Bentley Flying Spur Decadence: a unique pickup version

Bentley Flying Spur Decadence a unique pickup version

DC Customs took on the Bentley Flying Spur and turned it into a luxurious pickup, dubbed Decadence.

Bentley took another unprecedented step when it decided to market in 2015 its first SUV, the Bentayga, going well beyond the luxury sedans, coupes, and convertibles usually made by the British firm.

So, why not a pickup? It was a crazy idea that a wealthy British owner of a Flying Spur had.

For this, he called on DC Customs, an English company located not far from Birmingham and specializing in the restoration of classic models and the preparation of fully personalized cars.

This Bentley Flying Spur Decadence does not go unnoticed.

Initially, the Bentley Flying Spur was a large four-door sedan: for this project called “Decadence,” They utterly transformed the rear part.

The two rear doors have disappeared, and a large tipper has replaced the welcoming rear seats and the trunk.

The car was made with a luxurious wood veneer, made like the floor of a luxury yacht.

This new space perfectly complements the interior of the vehicle, covered in two-tone caramel leather, contrasting with a brown carpet and noble wood inserts.

The exterior styling is also eye-catching, with two-tone paintwork combining a deep purple with a metallic gray that can find on the hood and the front grille, not to mention the “Decadence” badges.

DC Customs did not specify its price, nor how many hours were necessary to carry out this crazy project.

But that made this unique example of running on the road, and that its happy owner will therefore drive it…

Mercedes S 680 Guard (2021): the new armored S-Class

Mercedes S 680 Guard (2021) the new armored S-Class

Mercedes has quietly unveiled the new S 680 Guard, an armored version of the new S-Class with specific bulletproof materials.

For the very specific protection needs of VIP personalities, the German manufacturer has a range called Mercedes Guard , consisting of large sedans and SUVs reinforced to resist an attack by bullets, or with explosives (such as a grenade jet ) for example. In the utmost discretion, Mercedes has lifted the veil on the new Mercedes S 680 Guard , the armored version of the new S-Class, in its Limousine version with extended wheelbase.

With its bodywork and reinforced windows, the new S 680 Guard meets the “VR10” resistance standard, which is the highest level of protection against bullets and explosions. To ensure the integrity of the passengers on board, the body was built with high resistance materials, the trunk is fitted with an armored partition, while the windows are about ten centimeters thick. Michelin has also fitted the model with specific tires , allowing it to continue driving for 30 km after a puncture.

Mercedes S 680 Guard: more than 5 tonnes on the scale

Other specific equipment is available, such as an automatic fire extinguisher or an emergency fresh air supply, in the event of the presence of smoke or toxic gases. A series of specific buttons to activate this equipment can be found on board.

With all this arsenal of protection, the Mercedes S 680 Guard weighs more than 5 tons on the scale! And to keep everything moving, it can count on a 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 engine developing 612 horsepower and 830 Nm of torque , as well as a reinforced 4Matic all-wheel drive. Do not expect to break records with such cavalry, however, since the top speed has been electronically limited to 190 km / h.

The new Mercedes S 680 Guard will be presented at the next Munich Motor Show, which will open its doors from September 7 to 12, 2021. In Europe, it is marketed from 547,400 euros , excluding options: it is more than five times more expensive than ‘a production Mercedes S-Class Limousine, displayed from 105,850 euros. But when you have to acquire this type of vehicle to ensure your safety, your life is priceless …

 

Volkswagen Taigo (2021): the small cut SUV arrives in Europe!

Volkswagen Taigo (2021) the small cut SUV arrives in Europe

Here is the Volkswagen Taigo: a small SUV coupe that incorporates elements of the Polo and the T-Cross!

Volkswagen has just launched a newcomer to the urban SUV segment: the Taigo . And if its cut SUV look is unique in this segment, it is not a surprise: the Taigo is none other than the European version of the Nivus , marketed in Brazil since last year.

Technically, this Volkswagen Taigo is based on the MQB A0 platform, which also equips the Polo and the T-Cross . The Taigo, on the other hand, is a little longer than the Polo and T-Cross , at 4.27 m. It’s a big fifteen centimeters more than the T-Cross, and twenty more than the Polo. What to compensate for the headroom necessarily complicated by the line cut, especially as the wheelbase is also longer (2.57 m).

The interior of the restyled Polo

Volkswagen announces a trunk volume of 438 L , almost as much as a T-Cross. But unlike the latter, the Taigo will not be entitled to a sliding seat . Inside, Polo owners will not be disoriented: the whole is taken directly from the restyled version . There are therefore plenty of touch controls, including for the air conditioning controls, under the central screen.

The instrument cluster is digital as standard , and measures 8 inches (10.25 inches optional). The central screen, it measures 6.5 inches as standard, and climbs up to 8 inches as an option. In terms of equipment and technology, there are now classic driving aids, in particular with optional level 2 semi-autonomous driving (adaptive regulator with reading of signs and keeping in the lane).

Volkswagen Taigo: what prices?

When it is released towards the end of the year, the Volkswagen Taigo will be offered in three power levels . There are two 3-cylinder TSI 1.0 95 and 110 hp , and the 4-cylinder TSI 1.5 150 hp . The 95 hp unit will be equipped with a 5-speed manual gearbox, while the other two will be entitled to a choice of a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox.

Price levels, we expect this Volkswagen Taigo to be a little more expensive than the current T-Cross , which is available to it just below € 22,000. So count around 23,000 € for the entry-level Taigo, even if Volkswagen should confirm its price list in the coming months.

 

Ford Mustang Mach-E (2021): a new world record

Ford Mustang Mach-E (2021) a new world record

The new Ford Mustang Mach-E SUV has broken a new Guinness Book of Records world record on Britain’s longest route.

To achieve fuel economy performance with its new all-electric SUV, Ford took a Mustang Mach-E on Britain’s longest route, 1,350 km long and located between the towns of John O’Groats to the north. -est, and Land’s End, to the southwest. The objective: to dispel fears related to the autonomy of an electric car, and to prove that the Mustang Mach-E is as suitable for daily trips as it is for longer journeys.

Ford Mustang Mach-E (2021): more than 800 km of autonomy

On this trip, the Ford Mustang Mach-E consumed more than 6.5 miles (approximately 10.46 km) per kWh of electric power. With a battery with a capacity of 88 kWh, the new electric SUV offers more than 800 km of range, 190 km more than WLTP’s 610 km of official range.

The Ford Mustang Mach-E thus broke the record for the lowest energy consumption of an electric car, entered in the Guinness Book of Records.

On this journey, the record team made a total of less than 45 minutes of stopping to recharge the car, on two occasions: the first in Wigan, in the north-west of England, and the second in Cullompton , in Devon. On this rear-wheel drive, extended-range Mustang Mach-E, the 150 kW quick charge recovers 110 km of range in 10 minutes of charging.

“The range and efficiency of the Ford Mustang Mach-E make it an everyday car that can tackle unpredictable journeys. We did a full day of testing, totaling almost 400 km, and we still had 45% battery charge when we got back, ” said team members: Paul Clifton, BBC transport correspondent, Fergal McGrath and Kevin Booker.

 

Bentley Bentayga: Mulliner carbon fiber rims

Bentley Bentayga Mulliner carbon fiber rims

Mulliner presents a new carbon fiber wheel for the Bentley Bentayga, which saves 6 kg compared to an aluminum model.

Bentley presents an all- new 22-inch carbon fiber rim , developed specifically for the Bentayga SUV by Mulliner, its customization department. It was designed with Bucci Composites, one of the world’s leading composites suppliers, and will be the world’s largest production carbon wheel , which has many advantages in addition to its looks: better safety, better steering agility and better stability, less tire wear and better braking thanks to the reduction in unsprung mass.

Meeting the strict standards of the TÜV ( Technischer ÜberwachungsVerei ), it is the first carbon wheel to have passed all of the German body’s most rigorous tests for non-metallic wheels: biaxial stress, tire pressure, excessive torque , or radial and side impact tests, to simulate traffic through potholes and cobblestones.

These are the most severe tests: after a strong impact, which should crack or break an aluminum wheel, which can cause the tire to explode, the Mulliner carbon fiber rim has proven its strongest resistance , with deflation. slow and progressive tire, allowing control of the car.

Bentley Mulliner carbon fiber rims: tests at the Nürburgring

For the final stage, the carbon wheels of the Bentley Bentayga were also put to the test on the famous Nordschleife circuit of the Nürburgring. In addition to the weight saving of 6 kg , the carbon fiber allows to offer better resistance and additional rigidity.

To produce this unique rim, a new manufacturing process has been patented: the carbon fiber is cut, then the elements are assembled, stacked and heated in a mold, to give the final shape of the product. A specific resin and hardener are finally injected into the assembly, which is then temperature hardened before demoulding and finishing operations (machining and polishing).

This unprecedented carbon fiber rim is a real showcase for Mulliner , which highlights its know-how and its ability to provide Bentley customers with innovative and unique personalization elements. Available to order at the end of 2021 , it will complete the range of carbon fiber parts designed for the Bentayga, made up of the front spoiler, the side sills and the rear diffuser, not to mention the interior inserts in carbon fiber.

 

Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV (2022): first photo of the luxury electric SUV

Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV (2022) first photo of the luxury electric SUV

The future large 100% electric Mercedes EQS SUV will be available in a top-of-the-range version signed Maybach: it is already announced with a first teaser photo.

After presenting its electrification strategy for the next decade and announcing a future electric concept car dubbed Vision EQXX, Mercedes also unveiled a first teaser photo of the first fully electric Maybach .

Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV (2022): Maybach’s first electric model

The model will be based on the upcoming Mercedes EQS SUV , which is expected to be unveiled next year. So far, only a few heavily camouflaged prototypes of the large all-electric SUV have been surprised during testing, and it’s still unclear what the EQS sedan and EQS SUV will have in common.

However, this first teaser image of the Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV suggests that the SUV will have brand new tail lights , in order to distinguish it from the EQS sedan with a more tapered shape, although the light signatures will be quite similar. The model is presented here in a two-color livery, with a red bodywork contrasting with a black roof.

If the technical sheet of the Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV remains a mystery, it’s a safe bet that it will embed the same technologies as the EQS sedan, with its dedicated electric platform and its two electric engines. According to rumors, Mercedes is preparing a more powerful version of the EQS with some 715 horsepower, and it would not be surprising to see this engine under the hood of the future Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV… To be continued.

 

Renault: the 5 most iconic models in its history

Renault the 5 most iconic models in its history

Difficult to retain only 5 models from the long history of Renault! Here is a selection of some of the most iconic diamond cars.

Founded at the end of the 19th century, Renault has gone through more than 120 years of French history . Enough to be both a reflection and a player in the social transformations of the country, from the first cars of the 1900s to futuristic autonomous concepts, including the popular Trente Glorieuses. We have retained the 5 most legendary models of its long history!

Renault 4CV: 1947 – 1961

Designed in secret during the occupation, the 4CV is the car that will take over Renault after the Second World War. Produced in over a million copies over nearly 15 years, it is undeniably one of the most popular cars of the post-war period. With its rear overhang motor, it easily accommodates the whole family. Thanks to its affordable price, it quickly became a symbol of the Trente Glorieuse and established Renault as the leading French manufacturer.

Renault 4L: 1961 – 1992

Sold for over 30 years and over 8 million copies, the 4L is by far the best-selling car in Renault history . With its simple design, large interior and utility versions, it is the quintessential popular car. It is designed to attack the Citroën 2 CV directly . It will equip a large number of craftsmen, SMEs, but also the gendarmerie or the Post Office. Its popularity is such that Renault is preparing today to launch a new 4L , this time in 100% electric. To be continued !

Renault 5: 1972 – 1984

With its cubic shapes, its compact size, its practical aspects and its rather efficient engines, the R5 brought Renault into the modern era in the early 1970s. For 10 years, it was the best-selling car in France . It also marks the spirits thanks to its many sports versions, like the R5 Alpine and especially the demonic R5 Turbo , with its engine at the rear. Its boils still resonate with the public today, and, as with the 4L, Renault is preparing a new electric generation . It should land in 2023 and will replace the Zoe .

Renault Espace: 1984 -…

Launched in the 1980s, the Renault Espace caused a sensation. It is a pioneer: with its shape in a single volume, it can carry up to 7 people in unprecedented comfort for the time. If the minivan segment was launched a few years earlier in the United States, it is a real novelty in Europe. And minivans will be a hit for many years, until the arrival of SUVs at the end of the 2000s. Today, they threaten Space, whose fifth generation is approaching the end of its career.

Renault Twingo: 1992 -…

After 3 generations, the Twingo will soon bow out ! However, the city car knew how to wear Renault in the 1990s. With its rounded look, its unibody profile in the form of a minivan, and above all its astonishing interior space, the Twingo quickly became an icon in France. Everything is done to keep costs down, from the central meters to the foam on the seats. Popular success is immediately apparent: more than 2.5 million copies sold for the first generation. The second and third generations are becoming normalized, and are even going electric. She will unfortunately be a programmed victim of the great Renaulution plan .

 

Kia Stinger: it could disappear in 2022

Kia Stinger it could disappear in 2022

Kia is rumored to be phasing out its Stinger sedan from next year, following disappointing sales figures.

In a gloomy automotive landscape, where SUVs and other electric cars are legion today, the Korean manufacturer has proven with the Kia Stinger that he was not afraid to go hunting in the lands of the BMW 5 Series, with an elegant premium sedan whose twin-turbo V6 of 366 horsepower does not lack qualities.

Unfortunately, prejudices die hard, and Kia does not benefit from the brand image of German manufacturers, while customers have preferred in recent years to turn to SUVs. The sales figures are necessarily affected, and even if the Kia Stinger was not designed to break sales records, it only sold 1,387 copies last year in Europe.

Kia Stinger: change of plans in the second quarter of 2022

These figures are necessarily disappointing for the Korean manufacturer, which no longer even communicates on them … And for good reason, according to the latest rumors relayed by The Korean Car Blog , which cites local industrial sources, the Stinger should bow out as of second quarter 2022 . The information has, however, not yet been officially confirmed by the brand.

In fact, Kia should proceed next year with the transformation of its plant in Sohari, which produces the Stinger. This factory located in Gwangmyeong, near Seoul in South Korea, will then be devoted only to electrified models of the Kia range, even though the Stinger should not be equipped with a hybrid or electric engine.

For one of its last appearances in public, the Kia Stinger had distinguished itself a few days ago at the Goodwood Festival with an exclusive version, called the Kia Stinger GT420 and whose 3.3-liter twin-turbo petrol V6 engine was increased to 422 horsepower and 560 Nm of torque.

 

Porsche Macan (2021): a restyling and more horses while waiting for the electric

Porsche Macan 2021 a restyling and more horses while waiting for the electric

While waiting for the new 100% electric model, Porsche has restyled its Macan! The visual differences are subtle, but larger under the hood.

Launched in 2014, the Porsche Macan is expected to be nearing retirement . But in 7 years, the automotive landscape has changed a lot, and manufacturers are reluctant to develop new thermal models . Porsche cannot abandon its small SUV, however, because it represents a large part of the brand’s sales: 600,000 units sold since 2014 ! Suddenly, Stuttgart is betting on a double strategy. On the one hand, there will be an all-new all-electric Macan , which should be unveiled later this year, and in parallel the current model slightly revisited.

Smooth evolution

It is therefore a question here of prolonging the life of a bestseller: no question of revolution . A philosophy evident on the outside, as the changes are minimal . The shields have been retouched, with side air intakes that meet at the front, and a revised rocker panel at the rear. New rims appear, as well as new colors . In short, we play a bit of the game of seven errors …

It’s a bit the same inside, although a new center console rejuvenates this 2021 vintage Porsche Macan. Hitherto covered with buttons (like the 991 generation of the 911), it now accommodates tactile shortcuts . We like it or not, but the whole allows the SUV to no longer be so dated in the face of sharp competition. We also discover a new multifunction steering wheel , taken from the new 911, new upholstery options, and a clock now standard.

More horses for the Macan

On the other hand, under the hood, the differences are more noticeable. Indeed, all the engines are gaining in power, from the entry-level 4-cylinder 265 hp (+20 hp) to the GTS twin-turbo 2.9L V6, with 440 hp (+60 hp), via the V6 from 380 hp from the Macan S (+26 hp). The latter is in fact now a deflated version of the GTS engine, instead of the 3.0L V6 of the previous model.

Porsche Macan: what prices?

On the other hand, bad news for fans of high-performance SUVs: no Turbo version for the moment. But previous Macan developed 440 hp , the power of the current GTS, so all is not lost. Porsche does not say whether an even more capable new Macan Turbo is in development.

Finally, the chassis settings have been revised , and Porsche promises a Macan more dynamic and responsive than ever.

The 2021 Porsche Macan is already available to order, from € 64,633 for the basic version, then € 73,597 for the Macan S, and € 90,350 for the Macan GTS.

 

Lamborghini: historic sales record in the first half

Lamborghini historic sales record in the first half

This is a historic sales record for the Italian brand. Lamborghini sold nearly 4,852 vehicles in the first half of 2021, driven by sales of the Urus SUV.

Lamborghini, the Italian supercar manufacturer is doing well. And even very well since it has just achieved quite simply the best sales in its history in the first half of 2021.

The best sales in its history

“The first half of 2021 is going down in Lamborghini’s history: worldwide sales recorded from January to June reached a record level,” said the management of the Italian brand in a statement.

For the start of the year, the brand sold nearly 4,852 vehicles compared to 4,553 over the same period in 2019.

This good sales figure is partly achieved thanks to the success of its Urus SUV , which represents almost half of sales with 2,796 units sold, ahead of the Huracán and Aventador with 1,532 and 524 units sold respectively.

A near future on the same line

The brand also points out that the order forecast is just as positive, with a full order book until April 2022.

“This is not only proof of the solidity and strength of this brand, which enjoys increasing attractiveness despite a period of permanent difficulties and uncertainty”, underlined its CEO Stephan Winkelmann .

For the next few years, the brand will make a shift towards electric, like many other manufacturers of super sports cars. The Volkswagen group, which owns the brand with the bull has already planned to invest nearly 1.5 billion euros in the electrification of its ultra-sporty brand.

“This is further proof that our industrial plan on the path to the future electrification of our product range has indeed been received, which is why we will invest more than a billion and a half by 2024″.