Bentley Nearly Suffered A Catastrophic Emissions Test Failure?

Is this the reason why the Bentayga plug-in hybrid is delayed?

For automakers like Bentley who are normally used to powering cars with extremely powerful and not particularly fuel-efficient engines, the changes the auto industry is currently undergoing regarding new emissions rules can be quite a challenge. The failure of not meeting these new emissions standards means you’re out of business. Simple as that. Obviously this was not an option, so Bentley, and others, acted accordingly. But according to Automotive News Europe, Bentley was too slow to prep its cars to meet Europe’s strict new Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) program, and the resulting problems were “close to catastrophic,” according to CEO Adrian Hallmark.

What happened, exactly? Turns out that Bentley’s future vehicles got “stuck in the queue” for WLTP testing. This new set of emissions regulations took effect September 1. “We were not quick enough unfortunately to book capacity or prioritize our derivatives within some of the group processes to get them certified on time,” Hallmark admitted.

That means several model launches have been delayed, including the Bentayga plug-in hybrid. It will now go on sale in March 2019 and the delay, says Hallmark, impacted overall Bentayga sales by 300-400 models. The new Continental GT coupe was also delayed to market for the same reason, and combined with exchange rate problems, contributed to the carmaker’s financial loss so far this year.

Turns out many of the parts used in Bentleys are sourced from continental Europe. They are now more expensive because of the pound weakening against the Euro. Fortunately, Hallmark is confident things are now under control, and it’s even possible Bentley will post a fourth-quarter profit. Hallmark, who only joined Bentley half a year ago from Jaguar Land Rover, is also confident 2019 will be a profitable year. “This year is a conversion year to a better business model and next year you will start to see significant growth and a return to normality in terms of profit,” he said.

BMW M4 Convertible Now Nearly Naked in Snow Testing

The convertible will feature the company’s 3.0-litertwin-turbo six-cylinder engine, making 425 horsepower and 425 lb-ft of torque.A six-speed manual or seven-speed dual clutch transmission will send power tothe rear wheels. Zero-to-sixty times are expected to be just upwards of fourseconds, with top speeds of 155 mph. These numbers all represent significantimprovements from the previous generation, V-8-powered M3 convertible. Withmost of its camo shed, the car looks pretty much identical to its coupe twin,only with some slightly-awkward roof lines and pillar changes to accommodate thefolding hard top.

Bentley Nearly Suffered A Catastrophic Emissions Test Failure?

Is this the reason why the Bentayga plug-in hybrid is delayed?

For automakers like Bentley who are normally used to powering cars with extremely powerful and not particularly fuel-efficient engines, the changes the auto industry is currently undergoing regarding new emissions rules can be quite a challenge. The failure of not meeting these new emissions standards means you’re out of business. Simple as that. Obviously this was not an option, so Bentley, and others, acted accordingly. But according to Automotive News Europe, Bentley was too slow to prep its cars to meet Europe’s strict new Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) program, and the resulting problems were “close to catastrophic,” according to CEO Adrian Hallmark.

What happened, exactly? Turns out that Bentley’s future vehicles got “stuck in the queue” for WLTP testing. This new set of emissions regulations took effect September 1. “We were not quick enough unfortunately to book capacity or prioritize our derivatives within some of the group processes to get them certified on time,” Hallmark admitted.

That means several model launches have been delayed, including the Bentayga plug-in hybrid. It will now go on sale in March 2019 and the delay, says Hallmark, impacted overall Bentayga sales by 300-400 models. The new Continental GT coupe was also delayed to market for the same reason, and combined with exchange rate problems, contributed to the carmaker’s financial loss so far this year.

Turns out many of the parts used in Bentleys are sourced from continental Europe. They are now more expensive because of the pound weakening against the Euro. Fortunately, Hallmark is confident things are now under control, and it’s even possible Bentley will post a fourth-quarter profit. Hallmark, who only joined Bentley half a year ago from Jaguar Land Rover, is also confident 2019 will be a profitable year. “This year is a conversion year to a better business model and next year you will start to see significant growth and a return to normality in terms of profit,” he said.

Philippines President Ordered The Massacre Of Nearly $6 Million Worth Of Cars

Now watch it happen. Painfully happen.

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte isn’t someone who messes around. If he doesn’t like something (or someone), well, he has his, shall we say, odd ways to deal with them. Duterte has made a name for himself since his 2016 election for major crackdowns on corruption, crime and drug smuggling. While that’s all fine and good, Duterte often loves nothing more than to make a big public display of his policies in action. The Daily Mail has managed to get a hold of footage showing the massacre of nearly $6 million worth of confiscation vehicles that were reportedly illegally imported into the country.

Some of the cars destined for a crushing date with the bulldozer include some BMWs, Lamborghinis, Porsches, and even several motorcycles. And because Duterte is Duterte, he actually shows up in person to watch the destruction. He parks himself at a safe distance away and even wears safety glasses and a construction hate. You know, just in case a flying bolt were to smack him in the face.

“I did this because you have to show to the world that you have a viable place of investment and business,” Duterte said just before the destruction display. “And the only way to show it is that you are productive and that you have the economy, to absorb the productivity of the population.” This isn’t the first time, and certainly not the last, Duterte has ordered illegally imported vehicles to be crushed. A total of $2.76 million worth of exotic car were also sent to the bulldozer earlier this year. Considering Duterte has four more years left of his six-year term, expect the next destruction date to be just around the corner.

Volkswagen CEO Claims Dieselgate Is Nearly Over And Done With Forever

Three years after being exposed, is the worst behind VW?

It’s been three years since Volkswagen admitted it cheated on diesel emissions. Just look at how much has changed since. Diesel, once a popular option, especially in Europe, carries a negative stigma and it’s unlikely to ever recover. VW paid dearly for its actions, both financially and legally. Audi’s now-former CEO was in the slammer for months until his recent release. Instead of diesel, VW has turned its full attention to electric-powertrains (though diesels will continue for light and commercial trucks). So much has changed and hopefully for the better.

That’s exactly how VW CEO Herbert Diess feels. According to Automotive News Europe, Diess believes “most” of the diesel scandal is in the past where he hopes it’ll stay.

“We basically bought back and fixed close to 90 percent of the cars” globally, Diess said recently. “I think most of the things we have overcome” he said. “We still have legal issues worldwide, in Germany - you're aware of that - and it will take years to solve everything. We just settled with Audi, with the state attorneys in Germany. There are still legal issues, but technically, we overcame most of the issues.” Diess also added the legal problems VW faced in the US were the most severe globally.

“Legally, we had here really a situation which was much more severe (compared) to the rest of the world, because our cars, when we launched the cars, would not comply with legislation.”

In Europe, by contrast, “the fix was relatively easy; it was a software update for about 10 million cars, which is also through. We have fixed 90 percent of the cars, but it was not a real severe technical issue. The situation here in America was, by far, the most critical one worldwide. And it has to do with the emission regulation here in the United States, which is much tougher than in the rest of the world.”

Above all, Diess sure sounds like he’s doing his best to make things right with global governments and the buying public. Will we still be talking about Dieselgate in, say, another three years from now? Impossible to predict, but by that time VW will have launched more than one of its all-electric I.D. models.

Here’s Your Chance To Own A Nearly All-Original BMW M1

It still has its original Alpine White paint and less than 8,000 miles on the clock.

With only 453 examples produced, 20 of which were racecars, the magnificent M1 is one of the rarest and sought-after BMWs ever made. Built between 1978 and 1981, the M1 was also the only proper supercar BMW ever built, which makes it highly desirable. If you happen to have $875,000 to spare and have always wanted to own a BMW M1, you may want to snap this one up because they very rarely go up for sale. Currently for sale at Bullet Motorsports is a 1981 M1 finished in original Alpine White paint, as well as all the original trim and aluminium.

It hasn’t been restored and has some minor wear, but it’s still in excellent condition for its age. Originally purchased by a customer from Mexico and later imported to California, the mid-engined supercar has had the same owner for 30 years and is now looking for a new home. Apart from the dealer optioned BBS alloy wheels, this is a practically all-original M1 and a true time capsule. The seller even says they will help the buyer source the OE wheels. All of the lights and electronics work as they should, and the car still has the original factory radio, leather upholstery and door cards. This M1 also only has 7,572 miles on the clock, making it one of the lowest-mileage examples you’re ever likely to find.

Under the hood is the M1’s original straight-six 3.5-liter engine that produced 274 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque at the time. The seller says the M1 can be shipped worldwide, and service records and the original papers such as the manual and repair book are also included.