Electric Cars

Bentley has unveiled a significant enhancement for owners of its cherished older models, introducing a factory-supported infotainment system upgrade. This retrofit is specifically designed for second-generation Continental GT, Continental GT Convertible, and Flying Spur vehicles manufactured between 2012 and 2019, providing a compelling reason for owners to retain their luxurious automobiles.

This innovative upgrade involves replacing the outdated console screen and traditional physical climate controls with a sleek, contemporary 9.7-inch touchscreen display. This new interface not only modernizes the vehicle's interior but also integrates advanced smartphone connectivity features, ensuring these classic Bentleys remain relevant in today's technologically driven automotive landscape. The installation is performed by authorized Bentley dealerships, guaranteeing the highest quality and adherence to brand standards, rather than being a mere software patch.

The retrofit targets a specific range of vehicles: the Continental GT and GT Convertible models from their 2012 redesign up to 2017, and the Flying Spur from its 2014 introduction through 2019. The new hardware seamlessly replaces the original unit, resulting in a notably cleaner and more streamlined center console. Bentley has meticulously designed this replacement screen to align with the aesthetic principles of its current vehicle lineup, ensuring that the upgraded cabin appears factory-fresh and not like an aftermarket addition. While the brand has previously explored modern connectivity solutions in newer concepts and current models, this initiative marks the first official path to bring such advancements to vehicles that are now a decade old.

A key highlight of this upgrade is the inclusion of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, facilitating seamless smartphone integration either wirelessly via Bluetooth or through a wired USB-A port, which also serves as a convenient phone charger. The system supports calls, contacts, and media playback, all manageable through the touchscreen or voice commands. Audio enthusiasts will appreciate the enhanced tuner, offering improved DAB+ (where previously DAB was available), along with FM, AM, and SiriusXM for the US market. Furthermore, the navigation system has been completely revamped, featuring up-to-date mapping, both 2D and 3D route guidance, points of interest, and speed-limit displays, with provisions for future map updates.

However, this modernization comes with a notable change: the removal of the physical heater controls, which are now integrated into the touchscreen's climate settings. While this contributes to a minimalist and cleaner appearance, it means owners will forgo the tactile experience of the original console's knobs. Ultimately, this upgrade presents a sophisticated solution for owners of older Bentley models to embrace contemporary technology and connectivity, enhancing their driving experience without compromising the brand's signature luxury and design integrity.

The automotive world is buzzing with the reveal of the engine set to power the resurrected Lotus Esprit. This isn't just any engine; it's a meticulously crafted 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, known as the W40, a product of the collaborative efforts of Horse Powertrain, a dynamic joint venture between automotive giants Geely and Renault. This powerhouse is engineered to deliver an impressive 671 horsepower and 800 Nm of torque, laying the foundation for a new era of high-performance hybrid vehicles. Its design is a testament to modern engineering, featuring a 'hot vee' configuration for optimal efficiency and compactness, along with lightweight materials to keep its mass at a mere 200 kilograms. This V8 will be synergistically paired with an advanced eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission, promising lightning-fast gear shifts in under 20 milliseconds. The Esprit, anticipated to launch in 2028, is expected to exceed 1,000 combined horsepower, embodying Lotus's unwavering commitment to performance and lightweight innovation, even in the hybrid landscape.

Lotus Esprit's Heartbeat: A Detailed Look at the W40 Engine and Advanced Transmission

In a significant development for automotive enthusiasts, Horse Powertrain, the collaborative entity formed by Geely and Renault, has officially unveiled the W40 engine, the pulsating heart of the forthcoming Lotus Esprit. This 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 unit is a marvel of contemporary engineering, strategically designed with turbochargers nestled within the cylinder banks in a 'hot vee' configuration. This innovative layout not only optimizes the intake and exhaust pathways but also results in a remarkably compact engine package. Boasting direct injection and constructed from advanced lightweight materials, the W40 tips the scales at approximately 200 kilograms (441 pounds), ensuring that Lotus's core philosophy of 'light is right' remains paramount.

Primarily conceived for high-performance hybrid applications, this standalone V8 generates a formidable 671 horsepower and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque. When integrated with its electric motor counterparts, as is planned for the Lotus Type 135 (widely speculated to be the new Esprit), the combined output is projected to soar beyond 1,000 horsepower, with the W40 contributing more than half of this immense power. This integration signifies a forward-thinking approach, where the V8 is not merely adapted for hybrid use but is intrinsically designed for it from the outset, showcasing a 'hybrid-first' engineering philosophy.

Complementing this robust engine is a newly developed eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission. This advanced gearbox is engineered to manage up to 1,050 Nm (774 lb-ft) of torque and is capable of executing gear changes in an astonishingly rapid 20 milliseconds. Its pre-fill time of less than 50 milliseconds further minimizes shift delays, ensuring an exhilarating and responsive driving experience. While the W40 will make its grand debut in the Esprit, its robust low-end torque characteristics suggest potential applications in other segments, including off-road SUVs and pickup trucks, highlighting its versatility.

Lotus's commitment to minimizing weight extends beyond the powertrain. The brand is actively exploring Formula 1 technologies to reduce the mass of electric motors, aiming for a mere 20 kilograms for a 150-kW unit. The target curb weight for the V8-powered, mid-engined Esprit is an ambitious 1,500 kilograms (3,307 pounds). By opting for a conventional hybrid setup over a plug-in hybrid, Lotus avoids the added bulk of larger batteries and extensive charging hardware, further contributing to weight reduction. This strategic choice is anticipated to allow for an all-wheel-drive configuration, with electric motors powering the front wheels and the V8 driving the rear. Enthusiasts will eagerly await the potential for a dedicated drive mode that disengages electric assist, promising a pure, combustion-powered rear-wheel-drive experience.

The introduction of an entirely new V8 engine in the current automotive climate, dominated by stricter emissions regulations and the push towards electrification, is a bold statement. Horse Powertrain's 'hybrid-first' approach for the W40 demonstrates that internal combustion engines can indeed coexist and thrive alongside electric powertrains, by leveraging hybrid technology to meet performance, efficiency, and emissions targets. This strategic move could see the W40, with its impressive power and torque figures, eventually appearing in other vehicles within Geely's extensive automotive portfolio, signifying a significant engineering achievement that transcends a single brand.