle.

Remember to keep the DSC system always on, which will guarantee supreme safety combined with the xDrive. Still, in some cases, you can turn of the DSC system and to have a lot of fun the world’s most intelligent all-wheel-drive system – BMW xDrive!

February 13, 2012

2012 Subaru XV TD Premium

Subaru has recently announced the new XV, which is priced from €34 995. The vehicle is also the safest model in its class with certified 5 star Euro Ncap award for child occupant safety. It combines city style with urban and offroad ability.

2012 XV comes with Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive and unique Boxer Diesel engine ensuring the satisfaction of all driver’s needs. Whether for business or pleasure, the Subaru XV is well capable whatever the weather.

All models marketed by Subaru Ireland come with the reassurance of a three year or 160,000 kilometres warranty, plus twelve year anti-corrosion cover and three year paintwork warranty. This is in addition to three year’s membership of Subaru Assist – a comprehensive home and roadside repair and recovery package throughout Ireland and Europe administered by Mapfre Asistencia.

Check out the full specs, below!

Standard Specification	2.0TD XV
	Premium
Exterior
Auto on/off headlamps + DRL	S
HID lights	S
Pop-up type headlamp washers	S
Front fog lamps	S
Rear fog lamp	S
Power-folding door mirrors with built-in LED turn signals	S
UV protection glass; Windshield, front and rear side windows	S
Variable intermittent windshield wipers (Designed blade)	S
Privacy Glass	S
Intermittent rear window wiper	S
17″ aluminium alloy wheels	S
Side claddings	S
Power sliding, tilt-adjustable glass sunroof	Optional Extra
Carrier installation brackets	S
Roof spoiler	S
Roof antenna	S
Seating / Trims
Leather wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob	S
Leather seats	Optional Extra
6-way manual adjustable driver’s seat	S
Front seat heaters	S
60/40 split folding rear seats	S
Seat back pocket (front passenger side only)	S

Comfort / Convenience
Electric windows (front & rear)	S
Remote control key system	S
Map lamps	S
Luggage space lamp	S
Vanity mirrors with lids (for driver and front passenger)	S
Centre tray	S
Centre console box	S
2 front cup holders (in the centre console)	S
Door pockets with bottle holders (on all side doors)	S
Interior fuel lid lock release	S
Two 12-volt power outlets (in the instrument panel and centre console box)	S
Cargo hooks	S
Luggage hooks	S
Retractable cargo cover	S
Box sub-trunk (under cargo storage)	S
Tyre repair kit	S
Climate control
Dual-zone automatic air-conditioning system with anti-dust filter	S
Heater ducts for rear passengers	S
Windshield wiper de-icer	S
Automatic rain-sensing windshield wipers	S
Heated door mirrors	S
Front and side defrosters	S
Electric rear window defogger with timer	S
In-car Entertainment
2-Din audio system with Bluetooth® system: 1-CD and 6 speakers	S
Steering wheel mounted audio remote control switches	S
Bluetooth® compatible hands-free system	S
USB and auxiliary audio input jack (in the centre console box)	S
Rear Vision Camera System	S
Control / Instruments
High-Grade type Multi-Function Display	S
Shift up indicator	S
Tilt-adjustable / telescopic steering wheel	S
Cruise control	S
Drivability
Vehicle Dynamics Control System	S
Hill Start Assist	S
Safety
Front SRS airbags	S
Front side SRS airbags (for driver and front passenger)	S
Curtain SRS airbags (front, rear and both sides)	S
Knee SRS airbag	S
Side-door reinforcement beams (front and rear, both sides)	S
Steering column support beam	S
Whiplash reducing front seats	S
Rear seat headrests for 3 seating positions	S
Seatbelt indicator (for driver and all passengers)	S
Front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters	S
Height adjustable seatbelt anchors (for driver and front passenger)	S
Rear 3-point seatbelts for 3 seating positions	S
Safety pedal system	S
4-sensor/4-channel ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution	S
Brake assist system	S
Brake Override	S
ISO-FIX adapted child seat anchors (with tether anchors)	S
Child-proof rear door locking (both sides)	S
Anti-theft security system with engine immobiliser	S

Item			SUBARU XV
			Symmetrical AWD (All-Wheel-Drive)
			2.0TD-S Premium
			6MT
ENGINE
Type			Horizontally-opposed, 4-cylinder, 4-stroke, turbocharged, diesel engine

			DOHC 16-valve
Bore/Stroke		mm	86/86
Capacity		cc	1,998
Compression ratio			16
Fuel system			Common rail
Fuel tank capacity		lit.	60
PERFORMANCE
Max. output (DIN)		kW (PS)/rpm	108 (147)/3,600
Max. torque (DIN)		Nm (kgfm)/rpm	350 (35.7)1/1,600 – 2,400
Max. speed		km/h	198
Acceleration (0-100 km/h)		sec.	9.3
Fuel consumption	Urban	lit./100 km	6.8
	Extra-urban	lit./100 km	5
	Combined	lit./100 km	5.6
CO2 emissions	Urban	g/km	179
	Extra-urban	g/km	131
	Combined	g/km	146
DRIVETRAIN
AWD type			Centre differential gear coupled with viscous LSD
DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT
Overall length		mm	4,450
Overall width		mm	1,780
Overall height		mm	1,570
Wheelbase		mm	2,635
Track	Front	mm	1,525
Track	Rear	mm	1,525
Minimum road clearance (at kerb weight)		mm	220
Seating capacity		persons	5
Kerb weight		kg	1,440
Towing capacity		kg	1,600
TRANS-AXLE
Gear ratio	1st		3.454
	2nd		1.750
	3rd		1.062
	4th		0.785
	5th		0.634
	6th		0.557
	Reverse		3.636
Final drive axle ratio			4.111
CHASSIS
Steering			Pinion-assist type electric power steering system
Suspension	Front		MacPherson strut type
(4-wheel independent)	Rear		Double wishbone type
Minimum turning circle at tyre (radius)		m	5.3
Brakes	Front		Ventilated disc brakes
Brakes	Rear		Disc brakes
Tyre/wheel size			225/55R17, 17 x 7″ J

Source: Subaru

February 13, 2012

Mazda Takeri concept car

Mazda will exhibit its Takeri concept car for the first time in Europe at the Geneva International Motor Show, next month. This is Mazda’s next-generation mid-sized saloon featuring unique i-ELOOP regenerative braking technology. It will also be joined by CX-5 compact crossover SUV and MX-5 Special Edition Spring 2012.

The Takeri Concept Car boasts Mazda’s KODO – Soul of Motion’ design theme, bringing a new level of strength and allure to saloon styling. It is truly remarkable even in stand-still position. The engine is also a new SKYACTIV-D diesel engine with a fuel-saving i-stop system and 6-speed SKYACTIV-Drive automatic gearbox.

Furthermore, the Takeri is the first Mazda car to be equipped with i-ELOOP – short for “Intelligent Energy Loop”. It is advanced technology using regenerative braking system to convert kinetic energy to electricity during deceleration and stores it in an electric double-layer capacitor. The power is used to run the vehicle’s electric components, thereby reducing the load on the engine and increasing fuel economy by up to 10%. This contributes to the Mazda Takeri’s outstanding fuel economy, which is achieved at no sacrifice to performance or comfort.

Mazda’s display at the 82^nd Geneva International Motor Show will also showcase the company’s brand-new SKYACTIV technology as well as the full range of current models. Press days are 6-7 March, and the show is open to the public from 8-18 March.

Mazda’s exhibits at the 2011 Geneva International Motor Show

Reference exhibits	Mazda Takeri (European premiere) Mazda CX-5 Mazda MX-5 Special Edition Spring 2012 (Premiere)
Technology exhibits	SKYACTIV-D clean diesel engine SKYACTIV-G direct-injection petrol engine SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission SKYACTIV-MT manual transmission i-ELOOP regenerative braking system CX-5 ‘X-ray’ display
Vehicles currently on sale	Mazda2, Mazda3, Mazda5, Mazda6, Mazda MX-5

Source: Mazda

February 13, 2012

BMW M6 Coupe and Convertible

The latest from the M division comes in the form of an M6 – Coupe and Convertible. It has retained its characteristic body line and still is the ultimate in gran touring thanks to its V8 M TwinPower Turbo engine and clever design. BMW‘s EfficientDynamics on the other hand keep it frugal and refined.

The profile is familiar but there are bodily innovations – a new front apron has been introduced with massive, honeycombed air-intake patches. No matter how massive however, they are unable to steal away the headlamp department which features the characteristic BMW Corona rings that make use of the latest Adaptive LED headlight technology. A 30 mm increase of the front track has resulted in a noticeable swelling of the wheel arches which are as ever complemented by the indicator and M badge housing gills behind them. At the back we have quad tail pipes separated into two pairs, flanking the clever diffuser. The M6 sits on 19-inch alloy wheels in a star-spoke (seven double spokes) design that come in two finishes. Alternatively, as an option one can go with the 20-inch ones that have five double spokes for the sake of lighness. As always, lightness for the Coupe is also guaranteed by the carbon-fibre reinforced plastic roof panel which lowers the center of gravity significantly with improved agility and handling as an end result. In the mean time, the Convertible M6 gets the standard 6 Series Convertible retractable roof with its independent retractable rear window. The party piece is the fact that you can operate it while in motion of up to 25 mph.

Inside, the M6 is a blend of luxury and sportiness – Merino leather everywhere while an instrument fascia featuring a Black Panel technology, dials with red needles and white backgrounds adorn the dashboard. The windscreen is also affected as a HUD display provides speed readout and speed limit identification, gear and rev counter and shift lights to the driver. It’s not all flash and glam though. The new M6 has more space inside and a luggage capacity of 460 litres (300-350 litres for the M6 Convertible). The M Sport seats are more complicated than a smartphone with their electric pneumatic adjustments and the manually adjustable under thigh support.

The power plant for the new M’s is the same one found in the M5 – a mighty 560 hp V8 M TwinPower Turbo 4.4 petrol unit. That’s 53 more hp than the V10 predecessor. Put your foot down behind one of these V8‘s and you’ll be greeted by a maximum torque of 680Nm as early as 1500 rpm and will be escorted by it up until 5,750rpm. That is a lot of power at your disposal ready to thrust you back into your seat when pressed. Deep down in the confounds of the engine one would find the reason for all of that grunt – twin turbochargers built in to the twin scroll principle and direct fuel injection plus a Valvetronic variable valve timing and Double VANOS continuously variable camshaft control – that translates into 0-62mph sprint of just 4.2 seconds for the M6 Coupé, with the M6 Convertible following at 4.3 seconds. The top speed limiter starts screaming at the 155 mph mark. It’s not all muscle and grease though. Thanks to BMW’s EfficientDynamics technology, the M6 has a Stop/Start function, Brake Energy Regeneration and Active Aerodynamics – all of which help reduce consumption up to 30% in comparison to previous models: The M6 Coupé has a combined fuel consumption of 28.5mpg (Convertible 27.4mpg) with CO2 emissions of 232g/km (Convertible 239g/km).

As standard, all that power coming from the engine is digested trough a seven-speed Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT) with DRIVELOGIC. It is a uniquely complex and high-tech gearbox that has three modes of shifting (thanks to the logic thing) so that the driver has the freedom to chose a style from sportiness to comfort. It also allows manual shifting trough the paddles behind the wheel or the gearstick.

Surely, with that kind of power, one needs some stability feedback from the chassis. That is why M engineers have fiddled in that area as well – The rear axle subframe has been bolted directly to the body while the front axle kinematics have been redesigned with M-specific settings, and a number of 6 Series suspension components replaced with forged aluminum items. The shock absorbers are electro-hydraulically operated trough the car’s Variable Damper Control (VDC) again with three settings. Driver aids come in many abbreviations such as DSC, ABS, CBC and DBC but thankfully all can be overridden with the very important M Dynamic Mode (MDM) which allows you to do what one must do with an M car – wheel spinning, oversteer and other tire-destructive activities. For the braking power, the M6 comes as standard with 400mm front discs and 396mm rear discs clamped by six-piston calipers (at the front at least). Novice or trackday drivers can opt for the Ceramic Brakes which are more heat resistant and counter fading after much abuse.

It all sounds really wonderful but will it be a better value from the M5? There is no answer to that question as both cars have target groups: The M6 is for the hardcore performance bachelors while the M5 is for the hardcore performance family men.

Source: BMW

February 13, 2012

Smart City Brake Support for Mazda CX-5

Mazda have e vision of a world where road accidents are a thing of the past. That is why exactly they are intensifying their safety program. Today, the company announced that a Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system will be available in all 2013 CX-5 crossovers. This will be the first phase of a plan to widespread Mazda’s safety features to eventually all models within its lineup.

Basically what SCBS does is help oblivious drivers prevent frontal collision with whatever objects in an urban environment. At speeds of up to 30 km/h a laser sensor on the windscreen is in constant vigilance for obstacles ahead. Should something appear in its range, the sensor sends signals trough the SCBS system to the brakes. They are not immediately applied. Instead they get “prepared” for braking by reducing brake rotor travel and await the driver to interfere. That way a more efficient stopping power takes place upon braking. However, if for some reason, the driver does apply the brakes, the SCBS system has another trick up its sleeve – When the speed difference between the driver’s car and the vehicle in front is less than 30km/h the system squeezes the disk brakes fully and reduces the engine output automatically in an effort to avoid a collision.

Another feature of the SCBS sensor is the inhibition of acceleration when an object is in front of the vehicle. That system is called the ‘Acceleration Control for Automatic Transmission‘ – if, again for some reason, the driver stomps on the accelerator pedal while in a halt in the presence something in front of the car, light and sound alerts start beeping and the car isn’t allowed to output the applied acceleration. Sadly this latter feature will only be available for Japan but the whole safety technology trend lets us know Mazda cares about us as customers and is determined to confidently excel in that field.

Source: Mazda

February 13, 2012

Prior Design Porsche Cayenne Widebody Kit

Prior Design have released a new gallery showcasing their latest body kit for the Porsche Cayenne (955) – PD Aerodynamic kit POCAWIDEBODY. It is flamboyant in every way, especially with those flaring wheel arches. The slashes along the kit give it that extra aggressiveness to further establish the customer’s road presence. The kit now comes in both black or white.

The kit consists of the following:

– PD front bumper

– PD side skirts

– PD rear bumper

– PD front widenings

– PD rear widenings

– Mounting material

– TÜV parts certificate included

Overall price is $5 164

But Prior are not all about Dura-Flex Fiber Reinforced Plastics. For the extra $1 587 one can opt for the additional Porsche Cayenne Sport Exhaust System – Duplex PD which looks, sounds and performs differently from the stock one.

Every part of the kit is user-friendly, easy to install and maintain and that is one of the reasons many go to Prior for a premium customization.

Prior Design Porsche Cayenne widebody kit (2012)

Source: Prior Design

February 13, 2012

Toyota lineup at Geneva – Hybrids and Fun

The 2012 Geneva Motor Show is as close as ever and to build up the hype, manufacturers are revealing and teasing what to expect during those few days of motoring nirvana (from 8 to 18 March). Toyota has offered a quick summary of what their booth will look like with some clever machines and European firsts – four concepts, a production hybrid and a grand tourer – the Toyota GT 86. It is an almost identical car to the Subaru BRZ which also will be making its own premiere in Europe. It would be interesting to see which one gets more favor. News news from one of the world’s largest vehicle conventions – the Geneva Motor Show which starts early in March and will last for more than 10 days.

To start off we have a nice little Yaris Hybrid which will be a completely new addition to the European public. Here we go:

Yaris Hybrid

Toyota Yaris Hybrid (2013)

The Yaris Hybrid will make an appearance as a production car ahead of its production schedule. Sales in Europe are expected to start in June and at that time the Yaris would be the first full hybrid supermini in Europe. That means that Toyota are aiming to create a whole new customer group that might be interested in absolute efficiency in small, practical and nimble packages.

Toyota GT 86

The critically acclaimed Toyota GT 86 sports coupe will be ready for sale this summer. With its RWD, flat-engined layout, this grand tourer is sure to induce much excitement, adrenaline and smiles upon its arrival. And it’s pretty cheap too.

Toyota FT-Bh

The FT-Bh will be a concept of an ultralight full hybrid city car designed to be efficient in every way. Toyota has gone for the inexpensive way of making it by using commonplace methods of production instead of some grand new materials that are costly to research and develop.

NS4 and FCV-R concepts

Those two concepts will be also shown for the first time in Europe. The NS4 is a value-perfect, plug-in hybrid focused on driving experience without compromises. The FCV-R concept will be the big one though. It will pave the way for Toyota towards mass production hydrogen cell powered vehicles. A saloon-type car might be on the way for 2015.

Toyota diji

The diji concept is a weird looking thing. Imagine those digital frames on which you can upload photos from your computer and then it does slide shows for you. That’s what the diji is – an inside and outside environment made up of a screen. It can change it’s color and can be virtually infinitely personalized with all kinds of interfaces and applications. An interactive future of motoring or a visionary and ambitious idea?

Source: Toyota

February 13, 2012

Bentley Continental GT V8 in Munich [VIDEO]

Many car debuts occur in closed-door halls with a curtain over the model in question and lots of smoke and techno music for setting up the mood. The whole reveling process has become a sort of a cliché and Bentley are well aware of that. That is why for the Continental GT V8 premiere in Munich, the company went the extra mile…upwards.

Here is a video of a Bentley Continental GT V8 soaring trough the skies over Munich, with its indicators on, hooked to a helicopter. That could mean only two things: Either Munich’s no parking zone is strictly regulated… by the air force or Klaus Becker, General Manager of Bentley Munich organised a dramatic turn up for the new V8 at a special venue on a glazed bridge between two skyscrapers and in front of 300 VIP guests.

Here’s how Klaus Becker defended the stunt: “A dramatic car got the debut we felt it deserved and we took a little bit of our inspiration from Bentley’s iconic ‘Winged B’ emblem. On a practical level the helicopter was the fastest way to get to the rooftop podium.”

Either way it all looks very exciting. The V8 deserves that grand and loud première for it just might be the best Bentley ever produced.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBeUFre22d4&feature=youtu.be