Tag Archives: Nürburgring
Rolls-Royce Cullinan: Is It An SUV Or Something Else?
Rolls-Royce is coining a new term for a segment that falls somewhere between a crossover and an SUV. Called the High-Sided Vehicle, the Cullinan isn’t exactly an SUV, as Rolls pointed out. Instead, it’s a “lifted ride” with ample ground clearance, cabin space, and off-road capabilities.
The Rolls-Royce Cullinan was spotted while being tested at the Nurburgring, but we don’t exactly know what to call it because categorizing it under the SUV segment would madden car enthusiasts all over the world. And yet, it isn’t a crossover exactly since that would seriously disappoint luxury car dealers because a Rolls isn’t one for off-road tracks.
Still, it shouldn’t surprise anyone that Rolls is at least dabbling into developing a luxury SUV-like vehicle and sends it to the Nurburgring for testing. That makes sense. The HSV, as Rolls wants to call the Cullinan, can handle off-road challenges just like any other SUV. It would have a significant ground clearance as opposed to what we see on their luxury sedans, but it still wouldn’t be high enough to make it awkward for passengers to climb in it.
The Cullinan will be based on the platform used on the Phantom VIII, which many of you know uses a new aluminum spaceframe architecture that would make the luxury sedan lighter, stiffer, and somehow, more powerful.
For the powertrain, Rolls-Royce is planning to use BMW’s 6.75-liter V-12 engine in the Cullinan, though it’s quite possible the luxury automaker is also going to produce a plug-in hybrid variant in the future… just to make the Cullinan compliant to current eco-friendly standards.
The Cullinan is riding on an air suspension, much like the much awaited eight-generation Phantom. That would provide seamless driving experience for the driver and the passengers of this HSV.
The Rolls-Royce Cullinan is set to compete directly with the Bentley Bentayga once it pops in the scene sometime in 2018. No complete details have been revealed by Rolls so far.
Bugatti Chiron Caught Testing in Nurburgring
The Bugatti Chiron is all about power. That is the reason why the hypercar does not come cheap. With a $3 million price tag, the vehicle packs a mean engine. Recently, it was spotted while being tested in Nurburgring.
The Chiron is already being delivered to customers. So it is quite unusual to see it doing rounds in the endurance track. Normally, vehicles being driven in Nurburgring are those that are yet to be sold. Does this mean that we will see updates in the auto?
The Chiron carries an 8.0-liter W16 engine with quad turbocharger. The unit produces a mind-blowing 1,500 hp and 1,180 lb-ft of torque. The output is distributed by a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission with manual mode. The configuration allows the vehicle to run from zero to 60 mph in just 2.3 seconds and achieve a top speed of 261 mph.
The passenger of the Chiron in the video appears to be holding a laptop. That is strange since we already have the official figures of the hypercar’s performance.
It is possible that Bugatti might be developing a special edition of the Chiron. It should be noted that the Veyron had taken that direction numerous times in the past. One of the special edition models produced under the range was the 268 mph Super Sport model that got the distinction of being the fastest production car in the world.
If that is true, the updates in the auto will likely be in the power only as everything in the spied hypercar’s exterior looks the same as the existing model of the Chiron.
According to Road and Track, they already tried reaching Bugatti for comments about the car in the video. The company is yet to respond to their inquiry.
Video
Check out the latest video of the super quick Bugatti Chiron in the Nurburgring circuit:
Spy Shots Of The 2018 Audi S8 Leaked
We last saw a mild facelift for the Audi S8 in 2014 after two generational changes that happened, the last one being in 2012. But even with such adjustments in terms of looks and feel, the S8 always looked a bit outdated.
But now, we are finally seeing what could be the 2018 Audi S8. Testing is being done on Nürburgring, and it will follow through Audi’s latest design language.
Based on the spy shots, the S8 will have a shorter nose because of Audi’s new grille design, which will be wider compared to the older models. While it still has that hexagonal shape, the edges in the upper corner are longer than before and the lower corners remained rounded in shape. Some changes have also been made on the hood and new headlight units, which contribute to the shaping of the nose.
On the sides, there is not much to talk about, except for the upper body line. Previously, the line goes from the corner of the headlight back to the rear, between the belt line and door handles. But now, the line was moved down a bit and runs inline with the door handles. The side view mirrors were also modified in such a way that the upper edged transitioned into the lower outside corner.
There are no concrete shots yet for the car’s interior, but it’s easy to calculate what kind of design prototype is going to be used. Just look at the insides of the 2017 A5 and S5, and you’ll have a pretty good idea how the S8 will look like, interior speaking.
The new S8 is being rumored to use the 2.9-liter engine that is now being shared between Porsche and Audi. This same engine was used in the Porsche Panamera, which can produce 440 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque.
Pricing for the S8 is still hazy, though we can expect it to charge $108,678.
Spy Shots Of 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Emerge
The all-new 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio was photographed while on a road test around the Nürburgring.
The new SUV came at just the right time when Alfa Romeo promised to launch eight fresh models by 2018. The Alfa Romeo Stelvio is expected to compete against the likes of 2017 Audi Q5, 2017 BMW X3, and 2015 Lexus NX.
The models will apparently offer a range of drivetrains from fuel-efficient gasoline and diesel versions to high-performance haulers.
Technically, Alfa Romeo has yet to launch a production SUV. But every time it does, the Kamal Concept presented at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show is being tapped.
But Alfa has a new design concept for the Stelvio, seen on both the 4C and the Giulia. Up front, we can see Alfa Romeo’s design language on the nose and the lower area of the fascia. Then, there is more padding on the sides while the roof slopes down a little to the rear.
Inside, there’s an expectation that the SUV will borrow the design features of the Giulia. The dashboard includes a center console, the instruments cluster, the center stack and the infotainment display.
It would also probably come with premium features such as leather upholstery, soft-touch materials on the dashboard and door panels, contrast stitching, and aluminum inserts. The high-end variant will most likely include carbon fiber trim.
Under the hood, there will be a range of gasoline and diesel engines. For the gasoline, the SUV will have a 2.0-liter, supercharged, four-cylinder that delivers 197 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque on an eight-speed, rear-wheel-drive transmission.
As for the diesel variant, you will get a 2.2-liter four-cylinder with two different configurations. One offers 177 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque while the other offers 148 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque.
There’s going to be a high end variant with a 2.9-liter, biturbo, V-6 engine.
Prices are not yet available for this SUV, but the entry level should start at $42,000 while the high end would cost $50,000.