Latest news with #Akrapovič
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Bentley Bentayga Speed unveiled as the brand's most powerful SUV yet. Here's what it gets
The all-new Bentley Bentayga Speed is one of the most powerful SUVs that the manufacturer has built. Check Offers Bentley has introduced a new version of its flagship performance SUV, the Bentayga Speed, featuring a revised chassis and a more powerful engine. The updated model replaces the earlier W12-powered Speed variant and now runs a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 producing 650 PS and 850 Nm of torque. With this setup, the Bentayga Speed accelerates from 0 to 100 kmph in 3.4 seconds and reaches a claimed top speed of 310 kmph. With these updates, the Bentayga Speed becomes the most performance-focused variant in the current Bentayga range, offering increased agility and responsiveness without abandoning the brand's hallmark emphasis on comfort and craftsmanship. Bentley Bentayga Speed: Exterior Design updates include dark-tinted headlights and taillights, Speed badging, and standard 22-inch alloy wheels, with 23-inch wheels offered as an option when selecting carbon ceramic brakes. A black roof finish is also available, offering a contrasting visual detail, depending on body colour. Bentley Bentayga Speed: Interior Inside, the changes are more detail-oriented. The SUV now features Speed-specific trim, including a revised digital driver display and embroidered badging. A new Precision Diamond quilt pattern has been introduced for the seats and door panels. The interior also uses a two-tone upholstery split, with darker colours dominating the cabin. Bentley Bentayga Speed: Driving modes While the focus is on sportier driving characteristics, the updated Bentayga Speed retains the Comfort and Bentley driving modes seen in the rest of the line-up. These remain unchanged, preserving the SUV's suitability for long-distance touring. Bentley Bentayga Speed: Exhaust The new V8 outperforms both the previous V8 S and the discontinued W12 variant, not only in output but also in responsiveness. A Sports exhaust system comes as standard, aiming to provide a more pronounced engine note. For buyers seeking an even louder setup, an optional Akrapovič titanium exhaust with quad tailpipes is also available. Bentley Bentayga Speed: Features and drivetrain The biggest changes are in how the new Bentayga Speed handles. The updated Sport mode now includes stiffer suspension damping and enhanced steering feedback. A new ESC Dynamic mode allows limited slip angles and power-on oversteer, while optional carbon ceramic brakes and launch control further extend its dynamic range. The inclusion of all-wheel steering also marks a first for the Bentayga range. It helps reduce the turning radius at lower speeds by turning the rear wheels opposite to the front, while aiding stability at higher speeds by aligning them in the same direction. Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2024, Best SUVs in India. First Published Date: 04 Jun 2025, 19:45 PM IST
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
W12 is Dead, Long Live the V8: The New Bentayga Speed is Bentley's Fastest SUV Yet
Last year, British ultra-luxury powerhouse Bentley said its final goodbye to one of its most legendary creations. It wasn't a car, but rather a monster motor that exuded as much brashness and excess as the vehicles it was shoehorned under the hood of. In July 2024, the last 6-liter W12 engine left the masters of chaos at Bentley's Crewe factory. For over two decades, the twin-turbocharged twelve cylinders of fury would find themselves under the hood of multiple Bentleys, including the Continental GT coupe, Flying Spur sedan, and even the Bentayga SUV. The W12 found a special home in the Flying B's SUV, where an uprated version powered the high-performance Bentayga Speed model. However, as demonstrated with the latest iteration of the Continental GT Speed and its hybrid twin-turbo V8, the departure of the W12 doesn't mean that Bentley's Speed models are no more. Bentley's newest version of the Bentayga Speed may not feature the twin-turbo W12, but it doesn't entirely mean it is down on power. Notably, Bentley did not opt for the plug-in hybrid system that resides under the hood of the Continental GT Speed; instead, it chose an uprated version of the twin-turbo 4-liter V8, which comes standard with the vehicle. The new Bentayga Speed makes 641 horsepower, 99 horsepower more than in its "standard" configuration and 15 more horsepower than the W12. While it is up on power, the new, smaller motor makes 37 pound-feet less torque than the outgoing W12, though it still makes a back-breaking 627 pound-feet of torque through its wheels. As a result, Bentley claims that its large and in charge SUV goes from 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds, and can rocket up to a top speed of 3.4 seconds. The new big Speed also weighs 95 pounds less than the W12 model and should feel more agile behind the wheel, thanks to new rear-wheel steering. If you opt for the huge 23-inch Speed wheels, you can also opt for carbon-ceramic brakes for some extra help trying to stop the Speed's 5,435 pounds. The new Speed also features a new Sport driving mode, which tightens the suspension dampers by 15% compared to the Bentayga V8, as well as enhanced torque vectoring, making the steering sharper for spirited drives with the family. Bentley states that the Sport mode features an enhanced stability control setting, allowing the driver to execute "exhilarating drift angles or power-on oversteer when appropriate." As a bonus, Bentley gave the new Speed a standard sports exhaust, as well as the option for a quad-tip Akrapovič titanium exhaust, which it claims "accentuates the power, drama and potency of the V8, with its aural expression of the performance that awaits at the merest flex of the throttle." Bentley kept the Speed relatively classy with its exterior and interior accouterments compared to other "sport" or high-performance luxury SUVs with similar power numbers. The only distinct way to tell a Speed from the outside is darker-tinted chrome elements, subtle speed badges on the front doors, and unique wheels available in chrome or dark-tinted chrome. In addition, the Speed gets some unique headlights and taillights with darker housing and a contrasting black roof in a satin or gloss finish, which it says "makes a powerful, assertive visual impact." Bentley continues the 'dark mode' theme on the inside. Its standard chrome accents can be ordered in a dark tint to match the outside, while the seat upholstery features darker hides and a new diamond-stitch pattern. The Speed-exclusive graphics on the gauge cluster, Speed badges on the dashboard and doorsills, and a Speed logo on the seats themselves remind you of just how special the SUV you're in is. I feel that Bentley lopping off four whole cylinders from its engine is not a dealbreaker for many Bentley buyers. On its own, a Bentley Bentayga is already a fast, luxurious package offering many comforts and power that go above and beyond compared to other luxury offerings. That said, I think this is a nice addition for the kind of Bentley buyer who isn't all into the "old money" look with all the chrome and pomp and circumstance. Bentley did not specify any pricing in its release, but I expect pricing to be prohibitively expensive. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Man of Many
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Man of Many
2025 Volkswagen Golf R Review
High Point Low Point Verdict Vehicle Dynamics Management (VDM) system and R-Performance Torque Vectoring makes it genuinely fun to drive. 2.0-litre TSI (EA888 evo4) engine loves to rev, and has more power (245 kW). Some interior materials (plastics) don't make it feel like $70k worth of luxury hatchback. Plastic doors in something this expensive? Really? Still the best executive express for the money. While the market moves towards small SUVs the Golf R reminds us why the flagship premium hot hatch is still the leader in the segment. Scroll horizontally to view full table Ten years ago, I bought myself a used 2010 Volkswagen Golf GTI. It was one of the quickest P-plate legal cars you could buy at the time, and it was the car that taught me how to change oil and wiper blades. Things spiralled, and it eventually became a project, much to the dismay of my parents, whose driveway it sat on. With the car on jackstands, I taught myself how to pull the engine, upgrade the turbo, intercooler, suspension, and even a thing or two about engine software management. It was in those few years that I learnt how a car worked, and I wouldn't be the same automotive writer I am today had I not spent hours of my life lying on my back under that Golf GTI in my parents' driveway. What I'm trying to say is that I'm a Volkswagen nut, but also their biggest critic. That brings me to the new Golf R MK8.5, which arrives more than a decade after my humble GTI hit the production line in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen hosted a group of media for a drive through the New South Wales Central West from Orange to the Blue Mountains and then Sydney Motorsport Park. Here, I learnt all about the new Golf R, and today, I'm going to share everything that you need to know about the executive express. 2025 Volkswagen Golf R | Image: Supplied / Volkswagen Australia How Much is the Volkswagen Golf R? The 2025 Volkswagen Golf R is priced from AUD$70,990 before on-road costs in Australia, while the blacked-out Golf R Black Edition is priced from AUD$72,490 before on-road costs. If you want a little more theatre, the Warmenau Package (AUD$6,500) can be optioned and comes with an Akrapovič titanium exhaust and real carbon décor. Here's how the line-up looks in Australia: 2025 Golf R MK8.5 – from $70,990 plus on-road costs 2025 Golf R Black Edition – from $72,490 plus on-road costs Warmenau Package +$6,500 Panoramic Sunroof +$1,900 That's right, our Australian-delivered vehicles are highly specified from the factory with features like a Harman Kardon 480W 8+1 speaker system, Nappa leather seats with heating & ventilation (front), and a Head-up display (windscreen projection). The only option available is the Panoramic Sunroof ($1,900). Colour options for the 2025 Volkswagen Golf R are Pure White, Lapiz Blue (Premium Metallic), and Grenadilla Black (Metallic). Here's how the 2025 Volkswagen Golf R stacks up against its key rivals: Model Power 0–100 km/h Drivetrain Price (AUD) VW Golf R MK8.5 245kW / 420Nm 4.6 sec AWD $70,990 Audi S3 Sportback 245kW / 420Nm 4.7 sec AWD $78,800 Toyota GR Corolla GTS 221kW / 370Nm 5.3 sec AWD $67,990–$70,490 Honda Civic Type R 235kW / 420Nm 5.7 sec FWD $74,100 Driveaway BMW M135i xDrive 233kW / 450Nm 4.9 sec AWD $83,600 Mercedes-AMG A35 4MATIC 225kW / 400Nm 4.7 sec AWD $89,700 Scroll horizontally to view full table 2025 Volkswagen Golf R | Image: Supplied / Volkswagen Australia What's the Interior Like? I was shocked to find capacitive touch buttons on the steering wheel! While the new Volkswagen Golf GTI has steered away from this, the Golf R has retained them. I found this odd because Andreas Mindt, VW Head of Design, was recently asked about this and said 'We will never, ever make this mistake any more. On the steering wheel, we will have physical buttons. No guessing any more,' in an interview with Autocar in March. Besides that giant 12.9-inch infotainment display, the rest of the interior will look very familiar to those who have spent time in the MK8 R. You get heated and ventilated front seats finished in Nappa leather with blue decorative stitching and three-position memory. We spent more than four hours in the car during the drive route and they were perfectly comfortable. Materials are only okay, and generally shared with the Golf GTI (even the base model) in key areas. Everything in your eyeline is wrapped in some form of fabric or leather, which is something I can't say for other brands. However, things start to get very scratchy and plastic the further down you look in the cabin. The biggest offender is the door, which is almost entirely plastic. You grab the door handle to shut the car every time you get i,n and it doesn't feel particularly luxurious when you do. 2025 Volkswagen Golf R | Image: Supplied / Volkswagen Australia 2025 Volkswagen Golf R | Image: Supplied / Volkswagen Australia 2025 Volkswagen Golf R | Image: Supplied / Volkswagen Australia 2025 Volkswagen Golf R | Image: Supplied / Volkswagen Australia I don't remember the rear seats being quite so cramped, but you could pretty comfortably jump from a board meeting to lunch and back with four adults on board. I'm not sure that I'd want to take a ride in the back seats for longer than 2 hours, although the rear centre armrest with cupholders and two rear (45W fast-charging) USB-C ports and AC vents would help make the trip a little more comfortable. Storage has always been a strong suit of Volkswagen Golfs, and the R continues this trend with 60/40 split folding rear seats with pass-through and a total of 341 litres of boot capacity (seats up) and 1,197 litres with the seats down. 2025 Volkswagen Golf R | Image: Supplied / Volkswagen Australia 2025 Volkswagen Golf R | Image: Supplied / Volkswagen Australia 2025 Volkswagen Golf R | Image: Supplied / Volkswagen Australia 2025 Volkswagen Golf R | Image: Supplied / Volkswagen Australia The 12.9-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto dominates the cabin, and it houses the vast majority of your controls. This is complemented by a 10.2-inch digital cluster with custom views and a head-up display. There are a handful of shortcut buttons on the top of the display to access drive modes, parking systems, safety, vehicle settings, and the main menu. Then, a second row is used at the bottom to shortcut your recirculation, A/C, climate, and seat cooling and heating. Finally, below this are your slide controls to adjust temperature and volume, and lower in the cabin near the air vents, more hard buttons for safety, parking, climate, and drive modes. Your headlight controls are positioned on a panel on the right-hand side of the cabin behind the steering wheel, but you're probably never going to touch them. There are two USB-C ports in the front, two in the rear, and a wireless charging dock that couldn't fit my iPhone 16 Pro Max with a case on it. Other important features include LED lighting with 30 selectable colours, LED footwell lighting (colour-selectable), reading lights (front and rear, LED), LED vanity mirrors (driver + passenger), and three-zone automatic air conditioning. Yeah, it's pretty well equipped for a hatchback! 2025 Volkswagen Golf R | Image: Supplied / Volkswagen Australia How Does the Volkswagen Golf R Drive? Specification Detail Engine Type 2.0-litre TSI (EA888 evo4) Configuration Inline 4-cylinder, turbocharged Fuel System Direct injection Fuel Type (Recommended) 95 RON unleaded Engine Position Front transverse Cubic Capacity 1984 cc Maximum Power 245 kW @ 6500 rpm Maximum Torque 420 Nm Emission Standard EU6 Transmission 7-speed DSG (wet dual-clutch) Driven Wheels 4MOTION all-wheel drive Torque Vectoring Yes – R-Performance Torque Vectoring Scroll horizontally to view full table The Volkswagen Golf R has always been the executive express, lauded for its straight line speed and smart looks, but with the adoption of EVs, everything is quick these days, and you can get an MG4 XPower for AUD$59,990 that accelerates from 0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds. Knowing this, the new Golf R adds R-Performance Torque Vectoring to its 4MOTION all-wheel drive system. This is a tricky rear differential that can send 50 per cent of power to the rear differential and then 100 per cent of that to the outside wheel to help reduce understeer and improve traction and corner exit, similar to the latest-generation Audi RS 3. Most importantly, it makes the car more capable, which is the German word for fun. I've spent time behind the wheel of some pretty serious metal recently, including the Lamborghini Revuelto and Aston Martin Vanquish, and the Golf R is right up there in terms of capability on the road. You'd have to be in a pretty special Porsche to get away from this on a twisty road. 2025 Volkswagen Golf R | Image: Supplied / Volkswagen Australia 2025 Volkswagen Golf R | Image: Supplied / Volkswagen Australia 2025 Volkswagen Golf R | Image: Supplied / Volkswagen Australia 2025 Volkswagen Golf R | Image: Supplied / Volkswagen Australia The secret sauce lies in the Golf R's Vehicle Dynamics Management (VDM) system, which is a closed-loop control system that uses real-time data from sensors to manage the Chassis (adaptive damping), Steering, 4MOTION all-wheel drive, and R-Performance Torque Vectoring rear differential. You don't know that it's working while driving (it's not something that you can feel), but you know it's working when you point the Golf R into a bend and it glues itself to the tarmac and shoves you out of the bend with serious force. It works with the drive modes to adjust things like the Adaptive Chassis Control (DCC), steering feel, throttle mapping, gear shift logic, exhaust sound, and the torque vectoring and AWD logic. Here's a list of the drive modes in the new MK8.5 Golf R and what they do: Comfort : Softer suspension, lighter steering, smoother throttle and gear shifts for daily driving : Softer suspension, lighter steering, smoother throttle and gear shifts for daily driving Sport : Sharper throttle response, firmer damping, sharper gear shifts for spirited street driving : Sharper throttle response, firmer damping, sharper gear shifts for spirited street driving Race : Stiffer damping, weightier steering, minimal traction control for track use : Stiffer damping, weightier steering, minimal traction control for track use Special : Nürburgring-tuned setup with softer damping over bumps (my favourite) : Nürburgring-tuned setup with softer damping over bumps (my favourite) Drift : Sends more torque to the rear outside wheel to enable controlled oversteer : Sends more torque to the rear outside wheel to enable controlled oversteer Individual: Lets you mix settings (e.g. Comfort suspension + Race throttle) So the software is pretty good, but what about the basics? The progressive steering does struggle with feel on centre, but gets better once weighted up. The pedals are tuned well, with a firm brake that never faded on the twisty mountain roads, and the transmission is a 7-speed DSG (wet dual-clutch) that's been retuned and can now comfortably claim the title as 'baby PDK' because of its accuracy and speed. Of course, power from the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged EA888 evo4 engine is always there, and it likes to rev, producing 245kW @ 6,500rpm and 420Nm with a very flat curve. 0-100km/h is dispatched in 4.6 seconds, which isn't blistering by today's standards, but if you find the new GTI a tad lacklustre in this regard, the R will give you the fizz you're looking for. 2025 Volkswagen Golf R | Image: Supplied / Volkswagen Australia How Safe is the Volkswagen Golf R? The Volkswagen Golf R hasn't specifically been tested by ANCAP, but it carries across the 5-Star Safety rating from the Volkswagen Golf, which was originally rated by ANCAP in 2019 and assessed against 2022 rating criteria. All updated Golf MK8 variants built from November 2022 and on sale from February 2023 carry this rating. Here's how the Volkswagen Golf scored in ANCAP tests: Adult Occupant Protection 88% – 33.66 out of 38 Child Occupant Protection 87% – 42.71 out of 49 Vulnerable Road User Protection 74% – 39.98 out of 54 Safety Assist 76% – 12.17 out of 16 These are the safety systems you get in the new Golf R, in alphabetical order: Airbags Driver and front passenger airbags Front side airbags Rear side airbags Curtain airbags (front and rear) Front centre airbag Child Safety ISOFIX child seat anchorage points (outer rear seats) Top tether child seat anchorage points (x3) Child safety locks on rear doors Driver Assistance ( Suite) Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with stop & go Travel Assist (combines ACC and Lane Assist with lane guidance) Lane Assist (lane-keeping system) Front Assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection Emergency Assist Side Assist (blind spot monitoring) Rear Traffic Alert Exit Warning System Distance warning display Park Assist Plus (semi-autonomous parking) Manoeuvre braking (front and rear) Oncoming vehicle braking when turning Parking & Camera Systems Area View (360° exterior camera system) Rear View Camera (RVC) Parking distance sensors (front and rear) Optical Parking System (OPS, visual display in infotainment) Active Safety Systems Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Brake Assist Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution (EBD) Multi-collision brake Hill Start Assist (HSA) Performance front brake system Automatic flashing brake lights (emergency braking) Traction & Stability Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP) Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) Extended Electronic Differential Lock (XDL) Vehicle Dynamics Manager R-Performance Torque Vectoring Security & Anti-Theft Alarm system with interior monitoring and towing protection Electronic engine immobiliser Keyless Access (keyless entry and push-button start) Programmable locking functions Remote central locking Warning triangle Tyre & Emergency Support Low tyre pressure indicator Tyre mobility set (sealant and 12V compressor) 2025 Volkswagen Golf R | Image: Supplied / Volkswagen Australia How Much Does the Volkswagen Golf R Cost to Run? Servicing and Warranty Golf R Warranty 5 years, unlimited kilometres Roadside assistance 12 months Service intervals 12 months or 15,000 kilometres Service pricing 1 year / 15,000 kms $557 2 years / 30,000 kms $1,071 3 years / 45,000 kms $557 4 years / 60,000 kms $1,460 5 years / 75,000 kms $557 Capped-price servicing 3 Years $1,966 (10% discount) 5 Years $3,640 (1st Service Cost Free) Scroll horizontally to view full table 2025 Volkswagen Golf R | Image: Supplied / Volkswagen Australia Verdict on the 2025 Volkswagen Golf R Cars aren't cheap anymore, and while the sticker price of AUD$70,990 before on-roads might sound a little ridiculous on paper for a VW hatchback, it becomes less of a shock when you look at the competition. The platform-shared Audi S3 Sportback is priced from AUD$78,800, the Honda Civic Type R is upwards of $74,100, and the aging Mercedes-AMG A35 4MATIC is priced from $89,700 plus on-roads. It makes the more powerful, quicker Golf R look like good value for money, and when you add in the additional standard kit, with things like Harmon Kardon audio and leather included, the price looks even sharper. Servicing is still exorbitantly priced, and the Civic Type R and GR Corolla are more fun on a track, but the Golf R can keep up everywhere else, and you don't have to explain to your better half why you bought a track car over a sensible daily driver with an attitude problem. It's been a fan favourite since it launched, and this is the best Golf R yet. Need we say much more?
NZ Autocar
3 days ago
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
Bentley Bentayga Speed returns and it's not a hybrid
Bentley has unveiled the new Bentayga Speed, the brand's flagship luxury SUV, and shock! It's not a hybrid. In an era increasingly dominated by electrification, the Speed sets itself apart from its Continental GT and Flying Spur Speed siblings by forgoing plug-in hybrid technology altogether. Under the bonnet is Bentley's familiar 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8, delivering a formidable 478kW and 850Nm of torque between 2250 and 4500rpm. That's good enough for a 0–100km/h sprint in just 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 311km/h. Notably, that makes it quicker and faster than the previous 12-cylinder Bentayga Speed. Read more 2023 Bentley Bentayga EWB Azure review So why not adopt the 567kW Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain found in other Bentley Speed models? Packaging, according to Bentley. The Bentayga's architecture can't currently accommodate the 25.9kWh battery used in the Continental and Flying Spur. That means, for now, the Bentley Bentayga Speed stays proudly petrol-powered. Bentley claims this is the most dynamic and engaging Bentayga to date. A recalibrated Sport mode amps damping stiffness by 15 percent and sharpens the brake torque vectoring system. Rear-wheel steering is standard, enhancing agility, while the 48-volt active anti-roll system, introduced in the last update, continues to improve cornering stability. Opt for the optional ceramic brakes and drivers gain access to a new ESC Dynamic setting. This enables controlled on-throttle slip angles, yes, Bentley's most luxurious SUV can now drift. This sits alongside a proper launch control system to extract maximum performance off the line. Visually, the Bentayga Speed is distinguished by its darker, more aggressive design. Chrome brightwork is swapped for darkened trim, including tinted front and grey rear lights. Optional 23-inch Speed-specific wheels are available when ceramic brakes are specified. Inside, the cabin blends traditional Bentley opulence with a sportier edge. Darkened trim continues inside, joined by Speed branding on the treadplates and seats, and, if optioned, an Akrapovič titanium exhaust lends the V8 a sharper bark. Set to rival the likes of the Range Rover Sport SV, Aston Martin DBX S, and Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid, the Bentley Bentayga Speed looks to sharpen its dynamic credentials without sacrificing the plush comfort it's known for.
Hypebeast
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- Hypebeast
Bovensiepen and Zagato Reveal Striking 611 HP Gran Turismo at Lake Como
Summary Bavaria meets Milan in the debut of theBovensiepenZagato, a limited-production grand tourer, based on the BMW M4, unveiled at this year's Fuori Concorso on Lake Como. The first model from the newly launched Bovensiepen brand, the Zagato pairs Italian coachbuilding with Bavarian engineering, creating what CEO Andreas Bovensiepen calls 'Fine Driving' in its purest form. The car features a 3L inline-six engine producing 611 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, launching from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.3 seconds and reaching a top speed over 186 mph. Built on a lightweight carbon fiber body and outfitted with adaptive Bilstein dampers and forged 20-inch wheels, the Zagato combines performance with comfort in three selectable driving modes. A titanium Akrapovič exhaust delivers a sound worthy of its bold design. Zagato's design DNA is evident in the signature 'double bubble' roof, frameless windows and precise, flowing lines. Inside, buyers can personalize nearly every surface, including optional Lavalina leather upholstery and CNC-milled aluminum shift paddles. Each car requires over 250 hours to build, with more than 400 bespoke components crafted in Buchloe. At the time of writing, specifics on availability and price have not yet been revealed, however, they are expected to be shared by the end of 2025, with deliveries expected to take place in Q2 of 2026.
