A round up of the week’s new car launches in bite-sized chunks.
News this week from from Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, Hyundai, Maserati and Mercedes-Benz.

20 February 2012

Maserati reveals the GranTurismo Sport

Maserati's new GranTurismo Sport

  • The new Sport version of Maserati’s GranTurismo coupé is to be launched at the Geneva motor show.
  • Its 4.7-litre V8 engine has been retuned to deliver around 460bhp.
  • Front and rear lights have been tweaked, complemented by a new, more aggressive front bumper design.
  • UK prices for the GranTurismo Sport will be confirmed later in 2012.

 

Aston Martin announces the revised V8 Vantage

Aston Martin's revised V8 Vantage Coupé and Roadster

  • Both the coupé and Roadster versions of Aston Martin’s V8 Vantage range have been revised for 2012.
  • Visual makeover includes a more aggressive nose, with under-bumper splitter, sculpted side sills and a rear diffuser.
  • Entry-level V8 Vantages have a revised 4.7-litre engine, delivering 420bhp, the S specification models with 430bhp.
  • The previous six-speed Sportshift automated transmission had been replaced by a new seven-speed Sportshift II gearbox.
  • Prices start at £84,995 for the V8 Vantage coupé.

 

Audi unleashes the revised RS 5 Coupé

Audi's refreshed for 2012 RS 5 Coupé

  • Audi’s RS 5 Coupé has been facelifted to bring it into line with the rest of the refreshed A5 line-up.
  • The styling is even more aggressive before, in part thanks to the revised lighting units with a ‘solid band’ LED strip for the day running lights.
  • Revised electromechanical power steering, DVD navigation, Bluetooth connectivity and cruise control added to the standard specification.
  • Top speed is limited to 155mph (174mph of derestriction option is ordered), with a marginally lower 0-60 time of 4.5 seconds; fuel consumption and emissions also improved to 26.9mpg and 246g/km.
  • UK deliveries begin in April, with the RS 5 Coupé available from £58,725.

 

22 February 2012

Mercedes-Benz launches the new SL-Class flagship – the SL 63 AMG

Crowning the SL-Class range: the new Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG

  • The performance champion of the latest SL-Class range has been revealed in the form of the new SL 63 AMG.
  • 537bhp is produced from the latest bi-turbo 5461cc direct injection V8 engine.
  • The SL 63 AMG is limited to 155mph (or 186mph with the AMG Performance package specified), reaching 60mph in just 4.3 seconds.
  • Due to be launched in summer 2012, UK prices will be confirmed in due course.

 

Greater driver focus with the new Bentley Mulsanne Mulliner Driving Specification

Bentley's new sporting saloon flagship - the Mulsanne Mulliner Driving Specification

  • A sportier interpretation of Bentley’s flagship Mulsanne saloon has been revealed in the form of the Mulliner Driving Specification package.
  • Powered by the same turbocharged 6.75-litre V8 engine as before, the Mulsanne Mulliner Driving Specification has a number of unique features including a Sport setting for the suspension and steering, 21″ wheels and ‘Flying B’ vents set low in the front wings.
  • Inside the Mulliner is differentiated by diamond quilted leather on the seat facings and door panels.
  • UK prices for the Bentley Mulsanne Mulliner Driving Specification will be revealed later in 2012.

 

23 February 2012

Hyundai to debut its capacious new i30 estate

Hyundai reveals the load-lugging i30 estate

  • The estate version of the second generation Hyundai i30 will be launched at the Geneva motor show.
  • Like the hatchback version, engineering and development took place at Hyundai’s facility in Rüsselsheim, Germany.
  • The estate is 185mm longer than its hatchback counterpart with a best-in-class loadspace of 528l with the rear seats up, extending to 1642l when folded.
  • UK prices and specifications will be confirmed later in 2012.