Daily Archives: October 23, 2016
9 Spy Shots Show Bentley Flying Spur Prototype Testing
The Porsche Panamera Turbo is utilized as a test mule for the next-generation Bentley Flying Spur.
Spy shots of a Bentley Flying Spur prototype recently emerged online. The photos show the car being tested on wet conditions.
But how come the pictures here show a black Porsche Panamera Turbo?
While the photos indeed show a blacked-out Panamera, Autoblog claimed that the car is merely serving as a test mule for the Flying Spur. It makes sense that Bentley would use the Panamera to test the prototype of the Flying Spur because the two share the same platform. The new Panamera uses the MSB platform.
Another indication that we are looking at a test mule for the Flying Spur is the license plate of the Panamera. According to the photographer who captured the spy shots, the plate number of the auto is registered as a Bentley under UK’s Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency.
Since the Flying Spur is the four-door variant of the Bentley Continental GT, expect the next-generation of the car to get many of the styling elements presented in the EXP 10 Speed 6 concept that was unveiled last year at the Geneva Motor Show.
The Bentley EXP 10 Speed 6 at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show.
The source said the upcoming Flying Spur might keep the same powertrains available in the Panamera as the two share the same platform anyway. Therefore, expect the inclusion of the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 and 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 engines in the selection.
The Flying Spur concept is rumored to make its world premiere next year. The production model of the car will probably come out the following year.
Bentley Flying Spur Prototype Testing Spy Shots
Check out the images below showing the spy photos of the Porsche Panamera Turbo being used as a test mule for the new Bentley Flying Spur:
3 Things to Expect in the Volkswagen Golf
The Volkswagen Golf will have a mid-cycle update this year. The new Golf will come out next month.
Based from the information we gathered from sources, here are the three things we expect from the new VW Golf:
1. Exterior Updates
The updates in the exterior of the upcoming Golf will only be minor. Look forward to its new headlights, taillights, LED running lights, and bumpers.
2. Volkswagen Digital Cockpit
The interior of the new Golf will have plenty of upgrades though. The most notable change within the VW Golf will come from its new system called the “Volkswagen Digital Cockpit,” based on an insider source.
The system is VW’s version of Audi’s Virtual Cockpit. The system will have either a 9.5-inch or 12.5-inch display plus a new infotainment system. Expect the Digital Cockpit to carry many new elements featured in the touchscreen display of the Volkswagen Golf R Touch Concept that was showcased at the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show.
3. Powertrain
The new Golf will likely get new fuel-efficient powertrains. The most frugal unit will be fitted with a 1.0-liter turbo three-cylinder engine. It should be reminded that the power unit used to be in the Up! and Polo models.
The performance variant Golf GTI will possibly retain its 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder unit. However, it might get a bump in the output from its standard 217 bhp and 227 bhp.
The report said VW might not proceed with the 1.5-liter four-cylinder petrol and diesel-powered trims of the car anymore. This decision was influenced by the aftermath of the company’s diesel emissions scandal.
The bad news is that the improved powertrains will most probably be offered in Europe only. Customers in the United States will have to settle for the existing powertrains of Golf. One could only hope that VW will consider tuning the powertrains of the new Golf when it comes out in the US in order to enhance its fuel economy and reduce its carbon dioxide emission.
Top 15 Rumors About the Apple iCar
There have been rumors since early last year that Apple is developing its own car, which is either an electric vehicle or a self-driving unit. Although the Cupertino-based multinational company remains secretive about it, there have been hints from inside sources and sightings confirming that the giant tech firm is indeed working on its own vehicle. The mass media currently refers to the auto as the Apple iCar.
Here are the top 15 rumors about the iCar that Macworld gathered:
1. Codename
According to Wall Street Journal, the iCar project is codenamed as “Titan.” It also claimed that several hundred employees are working on it.
2. McLaren Negotiations
Financial Times stated that Apple is negotiating to buy McLaren. It is not clear though if Apple is only considering it as an investment, but it is most likely that Apple is looking to utilize the supercar technology available in McLaren for its iCar.
3. Issues
Apple is reconsidering its strategy in development of self-driving cars. It was reported that the company laid off a number of its staff working on the project.
4. Marketing Strategy
The tech firm is planning on an aggressive marketing strategy for its iCar. It is targeting sales of half a million units annually.
5. Battery
The iCar battery will be sourced from a major Sourth Korean battery developer according to Neil Cybart, founder of analyst firm Above Avalon. The source said the anonymous Korean company just signed a Non-Disclosure Agreement with Apple.
6. Unveiling
Appleinsider said the completion of the iCar is tentatively set in 2021 due to major setbacks.
7. Development Cost
Apple spent $10 billion in research and development as of late. Previously, the company only allotted $3 billion for that. The sudden bubble in R&D costs indicates that it is working on something more than smartphones, tablets or computing devices.
8. Commitment
Tim Cook appears to be committed to it. Despite not confirming the project, he left hints in his interviews that they are into something bigger outside the products they have now.
Wall Street Journal revealed too that Bob Mansfield is overseeing the electric vehicle division of the company. Mansfield is a former senior vice president of Technologies at Apple. He reportedly extended his tenure from a planned retirement from the company in 2012 to lead the special project.
9. Noise in Apple Facility
Residents in Sunnyvale, California said that engine noises could heard in an Apple campus at 11PM based on Appleinsider.
10. Domain Names
MacRumors found out that Apple bought domain names related to cars in December 2015. However, it is also possible that the domains will be used for the in-car system of Apple called CarPlay.
11. Apple Covering Its Tracks
Reports surfaced that the car manufacturer Faraday Future might be a front of Apple for the development of its iCar. This is to divert the attention of the public from the iCar and keep the project away from the prying eyes of the media.
12. Digital License Plates
Among the cool technologies equipped in the iCar will be digital license plates.
13. Big Car and Tech Firms Sense a New Player in the EV Scene
Elon Musk revealed Apple has been offering Tesla engineers to jumpship with $250,000 signing bonus and 60 percent increase in salary. Korea Times claimed Apple is luring Samsung tech experts into their yard too.
14. Apple is Testing Cars Rigged with Sensors
Cars registered with Apple were seen in the roads fitted with a lot of sensors. The tech firm ruled out the development of autonomous car though by saying that the cars are only being used to test their mapping technology.
15. Apple’s Acquisition of Johann Jungwirth
The best evidence pointing to the possible development of the iCar is the hiring of Johann Jungwirth in Apple. Jungwirth is the former head of R&D at Mercedes-Benz. He is rumored to be spearheading the development of the iCar.
