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14/July /2013

The original monthly car magazine

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Scooped Maserati's m5. Gets Ferrari power

HONDA NSX It's the

2nd outing for Honda's NSX CONCEP T and now it has seats......

Jaguar xf

When we rst saw the NSX concept in Detroit last year it's windows were smoky black and its doors were sealed shut.and while we wrote pleasant things about the exterior styling and frothed at the thought of a reborn hero.

Editor Sujiv Twitter@5ujiv

Engine: SC 3.0L V6 Power: 340 HP / 332 LB-FT Transmission: 8-Speed Auto 0-60 Time: 5.7 Seconds Top Speed: 121 MPH Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive Curb Weight: 3,902 LBS Seating: 2+3 Cargo: 17.7 CU-FT MPG: 17 City / 28 HWY Base Price: $50,000

Generally speaking, I don't get too upset about the growing need to replace displacement in modern cars. Sure, there are exceptions (don't you touch my 6.2-liter AMG V8), but honestly, the industry's new forced induction powertrains are all lovely, and their gains in fuel economy when they actually make good on them can make up for the ever-so-slight losses in performance or driving character. But I'm having a hard time keeping my chin up with this Jaguar XF. For the 2013 model year, Jaguar has killed off the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 and tted a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 with an eight-speed automatic in its place (and even offers a turbocharged fourcylinder engine below that). That all sounds perfectly well and good, but a week behind the wheel of this British Racing Green sedan just left me missing that V8. And then some.

Bentley GTC v8

Editor Sujiv Twitter @5ujiv

t t d ee th to ea

Engine: Twin-Turbo 4.0L V8 Power: 500 HP / 487 LB-FT Transmission: 8-Speed Auto 0-60 Time: 4.7 Seconds Top Speed: 187 MPH Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive Curb Weight: 5,445 LBS Seating: 2+2 Cargo: 9.2 CU-FT MPG: G en do er 14 City / 24 HWY a n ab 't lly Base Price: o g n u e sp

Despite having a rich history of creating comfortable cars for the chauffeured elite, Bentley has also had an edge on performance that its former compadres at Rolls-Royce could not come close to. Because while the Rollers may have been the better cars to be driven in (and some would argue, they still are), the Bentleys were better to drive. That's still true to this day, where the company, now situated under the umbrella of the Volkswagen Group, still offers all the same luxury and renement as before, but it also includes even better drivability than before. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Continental range, where a full line of turbocharged 12-cylinder and Speed models are on offer, to say nothing of older Supersports models that were offered and the company's newest venture into the world of racing, the GT3. But below the Speed cars and the other W12 cruisers, Bentley now offers eight-cylinder power in its Continental range. And despite this more focused approach to offering something a bit more frugal and efcient, it still has quite the focus on driver involvement. We recently spent a week under the summer sun in this droptop V8 GTC to experience just that. Driving Notes In terms of tting in with the lineup, the V8 model is a stealth addition to the Continental line. The whole package can still be customized to suit your wildest dreams, with nearly endless choices for colors and wheels available. Those with keen eyes will notice the redpainted badges and subtle tweaks to the car's design (eight-shaped exhaust outlets, darkened lower bumper and slight tim differences around the lower front fascia). But still, this thing slides under the radar as being nothing short of Bentley chic, and it's proof that the automaker is in no way punishing its owners for opting for the entry-level model. That V8's a real honey to use. Bentley employs a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter unit here, good for 500 horsepower and 487 pound-feet of torque. Even in this hefty, 5,445-pound

that's enough grunt to get the Big B up to 60 miles per hour in under ve seconds, the eight-speed automatic transmission executing quick, effortless shifts. Putting the transmission in sport mode opens the V8's exhaust bafes, which is a nice treat except when you're stopped at a light with the top down. The low-frequency resonance sounds for all the world like some twit in surrounding trafc has their subwoofers cranked. By the same token, when erected, the seven-layer top smothers the latter like a blanket, along with everything else it also looks and feels properly rich. We're so glad Bentley didn't try to engineer a costly and heavy folding metal lid. Despite the weight, driving the GTC isn't like steering a ship. All parts of the driving experience are well-tuned for effortless cruising, with nicely weighted steering and adjustable suspension dampers that offer plenty of feedback for the driver without crushing that Bentley-spec smooth ride, even on large, 21-inch rollers. Top notch stuff.

Much like the exterior, the Conti's cabin is still rich as ever with the V8 spec. Curiously, some of us still nd the front chairs to be less comfortable and supportive than we'd like, though that's certainly not a ding on the quality of materials used. Every last touchable surface is still wrapped in only the nest leather made from only the nest cows, and the cockpit looks both elegant and modern all at once. Presumably every Bentley owner drinks his or her handcrafted beverage from a stainless steel tumbler. They had better the adjustable "ngers" on the cupholders are so rmly sprung that they will actually cut through foam cups when they are being extracted. Ask us how we know. Until you turn the car on. It's hard to nd evidence of the Volkswagen Group ownership in the Continental, so long as you aren't using any of the infotainment technology. While trying to pair an iPhone to the system with a journalist friend riding shotgun, it was funny to hear her pipe up and say that she recently had to go through the same convoluted process in a Volkswagen CC test car.

Beyond that, the graphics and overall on-screen interface feel decidedly cheap for such a highdollar car. The stuff Audi offers in its MMI system these days is out of this world compared to the Bentley system. That said, we're not sure there's a more versatile ultra-lux GT on the market than Bentley's Continental range. They've become something of a default choice in the six-gure cruiser segment, but you understand why after you've driven a few they may be heavy, but they're unappable powerful, composed, luxurious and capable of being personalized to a high degree. Even the convertible is a true year-round automobile no matter where you live.

Chevrolet Corvette

Editor Sujv
With each bit of advance information that trickles out about the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, we can't help but be more amazed and eager to drive it. First, it was announced that the C7 would start at a reasonable-sounding $51,995 and then Chevy revealed the LT1 V8 will generate 455 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, but now we're getting the latest piece of the Corvette puzzle: fuel economy.

Few people buy a Corvette for fuel economy, but recent generations have offered downright impressive consumption gures considering the model's performance envelope. And now owners of the new Stingray Coupe will be able to save a little bit more money at the pump thanks to fuel economy ratings of up to 30 miles per gallon when driven in Eco mode that's an 11-percent improvement over the C6's already robust number. *EPA window sticker ratings will be 17 miles per gallon in the city and 29 mpg highway when equipped with the standard seven-speed manual gearbox, with the latter gure representing something of an average between the 28 mpg when the car is in Tour mode and the 30 mpg when it is in Eco mode using cylinder deactivation. There is still no word as to what the fuel economy will be on cars with the optional six-speed paddleshift automatic, but at least on paper, this is a big win for the Corvette over key rivals, including less powerful cars like the Porsche 911. Scroll down for more info on the 2014 Corvette Stingray and its fuel economy performance.

Suzuki Swift Range Grows With 4x4 Model

Available from: Now Prices from: 11,516 (to September 30th)

Sitting a single inch higher, it's quite tricky to tell this new Swift 4x4 apart from a regular Swift. Indeed, other than the scuff plates front and rear and the plastic wheelarch extensions, you probably wouldn't even notice it wasn't a regular Swift.

Stiil, a regular Swift it isn't. Available only as a 1.2 and in the higher-end SZ3 and SZ4 variants, the Swift 4x4 adds a simple, automatic four wheel drive system. With a viscous coupling sending torque to the rear wheels when needed, the 4x4's on road abilities are marginally enhanced - though the inch lift raises the centre of gravity and undoes some of that.

This puts a surprisingly small dent into fuel efciency and emissions ratings, up 10g/km from 116 to 126 over the standard 1.2 and around 50.5mpg combined. The new car is included in Suzuki's current VAT-free promotion, so the range starts from 11,516 for the 1.2 SZ3. This promotion ends at the end of September, so expect a hike to 13,819 thereafter.

Conclusion Suzuki's four wheel drive systems are generally well-received - even the very badly rated Jimny is praised for off-road use so there's no fears about the useability of the Swift 4x4. The question mark hangs over the usefulness. Suzuki already sells a useable and cheap small 4WD in the shape of the SX4. It may be a good foot longer and a margin more expensive (4WD is only available in SZ5 trim) but it's more of a "proper" small SUV than the Swift. It's also in Suzuki's VAT-free promotion, so can be grabbed for 13,249 at the moment. The inch lift and a 4WD system doesn't make for a proper offroad car, but if you're just looking for a slightly more surefooted small hatchback - for occasional rutted path use and cold snaps - without the bulk of an SUV, the Swift 4x4 Editor certainly ts the bill. Suji

McLaren 12C GT Sprint

McLaren will deliver 20 cars this year, each priced from just under 200,000 (232,250)

McLaren has announced a new high performance variant of the 12C sports car, named the 12C GT Sprint, which is homologated for use on the track only. The 12C GT Sprint sits between the road-going model and the racing 12C GT3 and 12C GT Can-Am Edition models. Designed and developed by McLaren GT, the racecar building division of the McLaren Group, the 12C GT Sprint is based on the 12 C road car.

McLaren says the 12C GT Sprint has been developed to deliver a more track-focused racing experience while retaining the balance and precise handling of the road car. It is built around the lightweight carbon ber MonoCell chassis and features developments to systems such as ProActive Chassis Control (PCC), Brake Steer and the McLaren Airbrake

The engine is the same 3.8-liter twin turbo from the standard model developing 625 PS (616 hp), mated to the same seven-speed twin clutch gearbox. However, the unit has unique oil and a cooling systems with a central front radiator borrowed from the 12C GT3. Since the 12C GT Sprint has a 40mm lower ride height and is shod with racing slick tyres, the PCC suspension has been tuned and calibrated in order to provide a rmer and more circuitorientated setup. The car has three handling modes that allow the driver to select the preferred damping, roll stiffness and ESP settings.

Aesthetically, the 12C GT Sprint gains an optimized aerodynamic package featuring a more aggressive front bumper, GT3-inspired bonnet with radiator exit ducts and front wing louvers. Bespoke options include carbon ber rear wing and front splitter, plus lightweight components such as a polycarbonate windshield. On the inside, the 12C GT Spring is tted with an FIA-approved rollcage and integrated re extinguisher system, a fully adjustable HANSapproved racing seat with six-point harness. The only compromise to comfort is the simpler but also lighter, air-conditioning system.

Finished in heritage McLaren Orange as standard, the 12C GT Spring will debut at the 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Editor Sujv Twitter@5ujev

If there's one Alfa Romeo model you should pay special attention to at the ongoing Goodwood Festival of Speed 2013 (11-14 July), it's the all-new 4C mid-engine As an added bonus, the 4C 'Launch Edition' doing sports coupe the rounds at Goodwood is nished in a different that's making metallic grey hue, which looks pretty nice if you ask us yes, as hard as we tried, we're remain its dynamic UK hugely bugged (pun-intended) about those debut at the atrocious headlamps motoring event.

Alfa Romeo 4C

Aside from the 4C, Alfa has also brought along a full line-up of historic cars, including the 8C 2900B Speciale tipo Le Mans (1938), Gran Premio Tipo 159 Alfetta (1951), 2000 Sportiva (1954), 33 Stradale prototipo (1967), 1750 GT Am (1970) and 33 TT 12 (1975)Were so excited to be showcasing Alfa Romeos future at Goodwood with the Alfa 4C, but its equally important to us that we give festival goers a taste of our history too," said Damien Dally, Head of Brand at Alfa Romeo UK. "Alfas heritage is so valuable to the company its part of our DNA. You only have to look at the 33 Stradale and the 4C to see that amazing lineage, said Damien Dally, Head of Brand at Alfa Romeo UK.

Mazda MX-5 Sport

Little is more frustrating than waiting for a new generation expected to be revealed soon while the manufacturer rolls out endless special editions to squeeze every last sale from an ageing model.

If you're a die-hard fan of Mazda's bestselling sports car, the MX-5, then we know how you feel.

On that note, we present to you the Mazda MX-5 Sport Graphite. Like other MX-5 special editions, it features a series of unique paint nishes. Like other MX-5 special editions, Mazda has thrown in a few tasty equipment morsels to add value, and like other MX-5 special editons, it'll be available in a limited run - just 500 examples, this time around. Sport Graphite MX-5s can be optioned with either the 126 PS 1.8-litre or 160 PS 2.0-litre engines, and each features the same 17-inch gunmetalcoloured alloy wheels, black leather heated seats, dark grey "fashion bars" behind the seats, a colour-coded graphite hard top roof, meteor grey door mirrors and unique badging.

inside, the dark grey - well, graphite - theme continues, the shade appearing on the dashboard, steering wheel, stitching for the wheel and handbrake, and on the piping of the optional oor mats. A host of standard equipment also appears, including an integrated 5.8-inch TomTom navigation system with integrated Bluetooth connectivity. And those unique colours? One is the Aquatic Blue Mica you see here, while Zeal Red Mica and Aluminium Silver Metallic are also available. Uniquely, the rst Sport Graphite buyer at each Mazda dealer will also receive a signed, limited copy graphite pencil drawing of the car, by Scottish "hyperrealist" artist Paul Cadden. Priced from: 20,995 Available from: Now

Conclusion Another week, another MX-5 special edition. Yawn. We love the MX-5 here at carwow, and rated the last one we drove (another special edition, natch) highly. But we're getting impatient for the new car now, and endless unique colours and leather seats can only placate us for so long. If you want an MX-5 Sport Graphite we won't stop you (they're still huge fun to drive), but we're sure, like us, you'd prefer something entirely new... Check out our full buying guide to the Mazda MX-5 with reviews, user reviews, photos, videos and stats.

Ram 1500

Editor Sujv @5ujev

Pricing for the 1500 Black Express starts at $26,955, plus $1,095 destination charge, with the rst examples arriving in Ram dealerships

Say hello to the darkest Ram 1500 you can get on Chrysler dealer lots. The new version of the Detroit automaker's bread and butter pickup truck, which for some reason is marketed as a 2013 model year (MY) when Ram just announced the launch of the modestly updated 2014MY, is based on the regular 1500 Express. What distinguishes the Black Express from the plain 1500 Express is, of course, the all-black exterior, starting from the body paint job and continuing with the 20-inch alloy wheels, entire front fascia, rear bumper and even the Ram head badges on the grille and tailgate.

In addition, the Black Express sports bifunctional halogen projector headlamps with black bezels, 15 amber LEDs for park/turn/position lamp and three amber LEDs for the side marker, while the tail lights with 15 red LEDs and three red LEDs for the side markers, also include black nishes. Like the regular Express, the darker 1500 comes with a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 producing 395 horsepower and 410 lb.-ft. of torque.

Chevrolet

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