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Yesterday, 14 June 2016Gett predicts big jump in car-hailing
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read moreBentley Mulsanne convertible could still make production
Luxury drop-top model hasn't been canned just yet; could make production in 2018 or 2019
A convertible version of the Bentley Mulsanne could be produced in very limited numbers, despite rumours that the proposed new model had been canned.Autocar has learnt that the project has indeed been sidelined, but it could still be reopened with a delayed production date, likely to be some time in 2018 or 2019.The idea of a drop-top Mulsanne has been around for some time. In 2014 Bentley revealed the Grand Convertible concept, which was based on the Mulsanne and previewed what a Mulsanne convertible could look like.But since then other projects have taken precedence, forcing the Mulsanne convertible to sit on the back burner as it did during the Bentayga’s development. If it does eventually make production, however, Bentley says it will be highly exclusive, with production numbers most likely limited to 20-30 units. The price would be significantly higher than that of the Mulsanne Speed, which starts at £250,000.The convertible would almost certainly share componentry with the Mulsanne Speed, which itself has just received a range of mid-life revisions. That car’s twin-turbocharged 6.75-litre V8 now produces 530bhp and 811lb ft torque and sends power to all four wheels via a ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox. We can expect similar, if not identical levels of output from a Mulsanne drop-top.Bentley's air suspension, too, would most likely be t
read more2016 Maserati Quattroporte launched
Updated Italian saloon is on sale now with updated exterior styling, new active aero features and tweaked engines
The Maserati Quattroporte has been facelifted for 2016 with an updated exterior, new efficiency-boosting features and Maserati’s latest in-car technology.In-car technologyThe changes to the car’s exterior are small and comprise restyled bumpers, a more angular front grille with new vertical chrome slats and a matte black finish for body trim.Inside there’s a new infotainment system housed in an 8.4in touchscreen and featuring a rotary knob in the centre console. Maserati says it has been able to remove buttons from the dash with this new system, giving the cabin a cleaner, less cluttered look.The new infotainment system is smartphone compatible using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.PowertrainsThe 2016 model is claimed to be more potent and fuel efficient than ever, and it comes with a choice of turbocharged diesel and petrol V6s and a turbocharged petrol V8 that offer better straight-line performance and increased fuel efficiency compared with the outgoing model.These gains have come in part thanks to a new electric air shutter, which opens and closes parts of the car’s front grille to improve aerodynamic efficiency by 10%, but also thanks to an increase in power for the base petrol 3.
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read more2016 Porsche Panamera teased again ahead of reveal - plus video
Porsche has released a teaser sketch and video; previous spy pictures have shown it almost completely undisguised
The next-generation Porsche Panamera has been teased again, this time in a sketch, ahead of its reveal later this month.The car will be unveiled at an event in Berlin before going on display at the Paris motor show in September.Previous spy pictures had shown the car in almost completely undisguised form, with mock light clusters its only camouflage, and before the sketch was released the luxury car was teased in a promotional video.The spy pictures show that the new design draws heavily from the new 718 Boxster, with a similar front spoiler and air intake treatment. The profile of the new Panamera is also sleeker than that of its predecessor.The car looks almost production ready in recent shots, which show it being subjected to high-speed testing at the Nürburgring nearly camouflage-free.We've sampled the next-gen Panamera from the passenger seat. Read about our ride here.Previous spy shots revealed the upcoming car's interior, which has a brand new centre console. This indicates that Porsche may be looking to update the cabin architecture of its saloon. New wooden-clad surfaces can be seen in these pictures, complete with a new, larger gear lever.