Bentley Bentayga

11/24/2017

Latest from Bentley :

The Bentley Bentayga is the obvious choice as the most direct competitor to the Rolls-Royce SUV. The idea of an SUV coming from both luxury brands seemed far-fetched as recently as 10 years ago, but times sure have changed. In its first foray into the luxury SUV market, Bentley has prepared the Bentayga to be a cut above the rest, literally and figuratively. Covered in rich materials, the interior is class-leading with amenities expected in such a vehicle. Power is provided by a new 6.0-liter W-12 engine rated at 600 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque and mates to an eight-speed automatic. Capable of hitting 60 mph in four seconds and a top speed of 187 mph, the Bentayga is the quickest and fastest SUV in the world. Pricing starts from a whopping $229,100.

Read our full review on the 2018 Bentley Bentayga.

Lamborghini Urus

Its "Urus" name is derived from one of the largest cows to ever roam the Earth, at 61 to 71 inches tall at the shoulders and weighing up to 1,500 pounds. And while the SUV is still in concept form, a production model is likely to arrive by 2017. Under the hood, the concept features a 4.0-liter V-8 engine fed by a pair of turbochargers. This pushes the super-SUV to 600 horsepower and an estimated 600 to 650 pound-feet of torque. Driving the wheels is a dual-clutch automated-manual transmission with an enhanced, permanent all-wheel-drive system. We estimate the Urus to hit 60 mph in the mid- to high-three-second range. Although the Urus won’t be as luxurious as its Bentley and Rolls-Royce counterparts, it will be the quickest of the bunch, no matter what drivetrain it gets under the hood. I also expect it to fetch more than the Bentayga, but less than the Rolls-Royce.

Read our full review on the 2019 Lamborghini Urus.

Conclusion

It’s way too early to draw a conclusion here, but I do know for a fact that Rolls-Royce’s SUV will set some benchmarks once it arrives in dealerships. Building the most luxurious SUV out there will not be an easy task, but Rolls-Royce is indeed one of the very few manufacturers that has the means to do it.

Love it

Unprecedented amount of luxury

Powerful drivetrain

Highly customizable

Likely to receive a hybrid version

Leave it

Awfully expensive

Not as sporty as the Lamborghini Urus

I don’t like the bloated Phantom wagon design

Reference

Read our full review on the 2018 Rolls-Royce Phantom VIII

Update History

Updated 10/24/2017: Our spy photographers caught the upcoming Rolls Royce Cullinan out for a new testing session, and this time they were able to take also a few shots of the interior.

Updated 07/28/2017: Our spy photographers caught the upcoming Rolls Royce Cullinan out for a testing session on the Nurburgring track.

Update 12/01/2016: Nine months after we got our first glimpse at the Cullinan SUV, Rolls-Royce releases two official, camouflaged images on a production-ready SUV and confirms that the SUV is being called Project Cullinan. Later this month it will be in the arctic circle doing some more testing before heading to the middle east in 2017. Check out our review below to see the new images and to learn more about it.

Updated 03/09/2016: Our spy photographers caught the upcoming Rolls Royce SUV - rumored to be called Cullinan out for a cold weather testing session in Sweden. You will notice that the car in the photos is anything but an SUV, but remember this is just a mule testing the upcoming platform.

Updated 09/17/2015: In a recent interview at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, Rolls-Royce boss Torsten Muller Otvos confirmed that the company’s first SUV should be unveiled by the end of 2018. The car will most likely retain the current "Cullinan" codename, which was given by world's largest rough diamond. (AutoExpress)

Updated 03/16/2015: Based on the recent details and our own speculations, we’ve created a rendering of the future Rolls Royce SUV. We hope you’ll like it.

First-Production Chevrolet Corvette Carbon 65 Will Be Auctioned Off For Veterans

Posted: 20 Nov 2017 05:00 AM PST

The Chevrolet Corvette Carbon 65 Edition is a saucy little number, isn't it? Thanks to General Motors and the George W. Bush Presidential Center, you now have a chance to become the first owner of the special edition sports car when it goes up for auction at the upcoming Barret-Jackson Scottsdale event this coming January. Proceeds from the sale from the auction will go to the Bush Center's Military Service Initiative, a charity that focuses on supporting post-9/11 veterans and helping them transition back to civilian life. The charity is supported by no less than former US President George W. Bush.

The Corvette Carbon 65 Edition made its debut at the 2017 New York Auto Show in April, created in no small part to Chevy's motivation to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the legendary sports car. The car itself isn't a special edition in the traditional sense of the phrase. Instead, the Carbon 65 Edition is a package that can be added to either coupe or convertible versions of the Corvette. The package consists mainly of exterior and interior upgrades, and Chevy is only creating 650 of them. That "numbered" status is a big part of the Corvette Carbon 65 Edition's appeal, and the fact that the first-of-its-kind is headed to the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction makes this specific model all the more desirable. So is the fact that it will be signed by President Bush himself. That's an extra shot of provenance for a special edition package that breathes new life into the iconic American sports car.

Continue after the jump to read the full story.

Start the new year off with an auction score!

"Proceeds from the sale from the auction will go to the Bush Center's Military Service Initiative, a charity that focuses on supporting post-9/11 veterans and helping them transition back to civilian life"

I don't suppose that there any more lingering doubts about the appeal of the Chevrolet Corvette Carbon 65 Edition. It's numbered to just 650 units all over the world, so there's a specific figure attached to its status of exclusivity. It also comes with plenty of exclusive features, beginning with significant modifications to the Corvette's body. Some of the more obvious of these exclusive options include a Ceramic Matrix Grey finish on all the visible carbon fiber elements in its body. Coupe models of the Corvette Carbon 65 Edition also gain a carbon fiber hood section, carbon fiber roof, and blacked out wheels with their own carbon fiber logo center caps. On the other hand, convertible models stand to get carbon tonneau inserts. Step inside, and the cabin of the Corvette Carbon 65 Edition is treated to a Jet Black suede upholstery with matching gloss carbon fiber trim and a carbon fiber steering wheel. Blue stitching throughout adds color while the "Carbon 65 Edition" sill plates make for perfect identifiers of the car's special edition status.

Each of the 650 units of the Corvette Carbon 65 does not come with any engine upgrades. The good news is that, as well as coming in either coupe or convertible versions; the package is also available to different versions of the 'Vette. If you opt for the Corvette Grand Sport, you stand to get a 6.2-liter V-8 engine that produces 460 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. Spend a little more on the car, and you can get the Corvette Z06 that comes with a supercharged LT4 engine and an output of 650 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. Both variants of the Corvette include options for a seven-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission.

"Prices for the Corvette Carbon 65 Edition vary depending on the variant, though the cost of the package itself is fixed at $15,000"

Prices for the Corvette Carbon 65 Edition vary depending on the variant, though the cost of the package itself is fixed at $15,000. Get the Grand Sport 3LT trim that starts from $76,190, and you're looking at total cost of $91,190. Loosen those purse strings a bit more, and you can avail of the Z06-based Corvette Carbon 65 Edition in either coupe or convertible versions for a total cost of $104,390 and $108,390, respectively.

Then again, the best way to get some provenance to go with your Chevrolet Corvette Carbon 65 Edition it to make a run at the first-production model that's signed by a former POTUS when it goes under the hammer at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale on January 2018.

References

Chevrolet Corvette

Read our full review on the 2018 Chevrolet Corvette Carbon 65 Edition.

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Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro

Posted: 20 Nov 2017 02:00 AM PST

Earlier this year, Aston Martin unveiled the Valkyrie, an insane hybrid hypercar rocking four-digit output figures and the combined go-faster know-how of Aston Martin and Red Bull Racing, among several others. Designed to take on the best of the best in the world of superlative road-going performance, the Valkyrie hasn't even hit production yet and Aston is already gearing up for a newer, faster version. Dubbed the Valkyrie AMR Pro, it's a track-only variant of the Valkyrie that eliminates any remaining conciliations for street duty, pumping up the speed potential to ever-greater heights. Created as a collaborative effort between Aston and Red Bull, the Valkyrie AMR Pro once again takes direction from English Formula 1 mastermind Adrian Newey, offering more extreme aero, an all-business interior, more power, and less weight. The result is one serious speed machine, with Aston bragging it'll have what it takes to challenge modern F1 and LMP1 racers in terms of lap times.

That's a mighty impressive boast, especially for a platform that traces its roots to something you can drive on the road. Indeed, this is Aston's idea of "ultimate," the top of the mountain in the land of fast. This is what you get when you give Aston Martin and Red Bull an extreme performance car plus a blank check for track use. We know you wanna know more about it, so read on for the details.

Continue reading to learn more about the Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro.

Exterior

Takes road-going variant to even greater extremes

Bigger wings front and back

Extra vents and blades

More downforce

Smaller, 18-inch wheels

"Compared to what we've seen of the road-going Valkyrie, the track-only variant doesn't appear to be a huge departure in terms of aesthetics."

While Aston has yet to reveal the Valkyrie AMR Pro in the sheet metal, the British brand did give us a glimpse by way of an exterior rendering. Compared to what we've seen of the road-going Valkyrie, the track-only variant doesn't appear to be a huge departure in terms of aesthetics. You still get the ultra-wide, ultra-low stance of a hardcore performance machine, plus big aero, a teardrop-shaped greenhouse, and plumped-up fenders stuffed by large-diameter wheels with flat exterior covers. A scoop on the roof once again leads to a rear fin that matches up to the rear wing.

Note: Road-going Aston Martin Valkyrie pictured here for comparison.

However, while the same general shape is still there, the AMR Pro manages to turn the whole thing up to 11. Aston says it tweaked the aero to create more downforce, starting with larger wings in the front and in the rear. We also notice new wing blades behind the front wheels, which presumably help to vent the hot air around the brakes without impacting the front-end downforce dynamics. Just ahead of the windshield is an additional vent for the nose. There's also no headlights seen anywhere on the front fenders, and you can bet there's no turn signals in the tail either.

Finally, Aston says the active aero systems were tweaked and tuned for more hardcore track duty, while the wheels were downsized to 18 inches in diameter to mount the uber-sticky Michelin rubber (more on that in a bit).

Interior

Simple and barebones approach

Basically a carbon fiber cocoon

Fixed racing buckets replace street car's adjustable seats

Note: Road-going Aston Martin Valkyrie pictured here.

"The seating position is in the sort of reclined, feet-up posture you'd expect from a modern race car"

Unfortunately, Aston has yet to give us even a rendering of what to expect inside the AMR Pro's cabin, but based on what we've seen from the road-going variant, there are a few assumptions to be made.

First off, let's look at the "standard" Valkyrie. Climb into this thing, and you'll find yourself wrapped in a cocoon of carbon. It's a tight fit, but then again, it needs to be considering this machine's ludicrous performance potential. A square steering wheel provides inputs for the various onboard systems, with vital info relayed through a small screen mounted in the center of the "wheel." A complementary info screen is mounted on the dash, while two side screens project rear video feeds in place of the traditional side-view mirrors (aero is king, after all).

"A square steering wheel provides inputs for the various onboard systems, with vital info relayed through a small screen mounted in the center of the "wheel"."

In addition to all the carbon, the road-going Valkyrie gets Alcantara and metal trim pieces painted in gold. A six-point harness is offered for track duty, and should comes as standard equipment in the AMR Pro.

Finally, the seating position is in the sort of reclined, feet-up posture you'd expect from a modern race car, and Aston says it'll equip molded racing bucket seats in place of the road car's adjustable units.

Drivetrain

More power and torque from hybrid 6.5-liter V-12

Top speed approaching 250 mph

No major changes to the powertrain set-up

Cosworth-derived engine

Note: Road-going Aston Martin Valkyrie pictured here.

"Like the road-going Valkyrie, the AMR Pro's '12 will be electrically boosted thanks to a hybrid system inspired by the world of Formula 1."

Mounted in the middle of the Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro will be a naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V-12 powerplant from the legendary British motorsport engineering company Cosworth. Like the road-going Valkyrie, the AMR Pro's '12 will be electrically boosted thanks to a hybrid system inspired by the world of Formula 1. However, the racing car will trump its streetable sibling with even more power and torque. We have yet to receive exact figures, but we're guessing the road-legal Valkyrie will lay down around 1,130 horsepower, so it wouldn't be too crazy to expect 1,300 or even 1,400 ponies from the AMR Pro.

"We have yet to receive exact figures, but it wouldn't be too crazy to expect 1,300 or even 1,400 ponies from the AMR Pro."

That's pretty nuts if you ask us, but it gets better. With the extra output, we think the AMR Pro will hit 60 mph in less than 2.5 seconds, while Aston says it'll top out "close" to 250 mph. It'll also weigh less than the road car, so a power-to-weight ratio greater than one-to-one might be within reach.

Accomplishing this incredible feat is a new engine tune and high-flow emission control system. Finally, the Rimac Energy Recovery System is identical, but gets an update with reprogrammed control systems.

Chassis And Handling

Lighter carbon fiber bodywork

Polycarbonate sheets instead of glass

Carbon fiber wishbone suspension

Formula 1-inspired carbon-carbon brakes

LMP1-spec Michelin tires

3.3 G's of cornering force

3.5 G's of braking force

Lap times similar to a modern F1 car

"Aston managed to cut a few pounds thanks to even lighter carbon fiber construction for the bodywork, even though the road car's composite body is already pretty damned light"

As you might expect, the Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro manages to sacrifice a few extraneous pounds in the name of more speed. First on the chopping block are those superfluous features designed for basic street comfort, like the heater and infotainment system. Next, the glass windshield was tossed in favor of a polycarbonate sheet, which gains a lightweight heater element in place of the standard de-mister. Polycarbonate was also used for the side windows.

Additionally, Aston managed to cut a few pounds thanks to even lighter carbon fiber construction for the bodywork, even though the road car's composite body is already pretty damned light. There's also a lightweight exhaust system (not to mention louder as well), while the suspension was updated with new uprights and carbon fiber wishbones.

"Aston claims the Valkyrie will be able to pull as much as 3.3 G's in the corners and stop with 3.5 G's of force. Red Bull ran the numbers in its simulators, and apparently the car will manage lap times equivalent to those of an F1 or LMP1 car."

Hauling it down are brakes inspired by Formula 1, with race-spec carbon-carbon construction. Michelin tires are used for stick, and run the same specification as the LMP1 cars that compete in the World Endurance Championship.

Amazingly, Aston claims the Valkyrie will be able to pull as much as 3.3 G's in the corners and stop with 3.5 G's of force. And that is a mighty claim indeed! What's more, Red Bull ran the numbers in its simulators, and apparently the car will manage lap times equivalent to those of an F1 or LMP1 car.

Holy crap.

Prices

Aston says only 25 of these mad machines will be built, with deliveries commencing in 2020. All 25 are already spoken for. How much each customer paid is still under wraps, but if we were to guess, $3 million to $4 million is probably about right.

Those folks lucky enough to snag one will get to participate in "an intensive and comprehensive driver development program" that's customized to their skill level and racing experience. The program includes access to the same resources as Aston Martin Red Bull's pro drivers, such as time in the simulator, on-track training, and even a physical fitness regimen.

And since the AMR Pro doesn't appear to be eligible for any specific racing series, customers will be offered a chance to, uh, actually drive their car in a series of track events all over the world.

Competition

Ferrari FXX K

Like the Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro, the Ferrari FXX K is a track-only variant of a simply insane road-going hybrid hypercar, and like the AMR Pro, the FXX K has what it takes to melt your face into a puddle. The exterior is pure spaceship, with lots of active wings and seemingly endless downforce, while an engineering degree is required to operate the cockpit controls. And that's important, because actually driving this thing is not an activity for the careless. Mounted behind the carbon seats is a 6.3-liter V-12 and electric motor combo that produces as much as 1,036 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque.

Read our full review on the 2015 Ferrari FXX K.

Mercedes-AMG Project One

If it's a true Formula 1 experience that you're after, minus the politics of course, then Mercedes-AMG has a solution. The Project One was designed with the specific goal of bringing F1-style performance to the street, coming equipped with a turbocharged and hybrid 1.6-liter V-6 that'll spin to 11,000 rpm. Output is rated at more than 1,000 horsepower. The engine is even constructed in the same factory as Merc's F1 powerplants. The rest of the spec was built to complement that insane 'six, with big wing, AWD grip, multi-stage ESP, carbon ceramic brakes, and multi-link pushrod suspension.

Read our full review on the Mercedes-AMG Project One.

Conclusion

"At the end of the day, we're just very happy something like this exists."

All told, the Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro looks to be one helluva toy. The performance promises it makes are borderline unbelievable, so much so we're tempted to start calling BS. However, this is Aston Martin and Adrian Newey we're talking about, and if this thing can run with a modern F1 car, then dammit, they'll know it.

At the end of the day, we're just very happy something like this exists. It shows just how far you can take go-fast technology, pushing an extreme into uncharted territory. Adrian Newey's take is spot on –

"While it is endowed with extraordinary performance, it has always been vitally important to me that the Valkyrie functions well as a true road car, and that naturally comes with some constraints," Newey says. "However, with the track-only Valkyrie AMR Pro we have the freedom to create an extreme evolution that makes no such concessions. While the core elements of the road and track versions are shared, every aspect of the AMR Pro – aerodynamics, chassis, powertrain and weight – has been optimized to significantly extend the performance envelope. It offers a level of track performance significantly beyond any previous two seat closed roof car."

We can't wait to see what it can do in real life.

Love it

Can lay down lap times as fast as an F1 car

250-mph top speed

Uncompromised, a pure expression of speed

Leave it

An outrageously expensive toy

Ineligible for any race series

Already sold out

References

Aston Martin Valkyrie