New Bentley Continental GT with a Luxury Twist!

New Bentley Continental GT with a Luxury Twist!

With its 6.0 litre, twin-turbocharged W12 engine, a step-change in technology and a truly stunning design language, the Continental GT is unmatched in its class. This Bentley GT coupé is the quintessential grand tourer – phenomenally powerful, beautifully designed and exquisitely crafted.
A SENSE OF SPEED AND PRESENCE.
The Continental GT features clean, superformed lines and a wide, low body, evoking a sense of speed and presence. On unlocking the car, a pre-programmed sequence of exterior lighting welcomes you. To complement the car’s striking interior design, the interior mood lighting (fitted as standard) can be configured to your preference. With lighting strips created to accentuate the car’s key design lines, you can choose vibrant or muted settings in seven colours, as well as backlighting the treadplates in your chosen colour.
The seats are minimalist in style, with a streamlined design that ensures they are as comfortable as they are elegant. Smooth centre panels maximise the effectiveness of heating, cooling, ventilation and massage functions, while handcrafted quilting adds detail to the bolsters and upper areas – parts of the seats that can be seen from outside the car. The seat memory selectors are located in the door pads, allowing you to select your preferred seating position with a flick of a switch before you even sit down. A satin chrome handle is used to tilt each rear seat forward and access the rear of the cabin, with an alternative ‘express’ switch, which moves the seat electrically instead.

INNOVATIVE PERFORMANCE.
Created for effortless, exhilarating driving, the Continental GT is built on an innovative chassis and electrical architecture, featuring a completely new 6.0 litre W12 engine and an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, for smooth, fast and efficient gear changes.
As a result, it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds (0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds) and deliver a phenomenal top speed of 207 mph (333 km/h).
Four driving modes are accessible at the turn of a dial. Comfort optimises the chassis and drivetrain for luxurious cruising, while Sport mode retunes the engine for a more dynamic response – with the variable exhaust valve adjusting the character of the exhaust note to match. The Bentley mode provides the optimum combination of Sport and Comfort, while a Custom mode allows you to configure your own settings for future use.

EFFORTLESSLY EFFICIENT.
In the engine itself, high-pressure direct injection has been employed alongside port injection, allowing the engine to switch seamlessly between the two, depending on which is most efficient in any given situation. Along with a raft of fuel innovations, it ensures that emission levels are among the best in its class, while also maximising range.

THE MOST ADVANCED CONTINENTAL EVER.
The Continental GT features innovations throughout the drivetrain, making it the most advanced Bentley model ever built.
Dual clutch transmission provides impressively quick gearshifts and smooth acceleration to enhance the car’s energetic character. The 48V Active Roll Control system senses road conditions and changes the car’s movement instantaneously to optimise handling and ensure a smooth ride. And electric steering improves feedback to the driver so that it always feels right for.

VARIABLE DISPLACEMENT TECHNOLOGY.
Beneath the bonnet, variable displacement technology allows one entire bank of cylinders to disengage at gentle throttle openings, reducing the number in operation to six and optimising fuel consumption accordingly, without the driver even noticing. The moment the throttle opens wider, the engine reverts to the power of all 12 cylinders.

PRACTICALLY LIMITLESS CUSTOMISATION
The Continental GT is built by hand, offering practically limitless scope for personalisation. Taken together, the vast range of options available for both the interior and exterior of your car ensure you need never see another one like it.

INTERIOR OPTIONS
*The Continental GT can be commissioned with stunning dual veneers, in which the natural grain of wood is contrasted with clean, minimalist Grand Black, the two finishes separated by a Chrome Pinstripe – a 3mm strip of polished chrome, tracing a ring around the cabin. Alternatively, there is a choice of nine single veneers, including new High Gloss Carbon Fibre. Any of these can be enhanced by the same Chrome Pinstripe used in the dual veneers (except Carbon Fibre).
The elegant, wide centre console can be commissioned with a sleek finish inspired by the Côtes de Genève finish used inside mechanical wristwatches.
And then there is the Bentley Rotating Display: a stunning combination of high technology and traditional craftsmanship. A three-face section of the dashboard, it rotates according to your preferences, offering you the option of a high-resolution touchscreen or a set of analogue dials with polished chrome bezels, before returning to a smooth, uninterrupted panel of veneered fascia at the end of your journey.

CREATE YOUR OWN LOOK.
Many of the polished chrome details inside the car are finished with Bentley’s refined diamond knurling – an eye-catching finish that makes controls easier to grip, while bouncing light beautifully around the car.
There are 15 interior hides to choose from covering everything from the seats and the dashboard top to the door panels and car headliner. They are Magnolia, Camel, Linen, Portland, Saddle, Brunel, Cumbrian Green, Burnt Oak, Damson, Cricket Ball, Hotspur, Newmarket Tan, Porpoise, Imperial Blue and Beluga. Carpets can be chosen to match either the main hide or secondary hide. Hand cross-stitching is now also available to compliment your choice of hides.
For an even softer feel, semi-aniline leather is also available.

EXTERIOR CHOICES.
Sunroof*.
Available for you Continental GT is a panoramic fixed glass sunroof, which has an interior blind in Alcantara, which matches the headliner colour. Explore this option on the Bentley Configurator.
Exterior finishes.
The beautiful piano-finish paint process is applied to each new Continental GT by the craftsmen and women at the Bentley factory in Crewe, working alongside the very latest technology in robot paint systems to provide an unrivalled level of detail.
An impressive range of standard and optional colours are available, and if you are looking for a special colour which is unique to you, Mulliner are able to work with you to create something truly bespoke.
*This feature is not available in all markets. Please contact your local retailer for availability. Model shown is 2021 model year which is not available in all markets. Please contact your local dealer for availability.

14.19

2021 Lotus Evija Review, Pricing, and Specs - The Most Powerful Car In The World!

2021 Lotus Evija Review, Pricing, and Specs - The Most Powerful Car In The World! 

HIGHS Leads the pack in horsepower, less expensive than hypercars with less muscle, quick charging time.
LOWS Not street legal in the U.S., electric powertrain makes it less versatile than gas-only or hybrid rivals, very limited availability.
VERDICT The Lotus Evija is an electric hypercar with class-leading horsepower, ultrafast charging technology, and a chiseled design.
Overview.
The Lotus Evija (pronounced eh-VIE'-ya) aims to push the boundaries of modern hypercar technology. While many rivals offer hybrid powertrains, this model commits to being fully electric, and it comes with an ultrafast charging setup. Its exterior design takes cues from race cars built to dominate the track. The car's sheetmetal includes elements such as butterfly doors and a large rear wing. Best of all, however, is what this car offers from its four electric motors: The Evija delivers almost 2000 horsepower, and Lotus claims this makes it the most powerful production car on the planet. Only 130 models of this leading-edge hypercar will be built, each priced at more than $2 million.

What's New for 2021?
Lotus adds the Evija to its roster for the 2021 model year.

Pricing and Which One to Buy.
 Base: $2.3 million (est).
This Lotus comes in a single trim that offers enough equipment to meet the needs of discerning hypercar shoppers. Staggered magnesium wheels, sized 20 inches in front and 21 inches in back, keep this coupe in touch with the pavement. Laser lights brighten the path ahead. Lotus claims that the Evija is the first production car to employ laser lights for both main and dipped beams. The car's sculpted carbon-fiber body travels close to the ground, with a ride height of just 4.1 inches. Drawing inspiration from Le Mans race cars, Lotus pierced each rear-quarter panel by a Venturi tunnel, which optimizes air flow by sending it through the body shell. The car's Venturi tunnels are piped with red LED lighting. At night, this design creates a look that's bold and dramatic, akin to the glow of afterburners on a fighter jet. The rear spoiler utilizes active aerodynamics, rising from its resting position to lie flush with the upper bodywork. To further reduce drag, the Evija doesn't have exterior mirrors. Instead, this model comes with front wing cameras that automatically deploy when the doors are unlocked. These cameras send images to three screens located inside the cabin. The car's list of standard interior amenities includes climate control and a premium infotainment system. Lotus offers a plethora of paint finishes and interior trims, allowing you to personalize the Evija to your liking.

Keep in mind that production is limited to just 130 models. Also, the Evija isn't street legal in the U.S.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance.
The star of the show is the Evija's muscle-bound electric powertrain. Motivation is provided by a team of four electric motors, and Lotus claims they generate a total output of 1972 horsepower and 1254 lb-ft of torque. That's almost double the horsepower provided by more expensive hypercars such as the Aston Martin Valkyrie. A single-speed automatic transmission governs it all, sending power to all four wheels. The car's light curb weight is designed to optimize handling. The company claims the Evija weighs just over 3700 pounds, making it supposedly the lightest EV hypercar ever to enter production. The Evija can reach a top speed of more than 200 mph, and Lotus expects it to sprint to 62 mph in under three seconds. The car's performance can be customized via five driving modes: Range, City, Tour, Sport, and Track.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life.
EVs typically require you to wait several minutes or hours for the battery to charge. The Evija is different. It's equipped with technology that's designed to make charging the battery almost as quick as getting a fill-up at the gas pump. The car takes just 12 minutes for an 80 percent charge, and a full charge takes a mere 18 minutes. This Lotus hypercar is able to travel up to 250 miles between charges.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG.
Lotus hasn't disclosed mileage estimates for the 2021 Evija.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo.
The Lotus Evija seats two passengers, and its cabin is accessed via a pair of dihedral doors. These doors do without handles to preserve the car's clean, sculptural aesthetic, and they're operated using the key fob. Once you've entered the car, the doors can be closed using a switch on the overhead console. The Evija's electrically adjustable front seats feature a carbon-fiber shell and thick pads swathed in microfiber. The driver can manually adjust the tilt and length of the steering column, and there are two bespoke storage spaces placed close to the occupants' hip points. The list of standard interior amenities includes climate control and three-point seatbelts, with four-point harnesses offered as optional equipment.

Overall, the Evija's cabin has a look that's somehow both retro and modern. Lotus says certain design elements were inspired by the company's racing cars of the 1950s and '60s.

Infotainment and Connectivity.
All Evija hypercars come with tech features such as Bluetooth connectivity and an infotainment system. In front of the steering wheel, there's a digital display that provides the driver with pertinent information like battery charge and remaining range. This is the car's only screen. The Evija comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, and Lotus has installed an onboard modem that facilitates connection to the cloud. A smartphone app is available that allows drivers to monitor the Evija from any location, checking on things such as battery charge status and driving range.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features.
The 2021 Lotus Evija hasn't received an overall crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Key safety features include.
Standard backup camera.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage.
The warranty protection offered by Lotus is competitive with the coverage provided by competing brands such as Lamborghini and Ferrari.

13.17

PEUGEOT’S E-LEGEND CONCEPT IS A MUSCLE CAR FOR THE ELECTRIC AGE.

 

PEUGEOT’S E-LEGEND CONCEPT IS A MUSCLE CAR FOR THE ELECTRIC AGE.

Fully autonomous and connected cars don’t need to be boring.

By Vlad Savov.

RotatingRotating phlegmatically beneath an immodest #UnboringTheFuture banner at the Paris Motor Show, Peugeot’s e-Legend Concept might be my favorite of all the electric concept cars I’ve seen this week. Its design is inspired by the classic Peugeot 504 coupe, with a more aggressive styling that reminds me of Ford’s latest Mustang GT. But beneath that old-school muscular look is a fully autonomous, connected, all-electric vehicle. It’s a car that looks to the future without devaluing the brand’s past, and I love the result.

Peugeot’s premise with the e-Legend is that you shouldn’t have to compromise on anything. The car has four driving modes, with the two autonomous ones seeing the steering wheel retract into the dashboard and opening up access to a 49-inch curved widescreen display. The Soft mode would reduce distractions and disturbances to a minimum, while the Sharp option would be a nightmare scenario of “maximum connection to your digital activity” like social networks. When you do want to drive, Legend mode would be your default, with a Boost mode turning up the driving excitement.
Switching driving modes, opening and closing the electrical doors, and controlling music would be done with — you guessed it — a voice assistant tailored for autonomous driving. A version of this assistant, Peugeot says, will be making its way to production vehicles from the company within the next two years.

Fellow French company Focal has partnered with Peugeot on the integrated sound system of the e-Legend Concept. That includes neat audio zoning features like sending navigation instructions only to the driver and creating an “audio bubble” for each passenger. So we can be aloof and distant even within the enclosed space of a car. In another patriotic collaboration, Peugeot has even had Parisian parfumerie Ex Nihilo develop two custom scents for the e-Legend Concept. Alas, I wasn’t able to get inside the show car at the Paris Motor Show to be able to report on exactly how immersive those fragrances are.

I’m not thrilled about the e-Legend’s interior. The steering wheel has been made unnecessarily angular — there’s a stubborn habit among industrial designers of making future things blocky — and every flat surface seems to have been slapped with a display. In total, Peugeot says there are 16 screens inside the e-Legend, including 29-inchers in the doors and a 12-inch screen in each sunshade. This sort of excess will surely delight a company like Nvidia, which will gleefully provide chips to power as many screens as a carmaker can cram inside its car, but I don’t see the benefit from a user perspective.

In terms of road-going capabilities, the Peugeot e-Legend is built around a fully electric drivetrain that delivers 340kW to the four wheels and gets it from 0–100 km/h in under four seconds. Peugeot promises a 370-mile (600km) range, and fast charging will let you top up more than 80 percent of that in 25 minutes. Inductive charging would also be an option.

For all of its technical promises, some of which are obviously still speculative, the thing that excites me most about the e-Legend is its exterior design. Maybe it’s because it reminds me of the thrilling car chases I’ve seen in the movies, but the look of this electric vehicle definitely lives up to Peugeot’s bold claim that “boring” isn’t in its DNA. Whether you take the wheel or let it drive itself, a car like this would look awesome under all circumstances. And that’s important.



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12.59

The World's Fastest Car! SSC Tuatara

 

The World's Fastest Car! SSC Tuatara.

AN EVOLUTION OF DESIGN.
The Tuatara is a hypercar unlike any other. It is the culmination of over a decade of research and development to produce a road legal, high performance vehicle capable of delivering an otherworldly driving experience. Influenced by fighter jet aerodynamics and performance, the presence of the Tuatara inspires a sense of both intensity and simplistic design. Its striking profile is futuristic in its function, yet timeless in its form.
STRIKING PRESENCE.
The striking body of the Tuatara was designed in collaboration with world renowned designer Jason Castriota. The alluring curves offer simplistic and aerodynamic qualities, while maintaining a unique profile that stands out from the rest. Butterfly doors offer both spacious cab egress and stunning curbside attraction. A riveting transformation occurs when the front and rear deck lids are lifted, exposing the robust carbon fiber monocoque and intricate suspension system. In the forward deck, a storage compartment offers room for luggage and other possessions to be stowed. In the rear, the powerful and jaw-dropping powertrain is unveiled, a work of automotive art.
SOPHISTICATED SIMPLICITY.
The interior of the Tuatara embodies the same precocious functionality and simplistic guise found in its exterior. The teardrop canopy provides the driver and passenger with sweeping views. An advanced and beautiful HMI (Human-Machine Interface) gives the driver critical driving and vehicle information on a digital driver display, as well as a centrally located information console, where almost all functionality and information is available at the touch of a finger.
UNMATCHED AERODYNAMICS.
The design of the Tuatara goes further than visual appearance. The intentional design of the body was meticulously crafted to carry the car through the air with unprecedented ease. Boasting a coefficient of drag lower than any other car in its class, the Tuatara is well balanced between unmatched aerodynamics and precision downforce at top speed.
INTENTIONAL FORM.
Rear static winglets, side mounted buttresses, forward static wing, and a rear active wing manipulate the smooth flowing air to distribute precision down force on the wheels. Air is also diverted to intakes that efficiently cool the powerful drive train, then expelled through perforations in the body to sustain the deliberate airflow. Downforce is systematically applied across the hypercar, providing perfect balance at all speeds.
UNPRECEDENTED PERFORMANCE.
Performance is the centerpiece of a hypercar. The Tuatara brings an unprecedented amount of power and performance to the road, driven by a bespoke V8 engine and robotized manual transmission that offer an experience unlike any other.
ELEGANCE MEETS POWER.
The heart of the Tuatara is an engineering masterpiece in and of itself. Years of meticulous design and engineering at SSC North America culminated into unadulterated power generated from an engine built from the ground up exclusively for the Tuatara. With a flat-plane crank configuration, the smooth, balanced power produced offers both incredible performance and a unique hypercar experience. To ensure the engine met the standards of quality, performance, and durability that the hypercar market demands, SSC North America partnered with Nelson Racing Engines to fabricate and manufacture the V8 engine that powers this next generation hypercar.
ROBOTIZED MANUAL.
The Tuatara’s unprecedented power is transferred to a CIMA 7 speed transmission, integrated with a state-of-the-art Automac AMT system that operates the engagement and selection of movement in the gearbox. The system includes hydraulic driven components and sensors to produce high force engagement, position accuracy, and load control within milliseconds. The clutch and gear selection actuation are electrically operated, providing high precision and strategic operation. The core of the system is powered by a powerful automotive microprocessor, ensuring exceptional safety and performance.
DYNAMIC HANDLING.
The Tuatara was designed with a diverse and unique driving experience in mind. Track-level handling offers drivers the ability to aggressively engage in corner focused driving, straight-line runs, or docile street driving. Categorized into three driving modes, the car is transformed at the touch of a finger from the center console.
SPORT MODE.
In Sport Mode, the Tuatara becomes an all-around drivers car. The suspension is actuated to a front ride height of 4.0" and rear height of 4.5". Shifting characteristics through the robotized manual transmission become more docile, allowing for ease of operation in city street environments.
TRACK .MODE
In Track Mode, the Tuatara transforms into a performance beast. The geometry of the suspension is adjusted to offer extreme track-level handling while lowering the front ride height to 2.74" and the rear height to 3.25". The rear active wing dynamically acts as a control surface, adjusting pitch and height based on speed to maintain deliberate airflow and balanced precision downforce. While braking, the active rear wing deflects accordingly, spoiling the airflow and delivering superior braking capabilities. The robotized transmission is configured for aggressive 50 millisecond shifts.
FRONT LIFT MODE.
Front Lift Mode offers convenience in situations that would otherwise limit the low ride height of the Tuatara. The front suspension is lifted an additional 40mm, allowing for clearance over speed bumps or other raised surfaces. Ease of transport is achieved through this adjusted ride height as well.

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12.17

1677-HP Koenigsegg Gemera Has 3 Electric Motors, 4 Seats, 8 Cupholders

1677-HP Koenigsegg Gemera Has 3 Electric Motors, 4 Seats, 8 Cupholders.

This could be the ultimate family car or just the most irrational thing Koenigsegg has ever made, and that's saying something.
BY CONNOR HOFFMAN.

Koenigsegg has announced its first four-seater megacar, the Gemera, which it claims will launch to 62 mph in 1.9 seconds.

It's powered by a sequentially turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-three engine in conjunction with three electric motors that produce a combined 1677 horsepower and 2581 lb-ft of torque.

Pricing hasn't been announced, but it'll most definitely cost well over $1 million.

Apparently the ultra-rich want to cram not one, but three passengers into their 1000-plus-hp ultra-exclusive, ultra-expensive megacars. Or maybe the Swedish hypercar maker Koenigsegg is just assuming so, because the specialty automaker has announced its first ever four-seater, which churns up 1677 horsepower and launches from zero to 62 mph in a claimed 1.9 seconds.

Koenigsegg is the very definition of a niche company. Its products are known for having high-horsepower twin-supercharged or -turbocharged V-8s, but that's not the case with the Gemera. This four-seater is powered by a sequentially turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-three, which Koenigsegg nicknamed the "tiny friendly giant." It makes 592 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque and works in conjunction with three electric motors and Koenigsegg's single-speed direct-drive transmission. Together, these motors make 1677 horsepower and 2581 lb-ft of torque.

The three-banger doesn't even have camshafts. It uses Koenigsegg's Freevalve system that uses solenoids to activate intake and exhaust valves. Variable valve timing and lift has virtually no limits with Freevalve. This, along with cylinder deactivation, minimizes fuel consumption, meaning the three-cylinder is said to be 20 percent more fuel-efficient than a typical 2.0-liter four-cylinder.

The Gemera can travel on the 15.0-kWh battery alone for a claimed 31 miles. In hybrid mode, the range is 590 miles. It can also run on E85, but don't worry, it'll be loud, too. It's equipped with a titanium exhaust from Slovenian supplier Akrapovič.

The Gemera is Koenigsegg's first all-wheel-drive model, and it also has all-wheel steering and torque vectoring. A 395-hp electric motor on the crankshaft powers the front wheels, and there are two other electric motors powering each rear wheel.

Like other Koenigseggs, the Gemera's chassis consists of a carbon-fiber tub and aluminum sub-structures. Its ride height is electronically adjustable. The center-lock carbon-fiber wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, 21 inches in front and 22 inches in the rear.

Although the Gemera seats four, it only has two doors. They're huge, though, and they open upward. There's no need to move the front seats once the doors are opened—they're that big. Like most modern cars today, and we're not saying that this 1677-hp four-seater is like most cars today, the Gemera has two huge central touchscreen (13.0 inches, one in front and one in back), with a gauge cluster screen and two other screens for the side and rearview cameras.

Pricing hasn't been announced yet. Koenigsegg says it is only taking inquiries at the moment. We'll expect to see it sometime next year with a starting price well over $1 million.

12.26

The Koenigsegg Gemera is a 1,700bhp four-seat ‘Mega GT’.

The Koenigsegg Gemera is a 1,700bhp four-seat ‘Mega GT’.

Brain, meet frying pan: three electric motors, 3-cyl engine and 0-62mph in 1.9s.
By Vijay Pattni,
This is the new Koenigsegg Gemera, and it is a family car. Indeed, we know this because it has four seats, hot and cold cupholders, front and rear seat infotainment, wireless phone charging and the ability to store four adults’ carry-on luggage.

Also, this is the new Koenigsegg Gemera, and it is absolutely mind-blowingly nuts. It has 1,700bhp, 2,580lb ft of torque, the ability to go from 0-62mph in 1.9s and up to 250mph in “record matching pace”.

What else would you expect from Koenigsegg? Boss Christian von Koenigsegg himself describes the new Gemera as “a completely new category of car where extreme megacar meets spacious interior and ultimate environmental consciousness”.

Prepare then, to have thine puny brains fried and served with a side of disbelief. The new Gemera features three electric motors – one on each rear wheel, and one on the crankshaft – that alone deliver 1,100bhp simultaneously. In EV, rear-drive mode, the Gemera can hit 186mph, and its 800V battery gives up to 31 miles of range.

To this, Koenigsegg has added something called a Tiny Friendly Giant, which isn’t what you think it is, in more ways than one. It is a three-cylinder, twin-turbo 2.0-litre ‘Freevalve’ internal combustion engine that drives the front wheels, able to run on ethanol, or CO2-neutral methanol which makes it “at least as CO2-neutral as a pure electric car running on a ‘good’ electric source”.

This little scrapper makes 600bhp and 443lb ft of torque on its own. Yes, Koenigsegg says it offers “a lighter, more efficient cradle-to-grave solution” compared to other combustion engines. But once more for the cheap seats: six hundred horsepower from a three-cylinder.

Koenigsegg says until those advanced fuels become more readily available, you can stick E85 in there, or even in the “worst case” – whisper it – petrol. Urgh. In any case, that all adds up to the magic 1,700bhp figure, delivered via all-wheel-drive and with all-wheel torque vectoring on offer.

The ‘Freevalve’ bit? That’s Koenigsegg’s long-worked-on tech that ditches the cams from an internal combustion engine to better control valve timing, and thus, efficiency and power.

Indeed, Christian told TG.com last year – when announcing a new hypercar with hybrid tech – that he wants to wring out every last ounce of efficiency from the internal combustion engine. “I think having a smaller battery pack and combining it with a CO2 neutral combustion engine is a very enticing, exciting, lightweight and sporty solution for a sports car,” he told us. Putting it ‘through the wall’, were his words.

Thing is, the Gemera could probably withstand actually going through a wall, because we’re told it features a “very strong carbon fibre monocoque”. Other safety equipment comes in the form of six ‘smart’ airbags, traction control, stability control, ABS and advanced driver assistance systems. Heck, there are even ISOFIX points in the rear seats.

Looks like a proper Koenigsegg too, doesn’t it? The front takes inspiration from the very first ‘Segg prototype (the CC), there’s the trademark fighter-jet wraparound windscreen, a 3m wheelbase with rear-wheel-steering, and really quite massive upwards-opening doors. ‘Koenigsegg Automated Twisted Synchrohelix Actuation Doors’ is the official description. Let’s just stick with the Really Quite Massive Upwards Opening Doors one. Koenigsegg has ditched the B-pillars for easier ingress and egress, and to be honest we’re still trying to work out the hows, the whys, the what-the-f and much more.

Only 300 will be built, and expect it to cost somewhere in the region of €1.7m. A lot of money for a family car, you might think, but considering the performance and the fact it’s a Koenigsegg - the first-ever four-seat Koenigsegg - it’s not bad value. What a Car indeed.

12.10

This is what a $1.9 million ‘family-friendly’ supercar looks like | Koenigsegg Gemera.

This is what a $1.9 million ‘family-friendly’ supercar looks like | Koenigsegg Gemera.

By Tom Huddleston Jr.

When you think of a nearly $2 million supercar, a “spacious and practical interior” probably isn’t the first image that comes to mind.

Swedish sports car manufacturer Koenigsegg is looking to change that perception, or at least offer an alternative, with the Gemera: the company’s first-ever high-performance vehicle with enough room to seat four people.

“Ultimate performance has belonged to the world of two-seaters ... until now,” CEO and founder Christian von Koenigsegg said in a statement. Koenigsegg touts the new vehicle ideal for “family trips, in comfort, style and safety with never-before-experienced performance.”

On Tuesday, Koenigsegg unveiled the 2021 Gemera, which will be produced in a limited run of just 300 cars that the BBC reports will cost roughly $1.9 million each.

Despite the four-seater’s ability to fit “four large adults comfortably with space catering to their carry-on luggage,” the Gemera is still a performance sports car, according to the company.

The Gemera features a two-liter, three-cylinder engine as well as three plug-in electric motors — yes, it’s a hybrid — that can produce up to 1700 horsepower. The hybrid system allows the Gemera to accelerate from zero to 62 mph in just 1.9 seconds, reaching a top speed of 248 mph.

The car has a range of 590 miles when in hybrid mode, the company adds.

In the past, some of the fastest four-seat cars on the market have included the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera (with a top speed of 211 mph) and the Ferrari GTC4 Lusso (208 mph), while Bentley released the four-seat Continental Supersports in 2017, which reached a top speed of 209 mph and accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, which was then billed as the world’s fastest four-seat car.

In addition to offering seating for four people, the Gemera’s interior also features two infotainment display screens, one in the center of the front dashboard and another in the back for the rear two passengers.

The car also has memory foam heated seats, an 11-speaker sound system and a total of eight cup holders — four of which are heated while the others are cooling.

12.01

THE KOENIGSEGG GEMERA IS THE WORLD’S MOST WICKEDLY WEIRD HYBRID

THE KOENIGSEGG GEMERA IS THE WORLD’S MOST WICKEDLY WEIRD HYBRID.

Three electric motors, one combustion engine, and 1,700 horsepower.

By Sean O'Kane.

LookingLooking for a hybrid vehicle to help cut down on your carbon footprint? Can I suggest the new 1,700-horsepower Koenigsegg Gemera?

The mad Swedish supercar scientists at Koenigsegg are known for making ludicrous, limited-run, high-performance vehicles like the absurd 1,500-horsepower Regera, which was also a hybrid, or last year’s 300 mile per hour missile, the Jesko. But their latest creation, the Gemera, takes the absurdity to another level. And while, yes, it’s not going to make the same kind of dent in transportation emissions as, say, a Toyota Rav4 Hybrid, or a Chevy Volt, or any all-electric vehicle, it’s a fascinating piece of modern automotive technology.

The Gemera’s hybrid powertrain is made up of three electric motors and a three-cylinder combustion engine that Koenigsegg says runs on renewable alcohol fuel. (The company calls the three-cylinder engine the “Tiny Friendly Giant Engine.”) All four of these power units are clustered around the Gemera’s rear axle. But the supercar is still an all-wheel drive machine — Koenigsegg’s first — which the company accomplishes by using a direct drive system that runs from the rear of the car to the front axle.

THE COMBUSTION ENGINE RUNS ON RENEWABLE ALCOHOL FUEL
The powertrain is an evolution of what Koenigsegg employed on the Regera, but it’s really something to behold. There is a 500-horsepower electric motor for each rear wheel, with the 600-horsepower combustion engine sitting in between. The third, 400-horsepower electric motor sits in front of this package and is attached to the crankshaft that drives the front wheels. And just behind those front wheels (and located under the direct drive system) is the 800-volt, 15kWh battery pack from which the electric motors draw their power.

Got all that? It’s a little more digestible in photographic form, where it’s also easier to appreciate the sheer economy of the design. For all that’s going on here, the packaging is surprisingly efficient.

The benefits of this wild hybrid powertrain are multifold. For one thing, Koenigsegg says the single gear direct drive setup allows the car to achieve its incredible performance with higher efficiency and less weight than “any other hybrid solution.” The result is a car that can go up to 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) before needing to recharge or refuel, and also go from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour (62mph) in a brain-liquefying 1.9 seconds.

And by using dedicated motors for the rear wheels and an open differential (with hydraulic clutches) for the front wheels, the Gemera is capable of torque vectoring, which is the ability to deliver dynamic amounts of power to individual wheels. This helps in low-grip and high-performance situations, or let’s be real, those moments when you’re mixing both. And when you have 1,700 horsepower to play with (which is the ultimate combined output, though the individual ratings for each motor and engine add up to more) you want to be sure the car can respond accordingly to as many of your commands as possible.

Hybrid powertrains are usually bulky and ungainly, especially since so many of them have been designed to fit into cars that were originally designed to only house combustion engines. Since companies like Koenigsegg are continually designing their limited-run cars from the ground up, it’s always interesting to see where they’re able to take the technology, and also to imagine how other automakers might be able to learn something from the project.

As for the rest of the car, it’s just as weird as the hybrid drivetrain that powers the Gemera. It’s Koenigsegg’s first four-seater, which inspires the hilarious vision of packing a family into this outlandish 1,700-horsepower machine for a trip to the grocery store, or even an amped-up modern day National Lampoon’s Vacation-style road trip. The seats have memory foam and can be clad in leather or Alcantara fabric. There are two wireless smartphone charging pads. The large, protruding 13-inch touchscreen is compatible with Apple CarPlay, as is the one for rear-seat passengers. There’s a 360-degree camera on the dashboard that floats for some reason. And since the Gemera uses cameras instead of side-view mirrors, there are screens poking out from each A-pillar that offer the driver a view of the person they just left in the dust.

Koenigsegg calls it “the world’s first Mega-GT” (for Grand Tourer), and... sure. Like the company’s other cars, the Gemera is so ridiculous that it has license to pretty much call it whatever it wants. Most of us will never get a chance to drive one of the 300 that will be made, let alone consider buying something so rare. But it’s always fun to see what a group of people can do when they’re removed from the constraints that traditional automakers face.

11.49

Koenigsegg Gemera: 1700bhp hybrid to make UK debut in September.

Koenigsegg Gemera: 1700bhp hybrid to make UK debut in September.

By Felix Page.
Hypercar maker to show its most practical model yet, with a roomy interior and segment-leading performance figures.

Koenigsegg has announced the Gemera, a highly potent four-seater that promises the Swedish firm’s trademark blend of refinement and straight-line pace, will make its UK debut at Salon Privé on 22 September.

The surprise new model is described as a ‘mega-GT’, and, unlike anything else in Koenigsegg’s line-up, it's claimed to seat four adults comfortably with ample room for luggage. It will be on display at Blenheim Palace alongside new and iconic models from Ferrari, Lamborghini, Aston Martin and McLaren.

Like the brand’s Regera hypercar, the Gemera takes its power from a high-capacity electrified powertrain which promises to push the four-seater from 0-62mph in just 1.9 seconds and onto a top speed of around 250mph.

The combustion element of the drivetrain comprises a relatively small 2.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine. Despite its size, though, it produces an impressive 600bhp and 443lb ft, thanks to a pair of substantial turbochargers and use of innovative ‘free-valve’ technology, which replaces the camshaft with actuators that control the valves.

The engine, nicknamed ‘The Tiny Friendly Giant’ by Koenigsegg, is mated to a trio of high-output electric motors – one for each rear wheel and one mated to the crankshaft - for a combined overall output of 1700bhp, making it one of the most powerful hybrids in production.

The Gemera can operate in pure-electric mode at speeds of up to 186mph, and is claimed to be capable of covering 31 miles before the petrol motor kicks back in.

The company says that, although it can run on conventional petrol, the Gemera is “at least as CO2-neutral as a pure electric car” when using ethanol or CO2-neutral methanol.

The Gemera’s 3000mm wheelbase allows for a high degree of rolling refinement at high speeds, but the car has also been designed to offer rewarding dynamics while being quick in corners.

Rear-wheel steering functionality is a feature, allowing for better control at speed and a turning circle that’s claimed to be on a par with that of much smaller vehicles.

Although it is unlike anything Koenigsegg has previously produced, the Gemera features a number of styling cues that link it to current and historic models, such as the Regera and Agera. The front end styling, for example, is closely linked to Koenigsegg’s first model, the CC prototype, which evolved into the CC8S production car – one of the most powerful cars of its era.

The wraparound windscreen, short overhangs and gaping side intakes hint at the car’s performance potential, while full-length scissor doors allow for improved all-round visibility and facilitate ingress and egress.

The Gemera has been designed to be sold globally, featuring a full airbag system, a suite of advanced driver aids and a crash-resistant central monocoque, but just 300 examples will be produced. Official pricing is yet to be confirmed, but the car is likely to exceed £1 million, given its exclusive status and impressive capabilities.

11.35

Mercedes-Maybach Cars: Reviews, Pricing, and Specs.

Mercedes-Maybach Cars: Reviews, Pricing, and Specs.

If you thought Mercedes-Benz cars were luxurious, the Mercedes-Maybach lineup will knock your socks off with even more exquisitely tailored interior.

Overview.
If you love the Mercedes-Benz S-class but find it isn't big enough or exclusive enough for your tastes, take a look at the 2020 Mercedes-Maybach S560 and S650. These large ultra-luxury sedans ride on longer wheelbases than the Benz S-class, and they come with the finest appointments money can buy. The S560 and S650 are made for limousine living. Their palatial rear seats are available with all the comforts needed to make chauffeured journeys an unmitigated delight. Although they cost thousands more than their Mercedes sibling, they're less expensive—and less ostentatious—than land barges such as the Rolls-Royce Phantom. Buyers who want ultra-luxury transportation that leans toward understatement may find S560 and S650 to be a perfect match.
What's New for 2020?
The Mercedes-Maybach S560 and S650 carry over into 2020 with no major changes.

Pricing and Which One to Buy.
 S560: $173,995,  S650: $203,545
The S560 and S650's key difference lies with the engine that lives under their imperious hoods. Of the two, the S560 has fewer horses, but there's more than enough power available, so this is the model we'd recommend for most buyers. Twenty-inch multispoke wheels with silver accents connect the S560 to the pavement, and a huge panoramic sunroof extends over the front and rear seats. Adaptive projector-beam LED headlights brighten the path ahead. The list of standard exterior features also includes rear fog lights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, heated power-folding side mirrors, and LED taillights. Within the cabin, you'll find heated and ventilated front seats with a massaging feature, along with a Wi-Fi hotspot, keyless entry and ignition, and a heated steering wheel. If you're using the S560 as chauffeured transportation, the well-equipped rear seat will be a big draw. This car's second row is heated and ventilated, and it reclines for optimum comfort. It also comes standard with massaging lumbar support, power side-bolster support, and leg rests. Additionally, all 2020 Mercedes-Maybach S560 sedans are equipped with a full complement of driver-assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assistance.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance.
The 2020 S560 is motivated by a turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 that produces 463 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels. With the S650, a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V-12 does the honors, and it provides 621 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. This powerplant comes with rear-wheel drive and a seven-speed automatic gearbox. An S560 that we tested at the track made it from zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, which is an impressive performance for a car with such sizable dimensions. With both sedans, you get handling that's poised and gracious. The steering is light at low speeds and gets weightier as the car's pace increases. The suspension is magnificently calibrated, keeping road harshness at bay while avoiding excessive body roll through turns.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG.
With the 2020 Mercedes-Maybach S560, EPA-rated fuel economy comes in at 16/25 mpg city/highway. The S650 is rated at 13/21 mpg. These cars are a lot less fuel efficient that the Benz S-class; that model achieves mileage of up to 19/28 mpg. Still, the S560 and S650 get better fuel economy than the Rolls-Royce Phantom which comes in at 12/20 mpg. During our time with an S560, we observed overall mileage of 18 mpg.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo.
With both the S560 and S650, you get a cabin that drips with opulence. Luscious leathers and gleaming woods are used throughout, and the interior design is sleek and stylish. These cars have a longer wheelbase than the Benz S-class, and this translates to more legroom for rear-seat passengers. While the S-class provides 34.1 inches of legroom in the back, the S560 and S650 bump this up to a generous 40 inches. The rear compartment comes standard with seats that can heat, ventilate, and massage. Adding the Executive Rear Seat Plus package brings in two folding tables for the rear seats, along with heated and cooled cupholders. This roomier, enhanced rear seat is the main feature justifying the S560 and S650's price premium versus the S-class. Unless you're planning on letting a chauffeur take the wheel, we'd recommend sticking with the Mercedes S-class sedan. Somewhat surprisingly, the S560 and S650 are light on cargo space. There's just 12.3 cubic feet of room in the trunk. With the Rolls-Royce Phantom, you get a trunk with 19 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

Infotainment and Connectivity.
Mercedes-Maybach's pair of sedans come with a comprehensive array of tech features. The standard Burmester audio system provides 26 speakers for an immersive listening experience. All models come with SiriusXM satellite radio and Bluetooth phone and music streaming. You also get Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, along with standard rear-seat DVD entertainment system with two wireless headphones.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features.
The 2020 Mercedes-Maybach S560 and S650 haven't received an overall crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, both these models come with a wide range of driver-assistance features that can help you (or your chauffeur) prevent accidents. Key safety features include.

 Standard blind-spot monitoring.
 Standard automated emergency braking.
 Standard lane-keeping assistance and lane-departure warning.
 Standard night-vision camera.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage.
Mercedes-Maybach provides solid warranty coverage. It surpasses the protection offered by Bentley.

 Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles.
 Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles.
 No complimentary scheduled maintenance.

23.15

The new Mercedes-Maybach S 600 Pullman: High-end luxury-class motor vehicle with a proud pedigree.

The new Mercedes-Maybach S 600 Pullman: High-end luxury-class motor vehicle with a proud pedigree.

The new Mercedes-Maybach S 600 Pullman is being introduced at the Geneva Motor Show. Mercedes-Maybach's second model assumes the top-of-the-range position, with vis-à-vis seating in the partitioned-off passenger compartment, and at the same time stands as a proud example of the high-end automotive luxury traditionally associated with Maybach.

Its length of 6.50 metres alone is a sign of the special status of the Mercedes‑Maybach S 600 Pullman. It provides the space for a generously-sized and tastefully-appointed club lounge in the rear, with a multitude of creature comforts fitted as standard, thereby ensuring the chauffeur-driven limousine lives up to today's expectations of what constitutes total exclusivity and luxury. The VIP occupants sit on two standard-specification executive seats facing the direction of travel. They can enjoy the greatest legroom in the segment; and can get into and out of the car with the greatest of ease and comfort. As is typical for a Pullman, the four passengers can sit facing each other in the compartment with an electrically-operated partition window. Prices start at around half a million euros; the first customers will be taking delivery of their vehicles, which of course offer unrivalled scope for individualisation, at the beginning of 2016.

Many governments, heads of state and royal families around the world have for decades chosen Mercedes-Benz saloons with the designation "Pullman" to drive them with the stateliness and style befitting their status. With its new model, the company is now extending its unique position in this demanding segment: "Quite apart from providing spacious seating in first-class comfort for high-ranking passengers, the new Mercedes-Maybach S 600 Pullman is of course the embodiment of exclusivity at its highest level," commented Ola Källenius, Member of the Daimler AG Management Board responsible for sales and marketing of Mercedes‑Benz Cars. "One can sense the significance and greatness of it in every detail."

The Mercedes-Maybach S 600 Pullman provides extremely spacious seating combined with unique features characterised by their extraordinary and perfect craftsmanship. It goes without saying that Mercedes-Maybach offers its customers unique opportunities to individualise the appointments of their top-class limousines. These include the exquisite Maybach paint finishes, which are applied in several layers.

With a length of 6499 mm, the Pullman is another 1053 mm longer than the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class. The wheelbase is an impressive 4418 mm. Furthermore, at 1598 mm in height, the Pullman is more than 100 mm higher than a Mercedes S-Class, resulting in a tangible increase in headroom.
The V12 biturbo engine in the Mercedes-Maybach S 600 Pullman has an output of 390 kW (530 hp). It has a displacement of 5980 cc and maximum torque of 830 Nm from 1900 rpm.
The name Pullman was originally applied to railway carriages with luxurious open-plan compartments manufactured by the American Pullman Palace Car Company. This name was soon also applied to the motor cars from Mercedes-Benz which were based on an extremely long wheelbase and offered a very generously-sized passenger compartment. In the rear, separated from the driver's area by a partition, there was space for four passengers to recline regally in four single seats facing each other.

Extremely spacious seating in the rear, entire vehicle interior is leather-clad.
As its name suggests, the four seats in the rear of the Mercedes-Maybach Pullman are arranged vis-à-vis. The owner and VIP guests are seated in the direction of travel on two executive seats which are part of the standard specification; other passengers can sit on the fold-down seats facing backwards. If specifically requested, the Pullman can also be delivered in an exclusive version without the additional seats.

The executive seats offer a unique level of comfort thanks to their special adjustment kinematics. In contrast to the norm, the backrest is adjusted separately while the footwell and seat reference point remain unchanged. The cushion can be adjusted separately, with inclination and horizontal adjustment combined. For the executive seats, the maximum backrest angle is 43.5 degrees. The most upright backrest position of 19 degrees allows relaxed working in the rear. The reclining seats feature a calf support, which is freely adjustable for length and angle. The luxury head restraints come with an extra cushion as standard. The two first-class travellers in the rear have the greatest amount of legroom of any car in the segment, as well as 60 millimetres more headroom than in a Mercedes-Maybach S‑Class.

It is easy and convenient to get to any of the seats, thanks to the large rear doors and the position of the passengers on the executive seats, which is even further to the rear. A real boost in comfort for those heads of state and monarchs for whom protocol dictates that they must take their places ahead of their interpreters. This seating arrangement also preserves their privacy, as a large proportion of their bodies is hidden by the rear roof pillar.

The interior of the Mercedes-Maybach Pullman is upholstered in leather throughout as standard. Not only is the roof liner upholstered in high-quality leather, but also the door frames and seat consoles. As one would expect of a Maybach, there are three analogue instruments in the roof liner informing passengers in the rear of the outside temperature, speed and time.

The partition wall between the rear and the driver's area ensures discretion. The glass partition wall can be lowered electrically. It can also change from transparent to opaque at the touch of a button. This allows – in combination with the equally standard-specification curtains for the rear windows – for different levels of privacy. The standard-fit 16:9 format 18.5-inch (47 cm) monitor located in front of the partition can also be extended electrically.

Those who demand uncompromising quality of sound and appreciate perfect music reproduction can choose between two innovative Burmester sound systems. The existing Burmester® surround sound system delivers the legendary and unmistakeable magical sound for which the high-end audio specialist from Berlin is famous. But as an option par excellence, the Burmester® High-End 3D Surround Sound System provides matchless listening pleasure and outstanding sound quality.
It goes without saying that Mercedes-Maybach offers its customers unique opportunities to individualise the appointments of their top-class limousines. The key account managers in the exclusive Maybach centres throughout Europe as well as the sales advisors in the Mercedes-Benz sales and service outlets are happy to provide further information on this.

The history: Pullman limousines from Mercedes-Benz.
Happy birthday: the special protection version of the most famous Pullman limousine, the Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman, is celebrating its 50th birthday in 2015. The first version of this luxury armoured version was built in 1965 to complement the portfolio of the luxury vehicle that was introduced in 1963. Having said that, the tradition of offering exclusive limousines with the Pullman name goes back even further at Mercedes-Benz: three special-design examples of the model 300 in Pullman dimensions, referred to in the vernacular as the "Adenauer Mercedes", were made in 1960. And following on from the model 600, Pullman versions of the S-Class 109 and 126 model series (special production) and the 140, 220 and 221 (both series production) were produced in subsequent years.

16.11

Bugatti Design Director Achim Anscheidt Discusses Virtual Reality Design of $9 Million Centodieci.

Bugatti Design Director Achim Anscheidt Discusses Virtual Reality Design of $9 Million Centodieci.

By Mark Ewing.

Achim Anscheidt has served as Bugatti’s Design Director since the early stages of the VW era, guiding development of every Bugatti from the original Veyron and its many iterations, to Chiron, Divo, and the one-of-one La Voiture Noire. In the midst of the Centodieci launch at Pebble Beach, Achim sat down to talk for an hour at the Maison Bugatti enclosure with a view of Centodieci turning on a pedestal, a one-minute walk to the steps of the Pebble Beach Lodge.

Bugatti is leading the way in a new form of carrozzeria, of carrossier, building one-off and limited-series cars with unique bodywork over the existing hard points of the Chiron chassis: Centodieci, Divo, La Voiture Noire. How are you harnessing technology to achieve this?
“It doesn’t take me one and a half years anymore. It takes half a year with Virtual Reality, VR goggles. This was the only way to answer the needs of our CEO Stephan Winklemann, to turn the brand where he wanted to go. Same with Centodieci, with Divo. Same with La Voiture Noire,” says Achim.

“Eighteen years ago Derek Jenkins, who was one of my idols and heroes, said that we would be walking around VR cars and they’d be so realistic that we would speak of them in VR. And now we are there. I am so happy that I was forced to adopt that process. Maybe possible because I have such a small area to overlook that I could take the whole team and put them on that stool."
“No clay model anymore, even though I like the romance of the clay, everything that is in the media about car designers. The VR glasses are so realistic. I can see so many things. And when I have the feeling I am 90 percent there, I do a prove-out shot that costs me €80,000. A clay model at that stage costs me €400,000,” says Achim.

“Then I have this prove-out shot that looks pretty much like that car there,” he gestures to the Centodieci on the nearby turntable, “even see-through. And then I make modifications where I was not right in the CAD development. And then I am 98 percent there. Then I do another one, and that might [raise] cost to €160,000. Where I would have spent €600,000 on the clay model by that point, and way more time, and five English contractors jumping around the car. The measuring plate, the measuring arm. The armature. And shielding from the fumes. I do like the romance of this clay story and I do not like to see it go. But the process has moved on."

“I can sit on a stool with the glasses and I can look at this car turning nearby and I almost cannot see a difference. The camera lens is so nice … and reflects the lens of my eyes. I can probably see 95 percent of that car. Then I can walk all around the car. I can step into the interior, which is an eerie feeling,” Achim says, subtly whimsical grin breaking over his face. “I can have my lead designer or the whole team standing around me and having a product conversation. And they are avatars sitting next to me with a tool in their hands pointing and discussing should we move this line up or down. We are not far away that I have a modeler doing that in real time, moving the line up and all the surfaces up. We used to do that with clay modelers and then immediately apply Dynoc again.”

Speak to the evolution of thought and the creation of the Centodieci, your tribute to the EB110 of the 1990s Romano Artioli era of Bugatti. It’s an era I lived through as a young editor of a sports car magazine. I published stories about the early stages with the EB110 designer, Giampaolo Benedini, and also the EB110 Supersport that proved a last hurrah.

“If you are a director and charged with a sequel to a blockbuster movie, what do you do? It would be totally lame to make Part Two,” Achim says, employing a brush of the California dialect he picked up while studying design at Pasadena’s Art Center. "There are very few examples where people pulled it off. It is legit to always have an inspiration, but then what you do with that inspiration, how you understand looking backwards, then looking forward with that knowledge, is the magic of homage projects.

You have spent time with Romano Artioli and Giampaolo Benedini?

It impressed me, Romano Artioli’s patron approach, putting him in line with Ettore and Ferdinand Piëch, the three great patrons of the brand. The way Romano Artioli ran the factory at Campogalliano, the way he treated his workers—sitting together, eating together. The workers would have lunch with a Michael Schumacher or [French actor] Alain Delon or a visiting prince. A philosophy that I respect a lot. Mr. Artioli is still alive. And I think he deserves a lot of credit for the forgotten supercar."
My writer in 1991 described Benedini as a “single-minded genius.” He is a designer, architect, and a manufacturer of  fine home furnishings, a true heir to the spirit of the Italian Renaissance.

“Giampaolo Benedini was not only the architect of Campogalliano [the “blue factory” created by Artioli for the rebirth of Bugatti in the late 1980s], but also the designer of the car. Not very many people know this. Such a humble, quiet-spoken person. A true racer by heart,” says Achim, whose father was a 3-time Grand Prix motorcycle world champion with Suzuki.
“I’ve had a couple of dinners with Benedini in the past year. He still races classic cars. Then I realized he is the cousin of Romano Artioli. He was always in the background speaking to Artioli about what actually should be done. They owned Lotus at the time and the Elise is his idea—Benedini’s idea that Lotus should go back to its roots. Because they owned the brand and Lotus was pretty much bankrupt. It was Benedini who said they should do a car that goes back to Colin Chapman, to the original roots. Intelligent power to weight.
“I was looking for cues of how to translate the design of the EB110 into a modern homage, and what is important to respect or concentrate on. Talking to Benedini, I realized where the very geometric and almost Bauhaus elements come from. Those chamfered elements. Look at the rear end. The geometric almost pill-shaped venting holes, geometric taillights. There is a lot of geometry on this car with an almost less-is-more approach, a nice Bauhaus philosophy. Then I found out that Benedini is a big Bauhaus follower. He owns the brand Agape—they produce bathroom furniture world wide. You see it at Campogalliano, the factory. Then I saw how that transferred to the design because Benedini finished the EB110."
My writer in 1990 stated that Benedini carried the EB110 through multiple evolutions once he took over from Gandini, and former Lamborghini engineer Paolo Stanzani left the factory. The early designs did not include a horseshoe grille.

“You know the early stages of the EB110, the prototype stages, it looked nothing like a Bugatti. It looked like a Lamborghini. You see how much Benedini put his charm onto that car. Less is more, clean Bauhaus style.
“The rear end of Centodieci started with my desire to close the engine compartment with glass just like the EB110. The engineers said there is no way in the world we can close it because we need that for breathing. I stayed hard-headed, so they said I had to offer them other cooling possibilities and that’s why you have these two big chimneys that the EB110 has as well. That’s why you have the two NACA ducts on the side shoulders of the EB110 and on the roof to pull air into that compartment.

“That’s why you have at the rear end this gaping hole where the taillights are inside, to vent all the hot air. But it is reminiscent of the EB110. The Centodieci taillights are almost like an inverted graphic of the two-dimensional graphic of the EB110. A three-dimensional sculpture. 

"These kinds of associations allow me to be wholeheartedly honest and say this is how I translate something from an old car to find a reminiscence in the people’s eye, but not a copy one-to-one as a retro car.”

15.49

BUGATTI DEVELOPMENT PERFECT TEMPERATURE CONTROL AT 400 KM/H.

BUGATTI DEVELOPMENT PERFECT TEMPERATURE CONTROL AT 400 KM/H.

JULIA LEMKE ON THE CHALLENGES OF DEVELOPING THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM.
the atmosphere in the interior is pleasantly cool despite the baking heat outside. no draughts can be felt at all – just the way things have to be to create a sense of comfort that is very noticeable even though it’s completely invisible. as the overall technical coordinator for bugatti air conditioning systems – and holder of a doctorate in engineering – julia lemke designs new air conditioning systems to ensure that the air flow and air conditioning work perfectly in the new chiron pur sport1, divo2 and all other chiron3 models. it’s a task with considerable responsibility: two air-conditioning condensers ensure heat dissipation from the vehicle, a central air conditioning unit is responsible for control, and a compressor drives the entire system. this system is made up of air conditioning lines with a considerable length of approximately 9.5 metres in total due to the mid-mounted engine concept.

Julia Lemke has been working in the automotive industry since 2013 and has been with Bugatti for the last four years. It’s a brand whose fascination for Julia Lemke is not limited to the sheer performance, technology and quality of craftsmanship, but also includes handling and usability – a unique combination of ultimate performance with exclusive design and convenience. “The Chiron, Divo and even the extreme Chiron Pur Sport are easy and convenient to drive on a day-to-day basis – they’re straightforward to use. Even inexperienced drivers can handle a Bugatti right from the word go,” says Lemke.


As far as she’s concerned, she has an absolute dream job. Julia Lemke grew up in southern Germany and became aware of her interest in technology early on, during her school days. She helped her father and brother repair her bike and started tinkering with cars at an early age. Her first car – an old 1985 VW Passat – had neither power steering nor air conditioning. Despite her fascination with technology, Julia Lemke initially took a degree in history – her second passion. She completed her studies with a qualification as an archivist – but then went on to study energy and process engineering with a focus on thermodynamics in Brunswick.

“I came to the realisation that current and future technical problems and their solutions are more fascinating than the past. I was particularly interested in thermodynamics,” explains Julia Lemke. After graduating, she conducted research at the Technical University’s Institute of Thermodynamics and wrote her doctoral dissertation on “Energy assessment of car air conditioning systems with secondary circuits”.

Everyone has their own sensation of temperature

One challenge when adjusting the air conditioning system is that each individual has their own individual sensation of temperature. Europeans usually feel comfortable between 21 and 22 degrees, while most Americans prefer it a few degrees colder. “For us, it’s important to ensure that the selected temperature is quickly established. But there mustn’t be any draughts. The air conditioning system is working best when occupants don’t notice it. We have to make sure there are no draughts or noise – only then does it make you feel comfortable,” she explains. The entire air conditioning system includes the cooling circuit for the interior, air flow, electrical system, electronics and the air conditioning unit as the system’s central control unit.

The requirements are huge: “Our vehicles travel very fast. In order for the air supply to work properly at maximum speed too, we need to ensure the ventilation and air conditioning are particularly well controlled,” she says. For this purpose, the air conditioning system changes the air flow at fast driving speeds. In conventional vehicles, air is forced into the interior at the lower end of the windscreen, but in a Bugatti this only happens up to about 250 km/h. From this point onwards, there is a switch to negative pressure: a sophisticated control system with an additional ram air flap and an optimised blower ensures that air continues to enter the interior.

The Bugatti hyper sports car also has other unique features: because of the incredible speeds reached, sometimes well over 400 km/h, the body is designed to be particularly streamlined. This requires a flat windscreen with an inclination of just 21.5 degrees. This increases the surface area of the glass to 1.31 square metres – a conventional compact car has a glass area of around 0.70 square metres and an angle of inclination of around 30 degrees. As a result, the interior of a Bugatti heats up more due to the higher solar radiation or solar load. Sky View – the glass roof option popular among Bugatti customers – further increases the level of interior heat when the sun is shining. To counteract this, the Chiron models and the Divo have a powerful air conditioning compressor with a cooling capacity of up to 10 kW and two air conditioning condensers – enough to cool an apartment in Europe measuring approximately 80 square metres. Approximately 3 kg of coolant per minute can be compressed from a pressure of about 2 bar to a high pressure of up to 30 bar.

In addition, the compressor mounted on the engine is exposed to very high ambient temperatures due to its proximity to the exhaust system, so this is cooled by another sophisticated system. “At first glance, our air conditioning system appears to function like a conventional system. But it’s a real challenge to perfectly harmonise the highly complex system of a small-series hyper sports car so that it works impeccably even at maximum speed and engine load,” says Julia Lemke. She therefore conducts research and development with regard to maximum cooling capacity as well as efficiency, system acoustics and draught reduction. This includes reducing and refining the refrigerant circuit so as to minimise the use of refrigerants and energy consumption.

As the coordinator for the interior, she is in charge of all matters relating to the passenger compartment of the new Chiron Pur Sport. The various departments collaborate very closely and all employees are involved in driving forward product development. As an exclusive luxury manufacturer, Bugatti also gives its employees the opportunity to develop and implement ideas quickly. In addition to this, there is her main job as the person responsible for the air conditioning system: she has to ensure all components of the system function reliably and provide pleasant interior comfort in all operating conditions. “Due to the increased engine speed in the Chiron Pur Sport of up to 6,900 rpm, the main focus is on the proper functioning of the air conditioning compressor as an engine peripheral. This is why I take part in a lot of test drives to ensure the functionality of my system in all climatic conditions,” she says. Julia Lemke naturally gets to drive the hyper sport cars herself during testing. For her, cars in general and the Chiron in particular are a technical masterpiece. “The deeper I get involved as an engineer, the more I admire what is achieved overall in the development of these vehicles. The enormous power of the W16 engine and the incredible speed are unique – this is what makes this highly complex system different from the rest,” she says.

Her hobbies match her love of cars and technology: motor racing and racing photography. In her spare time she enjoys going to motor racing events to take pictures. When asked which Bugatti model is her favourite, she answers without hesitation: “The Chiron Super Sport 300+ is my absolute dream car. It has even more power and a maximum speed that goes far beyond anything before it, shifting the boundaries of physics. I have huge respect for all my colleagues who have made this possible.”

Despite the small series of only 500 planned vehicles, Bugatti goes to enormous lengths to achieve perfection. Two test vehicles were available for climate trials during development of the Chiron. To make draughts more visible, Julia Lemke tracks air flow using 3D simulation, smoke lances and even wool threads. It might look strange, but the light wool threads clearly indicate the air flow. Her goal is to continue perfecting and adjusting the air conditioning system so that the vehicle occupants feel comfortable and do not hear or feel any draughts. The result is perfect only if they don’t notice anything at all.

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Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6.

Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6. 

The Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 reinterprets classic, emotional design principles in an extreme way.

Debut in Pebble Beach.
Every August classic car fans from around the world converge on Pebble Beach in California for a very special beauty contest. This gathering of magnificent classic cars is the perfect place to premiere the exclusive Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6, a sensational luxury-class coupé. The 2+2 seater is a homage to the glorious age of the aero coupés and consciously carries this tradition forward into the future.

The coupé reinterprets classic, emotional design principles in an extreme way, following the Mercedes-Benz design philosophy of sensual purity.
A glamorous coupé.
“Our glamorous coupé, the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6, represents the ultimate in contemporary luxury. It is hot and cool”, states Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Daimler AG. “With its intelligent appeal and reduced, technoid look, it perfectly embodies our design philosophy of sensual purity and our pursuit of aerodynamic efficiency.”
Classic, aesthetic principles.
With its sensual, emotional design (“hot”) and intelligent details (“cool”), the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 represents the ultimate in luxury. The classic aesthetic proportions of the show car – the extremely long bonnet, the low roof line and the rearward positioning of the greenhouse – recall the aero coupés of days gone by. But this is not retro design – this is a reinterpretation of classic, aesthetic principles.

The large coupé is set to make its debut at Monterey Car Week, which will take place on the Monterey Peninsula between 16 and 21 August 2016. The final event on 21 August will be the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
The exterior design.
Clearly defined contours and organically formed wings stand in contrast to the sharply drawn, extended feature line on each side which defines the upper vehicle body from the radiator grille across the entire length of the vehicle to the rear. There is also a striking contrast between the Maybach red paintwork and the chrome strips which sit above the wheel arches and in the centre of the bonnet and boot lid. A reinterpretation of the Mercedes-Maybach radiator grille with its fine, vertical struts accentuates the front end. The extended, round "boat tail" format of the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6's rear recalls a luxury yacht.
The interior as luxurious 360° lounge.
The front windscreen serves as a transparent display: driving-related data and geographical information is shown across its full width, augmenting the outside world with additional information. This information can be controlled and adjusted by the occupants using gestures. The dashboard wing curves across the door trim into the seat landscape, creating a 360° lounge. The sitting surface forms a horizontal, which transitions into the vertical of the doors and finally becomes the underside of the dashboard wing. In the doors and dashboard the traditional wood trim softens the appearance of the digital control and display interfaces. As a contrast to the digital world of the displays, elm is used in the floor area, creating a refined yachting look.

Typical sports car performance.
The Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 is designed as an electric car. Thanks to its four compact permanent magnet synchronous electric motors, it features all-wheel drive. The output of the drive system is 550 kW (750 PS). The shallow underfloor battery has a usable capacity of approx. 80 kWh. This not only allows performance characteristics typical of a sports car (acceleration from 0‑100 km/h in under four seconds, top speed electronically governed at 250 km/h) but also a range of over 500 kilometres according to the NEDC (over 200 miles according to EPA).

With its impressive dimensions, the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 (length/width/height: 5700/2100/1328 millimetres) is the first luxury coupé in the series of visionary design show cars from Mercedes-Benz.

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WHY THE ICONIC BUGATTI HORSHOE GRILL REALLY DERIVES FROM AN EGG.

WHY THE ICONIC BUGATTI HORSHOE GRILL REALLY DERIVES FROM AN EGG.

Horseshoe or egg? not many questions about the french hyper sports car manufacturer bugatti have been discussed as often as the origin of the iconic radiator grill shape. did founder and horse enthusiast ettore bugatti find inspiration in a horseshoe or in a different object? bugatti explains the true origin of one of the most recognizable bugatti design elements – and it fits right into the easter time.

It is a fact that even as a young man Ettore Bugatti was more than just a horse enthusiast, but also a horse breeder and a collector of carriages. He designed harnesses and possessed astoundingly beautiful horses, some of which were considered the biggest thoroughbreds of his time. Ettore used to ride on horseback on the Bugatti premises in the Alsatian village of Molsheim, at times even welcoming guests on one of his horses. He constructed the factory gates in a way that he could ride through the halls on horseback. In order not to have to get off of his horse, he developed door openers that the horses could push them with their mouth. This required a special closing mechanism as well as big brass lock plates that always had to be thoroughly polished. It is evident that Ettore Bugatti loved his horses – both the ones with four legs as well as those under the hood of his luxury automobiles.

In the beginning was the egg.

Nonetheless, the shape of the radiator grill does not go back to the horseshoe. “Art, aesthetics and the selection of materials, together with design and performance were, and still are to this day, the values driving any Bugatti automobile”, explains Achim Anscheidt, Bugatti Design Director. Ettore Bugatti had a strong artistic influence. His father Carlo Bugatti designed and built pieces of furniture in oriental style, among other things. Ettore’s brother Rembrandt created animal sculptures like the famous dancing elephant which would later serve as the radiator mascot of the Bugatti Type 41 Royale.

Carlo Bugatti had a predilection for flowing shapes, ellipses, curvatures, circles and other rounded shapes – and for the oval (from the latin word ovum for ‘egg’). In his furniture like chairs, tables, but also goblets or interior designs this shape can be found quite often. Carlo considered the oval to be the perfect geometrical shape, superior to all others. His son Ettore, who had always been in active exchange with his father, drew inspiration from his father’s vision and translated some of the ideas into his automobiles. The egg-shaped radiator grill was one of them.

While in the first two years the Bugatti customers could choose between an angular or an oval radiator grill, from 1912 onwards the Type 13 exclusively featured the oval shape. After World War I the type 13 was again modified, with new materials and a changed grill. Free of any edge or angle, for the first time it looked like a flat egg. Ettore Bugatti kept this shape throughout the next years and models, like the Type 22, Type 23, Type 28 and Type 30. It was only in 1924 for the legendary Type 35 in its different variants that Ettore renounced the completely oval radiator grill. Instead he developed a grill with a flat bottom part for aerodynamic reasons and a better positioning on the front axle. This radical change made the former egg look like a horseshoe. However, in the beginning every radiator grill looked differently, e.g. the Type 35 A featured a smaller one than the Type 35 B. Only from 1928 on all variants used the slightly broader grill, which would continue to see modifications over the following years.

At first still rather small, the grill grew broader over time, for two reasons: to cool down the engines with growing performance and to achieve a sportier look. “The horseshoe grill became a prominent design element and a distinctive trademark of Bugatti”, states Achim Anscheidt.

With this striking front end design, Ettore Bugatti underlined his claim to build no automobiles in the traditional sense, but true thoroughbreds, pur sang. The Bugatti models could be seen as a synthesis of the arts reflecting Ettore’s spirit in design and technology. The dominant front and the powerful engines now fit together perfectly.

Also today, a Bugatti hyper sports car can be identified only by the looks of the radiator grill. Its design helps to make the modern automobiles like Chiron1, Chiron Sport2 or Divo3 look elegant and sporty at the same time. “A Bugatti can be identified from far away thanks to the iconic front end with the unique grill design. This is key for the brand identity and awareness”, concludes Achim Anscheidt. Not only on Easter, but every day of the year.

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Bugatti-design-chief-lists-his-6-favorite-veyrons.

Bugatti-design-chief-lists-his-6-favorite-veyrons.

It's been 15 years since Bugatti started production of the Veyron, and to mark the occasion the brand's design boss has looked back at his six favorite examples.

Achim Anscheidt, whose official title at Bugatti is Design Director, has headed design at the French performance marque since 2004. That means he's overseen the design of most Bugattis from the modern era, including the six examples that make up his list of favorites.

They are as follows (in chronilogical order).

Bugatti Veyron Pur Sang: This was the first in what would become a long line of special-edition Veyrons, and that's why it has a special place in Anscheidt's heart. It was unveiled at the 2007 Frankfurt International Motor Show and all five build slots were sold within 45 minutes of the unveiling. Its Pur Sang name, French for “Pure Blood,” signifies that the car is the Veyron in its rawest form. There is no paint here; just an exterior finished in pure carbon and aluminum, the two core materials that make up the Veyron's construction.

Bugatti Veyron Super Sport: This model will forever remain a legend. When it was launched in 2010, it pushed the envelop on performance to levels never before imagined for a road-going car. Peak output for example was bumped to 1,183 horsepower, which was close to double what the top performance cars of the time were producing. There was also the crazy acceleration which included a 0-60 mph time of under 2.5 seconds. Then of course there was the record top speed of 267.8 mph, a figure that even hit Bugatti's engineering team by surprise. For Anscheidt, this was his first Bugatti design where “form follows performance” was paramount.

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport L’Or Blanc: This is quite possibly the most beautiful modern Bugatti ever created, and it might even be up there among the most beautiful cars ever created for some fans. In 2011, Bugatti turned to Germany's Royal Porcelain Factory to help develop a high-quality porcelain finish for the car—a world first. The way the pattern so beautifully follows the curves of the car was achieved by projecting reflections onto the surface using light strips. The resulting look resembled the finish of a Chinese Ming vase, which is what inspired Anscheidt and his team to try a porcelain finish in the first place.

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse: This car, launched in 2012, is essentially the open-top version of the Veyron Super Sport, with the same 1,183 hp on tap. This results in a top speed of 255 mph, a speed the car achieved a year after its launch. According to Anscheidt, there was criticism that the design wasn't aggressive enough for a roadster. However, customers loved it and 92 of them ended up being sold.

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Venet: Following the success of the L’Or Blanc, Bugatti decided to develop another one-off car and this time teamed with an actual artist to create the design. The result was this Grand Sport Venet developed in collaboration with French artist Bernar Venet. Dozens of math and scientific formulas, the very same used by the Bugatti engineers when they developed the Veyron, cover the car in a finish similar to that of rusted metal, a common theme of Venet’s other works. It turns out Venet originally wanted to paint the car in a color gradient from orange to brown, though Anscheidt thought this was too close to hot rod culture for Bugatti and thus an alternative was developed.

Les Légendes de Bugatti - Ettore Bugatti: The sixth and final edition of Bugatti's Les Légendes de Bugatti Veyrons that were built to mark the end of the Veyron's run, is a very special car for Anscheidt, as its timeless appeal represents the essence of the Bugatti brand to him. Like the other cars in the collection, it is based on the Grand Sport Vitesse. Its standout feature is an interior made from cordovan leather, a favorite material choice of Bugatti's design chief.

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2022 The Tesla Cybertruck.

2022 The Tesla Cybertruck.

Overview.
The Tesla Cybertruck looks like it was dropped off by an alien race, but it has the capabilities to challenge all of the top-selling pickup trucks. With a sharp-edged exterior that is made of scratch- and dent-resistant stainless steel, Tesla's all-electric truck is seriously tough. Along with available all-wheel drive, the Cybertruck can tow up to 14,000 pounds and has an estimated driving range of 500-plus miles. While that applies only to the most expensive model, the cheapest one starts at $39,900. Of course, there's still a lot we don't know about the Cybertruck, including when it will officially go on sale. Right now, it looks as if the first versions will go into production in late 2021.
What's New?
Tesla is expanding its lineup to include one of the most popular body styles in America—the pickup truck. With seriously impressive stats for both an EV and a pickup, the Cybertruck gives the company a theoretical ace in the hole given how well trucks sell in this country. Although Ford and General Motors say they'll have electrified versions of their own within the next two years, the Tesla's only other competition is the Bollinger B2 and the Rivian R1T.
Pricing and Which One to Buy.
 Single Motor: $39,900.
 Dual Motor: $49,900.
 Tri Motor: $69,900.
The Cybertruck will be available in three different configurations, which are all based on the number of electric motors each has. While all-wheel drive is standard on all but the single-motor version, each additional motor means quicker acceleration, longer driving range, and greater towing capacity.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance.
The Cybertruck is available with not just one, not just two, but three electric motors. While the single-motor truck has rear-wheel drive, the two- and three-motor models have all-wheel drive. Tesla claims it'll go from zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds and top out at 110 mph. The dual-motor Cybertruck will reportedly reach 60 mph in just 4.5 ticks and have a top speed of 120 mph. Those looking for the ultimate performance will appreciate the three-motor model, which Tesla says will essentially teleport from zero to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds (!) with a top speed of 130 mph. All Cybertrucks have an adjustable air suspension that can be raised or lowered on the fly and provides up to 16 inches of ground clearance. Add that to its 35-degree approach and 28-degree departure angles and the Tesla pickup could prove to be a formidable off-road machine.

Towing and Payload Capacity.
If the Cybertruck can really tow as much as Tesla claims, it will have a higher maximum rating than popular alternatives such as the Ram 1500. While the single- and dual-motor Teslas have a maximum tow rating of 7500 and 10,000 pounds, respectively, models with a third motor will be able to pull a whopping 14,000 pounds. Every Cybertruck can also haul 3500 pounds in its 6.5-foot cargo bed.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life.
Tesla didn't reveal the size of the batteries that will power its electrified pickup. However, every model will have a 250-kW charging cable. Of course, it will also have access to Tesla's vast network of Superchargers. Its driving range varies with the number of motors, but Tesla claims the single motor has a range of 250-plus miles, the dual motors boast 300-plus miles of range, and the top-tier tri-motor setup should provide more than 500 miles on a single charge.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG.
Since the EPA hasn't released any official ratings for the Cybertruck, we can only go off Tesla's preliminary estimates. Likewise, we'll also have to wait until we get our hands on a real production model to test its ambitious maximum driving range in the real world.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo.
Those who thought the Tesla Model 3 interior was minimalistic will relive that reaction when they see the Cybertruck's spartan cabin. While many standard features and options haven't been disclosed, the first images show a slab-like dashboard that is solely dominated by one large touchscreen. Its squared-off steering wheel looks to have some sort of illuminated display, but nothing has been confirmed. The Cybertruck will also be able to seat up to six people, and its 6.4-foot cargo bed offers 100 cubic feet of volume. It also has a nifty slide-out tailgate that doubles as a ramp to load four-wheelers and motorcycles.

Infotainment and Connectivity.
As with most of the interior, specific details about the Cybertruck's infotainment system are largely a mystery. However, we do know every model will have a big 17-inch touchscreen that is horizontally mounted in the center of the dashboard.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features.
The Cybertruck hasn't been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, every model will feature Tesla's controversial self-driving Autopilot feature, and the company says it will offer a Full Self-Driving option for $7000. We also expect other driver-assistance technology to be available.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage.
Tesla provides a comprehensive warranty on its current models, however, it doesn't include any complimentary maintenance.
 Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles.
 Powertrain warranty covers 8 years, regardless of miles.
 No complimentary scheduled maintenance.

04.20

Everything you need to know about the Tesla Cybertruck.

Everything you need to know about the Tesla Cybertruck.

By Ronan Glon.

Tesla’s upcoming entry into the pickup segment turned heads, dropped jaws, made headlines, and cleaved the public’s opinion right in half. Motorists who complained that the first Honda Ridgeline was a little too unconventional for a truck were in for a rude surprise when the Cybertruck made its debut in 2019. It looks like nothing else on the road, though we’ll let you decide whether that’s good or bad. As it inches toward production, we’re taking a look at what it is, what it does, how much it will cost, and when cyber motorists will have the opportunity to get behind the wheel.

What is it?
Much has been said about the Cybertruck’s design, and there’s little we can add to the conversation without seeing the production-bound model. The only version shown so far is pegged somewhere between a concept and a prototype. We know its body will be made with 30X cold-rolled stainless steel, which fends off dents and rust, and its glass panels will allegedly be bulletproof. It will also offer a 6.5-foot cargo box that Tesla refers to as a vault.

You can call it a vault, a box, or a bed. Either way, it will be topped by a tonneau cover strong enough to stand on, and Tesla is planning to release a range of accessories for workers, adventurers, and anyone in between. Owners will be able to add a camper top and a pop-out kitchen to the Cybertruck, for example. On-board power outlets that draw electricity from the battery pack will allow passengers to power tools and devices off the grid. Tesla also outlined an on-board air compressor. Its truck is shaping up to be one of the more versatile models on the market.

What’s it like inside?
Since this is a prototype, what you see above isn’t necessarily what you’ll get when production starts. From what we’ve heard so far, the Cybertruck will offer a spacious cabin with six seats and a big storage bin under the rear bench. Its dashboard is an exercise in minimalist design that looks like an evolution of the layout seen in the Model 3 and the Model Y. There’s a rectangular steering wheel, a 17-inch screen that runs the new version of Tesla’s infotainment system, and not much else. It’s reasonable to assume features found on the company’s current crop of cars, like in-car gaming and video streaming, will be available, though odds are you’ll need to pay monthly for them.

Its specs are awesome, right?

Of course — though the level of awesomeness depends on the version you look at. The entry-level variant is equipped with a single motor that spins the rear wheels. It tows 7,500 pounds, takes 6.5 seconds to reach 60mph from a stop, and delivers approximately 250 miles of range. Tesla does not publish specifications about its batteries.

Move up in the hierarchy, and you’ll find the midrange version with two electric motors (one per axle) for all-wheel drive, a 10,000-pound towing capacity, a 4.5-second sprint to 60mph, and about 300 miles of range. Last but not least, the triple-motor flagship model tows 14,000 pounds, rockets to 60mph in 2.9 seconds, and boasts about 500 miles of range. Remember, the Cybertruck is not in production, so these numbers are merely goals at this point. They’re not set in stone, and they haven’t been proven or tested for miles on end in real-world conditions.

Ground clearance checks in at up to 16 inches, thanks in part to an adaptive air suspension that’s standard regardless of how the truck is configured. Tesla is dialing in approach and departure angles of 35 and 28 degrees, respectively. Autopilot will come standard, though it will not make the truck autonomous; it’s a driver-assistance system.

So, it’s like an F-150?
Kinda, sorta, but not really. On the surface, both are pickup trucks, and Ford is indeed planning to release an electric version of the next-generation F-150, but Tesla documents confirm the Cybertruck will be aimed at heavier models.

“While we have not yet begun production of the Cybertruck, we expect it to have a towing capacity of 7,500 to 14,000-plus pounds, and it should very likely qualify as a Class 2B-3 medium-duty vehicle,” explained Sarah Van Cleve, the company’s senior managing policy advisor, in a letter written to California’s Air Resources Board (ARB).

That’s legal jargon for a truck with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 8,501 to 10,000 pounds, which is a level above the F-150. If the specs don’t change, the Cybertruck will land in the same segment as medium-duty rigs like the Ford F-250, the Ram 2500, and the Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Yukon 2500 twins.
Where will it be built?
In early 2020, Tesla announced it needed to build a second factory to manufacture the Cybertruck. It’s out of space in its Fremont, California, facility, and it recently hinted it wants to leave the Golden State after a public spat with authorities over whether and when to reopen the plant.

In July, Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced that the Cybertruck will be built in a Gigafactory in Austin, Texas. The factory will be open to the public and have a boardwalk and hiking and biking trail. Musk said the new Gigafactory would be “an ecological paradise.”

How much does it cost?

At launch, Tesla will make three variants of the Cybertruck available. The entry-level, rear-wheel drive model carries a base price of $39,000. The midrange model starts at $49,000, while the triple-motor range-topper costs $69,000. Keep in mind that Tesla buyers stopped being eligible to claim a federal tax credit on January 1, 2020, but they may qualify for other incentives awarded at the state, county, or city level. The only extra-cost option confirmed as of writing is full self-driving, which may or may not make the Cybertruck autonomous and costs $7,000. Looking at Tesla’s current range suggests additional interior colors and wheel designs will also be optional.

When can I drive one?
Anyone with $100 to spare can reserve a Cybetruck by logging on to Tesla’s official website. Making a reservation is not a binding agreement to buy a Cybertruck when production starts; it’s more or less a refundable, commitment-free way to register your interest. Tesla will ask reservation holders to confirm their interest closer to the start of production, which is currently penciled in for late 2021, though delays are possible.

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