Bentley EXP10 speed 6: new direction or identity crisis?

Yet another controversial concept recently released was this, the Bentley EXP10 speed 6. It is extremely intriguing because it suggests that Bentley is becoming more and more interested in the idea of producing a sports car. This will be a strange new segment for a company that has always done the GT and luxury car thing. But at the moment Bentley seems to be trying to get in on various sectors that it hasn't before, and sports car is one of them.

Now let me set this out so no one is under any illusions. This car is a concept car, and as of yet there is no concrete plans to build anything like this, it just seeks to show that Bentley wants to expand their range. This could be the template for the fifth model line for Bentley, and the EXP10 speed 6 shows what a potential Bentley sports car would look like. But does the DNA of a sports car for well with the DNA of Bentley? No doubt that Bentley will want to make this car very luxurious, but that means weight, and while weight is not an issue in a luxury cruiser it definitely is in a sports car. Bentley has put all its usual work into the quality of the car, but can this car realistically compete with the likes of the Mecedes AMG-GT or the Aston Martin Vantage? We will have to wait and see.

Nev

Aston Martin DBX: new prosperity or dead end?

Another car to be shown at the recent Geneva motor show was this, the first look we will get of the upcoming Aston Martin SUV, although a look is all it will be as it isn't due for production until 2020. The purpose of this car is for Aston to be able to reach out its customer base and sell its cars in more places than before, to a wider audience than before. This SUV is supposed to increase sales of Astons to Russia, China and women. Another reason why the DBX has been created is to reduce the overall CO2 of the marque, as the DBX is targeted to be an all electric car (which can also be chosen as a V12.) as you may remember, Aston has tried to do the 'make one car produce less emissions so overall we produce less CO2' route when it launched its Cygnet city car. Obviously that car was a failure and had to be scrapped, and so here we are with a similar proposition, only in the form of a electric SUV.

This concept, which will be the base of the SUV we will see in production in 2020, promises to have all the attraction of a normal SUV (eg high ride height etc) but also with the style people have come to associate with Astons. It promises not to be as bulky or as big as some of the other SUVs (maybe the upcoming Bentley SUV?) so that more people will buy. But will this increase sales dramatically or drive people away? We will have to wait and see. And don't worry: it's a long way off

Nev

Koenigsegg Regera: The first hyper hybrid?

Oh, I do love writing about super Koenigsegg's. They are just so mad and outrageous, with every fact making you double check. As some of my loyal readers may remember, last year I wrote about the limited run Koenigsegg One:1, a car with a seriously frightening power: weight ratio. Well, now Koenigsegg is planning a car using some of the tech on the One:1, and was unveiled at the recent Geneva motor show. It's called the Regera, and believe me, the stats are even more scary.

Firstly, the looks. It keeps the traditional Koenigsegg loos but with a modern twist, looking like a modern Agera. But the people at Koenigsegg have obviously desired more power than is possibly necessary. And here comes the most shocking figure: the horsepower. Wait for it...it has all of 1800bhp. I'll just give you a minute to digest that fact. 1800. More than a Veyron by about 700. Is it really necessary. And it's a hybrid. It has a modified 5 litre V8, and also two electric on each rear wheel. The twin turbo B8 generates 1100 BHP alone, and the motors another 700. The weight of the hybrid system does mean that the 0-62 time is not as low as it could be, at a relatively sluggish 2.7 seconds. But, after 30mph, the power really takes off. Top speed? 255mph. 0-250mph? Under 20 seconds. That is insane! 

I don't think I have to say anymore. I'll just leave you with those facts again. 1800bhp, 2.7 seconds, 255mph. I hope it arrives as soon as possible.

Nev