The pace is picking up in the motoring industry – and we don’t just mean top speeds. Experts share what’s in store.
TEXT LOW KA WEI AND LIAO XIANGJUN
MOTORING’S NEXT DECADE
Wolfgang Durheimer, chairman and CEO, Bentley, speaking at the Automotive
News World Congress, Detroit, US.
1 The next 10 years will be transformational for luxury car makers.
We will see customer demographics broaden and change dramatically to incorporate millennials; the rising affluent in developing economies; and members of Generation “C” – the connected generation where attitude, rather than age, is the defining characteristic.
2 Customers will demand instant, unobstructed access to technology, information and convenience; have an entirely different attitude towards vehicle ownership; and live in an increasingly urbanised world with all the mobility challenges and opportunities that this presents.
3 But technology on its own is not enough.
Technology in isolation is cold and can never be truly luxurious. The human touch must not be lost.
4 Bentley will use new technology to enhance traditional and authentic materials in new and contemporary ways. For example, Oled screens could be overlaid on wood veneers. These ultra-thin screens would be invisible except when in use, such as to control the audio or HVAC systems.
5 There is a future for more diverse and sophisticated concierge-style services that will enhance the lives of customers. Bentley is investigating a global customer network – a “club” where ownership does not relate to a single vehicle, but rather entitles drivers to a luxury mobility solution in selected cities around the world.
“What’s the concept of transport? It’s not necessarily owning a car, it’s about the mobility of the customer. We want to be in the game of supplying that mobility. I can’t tell you much now, but even in Singapore, we’ve got a (related) project that will come to fruition at end-2017 that’ll allow you to experience an Audi in new ways.”
ROLLING OUT
New cars on the block.
DIAL S FOR SPEED
Dusting off the “S” nameplate that signifies an improved model, last seen over 30 years ago when the Countach ruled in the bedroom-wallposter realm, the Aventador S is Lamborghini’s heavily facelifted flagship. The biggest news for the 350 kmh supercar is four-wheelsteering – a first for the Audi-owned Italian marque – that aids manoeuvrability at low speeds and cornering stability at high speeds.
The revised styling enhances downforce and engine cooling, with the air ducts lending a Countach-esque touch for those too young to have driven the legend back in the day.
THE ‘SPORT’ IN SUV
Mercedes’ model-proliferation plan shows no sign of abating, dividing the customer matrix into even finer segments with the new GLC 250 4MATIC Coupe. Based on the mid-sized GLC 4x4, the model marries SUV practicality with coupe sportiness by designing the roof line to drop towards the rear. The launch car comes with a sweet four-pot turbo good for 211bhp. If that is not enough grunt, a V6-powered AMG model with 367bhp on tap will be available later this year. Both variants come with all-wheel-drive and nine-speed automatic transmission.
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