Aston Martin One-77 hits the streets of London!

Aston Martin One-77 (earlier post) is a highly anticipated car and today, it got its first public appearance in London. The car shown in the photos is the first production-ready example and it will participate in a supercar run from London to Silverstone, which is designed to promote the FIA GT1 World Championship.

As the name suggests, only 77 units will be built with each example costing just over �1.2 million.

Source: Autocar

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Jaguar XJ Supersport review by CAR

So, if someone was kind enough to buy me a car, just one car, I would choose a RR Ghost. But, if my sponsor was insisting for something more down to earth, I would go for a Jag XJ Supersport. I find the new XJ to be superior and much more classy than the teutonic German alternatives and Jag's latest styling language is definitely my cup of tea.

The Supersport version is powered by a supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine, producing 503 bhp at 6000 revs and 461lb ft at 2500. Is it quick? Of course it is, since 0-100 km/h takes just 4.9 seconds!

British CAR magazine has driven it and they do love it!  Below is just  the verdict from the review, but you can click on the link in order to read the complete story.

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Verdict

The new XJ is a limousine to make Britain proud. Its design is the most stylish and modern in its class, and the cabin is peerless. Throw in a lightweight, high-tech chassis, brilliant dynamics and notable efficiency, and you have a limousine which is a genuine match for some of Germany�s finest vehicles. Whisper it, but it�s the coolest and most efficient car in its class. Who�d have thought that from Jaguar?

Source: CAR Magazine

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Scoop: Toyota FT-86 "F" version

Although we still haven't seen the production FT-86, Japanese Best Car magazine claims that a hardcore "F" version will fit between the standard FT-86 and the track-ready "G" model.

Source: Best Car via Carscoop

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Rieju MRT50 Pro Competition being launched

Spansh motorcycle manufacturer Rieju launch their new 50cc European Enduro series Blegium roun winner the Rieju MRT50 Pro Competition is being launched next week for the public to buy. Its features include:-50 cc 6 speed Pre Mix Yamaha LC motor with special head & Cylinder by Top competition, Front floating wave disc 260 mm. Rear Wave 200 mm.Upside-Down adjustable Marzocchi 40 mm forks.

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Rolls-Royce launches Ghost configurator

Rolls-Royce has, at last, launched the Ghost configurator where you can build your Ghost according to your own personal taste.

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A glimpse into TVR's future

A couple of months ago, it was reported that TVR will be back from the dead soon (earlier post). Autocar has now more information indicating that TVR will be back with a new roadster. Smolenski, the current owner of TVR, plans to show a new prototype at Goodwood�s Moving Motor Show in July.

The new car will have a modified version of the traditional steel backbone chassis and all-independent suspension that were used for all previous TVR models. However, forget the old engines due to homologation and cost reasons.

�We looked at every engine available � including making our own � and decided that the Corvette was the most powerful off-the-shelf design going. Fitting it to our chassis allows us to meet all current regulations and is not too big a step.�

In the longer term, the revived TVR company plans a hybrid concept, said Smolenski. �I always wanted an automatic model,� he said, �but the chassis wouldn�t allow either a regular auto or an automated manual. The hybrid concept would allow us to kick out the conventional gearbox completely.�

The first new-generation TVRs will be convertibles, reminiscent of the Tuscan, because Smolenski believes that most customers prefer open-top cars. It is too early to forecast names or prices, he said, but a new car �shouldn�t cost any more� than the European price of an equivalent Corvette.

Source: Autocar

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Some thoughts about this year's Auto China

Until a year ago, I couldn't remember any Chinese manufacturer's name... but now for example, the name Geely has started to become familiar, since it's the company that finally acquired Volvo from Ford. So far, the majority of Chinese cars are horrible copies of European models and still, buying a Chinese car sounds like a joke.

However, I am really curious to see what will be the situation in the long term (say 10 years). Chinese manufacturers have started gaining access to European and American R&D and they do have the money to do so. For example, BAIC presented two models based on the old 9-3 and 9-5 tooling it bought from Saab last fall. OK, the execution is far from successful, but it's a start...

Taking a look in what was presented at Auto China in Beijing, Geely Emgrand GT caught my attention. Emgrand is Geely's new top-level sub-brand and the GT is expected to be introduced in 2014.

Another interesting concept was the baby MG (MG Zero Concept). 

Source: Autoblog

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BMW suprises with a preview of new 6 Series

During the first press day at Auto China in Beijing, BMW provided a preview of the upcoming new 6 Series with the Concept Gran Coup�. Since 4-door coupes are becoming popular, it's a logical step forward for BMW. Overall, I have to admit that I like it, although I hope that the interior is not common with 5 Series or 7 Series, which is virtually the same�

Source: Autoblog

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First quarter proves to be very successful for Rolls-Royce

The financial situation around the globe is no good at all, but luxury car manufacturers seem to increase their market share... A proof of that is the fact that Rolls-Royce Motor Cars announced today that the company has enjoyed a successful first quarter in 2010, with sales increasing by 60% worldwide compared with the same period in 2009!

According to the press release, sales in APAC were double the same period in 2009, with sales in Mainland China more than trebling.  Sales in the United States, Europe and the Middle East also showed substantial growth.

Torsten M�ller-�tv�s, speaking in his new role as Chief Executive Officer for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said, �This is an excellent first quarter result and demonstrates the confidence that our customers have in our company and our products. The interest in our new model, Ghost, is growing and is bringing a significant number of new customers to the Rolls-Royce brand. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars continues to operate as the world�s foremost ultra luxury car manufacturer.�

The new Rolls-Royce Ghost was successfully introduced into a number of global markets following its international launch in California, including the largest market for Rolls-Royce, the United States. It is notable that Ghost has not yet been delivered to China and that the surge in sales in this market during the first quarter was generated solely by Rolls-Royce Phantom models.  With the introduction of Ghost this trend is expected to continue.

With all models currently sold out until mid-year, the first quarter saw production at record levels.  Expressions of interest from potential customers continue to be received at an increasing rate and production at the manufacturing plant in Goodwood has been successfully ramped up to meet this growing global demand.

Source: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

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Bentley Mulsanne: Testing and sign-off

Bentley continues publishing press releases about the Mulsanne and this time, it's about the testing and sign-off procedures.

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The Mulsanne build story concludes with a range of exhaustive real world tests and checks that underline Bentley�s total commitment to the quality of its new flagship.

Whilst quality checks are fundamental to every stage of the Mulsanne�s build, it is at the penultimate sign-off stage �Checkpoint 7� that the complete car is given the most rigorous examination possible. Every Mulsanne must pass through 503 individual checks conducted by Donna Morrey and her inspectors from the Quality team.

The inspection lasts a full two hours and features all of the functional measures you�d expect of a modern automotive plant but with key two critical differences; Bentley reviews every single Mulsanne, without exception, and the inspection team sets the most exacting standards of quality which are commensurate with a flagship model at the pinnacle of the ultra-luxury segment.

�New colleagues are sometimes surprised by the lengths we go to and have been honest enough to admit that what we consider an issue would not register at another facility.� Donna Morrey explains.

Whilst checking that every function works (first time, every time and on every car) Donna�s team is also tasked with looking beyond the merely operational. In her own words the team will also act as the �hands and eyes of the customer� and a skilled inspector has a natural empathy for the car and how it should look and feel. Morrey adds:

�This element is not an exact science. However, it is a crucial skill that we value greatly and it is particularly relevant for a car like the Mulsanne which features so much craftsmanship and character. For example, we will run a hand across a particular surface in the cabin to ensure it feels right and that it delivers the tactile experience the craftsman wanted to create.�

After testing on the shake rig and rolling road, every Mulsanne completes a rigorous on-road evaluation. Jason Davies and his colleagues have an in-depth knowledge of the roads surrounding Bentley�s headquarters and the 21-mile route has been chosen to assess the Mulsanne�s engine performance, ride quality and cabin refinement. Morrey comments:

�Jason and his team have one of the most enviable jobs at the factory but their work involves something far more important than completing some basic checks and enjoying a drive. Each Mulsanne is driven on a wide range of carefully selected roads offering variations in camber and surface quality. Road types range from narrow English country lanes to fast dual carriageways, allowing the car to be comprehensively evaluated.�

Once the car returns to the Pyms Lane factory it enters a special test facility that simulates monsoon-like weather conditions to ensure that it is completely watertight before heading for the very final sign-off stage � �Checkpoint 8�. Here, the car progresses through a long line of ultra-bright overhead and side lights (nicknamed the �shipping lane�) which enables the Quality team to inspect every surface in the most minute detail.

During the critical pre-production stage senior Bentley managers from right across the business join the vehicle review at �Checkpoint 8� to examine the culmination of their efforts, despite having previously completed hundreds of their own checks.

�The way all the teams come together to view the pre-production models demonstrates just how much genuine pride goes into the building of these very first cars,� Morrey notes.

Source: Bentley Motors

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Bentley launches special-edition Continental models for China

Bentley is about to launch two unique special-edition Continental models for China, the Continental Flying Spur Speed China and the Continental GT Design Series China. The debut will be made at 2010 Auto China Motor Show in Beijing. Below is the official press release.

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Bentley Motors is ready to unveil two unique Continental models which have been engineered and designed exclusively for the China market. These special edition cars will be created at Bentley�s Crewe headquarters with both models offering a range of striking features specially commissioned for Chinese customers.

The Chinese market is now the third most important single market for Bentley globally in terms of sales and one of the fastest growing. Since Bentley entered China in 2002, sales have grown nearly ten-fold to 421 cars in 2009, a trend that continues despite the recent global recession.

From Bentley�s first dealership in Shenzhen, the network has grown to become nine-strong in 2010 (with dealers in Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Wuhan, Chengdu, Nanjing and Qingdao) and will grow with four new showrooms to open during the course of this year, the first of which will be in Kunming. Now two new models are to be launched specifically for this unique market.

The Continental GT Design Series China, which will debut at the 2010 Auto China Motor Show, highlights the creativity of Bentley�s stylists working in partnership with the company�s colour and trim experts to create some vibrant, design-led interiors.

The centrepiece of each Design Series China car is the three-tone interior that blends a main leather hide colour with accent and insert colours to create a visually impactful cabin for drivers and passengers to enjoy. This skilful and imaginative use of contrasting colours, as well as the application of accent colours to the smallest detail like the car�s seat belts, floor mats, seat piping or the hand-stitching applied to the steering wheel, further underlines this Bentley�s unique appearance.
The Design Series China cars will be the first Bentley�s to feature Orange and Magenta as accent colours and the vast Bentley paint palette is further extended with the introduction of Orange Flame and Magenta Metallic.

As well as creating a �talking point� with the imaginative use of three contrasting hide colours, Bentley�s styling team has selected some striking wood veneers including Piano Black and dark-stained Burr Walnut. The rare Amboyna veneer, usually only available as a cost option, has also been reserved for the Design Series China editions.

These cars will be further distinguished by some subtle exterior and interior �Design Series China� motifs. These include an exterior wing badge, treadplate and name badge positioned on the centre console � all bearing the Design Series China signature.

Bentley is also launching the Continental Flying Spur Speed China which retains all the potent performance of the company�s Continental Flying Spur Speed, the world�s fastest luxury four-door saloon, but with a range of engineering upgrades developed for the Chinese market.

A bespoke �comfort� suspension setting has been developed for the Speed China which emphasises the car�s superior ride quality for both driver and passengers, whilst ensuring the class-leading performance of the W12 6-litre engine is in no way diminished. The car is capable of achieving a potential top speed of 200mph/322km/h and a 0-60mph sprint time of just 4.5 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds).

The Flying Spur Speed�s distinctive, sporty 20-inch multi-spoke Speed wheels are retained to emphasise the car�s athletic character but for the Speed China, this performance is balanced with greater refinement through the re-tuning of the exhaust to produce a quieter note.

The Speed China�s refinement and handling upgrades are also accompanied by a range of design features that accentuate its special edition status. �Speed China� treadplates and wing badges (with a matching badge visible on the centre console) have been created for this car and Bentley�s famous �B� emblem has been affixed to both �C� pillars.

Bentley�s ability to add extra, well-executed, touches of luxury can be found in the custom leather cushions for rear passengers which are embroidered with Bentley wings. Each car will also come with a special display case for the ignition key. Geoff Dowding, Regional Director, Asia and Middle East, comments:
�Bentley has a long and proud tradition of creating exclusive cars designed to meet the styling and driving tastes of our customers, wherever in the world they might be. Designed and offered exclusively for our customers in China, these special-edition Bentleys showcase our styling and engineering teams� abilities and also underlines our desire to create cars for this influential market.�

Both models can be seen on the Bentley stand in Hall E5 of the Auto China Motor Show in Beijing which runs between 23rd April and the 2nd May in the New International Exhibition Centre.

Source: Bentley Motors

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Artworks in rice-farming areas of Japan

Although this post is completely irrelevant to cars and Macs, I feel that the artworks shown in photos above are simply amazing! The artworks have been created from hundreds of thousands of rice plants, while the colors were created by using different varieties (little purple and  yellow-leafed Kodaimai rice along with local green-leafed Tsugaru, a Roman variety).

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