2007 Bentley Continental Gtc on 2040-cars

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BMW makes the M4 extra special with a huge wing

BMW has all of the bases covered in its lineup, especially when it comes to its 4 Series models. Don't like going to the track? There's the BMW 430i and 440i, which are available as a coupe and gran coupe. Drivers looking for a track-friendly car that can also be used on the road will be steered toward the M4. BMW even built the hardcore M4 GTS for drivers that spend all of their time on a track. Now, it looks like BMW is trying to bridge the gap between the M4 and the M4 GTS with a special-edition model. Our photographers caught BMW testing an M4 with some extreme aerodynamic components around the Nurburgring. With its aggressive front end, massive wing, and sporty rear diffuser, the prototype M4 appears to be similar to the special-edition M4 Competition Sport that BMW released in Spain. The Spain-only special edition was marketed as a softer version of the M4 GTS with less power and usable rear seats. With a similar look and visible rear seats, this prototype indicates a similar track-focused special edition model. Since the M4 is only a few years old, it's unlikely that BMW is testing a new model, but the automaker could be testing aerodynamic components for a refreshed model down the road. A cheaper, more usable M4 GTS, though, would be the perfect car to round out BMW's current lineup. Related Video:

Bentley Continental GT3 Pikes Peak racer puts out 750 horsepower on biofuel

Bentley revealed its Continental GT3 Pikes Peak car to us earlier this year, but was short on engine details. That left us especially curious, as Bentley foreshadowed lots of modifications and a promise that it’d run on a renewable biofuel. Of course, more power than standard was expected. Today, all the details of this wild Bentley are available. Its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine will make “more than” 750 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque. ThatÂ’s a 100 horsepower increase over the most potent street version of the Continental, the Continental GT Speed. HowÂ’d Bentley do it? For starters, Bentley began with the GT3 race version of its 4.0-liter V8, not the street version. But Bentley went to town on this race engine for Pikes Peak anyway. It has new pistons and connecting rods, plus the boost is turned up to 2.2 bar with larger turbos. The carbon fiber intake manifold is reinforced and made thicker than the standard one. Plus, one-off exhaust manifolds made from Inconel alloy by Akrapovic are fitted. The exhaust ultimately exits via very short pipes just behind the front wheels. Not very Bentley-like. Cooling is reinforced by a secondary cooling system positioned in the rear of the car. The rear windows are traded for air scoops that channel air through a second radiator, exhausting heat through ducts in the trunk lid. It all runs off a dedicated secondary water pump. Another change youÂ’ll find at the rear is a new driveshaft with a larger diameter for better durability. The biofuel Bentley uses is called 98RON Renewable Racing Fuel, and Bentley says it is "a dedicated blend of advanced biofuels specifically designed for motorsport, and is a technological stepping stone to sustainably-created eFuel with a greenhouse gas reduction of up to 85%." Bentley didn't say what the emissions reduction was for this specific biofuel in the Pikes Peak car. When it comes to handling, Bentley says it has significantly modified the GT3 setup. ItÂ’s running far more camber in front and rear. Softer springs and anti-roll bars were fitted to allow more body movement and maximize weight transfer for braking (keep in mind all your braking will be done while going straight uphill). Plus, the brakes themselves are newly water-cooled to handle the extreme loads that this hill climb will put on them. You can watch out for Bentley's attempt at a record on June 27, a day that will mark the 99th running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.

Bentley doubles down on diesels with a triple-charged Bentayga

Volkswagen Group isn't totally giving up on diesels. While its flagship VW brand is clearly tarnished, the ultra-luxury Bentley division just revealed plans for its first oil-burner, a triple-charged 4.0-liter V8 that produces 429 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque. If the powertrain sounds familiar, that's because it's the same one found in the Audi SQ7 TDI. It's a clever system capable of giving what Bentley claims as the world's fastest diesel SUV a top speed of 168 miles per hour and a zero-to-62 mph time of 4.8 seconds. The SQ7 TDI can get to 62 mph in the same time, but is electronically limited to 155 mph, because it wouldn't make sense if the cheaper SUV could outperform the much more expensive one. The Bentayga also emits the lowest CO2 output of any Bentley and has a range of over 621 miles on one tank. Despite having a curb weight of 5,269 pounds, Bentley claims the Bentayga can get a combined rating of 35.8 mpg on the European cycle. The Bentayga Diesel may not be as powerful or as fast as the W12-powered model, but it's a lot more fuel efficient as the latter achieves a combined rating of 21.6 mpg on the European cycle. Other than the new engine, the Bentayga diesel is nearly identical to its gasoline-powered twin except for some discreet "V8 Diesel" badges on the front doors, a new exhaust outlet design, and a black grille. A Bentley spokesperson confirmed that the Bentayga diesel would not be sold in the US. And since Bentley won't be at this year's Paris Motor Show, don't get your hopes up on spotting the vehicle there. The diesel-powered SUV will go on sale in Europe early next year, which will be followed by its release in Russia, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and Taiwan. Pricing for the SUV has not been announced yet. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2018 Bentley Bentayga Diesel View 20 Photos News Source: BentleyImage Credit: Bentley Green Audi Bentley SUV Diesel Vehicles Luxury Performance bentley bentayga