NSTAutomotive

McLaren Automotive revealed its unique interpretation of a modern Grand Tourer for 2020 : the new McLaren GT. Sleek, elegant and muscular, the superlight new GT challenges the conventions of the Grand Tourer category with a compelling blend of beautiful design, high-quality innovative materials, true supercar performance and McLaren driving dynamics and engagement.

"The new McLaren GT combines competition levels of performance with continent-crossing capability, wrapped in a beautiful body and true to McLaren's ethos of designing superlight cars with a clear weight advantage over rivals. Designed for distance, it provides the comfort and space expected of a Grand Tourer, but with a level of agility never experienced before in this segment. In short, this is a car that redefines the notion of a Grand Tourer in a way that only a McLaren could." Mike Flewitt, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Automotive



Positioned alongside the established Sports, Super and Ultimate Series families, this is a new McLaren for a new audience and provides an alternative to existing products in an expanding market segment. In re-imagining the spirit of traditional Grand Touring - long-distance driving in comfort, at higher speeds and with room for luggage - McLaren has also redefined the modern GT ownership experience with a car that is lighter, faster and more engaging than existing products in the segment, with greater space, comfort and usability.

Like all McLarens, the new GT has a carbon fibre structure that possesses exceptional strength and rigidity while enabling unparalleled driving dynamics and lightest-in-class kerbweight. At 1,530kg (DIN), the McLaren GT is more than 130kg lighter than its closest core competitor and literally hundreds of kilogrammes less than other cars in the segment. With 620PS from its 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 engine, the power-to-weight ratio of the superlight new McLaren GT is a remarkable 405PS-per-tonne.



The bespoke MonoCell II-T monocoque - the T denoting 'Touring' - incorporates a carbon fibre rear upper structure that adds minimal weight but allows the creation of a 420-litre luggage area below the front-hinged, full-length glazed tailgate. The tailgate has a soft-close function as standard and can be optioned as electrically powered.

The low height of the engine and positioning of the exhaust system has allowed the volume, shape and usability of the luggage bay to be optimised. A golf bag or two pairs of 185cm skis and boots as well as luggage can be carried with ease, while a further 150 litres of storage at the front means the new McLaren GT can accommodate a total of 570 litres.

The strength of the carbon fibre core structure means that glazed C-pillars and rear-quarter windows can be incorporated into the design, enhancing rearward vision and bringing still more light into an inherently spacious and uncluttered cabin. Dihedral doors swing upwards to expose a wide opening and low sill.

The interior is a cosseting space designed to delight on longer journeys, but with all the essentials for focused, high performance driving; the seating position, location of controls and forward visibility are as important here as they are in any McLaren. The streamlined, electrically adjusted and heated seats, which are unique to the McLaren GT, have been engineered to meet the requirements of Grand Touring, being optimised for long-distance comfort, with the perfect amount of padding and shoulder and back support in combination with superb lateral control.



Technology and modern craftsmanship share equal prominence in the new McLaren GT, with the finest high-quality materials complemented by features such as the most sophisticated McLaren infotainment system to date; hidden-until-lit ambient lighting and the option of an electrochromic glazed panel in lieu of the standard carbon fibre composite gloss black roof, darkening or lightening at the touch of a button. Machined and knurled aluminium switches and controls - including the steering wheel-mounted gearshift paddles - contrast with gloss black surrounds for the infotainment screen, window switches, gear-selection console and air vent housings. A 12-speaker, Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system featuring carbon fibre sub-bass woofers and Kevlar mid-range drive units, is available.

The Nappa leather trim that features as standard can be upgraded to softgrain luxury leather or Alcantara®, depending on which vehicle specification is chosen. Cashmere will become available as an additional choice towards the end of 2019 - the first time that this exclusive material has been used in a production vehicle. SuperFabric® trim for the rear luggage bay is another option, the innovative woven fabric that is infused with a layer of tiny armoured guard plates, providing increased resistance to stains, cuts, nicks and abrasions, as well as being breathable, easy to clean and quick to dry.




The infotainment system developed for the new McLaren GT is the company's most sophisticated to date. Among the fastest-operating in any car, it also features industry-standard HERE® navigation mapping and real-time traffic information. The driver interface operates in a similar way to a smartphone and the seven-inch central touchscreen is used to select from vehicle functions such as satellite navigation, Bluetooth telephony, media streaming and voice activation. DAB digital radio (or Sirius satellite radio in North America) is standard. Heating and ventilation controls are also incorporated into the touchscreen, ensuring ease of use and reducing the overall number of switches and controls. Dual-zone climate control and air conditioning are standard, with the system allowing fully automatic and independent settings for both the driver and passenger.

Ahead of the driver and providing key vehicle information is a 12.3" TFT screen. The instrument graphics are like those seen on aircraft, the aeronautical influences delivering clear, crisp displays that are easy to read. In addition to vehicle speed, gear selection and engine revs, the instrument cluster can also display turn-by-turn navigation, phone calls, chosen audio output and tyre temperatures and pressures. When a reversing camera has been specified, the image behind the vehicle is displayed when reverse gear is selected, which keeps the driver's eyeline as high as possible.



As befits a Grand Tourer, ambient refinement was a priority for the new McLaren GT from the outset. Unique engine mounts that are half the stiffness of those in the track-focused McLaren 600LT help to minimise structure-borne noise, while low-frequency sounds emitting from the carbon fibre structure are reduced rather than amplified into the cabin in the way that they are in the McLaren Senna; in Comfort mode, the new McLaren GT is the most refined McLaren ever.

Creating a new type of McLaren - and the first true Grand Tourer from the brand - saw the McLaren design team embracing the visual history of Grand Touring cars while remaining true to the philosophies that underpin all McLaren design. The long, elegant exterior lines that are widely recognised as Grand Tourer design cues are executed in the new McLaren GT according to the aerodynamic principles that define every McLaren. The muscular rear fenders - another design trait commonplace in Grand Touring history - are an example of the form of every McLaren being true to its function, incorporating here the air intakes for the high-temperature radiators that cool the engine.

At almost 4.7m, the new McLaren is longer than any of the cars in the McLaren Sports or Super Series. The front and rear overhangs extend further than is traditional for McLaren, but the 10-degree approach angle at the front (13-degree with vehicle lift engaged) means the new McLaren GT can cope with the most aggressive traffic calming measures. In combination with underbody clearance of 110mm (130mm with vehicle lift) this ensures the car is eminently usable in all urban situations; not only is it competitive with all rivals, but in 'lift' mode it is the equal of mainstream sedans.

"The new McLaren GT combines McLaren's design philosophies with classic Grand Tourer visual cues. Bold, elegant volumes flow seamlessly from nose to tail, encapsulating the beautifully crafted cabin. The sophisticated, sculpted body expresses both the power of the car and its ability to cosset occupants during long-distance driving. The teardrop shape of the cabin, which stretches back to encompass the rear luggage area, follows the aerodynamic principles inherent in all McLarens, while the muscular rear fenders that form the side intakes for the high-temperature radiators are an example of how we merge both beauty and functionality to create breath-taking authentic designs. The new McLaren GT clearly stands out both as a new type of McLaren and a cutting-edge interpretation of a Grand Tourer for a new era." Rob Melville, Design Director, McLaren Automotive

The width and stance of the new McLaren GT are emphasised at the front by the signature 'hammerhead line' that runs horizontally across the nose and draws the eye out to the sides of the vehicle. At the rear, an integrated fixed rear wing, large diffuser and substantial exhaust tailpipes are reminders that this is a Grand Tourer with supercar performance.

The source of that performance is a new, 620PS 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged engine, designated M840TE. Further expanding the family of McLaren V8 engines, it is bespoke to the new McLaren GT and has the immense power and torque and superior exhaust sound quality that are the hallmarks of a true Grand Tourer. Torque of 630Nm is produced between 5,500rpm and 6,500rpm, with more than 95% of this available from 3,000rpm to 7,250rpm. The new engine is mated to a 7-speed SSG transmission to deliver linear, seamless and relentless acceleration.

The performance statistics speak for themselves: with a launch control function optimising acceleration from a standing start, 0-100km/h (0-62mph) is achieved in 3.2 seconds (0-60mph in 3.1 seconds), 0-200km/h (0-124mph) is dispatched in 9.0 seconds. The maximum speed of the McLaren GT is 326km/h (203mph).

Another defining element of the new McLaren GT - and arguably what will cement its position as the new segment leader - is its dynamic prowess. The suspension, steering and brakes are all bespoke to the car and honed and optimised to provide an outstanding Grand Touring driving experience, with inherent balance, responsiveness and precision yet better ride comfort than any other McLaren.

The suspension is a lightweight aluminium, double wishbone design, paired in the new McLaren GT with hydraulic dampers to deliver Proactive Damping Control. Governed by the most sophisticated iteration yet of the pioneering Optimal Control Theory software algorithm developed for the 720S, the suspension uses inputs from sensors to 'read' the road, interpreting what will likely happen next and reacting predictively in just two milliseconds. Overall, body movement is tailored for occupant comfort and vertical load and contact patch variation are optimised to enhance grip levels, but each of the three active dynamics handling modes - Comfort, Sport and Track - has its own distinct set of parameters to reflect the selected preference, for example, a particularly compliant ride in Comfort mode.

Driving precision and enjoyment is further enhanced in new McLaren GT by hydraulic steering, which uses a single software 'map' across Comfort, Sport and Track modes to deliver optimal feel and response. Reflecting the requirements of the new McLaren GT, it also provides increased assistance at low speeds to aid urban driving and parking, without loss of rewarding feedback at higher speeds.

Just as the steering response more than meets expectations across the wide range of Grand Touring driving styles, so too do the tyres and brakes. McLaren and its technical partner, Pirelli, have developed a bespoke P ZERO™ tyre for the new McLaren GT that meets the demands of high-performance driving and comfort and refinement in equal measure. The 21-inch alloy rear wheels, which are the largest ever fitted to a McLaren, are paired with 20-inch at the front and available in 7- or 15-spoke designs.

The high-performance braking system has also been designed to deliver across the full range of requirements, from precise pedal feel and hard deceleration when driving at higher speeds to usability and comfort at lower speeds or when holding the vehicle in traffic, where less pedal effort is preferable.

"The new McLaren GT delivers the dynamic performance and driving exhilaration expected of a McLaren but is also an exceptionally refined vehicle. We're particularly proud of the Proactive Damping Control suspension, which utilises the next generation of our pioneering Optimal Control Theory to deliver levels of ride comfort that better all previous McLarens. Overall, the breadth of ability demonstrated by the new McLaren GT - especially its everyday usability - is truly remarkable." Darren Goddard, McLaren GT Vehicle Line Director, McLaren Automotive

The new McLaren GT is available to order now from McLaren retailers worldwide, with customer deliveries commencing towards the end of 2019. UK pricing starts at £163,000 including taxes.

Gracefully sporting proportions and a progressive interpretation of luxury mark out the exterior design of the new BMW 7-Series. Its alluring bodywork reflects the supreme dynamics and exclusive comfort that shape the luxury sedan's unmistakable driving experience. The latest edition of the 7-Series features neatly judged exterior flourishes, which underline its status and advanced technology even more intently. The design updates reach every area of the body and strengthen, above all, the confident presence with which the new BMW 7-Series sedan advertises its position as the brand's flagship model. The far-reaching exterior redesign accentuates the cultured elegance of the BMW 7-Series and takes in the front apron, bonnet, headlights, front side panels, rear bumper trim and rear lights.

The BMW 7-Series will continue to be offered in two body variants. The longer version of the luxury sedan has a wheelbase extended by 14 centimetres over the standard car - to 3,210 millimetres - and gives rear-seat passengers the extra space to match. The standard 7-Series (5,120 mm) and its long-wheelbase twin (5,260 mm) are both 22 millimetres longer than their respective predecessors. The new model's width (1,902 mm) and height (1,467 mm / long-wheelbase version: 1,479 mm) remain unchanged.

Taller front end, significantly larger BMW kidney grille

The extensive design refresh at the front end plays a particularly prominent role in giving the new BMW 7-Series its more powerful visual presence. Catching the eye most vividly is the significantly expanded surfacing at the front of the car, which now rises around 50 millimetres taller at its foremost point. The result is a verticality that projects the prestige and status of the luxury sedan.

The dominant force of the front-end design is the BMW kidney grille, now framed by a single-piece surround whose surface area has grown by some 40 per cent. The grille has active air flap control with adjustable vanes which only open when the need for cooling air is increased. The bars of the kidney grille come in Aluminium satinated as standard and in High-gloss Chrome on cars with Design Pure Excellence specified. The fronts of the air vanes between the kidney grille bars are likewise in High-gloss Chrome - or black if the M Sport package is specified. The new BMW M760Li xDrive has a kidney grille surround and kidney grille bars in Cerium Grey.

Slim headlight units, BMW Laserlight available as an option

The new design of the super-slender headlight units provides an attractive visual contrast with the significantly enlarged BMW kidney grille, adding a new strand to the character of BMW's luxury-class models and lending the front section of the new BMW 7-Series an expressive and highly distinctive flavour. The modern take on the BMW's signature four-eyed face combines with the efficiency and lighting power of LED technology, whose sophisticated functionality is brought visually to the fore by the design of the light sources.

Standard equipment for the new BMW 7-Series includes Adaptive LED Headlights with variable light distribution, adaptive and cornering light functions, and the BMW Selective Beam non-dazzling high-beam assistant. BMW Laserlight can be ordered as an option. This system employs a BMW Laserlight spotlight with Selective Beam to optimise the high beam function, whose range increases to a maximum 560 metres as a result. Blue elements inside the hexagonal light sources make a distinctive visual statement.

New bonnet contours, covered air intakes

Also among the striking changes made to the front of the car is the re-designed bonnet. It extends right up to the higher-rise BMW kidney grille and displays even more sharply cut and powerfully sculpted contour lines. Another feature of the car's sophisticated yet unshrinking looks is the upsized BMW badge on the bonnet, whose diameter has grown from 82 to 95 millimetres.

The lower section of the front apron draws the eye with an all-new design making its debut in a BMW model. The outer air intakes are now overlaid with large air deflectors. These guide the onrushing air efficiently to the brake air ducts and the Air Curtains, which help to minimise turbulence around the wheel arches. These plates - painted in body colour - and the newly designed decorative chrome strips lend the bumper trim a sense of sophisticated elegance, imbuing the car's nose with additional visual impact. L-shaped trim strips in High-gloss Chrome border the Air Curtains on their outer edges and below. Another trim strip runs along the lower edge of the central air intake, before kicking upwards to form the top line of the side plates. This strip is Pearl-effect Chrome as standard, but switches to Cerium Grey for the BMW M760Li xDrive and High-gloss Chrome on cars specified with the Design Pure Excellence option and on the BMW M760Li xDrive V12 Excellence.

Wide-open air intakes form the headline act in the front apron of cars with the M Sport package. Their updated design for the new BMW 7-Series uses C-shaped surrounds with integrated Air Curtains to underscore the positioning of air ducts at the outer edges of the front apron. In addition, the dynamic appearance of the front end is accentuated by the particularly striking and aerodynamically optimised contouring of the front apron's lower border.

Newly designed side panels with upright Air Breathers

Handsomely resolved proportions, powerfully bulging surfaces and precisely drawn character lines shape the side view of the new BMW 7-Series. With long wheelbases and short overhangs, a flowing roofline and the Hofmeister kink (the upturned line at the trailing edge of the side window graphic), the luxury sedan isn't short of hallmark BMW design cues. Elsewhere, exterior mirrors attached to the window surround by a thin stalk strike a modern chord and further improve aerodynamics. And the front side panels have been treated to a thorough redesign, too. A precisely scored seam feeding into the bumper and headlights tunes neatly into the new lines of the front end.


The Air Breathers, in newly upright form, also exude precision, clarity and solidity. The air outlets integrated into the side panels now extend much further upwards and their trim strips form a 90-degree angle with the side trim elements, bringing the dominant verticality of the front and rear of the car to the flanks as well. The new design of the Air Breathers also optimises the flow of air through the wheel arches, which helps to reduce aerodynamically undesirable turbulence.

The Air Breathers on either side of the car provide the starting point for a horizontal trim strip that runs above the side skirts and now reaches into the rear apron both in standard form and when the M Sport package is specified. The Air Breathers and trim strips come in High-gloss Chrome as standard. The BMW M760Li xDrive has the two elements in Cerium Grey, while the M Sport package and optional extended BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line turns them to Dark Chrome. The M Sport package also includes extremely muscular side skirts, which add extra visual emphasis to the dynamic appearance of the car's silhouette.

New rear-end design with full-width light strip

The rear of the new BMW 7-Series also includes fresh injections of modernity, elegance and presence. Here, the design makeover has upped the dominance of horizontal lines, emphasising even more keenly the wide and powerful over-the-wheels stance of the sedan. Added to which, the lines in the outer sections of the rear apron adopt the design language used for the air intake trim in the front apron. The exhaust system's tailpipes are edged in what are now wider chrome surrounds, split down the middle on the BMW M760Li xDrive V12 Excellence, and are integrated flush into the lower section of the rear apron. The tailpipe edging comes in High-gloss Chrome as standard, in Cerium Grey on the BMW M760Li xDrive and in Black Chrome on cars with extended BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line. Painted in body colour as standard, the bumper trim comes in High-gloss Chrome in cars with Design Pure Excellence specification and also encompasses the tailpipe edging. The M Sport package includes a strikingly sculpted rear apron with a diffuser inlay painted in Dark Shadow metallic

The three-dimensional rear lights of the new BMW 7-Series are around 35 millimetres slimmer than on the outgoing car and cut a sophisticated and precise figure. Their light sources are all-LED and are positioned behind red and black surfaces arranged to emphasise the L-shaped contour of the rear lights. Other new features include a sharply defined and very slim light strip (it measures just six millimetres in width) sited below the chrome bar, which extends across the full width of the tailgate and connects the rear lights with each other. The chrome bar comes in Dark Chrome when extended BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line is specified and Cerium Grey on the BMW M760Li xDrive. The light strip also creates a discreetly illuminated accent when the daytime driving lights are switched on and teams up with the L-shaped taillights to generate a characteristic and highly distinctive night design at the rear of the new BMW 7-Series when darkness falls.



New paint finishes and light-alloy wheels

The selection of exterior paint finishes available for the new BMW 7-Series comprises two non-metallic and eleven metallic finishes. The variants Bernina Grey amber effect metallic, Royal Burgundy Red brilliant effect metallic and Donington Grey metallic (the latter available exclusively in conjunction with the M Sport package) are new to the portfolio. Customers can also choose from four BMW Individual options, including the new shades Dravite Grey metallic and Tanzanite Blue metallic, and eight BMW Individual special paint finishes. These capture the imagination with the ultra-intense brilliance of the colour and feeling of depth, all of which provides a visually arresting showcase for the elegantly sporty exterior of the new BMW 7-Series.

Now available for the BMW 7-Series on cars fitted with the M Sport package is the optional extended BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line, which employs Dark Chrome for the BMW kidney grille, door opener inlays, exhaust tailpipe embellishers and rear light trim elements. In addition, the kidney grille bars are painted in High-gloss Black.

Depending on the model variant, the new BMW 7-Series comes as standard with 17-inch or 18-inch light-alloy wheels. Additional light-alloy wheels in 17-inch to 21-inch formats are included on the options list and in the Original BMW Accessories range. New to the line-up are 20-inch light-alloy wheels in multi-spoke and star-spoke design, and 21-inch light-alloy wheels in W-spoke design. The 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design - part of the M Sport package - are now painted in Orbit Grey. The M Sport package can optionally be combined with 20-inch M light-alloy wheels in star-spoke design, which are available in bi-colour Orbit Grey with polished finish and in Jet Black.

Interior and equipment

The more powerful presence and clear design idiom embodied by the exterior of the new BMW 7-Series are mirrored by a comprehensively enhanced interior design and a wealth of optimised equipment features. Generous levels of space, choice materials, harmoniously coordinated design details and exclusive workmanship combine to create a luxurious ambience that has been refined in every respect. Complementing the supreme performance and refinement of the powertrain and chassis technology, these attributes ensure that the new BMW 7-Series offers both driver and passengers an inspiring on-board experience moulded by a luxurious sense of wellbeing.

The progress associated with the new generation of this luxury sedan is reflected by advances such as the screen grouping formed by the instrument cluster and the Control Display, the extended functionality of its controls and further improvement of the infotainment systems. Trim strips, leather-covered surfaces and light sources make a greater contribution than ever to the exclusive flair of the new BMW 7-Series cabin. Optimised acoustic comfort also makes for an even more relaxing travel experience.

Expressive and harmonious: Exclusive Nappa leather and BMW Individual Merino full leather trim with extended quilting, new interior trim strips

The new BMW 7-Series comes as standard with Dakota leather upholstery, available in five different colours. A choice of six colour variants is offered for the optional Exclusive Nappa leather upholstery with extended appointments (standard for the BMW M760Li xDrive), while Exclusive Nappa leather with extended quilting is now available as a further option. The extensive, three-dimensional surface structure which is found on the front and rear seat cushions and backrests, the armrests integrated in the door trim and the centre console gives the interior an expressive and harmonious feel. In models equipped with the Executive Lounge or Executive Lounge rear console options, the high-quality quilting is also to be found on the rear centre armrest. The Exclusive Nappa leather trim with extended quilting is available in the colours Mocha and Cognac.

The BMW Individual fine-grain Merino full leather trim - which is available in six colours and features not only extended quilting but also contrast stitching and piping - uses materials of the very finest quality. The door shoulders, the upper part of the instrument panel and the lower part of the door linings are finished in fulled leather with this option.

The interior trim strips for the new BMW 7-Series inject the styling with yet more individual flair. New to the range are the particularly exclusive fine wood versions American Oak Dark with metal inlay and Poplar Grain Metallic Grey high-gloss. Both the trim strips and the instrument panel's chrome surrounds that border them are made individually for each car to ensure that their dimensions match down to the millimetre. The new design features also extend to the boot of the new BMW 7-Series, where a stainless steel insert in the loading sill makes a stylish quality statement. This feature is standard equipment on all model variants with the exception of the plug-in hybrids.

Design Pure Excellence for the interior, M Sport package with special seat upholstery

The luxurious ambience of the new BMW 7-Series can be enhanced with an exclusive touch in the form of the Design Pure Excellence package for the interior. An Alcantara headliner, door sill plates in Fine Brushed Aluminium, precise decorative stitching in the lower section of the instrument panel, and fine wood inlays for the seatbelt outlet covers, armrest and roof grab handles in the rear bring an inviting and sophisticated aura to the interior. The Design Pure Excellence interior package for the new BMW 7-Series with long wheelbase also includes deep-pile floor mats for the rear compartment.

An ideal setting for an intensive driving experience is created by the interior design features specific to the M Sport package. These include the BMW Individual headliner in Anthracite, the M leather steering wheel, M pedals and the M driver's footrest, as well as the comfort seats, the illuminated M door sill plates and the Fineline Black fine wood interior trim strips with high-gloss metal effect. In the new BMW 7-Series, customers have the option of combining the M Sport package with a special version of the Exclusive Nappa leather upholstery with extended appointments. This option comprises black leather with a distinctive stitching pattern and M piping.



The BMW M760Li xDrive also signals its outstanding performance potential with a bespoke interior design. In addition to the M leather steering wheel, the BMW Individual headliner in Anthracite, the M pedals, the M driver's footrest and the comfort seats upholstered in Exclusive Nappa leather with extended appointments, this 12-cylinder model is equipped as standard with Fineline Black fine wood interior trim strips with high-gloss metal effect, a digitally generated model badge in the instrument cluster, an insert in the centre console in Piano Finish Black and illuminated door sill plates bearing the inscription "V12". The new BMW M760Li xDrive V12 Excellence underlines its exclusive status with features such as Fineline high-gloss fine wood interior trim strips and a leather steering wheel with wood applications.

GMC is elevating the 2018 Yukon Denali lineup with styling and trim enhancements, as well as a new, advanced 10-speed automatic transmission.

Automobili Lamborghini launches its third model the Lamborghini Urus, the first Super Sport Utility Vehicle, and creates a new niche in the luxury segment with benchmarking power, performance and driving dynamics, unparalleled design, luxury and daily usability.

"The Lamborghini Urus is a visionary approach based on the infusion of Lamborghini DNA into the most versatile vehicle, the SUV. The Urus elevates the SUV to a level not previously possible, the Super SUV. It is a true Lamborghini in terms of design, performance, driving dynamics and emotion as well as drivable every day in a range of environments," says Stefano Domenicali, Automobili Lamborghini Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "The Urus fits perfectly within the Lamborghini family as a high performance car. It is the culmination of intensive development and passionate skill to create a new breed of bull: a Super SUV that transcends the boundaries of expectations and opens the door to new possibilities, for both our brand and our customers."

The Lamborghini Urus features a 4.0 liter V8 twin-turbo engine delivering 650 hp (478 kW) at 6,000 rpm, maximum 6,800 rpm, and 850 Nm of maximum torque already at 2,250 rpm. With 162.7 hp/l the Urus claims one of the highest specific power outputs in its class and the best weight-to-power ratio at 3,38 kg/hp.

The Lamborghini Urus accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 12,8 seconds and with a top speed of 305 km/h it is the fastest SUV available.
The Lamborghini Urus is as much a luxury SUV as the most powerful, with a super sports car dynamism to be enjoyed by both driver and passengers.

Its low-line coupé styling and commanding road position belie the very comfortable ride, higher ground clearance, and luxurious space within together with the latest technologies. The Urus provides easy driving in the city, maximum comfort during long journeys, thrilling super sports car dynamics on the road and track, and versatile off-road abilities in a range of environments. The Lamborghini Urus has a dual personality: it is multi-dimensional. It can be specified to be as sporty or as elegant as the owner wishes, and can equally be used as a daily luxury drive or provide an exhilarating super sports experience.



Name

As has long been the tradition at Lamborghini, the name Urus is derived from the world of bulls. The Urus, also known as Aurochs, is one of the large, wild ancestors of domestic cattle. The Spanish fighting bull, as bred for the past 500 years, is still very close to the Urus in its appearance.

Engine

The Lamborghini Urus sports a new front-mounted, 4.0 liter petrol V8 twin-turbo aluminum engine. The choice of a turbo engine, the first in a Lamborghini, reflects the desired usage range of the Urus. Especially in off-road conditions a high level of torque at low revs is necessary and can be guaranteed only by such an engine, providing optimal engine responsiveness and efficiency. Delivering 650 hp (478 kW) at 6,000 rpm, maximum 6,800 rpm and a maximum torque of 850 Nm at 2,250-4,500 rpm, the Urus has a specific power of 162.7 hp/l. With a curb weight lower than 2,200 kg the Urus is the SUV with the best weight-to-power ratio at 3.38 kg/hp.

The Urus accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 12.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 305 km/h. Braking is no less impressive: the Urus decelerates from 100 km/h to 0 in 33,7 m.

The compact engine optimizes the car's center of gravity through its low-mounted position. With a central turbo charger layout close to the combustion chambers, optimum engine responsiveness is assured. The twin-scroll turbochargers run in parallel, providing maximum power in full-load conditions. This reduces turbo lag and ensures maximum torque and smooth provision of power throughout the torque curve, even at low speeds. Two separate exhaust flows complement the cylinder firing sequence by eliminating cross-interference in the exhaust gas cycle. With a double overhead camshaft and variable valve timing, new cylinder-liner technology reduces weight while ensuring the highest performance from the eight-cylinder engine. Cylinder deactivation reduces fuel consumption for a perfect balance between vehicle performance and efficient engine function.

Transmission and gearbox

The Lamborghini Urus features an automatic eight-speed gearbox. The compact and efficient electro-hydraulically controlled planetary gearbox is tuned to provide very short low gear ratios and longer high gears. A highly efficient slip-controlled converter lock-up clutch and specially-developed torque converter guarantee a highly responsive engine, with an exceptionally powerful starting ratio for exciting acceleration, and high speed at low engine revs for optimal fuel consumption and emissions. Highly efficient gear braking is also assured.

Lamborghini four-wheel drive and torque vectoring: optimizing driving dynamics

The Lamborghini Urus' four-wheel drive system delivers safe, highly-responsive driving dynamics on every road and surface, in all weather. A Torsen central self-locking differential provides maximum control and agility in all driving conditions, particularly off-road. Torque is split 40/60 to the independent front/rear axle as standard, with a dynamic maximum torque of 70% to the front or 87% to the rear, enhancing traction to the axle with higher ground friction.

The Lamborghini Urus features active torque vectoring via a rear differential, enabling propulsive power to be instantly distributed to each individual wheel for enhanced traction, depending on the driving mode, driving style and the road grip. Torque vectoring also provides additional steering control: less steering effort is required, with enhanced agility allowing higher cornering speeds and a more sporty drive. Yaw motion is controlled, avoiding understeer into corners and tire slip during acceleration. In the driving modes STRADA, TERRA (off-road) and NEVE (snow) torque vectoring reduces understeer for safe and simple driving. In SPORT and CORSA torque vectoring allows the Urus to become more agile with a greater oversteer character: interaction between the four-wheel drive system and ESC manages oversteer to enable a precise and fun drive. In SABBIA (sand) mode, the system is calibrated to guarantee agility and precision on terrains with reduced grip such as on gravel or sand dunes, making it the ideal mode for off-road fun.



Rear-wheel steering

The Lamborghini Urus adopts the rear-wheel steering introduced in the Aventador S over the whole speed range. The rear steering angle varies up to +/- 3.0 degrees, according to vehicle speed and driving mode selected: at low speeds the rear-axle steering angle is opposite to that of the front wheels (counter-phase steering), effectively shortening the wheelbase up to 600 mm for increased agility and a reduced turning circle for increased maneuverability. At high speeds the rear axle steering angle is in the same direction as the front wheels (in-phase steering), elongating the wheelbase up to 600 mm for increased stability and ride comfort as well as optimum driving dynamics.

The emotive Lamborghini sound and feel

A 360-degree approach to engine, exhaust system and chassis ensures daily usability with the reduction of unwanted mechanical noise, while maintaining the emotive Lamborghini driving experience and inimitable Lamborghini sound.

Depending on the driving mode selected via the Tamburo, the V8 engine has been calibrated to vary the sound and feel of the Urus, from the quietest and most comfortable low-frequency sounds in STRADA mode, to a sportier and more exciting Lamborghini sound and feedback in CORSA. A specially-developed exhaust system also customizes the sound output dependent on engine speed: at high acceleration, the Urus produces a more guttural, sporty sound and chassis feedback.

The Tamburo - Lamborghini driving dynamics control

The Tamburo driving mode selector on the center console controls all dynamic vehicle systems and allows the selection of driving dynamics according to surface conditions or drivers' preference, via STRADA, SPORT and CORSA as well the additional NEVE (snow) mode. As an option, two further off-road settings are offered: TERRA (off-road) and SABBIA (sand).

In STRADA mode the height adapts according to speed to enhance comfort, while in SPORT the Lamborghini Urus lowers to ensure stability and precision at all speeds. In CORSA the vehicle is even more precise and performance oriented with roll at a minimum. In the three off-road modes, NEVE , TERRA and SABBIA higher ground clearance allows obstacles to be safely overcome, with anti-roll bars providing independent asymmetric movement during cornering to ensure optimal traction.

The electromechanical active roll stabilization system is being used for the first time in a Lamborghini. The stabilization system ensures maximum reduction of the roll angle on bumpy roads in both a straight line and around corners through active decoupling of the stabilizer halves, while ensuring the most agile drive and responsive steering.

The Urus' specially-tuned damping system incorporates new damper valves, continually adjusting to different driving conditions: harder when cornering and softer in a straight line. The adaptive damper concept is automatically adjusted to different driving modes through ANIMA, or can be fully customized by the driver via the EGO mode, choosing the required rigidity for a very comfortable ride to an extremely sporty, aggressive setting dependent on driving style and road conditions.

Exterior design

The Urus is undoubtedly a Lamborghini, taking cues from the LM002 as well as the super sports cars that are fundamental to Lamborghini heritage: the Urus has outstanding proportions, adopting the two-thirds body, one-third window ratio of Lamborghini super sports cars.

The Lamborghini Urus is a Lamborghini with luxurious space for up to five occupants. Its short overhangs communicate its strength, muscularity, dynamically assertive character and commanding road position.

The imposing front of the Urus clearly identifies the location of the front-engined power plant within the peaked mound of the bonnet, reminiscent of the Miura and Aventador, and accented by diagonal hood lines, found for the first time on the Countach, that are such a dynamic Lamborghini characteristic. The proud, low front is underlined by the substantial front fender: the Urus is the most powerful SUV available. Large air intakes sporting the hexagonal theme are linked by a low-level front spoiler, further emphasizing the car's aerodynamic efficiency and exceptional performance. The front lights are sleek, slim and very sporty, set in a horizontal position and with LED headlights in the familiar Lamborghini Y shape.

Its distinctive single-line silhouette features a dynamic coupé-style fly line, accented by the frameless doors and emphasizing the typical Lamborghini characteristic of a lower front end. The powerful character line lips upwards around the rear glass windows, dynamically connecting front and rear and emphasizing the cohesive design impression of creation from a single piece. The Y-shaped front air intakes, also a feature of the LM002, are detailed with the Italian flag: the Urus is born and made in Italy.

The low roofline and position of the frameless windows allude to the seating position of driver and passengers low within the car. The sharply-inclined windshield and strongly-angled rear windows with glass-on-glass replacing the C-pillar, are emotive of Lamborghini models including the Huracán and accent the Urus' super sports silhouette. The hexagonal wheel arches at both front and rear are a significant design detail from the LM002 and Countach, housing wheels from 21" to 23": the largest in the segment.

The rear of the Urus sports the complex, powerful lines typical of a Lamborghini, reinforcing the strong, planted character of the car. The roof line broadens at the base of the roof panel in the style of Lamborghini models including the Countach and Murciélago. The substantial rear shoulders support the strongly inclined rear windows, with the entire rear connected by the fender and concurrent black panel housing the air grilles, Lamborghini logo and the Y-shaped taillights. The rear diffuser is inspired by Lamborghini race cars, with integrated double round exhaust pipes.

When viewed from above, the Urus' pronounced front and rear fenders are set off by the slimmer middle of the car, its curvaceous lines referencing a planted physicality redolent of Lamborghini super sports cars. The rear door lines incorporate both concave and convex lines, giving the Urus its pinched waist before dynamic expansion out to its broad, muscular rear.

Aerodynamic optimization

Every surface of the Urus clearly contributes to the car's aerodynamic prowess and its Lamborghini super sports car personality. Form and function work hand in hand within the Lamborghini design: each panel contributes to the car's overall drag coefficient.

The front splitter and very large air intakes ensure optimal air flow in conjunction with the extensive covered areas of the aerodynamically efficient underbody. Aerodynamic blades feature on the outer edges of the rear window, and the floating rear wing, integrated rear spoiler and spoiler lip reduce aerodynamic resistance. An advanced wheelhouse aerodynamic solution with Naca cooling improves and augments front brake cooling to enhance driving dynamics.

Efficient aerodynamics also contribute to the Urus' internal acoustics, improving ride comfort, reducing fuel consumption and emissions while a high downforce increases stability, safety and driving dynamics.



Chassis and suspension

The Urus is the new benchmark for a Super SUV and a true Lamborghini: it delivers best-in-class lightweight technologies and weight-to-power ratio, with innovation in design and engineering to ensure the best possible driving dynamics as well as overall efficiency.

At a curb weight of less than 2,200 kg, Lamborghini's team of designers and R&D engineers focused on weight reduction throughout the car's chassis, with an intelligent materials mix to ensure maximum stiffness for the best possible comfort and handling as well as lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The chassis is a blend of aluminum and steel, with frameless aluminum doors, torsional beams replacing a C-pillar, and cross-members in aluminum contributing to the lightweight Urus, as does the chassis floor in a high-strength steel material. Seats are designed and constructed for lightweight comfort and rims are in forged aluminum.

The front axle with aluminum subframe and suspension-strut support includes specially-designed pivot bearings and wishbone structure. A rear axle with optimized subframe features an aluminum and steel hybrid construction cell. The powertrain mount system has been devised to reduce the effect of engine movement on the chassis, removing uncomfortable chassis vibrations while still delivering a highly sporty feeling through an extremely rigid chassis: a true Lamborghini characteristic. The adaptive air suspension system enables the vehicle to be raised or lowered according to road and driving conditions, with ride height further customizable by the driver via the settings of a Urus-specific controller in the center console: the Tamburo (Drum).

Brakes and wheels

The Lamborghini Urus' braking system is commensurate with its super sports car performance, ensuring high thermal resistance and accommodating frequent and heavy braking, even from high speeds and in extreme conditions such as on track or at high altitude. Carbon Ceramic Brakes (CCB) as standard, are the largest and most powerful available, measuring 440 x 40 mm at the front and 370 x 30 mm at the rear. With virtually no brake fade the system optimizes pedal feel, assuring performance and safety in all conditions and environments.

Wheel options range from 21" to 23", fitted with a range of summer, winter, all-season, all-terrain and sport tires, all especially developed by Pirelli for the Lamborghini Urus and with widths varying between front and rear to enhance stability and sportive driving behavior.



The Urus interior

The Urus is as much a luxury SUV as the most powerful, with a super sports car dynamism to be enjoyed by both driver and passengers. The interior's design and finish echoes that of the exterior in terms of unmistakable Lamborghini design, colorways and individuality. Inside, the Urus is as clearly a Lamborghini as it is from outside, with a sporty yet luxurious design and finish.

The Lamborghini Urus embodies the Lamborghini principal that a car's design, power and dynamic capabilities means every driver should feel like a pilot. The Lamborghini Urus is technologically advanced, yet intuitively operable. The driver and passengers are all afforded a low but extremely comfortable super sports car seat position, firmly integrated within the cabin and for the driver, every cockpit control within easy reach. Oriented around the driver, the slim Y design of the dashboard, like double silver wings and connected to the climbing center console, is inspired by the LM002 as well as by current Lamborghini super sports cars. The Lamborghini hexagonal theme echoes throughout the interior, in elements such as air vents and door handles, and even in items such as the cup holders and air bag modules. A multi-function, three-spoke steering wheel incorporates a vibration damper to enhance comfort in all driving conditions. Multifunction switches are intuitively located on the steering wheel to control the Lamborghini Infotainment System (LIS), including car set-up, media, telephone and navigation.

A fully-digital TFT display shows the Urus' main information in an animated 3D representation and is customizable by the driver.

Seating

Its long wheelbase of 3,003 mm and the low seating position of the occupants creates a comfortable and extremely spacious feel. The Lamborghini Urus ensures luxury and roominess for each of its occupants in seats designed specifically for the Urus Super SUV.

The standard front DNA memory sport seats are fully electric, heated and 12-way adjustable. More luxurious, 18-way fully-electric front seats are available as an option, including features such as ventilation and massage. The rear bench seat as standard comes with a movable and folding seat back and ISOFIX fixings. Providing an extremely comfortable five-seat configuration, the ability to fold and move the rear seat offers maximum versatility and increased luggage capacity for daily use. The rear bench seat can be lowered to substantially extend the trunk space from 616 liters to 1.596 liters. As an option in conjunction with the fully-electric front seats, a more exclusive two-seat rear layout can be specified providing exceptional rear passenger comfort while reflecting the Urus' sporty character.

Color and trim

Luxury Italian style and craftsmanship resonate through the Lamborghini Urus. Its ergonomic cabin is replete with high quality materials including the finest leather, Alcantara, aluminum, carbon fiber and wood.

Internally the Urus is specified with a Unicolor leather and trim in either Nero Ade or Grigio Octans and five additional optional colors. Dual-color Bicolor Elegante and Bicolor Sportivo specifications with options of both leather and Alcantara are also available. Stitching options and complementary seat belt, floor mat and carpet colors allow clients to customize their Urus in a more sporty or elegant style as required. The dashboard trim is finished in Piano Black and Brushed Aluminum as standard. Optional finishes are offered in Open Pore wood including a combination with aluminum, and a carbon fiber alternative.

An optional Off-Road Package incorporating the TERRA and SABBIA driving modes, includes specific metal-reinforced bumpers and additional underfloor protection for off-roading in snow, forest or even dune surfing.

Lamborghini Infotainment System III (LIS) and connectivity

The Lamborghini Urus infotainment system reflects its luxurious and daily usability, and comes with advanced connectivity features. Included as standard is an LIS touchscreen infotainment display across two screens, perfectly integrated within the Urus' interior above the center 'Tamburo'. The upper screen is the key interface for entertainment, managing functions such as media, navigation, telephone and car status information. The lower screen provides a keyboard and hand-writing-compatible screen for inputting information and controlling functions such as climate control and seat heating.

The LIS III integrates innovative connected voice control, able to recognize natural-dialogue voice commands to manage functions such as music, telephone calls or send text messages. Included as standard is a phone holder compartment with wireless charging and voice control; a personal memory profile, USB connections, Bluetooth media streaming, DVD player and a sound system. Other optional features include a TV tuner, DAB and CI card reader, head-up display, a Lamborghini smartphone interface and a smart display for rear seat entertainment. Lamborghini Connect is also offered.

The Lamborghini Smartphone Interface (LSI) allows fully integrated connection of iOS (Apple) and Android (Google) smartphones, supporting the Apple CarPlay TM, Android Auto (90% smartphone market coverage) and Baidu-Carlife (China) as standard.

A sound system featuring eight speakers, driven by four channels comes as standard. A high-end Bang & Olufsen Sound System with 3D sound and 1,700 watt output can be specified, with 21 fully active speakers. Produced through close collaboration between Lamborghini, Fraunhofer IIS, and HARMAN, the system creates an immersive, natural 3D sound experience for all Urus occupants, front and rear.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

The Lamborghini Urus ADAS systems provide a comprehensive level of safety, security and driving assistance on level 2 (SAE scale). A High Beam Assistant automatically fades headlights in and out of high beam mode as required; front and rear parking sensors and cruise control are also included as standard, as is an innovative PreCognition system preventing or mitigating collision. Optional ADAS systems include traffic management systems, top-view camera and a trailer coupling mode.

The Lamborghini Urus features keyless start via the push 'Start' button on the center console, as long as the key is present. Access to the Urus is also granted by touching sensor panels in the doors and tailgate. Personalization settings allow the car to be configured to suit different drivers and to switch easily between up to seven different programmable profiles including seat preferences and EGO driving mode styles, and even Infotainment presetting.

The rear tailgate is electrically operated via a switch on the driver's door, a button on the key or a manual button on the tailgate itself. An optional 'virtual pedal' allows the tailgate to be opened by a kick movement. The tailgate opening angle can be customized by the driver. Easyload Assist, standard on the Urus, allows the height at the rear of the Lamborghini Urus to be lowered for easy loading.

Price and market delivery

The first customers will take delivery of the new Lamborghini Urus in Spring 2018 at suggested retail prices as follows:

Europe: EUR 171,429.00 (suggested retail price, taxes excluded)
Italy: EUR 168,852.00 (suggested retail price, taxes excluded)
UK: GBP 131,500.00 (suggested retail price, taxes excluded)
USA: USD 200,000.00 (suggested retail price, VAT/GST excluded)
China: RMB 3,130,000.00 (suggested retail price, taxes included)
Japan: YEN 25,740,000.00 (suggested retail price, taxes excluded)

The all-new 2018 Jeep® Wrangler - the most capable and recognized vehicle in the world - builds on its legendary history with an unmatched combination of off-road capability, authentic Jeep design, open-air freedom, advanced fuel-efficient powertrains, superior on- and off-road dynamics, and a host of innovative safety and advanced technology features.

Like the previous report in June, BMW is ready to launch X7 SUV Concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2017. That is the largest sports utility vehicle (SUV) from BMW ever built. The position of this model will certainly be above the X5 and X6, and will use a plug-in hybrid drive.

The emotional designs and high-performance models issued by Lexus in the last few years prefaced a new chapter for the brand, one that begins now with the arrival of the 2018 LC flagship performance coupe. A concept car come to life, the Lexus LC combines stunning design, scintillating performance, long-distance comfort and premium craftsmanship to join an elite group of international grand touring coupes.

Honda has revealed the all-new Honda Civic Type R at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, ahead of the model's European launch in the summer 2017. The new car builds on Honda's heritage in developing high-performance hatchbacks, and represents the segment's ultimate expression of dynamic purity.

WHITLEY - Land Rover displays form the first official candidate for the new Range Rover family called "Velar".

The all-new 2017 Jeep Compass expands the brand's global reach with an unmatched combination of attributes that includes legendary and best-in-class 4x4 off-road capability, advanced fuel-efficient powertrains, premium and authentic Jeep design, superior on-road driving dynamics, open-air freedom, and a host of innovative safety and advanced technology offerings.

The Dodge Shakedown Challenger weaves together design cues from the past and present to create a uniquely original Mopar creation. The blend of yesterday and today is distinctly visible through exterior and interior styling, but comes to throaty fruition under the hood, where new Mopar-powered products administer a jolt to the heart of the classic 1971 Challenger.

The Dodge Shakedown Challenger drives 485 horsepower to the pavement via a Viper Tremec T6060 six-speed transmission and is further augmented by a Mopar concept cold-air intake and Mopar custom dual exhaust with black powder-coated Mopar exhaust tips. The custom front and rear suspension is lowered, dropping the Shakedown Challenger closer to the road - or to the track - creating a capable performer versatile enough to tackle the street or Pro Touring/Drift-type motorsports competition. Braking power is supplied by Brembo-red SRT® Hellcat six-piston front brakes and four-piston rear brakes.

The merging of old-school muscle with the 21st century is quickly evident on the "Bitchin' Black" exterior, hung on a unique hand-built, one-off frame with a removable body. The Dodge Shakedown Challenger rolls on concept SRT Hellcat Slingshot-designed 19-inch by 9 1/2-inch front and 20-inch by 9 1/2-inch rear wheels, providing a "coiled" stance. A heritage-inspired 1971 Shaker hood scoop is added with help from select parts from the Mopar brand's modern-day Shaker hood kit, feeding fresh air to the HEMI® powerplant.



The Shaker hood scoop is accented on top with a black "Shakedown" badge outlined in red, tying in neatly with custom gloss-black and gloss-red stripes that hug the scoop and flow down to the fascia and also up and over the roof to the tail, extending around and underneath the valance.

The 1971 Dodge Challenger body is shaved, deleting the door handles, drip rails and fuel door, which is relocated to the trunk. The Dodge Shakedown Challenger incorporates concept front headlamps and taillamps from the 2017 Dodge Challenger "massaged" to mesh seamlessly with '71 Challenger proportions. The headlamp bezels are Satin Black, as are the housing and surround of the tail lamps, which feature lenses trimmed in red. The modern Challenger grille and surround also get the Satin Black treatment, set off by gloss-black grille bezels. Satin Black also colors the concept rear spoiler and chin spoiler, fog lamp bezels and mirror caps. Matching red Mopar 392 logo decals on the front fenders complete the exterior.



Heading inside, the iconic Dodge is further transformed with modern mods. Dodge Viper front seats are re-trimmed in black Katzkin leather bolstered by black Alcantara inserts and red stitching matching the embroidery on the Dodge Viper steering wheel, which features a custom satin black airbag cover and shroud. The black leather shift boot adds additional modern Challenger DNA, capped by an SRT Hellcat gearshift knob. Mopar instrument panel gauges are black, contrasted with the gloss carbon fiber instrument panel cluster trim. The center console, steering wheel trim and door panels are also gloss carbon fiber. A black "Shakedown" badge outlined in red is stamped on the dash.



The Shakedown's potential as a track performer is catered to with a custom roll bar and rear seat delete, replaced with netting and a console shelf for storing racing essentials. The fuel cell and lines are stored in the black-carpet lined trunk.

The All New SUV Land Rover Discovery will soon release at the end of the month. This car represents the typical of Land Rover style design

MOST people would throw a big party to celebrate a landmark birthday. But Porsche is marking the 20th anniversary of its hugely popular roadster, the Boxster, by giving the car a comprehensive mid-term update… and a deed poll.

Instead of being known simply as the Boxster, the car has been renamed the 718 Boxster. Predictably, the Boxster’s hardtop brother is now known as the 718 Cayman. That numerical prefix pays homage to Porsche’s lightweight mid-engine 718 sports car, which enjoyed lots of racing success in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

And therein lies a clue as to the biggest change Porsche has made to the new Boxster. Like
the old 718, the latest Boxster is now powered by a 4-cylinder boxer engine instead of the 6-pot that has driven every Boxster model to date. Apart from the cylinder count, engine capacity is down, too. The Boxster and Boxster S now use all-new turbocharged 2-litre and 2.5-litre units respectively, instead of the naturally aspirated 2.7-litre and 3.4-litre units of before.

The smaller engine runs maximum boost of 1.4 bar, while the 2.5-litre manages with 1.0 bar.
On the Boxster S, the turbocharger benefits from variable-turbine geometry, a feature which hitherto
had been the preserve of the flagship 911 Turbo. Despite the downsizing, output is up by 35bhp in both cases, to 300bhp and 350bhp respectively. Torque figures have taken a jump, too – the Boxster gains 100Nm and the Boxster S, 60Nm, delivered much earlier and over a wider rev range than before.

But not withstanding the physically smaller engines, there is no weight benefit because the reduced mass of the smaller block has been negated by the presence of the turbo, intercooler and associated piping. Performance is markedly improved, with the Boxster and Boxster S now hitting 100km/h in
4.7 and 4.2 seconds respectively when equipped with the 7-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox and
optional Sport Chrono pack (which shortens the two Boxsters’ Boxster’s “718” upgrades
include a 918 Spyder-style steering wheel, five new interior colours, nicer trim, better infotainment
and a driving programme selector. 0-100km/h acceleration by 0.2 of a second), on their way to top
speeds of 275km/h and 285km/h – stunning figures for what is, remember, the “junior” sportster
in Porsche’s range.


With its remarkable century sprint time, the Boxster S in particular comes perilously close to treading on the toes of the newly revised 911 Carrera. Impressively, Porsche says all this extra performance goes hand-in-hand with up to 13 percent better fuel efficiency.

Visually, the 718 Boxster looks like a sharpened version of its pretty predecessor, but Porsche resolutely refuses to use the “F” word – facelift – and describes the model instead as a full
generation change. Despite appearances, every external body panel is new, save for the bonnet, rear deck, windscreen and folding roof.

Look (really) closely and you’ll spot the more pronounced crease profiles in the front wings, rear haunches and doors, the squarer, more aggressive front bumper and the pointier-shaped headlamps. The newly designed, pencil-thin horizontal LED indicators in the front bumper and the larger but neater air intakes clean up the front end.

At the back, the rear spoiler stands higher than before, and it no longer extends visually into the tail-lamps like on the old car. Consequently, the taillamps have lost their distinctive lateral protrusion and now look more generic. The Boxster S is distinguished by twin circular tailpipes, where the Boxster has a single, trapezoidal one. Apart from the new boxer engines, there are lots of other changes under the skin.

The steering rack is borrowed from the 911 Turbo and is 10 percent quicker than before, there
are new strengthening elements in the rear suspension for greater rigidity and accuracy, and the rear
wheels are half an inch wider. The dampers are all-new and sturdier, and spring rates have been
changed to reduce roll and pitch.

The optional Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system with its 10mm-lower ride height and selectable adaptive damping has been revised, with a wider spread of damping rates to allow a more compliant ride at one end of the spectrum and even firmer roll resistance at the other. The brakes are upsized, too, with the Boxster now using the larger brake discs of the previous Boxster S, and the Boxster S in turn adopting the anchors from the current 911 Carrera.


As on the newly revised 911, the Boxster’s various driving modes are now selectable via a
small rotary dial on the steering wheel. In the middle of that dial is a Sport Response button which,
when pressed, puts the gearbox in the optimum gear and puts the turbo in “maximum attack”
mode (by closing the bypass valve, retarding ignition and opening the throttle slightly, even
when the driver’s foot is off the accelerator), to ensure maximum acceleration and power for spurts
of up to 20 seconds.

The upshot of all this is a monumentally able and exciting roadster. In the Boxster S, pickup
is far stronger than before, especially at low revs where the car surfs along on its newfound
wave of turbo torque. The power delivery in the non-S Boxster is noticeably less torrential, requiring more revs before the car feels seriously rapid, but it’s still hugely impressive for a mere 2-litre.

Not withstanding the deeper chested low-end deliveries, both engines are very linear, revving
keenly and pulling progressively ever more ferociously up to their 7500rpm redlines. The downsized engines still sound good, though they lack the thrilling top-end wail of the old flat-6, which is a pity.

At idle, there is a barely discernible boxer throb. On the move, the dominant voice is a purposeful tune, unless the optional sports exhaust system is fitted, in which case your ears are treated to a raspy exhaust note that crackles on the overrun.

The soundtrack itself is fairly uniform through the rev range, unlike the flat-6 whose note morphs in volume and intensity as revs rise, building to a hairraising crescendo at the peak. The gearboxes are excellent, as before – a superbly positive, short-throw change action for the 6-speed manual, and instantaneous, whip-crack response on the dual-clutch, paddle-shift-equipped 7-speed PDK.

The Boxster has always been a thrill to hurl down a twisty, undulating road, and the new one remains so. The electromechanical steering is delightfully linear and well-weighted, and is even keener now thanks to that 10 percent quicker rack.

The nose just dives into bends without hesitation or roll, grip at both ends is astonishing, and the car feels incredibly agile, simply refusing to slide unless you are cornering at insane speeds. Subjectively, the steering feel does seem a tiny bit less detailed and granular than before, but if so, this is a question of microdegree. In absolute terms, the Boxster’s steering is still up there among the very best.

And when the tyres finally do start to edge wide progressively, there are no surprises because
the chassis remains poised and adjustable, displaying the benefits of its ideal mid-engine weight
balance. The Boxster is ferociously grippy and able around corners, but never hairy. The Boxster’s brakes are massively strong, hauling the hurtling car down time and again without fade, and always feeling like there is ample capability to spare. To boot, there is wonderful, confidence-inspiring feel from the firm, progressive pedal.

Porsche estimates the 718 Boxster S will lap the Nurburgring 16 seconds faster than its predecessor, which puts it practically on par with the outgoing 3.8-litre 375bhp limitedrun Boxster Spyder. Given the exhilarating way it hurtles through Both the 718 Boxster and 718 Boxster S are thrilling, agile, grippy and torquey, but the S is a significant step ahead in performance.

718 Boxster S has the powerful stoppers from the current 911 Carrera, while 718 Boxster has the disc brakes from the previous Boxster S. the ducking and diving mountain roads on our Portuguese test route, it is an entirely believable claim.

And impressively, that racecarlike pace and control are coupled with a superb, composed ride. The chassis soaks up everything, even ruts and undulations attacked at speed, and at lower speeds it is perfectly judged as well – firm, but never harsh. On motorways, the car is a superb cruiser, with a well-insulated cabin (with the top up) and relaxed gearing.

And as I discovered on a closed-off military airfield which Porsche thoughtfully provided,
it remains rock-solid and utterly stable even at 270km/h. The Boxster may have a new name and new downsized engines, but its core values remain intact, even after 20 years of development. Happy
birthday, 718 Boxster.