BMW X6 2015

Making its world debut in Paris, the comprehensively recast 2015 BMW X6 boasts an even edgier appearance. The second generation of the new X6 also benefits from an impressive cabin refresh as well as a bump in output for the V8 engine in the top-line X6 xDrive5.0i model

Marginally larger than the current X6, the Gen II version is lighter by 35-50 pounds yet stronger and more rigid, a feat accomplished by expanding the use of high- and ultra-high strength steel as well as aluminum, magnesium and various thermoplastics

Bolder styling

Visually, the new X6 largely maintains its familiar profile, but adopts what BMW calls a more "extroverted" design for its fascias. Up front, this added boldness brings more prominent X5-like grille and lamp treatments. Adaptive LED Headlights as well as new LED fog lights are optional. A new rising character line in the rear fender merges into a sleeker tail that features thinner-profile L-shaped LED lamps and a matte-silver underbody element. The X6 remake also includes BMW's now-signature Air Curtains and Air Breathers that help reduce the coefficient of drag on the 2015 iteration to an impressive 0.34

The comprehensive remake of the 2015 BMW X6's 5-passenger cabin also borrows freely from the latest X5, netting a more contemporary look and feel. Its new dash shares the X5's the fully programmable Dynamic Digital Instrument Cluster with a 10.2-inch center Control Display that works with its standard iDrive controller. A new 40/20/40 split-folding rear bench replaces the current 60/40 unit to add more versatility. However, cargo space is down, dropping from 25.6 to 20.5 cu ft with the rear seat up and dipping to 53.9 from 59.7 cu ft when it's laid flat. A one-touch power tailgate with automatic soft-takedown is standard in the new X6 as is an even larger glass sunroof

Two engine choices

U.S. buyers will choose between two well-proven engines for the 2015 X6 at launch, both backed by an 8-speed Steptronic sport automatic transmission. The sDrive30i and xDrive30i are fitted with BMW's 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline-6 that makes 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque, while the new xDrive50i packs BMW's 4.4-liter TwinPower Turbo V8. For 2015, this twin-turbo engine adds Valvetronic variable valve timing which bumps pony count from 400 to 445 and raises peak torque from 450 to 480 lb ft. Beyond putting a bit more snap in their respective 0-60 mph sprint times, BMW promises "significant efficiency gains," although EPA numbers have not been released

Beyond its impressive roster of standards, the 2016 BMW X6 will offer plenty of personalization potential. The xLine and Interior Design Packages add a touch of elegance while M Sport kit bolsters its enthusiast appeal. Other prime X6 options include an enhanced versions of BMW Head-up Display and Night Vision, various BMW ConnectedDrive systems, Active Driving Assistant, Active Cruise Control and Parking Assistant. The 2015 BMW X6 will arrive in showrooms here late this year. Pricing for all models will be announced closer to their actual on-sale date

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Bentley Mulsanne Speed 2015

Previewed before heading on to the Paris Auto Show, the new 2015 Bentley Mulsanne Speed adds to the car's luxury and performance

Understated elegance 

Subtle is the operative term for the Mulsanne Speed's exterior changes, which include a dark-tint finish on its stainless-steel radiator grille, lower bumper grilles and fender vents complemented by a similar treatment on the front and rear lighting elements. These are set off by dual rifled exhaust outlets and solid polished stainless steel Speed badges as well as 21-inch alloy wheels. These bespoke rims - Bentley's first ever featuring a unidirectional design - are individually machined from forged blanks and can be had painted, polished or dark-tinted

Inside, the Mulsanne Speed comes with the full Mulliner Driving Specification enhancements while offering new a new Technical Veneer option that brings Piano Black trim with carbon fiber accents. Options include everything from a 2,200-watt Naim for Bentley audio system in place of the standard 14-speaker unit to a power-activated rear tray tables and a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment package

Overwhelming exuberance

Heart of the Mulsanne Speed is a revised version of the firm's well-proven 6.75-liter twin-turbo V8. A new head design the features revamped combustion chambers, intake ports, fuel injectors and spark plugs plus a higher compression ratio, which raises output from 505 horsepower and 752 lb-ft of torque in the standard Mulsanne to 530 horses and a record 811 lb-ft of peak twist - which is on hand from a mere 1,750 rpm

A full redesign of the engine management system serves up smoother transitions from V8 to V4 operation on both engine configurations while also improving fuel economy. Backed by a recalibrated ZF 8-speed Quickshift automatic transmission that features a new performance-focused "S" mode, the Mulsanne Speed can streak from 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds and hit a top end of 190 mph

To ensure that power can be put to best use, the chassis of the new Mulsanne Speed also gets unique tuning. While retaining the Bentley and Comfort modes, the air suspension adds a stiffer Sport setting that also tweaks the steering for better feel and accuracy. The system also allows the driver to individually adjust the chassis, steering and engine response using a Custom setting

Pricing for the 2015 Bentley Mulsanne Speed is expected to be announced at its global debut in Paris. The first Speed-spec Mulsannes are expected to arrive here sometime during the first quarter next year

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Audi TT and TTS Roadster 2016

Following the launch of the Audi TT/TTS Coupe models in Geneva, the 2016 Audi TT and TTS Roadsters are making their debut at the Paris Auto Show. While the open top variants are shown in European trim, both the roadster and coupes will go on sale in the U.S. next year

A 10 second transition

Cutting right to the sun-running chase on these new TT family members, each is crowned with a power-activated, fully-lined fabric soft top that lowers interior noise levels by up to 6dB compared to the current convertible models. Deployable in a mere 10 seconds at vehicle speeds of up to 31 mph, the top forms into a flat Z-shaped package that tucks neatly away into an aluminum tray when dropped. The design allows trunk capacity on these racy Roadsters to remain at 9.9 cu ft at all times

The soft-top transition also entailed other structural enhancements to the TT's new aluminum-intensive MQB modular unit body architecture to preserve its strength and rigidity. A steel reinforcing pillar-and-tube arrangement now resides inside the existing aluminum A-pillars and hidden steel rails work to shore up the car's side sills. More steel struts are used beneath the engine and luggage compartment areas while a bespoke structure between the passenger cabin and the trunk securely anchors a pair of fixed steel rollover hoops

Powertrains revamped

Like the TT/TTS Coupes, their new Roadster counterparts will offer a trio of new 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged/direct-injected engines with greater output than the units they replace. The gas-burning TFSI in the new TT Roadster kicks out 227 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque while the unit in the TTS drop top boasts 306 ponies and 281 lb-ft of twist. Both of those engines are expected to head here as well. A 181-horse Euro-spec TDI turbodiesel that makes a stout 281 lb-ft of torque appears less likely to make the Atlantic crossing, at least at launch. Home market buyers also will be able to choose between a 6-speed manual transmission and paddle-shift 6-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automatic as well as front- or Quattro all-wheel drive configurations, the latter being standard issue on the TTS Roadster

Beyond that, the new Audi TT and TTS Roadsters share all the basic cosmetic, technological and creature features found in the new Coupes. That includes everything from edgier exterior styling and more sophisticated interior treatments - including Audi's modular virtual cockpit configuration - to the latest iteration of Audi's multi-mode drive select system and primo options like MMI Navigation plus with a Wi-Fi hotspot, Bang & Olufsen premium audio, Audi Side Assist and Active Lane Assist

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Audi TT Sportback Concept

Presenting a more practical take on the next-generation TT, Audi presented this 4-passenger 5-door hatchback variation on the theme in Paris

Finished in Mars Red, the TT Sportback shares a good deal of the new TT's basic character and aluminum-intensive design as well as its MQB (modular transverse matrix) architecture. However, the Sportback is nearly a foot longer, 2.1-inches wider and 1.2-inches lower than the Coupe and rides on a 4.7-inch-longer wheelbase. The Sportback's front fascia replaces the conventional bars in Audi's signature grille with a dark honeycomb aluminum mesh insert and full LED headlamp. Laser high beams are fitted to provide superior night-time illumination. The rear displays a similarly well-sculpted look set off by slim-line LED lights and a stylish diffuser bookended by oval chrome exhaust outlets. Short overhangs, a flowing roof, frameless doors and a strong shoulder line add spark to the Sportback's profile while its smartly flared fenders house 21-inch alloy wheels wrapped in grippy 255/30 performance tires

High performance and economy

Power for the TT Sportback Concept comes from an upgraded version of the firm's 2.0-liter TFSI 4-cylinder turbocharged/direct-injected EA888 gasoline engine. Using unique internal components with a higher-boost turbo unit, the Sportback engine puts out 394 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque which is on hand from 2,400-6,000 rpm. Matched with a 7-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automatic that ships power to each corner via Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system, the it can send the TT Sportback Concept from 0-62 mph in 3.9 seconds yet still return the equivalent of 33.6 U.S. combined mpg

Fitted with four individual bucket seats trimmed in high-quality quilted leather and Alcantara, the modestly scaled passenger compartment of the TT Sportback Concept borrows heavily from the upcoming production TT Coupe and Roadster. That includes Audi's new "virtual cockpit" modular dash with a reconfigurable instrument cluster and centrally mounted MMI controller that has a gesture-enabled touchpad along with a 12.3-inch display screen. The cabin also boasts a full-length center console, carbon fiber-look/dark-aluminum accent trim and features flat-folding rear seatbacks to increase the capacity and utility of the Sportback's luggage compartment

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Aston Martin Vanquish Carbon Edition 2015

Ready to take center stage next month in Paris, the 2015 Aston Martin Vanquish Carbon Black and Carbon White special editions offer a unique visual signature in both Vanquish Coupe and Volante Convertible models

Whether finished in Carbon Black or Stratus White, all Vanquish Carbon Editions feature a clear-coated carbon fiber front splitter, rear diffuser, side strakes, mirror caps and mounting pylons along with black window surrounds and 10-spoke/20-inch gloss-black alloy wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero rubber. Coupes also have a carbon fiber roof, and either can be fitted with a new machined carbon fiber "wings" badge. The only bits of contrasting color come from the calipers for the standard carbon ceramic brakes, which can be had in red, yellow or gray in addition to the standard black

Inside, these Carbon-spec Vanquish models have seats covered in Obsidian Black leather with contrast stitching, herringbone-design carbon fiber dash/console facings, black shifter paddles with leather tips, and machined carbon fiber sill plates with Carbon Black or Carbon White logos

Like all other Vanquish models, the Carbon Editions rely on the same naturally aspirated 5.9-liter V12 that makes 568 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque which gets shipped to rear wheels via a drives the rear wheels via an 8-speed Touchtonic III automatic transmission. The Coupe holds a slight edge in the 0-60 mph sprint, needing only 3.6 seconds to hit that benchmark pack compared to 3.8 ticks for the Volante. Opting for the drop-top Vanquish also trims top speed from 201 to 197 mph

Final pricing for the 2015 Aston Martin Vanquish Carbon Edition models is expected to be released in Paris with the cars hitting U.S. showrooms sometime late this year

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