First Look
Volkswagen Passat R36
That Grocery Hauler You've Been Waiting For
Volkswagen is set to release its most potent R model yet-the Passat R36. Only the second VW to carry the R badge, the new car will not only be the fastest Passat, the wagon version will be the most rapid estate that VW has ever produced.
The heart of the R36 is a new 3.6-liter FSI V6 engine developing 300 bhp, mated to a six-speed DSG gearbox channeling drive through all four wheels. At each corner are revised springs and dampers linked to uprated brake discs and calipers.
Wrapping the mechanical changes is a bespoke body kit which incorporates three deep airdams. Side skirts and chrome highlights are framed by special 18-inch wheels wrapped in 235/40 tires. At the rear, a deeper bumper houses a pair of chrome-tipped tailpipes and revised lights. The wagon version also features a discreet spoiler on the trailing edge of the rear window.
Gripping the driver and front passenger are a set of sculpted sport seats bearing the R36 logo. The dashboard is finished in brushed aluminum panels. A set of unique instruments, sport steering wheel and bespoke R polished pedals complete the look.
The R36 claims a zero-to-62-mph time of 5.6 seconds. The wagon, which (like the sedan) is fitted with 4MOTION all-wheel drive, returns a time of 5.8 seconds. Both are electronically limited to maximum speed of 155 mph. www.vw.com
First Look
Bristol Fighter T
British Veyron Upstart?
The maverick British marque, Bristol, has added another model to its Fighter range. Joining the plain old Fighter and the Fighter S will be the Fighter T, sporting a twin turbocharged and intercooled eight-liter V10. The all-aluminum engine is said to develop an incredible (and we choose that word carefully) 1012 bhp at 5600 rpm with an astonishing 1036 lb-ft of torque at 4500 rpm. The claimed zero to 60 mph time is 3.5 seconds. Bristol states that a potential maximum speed of over 270 mph has been electronically limited to a "more than sufficient" 225 mph at 4500 rpm. The Fighter has been beefed up with 30 percent stiffer torsional rigidity, firmer springs and dampers, a lower ride height, and 20 percent stiffer anti-roll bars. Five-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels wear 285- and 335-width rubber front and rear respectively. There are also some functional exterior styling changes to suit the extra performance, cool side-exit exhaust pipes, plus a new lightweight sport interior. The first customers should be seeing their new cars by September 2007. Who needs a Bugatti? www.bristolcars.co.uk
First Look
Maybach 62 S
When A 'Regular' 62 Isn't Special Enough
Maybach is adding a fourth variant to its line-up-the newly developed 62 S. The S stands for Special and Maybach has incorporated a number of specially developed features. Power output has also been enhanced with 612 hp provided by a Mercedes-AMG-enhanced 6.0-liter V12 engine, 62 hp more than the Maybach 62. Via a twin turbocharger and a water-type intercooler, maximum torque is 737 lb-ft, available between 2000 and 4000 rpm. Zero to 62 mph is completed in 5.2 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. A plate on the cover bears the signature of the technician who assembled the engine by hand. The car has a new front end with a redesigned radiator grille, new 20-inch wheels and modified light clusters. Like the 57 S, the new 62 S has single-tone paintwork in black or silver, both of which are available exclusively for the S models. Discreet 62 S lettering adorns the front wings beneath the A-pillars and the trunk lid. The Maybach 62 S is primarily designed to be chauffeur-driven and, of course, it gets pretty sumptuous in the back.
www.maybach.com