Azimut: three new yachts

For Azimut Yachts, the hottest season opens in September. The Italian shipyard is introducing three models for their world debut at the Cannes Boat Show scheduled for 9-14 September: Azimut Grande95RPH, Azimut 77S, and Azimut 50 Fly; three boats which represent the very best, combining that winning combination of Italian style, innovation, and sportiness.

Azimut Grande 95RPH is not only new, it is also "number one": it is the first Grande Collection model to be released since joining the Azimut Yachts family alongside the Atlantis, Magellano, Flybridge, and S. The product of a longstanding partnership with designer Stefano Righini (concept and exterior design) and Studio Salvagni Architetti (interior layout), the 95RPH stands out for its truly unique style. New features on board this 29-metre vessel include: the raised pilot house (which gives the boat its name), the spacious +60 m² flybridge, and a special layout that provides for four VIP cabins in addition to the boatowner suite.

Azimut 77s is the jewel in the S Collection. It has elegant exterior lines and precious detailing in finishes and furnishings.  Four units have already been sold in the pre-launch phase, declaring the boat a success and the new benchmark for sport boats. Beyond its wave-piercing vertical bow and steel shield, this 23-metre boat features a pivoting stern platform for maximum flexibility, large one-piece deckhouse window, roof with glass insert, and excellent performance and fuel efficiency thanks to three Volvo Penta engines with IPS transmission.

The newcomer Azimut 50 Fly is fresh from its June launch. The 15-metre model in the Flybridge Collection is an impressive vessel with stylish features (mirrored deck-house windows also in the fly, ample space in the bow, and the classic vertical windows in the hull) that take inspiration from another Azimut Yachts best seller: the Azimut 80. While priority goes to the exterior spaces (the 17.5-metre flybridge is one of the largest in its class) the interiors by Carlo Galeazzi are also designed for total relaxation: the saloon includes a dining area and relaxation zone. The boatowner suit is amidships at full beam. The VIP cabin is in the bow; and, there is also a third cabin for guests with two Pullman beds.

With stylistically perfect lines and innovative technology, the boats Azimut Yachts is unveiling at the Cannes Boat Show 2014 once again highlight the Avigliana boatyard's commitment to demonstrating Italian manufacturing excellence - both nationally and internationally - by holding up the banner of originality that drives "Made in Italy" to surpass all limits. 

New Romain Jerome H9C-DNA timepiece

RJ-Romain Jerome unveils a new timepiece in collaboration with HardNine Choppers, a Swiss based custom motorbike manufacturer. This exciting new project is not only a partnership between two driven personalities, but also a truly spirited encounter of two visionaries with the same artistic mission.

Two worlds separate Manuel Emch, CEO of RJ-Romain Jerome, and Danny Schneider, world-class awarded custom motorbike builder. However, their common passion for design and machinery has allowed them to create an artistic package containing a subtly luxurious and unique timepiece as well as a one of a kind motorbike under one common denominator: H9C-DNA.

Sold only in a pair, these two unique pieces share common design traits such as purple metal flake paintings, golden components, perforated leather and skulls which are strong biker symbols.

The first part of this incredible custom set is the H9C-DNA timepiece. Housed in a see through 44 mm black PVD-coated steel case, the watch features a red gold bezel with matching hour and minute hands. The generous yet refined case nests a complex five layered skeleton movement that highlights the angled bridges recalling the intricate structure of a V-Twin motor.
Immensely eye-catching, the skeletonised Skull has been delicately applied on the dial, and hand painted in a unique purple metal flake colour allowing the barrel to be seen through H9C’s skull logo depicted on its forehead while the balance wheel is discreetly tucked under gridded teeth. As you know, the Devil hides in the details... even the lugs have been hollowed to lighten the watch and hide a unique case closing system with fewer visible screws.
Additionally, a perforated “guidoline” leather strap has been custom made for this unique timepiece recalling the motorcycle’s custom made handlebars.

The second part of this creative package is HardNine Chopper’s latest customisation: a WLC 1943 Harley Davidson 750cc that was originally owned by the Canadian Army. This mechanical piece of art has been entirely reworked by Danny Schneider during a 6 months customization process which consisted of the manual reshaping of the fenders, gas and oil tanks, the front fork, the exhaust pipe and the reconditioning of the original motor.
This rumbling motorbike has also been beautifully hand painted in a purple metal flake colour highlighted by hand drawn pinstripes that have been placed on both sides of the gas tank, fenders and front fork.

Like RJ-Romain Jerome’s timepieces, each detail has been thoroughly thought through to transform this historical object into a unique piece of Contemporary Art. For example, the steering column is subtly decorated, South Park’s famous “Cartman” figurine is used to manually change the bikes’ gears and the name of the hard rock group “Slayer” is cut-out on the grip of the right footstool. Additionally, the lettering “L.A” and the number “9” are hand painted on the visible parts of the motor.

But guess what... This unique set has already been sold ! However not to worry, RJ-Romain Jerome has created a limited edition of nine H9C-DNA timepieces featuring a mirror polished H9C skull on the dial, keeping the intrinsic design of the original watch in a black PVD-coated steel case.

Once again, RJ-Romain Jerome celebrates creative minds through its collaborations and has additionally discovered
a fascinating world through the eyes and masterful hands of Danny Schneider. We invite you to immerge yourself in this fascinating new collaboration and to discover two worlds that have been brought together through creativity and mutual respect.

Continental GT3-R in limited edition

Bentley announces the rarest and most dynamic member of the esteemed Continental family of Grand Tourers with the arrival of the new Continental GT3-R. It is inspired by the new Continental GT3 race car that stormed to victory at the second round of the Blancpain Endurance Series at Silverstone, the first UK race for Bentley for 84 years. Blending proven track and road credentials, the Continental GT3-R is a highly exclusive and unique interpretation of performance-focussed luxury, limited to just 300 examples. All 300 examples of the Continental GT3-R will be hand-built in Crewe and finished in Bentley’s Motorsport division.

Bentley engineers have developed a retuned version of Bentley’s race-proven, high performance 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 for this new two-seater GT. Developing 580 PS (572 bhp / 426 kW) and 700 Nm of torque, together with a 100 kg weight reduction and shorter gearing, the Continental GT3-R is the fastest-accelerating Bentley ever. Capable of reaching 60 mph from a standstill in just 3.6 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.8 secs), the GT3-R is a Grand Tourer with the performance of a racer.

Complementing the revised powertrain is a further development of Bentley’s renowned all-wheel drive system, which now features torque vectoring for the first time. Together with modified Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and a chassis tune optimised for outright cornering ability, the Continental GT3‑R is the most dynamic, responsive and involving Bentley road car ever.

Wolfgang Dürheimer, Chairman and Chief Executive of Bentley Motors, comments: “The experience of driving a Continental GT3-R is awe-inspiring, and takes the dynamic abilities of our Grand Tourer to new heights. We were inspired to create something extremely special for the road by the performance of our Continental GT3. It is a celebration of the Bentley passion for building outstanding drivers’ cars. To be a true Bentley, the GT3-R had to be the most luxurious track-inspired Grand Tourer ever, and this car pushes our trademark combination of luxury and performance to a new level.”

A Revised Powertrain Developed For Acceleration

For the GT3-R, Bentley’s powertrain division set about developing a special combination of engine, driveline and exhaust to create an evocative, powerful yet efficient system. Bentley’s popular and widely acclaimed 4.0-litre twin‑turbo V8 engine, now race proven by the Continental GT3, has been fitted with precision-honed high-boost turbochargers and developed with new engine control software to liberate 580 PS at 6,000 rpm and 700 Nm of torque from 1,700 rpm.

This increased power is fed through the Continental’s eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox, now with shorter output gearing to enhance acceleration, to Bentley’s renowned all-wheel drive system. For the first time for a Bentley, the drivetrain has the ability to control the torque at each of the rear wheels through the use of torque vectoring. Recalibrated control software means that Drive and Sport modes are moved further apart, each with different characteristics and with Sport mode designed for more spirited driving. Maximum driver control is provided by completely recalibrated paddle shift functionality.

A soundtrack appropriate to the new levels of performance is provided by an all-new titanium exhaust, which not only provides a weight saving of 7 kg but also has allowed Bentley’s acoustic engineers to give the GT3-R a unique baritone roar.

A Chassis System For Ultimate Driver Engagement

To provide a dynamic capability unmatched in the Grand Touring sector, the GT3-R receives a chassis system focussed on performance whilst retaining a cossetting level of refinement for everyday use. Air springs and dampers use a development of the sports-tuned setup from the Continental V8 S, already recognised as the best-handling Bentley ever, while lightweight forged 21” wheels and high-grip Pirelli tyres deploy the torque-vectored power output of the engine.

This combination, together with a sport-focussed Electronic Stability Control programme, offers a Continental with a new level of handling dynamics and turn-in agility, while both the chassis and powertrain respond immediately to throttle inputs.

Deceleration is via Bentley’s record-holding Carbon Silicon Carbide (CSiC) braking system. 420 mm front discs are slowed by 8-piston calipers finished in eye-catching green paint, while 356 mm discs are fitted to the rear axle. With the ability to absorb up to 10 megajoules of energy (enough to power a family home for six hours) in a single stop yet remain fade resistant, Bentley’s CSiC brakes are an engineering masterpiece in their own right. 

Commenting on the performance of the new Continental GT3-R, Bentley’s Member of the Board for Engineering, Rolf Frech, comments: “We wanted to develop our powertrain and chassis systems further than ever before for the GT3-R project. The result is a Continental GT that is more dynamic than ever, with a torque vectoring system that neutralises understeer and a chassis tune that is both direct and forgiving. We’ve differentiated the Drive and Sport modes further to give the driver a choice between a relaxed and refined Grand Tourer and a sharp supercar with instant responses. The reflexes of the car are matched by the throttle response from our redeveloped V8 engine, and the new turbochargers eliminate turbo lag. Bentleys are rewarding drivers’ cars – but dynamically, the GT3-R is our finest hour yet.”

Delivering Luxury Together With Extreme Performance

All Bentleys are a combination of luxury and performance, and the Continental GT3-R is no exception. Featuring a unique two-seat cabin handcrafted from carbon fibre, Alcantara® and the finest leather, the GT3-R is as breathtaking in its approach to interior design as to its dynamic ability.

The two-seat configuration includes a pair of new bespoke sporting seats with additional side support through deeper bolsters, including newly designed foam layers for comfort and finished in Beluga black leather with diamond-quilted Alcantara®. This exquisite material is also hand-trimmed to the steering wheel and gear shifter, while the centre console and fascia panels are handcrafted in carbon fibre. Carbon fibre is also used to create beautifully sculpted door casings that also include diamond-quilted Alcantara® inner panels. In place of the rear seats is a new uniquely trimmed rear cabin, complete with a carbon fibre surround and finished in leather and Alcantara.

Contrasting the Beluga leather and motorsport-inspired materials is a vivid accent green, used as a hide colour on the seats, instrument panel and door panels and in contrast stitching throughout the seats and diamond-quilted areas. GT3-R badging adorns the centre console, passenger-side fascia panel and sill treadplates, while the seats receive GT3-R stitching to the headrests in contrast-green thread.

Dramatic and Purposeful Exterior Style Statements

For the exterior of the GT3-R, Bentley’s Design team was tasked with creating a more purposeful stance than ever before. A new front splitter provides an assertive look to the front of the car, balanced by a new fixed rear wing fitted to the boot lid – both finished in exquisite carbon fibre. The bonnet incorporates two vents to improve the cooling capacity of the powertrain system for repeated accelerations while also invoking the shape of the Continental GT3 racer in a styling element where form follows function.

The gloss carbon fibre contrasts with the Glacier White paint that all 300 cars will be finished in, and the inspiration of the Continental GT3 race car is highlighted by the use of two-tone green graphics that trace the two power lines to the side profile of the car – one leading backwards from the front wheel, the other tracing the shape of the Continental GT’s iconic rear haunch.

Further inspiration from the Continental GT3 is reflected in the finishing touches to the exterior – the headlamp bezels, matrix grille, window surrounds and bumper strips – all finished in stylish gloss black.

The visual appeal of the Continental GT3-R is completed by an all-new lightweight 21” wheel, machine-forged from high-strength alloy and finished in gloss black.

Purchase of the car also includes free standard servicing for four years (at the 10,000, 20,000 and 30,000 mile marks). Order books for the Continental GT3-R are open now, with deliveries to start late in 2014.

Bentley Continental GT3-R

Engine

Type

4.0-litre twin-turbo V8

Max Power

580 PS / 572 bhp / 426 kW @ 6,000 rpm

Max Torque

700 Nm / 516 lb.ft @1,700 rpm

Transmission

Type

ZF 8-speed automatic with Quickshift, Block Shifting and separate Drive, Sport and Tiptronic modes. Steering-column-mounted paddle shift.

Driveline

Continuous all-wheel drive (40:60 rear bias) with torque vectoring

Ratios

1st : 4.71; 2nd: 3.14; 3rd: 2.1; 4th: 1.67; 5th: 1.29; 6th: 1.00; 7th: 0.839; 8th: 0.667

Final Drive

3.50

Brakes

Front

420 mm Carbon Silicon Carbide, cross-drilled

Rear

356 mm, Carbon Silicon Carbide, cross-drilled

Wheels and Tyres

Wheels

9.5J x 21”

Tyres

275/35 ZR21

Steering

Type

Rack & pinion, power assisted, speed-sensitive ZF Servotronic

Turns lock-to-lock

2.6 turns

Turning circle

11.3 m / 37.1 feet

Suspension

Front

Four link double wishbones, computer controlled self-levelling air suspension, with anti-roll bar

Rear

Trapezoidal multi-link, computer-controlled self‑levelling air suspension, with anti-roll bar

Damping

Continuous Damping Control, tuned for dynamic performance

Dimensions

Wheelbase

2,746 mm / 108.1 in

Overall length

4,806 mm / 189.2 in

Width (across body)

1,944 mm / 76.5 in

Width (inc. mirrors)

2,227 mm / 87.7 in

Overall height

1,394 mm / 54.9 in

Fuel tank

90 litres / 20 gallons / 24 US gallons

Boot volume

358 litres / 12.6 cu. ft

Kerb weight (EU)

2,195 kg / 4839 lb

Gross vehicle weight

2,750 kg / 6063 lb

Performance

Top speed

170 mph / 273 km/h TBC

0-60 mph

3.6 secs

0-100 km/h

3.8 secs

Fuel Consumption (EU cycle)*

Urban

15.3 mpg / 18.5 litres/100 km

Extra Urban

30.6 mpg / 9.2 litres/100 km

Combined

22.3 mpg / 12.7 litres/100 km

CO2 emissions

295 g/km

Fuel Consumption (EPA cycle)**

City (US mpg)

13

Highway (US mpg)

20

Combined (US mpg)

15

 Emissions Controls

 EU 6 and US LEV II

 * Fuel consumption figures are provisional and subject to Type Approval.

 ** Fuel consumption figures are provisional and subject to EPA certification

New Mini 5 Door

• Second body variant of the new third generation MINI; consistent expansion of the model program with the addition of the MINI 5 door creates new opportunities for the brand’s signature driving fun; first time the British premium brand is represented with a 5 door model in the small car segment.

• Wheelbase expanded by 72 millimetres (to 2,567 millimetres) over the new MINI; creates space for three seats in the rear, with 72 millimetres more foot space and legroom, 15 millimetres more headroom and 61 millimetres more interior width at elbow height; luggage compartment space boosted to 278 litres, 67 litres more than in the 3 door model; excellent figures for the small car premium segment; rear backrest with 60:40 split; optional storage package including luggage compartment floor which can be locked into place at varying points.

• New MINI 5 door demonstrates superior driving fun, efficiency, ride comfort, safety and connectivity; new generation of engines; model-specific suspension settings; premium features including innovative driver assistance systems; latest MINI Connected services.

• At 3,982 millimetres (MINI Cooper S 5 door and MINI Cooper SD 5 door are 4 005 millimetres), overall length extended by 161 millimetres compared with new MINI; equal vehicle width of 1,727 millimetres, height increased by 11 millimetres to 1,425 millimetres; characteristic brand styling with design features such as hexagonal radiator grille, headlamps and rear lights with wide chrome surround, side turn indicator element and black body bordering from the new MINI; additional exterior paint finishes: roof and exterior mirror caps in contrasting colour on request.

• Market launch of the new MINI 5 door with four model variants (combined fuel consumption: 5.9 - 3.6 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions: 136 – 95 g/km); two petrol and two diesel engines of the new generation available with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology; MINI Cooper 5 door with 100 kW/136 hp 3-cylinder petrol engine, MINI Cooper S 5 door with 141 kW/192 hp 4-cylinder petrol engine, MINI Cooper D 5 door with 3-cylinder diesel engine (85 kW/116 hp) and MINI Cooper SD 5 door featuring new 4-cylinder diesel engine presented for the first time with an output of 125 kW/170 hp; 6-speed manual transmission as standard, 6-speed Steptronic transmission or Steptronic sports transmission as an optional extra; extensive MINIMALISM technology including auto start/stop function and optional GREEN mode.

• Typical MINI go-kart feeling thanks to model-specific set-up of suspension technology, with single-joint spring strut front axle and multilink rear axle; maximum agility due to weight-optimised construction with a high degree of stiffness; electromechanical power steering with Servotronic function as standard; Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) as standard including Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC) in the MINI Cooper S 5 door and MINI Cooper SD 5 door also with Performance Control; model-specific spring and damper set-up; Dynamic Damper Control optionally available; standard trim includes light alloy wheels in 15-inch format (MINI Cooper 5 door, MINI Cooper D 5 door) or 16-inch format (MINI Cooper S 5 door, MINI Cooper SD 5 door); light alloy wheels optionally available up to 18 inches.

• Variable car set-up using optional MINI Driving Modes with rotary switch at the base of the gear or selector lever; standard setting MID mode, then SPORT and GREEN modes; GREEN mode in conjunction with Steptronic transmission includes coasting with decoupled drivetrain.

• Weight-optimised and crash-optimised body structure; standard safety fittings include front and side airbags, side curtain airbags, 3-point automatic belts on all seats, at front with belt tensioners and belt force limiters, twin ISOFIX children's seat attachments at rear and optionally also on the front passenger seat, tyre pressure control and partially active engine compartment lid for optimised pedestrian protection; optimised vehicle weight; excellent acoustic and vibrational comfort; favourable aerodynamic properties.

• New display and operating concept: instrument cluster on the steering column showing road speed and engine speed, colour display for vehicle status details and fuel level; central instrument with new display elements and coloured lighting configuration including LED ring for visual feedback in response to numerous functions, 4-line TFT display as standard or optional colour display up to 8.8 inches in size; operation of navigation, entertainment, telephone and vehicle functions using MINI Controller in centre console with the relevant feedback provided on the on-board computer; start/stop button at the centre of the toggle switch bar on the centre console can be activated without key insertion; power window lifts in the door trim panels; operating panel for lights in the dashboard.

• Wide range of innovative driver assistance systems: MINI Head-Up-Display, Parking Assistant, rear view camera and Driving Assistant including camera-based active cruise control, collision and pedestrian warning with initial brake function, high beam assistant and road sign detection.

• Unique MINI Connected in-car infotainment program; Emergency Call and MINI Teleservices available for use with permanently installed SIM card; wide range of functions and the opportunity for ongoing expansion due to apps that allow integration in the car via smartphone; exclusive MINI functions such as Mission Control, Dynamic Music, Driving Excitement and MINIMALISM Analyser; MINI Connected XL Journey Mate with Real Time Traffic Information; online connection also allows the use of social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, foursquare and Glympse, the reception of RSS news feeds and entertainment features such as AUPEO!, Stitcher, Deezer, Audible, Napster/Rhapsody and TuneIn.

• Extensive range of standard features and high-end options to enhance comfort, safety, premium characteristics and individual style such as LED headlamps including LED daytime driving light and LED rear lights, adaptive light distribution and LED turning light, LED fog lamp, lighting package with LED interior and orange-coloured ambient lighting, rain sensor with automatic driving light control, heatable windscreen, Park Distance Control, Comfort Access, electrically operated glass roof, roof rails, electrically heated and folding exterior mirrors, automatic anti-dazzle interior and exterior mirrors, heated seats, 2-zone automatic air conditioning; broad selection of roof and exterior mirror decorative styles, bonnet stripes, seat upholstery types and Colour Lines as well as MINI Yours offers; MINI navigations system, Professional navigation system, MINI Radio Visual Boost, Harman/Kardon hi-fi speaker system, DAB tuner, DVD changer.

• Engine variants:
  MINI Cooper S 5 door: 4-cylinder petrol engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology (turbo charging, direct injection, fully variable valve control, variable camshaft control),
  capacity: 1,998 cc, output: 141 kW/192 hp at 4,700 – 6,000 rpm, max. torque: 280 Nm at 1,250 – 4,750 rpm (300 Nm with overboost), acceleration (0–100 km/h): 6.9 seconds (automatic: 6.8 seconds), top speed: 232 km/h (230 km/h), average fuel consumption*: 5.9 – 6.0 litres (5.4 – 5.5 litres)/100 kilometres,
  CO2 emissions*: 136 – 139 g/km (125 – 128 g/km), exhaust emission standard: EU6.
  
  MINI Cooper 5 door: 3-cylinder petrol engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology (turbo charging, direct injection, fully variable valve control, variable camshaft control),
  capacity: 1,499 cc, output: 100 kW/136 hp at 4,500 – 6,000 rpm,
  max. torque: 220 Nm at 1,250 – 4,000 rpm (230 Nm with overboost), acceleration (0–100 km/h): 8.2 seconds (automatic: 8.1 seconds), top speed: 207 km/h (207 km/h), average fuel consumption*: 4.7 – 4.8 litres (4.8 – 4.9 litres)/100 kilometres,
  CO2 emissions*: 109 – 111 g/km (111 – 114 g/km), exhaust emission standard: EU6.
  
  MINI Cooper SD 5 door: 4-cylinder diesel engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology (turbocharger with variable turbine geometry, common rail direct injection), capacity: 1,995 cc,
  output: 125 kW/170 hp at 4,000 rpm, max. torque: 360 Nm at 1,500 – 2,750 rpm, acceleration (0–100 km/h): 7.4 seconds (automatic: 7.3 seconds), top speed: 225 km/h (223 km/h),
  average fuel consumption*: 4.1 – 4.3 litres (4.1 – 4.2 litres)/100 kilometres, CO2 emissions*: 109 – 112 g/km (107 – 109 g/km), exhaust emission standard: EU6.
  
  MINI Cooper D 5 door: 3-cylinder diesel engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology (turbocharger with variable turbine geometry, common rail direct injection), capacity: 1,496 cc,
  output: 85 kW/116 hp at 4,000 rpm, max. torque: 270 Nm at 1,750 rpm, acceleration (0–100 km/h): 9.4 seconds (automatic: 9.5 seconds), top speed: 203 km/h (202 km/h), average fuel consumption*: 3.6 – 3.7 litres (3.8 – 3.9 litres)/100 kilometres,
  CO2 emissions*: 95 – 97 g/km (99 – 102 g/km), exhaust emission standard: EU6.
  
  * Fuel consumption depends on the selected tyre format.

• Exterior dimensions:
  Length: 3 982 millimetres (MINI Cooper S 5 door, MINI Cooper SD 5 door: 4 005 millimetres)
  Width: 1 727 millimetres
  Height: 1 425 millimetres)
  Wheelbase: 2 567 millimetres