Bentley put a hold on developing any new models in order to work on a new 4.0 liter, twin turbocharged V8 engine that we already expected to see in the Continental GT V8 at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. Details for the Coupe model were already revealed to that effect, but now that the auto show has opened its doors, the new Continental GTC V8 was there, welcoming the auto industry with open arms with its new engine and a total of 500 HP and 487 lb ft of torque. In Europe, the GTC V8 is priced at €149,600 - or about $191,000 at the current exchange rates. Prices for the North American market will be announced at a later date.
"With the new 4.0 liter V8 engine we are widening the appeal of the latest generation of Continentals, introducing a completely new driving experience. The new engine will have all the exhilarating power, drama and performance you would expect from a V8 engine sporting the famous Bentley wings, effortlessly delivered with our characteristic ‘wave of torque’. This is complemented by innovative powertrain technology that delivers exceptional fuel efficiency and emissions," said Wolfgang Dürheimer, Chairman and Chief Executive, Bentley Motors.
Hit the jump to read more about the new Bentley Continental GTC V8.
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The Ford Fusion was brought to the American market as a 2006 model, and after six years, the second generation model was finally unveiled at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. A notable detail about the Fusion is that it will become a global car, being sold in new markets like Europe under the Ford Mondeo name.
The new generation Fusion will adopt Ford’s latest Kinetic design so there are hints of the latest Ford models, such as the Focus and Escape. Under the hood, Ford has placed a new 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine that delivers best-in-class four-cylinder non-hybrid fuel efficiency of 26 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. A 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine – paired with a paddle-shifted six-speed SelectShift Automatic transmission will also be offered, as well as a Hybrid version that uses an all-new 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline engine and a new Energi plug-in hybrid version that is expected to deliver up to 100 mpg.
UPDATE 01/09/2012: This review has been updated with the official details and images for the new Ford Fusion.
Hit the jump to read more about the 2013 Ford Fusion.
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Sitting in one corner of the 2012 North American International Auto Show is the Chrysler 700C Concept, an attendee that not a lot of people knew was coming.
We really didn’t expect to see it, much less know anything about it, but according to Chrysler, the 700C Concept - it follows in the naming nomenclature of two of Chrysler’s more popular models, the 200 and the 300C - is a concept study on what could potentially be the look of their mini-vans.
The American automaker is using the 2012 NAIAS to gauge the interest on the concept and while Chrysler has made it known that the car is not headed to production, it’s still in attendance to see how the crowd is going to receive it.
Consider it market research, so to speak.
As far as details are concerned, Chrysler didn’t really share any. Judging by the photos, though, the 700C Concept looks pretty svelte and stylish for a mini-van. The profile looks fresh and is dominated by a pair of slit-like headlights. The grilles are pretty much non-existent while the front bumper sports plenty of aggressive details. True to its mini-van roots, the 700C Concept has rear sliding doors, and almost as if adding more flavor, it sits on a set of pretty chromed-out wheels.
Considering the purpose of the 700C Concept at Cobo Hall, we invite you to share your thoughts on the concept minivan. Yay? Or nay?
The Chevelle was one of the most impressive models offered by Chevrolet in the 1964 through 1977 model years, and although there have been rumors circulating about a possible revival, nothing ever really happened to encourage that rumor to be more. That is, until now. According to Jalopnik, Chevrolet will be offering a "surprise concept" next week at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show that will preview the return of the historic Chevelle.
According to their source, Jalopnik says that this concept will be a "retro-styled compact-ish car" translated into a concept that is "smaller than a mid-size sedan but bigger than a toaster." Great, we’re glad they cleared that up. It also seems as though Chevrolet has trademarked the "Chicane" name so it is very possible that the concept will come bearing that name when it lands in the Motor City.
Let’s just hope this rumor does hold water because after two years of Chevelle revival nonsense, we’re about due for some concrete information, and maybe we’ll get just that next week in Detroit. Stay tuned!
Volvo will come at the Detroit Auto Show with an innovative petrol plug-in hybrid: the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept that previews a production version vehicle set to be offered in both Europe and North America. The concept combines a 280 HP four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine driving the front wheels with an electric motor producing 70 HP.
The concept offered three modes of operation: Pure, Hybrid or Power, with the Hybrid one offering a fuel economy of over 100 mpg. This system will sprint the car from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.8 seconds
"The technology in the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept is as ingenious as it is unique," says Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation. "You can make really green progress on the road without compromising on any of the luxury car’s renowned properties. No other manufacturer has succeeded in delivering fuel economy and electrical range on this level in a capable, spacious performance car with 350 horsepower on tap."
Hit the jump to read more about the 2012 Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept.
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