Thu, 09/08/2016 - 10:33

rolls

Spy shooters caught up to a Rolls-Royce flagship model while out for a test drive in the Mojave desert. Range-topping Rolls-Royces don’t come around very often, so the entire auto industry sits up and takes notice when a new model is about to be released.

The company’s next flagship—which might not receive the Phantom moniker—will be just as big as its predecessor but it will be a lot lighter because it will ride on a brand-new modular platform made largely out of aluminum. Designers will be able to further reduce weight by tapping into parent company BMW’s expertise in the field of carbon fiber.

Although the short- and long-wheelbase models will carry over, inside sources say that the coupe and convertible variants of the current Phantom will be axed without a replacement because they haven’t been strong sellers.

Visually, the sedan will continue to use rectangular headlights, but it will adopt a more squared-off front end with a taller grille, as well as shapelier C-pillars. In short, it will be more of an evolution than a revolution, and it will still be instantly recognizable as a member of the Rolls-Royce family.

Not particularly concerned with downsizing, Rolls-Royce will launch its flagship model with a V12 engine designed with input from BMW. Anything smaller than a 12-cylinder has been categorically ruled out by the company’s top brass, but the next Phantom might get a plug-in hybrid drivetrain a little later in its production run.

Rolls-Royce is expected to introduce the Phantom’s successor at a major auto show next year. Regardless of when it arrives, Rolls’ upcoming flagship will allegedly carry a base price of roughly $405,000. If that figure is accurate, the sedan will be as expensive as the model it’s being designed to replace.

rolls

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Thu, 09/08/2016 - 10:33

rolls

Spy shooters caught up to a Rolls-Royce flagship model while out for a test drive in the Mojave desert. Range-topping Rolls-Royces don’t come around very often, so the entire auto industry sits up and takes notice when a new model is about to be released.

The company’s next flagship—which might not receive the Phantom moniker—will be just as big as its predecessor but it will be a lot lighter because it will ride on a brand-new modular platform made largely out of aluminum. Designers will be able to further reduce weight by tapping into parent company BMW’s expertise in the field of carbon fiber.

Although the short- and long-wheelbase models will carry over, inside sources say that the coupe and convertible variants of the current Phantom will be axed without a replacement because they haven’t been strong sellers.

Visually, the sedan will continue to use rectangular headlights, but it will adopt a more squared-off front end with a taller grille, as well as shapelier C-pillars. In short, it will be more of an evolution than a revolution, and it will still be instantly recognizable as a member of the Rolls-Royce family.

Not particularly concerned with downsizing, Rolls-Royce will launch its flagship model with a V12 engine designed with input from BMW. Anything smaller than a 12-cylinder has been categorically ruled out by the company’s top brass, but the next Phantom might get a plug-in hybrid drivetrain a little later in its production run.

Rolls-Royce is expected to introduce the Phantom’s successor at a major auto show next year. Regardless of when it arrives, Rolls’ upcoming flagship will allegedly carry a base price of roughly $405,000. If that figure is accurate, the sedan will be as expensive as the model it’s being designed to replace.

rolls

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Thu, 09/08/2016 - 10:33

rolls

Spy shooters caught up to a Rolls-Royce flagship model while out for a test drive in the Mojave desert. Range-topping Rolls-Royces don’t come around very often, so the entire auto industry sits up and takes notice when a new model is about to be released.

The company’s next flagship—which might not receive the Phantom moniker—will be just as big as its predecessor but it will be a lot lighter because it will ride on a brand-new modular platform made largely out of aluminum. Designers will be able to further reduce weight by tapping into parent company BMW’s expertise in the field of carbon fiber.

Although the short- and long-wheelbase models will carry over, inside sources say that the coupe and convertible variants of the current Phantom will be axed without a replacement because they haven’t been strong sellers.

Visually, the sedan will continue to use rectangular headlights, but it will adopt a more squared-off front end with a taller grille, as well as shapelier C-pillars. In short, it will be more of an evolution than a revolution, and it will still be instantly recognizable as a member of the Rolls-Royce family.

Not particularly concerned with downsizing, Rolls-Royce will launch its flagship model with a V12 engine designed with input from BMW. Anything smaller than a 12-cylinder has been categorically ruled out by the company’s top brass, but the next Phantom might get a plug-in hybrid drivetrain a little later in its production run.

Rolls-Royce is expected to introduce the Phantom’s successor at a major auto show next year. Regardless of when it arrives, Rolls’ upcoming flagship will allegedly carry a base price of roughly $405,000. If that figure is accurate, the sedan will be as expensive as the model it’s being designed to replace.

rolls

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Thu, 09/08/2016 - 10:33

rolls

Spy shooters caught up to a Rolls-Royce flagship model while out for a test drive in the Mojave desert. Range-topping Rolls-Royces don’t come around very often, so the entire auto industry sits up and takes notice when a new model is about to be released.

The company’s next flagship—which might not receive the Phantom moniker—will be just as big as its predecessor but it will be a lot lighter because it will ride on a brand-new modular platform made largely out of aluminum. Designers will be able to further reduce weight by tapping into parent company BMW’s expertise in the field of carbon fiber.

Although the short- and long-wheelbase models will carry over, inside sources say that the coupe and convertible variants of the current Phantom will be axed without a replacement because they haven’t been strong sellers.

Visually, the sedan will continue to use rectangular headlights, but it will adopt a more squared-off front end with a taller grille, as well as shapelier C-pillars. In short, it will be more of an evolution than a revolution, and it will still be instantly recognizable as a member of the Rolls-Royce family.

Not particularly concerned with downsizing, Rolls-Royce will launch its flagship model with a V12 engine designed with input from BMW. Anything smaller than a 12-cylinder has been categorically ruled out by the company’s top brass, but the next Phantom might get a plug-in hybrid drivetrain a little later in its production run.

Rolls-Royce is expected to introduce the Phantom’s successor at a major auto show next year. Regardless of when it arrives, Rolls’ upcoming flagship will allegedly carry a base price of roughly $405,000. If that figure is accurate, the sedan will be as expensive as the model it’s being designed to replace.

rolls

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Thu, 09/08/2016 - 10:31

Compiled by SEMA Editors

mickey
Through real-world training, mentoring and support, the Frank Hawley Drag Racing School helps prepare drag racers for the unique demands of each drag-racing environment. Photo credit: Frank Hawley Drag Racing School

Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels Continues Support of Frank Hawley Drag Racing School

Mickey Thompson has announced its continued support of the Frank Hawley Drag Racing School. Founded by two-time NHRA Funny Car Champion Frank Hawley, the school brings elite drag-racing talent together with racers seeking certification in specific drag-racing classes and categories. Through real-world training, mentoring and support, the school helps prepare drag racers for the unique demands of each drag-racing environment. In addition to the standard curriculum and certification programs, the school also offers the Mickey Thompson Dragster Adventure, which provides training at select drag strips across the country, giving students an opportunity to train at the racetrack in a Frank Hawley Drag Racing School dragster.

cj
CJ Greaves chases Johnny Greaves in PRO 4WD. Photo credit: TORC Series

CJ Greaves Wins at Crandon as the TORC Series Crowns 2016 Champs

TORC: The Off-Road Championship presented by AMSOIL capped another season of short-course off-road racing last Saturday at Crandon International Off-Road Raceway. CJ Greaves was the big winner this season, taking home both the PRO 4WD and PRO 2WD TORC Series titles for the second year in a row with a pair of Crandon podiums. Kyle Hart finished second in last Saturday’s Atturo Tires PRO Light race to lock down his first-ever TORC Series title. The TORC Series awarded PRO UTV championships for the first time as record fields took to the historic Crandon track.

dixon
Scott Dixon collected his 40th career Indy car win last weekend, moving the 36-year-old alone into fourth on the all-time list ahead of Al Unser.

Scott Dixon Wins IndyCar Grand Prix at The Glen

No. 9 Target Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet driver Scott Dixon led 50 of 60 laps in last weekend’s IndyCar Grand Prix at The Glen presented by Hitachi to collect his fourth win on the 3.37-mile permanent road course. Stretching his final tank of ethanol over the final 19 laps, Dixon cruised across the finish line 16.5308 seconds ahead of Josef Newgarden. Dixon collected his 40th career Indy car win, moving the 36-year-old alone into fourth on the all-time list ahead of Al Unser. Dixon also now has led 4,899 laps in his 16-year career, moving him ahead of Bobby Unser into sixth on that all-time chart. Meanwhile, the battle for the 2016 Verizon IndyCar Series championship was whittled to two drivers. Leader Simon Pagenaud finished seventh in the race and takes a 43-point lead over Team Penske teammate Will Power into the double-points finale—the GoPro Grand Prix of Sonoma on September 18.

Thu, 09/08/2016 - 10:31

Compiled by SEMA Editors

mickey
Through real-world training, mentoring and support, the Frank Hawley Drag Racing School helps prepare drag racers for the unique demands of each drag-racing environment. Photo credit: Frank Hawley Drag Racing School

Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels Continues Support of Frank Hawley Drag Racing School

Mickey Thompson has announced its continued support of the Frank Hawley Drag Racing School. Founded by two-time NHRA Funny Car Champion Frank Hawley, the school brings elite drag-racing talent together with racers seeking certification in specific drag-racing classes and categories. Through real-world training, mentoring and support, the school helps prepare drag racers for the unique demands of each drag-racing environment. In addition to the standard curriculum and certification programs, the school also offers the Mickey Thompson Dragster Adventure, which provides training at select drag strips across the country, giving students an opportunity to train at the racetrack in a Frank Hawley Drag Racing School dragster.

cj
CJ Greaves chases Johnny Greaves in PRO 4WD. Photo credit: TORC Series

CJ Greaves Wins at Crandon as the TORC Series Crowns 2016 Champs

TORC: The Off-Road Championship presented by AMSOIL capped another season of short-course off-road racing last Saturday at Crandon International Off-Road Raceway. CJ Greaves was the big winner this season, taking home both the PRO 4WD and PRO 2WD TORC Series titles for the second year in a row with a pair of Crandon podiums. Kyle Hart finished second in last Saturday’s Atturo Tires PRO Light race to lock down his first-ever TORC Series title. The TORC Series awarded PRO UTV championships for the first time as record fields took to the historic Crandon track.

dixon
Scott Dixon collected his 40th career Indy car win last weekend, moving the 36-year-old alone into fourth on the all-time list ahead of Al Unser.

Scott Dixon Wins IndyCar Grand Prix at The Glen

No. 9 Target Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet driver Scott Dixon led 50 of 60 laps in last weekend’s IndyCar Grand Prix at The Glen presented by Hitachi to collect his fourth win on the 3.37-mile permanent road course. Stretching his final tank of ethanol over the final 19 laps, Dixon cruised across the finish line 16.5308 seconds ahead of Josef Newgarden. Dixon collected his 40th career Indy car win, moving the 36-year-old alone into fourth on the all-time list ahead of Al Unser. Dixon also now has led 4,899 laps in his 16-year career, moving him ahead of Bobby Unser into sixth on that all-time chart. Meanwhile, the battle for the 2016 Verizon IndyCar Series championship was whittled to two drivers. Leader Simon Pagenaud finished seventh in the race and takes a 43-point lead over Team Penske teammate Will Power into the double-points finale—the GoPro Grand Prix of Sonoma on September 18.

Thu, 09/08/2016 - 10:20

The 2016 SEMA Show is scheduled for Tuesday–Friday, November 1–4, in Las Vegas. Online registration for the Show, available now through October 14, is $40.

The 2015 SEMA Show gathered more than 170,000 individuals together to do business. The annual Show features manufacturers representing all segments of the industry highlighting their latest product innovations—from wheels, tires, mobile electronics, restyling kits and paint, to exhaust kits, engine upgrades, suspension components, interior products and much more.

Thu, 09/08/2016 - 10:20

The 2016 SEMA Show is scheduled for Tuesday–Friday, November 1–4, in Las Vegas. Online registration for the Show, available now through October 14, is $40.

The 2015 SEMA Show gathered more than 170,000 individuals together to do business. The annual Show features manufacturers representing all segments of the industry highlighting their latest product innovations—from wheels, tires, mobile electronics, restyling kits and paint, to exhaust kits, engine upgrades, suspension components, interior products and much more.

Thu, 09/08/2016 - 10:17

The SEMA Show is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world. It draws the industry’s brightest minds and hottest products to one place, the Las Vegas Convention Center.

As part of Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW), the SEMA Show attracts more than 100,000 industry leaders from more than 100 countries for unlimited profit opportunities in the automotive, truck and SUV, powersports and RV markets.

The 2015 SEMA Show drew more than 60,000 domestic and international buyers.

Thu, 09/08/2016 - 10:17

The SEMA Show is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world. It draws the industry’s brightest minds and hottest products to one place, the Las Vegas Convention Center.

As part of Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW), the SEMA Show attracts more than 100,000 industry leaders from more than 100 countries for unlimited profit opportunities in the automotive, truck and SUV, powersports and RV markets.

The 2015 SEMA Show drew more than 60,000 domestic and international buyers.