MARCH 1, 2017

(Chevrolet images)
Just when we thought it was safe to stop talking about the Camaro ZL1, Chevrolet has released an even hotter version, the 2018 Camaro ZL1 1LE. In preliminary testing, the new ZL1 1LE was a staggering 3 seconds a lap faster than the standard ZL1 Coupe around GM's 2.9-mile, 18-turn Milford Road Course test track. Watch a video here. The improved track performance of the 2018 Camaro ZL1 1LE is due to the following: Aerodynamic tweaks, including a carbon fiber rear wing and specific air deflectors and dive planes on the front fascia produce grip-generating downforce. The ZL1 1LE features lightweight Multimatic DSSV® (Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve) dampers front and rear for exceptional wheel and vehicle control. The front-end ride height is adjustable with the front dampers, which are used with all-new, adjustable camber plates. The rear stabilizer bar also offers three-way adjustability. (All of the components are designed for quick changes at the track for optimal performance and a quick return to street settings when the track day ends.) New, lightweight forged aluminum wheels are an inch wider but an inch smaller in diameter, front and rear, than standard ZL1 wheels and are used with new Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3R tires developed exclusively for the Camaro ZL1 1LE that deliver max lateral grip of 1.10g. The 3R tires are designed to warm up faster to help maintain more consistent grip and speed, lap after lap. The overall footprint grows approximately 10 percent over the ZL1, but the wheel-and-tire package weighs about 1.5 pounds (3.3 kg) less per corner. The lighter wheels and dampers, along with reduced thickness rear glass and a fixed-back rear seat, contribute to an approximately 60-pound (27 kg) lower curb weight than a standard ZL1 Coupe. “The new Camaro ZL1 1LE offers the supreme track experience,” said Mark Dickens, executive director, Chevrolet Performance Variants, Parts and Motorsports Engineering. “It’s the pinnacle of Camaro performance and advances the 1LE’s nearly 30-year legacy of uncompromising, track-tailored capability.” The ZL1 1LE is powered by the supercharged, 650HP LT4 V8 matched to a six-speed manual gearbox featuring Active Rev Match. Brembo brakes, including red calipers with the 1LE logo, are also included. Additional standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control, Bose premium audio system, heated/ventilated front seats and heated steering wheel.
The ZL1 1LE features lightweight Multimatic DSSV® (Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve) dampers front and rear.
 The Brembo brakes feature red calipers with the 1LE logo.
Specific air deflectors and dive planes on the front fascia produce grip-generating downforce.
Aero tweaks include a carbon fiber rear wing.
The 2018 Camaro ZL1 1LE goes on sale later this year. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

(Rinspeed images)
And now for a little automotive weirdness: Rinspeed calls its "Oasis" concept for the Geneva Motor Show a "garden plot on wheels for the urban jungle." Frank M. Rinderknecht, the Swiss automotive visionary behind Rinspeed, envisions the "Oasis" concept as self-driving electric vehicle for the city and surrounding areas, a maneuverable speedster with an integrated small garden plot behind the windshield. Yes, you read that correctly. With its large glazed areas and shrouds on the front wheels, the machine can turn on its wheels with almost a zero radius thanks to a special steering angle, two in-wheel electric motors and torque vectoring, all developed by ZF. The twenty-third concept car from Rinspeed was again engineered by Swiss company 4erC and executed by Esoro. 

 

(Bentley images)
When a "standard" Bentley Bentayga is just too, well, ordinary, you can now get the Bentayga Mulliner. Exclusive features include a new Mulliner Bottle Cooler, a unique 22" Paragon wheel design, a new veneer concept and a bespoke Mulliner interior color split with contrast embroidery. This bespoke craftsmanship positions Bentayga Mulliner as the pinnacle luxury SUV, according to the manufacturer. Powered by the same 6.0-liter, W12 engine with 600HP and 663 lb. ft. of torque, the Bentayga Mulliner accelerates from 0-60 mph in 4.0 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.1 seconds) with a top speed of 187 mph (301 km/h), making the Bentayga the world’s fastest SUV. Produced in very limited numbers due to the highly complex, handcrafted nature of the Bentayga Mulliner’s luxurious interior features, this new flagship model will be available to order in Spring 2017 (price information hasn't been released). A special one-off Bentayga Mulliner will be unveiled in Geneva next week.

(Porsche images)
The 2018 Panamera Sport Turismo will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. It will arrive here in the U. S. at the end of 2017. Prices will start at $96,200 for the Panamera 4 Sport Turismo, $104,000 for the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo, $109,200 for the Panamera 4S Sport Turismo, and $154,000 for the Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo, excluding the $1,050 delivery, processing, and handling fee. Why ask why?