McLaren P1   While we already know what the McLaren P1 looks like, we didn’t have much information about its powertrain until this week. All we knew was that the P1 would have a re-worked version of the MP4-12C’s engine, as well as an electric motor. McLaren have finally confirmed that the P1 will produce a total of 916hp and 900Nm of torque, coming from a 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 engine and electric motor.
 With 2012 just days away from ending, we can only hope that 2013 will have as many exciting new cars as this year did. Here is a gallery of 22 cars that made a good first impression. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
 The 2012 Paris Motor Show is currently the place to be if you want you to see how exciting the future of motoring is going to be. You have the usual mix of concept cars, new car debuts, etc. But after looking at what the show has to offer, SOC has come up with a list of cars that stand out more than others.
 Bentley have revealed new details on the latest version of their Continental GT Speed, as well as updates on the GT and GTC models.
The new Continental GT Speed now comes with 625hp from its 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 engine – a 25hp increase from the previous Speed, and 50hp more than the current standard GT. The Continental GT Speed, as well as the normal GT and GTC now come connected to an eight-speed gearbox sending power to all wheels. Opel Ampera/Chevy Volt  Apart from winning the 2012 Car of the Year award, it’s a plug-in hybrid car that looks good too. The specs? It has a 150hp electric motor along with 370Nm of torque, with a claimed range of up to 80km (50miles) on a fully charged battery pack. Its 1.4-litre engine is there only to power a generator when the battery range is low (the engine doesn’t send power to the wheels at any time) – which then extends the range to 500km. It is expensive though – prices start at CHF 52,900 (around $57,000) in Switzerland. Ferrari F12 Berlinetta  The F12 Berlinetta drew a huge crowd on press day. It was easily one of the most anticipated cars of the show – and with 740hp, it’s easy to see why. Its 6.3-litre V12 engine is the most powerful of any Ferrari road car, which definitely makes it a standout car. However powerful the engine might be, the design might divide opinion – looking a bit similar to the FF at the front. However, all is certainly forgotten as you approach its 212mph top speed.
 In a bid to downsize and reduce emissions, Bentley is giving potential customers the option of buying the Continental GT with an all new 4-litre V8 engine.
The new twin-turbo engine is similar to the one found in the Audi S6, S8, and S7 - however, it has been tuned for a unique power delivery. Power is rated at 507hp at 6,000 rpm, and 487 lb ft of torque from 1,700 to 5,000 rpm. The Continental GT V8 will be equipped with a close-ratio ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, which will send drive to all four wheels, allowing a 0-60mph acceleration time of less than five seconds, and a top speed of over 180mph (290 km/h). Torque is 40:60 front to rear. Bentley is also claiming a 40 per cent improvement in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, thanks to: a cylinder deactivation system, high pressure direct injection, low friction bearings, thermal management, energy recuperation, and efficient turbo packaging. The Continental GT V8 has a claimed fuel range of over 500 miles. |
