ROLLS-ROYCE WRAITH COMES TO HARRODS OF LONDON

Today marks the UK debut of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ latest model, Wraith. The most powerful and dynamic Rolls-Royce in history will be showcased in the window display of luxury department store Harrods in Knightsbridge, London for one week.

At launch in Geneva this March, Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, remarked that: “Wraith promises the sense of adventure and speed that drove our founding forefather. But of course, Wraith’s starting point is luxury, refinement and quality, traits that remain as important to Rolls-Royce customers today as they were more than a century ago.”

It is these traits of luxury, refinement and quality that made Harrods the natural choice for Wraith’s UK debut. Renowned globally as purveyors of the world’s finest goods, both Harrods and Rolls-Royce have exceeded client expectations for over a century.

Harrods Media Sales Director, Guy Cheston, said: “Harrods is at the forefront of promotional opportunities for the world’s most esteemed automotive brands, and we are delighted to have on display the most anticipated car release of 2013. The Rolls-Royce Wraith epitomises luxury, style and innovation, and is certain to attract attention from our international clientele.”

The Wraith on display features Midnight Sapphire paintwork with an upper two-tone in Cassiopeia Silver, accentuating Wraith’s purposeful fastback profile.

The interior is finished with an Arctic White and Navy Blue leather scheme, with intertwined RRs embroidered in the headrests in Navy and, unique for this model, the striking new Canadel Panelling in Santos Palisander. Completing this spectacular interior is a starlight headliner, casting a glow from hundreds of individual ‘stars’ in the roof lining at the press of a button.

STORY BY ROLLS-ROYCE

Post Title → ROLLS-ROYCE WRAITH COMES TO HARRODS OF LONDON

AUDI TO BUILD BIGGER Q8?

According to Autocar, Audi is very much interested in building a new SUV that’s bigger than the Q7. We aren’t too sure if the car is actually bigger, or is just pitchedhigher than the Q7, but really the point is that there is another big SUV being touted at Ingolstadt. The car may be called the Q8.

Technical head Wolfgang Dürheimer is quoted as saying that “I pushed for the Bentley SUV and I'm pushing for Audi to make something in this segment also. I could see Bentley and Audi both making SUVs, and Lamborghini also; in my job I'm trying to encourage the Lamborghini SUV project to progress.” Audi “owns” Lamborghini within the Volkswagen Group.

He is said to have said that SUVs are a top priority for Audi, probably because in China, the company’s fastest-growing region, SUVs are going like hot soup at a homeless kitchen. Another SUV that’s a possibility is a Q2, which of course would be smaller than the Q3. The Q2 would really be an indirect competitor of the MINI Countryman.

Post Title → AUDI TO BUILD BIGGER Q8?

PORSCHE PANAMERA BRINGS HYBRID, NEW V6 BITURBO

Porsche has unveiled the facelifted Panamera. The car was lifted out of its covers in China at the 2013 Auto Shanghai. Several changes were made, especially under the skin and one of these has been the introduction of the Panamera S E-Hybridwith an incredible claimed fuel consumption figure.

Let’s start with the S E-Hybrid. The base unit is a 3.0-litre petrol engine that’s mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. Electricity comes from a pack of lithium-ion batteries that can be recharged in a matter of hours. In total the system puts out 306kW and 590Nm of torque between 1250rpm and 4000rpm. Now here are some really unbelievable number: Porsche claims the S E-Hybrid can average 3.1 litres per 100km from its 80 litre fuel tank! That’s incredible. C02 emissions are 71 g/km. The car will be able to go from 0 – 100km/h in 5.5 seconds and top off at 270km/h.

The other new models are the V6 biturbo units that replace the “old” 4.8-litre V8. Powering the Panamera S and Panamera 4S, the engine pulls out 309kW at 6000rpm and 520Nmbetween 1750rpm and 5000rpm. The cars are rated at 5.1 and 4.8 secondsrespectively in terms of the 0 – 100km/h sprint.

Lastly Porsche has paid tribute to the fact that China is now its second-most important market after the USA, and that Panamera specifically has had about a third of its sales go to China since it was launched. In order to thank that market and supply a model that’s high in demand, the Panamera Executive range was announced. It’s just like the other models, except its wheelbase has grown by 15cm, making it a sort of limousine.

Porsche South Africa will release the new Panamera within the next few months. 

Post Title → PORSCHE PANAMERA BRINGS HYBRID, NEW V6 BITURBO

FORD RANGER SINGLE CAB GETS MORE OOMPH

The new Ford Rangersingle cab is now available with the company 3.2-litre turbo diesel powertrain. Ever since Ford launched the car it’s been a great seller, regularly sitting on the top 3 of best-selling bakkies (pickups) each month.

The new derivatives are available in either 4x2 or 4x4, both mated to a 6-speed manualtransmission. Maximum power is 147kWand peak torque is 470Nm. Very good figures for towing, and Ford says both will be able to tow up to 3 350kg and achieve wading depths of 800mm. Bloody good for an everyday single cab. The other useful feature is the load box volume of 1.82 cubic metres.

Post Title → FORD RANGER SINGLE CAB GETS MORE OOMPH