Monthly Archives: December 2017
3 Exciting Things About The 2018 Bentley Continental GT First Edition
Bentley is doing the exact same tradition that the likes of Bentayga SUV and Mulsanne did—rolling off a first edition model. That means that the Continental GT First Edition will get plenty of exclusive features that would probably never be available when the line is finally launched.
Some of the exclusive “appointments” that the first edition 2018 Bentley Continental GT will have are fancy rotating displays, veneer options, and model-specific cosmetic identifiers. All of these help cement the grand tourer’s special edition status.
1. “Orange Flame”
Orange Flame—that’s what they are calling the body color that this special edition will come in. To be truly special, the 2018 GT Continental must have a truly attention-seeking visual representation, and that will begin with an exciting new color. There is no mention whether the grand tourer will only come in this color, but the online configurator shows there are 13 different colors we can choose from—Rubino Red, Sequin Blue, Peacock, and Damson, among others.
2. Rotating Display
The central feature of the 2018 Bentley Continental GT First Edition is the rotating display. The feature lets you switch through three different fascia panels, depending on your mood. The standard configuration is the 12.3-display, but you can also go for the more classical look of three analog dials or a veneer-only fascia that appears only when the car is not running.
3. Unique Contrast Stitching
Another feature that is limited to the First Edition is the diamond-in-diamond quilt stitching on the seats, the door panels, and the rear quarter panels. There’s also a unique contrast stitching available only for the First Edition. Aside from these, Bentley also partnered with Mulliner for a unique driving specification package that includes alloy foot pedals, jewel-finish oil and filler caps, and a set of 22-inch wheels that are available in bright paint, black, hand polished, or full polish finishes.
Ford Super Duty Trucks Get Power Boost For 2018
Maybe it is time to get our hands on the 2018 Ford F-Series Super Duty Trucks. After all, the American carmaker just boasted superiority in five major areas: horsepower, torque, towing, gooseneck towing, and payload. If that is not superpower to the tune of Marvel’s Avengers, we don’t know what is.
Both its horsepower and torque have been increased by at least 10 units. Packed with the 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbodiesel, the Super Duty Trucks can produce 450 horsepower, up by 10 from the 2017 line, and 935 pound-feet of torque. The move makes sense because truck manufacturers are now trying to reach the 1,000-mark for their torque.
The diesel option has also been upgraded. The 6.7-liter diesel now includes cylinder heads redesigned for greater strength during heavy loads. The upgrade added optimized fuel and turbo boost calibrations too. There’s a 6.2-liter gasoline engine option or the 6.8-liter V10 as well, but Ford has not revealed any details on this yet. These options will continue on until 2018.
According to Ford, the Super Duty Pickup Trucks has the best conventional hitch towing capacity. It can carry as much as 21,000 pounds and 7,360 pounds of payload.
Then, the 2018 Super Duty lineup has been boosted by an F-450 Crew Cab 4×2 dualie. It boasts of its ability to tow a gooseneck trailer, which has been increased to 34,000 pounds, big thanks to an integrated gooseneck hitch mounts. That capacity is up 1,500 pounds from 2016’s number.
Remember, the F-450 was only offered as a dual-rear-wheel 4×4 with the Power Stroke.
The 2018 Super Duty F-450 4×2 dual-rear-wheel pickup is scheduled to be released this winter in XL, XLT, Lariat and Platinum trim. It is expected to be sold with a price tag of $52,830, though this may differ depending on your distributor.
Plug-In Hybrid Porsche 911 To Be Released In 2023
We’ve heard a lot of rumors about the plug-in hybrid Porsche 911, but none have been confirmed for quite some time. However, it looks like the plug-in hybrid is all but confirmed for production as Porsche is gearing to bring the company to new heights in 2023.
Porsche CEO Oliver Blume allowed that little tidbit to slip during the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show. Apparently, an electrified version of the iconic sports car will make its debut around five years from now.
The comments were made to Automotive News. The plug-in hybrid of the Porsche 911 is set to be released after the launch of the next-generation car, which will make its debut by the end of 2018. If you will recall, there was a plan from Porsche to make an electrified version of the current generation 911, but the plans were scrapped and no word has been made about another plan to do so.
Blume said the decision to pull the plug from the earlier project was because the performance of the car might be compromised because of battery weight. Fast-forward today, Porsche finally managed to engineer a platform that would not compromise the performance of an electrified Porsche 911.
The Porsche chief said the 911 plug-in hybrid still needs approval from the company’s board but in his opinion, the company needs to push through with the project to keep up with the demands for electrified luxury supercars.
Previous reports about the electrified version of the 911 said it will be released as a range-topping model quite like the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid. The electrified hatchback, thanks to electric motor and batteries, is able to produce 680 horsepower and 626 pound-feet of torque.
For the Porsche 911, the company hopes to reach a 43-mile all-electric range, which will be made possible by the next-generation batteries. Blume added that the batteries will allow for lighter weight.
Top 3 Features of the Mercedes-Benz CLS Launched at LA Auto Show
Mercedes-Benz just launched a new addition to its dream cars in the form of the all-new CLS. The Mercedes-Benz CLS is classified as a four-door coupe and it is currently in its third generation series.
1. Design
The CLS sits between the mid-range E-Class luxury car and Mercedes’ flagship S-Class. What makes the car distinct from its close four-door siblings is its fastback roofline that is also reminiscent of the E-Class Coupe.
The new CLS features a major overhaul in its design compared to its predecessor. The new model has smoother surfaces in its hood, boot lid and side panels, thanks to its less prominent body lines and more curvaceous corners. The other noticeable changes include the sharper lights and diamond grille styling.
The interior of the car carries many high-end design elements from the E-Class. Among them are the circular air vents and widescreen digital displays. The vents are visually enhanced by their illuminated background.
The third-gen CLS gets a new seat design exclusively made for its range. The car can hold up to five occupants, including the driver.
2. Technology
The new Mercedes-Benz CLS has no shortage in tech features that help improve its comfort, safety and driving performance. In addition to its digital cockpit, the auto has ambient lighting system to set the mood of its occupants. Optional is the Energizing comfort control that manages the heating, massage, climate and musical theme of the vehicle.
Then, its safety and navigation are enhanced by the advanced elements found in the S-Class like the Active Brake Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, ATTENTION ASSIST, Speed Limit Assist and the occupant protection system PRE-SAFE. More advanced features are provided by the optional Driving Assistance and Driving Assistance Plus packages of Mercedes.
3. Engine
At launch, the CLS comes with a six-cylinder engine in three trims. The CLS 350 d 4MATIC has 286 hp. The CLS 400 d 4MATIC has 340 hp. The CLS d 450 4MATIC has 367 hp plus 22 hp coming from its EQ Boost.
Top 4 Signs Saying You Need to Fit Snow Chains in Your Cars
Snow chains are one of the most useful inventions introduced to driving. These devices help provide maximum traction to the tires of a vehicle when it is being driven through snow and ice. So what are the key signs that say when you should install these?
Check out these four helpful tips that will let you determine when to fit the snow chains to your cars:
1. Check Out Local Regulations
For the sake of public safety, there are laws or ordinances that indicate when to attach snow chains to your auto. Be sure to familiarize yourself with them to protect yourself, other motorists, properties and pedestrians. It will also keep you away from certain sanctions for non-compliance with the road regulations as stated by the law.
2. Mountain Climbs
Some national parks have signage or officers that will tell you when it is time to equip your snow chains. In the absence of such, if you see that the road ahead is covered in thick snow or you have noticed that your tires are having trouble getting a grip on the surface, it’s about time to chain up your ride.
3. Muddy Areas
While snow chains, as the name implies, is the best tool in gaining traction in snowy or icy roads, these come in handy too when driving through muddy terrain. Some might have noticed that a number of logging skidders operating in areas susceptible to heavy rains which eventually result to muddy grounds fit their tires with chains. Make sure though to get snow chains with plenty of cross links when choosing the product that can aid you in traversing muddy soil.
4. Grass or Grounds Covered by Dry Leaves
A nice hack when you are having trouble gaining a grip on areas covered in flora or dry leaves is by installing snow chains on your tires. Again, see to it that you are using snow chains with a lot of cross links to optimize your traction.