New Video and Photo Gallery of 2011 Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible

Bentley has dropped a new batch of images and driving footage (strangely enough, audio-less) of the new Continental Supersports Convertible shot on location in Colorado.

Unwrapped at this year's Geneva Motor Show in March, the soft-top version of the E85-compatible Continental Supersports coupé is said to be fastest convertible ever to roll out of Crewe's factory going from zero to 60mph in 3.9 seconds and topping out at 202mph (325km/h).

It features the same massaged version of the Continental Supersport Coupe's twin-turbocharged W12 engine that puts down 630 horsepower (621bhp) and 800Nm (590lb ft) of torque and is capable of running on both gasoline and E85 bioethanol or any combination of the two. Bentley's fastest and most potent drop-top ever goes on sale this summer, with prices starting at $280,400.

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KIA Contemplating Switch to Alphanumeric Names in the U.S. [with Poll]

Kia may soon follow the increasingly popular automotive trend that is alphanumeric naming and abandon product names in its U.S. lineup, according to a recent statement by Hyundai Motor Co. Vice Chairman, Chung Eui-sun.

The automaker is already using a mix of alphanumeric and product names in South Korea and some other markets. For example, the recently revealed 2011 Optima and Cadenza sedans are known as the K5 and K7 respectively in the company's home market, while the Forte is said to become the K3.

In an interview, Chung said that while he admits American buyers may prefer cars with names as it makes a comprehensive vehicle lineup less confusing, he also believes that alphanumerics can also increase the strength of a brand. Autonews reported that the South Korean automaker has not made a final decision yet on the name switch for the American market.

Source: Autonews (Sub. Req.)

Which Naming Strategy Should KIA Follow in the U.S.?

2011 Aston Martin DB9 Coupe and Volante Receive Minor Nip and Tuck

Only a few days after we showed you a set of spy pictures of the revamped DB9, Aston Martin went ahead and released the first photos and info on both the Coupe and Convertible (a.k.a Volante) versions of its best-selling sports car. For the 2011MY, the V12-powered DB9 gets a minor nip and tuck along with some mechanical and equipment enhancements.

The most prevalent changes have been made cosmetically to the front end with a new front bumper featuring a re-shaped lower intake, a bright finish radiator grille and reworked headlight bezels. The re-sculptured side sills, silver brake calipers, 20-spoke diamond turned alloy wheels and clear rear light lenses round off the external revisions.

For the record, the camouflaged DB9 showcased in the recent spy photos featured more styling changes including (but not limited to) Rapide-like headlamps and a new rear bumper design, which could very well mean that Aston Martin is working on a more comprehensive facelift for the car in the near future.

Under the sheetmetal, Aston Martin's engineers replaced the DB9's passive damping system with a new [standard] Adaptive Damping System (ADS), said to offer enhanced ride comfort together with sharper handling when switched to Sport mode.

A revised Bluetooth microphone system, new tire pressure monitoring system and the addition of a new Double Apex alloy finish trim and Bang & Olufsen hi-fi options, complete the list of changes for the 2011MY.

Aston Martin said that production of the revised DB9 is already underway, with deliveries set to start in July. Prices in the UK start from £122,445 for the DB9 Coupe and £131,445 for the drop-top DB9 Volante.