Daily Archives: June 21, 2012

New Skoda Rapid announced

June 21, 2012   simon   No comments

Skoda has announced a new Focus-sized hatchback, called the Rapid. Clearly Skoda is no longer embarrassed by its heritage – the last Skoda Rapid was one of the very last Soviet-era rear engined models (and actually the only pre-VW Skoda which was actually not bad to drive). This one is an exceptionally sharply styled hatchback that will fit between the Fabia and the Octavia.
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Fastest production Bentley ever

June 21, 2012   simon   No comments

Bentley has announced its fastest-ever production car – the 620 bhp, 205 mph Continental GT Speed. Orders for the new GT Speed are being taken now, with deliveries to commence in October 2012.

The 6.0 litre W12 engine has been uprated to 616 bhp /at 6000 rpm and 800 Nm of torque to deliver suitably thunderous, performance. The 0-62 mph sprint is dispatched in 4.2 seconds on its way to a top speed of 205 mph. The gearbox is now an eight-speeder, which helps towards an overall 12% improvement in fuel economy and CO2 emissions.

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James Bond Car Exhibition – Bring Your Own

June 21, 2012   simon   No comments

The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu is exhibiting cars from 50 years of Bond films – and is asking anyone who owns the same type of car to bring theirs along too. This is not simply an invitation to those lucky enough to own a silver Aston Martin DB5.

A huge number of different cars have been used over the years from the exotic to the everyday. The list of eligible cars runs to dozens and includes semi-classics like the Triumph Stag (Diamonds are Forever) and even a traditional rear-engined Skoda 105 (The Living Daylights apparently, although we can’t remember that one).

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Skoda recreates Stonehenge in London

June 21, 2012   simon   No comments

Skoda has created a replica Stonehenge made from scrap cars (no Skodas included) and installed it next to Tower Bridge. The installation can be viewed today (20 June) before it goes on a tour, including the Goodwood Festival of Speed in West Sussex from 28th June – 1st July. The piece of automotive art dubbed ‘Citihenge’ by the makers, was specially commissioned to celebrate the launch of the Skoda Citigo. It was built using 18 scrap cars and stands at over five metres tall. Each henge is five metres wide and the commanding structure weighs a remarkable 36 tonnes.
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Saab rescue – Swedes don’t believe it

June 21, 2012   simon   No comments

The latest attempt to revive Saab has been dismissed by the Swedish former head of the component suppliers association.The attitude of the suppliers matters because they were the ones left with lots of unpaid bills when Saab went bust and would have to deliver parts for any new Saab car. We expressed some scepticism, but that is as nothing compared to the usually diplomatic Swedes.
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