Bentley

September 11, 2007

Talk Back Tuesday: Europe's Future Products -- Part One

In our ongoing series of future product plan coverage let's take a look at what will be coming across the Atlantic in the coming years. Glancing through the Automotive News analysis it would appear Europe's focus will be on crossovers, small cars and increased fuel efficiency. Who'd a thunk it? But a return of Alfa Romeo and a "cheap" Rolls Royce should keep things interesting. I'm only covering half of the European brands today because, well, there's a lot of them!

Alfa Romeo: After years of hints and innuendos it appears Alfa Romeo may really be coming to America in 2009. Look for the 8C Competizione (rear-drive coupe with 450hp V8), the 159 sedan (front- or all-wheel drive), the Brea (a 2+2 coupe) and the Spider (a two-seat convertible based off the Brea platform). Momma-mia!

Aston Martin: The DBS is debuting this week in Frankfurt, and it looks to be a worthy successor to the Vanquish. But the real test of Aston Martin's future will come with the launch of it high-end, high-performance sedan, the Rapide (in 2009). With new ownership and a new product direction the future could be very bright for this British brand.

Audi: The redesigned A4 is practically here, and the redesigned A6 follows next year. But the big news for 2009 is a sleek new A7 sedan that goes up against the CLS, plus not one but two new crossovers (one of which is the Q5, pictured). An A5 convertible and redesigned A8 round out the fun in 2010.

Posted by: Permalink | Comments (11); Karl Brauer September 11, 2007, 6:00 AM
Categories:: Aston Martin, Audi, Auto Shows, BMW, Bentley, Ferrari, Future Vehicles, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Land Rover

May 14, 2007

2007 Mercedes-Benz CL600: Wow, "only" $150,000!

I really like this car. It's super quick (510 horsepower, 0-60 in 4.2 seconds), super refined (64 decibels at 70 mph) and super safe (PRE-SAFE crash technology and 60-0 braking in 114 feet). Hell, I'm even getting pretty good with COMAND (and I think COMAND is evolving for the better, too).

But $150,000?!!..

Posted by: Permalink | Comments (11); Karl Brauer May 14, 2007, 6:00 AM
Categories:: Bentley, Mercedes-Benz

September 8, 2006

2007 Bentley Continental GTC -- Fab Ragtop

I have a new favorite convertible in the "over $150,000" category. Okay, so it's a pretty thin category, but the new Bentley Continental GTC is still the best car in it. Not surprising when you consider how good the coupe version is. You can read my First Drive here, but the short version goes something like this: stunning interior, superb drivetrain, ultra-stiff platform and remarkably nimble handling...

Posted by: Permalink | Comments (2); Karl Brauer September 8, 2006, 8:03 AM
Categories:: Bentley

July 26, 2006

2006 Bentley Arnage -- Buy a Summer House Instead

A flatbed truck is never a good sign. However, when it's picking up a $250,000 sedan you have to wonder, "Is that just an owner trying to keep his exotic sedan's miles down?" Well, the miles were low on this test vehicle -- just 2,400. But the front, driver's-side wheel bearing decided to disintegrate anyway, ending my 48-hour period with the Arnage on a sour note. I'd like to say the car was supreme before the wheel started vibrating like a paint mixer, but momma taught me not to lie...

Posted by: Permalink | Comments (4); Karl Brauer July 26, 2006, 8:15 AM
Categories:: Bentley

December 19, 2005

Cars for Christmas?

Okay kids, it's Christmas week and...

Wait, just to clarify -- I am using "Christmas" in this blog. If you celebrate some other holiday that involves gift giving my question still has merit for you. If you don't celebrate any holiday or any form of gift giving...well, sorry.

Anyway, it's Christmas week and Santa has come down your chimney to ask you what you want under the tree.

Posted by: Permalink | Comments (11); Karl Brauer December 19, 2005, 5:43 PM
Categories:: Bentley

December 9, 2005

Lotus Elise and Bentley Continental GT -- A Good Day!

As an automotive journalist, some days are better than others. Today is a good day (and talk about experiencing the full spectrum of British automobiles!). Earlier I was able to sneak out of the office long enough to experience a Lotus Elise test car before it went back. Despite only having 40 minutes in the car, I found a canyon road off PCH and got lucky with traffic (meaning none). Wooo-heee!!!

Posted by: Permalink | Comments (4); Karl Brauer December 9, 2005, 9:00 PM
Categories:: Bentley, Lotus