Report Insists that Future SUV is the First of Many Hybrid Bentleys

There are reports on the web that bestow the future Bentley SUV with an electric motor to help its large gas-guzzling engine provide swifter yet more efficient progress.

According to UK magazine Autoexpress, the VW-owned manufacturer has already confirmed that it is indeed the case, adding that a plug-in hybrid variant of the new utility vehicle could hit the market in 2017; precisely one year after the regular one, previewed by the EXP 9 Concept, makes its debut.

It goes on to predict that it won’t be the sole Bentley hybrid, and that it is, in fact, a sign of things to come. From what we understand, the entire range bar the Mulsanne will follow suite.

The tech used would be similar to that used by another of the group’s luxury brands, Porsche, in the Panamera and Cayenne hybrid models.

This rumor seems very likely, but we won’t know for sure until the SUV makes its debut sometime next year, before going on sale one year later. Hopefully, they can at least get the design right this time…

By Andrei Nedelea

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Nissan Has Plans to Double Sports Car Range in Coming Years

Nissan’s Andy Palmer recently announced on the sidelines of the Detroit motor show that the Japanese manufacturer was on track to double its sports car range in the next few years, up from two to four models. The plan is to have new versions to replace the current GT-R and 370Z, as well as a couple of additional cars, previewed by the two IDx and Bladeglider concepts.

Palmer was quoted as saying:

“The IDx will be at one end of the spectrum and the Bladeglider at the other, and in the middle we will have a lower-end sports car and a new GT-R. With the GT-R, we will do a renewal each year and there will be a new one. It will retain the mechanical look of the current car, but with more of the cues from the latest Nissan design. It will still be very aggressive."

In regards to the successor to the 370Z, he said that its powertrain had already been lined up and that it would employ smaller displacement and turbocharging. “There will be normal and Nismo versions” too, he said. The Bladeglider would be a full-electric vehicle, while the production IDx’s possible powertrain choices have already been detailed.

The move on Nissan’s part was reportedly prompted by the strong response they got from the two concepts and the desire from within the company to “find a way of re-engaging with youth who are not interested (in driving and getting their license) at all. I don't want to make these cars attractive to me but to them," according to Palmer.

By Andrei Nedelea

Story References: Just-Auto

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Kia GT4 Stinger Could be Built as a Scion FR-S and Mazda MX-5 Rival

The Kia GT4 Stinger concept, displayed at the Detroit motor show, was arguably one of the venue’s highlights. It is wacky-looking enough to thoroughly deserve being called a concept, but it has a proper powertrain configuration and engine, plus it is painted orange to attract as many gazes as possible, and it looked a bit like an Audi, so also it caused a bit of welcome controversy.

All these factors played in its favor and it garnered quite the interest; now AutoExpress magazine even says it may materialize into a production car by 2016.

Speaking to Tom Kearns, the designer behind the GT4 Stinger, explained that “it’s a total concept, but when we do these cars we have in the back of our minds that if we decide to make it, we don’t have to change it too much.”

If built, it would retain the same 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, rear-wheel drive architecture and styling cues and be priced to compete with the Toyota GT-86 and even the upcoming Mazda MX-5 (and the Alfa Romeo Spider, inherently). However, the 300+ hp figure would likely be cut down, especially given the fact that it would be proposed as a more affordable buy from a value-oriented manufacturer.

In regards to the overall look, Kearns said “I’d love it to be like this. It looks sporty and muscular without looking like an angry transformer. We have a new version of our signature grille – a face with a simplicity of design.”

If it is to come true, a convertible model could also be made out of it.

By Andrei Nedelea

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