Report: BBC2’s Top Gear to return to the screen on May 8 in the UK

The Guardian recently received confirmation from the BBC that the world-famous Top Gear television show will be showing its first episode with its new host, Chris Evans, in May of 2016–May 8 to be exact.

The BBC’s most popular show and the most widely watched factual television program in the world has been in a hiatus ever since the show’s main host, Jeremy Clarkson, was kicked off due to a snafu with a producer. As a part of Clarkson’s departure, his running mates, James May and Richard Hammond followed, on the basis of team loyalty.

Following the whole debacle of Clarkson vs. Producer, the BBC then held a series of contests and auditions for the host of the new Top Gear and taking the cake was the UK’s very on, Chris Evans.

Evans will be hosting the show by his lonesome, with the only other regular on-screen character being the original Stig.

The new season of Top Gear is scheduled to have a total of 16 episodes while being aired on the BBC2 once a week.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: BBC via The Guardian

Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/1PWru5A

Report: Paul Walker’s father files another wrongful death suit against Porsche

Two years ago, the world sadly lost a hugely influential figure in the automotive scene–the one and only Paul Walker, famous for his leading role as a major character in one of the most popular Hollywood franchises about cars, ever.

For those whose memories are clouded, Walker was riding shotgun with famed racer and entrepreneur, Roger Rodas. Rodas and Walker were close friends and were in a 2005 Porsche Carrera GT, owned and driven by Rodas when they died in a fiery collision exactly two years ago today. The Los Angeles County Sheriff, who led the investigation into their crash, concluded immediately that a high rate of speed and reckless driving were the root causes of the crash.

Since then, Walker’s legacy continued on an interesting journey as Paul’s daughter, Meadow Walker, later filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Porsche, claiming Porsche was responsible for the death of her father. However, such a case never held up in court since the allegations made in the case by Meadow were simply unsound.

It seems however that Walker’s family is still unwilling to give up as Paul’s father, Paul William Walker III, has filed another wrongful death suit against Porsche, alleging the car’s lack of proper and modern safety equipment could’ve saved his son’s life. Now, I’m not the insensitive type, but if we all looked at everything in hindsight, lawsuits would be flying out from every nook and cranny possible.

This isn’t the first time a lawsuit was filed on either Paul Walker’s or Roger Rodas’ behalf as Paul’s father once attempted to sue Rodas’ estate for the ownership of Rodas’ car collection, valued in at around $1.8 million. Rodas’ widowed wife also attempted to file a wrongful death suit against Porsche, and this was all before Paul’s daughter, Meadow, attempted the same thing.

In another quick response to Paul William Walker III’s latest suit, Porsche spokesman, Calvin Kim, said to AutoBlog, “As we have said before, we are very sad whenever anyone is hurt in a Porsche vehicle, but we believe the authorities’ reports in this case clearly establish that this tragic crash resulted from reckless driving and excessive speed.”

According to Paul Walker Sr., the Carrera GT should’ve had stability control, reinforced doors, and a breakaway fuel line, which he claims could’ve saved his son’s life.

Porsche also noted that Rodas’ Carrera GT was modified and improperly maintained, two major factors that could’ve contributed greatly to the original crash.

Either way, it seems Porsche’s far from being done in terms of dealing with the sad passing of Paul Walker and Roger Rodas. But given the obvious investigation and conclusion for the cause of the crash, these debacles won’t last very long.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: USAToday via AutoBlog

Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/1Tgu1W9

Tesla Motors makes the Model X a little more accessible with a new entry-level variant

When the Tesla Model X first debuted officially, details and all, it wasn’t exactly priced for mass market, with debut model’s starting price beginning at $132,000 for the P90D, the top of the line model.

But that recently changed as Tesla Motors just introduced its entry-level Model X called the 70D, which starts at a much easier $80,000 to boot. As indicated by the model name, it features a 70 kWh battery rather than a 90 kWh version, capable of providing up to 220 miles on a single charge while sprinting to 60 in just six seconds. Just for comparative purposes, the 90 kWh model does that same sprint in just 4.8 seconds.

Tack on the options though, and the price quickly climbs faster than the battery depletes when driven like a bat out of hell. Want the optional six-seater package? You’ll need an extra $3,000 for that. Need one more seat for whatever reason? Bump that up to $4,000 instead.

And it just keeps on going. Want a more luxurious ride with adjustable air suspension? $2,500 please. Premium sound? Same price. Have a desire to take advantage of Tesla’s latest Autopilot package? That too will be $2,500.

Tick all the options, and the Model X 70D will climb even closer to the P90D’s price, stamping the final invoice at around $100,000.

Though given the Model X’s intended market, Tesla’s reportedly prioritizing assembly for the P90D models, while the middling 90D and 70D versions are lower on the list, which is also exhibited by their availability dates. The 90D model won’t be landing in driveways until mid-2016 with the 70D following shortly after.

Nonetheless, if you want a Tesla Model X, you have options.

– By: Chris Chin

 

Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/1Ikaxzl

Report: Ferrari FF will keep V12, get a “surprise”

New Ferrari FF owners may be in for a surprise, if a report out of India is to be believed. Speaking to Indian Autos Blog at the launch of a flagship dealership in New Delhi, Ferrari’s Commercial & Marketing Senior Vice President Enrico Galleria stated the 6.3-liter naturally-aspirated V12 at the heart of the FF will remain in the upcoming facelift, amidst speculation that the company may opt for downsizing and forced induction as they’ve recently done with the 488 GTB and California T.

Galleria says that engineers are still working to “further innovate” Ferrari’s four-wheel-drive four-seater, and the report suggests the engine may be retuned to deliver roughly another 50 horsepower — bringing the total to about 700 — and mated to a new 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox. More interestingly, the marketing VP also mentioned that “(Ferrari’s) clients will have a surprise in the future.”

The meaning of this is unclear, but WorldCarFans alleges that the power boost may come from the addition of an electric motor, which will also bring a sizable bump in torque to Ferrari’s quirky hatchback. A carbon fiber roof and active aero is expected to complete the package. The final reveal of the facelifted FF will likely come at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

— By: Adam Ismail

Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/1PWkm9f

Video: Volvo launches delivery service to your car in Sweden with PostNord

Not too long ago, Audi launched a pilot program to test some waters for convenience by teaming up with DHL and Amazon to offer delivery service to your car in select countries in Europe. Sounds pretty neat to arrive at your car, only to find a package you’ve been waiting for already delivered in the trunk.

Now, Volvo’s trying the same in Sweden only, in partnership with the country’s national postal service, PostNord, where Volvo owner sin Gothenburg can have their packages delivered to their car instead of their place of residence.

Unlike Audi’s program, who works with DHL, a global parcel delivery company, Volvo’s pilot program is reasonably limited to those within the city’s confines only. Nonetheless, it’s their attempt to see how such a service plays out.

As we said before, it sounds like a neat convenience option, that is if you’re comfortable with your deliveryman accessing your car while you’re away.

Volvo has plans to expand the service to other cities in Sweden.

Check out the promo video below.

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Volvo lets you have your Christmas shopping delivered directly to your car

With just days to go before Black Friday and Cyber Monday – the busiest online shopping days of the Christmas season – Sweden’s Volvo Cars has unveiled a brand new way to take some of the hassle out Christmas shopping.

The premium car maker has launched the world’s first commercially available in-car delivery service by teaming up with PostNord, the Nordic region’s leading communication and logistics supplier, Lekmer.com, the leading Nordic online toy and baby goods store, and Mat.se, a Swedish online grocery retailer, to have Christmas toys, gifts, food and drinks delivered to its cars.

Volvo In-car Delivery promises to bring some of the cheer back to Christmas by eradicating the more unpleasant aspects of seasonal shopping such as a desperate search for parking space in a busy city centre, crowds of stressed people and the disappointment of missed deliveries.

The Volvo In-car Delivery works by means of a digital key, which is used to gain one-time access to your vehicle. Owners simply order the goods online, receive a notification that the goods have been delivered and then just drive home with them.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/1lUmEsS

Report: A Porsche Cayman competitor from McLaren simply won’t happen

McLaren’s been seeking to expand their lineup by moving down market, by producing more affordable, smaller, and less powerful models than the renowned 650S, and obviously, the flagship P1, like the 570S and the new 540C. Rumors were aplenty even of McLaren possibly dipping below the $100k mark to produce a car to compete against the likes of the Porsche Cayman.

But according to AutoCar, such a car won’t happen because McLaren has no desire to “chase volume” and sales by producing such a “cheap” model. Additionally, McLaren doesn’t seek to “cheapen” their brand with a model on such an affordable, mass scale, simply because it won’t match McLaren’s “exclusive” reputation.

As of now, McLaren’s most affordable entry-level model will remain to be the 540C and the 570S models, according to the company’s chief designer, Robert Melville.

So if you were planning to buy a McLaren, better continue saving your chump change.

The 570S though was designed to make entry into the McLaren world a little bit easier, and practicality might be added to the list of positives for the 570S as Melville hinted at a new extended-wheelbase model to serve as a 2+2 car. And that’s not all as a limited-edition 675LT Spider is also in the works for a launch sometime next year.

So there will be plenty of options to choose from should you want to buy a McLaren. But you have to have the funds to be able to afford them first. That in itself might present a challenge for those.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: AutoCar

Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/1NirbLM

The first Bentley Bentayga for the public rolls off of the assembly line in Crewe

Bentley’s first-ever production model specifically destined to a private customer of their first-ever crossover SUV, the Bentayga, recently rolled off of the Flying B’s assembly line in Crewe, England, celebrating a big moment for the British uber-luxury automaker.

The Bentley Bentayga has been a major project in the making for the company, not only because it’s the first crossover SUV to ever come from them, but also because it’s the world’s fastest, most expensive production crossover SUV ever–and that’s one for the history books.

It’s also been a big logistical leap forward for Bentley as well, adding around 1,500 jobs to their portfolio as part of a huge 840 million-GBP investment.

Because of the momentus occasion, Bentley’s currently making a total of 608 “First Edition” Bentaygas, one of which is heading to Buckingham Palace to end up in the hands of Her Majesty’s the Queen herself.

As a refresher, the Bentley Bentayga receives motivation from a heavily revised 6.0L twin-turbo W12 mill with about 600hp and 663 lb-ft of twist on tap. It is soon later to be joined by an Audi-sourced 4.0L e-turbocharged TDI V8 diesel as well as a plug-in hybrid version in 2017.

Recent rumors also suggest the arrival of a high-performance “coupe” version in the near future.

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FIRST BENTLEY BENTAYGA ROLLS OFF THE PRODUCTION LINE

NOV 27, 2015

• Sector-defining SUV designed, engineered and handcrafted in Crewe
• Car marks significant UK manufacturing investment
• First Bentayga to join Bentley’s famous Heritage Collection

(Crewe, 27 November 2015) The very first production Bentley Bentayga, the catalyst for one of the biggest investment programmes in the company’s history, today left the assembly line at Bentley’s iconic headquarters in Crewe, UK.

Four years on from the initial concept stage, during which time over 1,500 UK jobs have been created, the car – part of an £840 million investment programme – will now enter full production, with deliveries to customers starting in January 2016. 

Wolfgang Dürheimer, Chairman and Chief Executive of Bentley Motors, said: “Bentley Bentayga will be the benchmark against which all other SUVs are measured, defining a new segment – the luxury SUV.

“This car is a celebration of UK manufacturing at its very best, not only reinforcing our commitment to industry in this country, job creation and significant investment, but to our home in Crewe. This is an important moment in our history, where we reflect and celebrate, but also look ahead to delivering this extraordinary car to our customers.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues from all parts of the business for their dedication and professionalism in delivering the Bentley Bentayga. It would not have been possible to deliver this car without the support and belief from the UK Government, our parent company and other business partners. We can all take pride in this achievement.”

The first production Bentayga, finished in paint colour – Anthracite – was handcrafted across 130 hours. During the assembly process, the car passed through a new bodystore, a new paint shop and a new assembly line, all part of this substantial investment.

UK Prime Minister David Cameron, commented: “I am delighted that the first Bentley Bentayga has rolled off the production line in Crewe. It marks the culmination of a period of exceptional hard work by Bentley and its dedicated workforce as they brought this remarkable new vehicle to market.

“The Bentayga represents an ambitious £800 million investment into the Crewe factory backed by £9.5 million from the Regional Growth Fund. It has created hundreds of valuable skilled jobs for the area and secured the future of production onsite.

“Well done to all at Bentley. This is a moment of great pride for everyone who lives and works in Crewe.”     

Michael Straughan, Bentley’s Member of the Board for Manufacturing, addressed the company’s 4,000-strong workforce as the car was driven from the final production stage. He said: “This is a proud moment for the entire company. It’s been four years in the making and is a celebration of a sector-defining British handcrafted car.

“Bentayga is the Bentley of SUVs, with a level of attention to detail only achievable thanks to the outstanding skill of a British workforce that blends exceptional craft and skill with modern production techniques and materials.”

– ENDS –

– By: Chris Chin

Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/1l28aqJ

Report: The hot Mercedes-AMG GT R anticipated to arrive in 2016 with more power and less weight

The Mercedes-AMG GT is a pretty hot topic, even though it’s been out for a little while. But the GT itself isn’t the full story as a hotter, more aggressive version is known to be in the works to sit above the standard AMG GT models.

What’s in store? Well, the usual expectation of less weight and more power is on the list, along with more track-performance oriented tuning and body work, according to AMG’s CEO, Tobias Moers.

That track-performance oriented tuning also means a revision to the standard AMG GT S’s twin-turbo 4.0L V8, with power output being massaged to around 545hp in the R form. In comparison, the AMG GT S produces around 503hp. Less weight is also a name of the game to improve handling dynamics and performance all around, along with stiffer suspension, larger brakes, bigger wheels with stickier rubber, and lots of other appointments to remind you that you’re not in a normal AMG GT.

But despite the new AMG GT R addition, word is this high-performance version of the new sports coupe won’t be the range topper as Mercedes-AMG is even planning a new Black Series version to be the cherry on the cake. That won’t be ready until around 2018, however.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: MotorTrend

Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/1TnubLZ

Report: The new Genesis G90 from Hyundai is so hot, it generated 4,300 orders in one day

Korean media reports that Hyundai’s new Genesis G90 sedan is so hot, the company generated around 4,300 orders in a matter of one day, in South Korea.

Due for a reveal on December 9, the G90 received 4,342 orders specifically in South Korea in just a span of 24 hours. In comparison to the original Equus, in February of 2009, the Hyundai Equus received 1,180 pre-orders.

The new Genesis G90 sedan is churning up quite a bit of hype and anticipation, being a successor to the Hyundai Equus, which has served the company well to prove what kind of potential the South Korean automaker is capable of.

Given the new styling the Genesis G90 is promising, we think it’ll be a much bigger hit than the original Equus, especially with the new Genesis name attached.

Do you have high hopes for the new Genesis G90?

Let us know in the comments below.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: Korea JoongAng Daily

Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/1Tg5kcr