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At the end of an epic battle in front of a huge crowd of 235,000 spectators, the record winners of the past three years also prevailed in the 37th edition of the ADAC Zurich 24h Race: Timo Bernhard, Marc Lieb, Romain Dumas and Marcel Tiemann won the race with their Manthey-Racing Porsche 911 GT3 RSR on the Nürburgring Nordschleife.
With 155 laps completed in the Green Hell, they crossed the finish line as winners, followed by Christian Abt, Jean-Francois Hemroulle, Pierre Kaffer and Lucas Luhr who finished runner-up, with their Abt Sportsline Audi R8 LMS. In a hard fought race, Team Principal Olaf Manthey celebrated his fourth consecutive win, thus adding another triumph to his unique streak of success. At the same time, Marcel Tiemann even celebrated his fifth Nürburgring 24h Race win and now is the most successful driver in the history of the classic endurance-racing event. Furthermore, the Manthey-Porsche 911 GT3 Cup S raced by Emmanuel Collard, Wolf Henzler, Richard Lietz and Dirk Werner also made it to the podium by finishing third.
Thats just fantastic, beamed Marcel Tiemann when the race at the Nürburgring was over. Manthey Racing and I have made history, today. My fifth win! I just cant believe it. It means even more to me than my maiden Nürburgring 24h Race triumph. And its another corner stone for me to have made it to the top position in the 24h-race record book. Team Principal Olaf Manthey returned the compliments of his most successful driver. Im extremely proud of my drivers. I cant imagine a better line-up for the 24h race than Timo, Marc, Romain and Marcel. At the same time, Manthey and Tieman also showed their opponents respect: A compliment to Audi for the great performance, said Tiemann and his Team Principal added: Prior to the race I had serious doubts if we would be able to defy the Audis. The more Im delighted now about the fact that we succeeded in doing so and experienced such a successful race.
Manthey: The most exciting 24h race of my career.
The Nürburgring crowds will remember the race action of the 37th ADAC Zurich 24h Race for a long time. The 37th edition of the endurance-racing classic started with a one-hour slipstream battle between the future winner, the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR #1, and the Reader-Teams Ford GT. The close battle of Mantheys first-stint driver Marc Lieb with pole-sitter Dirk Adorf at the wheel of the Ford ended only when the Ford made contact with a slower car while lapping it, spun and consequently dropped back. Soon afterwards, the Phoenix-Audi raced by Marc Basseng, Marcel Fässler, Mike Rockenfeller und Frank Stippler closed in on the Porsche and from that point in time, the two cars alternated as race leaders for the major part of the event. And when the GT3 Audi of the squad based at the Nürburgring dropped back due to a drive-shaft failure, its sister car entered by Abt Sportsline took the runner-up position. At the end of the day, the extraordinary reliability of the Manthey squads Porsche proved to be the key factor on the way to prevailing against their toughest opponents. No doubt. This was the most exciting 24h race of my entire career, said Olaf Manthey when the event was over. And runner-up Christian Abt confirmed: This has been my 11th 24h race but never ago it was contested at such a pace right from the start. Its the fifth time that I have finished runner-up. So, actually Im just as consistent as Marcel - but with the difference that he always stood on the highest step of the podium. Compliments to Audi who have proven once again that they always deliver in great style, no matter where and in what kind of event.
Optimised regulations made for thrilling and safe motor racing
One of the reasons why this years 24h race proved to be a true thriller were the new regulations that made for extraordinary competitiveness among the top teams. The cars classified in the top categories had to cope with restrictions and so, the newly allowed GT3 cars proved to be race-win contenders right away. Our measures in this area proved to be a major success, said Race Director. Rarely in the past had we witnessed that many potential race winners on the grid as this year. Apart from the successful Porsches and Audis, the likes of Nürburgring architect Hermann Tilke and his team-mates also caused a stir by securing pole position with their gorgeous Ford GT - and by the stunning battle with the future winners in the opening stages of the race. The Dodge Viper entered by the Mintgen Team as well as the Schubert- and Alpina BMWs also proved to be extremely competitive, added Hornung. Temporarily, the top ten positions were held by four different brands. Another rule change proved to also have been a good step: from this year, the categories for the smallest cars are no longer allowed to compete in the 24h race. Walter Hornung: This resulted in clearly smaller race-speed differences on the track and - consequently - in increased safety. We are happy that the number of accidents was clearly lower than in the past years.
The third edition of what has already become the legendary MINI United Festival was held this year from 22 24 May in glorious sunshine at the Formula One track in Silverstone, England. 25,000 fans from more than 40 countries made the pilgrimage to the worlds premier gathering of its kind.
They arrived in over 10,000 MINI models, most of them lovingly individualised. Numerous German fan clubs made their way to the venue, mostly setting out by car on the long journey to the UK. Even for participants from as far afield as Russia, the USA and South Africa, no effort or cost was too great to ensure they could pay personal tribute to the British classic on its 50th birthday. Likewise determined not to miss out on this winning mix of racing action, music festival and lifestyle spectacular were a whole raft of celebrities.
As part of the world premiere for the new Mayfair and Camden special models, the now 75-year-old Mary Quant British style icon and inventor of the miniskirt disclosed a long-guarded secret: the designation mini-skirt is not derived from the celebrated brevity of the garment; it was her much-loved car that inspired her to choose this name.
To mark the 50th anniversary, MINI also took the wraps off a reinterpretation of George Harrisons flamboyant model. This one-off, presented to Olivia Harrison on Saturday night, fully met the precise design brief of the Beatles widow. She accepted the MINI on behalf of the Material World Charitable Foundation, a charity which George Harrison founded in 1973. The car will be auctioned this year to raise funds for the foundation. George was a huge MINI fan and he would have enjoyed this new version. The fact that the 50th anniversary celebrations for MINI will also benefit our foundation has made it an enjoyable as well as meaningful collaboration, said Olivia Harrison.
But there were plenty more unique models to get pulses racing among the fans. British fashion designer Paul Smith again presented the model created by him, while the designs by David Bowie, Kate Moss, Missoni and the acclaimed illustrator and graphic designer Alan Aldridge were also on display. Similarly drawing approving looks were the original cars from films like The Italian Job and Austin Powers.
The major highlight of the United Festival was the appearance of modfather Paul Weller, erstwhile frontman of the two legendary bands The Jam and The Style Council and now a longstanding and highly successful solo artist. As Ive been driving MINI all my life, I was delighted to be able to join in the 50th birthday celebrations, said Weller. As a tribute to the British artist, the band Twisted Wheel performed a cover version at the festival of one of his classic numbers, Thats Entertainment. The track will be exclusively available from the MINI website: www.mini.com.
Now, the introduction of the new GTC range builds on this success with a subtle evolution of its distinctive style and a range of technical and feature enhancements benefiting comfort and customer choice. The appeal of the GTC is further strengthened by the addition of the new 600bhp (610PS) GTC Speed model. It is Bentleys most powerful convertible ever and inspired by Bentleys legendary Speed Models from the 1920s.
The new GTC models share a fresh frontal appearance. The radiator grille is more upright with a more pronounced square edge, accentuating the Bentley profile, and bolder lower air intake. These latest models are further distinguished by chrome headlamp bezels, the availability of two new exterior paints and a new colour hide.
For the standard GTC, new low-friction dampers provide improved ride comfort. In addition, two significant new options may be specified on both GTC models: lightweight, fade-resistant, carbon-ceramic brakes, the largest production passenger car brakes in the world, and a sophisticated follow-to-stop Adaptive Cruise Control system with long-range radar sensor that monitors traffic ahead and manages throttle and brakes to maintain a driver-selected time gap.
The GTCs chassis and exceptionally rigid steel body have proved more than capable of coping with the power of the 552bhp (560PS) 6-litre W12 engine. For the new Continental GTC Speed, Bentleys twin-turbocharged W12 now develops 600bhp (610PS) that delivers true 200 mph (322 km/h) performance, with the roof up, with exhilarating, effortless acceleration. Even with the roof down the GTC Speed can reach 195 mph (312 km/h).
The Continental GTC Speed is visually distinguished by subtle design enhancements which emphasise its higher performance credentials. At the front, the radiator and lower air intake grilles feature a dark tinted matrix as standard. Larger diameter 9.5J x 20-inch, multi-spoke alloy wheels with Bentley-bespoke Pirelli PZero ultra-high performance (UHP) tyres, lowered and uprated suspension, wider twin-rifled exhaust tail pipes and a new boot-mounted lip spoiler that enhances high speed aerodynamics, reinforce the sporting character of the Speed model.
The GTC Speeds 600bhp (610PS) W12 engine develops 9 per cent more power than the standard GTC. However, it is the 15 per cent increase in torque that really distinguishes the Speed model, which now develops an impressive output of 750 Nm (553lb ft). This is achieved across virtually the complete rev range, from just 1700 to 5600 rev/min, delivering that characteristic Bentley wave of torque.
The 0-60 mph sprint is despatched in a mere 4.5 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds) and 0-100 mph in 10.6 seconds (0-160 km/h in 10.5 seconds).
The GT Speed coupe, which debuted in 2007, has become the top selling GT model across the globe. This was followed in summer 2008 by the 4-door Continental Flying Spur Speed. Now, the Speed family is completed with the introduction of the GTC Speed, which is expected to account for up to two-thirds of GTC sales worldwide in its first year of production.
Bentley Chairman and Chief Executive, Dr. Franz-Josef Paefgen explains the rationale behind the GTC Speed:
The Continental GTC is an elegant Grand Touring convertible in the Bentley tradition, exciting the emotions with its distinctive blend of performance, luxury, craftsmanship and modernity. The GTC Speed completes the family of Continental Speed models and broadens the appeal of the GTC to customers who demand a more focused, open-top driving experience.
BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GTC NEWS IN BRIEF
Continental GTC range
# New more upright front grille and larger, lower air intake
# Chrome headlamp bezels
# Retuned Servotronic power steering for improved feedback and feel
# Optional followto -stop, radarbased Adaptive Cruise Control system
# Optional fade-resistant high-power carbon ceramic brakes (only available with 20 - inch wheels)
# Two new exterior colours Aquamarine & Blue Crystal
# New interior colour Aquamarine
Continental GTC Speed
Technical
# 600 bhp (610PS) W12 engine, 9 per cent more power and 15 per cent more torque
# Top speed (roof up) of 200 mph (322km/h) and 060 mph in 4.5 secs (0100 km/h in 4.8 secs)
# Top speed (roof down) of 195 mph (312 km/h)
# Lowered suspension (10mm front, 15 mm rear) features revised spring, anti-roll bar and damper settings for optimised ride quality, comfort and refinement
# New design 9.5J x 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels with Bentley-bespoke Pirelli PZero UHP 275/35 tyres
# New Dynamic mode for ESP 8.1 system with progressive intervention
Exterior
# Dark-tinted matrix grilles to upper and lower air intakes
# Bright chrome matrix grilles available as a no cost option
# Dark tint finish to alloy wheels available as an option
# Wider rifled sports exhaust tail pipes
# New aerodynamic rear spoiler
# Black lower bumper valance
Interior
# Speed treadplates to both doors
# 3-spoke Sport leather steering wheel
# Drilled alloy sport foot-pedals
# Knurled chrome and hide gear lever
# Diamond quilted hide to seat facings, door pads and rear quarter panels
# Optional turned aluminium inserts to fascia, centre console and door pad inserts.
Continental GTC
# Power output of the standard W12 engine remains at 552bhp (560PS)
# Top speed is unchanged at 195mph (312km/h) with a 060mph time of 4.8 secs (0100 km/h in 5.1 secs)
# Improved ride comfort with new low-friction dampers
# Bentley B brake pedal
Enhanced powertrain delivers more power and torque
Both Continental GTC models are powered by Bentleys 6-litre, twin-turbocharged W12 engine which is produced exclusively at the companys Crewe engine plant. The Bentley W12 is the most compact 12-cylinder engine in production with 48 valves and 4 camshafts with continually variable valve timing. Power is transmitted via a ZF six-speed automatic transmission.
The new Continental GTC Speed is powered by Bentleys W12 engine in its most powerful, 600 bhp (610PS) form. It develops 15 per cent more torque and 9 per cent more power than the 552bhp (560PS) standard GTC.
Engine efficiency improvements result from the use of lower friction, lighter-weight components and a new engine management system, while twin, low inertia turbochargers with minimal turbo lag contribute to the W12 engines flat torque curve. In 600 bhp (610PS) form, the W12 develops a maximum torque of 750 Nm (553 lb ft) from 1700 rev/min all the way up to 5600 rev/min. The GTC Speed engine is visually differentiated by the crackle black finish to the intake manifold.
This endows the GTC Speed with a top speed of 200mph (322 km/h) with the roof-up and a 0-60mph sprint time of just 4.5 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.8 secs). It also accelerates from 0-100 mph in just 10.6 seconds (0-160 km/h in 10.5 seconds).
The six-speed transmission can be left in two fully automatic modes (Drive and Sport) or used as a clutchless manual where the driver can change gears sequentially, via either the gearlever or paddles mounted behind the steering wheel.
The advanced continuous all-wheel drive system of both GTC models provides exceptional traction in all weathers. The drive is transferred between the front and rear axles via a highly sensitive centre Torsen differential. If the differential detects a deviation in torque demand between the two axles it automatically sends more power to the wheels with greater grip.
Both the GTC and GTC Speed also feature an advanced electronic stability programme (ESP 8.1). The Sport Traction mode for the GTC moderates ESP intervention at low speeds, benefiting driver interaction and control, particularly on low traction surfaces. The Dynamic Mode of the GTC Speed allows increased wheel slip at higher speeds compared to the standard chassis. This ensures that torque is reinstated more quickly, allowing the driver to exploit the full potential of the engine.
Brian Gush, Director, Chassis and Powertrain Engineering, comments: The new GTC Speed exemplifies our passion for creating cars that deliver exceptional performance and driving enjoyment. It is a drivers car which will redefine peoples expectations of what a luxury convertible can achieve.
A luxury convertible with outstanding ride and handling
The Continental GTCs steel body has an exceptionally rigid torsional stiffness of around 30Hz that not only minimises scuttle shake but provides a very stable platform for the aluminium-intensive suspension system, optimising its performance. Despite the boost in power and torque for the GTC Speed model, no changes to the body structure were required.
For the 552bhp (560PS) GTC, new low-friction dampers provide improved secondary ride (the response of the car to poor road surfaces) and even greater levels of comfort.
The GTC Speed has a range of dynamic enhancements that deliver a more sporting, open-top Bentley driving experience. The retuned Continous Damping Control (CDC) system ensures that the body response matches the inputs from the new sports wheels and tyres, while improved body control reduces pitch and roll when cornering enthusiastically. In addition, stiffer rear axle bushes deliver better axle control and turn-in response.
The GTC Speeds suspension is lowered by 10 mm at the front and 15 mm at the rear for improved handling, while the retuned speed-sensitive steering system and solid-mounted front subframe, shared with the standard GTC, benefit steering response.
The wider 9.5J x 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, unique to the GTC Speed, are fitted with bespoke 275/35 ZR20 Pirelli PZero ultra-high performance tyres that provide the car with superior grip as well as sharper steering response and feel.
To ensure optimum aerodynamic balance at speeds up to 200 mph (322 km/h) the new GTC Speed is fitted with a discreet spoiler on the trailing edge of the bootlid. This provides additional downforce and increases the top speed.
For both models, Bentleys carbon-ceramic brakes (CCB) are offered as a cost option. Larger diameter (420 mm front, 356 mm rear), lightweight discs and eight-piston callipers offer fade-resistant braking performance with minimal disc distortion under high thermal conditions. A 20kg weight saving reduces unsprung mass and benefits steering response and handling. This braking system may only be specified with 20-inch diameter wheels and are the largest and most powerful brakes ever fitted to a production car.
The standard-fit tyre-pressure monitoring system (TPMS) allows drivers to select tyre type and speed range parameters. As well as monitoring pressures, the system warns drivers if their speed is too high for the tyre pressures or if tyre speed ratings are exceeded on winter tyres.
Commenting on the GTC Speeds character, Dr. Ulrich Eichhorn, Member of the Board, Engineering, said: The GTC Speed offers supercar performance, superb refinement, comfort and unrivalled craftsmanship all in one car. It perfectly evokes the spirit of the original Bentley Speed Model of the 1920s.
Subtle evolution of the GTCs distinctive style
Both the GTC and GTC Speed benefit from subtle revisions to their frontal appearance.
The matrix grille is now more vertical and has a more pronounced square edge that accentuates the distinctive Bentley profile. A new lower bumper design with a widened air intake reinforces the sporting stance of both GTC convertibles, complemented by new chrome headlamp bezels. The new design also provides a practical benefit by improving airflow to the more powerful Speed engine by 14 per cent.
The GTC Speed has a unique set of design cues, notably a dark-tinted matrix grille to the upper and lower air intakes, a black lower bumper valance, wider, rifled exhaust tailpipes and 20-inch, silver-painted, multi-spoke alloy wheels. The wheels are available as an option with a special dark tint finish.
GTC and GTC Speed customers have a choice of 17 standard paint colours including two new colours (Aquamarine and Blue Crystal).
Luxurious hand-crafted cabin
The cabins of both GTC and GTC Speed are available with a choice of 6 natural, unbleached, laser-cut wood veneers and 17 premium grade leather hides, including the new option, Aquamarine.
The GTC Speeds cabin is based on that of the Mulliner Driving Specification (a cost option on the standard GTC). It features diamond quilted hide seats with embroidered Bentley emblems, a knurled chrome and hide gearlever and a three-spoke multi-function steering wheel with brushed aluminium switch surround. These are complemented by drilled alloy foot-pedals and Speed logos to the polished treadplates. The standard GTC also receives a new Bentley B brake pedal.
A range of options give further opportunities for personalisation, including fascia panels, centre console, door pads and rear quarters in bright aluminium.
Uniquely, the GTC Speed is also available with a dark tint aluminium option.
New adaptive cruise control system
A sophisticated follow-to-stop, radar-based Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system is now available on both GTC and GTC Speed. It uses a long-range radar sensor, mounted in the lower front grille, to monitor the road ahead for other vehicles. When a slower moving vehicle is detected, the system automatically adjusts the throttle or brakes to maintain a time gap, as selected by the driver.
Britains Jenson Button placed his Brawn GP car on top spot for tomorrows Monaco Grand Prix, grabbing his fourth pole of the season. Button snatched the position in the dying seconds ahead of Ferraris Kimi Raikkonen, while Buttons team-mate Rubens Barrichello will start the race from third place. World champion Lewis Hamilton crashed out of the session so will start from 16th on the grid. Full positions and times below
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CRANFIELD, UNITED KINGDOM May 22, 2009: BMW Group UK has added the new On-Demand Mileage Reporting System from Trafficmaster to the Trackstar stolen vehicle tracking system already available as an accessory option on all BMW and MINI models
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Ingolstadt/Nurburg The new GT3 sports car from AUDI AG delivered an impressive performance in qualifying for the 24-hour race on the Nurburgring: All four Audi R8 LMS finished among the top six in the final qualifying session and thus secured grid positions on the first three rows of the 171-car field
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The worldwide MINI Community is celebrating the 50th birthday of the brand on the occasion of the MINI United Festival at the legendary British race track in Silverstone from 22-24 May 2009
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BMW is once again defining a brand-new segment in the automobile market. The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo combines elegance, space, comfort and variability in truly unique style. As an attractive, future-oriented extension of the BMW 5 Series, the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is quite unparalleled worldwide in the upper middle segment, combining the characteristic features of a prestige saloon, a modern, highly versatile Sports Activity Vehicle, and a classic Gran Turismo in brand-new, unprecedented style.
Through its body design, the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo combines the proportions so typical of a BMW, an elegantly stretched silhouette and a coupé-like roofline, as well as four doors with frameless windows to create one complete, harmonious unit. The front view of the car animates powerful dynamism through the sheer presence of the upright BMW kidney grille, large air intakes and dual round headlights slanted back at an attractive angle. For the first time the daytime driving light function is provided by corona rings with LED technology. Boasting clear-cut horizontal lines, the rear end comes with that characteristic look of width, power and muscle further enhanced by L-shaped rear light clusters with homogenously illuminated rows of lights in LED technology
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SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA May 22, 2009: A milestone in transmission technology is now available in the Audi S3 Sportback model in Australia
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