All posts by dcaplan

Rimac and Bugatti models driving alongside each other

RIMAC AND BUGATTI COMBINE FORCES IN HISTORIC NEW VENTURE

Today, Rimac Automobili announces another major milestone in its history, as it combines forces with the iconic automotive brand, Bugatti Automobiles, to create a new automotive and technological powerhouse.

In just 10 years, Rimac Automobili has progressed from a one-man garage start-up to announcing a new company with one of the world’s most iconic car brands to create Bugatti Rimac d.o.o. (in English – LLC).

In an industry evolving at ever-increasing speed, flexibility, innovation, and sustainability remain at the very core of Rimac’s operations. The Croatian-based brand has proven that it can not only keep up but be the trailblazer, setting the performance and technological benchmark for others. Uniting Rimac’s technical expertise and lean operations with Bugatti’s 110-year heritage of design and engineering prowess represents a fusion of leading automotive minds.

As part of the deal, the newly-formed Rimac Group will be the major shareholder with a 55% stake. Mate Rimac will retain his original shareholding in Rimac Group at 37%, with Porsche at 24%, Hyundai Motor Group doing the same at 12% and other investors at 27%. The development, production and supply of battery systems, drivetrains and other EV components that Rimac is known for and trusted by many automotive manufacturers will be separated into a new entity – Rimac Technology, which will be 100% owned by the Rimac Group. Rimac Technology will remain an independent company working with many global car manufacturers.

Mate Rimac will lead the new company. As CEO of Rimac Group, he will run both Bugatti Rimac and the new division, Rimac Technology. Bugatti and Rimac will both continue as separate respective brands, retaining existing production facilities and distribution channels. Bugatti Rimac represents the company that will develop the future of both Bugatti and Rimac vehicles, by joining resources and expertise in research and development, production, and other areas.

Rimac Group will continue to innovate, creating both its own hypercars, as well as developing systems and technologies for many global OEMs. Such innovative technology can also be deployed in future Bugatti and Rimac models.

Both brands will continue to operate independently, with Rimac Automobili retaining its current premises on the outskirts of Zagreb, Croatia, and Bugatti production continuing in Molsheim, France.

In time, Bugatti Rimac’s global headquarters will be situated at the recently announced Rimac Campus, also serving as the home of Rimac Technology. The €200M, 100,000m2 campus, due to open in 2023, will be the base for all research and development of future Rimac and Bugatti hypercars. With high-tech innovation at its core, the state-of-the-art site will accommodate 2,500 like-minded people driven by curiosity and a desire to push things to the absolute limit.

Commenting on today’s announcement, Mate Rimac, Founder and CEO of Rimac Automobili said, “This is a truly exciting moment in the short, yet rapidly expanding history of Rimac Automobili. We have gone through so much in such a short space of time, but this new venture takes things to a completely new level. Rimac and Bugatti are a perfect match in terms of what we each bring to the table. As a young, agile and fast-paced automotive and technology company, we have established ourselves as an industry pioneer in electric technologies. With the Nevera, we have also proven that we can develop and manufacture outstanding hypercars, that are not only fast, but also exciting and high-quality. Bugatti, with over a century of experience in engineering excellence, also possesses one of the most exceptional heritage of any car company in history.”

“We have just launched our latest hypercar – the Nevera – to universal global acclaim. So I can’t begin to tell you how excited I am by the potential of these two incredible brands combining knowledge, technologies and values to create some truly special projects in the future.”

Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board at Porsche AG: “We are combining Bugatti’s strong expertise in the hypercar business with Rimac’s tremendous innovative strength in the highly promising field of electromobility. Bugatti is contributing a tradition-rich brand, iconic products, a loyal customer base, and a global dealer network to the joint venture. In addition to technology, Rimac is contributing new development and organizational approaches.”

Lutz Meschke, Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board and Member of the Executive Board for Finance and IT at Porsche AG. “We bought the first shares in Rimac already three years ago and have successively increased them since then. This enabled us to build a close relationship with Mate and its highly innovative team at an early stage,” says Meschke. “Now we are benefiting from this. Rimac is helping us with its know-how to successfully lead an emotional and important Group brand into the future. I am very proud and happy that we have brought this joint venture to the finish line despite numerous challenges. Today is a good day for Bugatti, Porsche and the entire Volkswagen Group.”

Rimac Nevera driving through snow

Rimac Nevera: Dare to feel the next generation of performance.

Post Oak Motor Cars recently returned from Dubrovnik Croatia for the first Rimac Automobili Dealer Conference. The team joined founder Mate Rimac and his team as they launched the C-Two Concept, now known as the new Rimac Nevera.

The Nevera is an all-electric 1,914hp, 258mph, $2.4m hypercar designed and engineered to unleash an unprecedented level of performance.

Rimac dealers from around the world along with potential Rimac owners joined at the exclusive resort Sun Gardens Resort, where they were given the chance to get behind the wheel themselves to test drive this hypercar beast on the scenic roads in Dubrovnik.

The Nevera is the production-ready iteration of the Rimac C_Two concept car, which was revealed at the International Geneva Motor Show in 2018. Since then, Rimac’s engineers have refined their new flagship on every level during an extensive development program, in the pursuit of the ultimate electric hypercar driving experience. With the majority of key components of the Nevera developed in-house at Rimac’s HQ in Croatia, all systems have been improved and enhanced since the initial prototypes to deliver on the ambitious performance targets set for at the beginning of the project in 2018.

Underlining his own commitment to the project, Mate Rimac will personally test and sign off each of the Neveras, before they are delivered to customers from the company’s current production site on the outskirts of Zagreb, Croatia.

Named after a force of nature

Fittingly, the Nevera bears a proud Croatian name and one that truly reflects the prodigious performance the car can unleash in the blink of an eye. The name given by the locals to a quick, unexpected and mighty Mediterranean storm, that races across the open sea off Croatia, a nevera is extremely powerful and charged by lightning.

Appearing with exceptional speed and potency, Rimac’s next-generation hypercar shares the Nevera’s name and looks set to leave a similarly disruptive effect on the global hypercar market. And, like the force of nature it is named after, it is just as adept at transforming its character in an instant – from assured and comfortable grand tourer to ultra-focused performance machine.

The Nevera will be limited to only 150 units worldwide and over 20 orders already in place. If you are interested in customizing your own Rimac Nevera or have other questions, please contact our Rimac specialist Max Malikov.

Side view of the Bentley Bentayga S

BENTAYGA S – THE MOST SPORTING OF BENTAYGAS

Bentley has today announced details of the new Bentayga S, bringing extra sporting agility to the Bentayga family. With striking design cues and unique detailing, the Bentayga S is the latest version of Bentley’s benchmark, go-anywhere luxury SUV, designed and engineered in the UK and manufactured in Bentley’s carbon-neutral factory in Crewe.

For the first time since the launch of Bentayga in 2015, an S version is now available – reflecting feedback from the huge number of customers that enjoy the dynamic performance of their Bentayga on-road. Building on Bentley’s established ‘S’ brand, the new enhanced sports Bentayga provides an even more engaging drive, with Bentley Dynamic Ride active anti-roll control fitted as standard and an enhanced Sports chassis mode. A 15 per cent increase in damping stiffens the chassis and provides a platform for a more dynamic SPORT mode ESC tune.

Bentayga S also features a revised visual presence through the distinctive addition of black details, and a more sporting soundtrack courtesy of a newly designed, free-flowing sports exhaust – both of which increase the Bentayga’s already imposing presence on the road.

The Bentayga S is distinguished by a range of distinctive exterior features, including new unique 22” wheels with three finishes, innovative ‘S’ badges positioned on the lower edge of the front doors, and Blackline Specification as standard. The profile has increased presence due to the larger rear spoiler, gloss black side sills and lower bumpers, front and rear. Dark tint lenses to head lamps and tail lamps, black door mirrors and black split oval tailpipes complete the striking exterior.

Inside a luxuriously refined cabin, a unique Bentayga S style can be found using new seats, unique stitching, a new colour split and Alcantara® to reflect the striking exterior and increased dynamic ability. Colour accents on the instrument panel, centre console, door pads and seat bolsters as well as Alcantara® to seat cushion and back inserts, steering wheel and gear lever, give the Bentayga S a bold and contemporary style. ‘S’ badges can be found on the passenger fascia as well as new graphics in the driver’s instrument panel and illuminated treadplates, denoting the model.    

Bentley’s sector-defining and market-leading luxury SUV is available in four, five or seven seat configurations, and since it entered the market in 2016, more than 25,000 customers have taken delivery of a Bentayga. The fourth model in the Bentayga range joins the efficient plug-in Hybrid, the 4.0-litre turbocharged V8, and the powerful 6.0-litre, 12-cylinder Speed. 

Sublime Power and Performance

The Bentayga S features Bentley’s renowned 4.0-litre, twin-scroll turbocharged V8 petrol engine, combining immense power with impressive fuel economy. The latest-generation engine develops 542 bhp (550 PS) and 568 lb.ft. (770 Nm) of torque, with a 0-60 mph (0–100 km/h) time of 4.4 (4.5) seconds and a top speed of 180 mph (290 km/h).  This class-leading performance is complemented by a range of 406 miles (654 km), with CO2 emissions of 294 g/km. 

Deploying the power as effectively as possible, Bentley Dynamic Ride is fitted as standard and was the world’s first electric active roll control technology that utilises an unrivalled 48V system. The system can react within 0.3s with up to 1,300 Nm of torque to counteract lateral rolling forces when cornering, ensuring maximum tyre contact to deliver class-leading cabin stability, ride comfort and exceptional handling. 

Similar to the recently launched Continental GT Speed, where the boundaries of grand touring comfort versus engaging performance have been extended through chassis mode selection, the Bentayga S now offers increased capability through an enhanced SPORT mode over a standard Bentayga. 

In SPORT, improved steering feel, greater turn-in response and further reduced body-roll is possible due to an additional 15 per cent increase in air suspension damping and a unique Electronic Stability Control and Bentley Dynamic Ride tune. 

Recalibration of Bentley’s Torque Vectoring by Brake system – whereby the car lightly brakes the inside rear wheel at corner entry to sharpen the front axle turn-in – has made Bentayga S even more responsive to drive.

A new sports exhaust is included as standard, with free-flowing primary and secondary pipes improving flow and combining with reduced perforations in the muffler to deliver enhanced character and volume, giving a more performance-oriented feel.

The Bentayga’s comprehensive off-road abilities remain, with the optional All-Terrain Specification bringing four dedicated off-road modes (Snow and Wet Grass, Dirt and Gravel, Mud and Trail, and Sand) along with a 500 mm wading depth. 

Bentayga ‘S’ – True Road Presence

The youthful, muscular exterior design of the new Bentayga S reflects a truly dynamic driving experience. Stylish and purposeful in equal measure, the sporting nature of the Bentayga S is clearly visible from every angle, and made more dramatic with a suite of changes that change the character of the car both inside and out.

The Bentayga’s already striking road presence is amplified still further on the ‘S’ with black treatment to all exterior brightware, matched with black door mirrors and black-painted side sills. These features are enhanced by dark tint treatment to the headlamps and elliptical tail lamps, together with new high gloss black on the lower bumper grilles. A larger rear spoiler on the Bentayga S that both extends the roofline in profile and provides increased aerodynamic stability at speed is complemented by black painted, split oval, sport exhaust tailpipes, and unique exterior badging. 

The new unique 22” wheel style is dramatic and mirrored from the centre line of the vehicle, ensuring that the spokes (appearing like ‘scythes’), point in the same direction on both sides of the vehicle. Available in three finishes, silver painted is standard, with full gloss black or black and bright polished being optional. The black and bright polished wheel is highly labour intensive – firstly the rim is ceramic polished, before the bright areas are masked off to allow for gloss black paint to be applied, ahead of a final finish – polished by hand.

A Unique Cabin – Luxuriously Equipped

The ‘S’ colour split introduces Alcantara® to the cabin of the V8-powered Bentayga, across the seat cushions and back rest centre panels, gear lever, steering wheel, upper trim and headlining creating a performance-focused yet luxurious interior.     

A new fluted seat design is available in four, five and seven seat configurations. The introduction of a new, unique and modern seat design provides a more sporting aesthetic with clean simple stitch lines through the shoulder areas. The new stitching design defines the fluting, available to match either primary or secondary hide colour, and combines with the Alcantara® elements to complete the new aesthetic. The seat backrests are finished with an embroidered ‘S’ motif.    

A unique and elegant fascia badge adorns the dashboard in front of the passenger, with a similarly themed Bentayga S treadplate that illuminates when stepping in or out of the vehicle.
The Bentayga S shares a fully digital driver’s information panel with the Bentayga Speed, with pronounced dial graphics that take influence from high-end chronographs. The display brings a contemporary look to the cockpit, can be customised to the driver’s requirements and features real-time lighting effects with elegant animations.    

The high-resolution screen can be viewed in either Classic or Expanded format. In Classic, the display shows the traditional two-dial design of the speedometer and tachometer. In Expanded, the right dial is replaced with an area for maps and media information.

Please contact our concierge for further information on ordering the new Bentayga S

Front view of the Rolls-Royce Boat Tail

Introducing Rolls-Royce Coachbuild

Every Rolls-Royce client is extraordinary, but within this remarkable consumer group there exists a class that is so significant that its members demand an object that is truly transformative; an object that makes a permanent statement, and sets itself apart from anything that has gone before. It is unprecedented.

Coachbuild is this statement. This highly distilled expression of Bespoke is reserved for those who look to move beyond existing constraints. It is based on a true commission model and represents a collaborative exploration of luxury, design and culture between the marque and commissioning client. This is contemporary patronage in its truest form.

Only Rolls-Royce, and the Bespoke philosophy that guides it, is able to deliver on the promise of curating and commissioning a product so fundamentally unique. Rolls-Royce created the contemporary coachbuilding movement in 2017 with Sweptail, a hand-built motor car that immediately became one of the world’s finest intercontinental tourers. 

In 2021, Rolls-Royce Boat Tail was conceived, representing contemporary patronage in its truest form.

Rolls-Royce Houston Dealer of the Year 2020

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Houston Awarded North American Dealer Of The Year.

Every year Rolls-Royce Motor Cars North America highlights the achievement of a single dealer that exemplifies its ability to deliver on all aspects of the promise of the world’s most admired luxury brand. In 2020, a year that presented unique and significant challenges never seen, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Houston, a Post Oak Motor Cars Brand, has been honored as the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars 2020 Dealer of the Year for the Americas. This award recognizes the accomplishments of the entire operation in Houston in ensuring the experience that every Rolls-Royce owner deserves and expects. The criteria for the recognition is comprised of an extensive collection of measures from the initial thought of acquiring a Rolls-Royce motor car through the entire commissioning and ownership experience. Performance of sales, marketing, finance, and service are all heavily weighted in selecting the honoree.

“The past year was challenging for luxury auto dealerships across the globe and our Post Oak Motors team worked tirelessly to overcome those obstacles and uphold our high standards for customer service and experience,” said Tilman Fertitta, CEO of Fertitta Entertainment and Owner of Post Oak Motor Cars. “I am immensely proud of my staff and their dedication to always delivering excellence – no matter the circumstances.”  

 With over 40 luxury auto dealerships across the country, we are immensely proud of our team for earning this coveted and prestigious recognition,” said Lonny Soza, General Manager of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Houston. “Rolls Royce sets the standard in high-end, first-class motor vehicles, and to receive this designation from one of the world’s most pinnacle brands is a testament of our staff’s collective dedication and passion for delivering an unparalleled, luxury car buying experience unlike any other in the world.”

“2020 was a year that brought many challenges to everyone.  However, Tilman Fertitta and every member of the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Houston team accepted these challenges. They delivered world-class luxury service to every patron they came in contact with last year,” said Martin Fritsches, President and CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Americas. He added, “We are proud to have the team led by General Manager Lonny Soza represent our brand and deliver the ultimate luxury in commissioning a new motor car and an effortless ownership experience,”

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars chooses the Dealer of the Year after careful consideration of a wide range of criteria. As a brand that values the luxury ownership experience above all else, service and owner satisfaction are at the top of the list. The company also reviews sales and operational performance as well as client satisfaction. Every aspect of the Rolls-Royce Motor Car ownership experience is expected to be effortless. That begins with the initial commissioning of any Rolls-Royce motor car with one’s retail consultant. In 2020, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Houston set this standard.

Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport and Sport parked next to each other

Behind the scenes with Bugatti Houston and Post Oak Motor Cars Chiron Sport Driving Experience.

Bugatti Houston recently hosted a Bugatti driving experience at Carlton Woods Country Club for prospective buyers to have the opportunity to drive the Chiron Pur Sport and Sport for the first time. Bugatti sent marketing representatives along with professional drivers to help host the event.


Over the two days that the Bugatti team was in Houston, there was only a handful of driving slots available to prospective buyers and collectors interested in purchasing a Chiron and configuring their very own.


As guest arrived for their allotted time with the Chiron models, each first visited with the marketing team for an overview of the Chiron’s and then spent over 45 minutes with professional drivers as they went for a spin throughout The Woodlands, along with having the chance to get behind the wheel themselves to experience these supercars.

As you can imagine, the clientele that is interested in owning a Chiron is an experienced car collector owning brands such as Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini to name a few. The Chiron exceeded all of their expectations.
If you are interested in learning more, contact Bugatti Houston today to schedule your Chiron appointment.

As Houston’s only Bugatti dealership, we can secure your build position and discuss delivery and configuration options available.

Front driver's side view of the Bentley Continental GT Speed

Welcome the new Bentley Continental GT Speed

The Continental GT Speed and Continental GT Speed Convertible – Bentley’s most powerful grand tourers yet – elevate performance above all. The unique Speed calibration puts unprecedented power in the driver’s hands, and switching into Sport driving mode unleashes this GT’s true character. The engine responds incredibly rapidly to deliver speeds of up to 208 mph (335 km/h), while the responsive transmission shifting provides the ultimate feeling of control.

An innovative suite of technologies enhance the exhilarating drive even further. Breathtaking levels of agility are made possible by the introduction of Electronic All-Wheel Steering alongside Torque Vectoring by electronic Limited Slip Differential (eLSD). To ensure complete control, these combine with the Bentley Dynamic Ride active roll control system to provide stability, while the optional lightweight, high-performance Carbon Ceramic brakes offer incredible stopping power.

The Continental GT’s exhilarating design has been reimagined for the Speed, meaning the purposeful exterior look creates an even more striking impression. A Dark Tint Grille, Speed Outer Sill and forged Speed 22” wheels – available in a choice of a Silver Painted, Black Painted or Dark Tint finish – create a thrilling and aggressive look.

Inside, the Continental GT Speed has a dramatic design theme, with the use of Alcantara materials and a unique Speed colour split combining to complete the contemporary design. Other exclusive details include embroidered Speed headrests, Speed badging and, with the Mulliner Driving Specification as standard, extra touches such as diamond-in-diamond quilting providing luxury at every touch.

My Bentley Connected Car services* ensure the excitement enjoyed with the Continental GT Speed is enhanced even further. The in-car and remote features can be accessed easily using the My Bentley app, bringing information and control to the owner even when they are away from the car.

Please contact our Bentley Specialist today to schedule your commissioning appointment.

Front passenger's side view of the Karma GS-6

KARMA AUTOMOTIVE LAUNCHES GS-6 SERIES, DRIVING CONSUMER PASSION FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES IN “NEW LUXURY” SEGMENT

The next evolution of sophisticated luxury is here with the introduction of the GS-6 Series from Karma Automotive, a southern California-based producer of luxury electric vehicles. The first model to be produced in the new series is called the GS-6, and while it will retain the same exotic design of the award-winning Revero GT®, it will be offered at a more attainable price point for drivers who want the environmental benefits of an electric vehicle, without sacrificing design or performance.

“Our brand promise at Karma has always been to provide high-end luxury vehicles and technologies that are driven by innovation and inspire our drivers’ ambitions with new and unique offerings,” said Dr. Lance Zhou, PhD, Karma’s CEO. “As we look to the future, we believe we will change the world of mobility by making luxury electric vehicles more accessible.”

The combination of stimulating design, confidence-inspiring driving and technology, and an aggressively-priced manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) starting at $83,900*, the GS-6 extended range electric vehicle (EREV) is a formidable competitor in the “new luxury” sedan segment. Available now, the GS-6 is offered in three variants: Standard, Luxury, and Sport, with the anticipated all-electric GSe-6, the brand’s first-ever pure battery electric vehicle (BEV), available later in the year starting at $79,900*.

All GS-6 models benefit from the exclusive design and craftsmanship that Karma Automotive is known for, while offering high-tech customization that allows every Karma to be personal and special to its owner. The GS-6 family is available with convenience and safety features including an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) which features Adaptive Cruise Control (with “Stop & Go” feature), Lane Keep Support (LKS, with hands-off detection/warning and haptic steering wheel response for unintended lane departure), Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), 360-degree Surround View Cameras System (SVCS), and Parking Distance Monitoring (PDM). The haptic steering wheel can also control audio and phone functions, cameras, driving modes, the adaptive cruise control and the 3-mode regenerative braking system. The GS-6 also has heated power side view mirrors, eight airbags, an anti-theft alarm, Over-the-Air (OTA) remote diagnostics and software update functionality, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and integrates Karma mobile app support.

The GS-6 Series has Karma’s class-leading powertrain and new vehicle warranty: 8-year/80,000-mile powertrain limited warranty; 4-year/50,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty; 6-year unlimited anti-corrosion/perforation limited warranty; and 4-year/50,000 mileage roadside assistance program.

Confidence-Inspiring Performance

Assembled at Karma’s Innovation and Customization Center (KICC) in Moreno Valley, California, which has offered world-class engineering, design, customization and manufacturing services along with electrification platforms since it opened in 2017. The 28 kW HV battery pack together with a 1.5-liter turbocharged powerplant mated to an onboard generator provides electricity to the 400 kW 2-motor propulsion system that offers a compelling combination of drivability, performance and efficiency. This setup provides 536 horsepower and 550 lb-ft torque. All options incorporate Karma’s advanced regenerative braking system.

Beautiful, Functional Design

Karma vehicles have a long and well-established reputation for excellent design and the GS-6 is no exception with focused customization options, including elements like reclaimed wood salvaged from California wildfires, carbon fiber and a range of five interior leather color combinations. New for 2021, Karma has introduced two new exterior colors – Saguaro Green and Imperial Copper – that will join a diverse palette comprised of 10 other California-themed hues. The GS-6 will also offer a black-out option and various exterior carbon fiber elements.

The GS-6 and GS-6L will come standard with 21-inch Cascade Silver wheels and slate-colored Brembo disc brake calipers, while the top-of-the line GS-6S will come standard with 22-inch Dune Twist Midnight Chrome wheels with red Brembo calipers mated to vented discs. Optional caliper colors also include silver, blue, yellow and two shades of orange and certain trim levels include options for either 21- or 22-inch wheels and surface finishes.

Human Machine Interface (HMI)

The high-resolution connected displays in the GS-6 serve as the information hubs for tech-forward drivers, controlling the vehicle systems such as steering feel, accelerator pedal aggressiveness, ADAS behavior, HVAC, audio functions, camera displays, and other vehicle systems. Using Bluetooth connectivity, a driver’s phone can used to activate Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto™ and their in-car ecosystems. In addition, the center display on the GS-6 features personalized comfort zones for heated and vented seats, mirrors, temperature, audio and lighting.

Upon accessing the “Energy” page via the center-mounted touch-screen, the driver can enter “Track Mode” which provides several statistics including energy flow, tire pressure and temperature, speed, torque, lap times, g-forces, energy usage, battery function, engine temperature, fuel usage and driving history. The “Driver Stats” page holds the vehicle’s achievement records and can encourage them to “beat” their previous records for racetrack environments or driving efficiency.

The “Energy History” page provides current and historical energy usage, where energy-conscious drivers can monitor the vehicles efficiency over various trips and receive an energy efficiency score, as well as displaying a multitude of other dials and data points.

Karma App

The Karma app functions as a controller offering drivers access to the vehicle’s location, remote preconditioning, door lock-unlock, charge scheduling, vehicle health reporting and an Augmented Reality (AR) user manual.

Firmware Over the Air (FOTA)

Cellular connectivity provides bidirectional software connectivity for remote diagnostics and continuous updates and upgrades helping the vehicle systems remain current and even improve over time.

Karma Extended Range EV Technology

The GS-6 is designed as an “extended-range electric vehicle” or “EREV” to help mitigate consumer range anxiety fears. This range extender setup uses an on-board generator to create electricity which powers the motors propelling the wheels. The vehicle utilizes a transversely mounted, twin-motor, Rear Drive Module (RDM) that includes torque vectoring in the GS-6S variant. The 28-kWh battery pack is good for up to 80 miles of pure electric range and 360 miles of total range[1].

The GS-6 uses inverters developed in-house by Karma’s powertrain team that converts DC current from the battery pack and/or generator to power the AC drive motors, and to capture AC power from the regenerative braking system to recharge the battery pack. A single-speed gearbox sits between the twin motors. Because the inverters are integrated with the drive motors, the RDM is an extremely compact and lightweight package.

Three Driving Modes

An efficient, three-cylinder, 1.5-liter, turbocharged powerplant acts as the GS-6’s range-extender. In “Stealth” driving mode, the vehicle is powered by the battery only. In “Sustain” mode, the generator creates electricity to power the vehicle. In “Sport” mode, power is provided to the traction motors from both the battery and the generator. To enhance the driving experience, Karma also implemented an active exhaust system specifically programmed to provide a throaty, sporty note when driving in Sport mode.

Safety is a Priority

To further enhance driver confidence and with vehicle safety at the top of customers’ purchase considerations, Karma has developed and integrated several Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) safety features in the GS-6, including the following technologies:

  • Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) – Combine a forward-facing camera to detect lane markings with an electric steering system, alerting drivers through haptic feedback when they are about to cross lines.
  • Lane Keeping Support (LKS) – Combine a forward-facing camera to detect lane markings with an electric steering system, actively keeping the vehicle in the center of the lane.
  • Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) – Automatically steps in to prevent a collision and is a vital piece of safety technology in all new Karma products.
  • Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with “Stop & Go” feature – Accelerates or brakes to maintain a set distance from the car ahead to relieve the stress of operating the accelerator pedal in many cruising conditions. The ACC system can bring the vehicle to a complete stop in normal traffic situations with ‘Resume’ available for extended stops.
  • Blind Spot Monitor – Vehicle-based sensors that detect other vehicles located to the driver’s side and rear and provides user-selectable visual, audible, and haptic steering wheel warnings.
  • Curve Adaptive Headlights – As the driver turns the steering wheel left or right the headlights pivot in that direction to better illuminate what’s in the vehicle’s path and a side camera view can be shown on the center display.
  • Surround View Camera System – Front and rear cameras, side view curb cameras, and a 360-degree overhead vehicle view combine to provide a birds-eye view of your car on the center display. The visual information is reinforced with audible warnings if the vehicle is too close to an obstruction.

More Attainable Pricing

As previously announced, the Revero GT nameplate will be moving up-market in future variants, while the GS-6 will now occupy a slot in the Karma lineup at a much more attainable price-point for entry luxury buyers.

“We’re proud that we have been designing, engineering, producing, selling and servicing luxury EV vehicles for years now, which is something other EV startups can’t say,” said Joost de Vries, Karma’s VP of Global Sales and Customer Experience. “The GS-6 with its more attainable price point, combined with a long list of standard and available convenience features and luxurious design, will appeal to a much larger audience.”

The GS-6 Series

In addition to the GS-6 EREV, 2021 will see Karma Automotive offer it’s first-ever all-electric vehicle, the GSe-6. With a starting manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $79,900*, the U.S.-built vehicle will include a new all-battery powertrain configuration expanding the automaker’s reach in the competitive pure EV market.

Drivers who are interested in securing their GSe-6 please contact one of our Karma specialist.

Side view of the Rolls-Royce Phantom Tempus with front and back doors open

Introducing Phantom Tempus

Rolls-Royce Phantom, the marque’s pinnacle product, which resides at the apex of the luxury world, has today become the subject of an exclusive and rare collection, the Phantom Tempus Collection. This arresting new iteration of Phantom is inspired by Time – how it passes, and how it can be made seemingly to stand still.  The Collection is strictly limited to just 20 examples, all of which have already been allocated to clients.

The design of the Phantom Tempus Collection encompasses various aesthetic and intellectual themes relating to time and the cosmos. A key component is a rare astronomical phenomenon, the pulsar, unknown until 1967 and found only in the deepest reaches of space (the nearest yet discovered is 280 light years, or 1,680 trillion miles, from Earth). These very dense, white-hot stars emit electromagnetic radiation in extremely regular pulses, making them some of the most accurate clocks in the universe.

In Phantom Tempus, this remarkable force of nature is rendered as a centrepiece in a Bespoke Starlight Headliner consisting of fibre-optic lighting and intricate Bespoke embroidery, creating the unique and beautiful Pulsar Headliner.

Another aspect of time – the illusion of its standing still – is captured in the ‘Frozen Flow of Time’ Gallery. This unique artwork is housed in the fascia from which the clock is deliberately omitted to signify patrons’ freedom from time and its limitations. A single billet of aluminium is milled to form 100 individually contoured columns, representing the 100-million-year period of a rotational spin of a pulsar star. Each column is black-anodised and hand-polished to reflect the light. As the eye travels along it, the whole structure, though entirely solid, appears to ripple and flex.

A description of the Gallery can be found on an engraved plaque in the glove compartment, together with a quotation from Albert Einstein, “The distinction between past, present, and future is only a stubbornly persistent illusion“.

A swirling, twisting pattern of stars is presented on the interior of the doors. Created by hundreds of illuminated perforations, additional perforations in contrasting leather add a greater depth and detail to the effect, providing an atmospheric aura even when not illuminated.

The exterior of the Phantom Tempus Collection is presented in a new Bespoke paint finish, Kairos Blue, created to embody the darkness and mystery of space. The paint incorporates jewel-like blue mica flakes, which glitter and glint as they catch the light, representing the stars. This effect is highlighted by black exterior detailing.

Gracing the bonnet of Phantom Tempus is the Spirit of Ecstasy, now in her 110th year, personalised with a unique date and location of particular significance to the client. A marriage, the birth of a child or even a major business success, can be engraved as a timeless reminder on the base of the iconic figurine.

As a finishing flourish, a unique accessory has been developed to accompany the Collection. Based on the widely acclaimed Rolls-Royce Champagne Chest, the Tempus Champagne Chest incorporates a distinctive element of the Collection. A pulsar artwork is hand-painted onto the table, below which, the perfectly appointed chest houses thermal flasks for chilling both champagne and caviar, four hand-blown crystal champagne flutes arranged to evoke the cylinders of a V12 engine and a fine mother-of-pearl caviar spoon.

For inquiries, please contact us for further details.

The W12 Engine

FIRST CUSTOMER BACALAR W12 ENGINE COMPLETES TESTING

Producing 659 PS (650 bhp) and 900 Nm (667 lb.ft) of torque, the engine for the first customer Bentley Mulliner Bacalar has now completed assembly and production testing at Bentley’s center of excellence for W12 engines.  The Bacalar spearheads a return to coachbuilding by Bentley Mulliner and features an enhanced version of Bentley’s peerless 6.0-liter, W12 TSI engine, the most advanced 12-cylinder engine in the world.  Since the first introduction of the twin-turbocharger W12 in 2003, the refinement of the engine has seen an increase of up to 27 percent in power, 38 percent in torque and a reduction of 28 percent in emissions. This has been realized through evolution and optimization of the crankcase, improvements in the oil and cooling systems, twin-scroll turbocharging technology and more effective injection and combustion processes. Each W12 engine is hand-built over 6.5 hours by a team of 45 craftspeople before undertaking a highly sophisticated test regime of over an hour via three specialist diagnostic machines during the engines assemble. The testing not only provides feedback on the quality of each engine but also provides multiple checkpoints to catalog the exact behavior of each engine from the moment of manufacture. Quality Guaranteed Through Testing The three tests that the Bacalar engine has already been put through are part of Bentley’s exceptional quality control processes. The first test is for leakage and can be undertaken after the engine has been assembled to the point that fuel, water and oil systems can be closed – a production stage known as a “short engine”. The leakage test is conducted by pressurizing each of the systems, for fuel, oil and water individually. The different cavities are pressurized to values between 0.2 – 5.0 bar respectively and then measured whilst the pressure decays over time. The reduction in pressure versus time represents the quality of the sealing of the engine assembly. If the pressure drops faster than expected, a leak is indicated. A fluid is sprayed on to the exterior of the engine to pin-point any leakage paths. The second and most advanced test is Cold Test. The engine is loaded on to a testbed plate and connections are made to the engine loom and all engine systems, whilst a large electric motor couples to the engine via the crankshaft.  “Motoring” the engine via the crankshaft allows the testbed to collect data from a suite of sensors. The facility measures 600 individual properties and characteristics of the engine during a 15-minute cycle. Due to the low running speed of 120 RPM for the test, finer details and any inconsistencies can be identified thanks to a sample rate that highlights even the briefest of anomalies that would be invisible if the engine was firing or running at speed. This fine detail analysis is also valuable for confirming the precise timing of the engine. Using positioning information from sensors on the crankshaft, crankcase and camshafts along with cylinder compression values, the Cold Test can confirm the engine timing is accurate and therefore achieving the best possible combustion cycle.  In order to gather cylinder-specific data, Cold Test is carried out before the exhaust manifolds, turbochargers and other ancillaries are fitted. The third and final test – Hot Test – checks the complete engine assembly once these parts are installed, and simulates real world usage in the vehicle.  When the engine arrives for hot testing, a UV dye is added to the engine to help identify any leaks. The coolant and fuel system are pressurized with air and nitrogen respectively for a final check before introducing the necessary fluids ready for testing. The engine is cranked to build oil pressure before the ignition system is energized and then left to idle whilst the engine test technician listens for any refinement issues and checks for leaks with a UV lamp. Each W12 is then tested for a minimum of 21.5 minutes and runs up to 3,800 rpm with a maximum load of 300 Nm. One in every one hundred engines receives a full eight-hour power test, achieving 6,000 RPM, and must achieve 900Nm. Since the installation of the three testbeds in 2002, over 100,000 W12 engines have been handcrafted in Crewe and passed through the test facility. Engine Technology Advancements Bentley’s legendary 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12, created in 2002, has evolved into the latest iteration of W12 engine used across today’s current model range. The unique W-configuration means that the engine is 24 per cent shorter than an equivalent V12, benefitting packaging and maximizing usable cabin space. The latest generation of W12 was launched in the Bentayga in 2016. A thoroughly reworked engine included a crankcase 30 percent stronger than its predecessor, while the cylinder surfaces were coated to reduce friction and improve corrosion resistance. A low-alloy steel coating is applied to the bores using an Atmospheric Plasma Spray (APS) process. Improvements were also made to the cooling system, with the engine featuring three separate coolant circuits. The first is designed to bring the cylinder heads up to optimum operating temperature as quickly as possible for best engine performance and low emissions. The second cools the engine block and oil system, while the third handles the thermal load of the turbochargers. Each system has a dedicated water pump, allowing optimized individual control. The W12 combines high-pressure direct fuel injection (200 bar injection pressure) with low-pressure port injection (six bar). The combination of these two systems maximizes refinement, lowers particulate emissions and optimizes power and torque delivery.  Twin-scroll turbochargers minimize turbo response time and provide a more efficient exhaust package. The exhaust assemblies for the three front and three rear cylinders are separate from one another which then feed the twin-scroll impellers. The turbocharger housing is welded directly to the exhaust manifolds and feature integrated speed sensors, allowing the engine to monitor turbo performance for maximum efficiency. Bentley’s Variable Displacement system shuts down half of the engine under defined conditions. Intake and exhaust valves, fuel injection and ignition are all shut down on defined cylinders, with the engine running as a six-cylinder for improved efficiency. The system will run in this mode in gears three to eight, below 3,000 rpm and up to 300 Nm torque output.