The Week In Cars

Although there have not been any significant car events here in the UK this week, plenty is still happening.

First, Audi has announced the new A5 range. It looks like the A4 is dead, and all body styles will use the “5”.

The S5 is the petrolhead choice, and I’m glad the interior looks “sensible” despite having screens all around and the exterior being a little bit too similar to the old model.

This week's other news seems hybrid-based, as Bentley revealed that the news Flying Spur powertrain, with 771 bhp, will be a hybrid.

Porsche also launched the top-of-the-range Panamera models, the Turbo S E-Hybrid and the GTS.

This big car has big performance in Turbo S E-Hybrid form, with a 0-60mph time of about 3 seconds.

Still, the GTS may be the most balanced car in the range, with only slightly less performance but almost certainly more enjoyable driving dynamics, as is often the case with Porsche’s GTS models.

Although there’s no big car event this week, the luxury end of the market is busy with more intimate ones; the two I liked the look of were Aston Martin’s House of Q pop-up experience in London’s Burlington Arcade, which runs until the 4th. August.

They are doing a “Bond” theme, so 007 fans and petrolheads can enjoy the event.

Lamborghini has also opened another lounge, this time located on Promenade du Port via Porto Vecchio.

This showcase type seems to work, as they already have permanent lounges in New York and Tokyo and temporary ones in Doha and Dubai.

What’s always nice about these experiences is that they’re more than just about the cars, as the setting, furniture, and styling are always a pleasure to see.

In My Opinion…

Like you, I’m always looking for car-related insight and have some of my own, so here’s what I’ve noticed this week.

Auctions

A few in-person car auctions are coming up, two of which I’m particularly interested in.

First up is the Historics Windsorview Lakes sale on the 20th. July.

There are quite a few cars I’d like to add to my collection there, especially a 1949 Bentley Mk. VI Special, because I’ve never owned something like that, and it doesn’t seem a bad idea (my wife probably would disagree, but what would you rather have, a new kitchen or a Bentley?).

I also like the look of the BMW Z1, so the Hartge version, also going under the hammer, is appealing, but I’m not sure the £45,000 to £53,000 estimate is.

Then there’s the H&H auction on July 24th in Derbyshire, and I’m interested to see what the Audi Press 1989 UR Quattro fetches.

The number of “No-Reserve” cars is also noticeable, which makes grabbing a bargain at least a possibility.

Could this be my new favourite car?

One car at Goodwood stood out to me: the Lanzante road conversion of a Porsche 935.

It may not be everybody’s “cup of tea,” but it is for me.

I’ve also put together a short video on the cars Lanzante took to Goodwood, as every single one was a “yes” from me.

So, these are my thoughts for the week.

But more importantly, what have you noticed this week, and what have I missed?

I’d love to know.