2016 Cadillac CTS-V

640 hp supercharged v8 

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10153004659349923

Bentley Grand Convertible

The Bentley Grand Convertible displayed at the Los Angeles auto show left a lasting impression on us at @AutoReportsUSA

According to Bentley, the Grand Convertible is presented in Sequin Blue, which is a striking color, with a silver liquid metal finish to the hood and windscreen frame and a spectacularly finished interior.

The interior of the Grand Convertible is a showcase for the abilities of Bentley’s master craftsmen. 14 naturally tanned leather hides are merged together with progressive diamond quilting, with the shape of the pattern changing over the seats and doors in a cabin sized for four adults. Bright blue is used to highlight the extraordinary skill of Bentley’s trim specialists, with Sequin Blue thread cross-stitched by hand through the linen-coloured leather. The light hide is contrasted by the sleek elegance of Beluga leather around the top of the doors and extending back to the rear tonneau, framed in polished chrome.

The tonneau itself is Bentley craftsmanship at its finest. It features the largest piece of wood veneer ever applied to a Bentley. Fashioned entirely by hand, the mirror-finished and dark-stained Burr Walnut veneer is only paralleled by the creations of the world’s best furniture makers, and is finished with elegant parallel lines of chromed steel.

The Grand Convertible has an adequate 537 PS (530 bhp / 395 kW) and 1,100 Nm (811 lb.ft) of torque from Bentley’s legendary 6¾-litre twin-turbo V8 engine of the flagship Mulsanne, the Grand Convertible promises the luxury of effortless performance to match its unparalleled style. Ideal for the rock star, Grand Dad / Mother, internet entrepreneur, real estate mogul and taking the kids to school.  

Well done Bentley, you have created a masterpiece.

#BentleyGrandConvertible #LAAutoSHow #AutoReportsUSA

Ferrari confirm split with Alonso and sign Vettel for 3 years.

Ferrari and Fernando Alonso have announced that they have split after 5 years together. Alonso, who is regarded as one of, if not the best F1 driver out there, has not announced his future plans, but it is speculated that he will be heading to McLaren Honda next year. It is not known if McLaren will be sporting 3 cars on the grid for each race next year, or if Jenson Button, or Kevin Magnussen, or both will get the boot. @AutoReportsUSA hopes Button and Magnussen are both driving competitive car in F1 for 2015.

Ferrari also announced, much to everyone's surprise :-), that 4 time driver champion Sebastian Vettel has signed to drive with them for 3 years.

Photo courtesy of AP

#F1 #McLarenHonda #Ferrari

Shelby GT350 Mustang at the LA Auto show

The iconic Shelby GT350 is back in the shape of the 2015 Ford Mustang. @AutoReportsUSA was there to see it at the LA Auto show. The all new Mustang in itself is impressive, add the Shelby touch and the new 5.2-liter engine, which is the first-ever production V8 from Ford with a flat-plane crankshaft, an architecture typically found only in racing applications or exotic European sports cars, and you will be sure to start smiling.

 

According to Ford... Unlike a traditional V8, where the connecting rods are attached to the crankshaft at 90-degree intervals, this design evenly spaces all crank pins at 180-degree intervals.
The 180-degree, flat-plane layout permits a cylinder firing order that alternates between cylinder banks, reducing the overlap of exhaust pressure pulses. When combined with cylinder-head and valvetrain advancements, this permits better cylinder breathing, further extending the performance envelope of the V8.

The result is the most powerful naturally aspirated production Ford engine ever, at more than 500 horsepower, with a torque peak above 400 lb.-ft. The track capability is enhanced by the output characteristics of the engine – the 5.2-liter V8 features an exceptionally broad torque curve.

Combined with its high-revving ability, the flat-plane 5.2-liter V8 gives drivers an enormous amount of performance and flexibility within each gear of the lightweight six-speed manual transmission. A standard Ford-tuned Torsen limited-slip differential optimizes cornering grip and straight-line traction.

This is a truly good looking and exceptionally well engineered US made vehicle, which will be a delight to drive. We will report back when Ford lends us the keys.

#SHELBYGT350

Audi Prologue @LAAutoshow

 

The Audi prologue @LAAutoShow

Audi shows the benchmark of future design language in Los Angeles. @AutoReportsUSA viewed this vehicle at the show and there is no doubt that Audi has created an automobile that is futuristic and will be sought after.  An excerpt of the press release from Audi is below.
 
The technology of the Audi prologue is as sophisticated as its interior is emotion- evoking. The 4.0 TFSI, which is installed in the engine compartment like a technical masterpiece, produces 445 kW (605 hp) and 700 Nm (516.3 lb-ft) of torque; in overboost mode, which the driver can call up for around 15 seconds, a boosted torque of 750 Nm (553.2 lb-ft) is available. The sonorous biturbo V8 accelerates the two-door coupe, which has an unladen weight of 1,980 kilograms (4,365.2 lb) from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 3.7 seconds. 

The show car’s combined fuel consumption is just 8.6 liters per 100 kilometers (27.4 US mpg), which equates to CO2 emissions of 199 grams per kilometer (320.3 g/mile). One contributor to this high efficiency is a new 48-volt subsystem of the vehicle electrical system – this is a technology that will soon be introduced to production cars at Audi. The 48-volt system is supplied by a powerful belt starter generator, which turns the powertrain into a mild hybrid and has an energy recovery output of up to 12 kW during braking. An eight-speed tiptronic directs engine power to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive, which works closely with torque vectoring.

 #FAST #economical #energyrecovery

2016 Cadillac ATS-V released at the LA Auto Show.

The good looking 2016 ATS-V coupe and sedan was released at the Los Angeles auto show and @AutoReportsUSA was there on press day to see the cars in person.

The ATS-V features the first application of the Cadillac Twin Turbo engine in the V-Series, with unique features that expand its performance range and support track capability.

The more powerful iteration of the Twin Turbo 3.6L V-6 delivers an estimated 455 horsepower (339 kW) and 445 lb-ft of torque (603 Nm), and is backed by a standard six-speed manual transmission – with Active Rev Match, no-lift shifting and launch control – or an available paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission.

With the eight-speed automatic, the ATS-V reaches 60 mph from a standstill in only 3.9 seconds and achieves a top speed of more than 185 mph (299 kph).

The engine has unique features that strengthen the foundation to support the greater cylinder pressure that comes with turbocharging:

• Cylinder block and cylinder head castings that are specific to Cadillac Twin Turbo variants

• Lightweight, low-inertia titanium connecting rods are unique to the ATS-V’s engine and contribute to faster engine speed acceleration to match the quick spool time of the turbochargers, along with lowering the reciprocating loads on the rod and main bearings

• Machined, domed aluminum pistons with top steel ring carrier for greater strength

• An oil pan optimized for track performance

• 10.2:1 compression ratio

• Optimized direct injection fuel system for improved combustion efficiency and lower emissions

• Tuned air inlet and outlet resonators, aluminum cam covers and other features that contribute to exceptional quietness and smoothness. 

The standard TREMEC TR6060 six-speed manual transmission has a strong track record proven in the supercharged CTS-V series. It is updated for ATS-V with selectable technologies that enhance driver control to help produce optimized shifts that can lead to faster lap times:

• Active Rev Match – anticipates the next gear selection and electronically ‘blips’ the throttle to match engine speed for a seamless gear change

• No-lift shifting – Part of the Performance Traction Management system, it allows gear changes without the need for the driver to take his or her foot off the gas pedal, keeping the engine at full boost and maximum power

• Launch control – Also part of the Performance Traction Management system, it enables maximum off-the-line acceleration.

• The TR6060 transmission is used with a dual-mass flywheel and dual-disc clutch, which deliver greater shift quality and feel through lower inertia.

Paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission:

The new Hydra-Matic 8L90 eight-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission is available in the ATS-V. Designed and built by GM, it delivers world-class shift times that rival the best dual-clutch designs.

For performance driving, the transmission offers full manual control via steering wheel paddles. A new transmission-control system and unique algorithms deliver shift performance that rivals the dual-clutch/semi-automatic transmissions found in many supercars – but with the smoothness and refinement that comes with a conventional automatic fitted with a torque converter.

The transmission controller analyzes and executes commands 160 times per second. Wide-open throttle upshifts are executed up to eight-hundredths of a second quicker than those of the dual-clutch transmission offered in the Porsche 911.

Smaller steps between gears, compared to GM’s six-speed automatic, keep the engine within the sweet spot of the rpm band, making the most of ATS-V’s turbocharged horsepower and torque to optimize performance on and off the track.

Additional performance-enhancing features include Performance Algorithm Shift and launch control via the Performance Traction Management system.

New, available 16-way-adjustable RECARO performance front seats are the lynchpins for the driving experience, with aggressive, adjustable bolsters that help hold the driver and front passenger in place during high-load cornering. They’ve also got a luxury-performance feel, trimmed in Mulan leather with sueded microfiber inserts and seatbacks.

The rest of the interior features Cadillac’s handcrafted cut-and-sew elements, with decorative stitching and authentic materials, including carbon fiber. Three interior color combinations are offered: Jet Black, Jet Black with Saffron accents and Light Platinum with Jet Black accents.

The ATS-V also features a unique version of the 5.7-inch, three-window instrument panel cluster display, with V-Series graphics and distinctive gauge readouts. It is also equipped with the latest connectivity technologies from Cadillac, including:

• CUE with Bluetooth connectivity with natural voice recognition

• Text-to-voice that converts incoming text messages to speech and reads them over the audio system speakers

• USB, auxiliary and SD memory card ports

• OnStar 4G LTE connectivity with built-in Wi-Fi hotspot.

The Performance Data Recorder is controlled via CUE’s color touch screen and recordings can be reviewed on the screen when the vehicle is parked.

The Cadillac ATS-V is a performance car that has the BMW M3 and M4, Mercedes C63 and the Audi RS4 in it's sights. The fit and finish is up to the standard and the on paper performance is on the mark. The price and real world drivability will be the deciding factor as to how many Cadillac will sell.

Photos courtesy of © GM Co.

We are off to the #LAAUTOSHOW

@AutoReportsUSA is off to the #LAAUTOSHOW and will be reporting back to you about all the new and exciting vehicles launched. Be sure to follow us on twitter and check back soon.

Mazda CEO says no new RX in the pipeline

Mazda Motor Corporation CEO Masamichi Kogai says that there are no plans to revive the Rotary Experimental (RX) series for the time being. This is not good news for fans of the Wankel engine of which Mazda obtained a license to manufacture and pretty much perfected it. Now he could be hiding his cards, but in the day and age of costly R&D and low sales volume, as well as ever increasing emission standards world wide, we may be left to build up our own Mazda Rotary vehicles to keep the brap going. The published report is here.

                                Mazda RX3 coupe
                                  

USGP qualifying results

United States Grand Prix qualifying result in Austin Texas
1:#Rosberg
2:#Hamilton
3:#Bottas
4:#Massa
5:#Ricciardo
#Austin #F1 #USA

Mazda 110S Cosmo belonging to Jay Leno

Check out this JDM Mazda 110S Cosmo owned by automobile rock star Jay Leno

Lease a Tesla Model S

Tesla has reduced lease rates by up to 25% with a new collaboration they have with US Bank.
You can also bring your vehicle back to Tesla within the first 3 months if you are not happy, with no questions asked. You will have to pay a pass through fee if you are not happy because there is a new model they have released that you want. You can confirm your lease with no signatures ( unless your state requires ) . With the click of a button you can lease a new #Tesla. #Americanmade

Ford to invest in a Lincoln revival

Lincoln, which has been Ford's luxury brand since 1922 is to be getting a revival with a financial boost of as much at $5 billion.

The brand has sunk to 8th in luxury car sales down from #1 in 1998. Cadillac, which is GM's luxury brand is doing well and I am sure the competition will create better looking, faster, more efficient and world class USA made vehicles. #Lincoln #Ford #Cadillac

2014 F1 world championship

With Mercedes AMG F1 winning the 2014 constructors championship at the last race in Russia, we are left with the exciting racing between the two Mercedes AMG F1 drivers Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton as to who will be the champion this year. If both Nico and Lewis fail to get over 300 points and Daniel Ricciardo of Infiniti Red Bull racing wins the last 3 races, then he will be champion.

Lewis Hamilton is currently leading the championship with 291 points

Nico Rosberg is in second with 274 points

Daniel Ricciardo is third with 199 points.

Points awarded per race are:

1st : 25 points
2nd : 18 points
3rd : 15 points
4th : 12 points
5th : 10 points
6th : 8 points
7th : 6 points
8th : 4 points
9th : 2 points
10th : 1 point

The last race of the year which is in Abu Dhabi on November 21-23rd 2014 will award double points for the season finale.

If Lewis Hamilton comes 2nd in the last 3 races and Nico wins the last 3 races, Nico will be champion.

If Nico wins the next 2 races and Lewis Hamilton comes second in the next two races and wins the final race with Nico coming second, then Lewis Wins.

If Nico comes in second to Lewis Hamilton in the next 2 races and wins the finale, then Lewis wins.

If either retire a race or two then anything is possible.

Who ever wins the championship this year will have well and truly earned it. #ForzaJules

F1 silly season

Maybe Lewis Hamilton is not moving after all?

If that is the case, then speculation that Alonso is going to McLaren Honda and Button going to Porsche, or touring cars, may be the most accurate #Sillyseason #F1

Lewis Hamilton to McLaren Honda for 2015

Lewis Hamilton signs with McLaren Honda for 2015. This means it is likely Jenson Button is moving on & Fernando Alonso is getting the coveted seat at Mercedes AMG F1 #ForzaJules

2015 F1 seat swap:

Vettel from Redbull to Ferrari

Hamilton from Mercedes to McLaren

Alonso from Ferrari to Mercedes ?

Button to Porsche with Mark Webber ?

Vettel leaves RedBull.

4 time Formula One World Champion Sebastian Vettel told RedBull he was leaving the team at the end of the year, on Friday. He is expected to go to Ferrari to replace Fernando Alonso who will go to McLaren Honda for 2015.

The question is, who does Alonso replace at McLaren, Button or Magnussen?

Ferrari F40 for sale.

What a beauty. Wish it was still based in LA. #bringitback

2015 Ford Mustang's modified by Ford racing.

Ford racing has been tinkering with the :

2015 Ford Mustang NA V8

2015 Ford Mustang Supercharged V8

2015 Ford Mustang 2.3 Ecoboost

Watch here: http://youtu.be/Kulx2AfNZuY

#FastFord

Cadillac flagship to be named CT6.

The big announcement out of the Detroit headquarters ( soon to be NYC ) of Cadillac is that it is naming it's flagship model, which is due out in 2015, the CT6. Not to be negative about the great brand of automobile, but they could have come up with something better. This is a disappointment for us at Auto Reports USA.

There are a few names that come to mind that could have done the job enabling Cadillac to pull from it's iconic past:

Fleetwood

Brougham

DeVille

Seville

Phaeton

This is to be the flagship model. You do not hear of a Rolls Royce, or a Bentley with names such as CT6, so why should Cadillac? The new Cadillac chief Johan de Nyssche, who is previously from Audi and Infiniti must know a thing or two about the auto industry, but his approval of naming the big Caddy CT6, is questionable.

Lets hope Cadillac consider a better name for the rear wheel drive flagship and that it can give the S class, A8, 7 series and Bentley a run for it's money and at least looks like the gorgeous El Miraj concept.

Old school legacy plates available in California. Order today.

The California DMV has an awesome program which will enable you to order reproduction 1950 (yellow and black), 1960 (black and yellow) and 1970's ( blue and yellow) style number plates for your car or bike registered in California. This was created as California Vehicle Code Section 5004.3 and was added by Assembly Bill 1658 (Gatto), enacted in the 2012 Legislative session.

For the program to be implemented and for the plates to be made, at least 7500 of the style of plates need to be ordered and paid for. The plates can be put on any vehicle and is not part of the YOM program, which is for 1972 and older vehicles only. Currently the most popular is the black and yellow plate which has 10931 orders and will be produced. If you want blue and yellow, or yellow and black, order today.

I would like the blue and yellow plate for my 74 vehicle, since the DMV and YOM program currently will not allow me to put the original blue and yellow plates that came with the vehicle originally to be re registered to the car. I hope that we get to 7500 in the Blue and yellow plates, or the DMV changes the YOM program to enable all cars with blue and yellow plates originally issued, to be able to re register if you have the original plates.

The DMV website says that they have until January 1st 2015 to get the required 7500 paid orders of any one type of plate to start the program, so time to get cracking and order your legacy plate, or one as a gift for your friends and family.

 Assemblyman Mike Gatto of Los Angeles 43rd district came up with this bill and I like it.

@CA_DMV @MikeGatto #CaliforniaLegacyPlates

 

Tesla to build Giga factory in Nevada

Tesla Motors who's stock TSLA is at $277.39 will be building the much acclaimed Giga factory in the state of Nevada. 6500 people are expected to be employed with support of Panasonic. More info here.


 Thanks for employing Americans.

1990 BMW Z1 for sale with very low miles

This red example has only 197 kilometers on the clock and is as new. I have driven one of these cool BMW's a long time ago and it is a fun car to drive. The doors move up and down with the push of a button and it is based on the E30 chassis. For the BMW collector, this would be one for the stable.

http://www.silverstoneauctions.com/1989-bmw-z1

2015 Chevrolet Impala bi-fuel CNG

It is good that North American auto makers are embracing locally sourced fuels to power their cars. CNG and LPG are good alternatives to oil and cost a lot less. Mileage is not quite as good, and the engines need correct and proper maintenance to run efficiently, but when driving these cars, dependence on foreign oil is reduced. Good work GM on the 2015 Chevrolet Impala.

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