For many manufacturers, the ultimate engineering test comes in the form of endless laps of the Nordschleife – but the Range Rover has always been capable of seeking out its very own ‘green hell’. Since the late 60s, developmental Range Rovers (badged ‘Velar’ in early cases) have undertaken demanding expeditions to unearth any on-the-limit problems before final approval.
Zegna has clothed the Maserati in bright, earthy tones, while the paint finish uses ultra-fine aluminium pigments to create an effect that “simulates the fluidity and purity of metal”. Inside, the soft leather and smooth fabric are reminiscent of Zegna’s latest men’s fashion collections. The warm hues are ideal for autumn, but sadly the concept won’t become a limited series for the road until at least next year.
As with the car of 30 years ago, Audi tells us that the latest Sport quattro concept was “designed in the spirit of motorsport”. It still gives more than a hint of the 1980s in its styling, however: note the angular, flat C-pillars, the ‘blisters’ above the wings, and the rectangular double headlights, though these latter now feature the marque’s “ground-breaking” Matrix LED technology.
They certainly don’t make them like that any more - although Mercedes-Benz, having dipped in quality during its brief, less-than-successful marriage to Chrysler, is now back on fine form, as our test of the latest S-Class shows.
Available in both coupé and convertible forms, the Continental GT V8 S not only brings a 21bhp increase in power, but also sharpens the driving dynamics of the already impressively agile (considering its physical size) GT V8. The drivetrain is more alert to driver input, while the suspension has been firmed up – and the four-wheel-drive system directs more of the power to the rear wheels.
The V8 S will be shown to the world for the first time at the Frankfurt Motor Show on 10 September.
This year, the ninth in its history, some 150 competitors, ranging from a Porsche 906 to a Morgan Three-wheeler, were entered for runs on the 7.8-kilometre course… that includes 76 corners.
An experienced driver in a fast historic racing car will accomplish the feat in just under five minutes – an impressive sight. And the less talented? Just take a look at the crowds that gather at the more challenging spots, waiting for an unsuspecting novice to make a mistake…
Photos: Urs Homberger
Not only will the C-X17 signal Jaguar's intent to venture into previously untried areas, it also introduces a new modular aluminium architecture - not too dissimilar to that recently introduced by sister brand Land Rover.
In 1970, just 729 2.2-litre 911S Targas were built...
As it’s a 911S, it’s probably producing around 180bhp from the mechanical fuel injected unit. Okay, the power might well be coming in way up the rev band, but isn’t that the allure of an early 911? But compared with earlier, two-litre cars it’s more flexible – and carries a different type number, too. Yes, the ‘901’ designation was finally dropped. From now onwards all engines would be prefixed with ‘911’.
Significant weight reductions were achieved by stripping away much of the car’s interior and incorporating much lighter components