The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG's retro design evokes the 300 SL.
(Credit: CNET)
With all the very expensive new cars being unveiled at the Frankfurt auto show, you would think the economy never went into recession. It did, and yet here they are, a parade of new automotive objects of lust from the likes of Ferrari, Maserati, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Aston Martin, and Rolls-Royce. Some emphasize sport, some luxury, but all have way more of each than your standard economy sedan.
Leading the parade is the spectacular new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, a monster of a supercar with retro styling evoking the gull-winged 300 SL. Porsche shows off a couple of 911s, the styling only slightly updated but big improvement where it counts: in the engine, transmission, and suspension. Ferrari comes up with a replacement for the F430, managing to improve on that already fantastic supercar. And then there's Abarth, which offers up a tribute to Ferrari in the form of a heavily modified Fiat 500.
A number of convertibles follow, the tops chopped off of an Audi R8, Lamborghini Reventon, and Maserati GranTurismo. And finally, a couple of stately sedans from Aston Martin and Rolls-Royce take the floor.
Rolls-Royce cars now sport Lexicon sound systems.
(Credit: Steve Guttenberg)I went to the New York International Auto Show to listen. Weird yes, but I'm the audio guy, and nowadays high-end cars all have high-end audio systems. These cars go for hundreds of thousands of dollars, and I was hoping to hear some decent sound. That didn't happen.
Naim's car audio system for Bentley didn't wow us.
(Credit: Steve Guttenberg)The nice folks at the Bentley Motors display put me in a spectacular Flying Spur Speed ($252,000). The car has a 6-liter W-12 engine with twin turbochargers, 6-speed automatic transmission, and a claimed top speed of 200 mph. The interior was lavish beyond belief, with truly gorgeous wood and leather that puts your average Mercedes to shame. Rock stars and sports heroes know how to live!
The sound? I'm sure the engine sounds fabulous, but they wouldn't allow me the honor of blipping the throttle. Ah, there was a Naim audio system in the car, and I'm a fan of Nain's home gear, but the Bentley's sound system was nothing to get jazzed about.
The $6,900 Naim audio system sports 15 speakers, including dual subwoofers. Just don't kid yourself, it's not remotely on par with a credible home system. I thought the in-dash display was sort of tacky. Naim would never put such a thing in its home systems.
The Mini Cooper sound system was one of the best per dollar, that's for sure.
(Credit: Steve Guttenberg)Next, Rolls-Royce cars, like this awesome Phantom Coupe pictured at the top of this blog ($437,000), now have Lexicon audio systems. Too bad I didn't get to hear it. (Maybe the Bentley guys told them about me, just kidding.)
The Mini Cooper people were a lot friendlier, so I checked out the sound in their 10 speaker MINI Hi-Fi Sound System. Considering it adds just $500 to the car's bottom line, it was pretty good.
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CNET)
Two icons of British luxury (owned by German companies), Bentley and Rolls-Royce, showed off new thinking at the Geneva auto show this week in the form of two new concept vehicles.
Bentley, sensing that it is now fashionable to go green, attempts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by refining its Continental model into the Continental Supersports, at the same time coming up with the most powerful Bentley yet. Rolls-Royce, in its quest for a new model in 2010, comes out with the 200EX, a car that, while exhibiting many features of the Phantom, is much smaller.
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Rolls-Royce)
Two sketches of the next Rolls-Royce model, code-named RR4, were released today, showing a car with a meaty body and squashed cab. Of the new car, chief designer Ian Cameron said "The RR4 has a more informal presence than the Phantom models with a greater emphasis on driving. In design terms this is expressed through its slightly smaller dimensions and more organic form, yet with powerful, purposeful proportions." From the sketches, it looks as if the RR4 will be a four-door sedan with a less blocky grille than the current Phantom model, but will still sport the Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament. The wheels look particularly large, but that is often a trait of sketches.
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Rolls-Royce)
Although the brand built its reputation on luxury, the acquisition by BMW has led to a new emphasis on engineering, and the new car will feature an engine developed in-house, rather than the BMW-sourced V-12 in the current Phantom. Rolls-Royce showed off a shorter, coupe version of the Phantom at this year's Geneva auto show, but the new RR4 will be a wholly different car. The company, which does emphasize quality over quantity, will expand its Goodwood-based plant by adding an additional assembly line and associated leather and wood shops. Rolls-Royce promises more details on the car throughout 2009, with a 2010 launch date.
It's the new Rolls Royce Phantom Coupe, and we've got a sneak peek at the 2008 Geneva auto show. If you're the type of person who likes to ride in style, and with tiny LED lights embedded in the rooftop that resemble stars, then this is the car for you.
Click the image to access the full gallery.
(Credit: CNET Networks)The Geneva auto show opened in style today with a host of luxury manufacturers taking the wraps off their cars, including new models from Alfa Romeo, Bugatti, Lamborgini, and Rolls Royce. Check out our pick of the supercars from the first day of action.
(Credit:
Sybarites)
(Credit:
Sybarites)
Given the wild proliferation of stretch limos on the road today, we've always appreciated Rolls-Royce's restraint in preserving its traditional form. So it was with some trepidation that we learned of its newly extended version of the classic Phantom.
But thankfully, RR hasn't lost its senses in designing its stretched model, which has an extended-wheelbase that's 25 centimeters longer (just under 10 inches). The extension supposedly provides more leg room for the rear seats, though fellow Craver (and auto guru) Kevin Massy observes that the interior doesn't seem significantly more spacious than the original model, at least in the photos.
Either way, we're relieved that the additional middle section hasn't ruined the Phantom's stunning lines and overall design. Because, whenever stretching is involved, we all know how easily things can go awry.
The 1-Series gets the X-factor.
(Credit: BMW)At its management board meeting powwow in Munich yesterday, BMW shed some light on its plans for future models, revealing that it plans to launch four new models by 2012. According to Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management at BMW, the new models include:
- The BMW X1, a mini SUV, which will presumably be based on the same platform as the 1-Series coupe that is scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. next year.
- A four-door Gran Turismo sedan, based on the BMW CS concept from this year's Shanghai auto show.
- A coupe version of the Rolls Royce Phantom.
- A "sports activity vehicle" from Mini.
Dr Reithofer also suggested that the BMW is in the market for a fourth brand, although he said that none of the prospects that BMW had looked at to date have met the business criteria for an acquisition. Amid the usual boardroom jargon, he outlined BMW's plans for improved profitability and capital efficiency, as well as an EfficientDynamics approach to business that would yield the company "More output from less input."
What costs $375,000, draws points and stares wherever it goes, and has carpet made of 100 percent pure panda*? It's the 2007 Rolls-Royce Phantom, and it's our ride for this week's Crave!
We run the gamut today from D.I.Y to totally pimped-out (plasma-screen stairway, anyone?). Donald has also posted his slide show and more info about the Little Professor MP3 player.
Thanks to Wayne Cunningham again for being our chauffeur for the afternoon! I knew that parallel park-off champion title would be good for something!
*Not actually panda at all, but it sure felt like what I imagine panda to feel like.
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CNET Networks)
We're milking all we can out of having the swanky 2007 Rolls-Royce Phantom in our hands. Today we have some photos of what a typical day might look like if Car Tech editors owned this car. Trips to museums, reading The Wall Street Journal as they're chauffeured around, and even a ride to work? Hey! No one told me they were giving out rides. It sure beats the stinky ol' bus!
We also have pictures of the 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid, perhaps a more affordable choice for the rest of us. And take a look at the Samsung NV7 OPS, the flagship of Samsung's newly created NV series of cameras.
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CNET Networks)
Photos: CNET's day out in the Rolls-Royce Phantom
The very rich, as F. Scott Fitzgerald observed, are different than you and me--but that doesn't stop us from pretending. When the $375,000 Rolls-Royce Phantom arrived in our garage this week, we couldn't pass up the chance to live the high life for a day. From trips to the wine shop to lunch at an English country inn, we sure could get used to this life!
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CNET Networks)
The 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid is a stylish newcomer to the hybrid sedan market. It delivers a good balance between performance and economy, with some very swish cabin electronics, although these options will push the base price way up.
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CNET Networks)
Finally, CNET editors look at the design and features of the new Samsung camera and provide some images samples.
