A retrospective look at the hard working models of the North American International Auto Show.
By Isaac Adams-Hands
Revisited - Faces of NAIAS
Posts Tagged ‘2009’
Faces of NAIAS
Friday, March 20th, 2009Bentley Continental Supersports – Mean and Green
Monday, March 9th, 2009By Marc Lachapelle
Long gone are the days of ponderous Bentleys. The new Continental Supersports is the most powerful, fastest and cleanest car in Bentley’s 90-year history. What started as a two-year exploration into reducing weight and increasing power and torque of the carmaker’s sales hit, the Continental GT, became a production model named after the first Bentley to reach 100 mph, back in 1925.
Bentley Continental Supersports
The Supersports is powered by a 621-horsepower version of Bentley’s W12 engine that produces 590 lb-ft of torque from as low as 1700 rpm, delivered through a revised 6-speed ZF automatic that shifts quicker and blips the engine on downshifts. It can vault from zero to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and reach 329 km/h, whether running on gasoline, bioethanol or any combination of the two, for a possible reduction of up to 70 per cent in CO2 emissions. Bentleys plans to make all its models ‘FlexFuel’ by 2012.
1925 Bentley Supersports (photo: Bentley)
The Supersports has carbon fibre sport seats – the rear replaced by a carbon fibre luggage deck – exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels and standard carbon-ceramic brakes that make it 110 kg lighter than a Continental GT Speed but still a hefty 2240 kg (4,939 lb). Handling has also been enhanced with a rear-biased 40/60 torque split for the all-wheel drive system and a 50 mm-wider rear track covered by subtly-reshaped fenders. Place your order now for delivery in the last quarter of 2009 in Europe and some time in 2010 for North America.
Bugatti Veyron Bleu Centenaire
Monday, March 9th, 2009By Nauman Farooq
One of the most highly anticipated premieres for this year’s Geneva Motor Show was for the latest version of the Bugatti Veyron.
It is called the Bleu Centenaire, and marks the brands 100th birthday.
However, many were expecting this version to be a lighter, faster version of this already super fast supercar, but unfortunately that is not the case.
Bugatti Veyron Bleu Centenaire
This new edition is nothing more than a new paint job with some even more exclusive interior trimming options.
So while it might not be any faster than a normal Veyron, it is hard not to be impressed by a car that produces 1001 hp from its quad-turbo, 16-cylinder engine, and can top 407 km/h.
Bugatti, which is owned by the VW Group, produces the Veyron at a specially built factory in Molsheim, France. Each Veyron takes over 500 hours to complete and prices start at $1,624,000 (Euros 1-million).
Unfortunately, if you live in Canada, you cannot have a Veyron, as they are not street-legal here.
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- Bugatti Veyron Bleu Centenaire
Porsche Cayenne Diesel
Wednesday, March 4th, 2009By Nauman Farooq
The Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger (a.k.a. the “Governator”) was in Switzerland this week and dropped by the Porsche exhibit at the 79th Geneva Motor Show, to check out their new models. Of main interest was the Cayenne Diesel SUV.
This might not be the first diesel powered Porsche ever produced, they made tractors back in 1934 called the Master AP144, which produced just 50 hp.
Arnold Schwarzenegger (photo: Porsche)
The Cayenne Diesel has a lot more power though, 236 hp to be precise. More impressively, this 3.0-liter, variable geometry turbo-charged, V6 unit produces an incredible 405 lb/ft of torque.
That enables this vehicle to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 8.3 seconds, and will hit 214 km/h flat out. Not bad performance numbers for any SUV, let alone a diesel powered one.
Power is still sent to all-wheels through a six-speed, Tiptronic S, automatic gearbox.
Porsche says that the Cayenne Diesel would have a range of over 1000 km on a single tank, which carries 100-liters.
These are certainly impressive numbers for Porsche’s first ever passenger diesel vehicle, however the “Governator” seemed to be more interested in Porsche’s other latest offering, the new 911 GT3.
For now, the Cayenne Diesel is not planned to be sold in North America, but that decision might change.
Audi TT RS – 340hp
Tuesday, March 3rd, 2009By Nauman Farooq
There are plenty of people who would love to park an Audi R8 on their driveway, but are a bit short on cash. However, now there might be an alternative to satisfy their hunger for speed. Audi just launched the fastest version of their TT sports coupe at the 79th Geneva International Motor Show.
Listen to the engine sound of the Audi TT RS:
It is called the TT RS; a turbo-charged, five-cylinder engine, which produces 340hp, powers this version. That is enough to propel this sports car from 0-100km/h in 4.7 seconds and onto a top speed of 280km/h.
Its improved handling is aided by new aluminum-intensive McPherson struts front and back, and magnetic ride can also be optioned.
Audi TT RS
The car was driven onto the Geneva stage by works Audi driver Tom Kristensen who said, “This car is very agile and it drives as well as it looks. There is fantastic music played by this engine.”
No word yet on when the car will go on sale in North America (rumors are that it might not be available in Canada) or what it’ll be priced at, but it is safe to say it’ll be somewhere in between the Audi TTS and the R8.
Audi S4 – more sizzle
Wednesday, February 11th, 2009By Mike Gotez
Last year Audi launched the all-new A4 — longer and wider than its predecessor. The new car is no slouch, when powered by either its standard 2.0-litre I4 turbo (211 hp) or optional 3.2-litre V6 (265 hp).
But more poke and sizzle can be had by moving up to the just-introduced S4, which made its Canadian debut at the Toronto show.
Photo: Isaac Adams-Hands
The previous S4 was packing a V8. But the new S4 gets the all-new 3.0-litre V6, which features Audi’s direct injection system (TFSI), plus supercharging. Net result: 333 hp, 324 lb-ft of torque, and a 0-100 km/h time of just 5.2 seconds. Fuel consumption is down to 9.7 litres — a 26 percent improvement over the V8 model.
Optional is a seven-speed S Tronic automatic and a special differential. The latter works in concert with the Quattro all-wheel drive system, to automatically boost torque and wheel speed to the necessary corner, to control understeer. The package is rounded out with cosmetic upgrades and bigger wheels and bigger brakes.
S4 can be had both in sedan and Avant (wagon) formats, and expect sticker prices to start around $60,000, when it shows up at Canadian dealers this summer.
CIAS Tour: Audi
Wednesday, February 11th, 2009Touring the Audi Display at CIAS
By Michael Schlee
Sports Cars! That is the theme for the Audi booth this year. Wandering around the display you will notice quite a few rare and high price beasts.
Photo: Michael Schlee
There is the new 2010 Audi S4 and the 2010 R8 5.2 V10 FSI. However, for something extra special, walk to the back of the display and check out the Group B Audi Quattro race car. This car was recently resurrected and raced by Frank Sprongl at the Targa Newfoundland Rally. For those not into sports cars, there is also the new Q5 CUV and A3 TDI.
Fish Alert!
Wednesday, February 11th, 2009
Mako Shark and Manta Ray Make an Appearance at CIAS
By Michael Schlee
Photo: Michael Schlee
Two of the Corvette’s most storied concept cars are making an appearance this year at the Canadian International Auto Show; the 1961 Mako Shark and the 1965 Manta Ray.
The automotive response
Thursday, February 5th, 2009Canadian International AutoShow a showcase for innovation
By Joe Knycha
It has been said that the only constant is change, and that nothing ever stays the same.
If that’s the case, it was inevitable that the bubble from which the global economic crisis has emerged was destined to burst eventually.
But who foresaw this?
The collapse of the house of cards that was Wall Street has within months confounded the global economy and thrown the experts into a state of uncertainty and confusion.
Photo: Tracey Savein
Related Link: Enhance the AutoShow experience
With the modern world so interconnected and tightly tied to trade, what might in earlier times have been more or less localized to North America has hobbled the economies of the world. Coupled with a sudden credit freeze that has stopped industries and commerce almost dead in their tracks, no one is immune to the effects of this perfect economic storm.
Automotive, an industry that actually builds wealth through the production of goods as opposed to ones that provide only services and low-paying ‘McJobs,’ is more global than most and therefore more profoundly affected by the crisis.
As consumers’ beliefs and desires change, and they demand something other than what has been the status quo, automakers are eager to rise to the challenge.
To see first-hand how the auto industry is adapting to these new realities – described in this year’s Canadian International AutoShow theme as “The New Era” — one need only take a stroll through this year’s displays.
CIAS 2008
Creative solutions abound to meet an entirely new set of criteria: new engine technologies, the next generation of hybrids, advanced fuel cells and electric plug-ins are all on offer this year, heralding a period of accelerated innovation and ingenuity as the industry finds new footing in the shifting sands of global economics.
“We have entered a new automotive era that will be characterized by innovation, experimentation and the introduction of new technologies at a breathtaking pace,” says AutoShow general manager Tom Tonks. “The future of the automobile is up for grabs, and it all starts here.” The show has a 36-year tradition of celebrating Canada’s love of the automobile, providing a showcase for what’s new and what’s next.
“That will never be truer than in 2009,” Tonks says. “New concepts will leap off the drawing board onto the turntable, providing a stunning glimpse of where the industry is headed.” Car companies have been invited by the AutoShow to “embrace, leverage and define the New Era” for the benefit of the more than 300,000 visitors expected to pour through the turnstiles this year, February 13-22.
Many people have unfairly criticized the automobile industry over the years for being part of the problem, said Tonks, adding that this year’s AutoShow will reveal the industry instead, “to be part of the solution.”
Doors open to the public at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 13.
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The auto show road warriors’ survival guide
Thursday, February 5th, 2009A plan, sensible shoes and layered clothing are recommended
The Canadian International Auto Show (CIAS) represents more than the country’s largest annual gathering of new cars, SUVs, crossovers and light-duty trucks. It is also Canada’s largest trade show and as such, is the consumer’s best opportunity to witness the sweeping changes taking place in the world’s largest and most dynamic industry.
Virtually every major production vehicle available in Canada is on display, some for the first time, as well as concept vehicles and styling exercises from the industry’s most creative designers, plus hot-rodded and ‘tuned’ cars of all descriptions and, of course, classic renderings that can legitimately be called art on wheels.
Photo: Isaac Adams-Hands
The AutoShow is a great opportunity to shop for your next new or replacement vehicle or merely to browse and see what’s on offer for 2009 and beyond. Even if your AutoShow ambitions go no further than to feast on the great quantities of eye candy that’s to be seen everywhere one looks, a little planning and forethought will help you get from the show all that it has to offer. (more…)
