Hey Mac: Supercars Shine at Winter Shows Supercar Tweaked by Aston Martin

Detroit January 27, 2013; The era of supercars is taking a major leap forward in the present show season. The Detroit, Los Angeles, Chicago and New York shows-where six figure supercars enjoy the most sales-are being graced by unveilings of two new supercar models.

They are the Aston Martin Rapide S and the Bentley Mulsanne SUV. Prospective owners were agog at the Detroit show's display of the Rapide S.

The Rapide S, which claims top speed of 190 mph with a 6-liter V-12 engine, not only is the most powerful 4-door sedan built by Aston Martin but runs from zero to 62 mph in 4.9 seconds- a real feat for such a heavy but luxurious car.

Bentley Mulsanne Has 8-Route WIFI System

While Aston pursues top, with the Rapide S and presumably its other models, rival Bentley focuses on giving its buyers Wi-Fi routes that can handle up to eight wireless calls. The router is in the same family as that used by Bentley's owner, Volkswagen. The option includes two LCD headrest screens plus a DVD player. It unwraps at the Geneva show in March.

Rolls Tests Voice-Control Systems

Geneva and New York showgoers will see Rolls Royce models with the latest in voice-actuated systems.

BMW is testing these systems in its coming Rolls supercar, as well as the MINI brand and its other entries.

Bentley as part of the VW Group shares platforms with Porsche, Audi, Continental and Flying Spur. Its engines range from V-8 to W-12. A “Baby Bentley” to rival other supercars is not yet on VW's agenda.