It stimulated the Top Gear team to follow all the news surrounding it until they were eventually able to drive an Aventador in Italy in June, and finally bring one across the Channel in July and have the ‘thoroughly delectable’ car, as they expressed it, on their show.

It even became a muse for the film-writing team responsible for this year’s Batman epic ‘The Dark Knight Rises’.  Director Christopher Nolan and stars Christian Bale and Anne Hathaway were certainly inspired when the Aventador appeared as the Batmobile.

Now Prindiville have been motivated by this most-talked about Lamborghini in its evolution as the Aventador J.  Moved by this iteration which was premiered at the Geneva Motor Show this year, they have released a tuning package for this unique supercar.

The motivating machine appeared on the Lamborghini stand along with the news that this car had already been sold to its lucky new owner and was a completely one-off build.  Nevertheless, British specialists Prindiville were so encouraged by the sight that they developed a kit which will enhance both the looks and performance of this already-stunning beauty.

Cosmetically, the Aventador J would benefit from a lightweight carbon fibre outfit with revised front bumper, bonnet, side panels and skirts, rear diffuser and rear wing.

Under the new bonnet, the fortunate owner would find an ECU revamp and Prindiville’s trademark titanium exhaust system.  Such a power boost would also necessitate the fully-adjustable suspension system with larger carbon ceramic brakes that they have envisaged.

Whilst it is highly unlikely that the package will ever be retro-fitted to the Aventador J, as the new owner probably thinks it is just grand the way it is, it would result in a power increase from 700hp to 805hp.  This would make a difference to acceleration and top line speed. The 0-60mph sprint should take just 2.5 seconds with the maximum speed likely to be over 220 mph. 

Luckily for eight other fortuitous owners of the standard Aventador, if standard could ever be used in the same sentence as Lamborghini Aventador, this package will be made available on the open market by Prindiville in such a limited edition. Don’t forget, Signature’s own Aventador arrives later this year.

Ettore Bugatti, as one of the founding fathers of supercars in the early twentieth century and the creator of this iconic marque, was renowned for his love of experimentation with new and unusual materials.  It should therefore come as no surprise that the Veyron L’Or Blanc uses some of the most non-traditional fabrics and innovative techniques to create its exquisite look.

Whilst White Gold is the name of the car, this is in title only.  Porcelain is what creates the finely-crafted bodywork.  It is the loving craftwork of the artisans at Konigliche Porzellan-Manufatur (KPM) in Berlin which make the L’Or Blanc come to life.  From a heritage spanning 250 years, over 170 specialists craft precious items for today’s connoisseurs.  None could be more precious than the L’Or Blanc.  From hand-made plaster moulds which take several weeks of research and development, the unique porcelain interior and exterior elements take shape.

Within the walls of the pristine facility at Bugatti Design Studio the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport begins its transformation to captivating work of art.  The abstract exterior design, paying homage to the serpentines of the Stelvio Pass in Italy makes as much use of the intricacies of the porcelain ceramics as it does to bathing in glorious light.  The studio lights are used by Bugatti’s Head of Design Achim Anscheidt and his team to analyse this magnum opus of motoring.  They look at the car from every angle to ensure that beauty flows over and around the silhouette of the stunning car.   They need to create a car that breeds desire with every line.  It is indeed these lines which attract their eye and have taken so much painstaking detailing to arrive at the finished product.

For the birth of the car, precision Japanese soft tissue tape which could be removed by hand was used to sculpt these lines.  The designers stretched the tape to differing degrees, which continued to adhere perfectly to the sulphucontaining plasticine.  This stretch of up to five metres allowed the designers free reign with their composition.  Should the designers feel that the ensuing lines did not have their intended effect, they placed a correction tape above the original line until the visual impact achieved the spirit of tension and character conceived. 

Bugatti’s paint specialists were the next artists to add to the tour de force.  Over a three week period, these line markers are painted by hand with fine brushstrokes in the magnificent midnight blue.  This is done in such a way that the blue forms take precedence at ground and floor level, eventually giving way to the dominant white contours at roof level. The body work is then given five coats of clear lacquer.

Creation then moves to the leading porcelain crafter at their Berlin factory, where twelve elements, crafted from the finest porcelain, touch the car in such a way as to complete the aesthetic approach of this most special Veyron.   Outside, the central wheel badges, fuel filler cap and signature ‘EB’ badge to the rear are crafted in brilliant bright white.

Inside, porcelain appears in an intarsia on the rear panel between the seats, signed inlays on the sides of the central console, and in a fine dish in the console itself, which is removable as it is part of a picnic set designed exclusively for the car. 

Of course, the craftwork on the façade of the L’Or Blanc is nevertheless laid over the superb engineering of the Grand Sport.  Its 1001 horsepower eight-litre W16 quad-turbocharged engine remains matchless.   Whilst this edition is indeed a once-off, a special edition Bugatti Veyron Wei Long 2012 complete with porcelain detailing was previewed at the Beijing Motor Show last week.  Confirmation was thus received of the expected-to-be-continued partnership of KPM and Buagtti.

The latest news from Mercedes-Benz concerns two exciting new models.   Whilst the economic and meteorological climate in Germany may be gloomy, and the situation in other European consumer countries looking even more dismal, Mercedes is determined to bring some good news to our ears.  Fresh and bright motor cars will always have a place in cheering up a dull and grey world, and it seems that is just what is in the minds of the team at Mercedes Benz AG.  The birth of two new ones could be just what we need.

The leadership of Mercedes-Benz has announced that they are looking at a ‘baby’ SLS and a sportier M-Class model. 

This joyous revelation was made by Gorden Wagner, Head of Design at Mercedes.  He announced that Mercedes-Benz is planning production of a car called the SLC, expected to be a sports model of the existing gull wing-doors coupe.  Minus these iconic entrances however, the car should take on the 911 of rival Porsche, as well as any potential Jaguar competition, such as the F-type.  Given that Mercedes is considering engineering the SLC with two engine variants, any possible contenders should beware.  The anticipated 3.5 litre V6 and 4.0 V8 will surely have strong torque abilities and powerful top-line speed capacities.  The investment in developing the technology for such an SLC should see it in the showroom by about 2014, so scouts should look out for renderings and spy shots later this year.

From its sports segment to its luxury powerful 4×4 offering, the Mercedes-Benz team is envisaging taking on the world.  Another design candidate is a more athletic M-Class offering.  Given the inherent characteristics of the existing vehicle of potency and dominance, this is certainly something to watch out for.  Aimed at challenging BMW’s X6, we could see a very exciting battle transpire indeed.  

Since Porsche recently revealed its range overhaul over the next few years, as we blogged to you late last month, we can understand that the race to put new and exciting models in the path of consumers’ spending will only heat up over the short-term horizon.  We can expect that quite a lot of exciting news should be forthcoming from all German luxury and sports car manufacturers.  

In keeping with what we expect from these marques, higher oil prices, austerity measures and increased emission taxes are certainly not design considerations.  What we can expect to see from these automakers are exquisitely-designed cars engineered to produce maximum power, performance and exhilaration.

Meanwhile the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG continues to bring sparkle to our roads.  Renting the SLS AMG Coupe from Signature Car Hire for a self-drive excursion can certainly light up your experience.

Whilst last week we brought you a sneak preview of the proposed Lamborghini SUV and some of the excitement around this potential car on the radar, this week we are thrilled to share with you the full-blooded concept car in real life, as showcased at the Beijing Auto Show this week, through a dynamic video released online for those who couldn’t make it all the way to China.

With the unveiling of this Crossover, we can now let you in on some of the secrets that surrounded the launch of this concept, and let you have the facts about the Urus, billed as the ‘everyday’ Lamborghini possibility.  

This awesome video clip details the ‘the Lamborghini of SUVs’ in brilliant colour and detail.  The only thing missing is the soundtrack to accompany this, but it doesn’t take much imagination to visualise the full sound-and-light spectacle that would include a legendary Lamborghini exhaust sound effect. 

The video shows a well-developed concept, so it is not beyond reason to imagine this being the final outcome of Lamborghini’s all-road project.  It is certainly a far cry from their first off roader, built between 1985 and 1992.  Only three hundred of the chunky models were produced.  This film star is much more likely to achieve Lamborghini’s aim of selling up to 3000 models each year, making it the most popular sales model ever for the Italian marque.

With trademark geometric styling cues, the Urus is lovingly cosseted by the camera.  A magnificent crimson paint job is panned over, showing every exquisite angle of this performance all-terrain vehicle.  The prowess of the front facade of the car is highlighted, allowing viewers an excellent overview of how commanding is the presence of this car.  The two-door model is a fusion of geometry with its upward-sweeping diagonal side view meeting easily with the downward-curve of the roof line at the back of the car.  The rear wedge is artfully mastered to produce a great final glimpse of the Urus.

The interior is not neglected either.  Footage shows how the six-sided shapes are echoed in the dashboard and seating and remind the driver of the pedigree of this surprising SUV.  An artful yet muscular driving position is on show to allow the driver to take the vehicle to new heights of speed and power, yet from a position of sheer luxury.

Viewed on the exhibition stand alongside other Automobili Lamborghini products, the car appears remarkably compact, showing just how well all the cars of the Raging Bull badge wear their proportions.  Beautifully-bladed twenty-four alloy wheels are admired under the lens of this camera, detailing their contribution to the overall look and feel of this crossover with substance.  Four-wheel drive like any other Lamborghini this superb 600 horsepower 5.2 litre V10 vehicle certainly needed to be captured on film for posterity.

Paris is certainly known for beautiful things.  Last week one more work of art was seen in the French capital.  The Bugatti Veyron L’Or Blanc, or White Gold model was actually driven and parked on the Paris streets.  For anyone who has ever seen the minute parking spaces in this city of artists and lovers, and the ability of drivers to park in such spaces, it is even more incredible to learn that one of the most incredible features of this spectacular car is that it wears a coat of porcelain to achieve its remarkable appearance.

The completely-unique car was built last year and is worth £1.6m.  Maintaining the performance standards of the Veyron with its credentials of the eight-litre W16 engine reaching a top speed of 253 mph, achieving 0-62 mph in 2.7 seconds, and delivering 1000 bhp, this one-off model takes the looks of the Veyron to a completely new level.  Created in conjunction with German fine porcelain teapot makers, this edition of the Veyron Super Sport achieves its peerless eddies of white on midnight blue by wearing ‘the finest porcelain on its body’.   

The swirls of white porcelain are echoed in its filler caps, badges, and wheel caps, also specially constructed from the material.

The whirling lines were conceived to be a design tribute to the Stelvio Pass, an Italian road of legendary acclaim.  In response to mixed acclaim at the launch last year, the Director of Sales and Marketing at Bugatti, said that ‘at first, it seems to be an unusual idea to use porcelain in a car, especially in the world’s fastest convertible.  But this is what Bugatti stands for: the realisation of exceptional ideas whilst striving for the utmost in quality and aesthetics.  This allows us to continue Ettore Bugatti’s heritage, who himself loved to experiment with new materials.’

Perfectly ensconced in its immaculate surroundings at the Plaza Athenee Hotel the Veyron L’Or Blanc looked quite at home, and proved to be a completely crowd-pleaser to the throng who soon arrived from all over Europe to glimpse this rare beauty.  Since its purchase by the Saudi Arabian owner last year, it has not been seen on either continent.  Proud of his protégé, he must nevertheless have been relieved when the car was safely parked and lapping up the limelight of the car-parazzi.

Automobili Lamborghini continues to innovate.  As a result we are left in a state of constant expectation as to what they will dream up next.  This is certainly an enviable position in which to find ourselves and the rewards for waiting with baited breath have recently been rich.

Only last week, our patience was rewarded with the concept car for Lamborghini’s SUV.  In true Technicolor, film footage from the Beijing Motor Show revealed the Urus concept crossover.  This was hot on the heels of the press release photo from the week before, and was great compensation for having seen SUV concepts from all the other prestige motoring marques come before.  True to Lamborghini styling, performance heritage and 4×4 breeding, the Urus sparkled in the limelight with its immaculate design and 5.2 litre V10 engineering.  

The Aventador J was our previous prize, forthcoming from the Geneva Motor Show.  With the Aventador coupe proving to be one of the most superb releases from this Italian marque, and the Gallardo replacement already well into its development stages, attention has turned to what else could still be on the horizon.

An intriguing thought direction is to turn to look at the sedan concept, previously premiered at the Paris Motor Show in 2008.  The Estoque, as it was called received positive acclaim, and also looked like our next sensory feast as it appeared to be almost pre-production in its advanced level of development.  Possibly just an optical illusion however as Lamborghini Stephan Winkelmann put asides ideas about taking the Estoque to full production as Lamborghini lacked a ‘suitable platform…but we see more potential in a sport-utility vehicle encapsulating typical Lamborghini attributes’ as he put it. 

However, with the unveiling of the Urus, development skills are now freed up to explore the sedan concept.  It may not necessarily be an essential element of the Lamborghini line-up, but it is an intriguing car to consider.  We hope that is exactly what Lamborghini is doing.

With Lamborghini being part of the VW Group, who certainly have a lot to share when it comes to technology, infrastructure, design skills, and patent engineering, it would appear that there is a lot of room for a platform to be sourced from within the group.  Moving across the membranes between marques, the VW Group has ensured that SUVs from Audi, Porsche and VW itself all leverage off one another to ensure their prominence in their own unique segments is maintained. 

What could prove feasible for the Lamborghini sedan is to make use of the VW Phaeton sedan, as this is certainly competent to take the 6.0 litre W12 engine.  It would seem that there is everything available for Lamborghini in its VW family to ensure that this dream comes true.

An enlightening press release from Peugeot recently hit the headlines, for reasons you can best determine for yourself.

Peugeot in the UK lifted the lid on an innovative RCZ model with paintwork that reacts to the driver’s emotions and changes colour accordingly.

Flora Polis, Head of Innovation at the manufacturer of automobiles with more flair than the average, announced in an online video clip that this development is for the sort of people for whom their car makes a statement.  It now gives you the chance for it to say a whole lot more about you.   It features mood paint which allows drivers to show their emotions by changing the physical colour of their car.

By making use of a psychochromatic coating, Peugeot claims to be able to alter the molecular structure of the paint to emit light at varying wavelengths. 

From uplifting to serious to blushing, the car’s bodywork is shown as responsive to the different heat signals sent to the paint via sensors integrated in the steering wheel designed to measure changes in the driver’s body temperature and pulse rate due to changes in their mood.

Further to Ms Polis’ statement, Product Manager Vince Clisham said that ‘this really is a world first for motoring, to have developed a paint that accurately reflects the emotion of the driver, will no doubt have our competitors green with envy. Particularly as our customers can experience this innovation behind the wheel of the RCZ – a sports coupé that already inspires goose-bumps with its double-bubble roof line.’

Wearing your heart on your sleeve is certainly possible with this innovative car, from the marque for which ‘motion and emotion’ are their driving force.  Whether happy, sad, or anything in between, your response to the world around you will be no surprise to passers-by when you are in the driving seat of this roadster.  A dusky yellow for joy, a deep red for excitement, a dark blue for more solemn moments and a tranquil green for relaxation are included in the spectrum of the car.     

Date-stamped 1^st April and tagged with an ‘April Fools’ label, this post certainly evoques many emotions.  We are left wondering whether this is as real as the colour-changing Aston Martin in the Q department of James Bond…….we will let you decide!

The racing heritage and luxury personified that is brought together in a Bentley can soon be yours, even if it is just for a brief encounter. 

The new Continental GTC V8 is coming soon to Signature Car Hire.  You can earn your wings as a Bentley pilot with this car thanks to its startling performance credentials.  The Continental GTC is unmistakably Bentley V8, from the red enamelled Flying B atop the gloss black mesh grill, ringed with bright chrome, and the three-segment front bumper to the blacked-out rear valance with characteristic figure-of-eight exhaust pipes.  Yet it is under the bonnet where the power of the V8 apparel is truly found.

From the moment you push the starter button, you will be able to grasp just how much technology has revolutionised the drive of the new Bentley.  The new 4 litre V8 engine really does capture the best of Bentley’s racing prowess and improve it with twenty-first century performance enhancements.  The miraculous new V8 develops a staggering 660 Nm of torque at just 1700 rpm.  A potential top speed of 187 mph is possible, 60 miles an hour being reached in 4.7 seconds.  This is all achieved in conjunction with an eight-speed gearbox.  The greater number of ratios in this model means that more efficiency than ever before is available.  As such, the car is more than 40% more efficient than the previous V8.

One of the best ways to enjoy this performance soundtrack is with the roof down.  Bentley make no secret of the fact that one of the main reasons for delivering the GTC in convertible format is indeed to be able to enjoy the spectacular symphony produced by the engine.  Apart from being entertained by the legendary burble and growl, you can also enjoy the best of open-top touring whether for urban attractions or country retreats.  When the seasons are less than perfect, the four-layer roof perfectly cocoons in luxurious isolation. 

Inside you will find all the touches required for utter refined pleasure.  Tanned leather is shaped, stitched and worked around the superlative cobra-head seats with integrated headrests, and armrests for your complete comfort.  Entertainment comes from the eight-channel, eight-speaker music system, with 15GB of storage for music.   

Whatever tune you choose for your soundtrack to this self-drive hire, you will certainly feel the confidence that comes with knowing what your car looks like to those outside.   The dominant silhouette comes from its commanding bonnet line, with twin headlamps ensconced for definitive marksmanship.  To the rear of the car, the Bentley ‘double-horseshoe’ boot lid with spoiler cements the profile.   Throughout the magnificent body, the impact of technology is still seen in the eloquent coachwork.  The use of ‘superforming’ on this model allows the knife-edge creases down the front wings of the Continental GTC V8.  This means that superior grade aluminium has been heated to 500 degrees Centigrade and shaped around a die using air pressure.  The complexity of this car is just waiting to be uncovered. Watch this space and we will keep you updated on its arrival.

This was recently highlighted after the Geneva Motor Show.  The concept SUV was mooted at the International Motor Show in March and as such the Bentley designers have gone back to the drawing board to ensure that what comes through in execution phase is trademark, and blissfully, Bentley.  Despite Bentley’s heritage of producing four-wheel drive cars, the response received by the EXP 9F all-roader was less than lukewarm and as such Bentley has listened to the feedback and withdrawn to further work on the design.  Refinement should help to ease the boxlike, heavy facade of the crossover pilot.  Whilst traditionalists get used to this idea at all, the EXP 9F should start to move away from its exterior frame criticised for being bulky and uninspired.  The interior of the concept however should need little to improve it.  Quilted dove-grey leather upholstery, polished warm wood veneers, twin sunroofs, champagne cooler and glass drawer, and tan leather trim all combined to provide an eloquent expression of Bentley luxury, all tailored to fit a sporting lifestyle.     

Bentley’s ability to finesse its design concepts should hopefully mean that the eventual car that is available for connoisseurs of this luxury marque is the epitome of refinement.  This skill was exhibited after the show as we had the opportunity to review some of its more elegant concept vehicles, of which none are conventionally powered.

The Bentley Speed VI is a prime example of legendary Bentley creations.  In tandem with designer Gabriel Tam, the Speed VI echoes with elements of the Bentley Speed 6, a star of the Le Mans circuit in the 1920s.  Powered by an electric motor, this concept racer has a 1+1 seating configuration.   

Bentley ambition is tamed in the Bora Kim-designed Bentley Jekyll and Hyde concept car.  Influenced by the elements, the car morphs between a coupe powered by electricity, solar, and wind energy.

Also keeping sustainable energy sources at the forefront is the TEN11.  Designed in conjunction with Mika Heikkinen and EXA, this is a luxury sports car concept.   Powered by four in-wheel motors, it also features a bio-diesel engine for purists who do not believe in the sustainability of coal fire-generated electricity, or who prefer a slightly more conventional approach to power.

Given that these exquisite designs did not even make it out of the studio, we can expect to see a redefined SUV of the highest calibre.

Following on the heels of this year’s launch of the completely new 911 edition, next year will see us able to get behind the wheel of the 2013 Boxster.   In the same year, new Caymans will start to roll out of the showroom floor.   Both of these models boast interior and exterior restyling for improved visual appeal. They will offer the same engine and gearbox options and start to be available from £35,000.  

For new fans of Porsche, or converts to the luxury SUV niche, there will also be a face-lifted Panamera next year.   This should mark a radical improvement in the looks of the four-door supercar.  A long wheelbase model will be produced, primarily for foreign markets such as China.   A Cabriolet version will also be produced, for more traditional markets which adore a soft-top Porsche like Europe and America. It is envisaged that this radical redevelopment should keep fans satisfied for some time to come.  The longevity brought about by these design options will certainly give most people something to covet for a while.

In 2014 a 911 Targa will become available.  Other 911 variants will also be produced, but exact dates have yet to be released.  These include a light-weight 911 Clubsport, Turbo, Turbo S, GT2, and GT3 and should follow the precedent set by the 997 generation.

2016 should give us a new four-door coupe ‘sportsback’ Cayenne. 

In 2017, current development could yield models such as the Pajun, a sporty saloon car which may be the smaller equivalent of a Panamera, the 918 Spyder, and the Audi Q5-based Macan small two-door 4×4 crossover. 

For now we can look forward to the imminent arrival of all the 911 variations, with the Carrera 4, 4S, Cabriolet 4, and 4S.  

For current cars available to hire, check out all our Porsches, especially our new Porsche 911 Carerra S.