The new Volkswagen Golf GTI

The new Volkswagen Golf GTI Since the debut of the first and the discontinuation of the fifth generation, more than 1.7 million buyers made the GTI to the world’s bestseller. Now the new GTI is at the ready: at the Paris Motor Show (4th to 19th October 2008) Volkswagen will be demonstrating the design study of the new Golf GTI at its world premiere.The GTI suspension with a new electronic limited-slip diff (XDS) defines curves and traction in a completely new way. A GTI with a top speed of 240 km/h that with its 155 kW / 210 bhp strong turbocharged engine is even more fun and, on average, only uses 7.5 litres.

The sixth generation Golf GTI will go into series production in the spring of 2009 – as usual with a unique connection between sporty suspension and agile engine. The engine develops already at 1,800 rpm a maximum torque of 280 newton metres. The sprint from 0 to 60mph is achieved in 6.9 seconds. A stand-off between wind resistance and output occurs only just at 240 km/h.
Lowered by 22 millimetres and equipped with a new sports suspension, the springs, shock absorbers and rear anti-roll bars of the design study have been completely reworked. Furthermore, the optional adaptive chassis control DCC feature will also be available for the future GTI.

Paris 2008: Bentley Arnage Final Series

Since its debut in 1998 the Arnage has conveyed an air of sophisticated understatement as the four-door flagship of the Bentley range. Over the last decade the car has undergone a process of constant refinement to its body, design, chassis and powertrain to maintain its class-leading position in the high luxury market.+

* Handcrafted at Bentley, Crewe, Arnage Final Series is an exclusive run of 150 cars, celebrating the last of Arnage
* Combining the performance of the T with the refinement of the R, Arnage Final Series is the ultimate expression of class-leading luxury and effortless power
* Arnage Final Series is the culmination of 90 years of Bentley heritage and marks the 50th anniversary of the company’s iconic V8 engine
* Arnage Final Series also signals the end of an era as Bentley prepares for the future


INTRODUCTION

Since its debut in 1998 the Arnage has conveyed an air of sophisticated understatement as the four-door flagship of the Bentley range. Over the last decade the car has undergone a process of constant refinement to its body, design, chassis and powertrain to maintain its class-leading position in the high luxury market.

To celebrate 10 years of the Arnage, 50 years of its mighty V8 engine and 90 years of the marque, Bentley Motors will launch its limited edition model at the Paris Motor Show next week.

Called the Bentley Arnage Final Series, the new model features a unique specification, combining the performance of the 500 bhp Arnage T with the refinement of the Arnage R and design elements from the Brooklands coupe, for the ultimate expression of British luxury and effortless power in a four-door saloon – a grand finale, for the grandest of Bentleys.

BENTLEY ARNAGE FINAL SERIES – TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

POWERTRAIN
Engine type Twin-turbocharged 90-degree V8
Engine displacement 6 3/4 litres, 6761 cc
Maximum power 500 bhp / 507 PS / 373 kW @ 4,200 rev/min
Maximum torque 738 lb ft / 1,000 Nm @ 3,200 rev/min
Compression ratio 7.8:1
Emission standards EU IV / US LEV II
Transmission 6-speed ZF automatic gearbox with semi-automatic and sports functions

PERFORMANCE
0-60 mph 5.2 sec
0-100 km/h 5.5 sec
0-100 mph 12.1 sec
0-160 km/h 12.0 sec
Maximum speed 179 mph / 288 km/h

CHASSIS
Steering 3.11 turns lock-to-lock
Type Speed sensitive, hydraulic power assisted, rack and pinion steering system

Suspension Fully independent, double wishbones front and rear, with coil springs and computer-controlled adaptive, electro-hydraulic dampers and automatic ride-height control

Braking (front/rear) Micro-alloy ventilated discs

FUEL CONSUMPTION
Urban 28.8 (litres/100km) / 9.8 mpg
Extra-urban 14.1 (litres/100km) / 20.1 mpg
Combined 19.5 (litres/100km) / 14.5 mpg
EU drive cycle CO2 465 g/km (combined)

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Overall lengthOverall widthOverall height Wheelbase 5400 mm (212.60 in) 2125 mm (83.66 in) 1515 mm (59.65 in) 3116 mm (122.68 in)
Front track 1602 mm (63.07 in)
Rear track 1602 mm (63.07 in)
Width 1932 mm (76.06 in) across door handles
Width 1900 mm (74.8 in) with mirrors folded
Luggage compartment 0.374m3 / 374 litres / 13.2 cu ft

WEIGHTS
Kerb weight 2585 kg (5699 lbs)
Gross vehicle weight 3065 kg (7948 lbs)
Front axle weight 1535 kg (3384 lbs)
Rear axle weight 1615 kg (3560 lbs)
Fuel tank capacity 96.0 litres (25.3 US gallons)

LA Preview: Saab 9-4X shows up early

The LA Auto Show is still a couple months away, but images of vehicles set to be unveiled in the land of fruits and nuts are already leaking onto the web. GM's Chilean website had the above photo of the production Saab 9-4X available for all to see earlier today, so now we know the production model looks almost identical to the 9-4X Biopower concept from last year's Detroit Auto Show. We'd be interested to see if the concept's integrated tail pipes and large front/side air dams make it to production but, judging from spy photos we've seen, probably not. The 9-4X will be built on the same platform as the upcoming front- or all-wheel-drive Cadillac SRX, which will also be unveiled this auto show season.


We don't have many details on the 9-4X just yet, but it will have a turbocharged 2.0L engine with 245 hp and 265 lb-ft mated to a six-speed automatic. The concept also ran on ethanol, which is also likely for the production vehicle considering that two thirds of all vehicles in Sweden are of the flex fuel variety. Other engine choices could include GM's 3.6L V6, which is likely to be found under hood of the SRX at launch, and an upcoming 250-hp 2.9L diesel. Either way, European customers will likely have an engine lineup twice as large as what we'll be offered in the U.S. source

Dodge Challenger Super Stock Drag Package Available For Order...If You're Man Enough

We're stoked that Chrysler is offering a Dodge Challenger Drag Pak turn-key racer, but how exactly do you go about ordering one from your local Dodge dealer? Since these mighty Mopars are going to be limited production, you gotta prove you're worthy. First, you're required to submit your application in writing to a dealer, who will then fax it to Mopar Motorsports' secret lair. Keep in mind that this is all first-come first-served, so you probably want to get a fax confirmation to make sure your paperwork went through. But what qualifications will buyers have to meet?
It's recommended that potential buyers have "a current Competition License or sanctioning body affiliation prior to ordering their vehicle." So, n00bs need not apply. That's because Mopar wants to put their best foot forward with the Drag Challenger. They've even specified that the "buyer is encouraged to have the Challenger Drag Pak vehicle in competition within a reasonable amount of time." We're assuming that's also to weed out any speculating collector-types, as the profit margin on the vehicles will likely be slim to none. Besides, nobody should ever take a brand new race car and seal it in a bubble in a locked garage. [Mopar via Allpar]