Last month we reported rumors of an open-top Bugatti Super Sport headed for Geneva, and as it turns out, the rumors prove to be true.

Introducing the Grand Sport Vitesse, the latest and arguably greatest Bugatti Veyron roadster. The Grand Sport Vitesse will receive the same 8-liter W16 engine as the Veyron Super Sport. Its top-of-the-line power plant produces 1,200 horsepower and 1,106 lb.-ft. of torque, thanks to greater force-induction from enlarged quad-turbos. To allow the Vitesse to manage the extra punch, Bugatti has further stiffened its chassis.

Regarding the new Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse, Bugatti CEO Wolfgang Dürheimer said, “The rapid success of the Super Sport convinced us to increase the performance of there Bugatti roadster. Once again our engineers worked hard to demonstrate the Bugatti is able to constantly redefine the boundaries of what is technically feasible.”

While the world’s fastest targa-top may not have the required aero to match the 268 mph top speed of the $2.4 million Veyron Super Sport, the infinite headroom provided in the Vitesse will definitely cost a significant premium. Look for more details as we get closer to the new Bugatti’s official debut at the upcoming 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

GALLERY: Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse

Mercedes-Benz has revealed its latest grand touring SL63 AMG hardtop convertible ahead of a planned debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month.

Weighing 275 pounds less than the outgoing model, the new SL63 offers the laughter-inducing, hand-built M157 bi-turbo 5.5 V8 engine mated to the MCT seven-speed automatic transmission. The MCT features a trick start-up clutch that runs in an oil bath rather than a conventional torque converter. The inherent low centrifugal mass allows the transmission to engage extremely quickly.

Other hardware add-ons by AMG include 6-piston brakes that bite onto huge 15.3 inch compound discs at the front and 14.3-inch integral discs with single-piston floating calipers in the rear. An adjustable AMG sports suspension (sport or comfort) based on the Mercedes-Benz active damping system and speed-sensitive steering provide the handling needed to match the power. Custom driving dynamics are available as well, from “C” (Controlled Efficiency), “S” (Sport), “S+” (Sport Plus), and “M” (Manual). In “C”, an engine stop-start feature works to control fuel consumption.

Power in the SL63 starts at 530 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, capable of 4.2 seconds to 60 mph and a top speed electronically limited to 155 mph. If more oomph is desired, the AMG Performance package provides an extra bump in output to 557 hp and 664 lb-ft, 4.1 seconds to 60 mph and a higher top speed limited to 186 mph.

Despite the dynamite hardware, Mercedes-Benz has chosen to go with an elegant and quiet exterior. Other than daytime LED, custom sport exhausts, and 19-inch alloy wheels (20-inch also available), there’s little to differentiate the AMG from the standard SL. The AMG will also be available with the optional Sky Control panoramic glass roof found in the standard convertible.

As for the interior, the SL AMG receives rich Nappa leather AMG sport seats, an integrated AMG DRIVE UNIT infotainment system with harmon/kardon Logic 7 audio, and an unique AMG instrument cluster.

Find out more about the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG as we get closer to the upcoming 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

GALLERY: Mercedes Benz SL63 AMG

Backup cameras used to be a premium feature, but that will change thanks to a federal mandate expected Feb. 29.

If it goes through, the little screens that keep drivers from backing into objects will be required on all new US vehicles. The move is meant to cut down on the current death and injury statistics for backup accidents which account for 292 deaths and 3,000 serious injuries per year, according to federal statistics.

Aside from mandating the camera’s general implementation, it seems that such technology is likely be be standardized to require a 10-foot wide by 20-foot deep field of vision.

While back-up cams like the one in the Kia Sorento (above) and the annoying sonar-like beeping feature to prevent you from swapping paint with your neighbor are probably less than exciting for most drivers, there is a silver lining to the new rule.

If automakers are forced to start sticking screens into every dashboard, it’s likely that more new cars will have an infotainment system. Such technology is already finding its way into a growing list of cars, but its easy to imagine the champagne might already be flowing for companies who supply manufacturers with this equipment, after all what’s better than having an extremely inelastic good for sale?

Product manufacturers are probably giggling with glee, but consumers are probably feeling a little burned by an extra cost being forced into their next new car purchase. How much will this new requirement cost you?

That will ultimately depend on the manufacturer, but we’re betting it’s not going to be a big deal, at least as far as the budget compact segment is concerned.

Luxury automakers always find ways to charge more for their features and to be fair you often get a better product. It’s fair to assume, however, that individual unit costs will shrink as unit production goes up. Right now the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that it costs about $200 to install a video system and back up camera into a car.

It’s the same as buying breakfast cereal at Costco: things are cheaper in greater volume. Beyond that, it’s up to the manufacturer to decide how much of the additional cost it will bear and what portion to pass on.

With the advent of advanced in-car technology comes the downfalls of hackers looking to do malicious things. Some experts are already expressing concern that the use of advanced infotainment systems by automakers worldwide could leave new-generation vehicles open to hacking.

Recently a pair of scientists from the University of San Diego and the University of Washington were successful in hacking into a vehicle’s safety system through its infotainment setup, revealing a clear vulnerability with the technology. And even though infotainment such as the vehicle’s navigation and Bluetooth are built to be separate from a vehicle’s safety system, this doesn’t mean that they’re invulnerable to hacking.

The concerns aren’t that hackers can take full control of a vehicle, but could unlock or even start a car; but worse, brakes and throttles are now being controlled by computers so it could be possible that those systems can be compromised as well.

As we all know with all the rampant hacking that has been going on recently, building security into any new-generation technology is difficult. Hackers will always find a way; and unless vehicle manufacturers are willing to update their software and firmware on a regular basis, there’s a strong potential that coming up with a single standard for cyber security will not be easy.

Worst of all, NHTSA isn’t equipped to test today’s advanced vehicle electronic systems.

[Source: Detroit News]

One of the great perks of becoming an automotive journalist is the opportunity to get behind the wheel of practically any new car on the market, whether it be the latest Porsche or a Pagani Huayra.

However, Tesla has chosen not to oblige. According to Tesla CEO Elon Musk during an announcement last night, no sampling or test drives of the Tesla Model S will be allowed until customers have begun taking deliveries.

While the reason behind Tesla’s decision is unknown, investors are questioning whether the announcement suggests a lack of confidence in the Model S.

However, Musk defends that customers should not be worried. In fact, according to Musk, should any dissatisfied Tesla owner feel the need to sell their vehicle, he or she may could easily sell at a premium due to the high demand from the market.

What’s more, the recent unveiling of the Model X has further driven up Model S reservations. Revealed only last Thursday, the Model X all-electric SUV has been so well received, an astonishing $40 million worth of pre-orders were racked up the first day after it was unveiled.

GALLERY: Tesla Model S

In an ever continuing effort to provide more active safety technology to more cars, innovations once exclusive to premium and luxury vehicles are trickling down to family vehicles.

Mazda will offer its new Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system for the new CX-5 compact crossover.  This new brake controller intervenes to prevent distracted drivers from frontal collisions at slow speeds.

SCBS is Mazda’s latest safety device, which operates at speeds between 3 to 19 mph. A windshield-mounted laser sensor act as the digital eyes of the vehicle, detecting oncoming obstacles while automatically shortening brake travel in order to minimize brake activation time.

If the driver fails to react to the obstacle ahead, the SCBS system will automatically engage the CX-5′s brakes while reducing engine output in an effort to prevent a collision, or to minimize its severity.

SCBS also incorporates acceleration control for automatic transmission, which will not allow unintended acceleration when the throttle is accidentally depressed when the driver is looking for the brakes.

Check out Mazda’s SCBS in action after the jump.

GALLERY: Mazda CX-5 Smart City Brake Support (SCBS)

Continue Reading…

A dream team of ten engineers and tech experts have assembled at the UK-based Lola-Drayson to develop an extremely innovative all-electric race car. This electricity powered car is aiming at a top speed of 320 km/h or 200mph. While that seems like an astronomical number, this actually isn’t the ultimate goal of the electric racer.

According to Paul Drayson, the leader of the Lola-Drayson consortium, “Don’t judge electric cars by what you are seeing on the street right now.” The team’s mission is to fine-tune a number of electric vehicle technologies and innovations with the intent to eventually trickle the technology to road vehicles.

The first of the innovations is BAE System’s radical “structural battery” technology, which allows for a car’s carbon fiber bodywork and panels to act as batteries. Chief designer at Lola Cars explains, “They are made out of honeycombs of carbon fibre filled with a solution that gives them the energy storage capacity of a battery. Their advantage is they can form any shape.” If structural battery can be optimally and practically applied, then it is feasible for a vehicle’s entire surface to act as battery cells.

Next, Multimatic of Rockingham, UK, has created new energy absorption technology that makes use of the up-down movement of a vehicles suspension to charge a capacitor. This energy can then be intelligently released as means of vehicle propulsion or to simply power other electronic devices within the car. An active aero surface that moves to create downforce from energy drawn from the suspension is one of the many ideas that the team is researching.

Finally, the London-based Halo Inductive Power Transfer division of the digital wireless telecommunications giant Qualcomm is creating new ways to charge main batteries. HaloIPT developed a doormat-sized platform package packed with coils. One of the platforms will be installed in the vehicle while the other will be embedded into the road. Power can then be transferred from one pad to the other as the vehicle passes over via an electromagnetic induction. A HaloIPT spokesman promises this technology to be 92 percent efficient.

Paul Drayson is looking to implement HaloIPT’s technology into racetracks across the world so that EV racers can charge wirelessly on the track during the races. If this idea takes off, infrastructure could be completley revolutionized for our roads. Drayson said ambitiously, “The new generation of technology we are showcasing in electric racing will amaze people when it gets on the road.”

[Source: NewScientist]

Later this year, Volkswagen will reveal its all-new Mk7 Golf (Spy photo shown above). A pivotal new car for Volkswagen, the Golf will be improved in almost all aspects, including a swath of more luxurious features.

The staple hatchback will receive a wider range of powertrains including a natural gas variant, an electric variant, and a plug-in hybrid variant that would not only produce 243-hp, but achieve more than 50 mpg.

Mainstream engines for the Golf will include the 1.4 liter turbo engine expected to be good for 138-hp. Larger petrol engines will be available in 1.8-liter or 2.0-liter. Diesel options include a 2.0L diesel producing 181-hp and 280 lb.-ft. of torque as well as a twin-turbo diesel with an output of 220-hp. Finally, the new Golf GTI hot hatch gets hotter. The new GTI is expected to receive a 260-hp 2.0 liter turbo. To handle the newfound power, the GTI also features the new VAQ electrically controlled front differential. VW claims that the “agile steering behavior” offers fantastic feedback and cuts the lap time of a conventional diff Golf around the Nürburgring by 8.0 seconds.

Aiming to set a new benchmark, the new Golf will be the first model in the Volkswagen line-up to receive the new MQB platform, a radical chassis that will eventually serve as the underpinning for everything from the VW Polo supermini to the larger Passat sedan. Volkswagen also developed a tweaked Dynamic Chassis Control active damping system to complement the new architecture.

Promising a lighter weight version of the Mk7 Golf, Volkswagen will also create a platform with aluminum floor pressings, boot floor and windscreen base. The German automaker has yet to announce which models would receive this unique alloy-steel hybrid structure, but analysts suggest the Golf EV and GTI are best positioned to receive it. This structure is designed to be as light as the Mk4 Golf of the late 1990′s while providing much higher standards in safety.

Finally, technology found in the Golf include an 8 inch iPad style infotainment screen that includes adaptive cruise control, driver fatigue detection, 360 parking sensors with semi-autonomous capability, all features previously reserved for more luxury-oriented cars.

Expect to see the new Golf at the September Paris Auto Show.

GALLERY: 2013 VW Golf MK7 Spy Photos

[Source: Autocar]

Why get an electric car when new gas powered vehicles are getting such high marks for fuel efficiency? According to a survey by KPMG, the rising standard of efficient gas engines is going to lead to minimal sales of electric vehicles.

KPMG’s 13th annual Global Automotive Executive Survey found that, although electric engines are a major long term strategy, the optimization of internal combustion engines will be key in the next five years.

Peter Hatges, KPMG’s Lead of automotive practice says, “The need for new electric propulsion technology is still top of mind for auto executives around the world given the demand that will be felt in the emerging markets.” However, the survey points out that electric car sales will not exceed 15% of new car sales world wide, by 2025. Automotive Executives expect even less in the short term at about 6-10% adoption.

Another key factor in the future is the role that manufacturers of electric components will have. There will be a huge competition in this space, and 40% of respondants believe that original equipment manufacturers will lead in that area, in addition to traditional powertrains.

Still, electric cars are at a crossroad. Hatges says “Electromobility is a colossal issue for the industry, the key automotive players should have a clearer vision on this, even though how and when fully electric cars will be a reality is dependent on a variety of complex and interrelated factors.”

Interestingly, the survey makes no significant mention of the role of Hybrid cars moving forward, even though it seems that many new cars will have a gas-electric hybrid option.

Bridgestone announced a development in tire printing technology last month that allows new stylistic possibilities.

White-wall tires and white lettering harken back to cars with cranks, though neither the tires nor the cars are common today. Bridgestone wanted to change that by finding a solution for bright designs printed onto the sidewall of tires that can maintain high durability, won’t discolor and require less weight added to the construction, thereby aiding fuel efficiency.

Multi-colored tires can further encourage vehicle personalization and offer a unique avenue for companies to take in advertising. Rather than tire shopping out of necessity, this may create a sort of customer that makes tire purchases for recreation.

Thanks to a new development in ink technology, unique multi-colored patterns or images from photographs can be printed onto a Bridgestone tire’s sidewall. These inks are extremely resistant to discoloration and are strong against external damage onto the tire’s surface. Bridgestone believes in a future of colorful, lightweight and fuel efficient tires that they think could change the tire industry.

Bridgestone has not announced when their whimsical wheel wrapping will be available but promises to bring this technology to market soon. Who knew that pictures could be the new black?

GALLERY: Mult-colored Bridgstone Tires