Meet the Bentley Mulliner GT: The Most Luxurious Continental Yet
It's been quite a busy month for Bentley. Not long after lifting the lid on the sharper and more dynamic Continental GT S the luxury brand revealed the equally athletic Flying Spur S. Carbuzz reports set to make a public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the sporting pair will be joined by the all-new Continental GT Mulliner, a grand tourer described as "the fastest, most dynamic and most luxurious member of the Continental range." The pinnacle of all things Bentley gains motivation from the same 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged W12 engine that does duty in the GT Speed. This means lofty performance figures of 650 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque and a 0 to 60 mph sprint of just 3.5 seconds. Impressively, the big luxury bruiser can reach a maximum speed of 208 mph. Despite the phenomenal performance on hand, the Continental GT places an emphasis on luxury. Courtesy of Bentley's Mulliner division, the grand tourer takes opulence to an entirely new level. Click here to learn more about the Bentley Mulliner GT.
Mercedes-Benz Takes Legal Responsibility for its Level 3 Technology
In March 2022, Mercedes-Benz announced it stands behind its SAE Level 3 automation technology, accepting liability for any collisions or crashes caused by technological malfunctions in the manufacturer’s vehicles. It was a bold statement that has left an indelible mark on the industry, causing different players in the community to assess the long-term implications for risk management and consumer adoption. In the automotive sector, as in comedy, timing is everything. But there is nothing funny about why the OEM has made its announcement now. Mercedes-Benz currently is moving through the complex certification process for approval across key states (California and Nevada) considering this level of vehicle automation. Wards reports if things go as planned, the company will be well-positioned to be the first manufacturer to bring SAE Level 3 automated-vehicle technology to market in the U.S. While the announcement on liability acceptance effectively communicates Mercedes-Benz’s confidence in the future of SAE Level 3 technology, the industry as a whole needs to do much more to overcome early consumer reluctance and concerns about next-level vehicle automation. Click here for the full story.
Upcoming Kia EVs Will Stir Up More Buyers
Kia is committed to launching a battery electric vehicle in the U.S. every year for the rest of this decade. Automotive News reports the Korean automaker will have eight BEVs in its lineup by 2029, which includes the EV6 compact crossover that went on sale this year, the redesigned Niro EV and the EV9 three-row SUV that it will build starting in 2023. "Thirty percent of our sales will come from electric vehicles by the end of the decade, and we'll get to 50 percent in the early 2030s," said Eric Watson, Kia Motors America vice president of sales and operations. "We're going to be launching these [EVs] into some of the bigger segments," Watson said, referencing the fast-growing midsize crossover segment. Last year, U.S. sales of midsize crossovers were nearly 1.5 million, representing nearly a tenth of industry sales. Globally, Kia has said it will introduce 14 fully electrified vehicles by 2027. That's an increase from earlier plans to have 11 EVs by 2026. The EV6 is spurring new confidence in the EV opportunity. The model delivered 10,000 sales in its four months on the market, which "exceeded our initial expectations," Watson said. Click here for the full story.
Most Young Consumers Think Purchasing a Car is Basic
Consumer preferences, behaviors, and buying habits are unique by generation. Baby Boomers, Millennials, and Generation Z have all been raised in different worlds and the events that have impacted their lives and beliefs drive their buying habits. CBT News reports today’s younger generations in particular were raised in a digitally-native world — with characteristics defined by financial mindedness, inclination towards sustainable products, and value for brands that they can relate to. These preferences are creating new opportunities for businesses and product manufacturers across industries. When it comes to purchasing cars, the traditional business and sales models are often too outdated for the tastes of younger consumers expecting a completely digital experience. Not only is owning a car one of the biggest expenses individuals and families take on, but driving an internal combustion engine car contributes greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere. Electric vehicles (EVs) are a less polluting alternative, but carbon is emitted as vehicles of all drivetrains are manufactured, sold, and serviced. How can the auto industry change younger generations’ perceptions of owning a car and win new car buyers over? Click here for three areas car companies can focus on to appeal to younger consumers.
Grid Could Use a Jolt from Lawmakers in Preparation for EV Influx
Lawmakers must press for a more reliable and resilient electric grid to support the millions of electric vehicles slated to arrive on the nation's roads. That's the conclusion of a report issued last week by a pair of nonprofit organizations that say policy and legislation are needed to provide and expand the possibilities offered by vehicle-to-grid technology, or V2G. Automotive News reports V2G tech shows emerging promise in offering a range of benefits and services to EV owners. It can also be used to store energy that feeds the grid and provides emergency power in times of need. The 21-page report, titled "Advancing Vehicle to Grid Technology Adoption" and written by Securing America's Future Energy, or SAFE, and the Electrification Coalition, outlines the benefits of vehicle-to-grid and gives specific policy recommendations for federal, state, and local governments. SAFE and the Electrification Coalition are both focused on promoting and enabling electric transportation. Benefits of an improved grid include increased resilience and security in times of crisis; greater equity for populations most affected by such crises; and mitigating the cost of ownership of electric vehicles. Click here for the full story.
Around the Web
Nissan Dealers Cashing in on 7-Year Loans with APR Markup [Carscoops]
Milivié 1 is a Restomod VW Beetle that Costs Nearly $600,000 [Autoblog]
Ferrari to Debut SUV-Like Model in September [WSJ]
VW ID. Buzz Van is Getting a Performance ‘GTX’ Version [The Drive]
