Cars GlobalMag October 2013

AUDI A3
CABRIOLET
The new compact class cabriolet has grown compared
to the previous model: its length has increased
from 4.24 to 4.42 metres, its wheelbase from
2.58 to 2.60 metres and its width from 1.77 to 1.79
metres. Only its height (1.41 metres) is down on its
predecessor, by 15 millimetres. Luggage capacity has
also grown by 60 litres, and access to that space has
been improved.
The new A3 Cabriolet has a soft fabric roof that is
stretched over a lightweight kinematic mechanism
made of magnesium-steel, and it complements the
car’s design perfectly. At the press of a button, the top
opens or closes electro-hydraulically in less than 18 se-
BENTLEY
CONTINENTAL GT V8 S
Available in both coupe and convertible forms, the
the new GT V8 S features an uprated version of
Bentley’s twin-turbo, 4.0-litre engine that now
develops 521 bhp (528 PS / 389 kW) and 680 Nm (502
lb.ft) of torque together with careful suspension modifications
and a selection of new exterior and interior
features.
The GT V8 S coupe sprints from 0-60 mph in just 4.3
seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.5s) and onto a top speed of
192 mph (309 km/h). The performance of the GT V8
S convertible is equally impressive, reaching 60 mph
from a standing start in 4.5 seconds (0-100km/h in
4.7s) and a top speed of 191mph (308km/h). This increased
performance is not at the cost of the efficient
engine’s fuel economy capabilities, with both coupe
and convertible able to cover over 500 miles (805 km)
on a single tank of fuel.
conds at speeds of up to 31mph. When retracted, the
top – folded into three layers – rests in a tray that barely
affects luggage capacity, which is 287 litres.
The acoustic soft top has a glass rear window and is
available in black, grey and brown - its roof liner can be
specified in black or lunar silver.
The cabin offers enough space for four adults, and the
seatbacks of the two rear seats can be folded down to
create a wide through-load area. The steering wheel and
seats are new designs, and the new electro-mechanical
parking brake is operated by a button on the centre
console. Optional assistance systems include adaptive
cruise control, Audi side assist, Audi active lane assist,
camera-based traffic sign/speed limit recognition, park
assist with selective display and various feature levels
of the Audi pre sense safety system.
Three newly developed engines will be offered in the
Audi A3 Cabriolet at its launch. The two TFSI engines
produce 140PS and 180PS from 1.4 and 1.8 litres of
engine displacement, respectively, while the 2.0 TDI
develops 150PS; other engines will follow – ranging
from the 1.6 TDI with 110PS to the 2.0 TFSI, which will
power the Audi S3 Cabriolet with 300PS.
The compact class open-top will become available for
ordering in late October, and will reach its first customers
in March 2014.
A suite of enhancements to the Continental chassis
provide greater agility and body control to match the
engine’s higher output. A more sporting setup sees ride
height lowered by 10 mm front and rear while spring
rates, bushes and the rear anti-roll bar are stiffened.
Recalibrated damping, steering and ESC complete the
package for an exhilarating and involving driving experience.
The new GT V8 S coupe and convertible will
arrive in Bentley dealerships from early 2014.