The Paragon Autos blog

Have a long look at the Jaguar C-X16, hybrid sports car…not bad.

Photo: Wired

I wonder how high they can build these parking “lots”.

It would be interesting to see a pissing contest in the world’s most over-Disneyed countries shift from “tallest building” to “tallest parking” contests…

Have a look at the latest British 4×4 design, one to challenge the only other well-known English SUV maker…

http://www.topspeed.com/cars/eterniti/2011-eterniti-hemera-ar114469.html

Htt on Dragon’s Den; a trend of supercar financing, or a call for desperation?
June 2011

Recently, the Quebec-based supercar maker HTT appeared on national television to see if they can land a last-ditch effort financing from money-hungry and TV-friendly venture capitalists from Dragon’s Den. I first must say that I am a big fan of the show as it plays host to some very unrealistic, overvalued and straight-out funny ideas and their creators trying to push them. Albeit funny, the show is a public display of creators trying (into almost submission) to grab a last-effort financing deal, which can be a little degrading in some cases. But, it has on occasion pronounced successful ventures out of reasonably orchestrated offers… thus proving that in certain cases VC financing, even if done on national broadcasting, can be a good way out.

For those who don’t know how the show works; participants are invited to bring their business ideas to the table in an attempt to lock in a deal with one of several hosting millionaire venture capitalists (namely Kevin O’Leary who sold his business to Mattel Toy Company in a multi-billion dollar transaction, Jim Treliving who is owner of Boston Pizza and a few other Dragons that are well-known entrepreneurs). Many ideas are unthinkable and not viable on a business aspect, but, on some occasions an inventor or entrepreneur will bring forth a promising idea that is worth investing in. The VC’s will then vulture over their prey as they contemplate and deal the inventor to his/her knees for an agreement they would’ve never wished for. So…one must assume that an appearance on the dragon’s den or its American counterpart Shark Tank; is a move only to be considered once all other options have been exasperated. After all, as its American name suggests; these guys are sharks. It is not uncommon to see a greedy creator trying to milk the VC’s for the highest price on a small, overvalued share only to be offered a fraction of the price for a steep majority stake in the company. This is business after all, and any of the VC’s on the show will tell you: a minority stake in these desperate startups is insignificant. Thus lots of participants on the show exit without a deal for the simple reason that the offers seemed ludicrous to them, even though their requests were just as so. It’s a great show.

Anyhow, about HTT (High Tech Toys) Technologies; the latest Canadian attempt to masterfully create a beautiful, limited production supercar has had a bit of trouble financing their operations over the past year to bring their 1-off model into multiple deliveries. With only a few pre-production sales locked-in at a sticker price over $495k, and only 1 test mule making the trips to attend shows in Europe and North America: HTT needs more capital. It needs more capital to finance expansion and to ensure that deliveries are not postponed to year two-thousand twenty-something. So in almost a cry for help, Carl Descoteaux and Sebastien Forest make an appearance on the Dragon’s Den and are looking for a $1.5 million investment for a 20% stake. Unveiling the car on the show does help strike the Dragons’ interests. Upon removal of the cape-like curtain, the Dragons were struck by its phenomenal shape and so they should be, I have also seen this car in the… flesh.

A quick glance at the center-seat, well-sculpted speed demon is enough to be captivated by the uniqueness of it exclusive status. And exclusive it is, as not one model has yet been delivered. Further to its restricted-member list, a price tag topping the half-a-mill mark will surely help knock it off a few wish lists. I won’t talk much about the car this time, as I have done so in a previous article (see article in March 2010).
Today I ask: what is the impact on the image this last-attempt for finance brings to an item that is to be a desirable, first-rate want? Now don’t get me wrong, this would not be the first time a limited car producer would need some kind of cash bailout or handout just to keep afloat. It’s just that normally this is done in a more discreet fashion…behind closed doors, not on national television. In an era where all can be potentially aired on reality TV, I wonder if such a move is really tactful or really tacky. If I were selling computers made with only recycled materials, I could find strategic positioning by showing up to such a show and requesting for a partnership… But this is an exclusive custom-built automobile waiting to be discovered, a diamond in the rough, a Piaget amongst a few Seiko watches, a tailored Armani three-piece suit hung between some…American brands. It is distinction and extravagance that has made it as such, or at least should be making it valuable. Most especially considering that this is a new, Canadian, company looking to peg to it a status of flagship engineering and uncommon grounds. I say Canadian because, and respectfully so, I can admit that this is foreign ground for us good ol’ northern Canucks. Not that we have not tried in the past, but we have definitely failed at our last ventures in such dark places of the auto universe. In my opinion, this does not help the branding of the car. I would be disappointed to see such makers as Spyker or Bugatti end up on national television looking for a sponsor and the same with HTT. It takes away from the panache that the company is trying to build. Clearly HTT had run out of options… or good options at least.

The car is great. The people there at HTT are very approachable and it is bottom line a home-made, home grown product. I love it. But I can’t say that they’ve gone the right road on this one. And unfortunately I think, HTT’s time of growth is around the corner and it is a time where strategic moves need much calculation for success. Oh by the way, HTT did land a partnership deal with two of the VC’s on Dragon’s Den. A deal that got them $1.5 million in a combination of loans and equity. I hope they can make the best of it, because it comes with a steep price.

Please vote for my entry, THANKS!
http://www.endrasbmw.com/ultimateblogger/MaxSpeed

I am a passionate petrol-head, but today I am a man on a mission. I’ve driven countless amounts of cars in inter-city driving for analysis in everyday usage of cars. But this one experience is about to sit at the top of my great moments.

Driving the red devil is one thing, but pushing it on a closed racetrack is another issue altogether. Under a 35 degrees Celsius (+-92 F) sun, I am here in Las Vegas, the city of Sin, where I’ve embarked my auto-spirited soul onto a mission to drive a Ferrari F430 on a circuit. Located 12 miles north of the Vegas strip is the Exotics Racing Experience at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Joining a group of about 25 soon-to-be exotic car drivers, I am first greeted by a cheerful team of racing professionals. All of which have a seasoned background in automotive motorsport whose names have eluded me due to sheer concentration on the information they are feeding me… and yeah partly because of the excitement!

The doors shut; leather upholstery encompasses the cockpit plentifully. Just the smells of the leather are enough to make you giggle. Snuggled into the seats I am, and trust me on this, surprised at how very comfortable it is in comparison with Ferraris of yesteryears. They’ve come a long way, but this plays somewhat as a counter issue which I will explain later. Albeit dressed in the color of a Revlon red lipstick, I can’t help to think that she is a soft spoken but very direct machine. Smooth on the revs that I call upon her in neutral as I tap the throttle like a nervous kid on a first date. The adrenaline rushes quick through my veins. My heart beats increasingly faster. My mind is clouded as the instructor speaks words that seem to lose meaning as they travel to my spectrum. Hands locked 10 & 2, foot on the brake; I am staring right down on the dash board of a Ferrari F430 with F1 paddle shift technology. There is so many high quality gadgets within 12 inches of me; The Sharper Image would piss its pants just at the thought of it.

With the accord of the co-pilot (did I mention he is a seasoned professional whom I don’t remember the name of?) I pull the right side paddle and slowly press down on the throttle to exit the pit lane.

VROOOM! Nope, that wasn’t me. That was the Corvette Z06 being pushed to its supernatural boundaries by the track’s most decorated driver. He’s pulling out of turn 9 in third gear sideways to stimulate the passenger in a heap of giggles and squeamish outcries.

Then it’s my turn. Kick down the gas pedal like it’s a virgin air pump and out we go into, well, 1…2…3…4 and then brake into corner 1 with an easy downshift. Wow! Already thoughts are scrambled in my mind like a fresh omelette off the stove-top. I’m trying to figure out if it’s the jet-fast acceleration that is most impressive or the grip-tight, oversized braking system. Then, as I exit corner 1 and negotiate the immediate subsequent turn, I can’t help to think that I initially thought on skipping this activity on my Vegas trip! And I’m only in turn 2 of lap 1!!

I don’t quite remember what happened in the next few turns of the first lap. Staring down the apex cone of the turns and looking for the exit path is enough to keep my mind rolling a hundred miles an hour, or was it the car that was doing a hundred? I don’t know. Neither can I tell you what the instructor was saying for either of the first 2 laps. I think he mumbled some gibberish about gas and turn…or was it turn and gas?

Third lap begins, we’re coming out of turn 9 and now I can hear the co-pilot, “gas gas gas!” Ok! Simple enough. And that’s precisely what I do- with immediate throttle response and consistent acceleration throughout the gear ratios. Back pushed against the seat and easy up-shifting through the gates of ecstasy I am now feeling like a seasoned professional with a name I can’t remember! I guess this is what it means to “feel like a million bucks”. My hands moisten helplessly on the steering wheel and my smile just keeps getting wider and wider.

This thing is really; point and shoot. There is no hesitation on the car’s behalf. The only hesitation here is from the driver. Through turns 4 and quick 5; the wheel goes from left to right in less than a half-turn and I find myself pointing straight at the exit path with ease and no body-roll whatsoever. Which brings me to the point that has surprised me the most; this car is so easy to drive it makes my 3 Series at home feel like a sweaty exercise. Ok, so I’m in Sport mode on the Manettino, but from what I remember of the F355, this is a far cry from what used to be considered as a “daily sports car”. But hey, if this is what I have to do to be a Schumacher on the street, sign me up! A/C is on full blast, we can easily carry out a conversation in the car and it is very comfortable. Nothing to put this car to shame, however, I expected more of a challenge from the car- not from the track. I can’t help but feel a certain disconnection from the road, which is not what I had in mind when I first saddled up in the driver’s seat of this prancing horse. I take nothing away from this car, it is fascinatingly precise to say the least…just lacks a bit of commitment from the driver at first impression.

“Do you like your job my friend” I ask him in cool, collected fashion (yeah sure) as I negotiate turn 8.

“It depends who is doing the driving”, he answers with a kid’s grin.

Push hard out of the turn, gear it in third and just call up that torque like it’s on constant speed dial! And the car loves it, even under the treacherous sun in the midst of a desert. She begs for more pushing and caressing to bring her needles up…ok that probably sounds weird.

And before I know it my 5 lap session is finished, the co-pilot is forcing me into the pits as I contemplate about hugging the left lane and continuing on for another turn, or a hundred more for that matter. I’m thinking he’s going to have to pry my dead hands off this thing!

But sure enough I respect the engagement as I feel my awesomeness slowly drift out of me like a child breaking his first RC car in front of his friends. The dream has ended painfully quickly; I begin to plot on winning at the roulette back at the hotel. Maybe I can buy one of these before I head back…

Suddenly all is clear. The clouds in my helmeted head have washed away and I begin to think lucidly again. My feet on stationary ground, eyes relaxed, blood flowing…and I am reminded of what reality is.

“Did you say your name was Joey?”

To book a ride with an exotic car in Vegas, visit the Exotics Racing web site

Although only just released by Audi, ABT Sportsline is already presenting its version of the new premium limousine A8, the AS8. The luxury liner has been decently yet confidently tuned by the Bavarian company. “With us this extraordinary vehicle doesn’t lose its character, we underline it”, states Hans-Juergen Abt the General Manager of ABT Sportsline. Even the intention of the Ingolstadt car manufacturer to consistently focus on light construction, indicates how: the A8 is a sporty gentleman, even more so after the power treatment at ABT. Initially the potent turbo diesel with a 4.2 litre cubic capacity has had its performance improved, and other versions will follow soon.
Visit: ABT Sportsline for more information.

Source: ABT Sportsline

Press release from Tesla Motors April 30th, 2010

Tesla Roadster makes history in Moscow’s Red Square

World’s only electric sports car receives clearance to park in front of iconic Russian landmark.

MOSCOW – A Tesla Roadster traveling around the world made history Friday as the first car without Russian components to receive official clearance to park in Moscow’s Red Square.

Red Square is the country’s former royal citadel and the president’s residence – an iconic venue considered the epicenter of Moscow and Russia itself. On Thursday, the Roadster was the center of a VIP celebration with more than 250 guests at Moscow’s Autoville Museum, where the car is on display all weekend.

Moscow is the sixth stop in the “Odyssey of Pioneers,” the first round-the-world tour by a zero-emission GT car. The 37,000-kilometer voyage, sponsored by Tesla Motors and Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer, includes displays, owner appreciation gatherings, and VIP events in 15 cities and more than 150 towns on three continents.

Previous stops have included Monaco, Milan and Budapest, where Nikola Tesla came up with the design for his revolutionary alternating-current induction motor in 1882. The Tesla Roadster – the only electric car for sale in Europe or North America — uses an AC induction motor descended from the scientist’s original vision.

“The Roadster is an iconic and ground-breaking car, so it’s appropriate that it made history in such a poignant way,” said Tesla technician Luke McClure, who is driving the Roadster across three continents. “It was humbling to be granted the honor of parking in Russia’s most hallowed ground – and at the same time we have been mobbed by fans excited to see the Roadster in person.”

Throughout Slovenia, Hungary, Russia and other countries, the Roadster has been recharging from conventional outlets using existing infrastructure. The TAG Heuer Tesla Roadster has charged from standard outlets at hotels, a solar panel array in Italy and even at a barn in rural Switzerland, demonstrating the versatility and ease of charging. Fans can follow the Odyssey online and become part of the tour’s social media experiments on Facebook.

Tesla Motors press release

FISKER AUTOMOTIVE LAUNCHES NORTH AMERICAN
RETAIL TOUR
Karma premium plug-in hybrid to make first visit to new Fisker retailers
IRVINE, CA – April 15, 2010: American green-car maker Fisker
Automotive will be launching a North American tour to introduce
the stylish Karma premium plug-in hybrid to local markets, and
support the company’s new retail network.
Scheduled to kick off Tuesday, April 27 from the company’s Irvine,
California headquarters, the two-month program will stop in 42
cities in 26 states and three Canadian provinces. An intended
schedule can be found below and online in the News section of
www.fiskerautomotive.com
“This tour provides local retailers the opportunity to introduce the beautifully styled and environmentally friendly Karma to their customers and potential prospects,” said Marti Eulberg, Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing at Fisker Automotive. “Fisker Automotive has established a network of proven retailers that will deliver the highest level of customer satisfaction.”
About Fisker Karma
The Fisker Karma is the world’s first premium plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). It combines world-class luxury and sports car-like performance with industry-leading economy and zero tailpipe emissions. The four-seat sedan was designed by Fisker Automotive CEO Henrik Fisker, who also designed the Aston Martin DB9 and BMW Z8, both of which were featured in James Bond movies.
With 403hp it can reach 60mph in six seconds and a top speed of 125mph, yet it can achieve more than 100mpg on an annual basis. The Karma has a total range of 300 miles, 50 of which are electric-only and powered by a Lithium-ion battery from A123 Systems, which can be fully recharged in as little as eight hours.
Distinctive, stylish and green, the Karma is priced competitively within its segment and appeals to eco-friendly customers who don’t want to compromise their passion for driving. Fisker Automotive created the premium plug-in hybrid segment when it introduced the Karma at the 2008 North American International Auto Show as a concept. Initial customer deliveries are expected to begin first quarter 2011.
In September 2009 Fisker Automotive was approved for a conditional Department of Energy loan of $528.7 million, which will go toward the development of a line of lower-priced plug-in hybrids as well as the purchase of a former GM assembly plant in Wilmington, Delaware. The company expects to create up to 5,000 direct and indirect U.S. jobs in the coming years.

Intended Fisker Karma North American Retail Tour Schedule
(check with local retailers for exact times and dates)
4/27 Irvine, CA — Depart Fisker Automotive
4/28 Las Vegas, NV – Gaudin Automotive
5/1 San Antonio, TX – Barrett Holdings
5/3 Austin, TX – Roger Beasley Highline Group
5/4 Houston, TX – McDavid Auto Group
5/5 Fort Worth, TX – Frank Kent Motor Co.
5/6 Plano, TX – McDavid Auto Group
5/7 Tulsa, OK – Don Thornton Cadillac
5/10 Huntsville, AL – Century Automotive Group
5/11 Atlanta, GA – Classic Cadillac
5/13 Tampa Bay, FL – Elder Automotive Group
5/14 West Palm Beach, FL – Palm Beach Motor Cars
5/15 Miami, FL – Warren Henry Automobiles
5/17 Orlando, FL – Fields Auto Group
5/19 Winston Salem, NC – Flow Companies
5/20 Greenbelt, MD – Capitol Cadillac
5/21 Fairfax, VA – Ted Britt Auto Group
5/22 Wilmington, DE – Union Park Automotive
5/24 Langhorne, PA – H.A. Ott Motor Cars
5/25 Paramus, NJ – Bergen Jaguar
5/26 Great Neck, NY – Jaguar Great Neck
5/27 Greenwich, CT – Miller Motor Cars
5/28 Norwood, MA – Jake Kaplan’s Ltd.
6/1 North Olmsted, OH – M2 Motors, Inc.
6/2 Grand Blanc, MI – Serra Automotive
6/3 Toronto, ON – Dilawri Group
6/7 Glencoe, IL – Fields Auto Group
6/8 Schaumburg, IL – Patrick Dealer Group
6/9 Neenah, WI – Bergstrom Corp.
6/10 Minneapolis, MN – Borton Automotive
6/12 Saint Louis, MO – Plaza Motor Group
6/15 Denver, CO – Rickenbaugh
6/18 Calgary, AB – Dilawri Group
6/21 Centerville, UT – Hadley Auto Company
6/24 Vancouver, BC – Fields Auto Group
6/25 Bellevue, WA – O’Brien Auto Group
6/26 Portland, OR – Ron Tonkin Family of Dealerships
6/27 Marin, CA – Price Family Dealerships
6/28 Sacramento, CA – Price Family Dealerships
6/29 Silicon Valley, CA – Price Family Dealerships
6/30 Santa Monica, CA – Sullivan Luxury Cars
7/3 Irvine, CA, Orange – Shelly Automotive Group
7/5 San Diego, CA – Marvin K. Brown Auto Group

Source: Fisker Automotive press release

Excerpt from Arden press release:

From the 13th until the 16th May the Tuning World are opening their doors at the Bodensee for the eighth time. This exhibition has grown over the last years to be the largest tuner and accessories exhibition in Europe and is a must for every automotive enthusiast. Arden Automobilbau GmbH, together with their technology partner Vredestein, will be exhibiting at the show. For the first time the Arden Range Rover Sport AR5/10 will be presented to the public. Not only the body kit will be celebrating its premiere, but also the new 22” wheel rim Dakar II.

A further highlight will be the presentation of the Arden AJ 20 XKR 5,0L Cabriolet that has been tested in the current edition (5/20/10) of the Sport Auto and received such successful results that it landed a position in the leading group.

Visit us in Hall B5 at the exhibition stand 402 + 501 and convince yourself of our experience, on how exclusive automobiles can be made even more personal and innovated.

HTT Plethore LC750 – Attaining supercar status.
1 car, 3 seats, a center driving position and a whole lot of power. The Mclaren F1 is old news, new is the HTT Supercar dubbed Plethore LC750. This is neither your average coupe, nor your average supercar for that matter. The car that Montreal, Quebec based Luc Chartrand designed is starting to make serious noise around the globe – as it should. Not only is the Plethore a car that looks the part, drives the wheels off its chassis and offers limited production exclusivity, this car is potentially the first supercar to be launched successfully out of Canada. Others have attempted, notably the Motion Concept Vehicle creation, but the feat never really achieved any concrete success. With star appearances at SEMA and International Auto Shows, the hype is building and it’s only a matter of time now for owners to get their high tech toy in their driveways. HTT says it plans to limit production to 50 units per year, but has a long ways to reach those numbers. First year of production should see 8 models roll out.

The Plethore’s frame and body is built from lightweight carbon fibre which has contributed dearly to its extremely low curb weight of approximately 2500lbs (or 1150kg). To site an example of its mastered weight-savings, the Ferrari Enzo weighs in at about 3000 lbs (or approximately 1380kg). Apart from its weight-watchers’ ways, the Plethore supercar is; super quick. Claimed 0-100km/h times of 2.8 seconds and a top speed well past 350km/h will make any speed junky get his fix before he can even get the itch. The power is sourced from a 6.2L, supercharged V8 pushing out 750hp and HTT has been sited saying it plans to offer a second version with even more power; in the vicinity of 1300hp! With the 750hp model being powered by the Corvette’s LS9 engine, we wonder what engine will accommodate the company’s bigger ambitions of 1300hp; we think they will want to engineer it in-house. The car will run on a 6 speed manual gearbox but plans are in the work for alternative transmissions.

The company’s high ambitions don’t stop with producing the first Canadian road supercar, sources say it plans on having it FIA regulated so that it can see some track action.
The overall design is at the top supercar level and just looks the part. There is no question as to if this car can play with the big toys. The question lies in its driving ability and its potential to be on car collectors’ shopping lists. I believe auto enthusiasts alike will praise its new coming as they did with the famous Saleen S7, which has also seen much track time.

With an exquisitely finished interior and its particular driving position; it simply completes itself. It just has massive loads of character, all that mass and the aggressive stance is absolutely eye-catching. When we first saw the prototype version at the Montreal Auto Show, it was confidently sitting with the high ranks of its league and looked ready to take on the cynics. I can’t wait to see this creation on the road.

Text courtesy of Paragon Autos
Image source: HTT

Following the great news earlier this year that in its native province, a motorcycle license is no longer required to drive a T-Rex, Campagna Motors announces that it will sell its 3-wheeled high performance vehicle in Japan. Through Brain Trading, the Japan importer, a dealership network will be established. The company announced the partnership in late 2009. There are no details on whether the V13R model will also be imported in Japan.

Bugatti 16C Galibier Concept
Bold and elegant, the new Bugatti design study looks as though it is busting from the seams. Beautiful lines embody the enormous engine and acres of quality leathers and wood. A sumptuous cabin accommodates even the most discerning of first class passengers. And with all that power under the 30’s style bonnet, it’s not a difficult job getting to where you’re going in comfort and rapidity.

Although Bugatti states it is currently studying other concepts at the present time, the Galibier paints a good picture of Bugatti’s future direction. From the large LED lights, to the four exhausts set up on both sides; the car is Avant Garde in both technology and presentation. It does show a hint of pas Bugatti concept cars from the nineties such as the EB 112.
The heart of this creation is a suggested 8-litre, 16-cylinder engine with two-stage supercharging. The car can run on ethanol and is powered at the four corners as the Veyron is.

Stay tuned for more details of the spectacular Bugatti 16C Galibier.

Pictures: Bugatti
Text: Paragon Autos

Bentley Motors
Press Release
www.bentleymedia.com

BENTLEY MOTORS SHOWCASES NEW FLAGSHIP MULSANNE AND SERIES 51 CONTINENTAL GTC AT DETROIT MOTOR SHOW

o Americas’ motor show debut for new Bentley Mulsanne and Series 51 Continental GTC convertible
o All-new Mulsanne to start at $285,000 in the United States with first deliveries to begin this Fall
o Series 51 specification provides an exciting new design direction for Continental GT and GTC owners

(11 January 2010. Detroit, MI USA) Bentley Motors, the only ultra-luxury manufacturer with a stand alone display at this year’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit, pulled the wraps off the all-new Bentley Mulsanne flagship sedan and ‘Series 51’ designer edition of the Continental GTC convertible during the vehicles’ first motor show debut in The Americas.

The new Mulsanne, designed and engineered at Crewe from the ground-up, reaffirms the marque’s intent to create a new flagship Bentley with refined performance and unparalleled levels of luxury with the coach building elegance for which the marque has long been renowned.

The Series 51 Continental GTC represents Bentley exterior and interior styling at its most vibrant and will enable customers to order ‘off the peg’ from an exclusive range created by Dirk van Braeckel’s renowned team of Crewe-based designers.

“The Detroit Motor Show remains an important stop for Bentley on the annual calendar of international motoring events,” said Christophe Georges, President & Chief Operating Officer for Bentley Motors Inc. “Detroit is also the motor show debut for our flagship Mulsanne and the Series 51 Continental in The Americas region – our single largest worldwide – so it is an important opportunity to reach key influencers.
“Our annual NAIAS private customer previews have also proved successful and that proud record looks set to continue especially as we’re the only ultra-luxury manufacturer with a stand alone display this year,” Georges added. “Bentley has a busy year ahead and displaying our Mulsanne and Series 51 Continental GTC among Detroit’s automotive insiders, influencers and customers is central to our launch strategy.”

Flagship Bentley Mulsanne
The Bentley Mulsanne, which goes on sale in the fall of this year, will be priced at $285,000 in the United States. The Mulsanne will offer customers a degree of choice when commissioning their cars which is unmatched in the industry. The luxury Bentley flagship offers a palette of 114 paint colours, 21 carpet colours, nine wood veneers and 24 interior leather hides, all of which will be tanned using a decades-old process to ensure this future classic retains its distinctive scent.

In addition, through Bentley’s bespoke service, unique colours can be developed which will exactly match a customer’s vision and taste. With more standard leather and wood veneer than any other Bentley in the modern era, it is understandable that each Mulsanne will take nine weeks to build.

Bentley’s legendary hand-assembled V8 engine pays homage to its predecessors yet for the new Mulsanne it has been comprehensively re-engineered to employ advanced technologies that deliver unstressed, refined performance. The new Bentley V8 engine is lighter and features cylinder de-activation and variable cam phasing, a combination that can significantly reduce both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Advanced technology is exquisitely packaged within the Mulsanne’s opulent cabin. Behind its heritage-inspired dials and new glass-effect switches lay leading edge features including iPod and mp3 connectivity, Bluetooth and a SIM card reader, as well as a 3G MMI system. Those opting for NAIM’s premium audio system will be treated to the world’s most powerful system fitted to a production vehicle – a 20-channel 2,200-watt experience.

Series 51 Continental GTC
The Series 51 package, available on the Continental range’s GT, GT Speed, GTC and GTC Speed models, will be priced from $192,750 for the GT coupe model. It provides for a virtually bespoke vehicle experience due to the thousands of configurations available through Bentley’s expansive colour and trim catalogue.

Series 51 is named after the year that the first official styling department was established in Crewe by the gifted John Blatchley, who shaped the original and iconic 1950s Bentley Continentals. Every Series 51 car will feature a highly-distinctive interior colour palette and unique exterior design cues.

Bentley’s Colour and Trim team, managed by Melinda – June Jenkins, has designed some specially tailored three-tone interiors which demonstrate the full potential of leather hide colours and showcase the creative application of contrast stitching and piping. The colour combination on the Detroit show car is Imperial Blue as the main and secondary hide, Linen seat and door inserts and Saddle contrast stitching and piping.

Bentley’s designers have also selected a range of premium-quality materials for the dashboard and centre console to complement the three-tone interiors. The Dark and Bright ‘Engine Spin’ aluminium options provide a striking contrast with darker and lighter hide colour choices and a special, limited-edition Amboyna veneer reserved for solely for Series 51.

Both the Continental GT and GTC offer a powerful road presence and the Series 51 cars further accentuate these sporting credentials with some eye-catching exterior styling. A 20” 14-spoke polished Diamond wheel with a dark centre cap provides Series 51 cars with a purposeful and stylish appearance. The cars will be distinguished by a signature ‘51’ badge on the front wings.

To enhance and personalise the Continental GT still further, a new two-tone paint can be commissioned which complements the contrasting interior configuration. This highly distinctive colour split (with one colour running over the bonnet, roof and flowing down to the boot) is a classic design used on many sporting Bentleys of the past.

Source: Bentley Media press release

British cars have always stood out from the rest on account of their elegance, discreet sportiness and understatement. As a registered car manufacturer, Arden Automobilbau GmbH has been tuning these vehicles for more than 30 years and offers customers all over the world individualisation and increased driving pleasure.

At the IAA in Frankfurt, Jaguar presented the new model series of the legendary XJ, thus completing its change in style. We have taken up the challenge of further perfecting an almost perfect car. The result is our Arden AJ22.

A complete aerodynamic package comprising front and rear apron, side sills and rear spoiler give the AJ22 an impressive appearance. The sporty design is completed by a 4-pipe stainless steel custom muffler system, the high-performance catalytic converters of which are responsible both for the increase in power and the typical sonorous sound.

The specially adapted Arden sports chassis combined with the exclusive Arden Sportline wheels size 10Jx21 inch promise optimum contact with the roadway.

Source: Arden Press Release

World-first use of innovative materials

“The handling of ‘Zai Supersport’ is smooth and responsive, dynamic and lively. They are a world-first!”
Simon Jacomet, Zai Founder

London, 18th December 2009

Bentley is proud to announce the launch of ‘one-of-a-kind’ zai for Bentley Supersport skis, handmade in Switzerland with collaboration from the Styling Studio in Crewe, the home of Bentley Motors.

The handmade skis, poles and ski bag have been designed exclusively for Bentley, with design input from Bentley’s own team. Most excitingly, unique and patented technology confirms the product range is truly ‘one-of-a-kind’. New materials deployed in the skis will be a world first.

The skis will be a limited edition of 250 numbered pairs. Zaiìra® is a novel composite material containing carbon fibres specially developed by zai in co-operation with a partner. Zaiìra® is used on the skis’ top layer in combination with natural rubber in the central part as well as carbon fabric in composition with chrome steel in the torsion part. Additionally, long carbon fibre Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites (LFRTP) are being used in the zai for Bentley Supersport skis.

The ski poles also demonstrate a new technology, ExoGrid®, used solely for the first time in the Bentley skis. A unique combination of the materials titan and carbon fabric reduces weight and guarantees high stability, and is currently used for golf shafts. The ski bag is also custom-designed and custom-manufactured by zai.

Zai was formed in 2004, based in the Swiss village of Disentis. The high-end manufacturer of ski products, helmets and goggles, with a focus on hand built craftsmanship and the use of unique materials and patented technology.

Zai launched the world’s first and only skis containing a stone core, “zai Spada”, followed by ‘Hublot All Black by zai’ skis featuring a natural rubber top layer.

In 2008-9, the company sold 900 pairs of skis (’09 season) and this year is expecting to sell 1,000 pairs. About 20 per cent of all sales are direct from the factory with a focus on offering a factory tour, after sales service and insight into the production process.

The zai for Bentley ski range will be a limited quantity only, numbered 1/250.

The skis will be priced as follows:
6,800 EUR
9,800 CHF
9,800 USD
5,900 GBP

The skis will be available to order in January 2010 and retailed via zai distributors. Please contact Benedikt Germanier at zai for Bentley directly for information.

www.zaiforbentley.com

We’ve posted 6 tuner pages for the BMW 1 Series.

AC Schnitzer, Breyton, Dinan, G Power, Hamann, Hartge, Racing Dynamics.

Have a look at the article and the tuners @ http://www.paragon-autos.com

BMW 1 Series

It has been long proclaimed as the best Japanese performance car even before the first delivery was made. It was said that it would be eclipsing the likes of the Nissan Z or the Infinity G37 by a long shot, escaping the reaches of the belated Acura NSX and even outplaying the Mitsubishi-famed Evo Lancer series. The GTR follows a long-line of high-speed predecessors in the form of the Nissan Skyline, which was never produced for the Americas, until now.  With a multitude of gadgetry and innovative design, the world anticipated with reason – the new Nissan GTR. Read the full article @

www.paragon-autos.com

Miraculous creation: the Ferrari California. Meticulous translation: the Ferrari California by Hamann. A testament to Hamann’s ability to transform in its own interpretation, something already unique and extravagant into something…dare I say… more?

check out the full article at www.paragon-autos.com and let us know what you think of  Hamann’s work.