This week in Autocar, we reveal the brand new Aston Martin Vantage, ship our verdict on the brand new Tesla Model 3, and have a good time the sixtieth anniversary of Car of the Year.
News
The Aston Martin Vantage has upped its sport in all areas to battle the Porsche 911, with extra energy and tempo, new cabin tech and a retuned chassis – we’ve what you’ll want to know.
Over in Germany, Porsche has assured a long-running future for the Tacan – a bit just like the 911. We converse to the boss of the Taycan mannequin line Kevin Giek.
Ford, in the meantime, has had a secret group of engineers engaged on a brand new platform for inexpensive electrical vehicles. We hear from the agency’s CEO to seek out out extra.
Reviews
The Audi S3 Sportback has been handled to a serious improve meant to spice up the enjoyable facet of its all-rounder enchantment – we take a pre-production prototype for a take a look at drive.
The refreshed Skoda Kamiq, in the meantime, intends to place consolation and comfort above all else, however can it nonetheless match the Ford Puma?
BMW has additionally handled one in all its strongest SUVs – the X6 M – to a refresh, this time with a extra highly effective V8, the addition of an electrical motor and chassis alterations. What does all of it quantity to?
We’re additionally testing the Jaguar XE, DS 3 E-Tense, and, for highway take a look at 5661, the brand new Tesla Model 3.
Features
How do you make a sequel higher than the critically acclaimed authentic? With Hollywood in his rear-view mirror, Felix Page finds out by driving a prototype of the brand new Porsche Taycan.
To have a good time COTY’s sixtieth anniversary, we’ve gathered its very most interesting winners to choose the all-time nice. Simon Hucknall studies.
Catesby Tunnel is dwelling to a singular aerodynamic take a look at facility transformed from a disused railway tunnel – we pay a go to to assist Ariel take a look at the brand new Atom 4R.
Opinion
Matt Prior talks about how folks have had sufficient of surveillance and poorly executed ways from public parking suppliers, whereas Steve Cropley riffs on his go to to Catesby Tunnel, “just-rightness” in automobile design, and why having a automobile in London is miserable.
Used
The 2001 Mini hatchback has endured for 23 years and doubtless will for evermore – John Evans takes a have a look at its options and foibles.
Aston Martin has been making the Vantage for 74 years. The present technology of the two-door GT automobile has been on sale since 2018, and after six years available on the market, it is receiving an enormous replace. Think of it like a daily mid-cycle facelift, however stuffed with mechanical stuff you really care about. New camshafts, revised gearing, chassis alterations, that kind of factor. It additionally appears to be like means higher.
The finish results of these adjustments is of course spectacular. The Mercedes-sourced 4.0-liter V8 engine within the Vantage now produces an enormous 656 horsepower (665PS), 153 horses over the outdated automobile. This is not the results of only a couple extra kilos of increase, however of the aforementioned cams, greater turbos, and an altered compression ratio. A complete of three new warmth exchangers have been added to handle each coolant and cost air temperature. The oil cooler can be greater. Seems like there’s quite a lot of warmth occurring right here.
The AMG V8 is backed up by the tried-and-true 8-speed ZF computerized transmission, which sends energy to the rear wheels by way of an digital limited-slip differential. The ultimate drive on the diff has been shortened to 3.083:1 to allow faster acceleration, but it surely hasn’t affected the Vantage’s long-legged high pace. The new Aston can’t solely dash to 60 mph in simply 3.4 seconds, however attain a high pace of 202 mph.
The new Vantage, like the old car, is glued collectively. In the automotive world, they name this bonding. The nature of the method permits for some flexibility within the chassis building, which Aston has determined to reap the benefits of. The new automobile has acquired a revised underbody that provides torsional rigidity. The firm has additionally repositioned one of many main entrance cross-members, which it says will increase the stiffness of the suspension mounting factors and improves steering really feel. The strut brace is lighter and stiffer, too. Who would not like a lighter and stiffer strut brace?
Chassis rigidity has likewise been improved out again with a wide range of adjustments, which allow the automobile’s new Bilstein DTX adaptive dampers to carry out even higher. It’s exhausting to quantify on paper what all of this provides as much as, however Aston insists that behind the wheel there are tangible variations between the brand new and outdated setups.
Aston Martin boasts a wealthy historical past that has propelled the model to legendary standing. It’s identified for its consideration to the smallest of particulars and its pursuit of perfection. Since its founding in 1913, Aston Martin has produced iconic fashions and constructed a heritage that has helped form the automotive business.
Another fashionable traditional from this British storage is the Aston Martin Vantage V550. This exceptional mannequin is stable proof of the exceptional craftsmanship, innovation, and legacy of the British model. We put the highlight on this supercar killer and listing a number of the most superb information on what makes the Vantage V550, one of the vital beloved autos amongst specialists, collectors, and fans alike.
With world curiosity in Aston Martin rising, listed here are 10 information that each fanatic must know in regards to the iconic British automaker
To provide the most modern and correct info doable, the info used to compile this text was sourced from varied producer web sites and different authoritative sources, together with Top Gear, The Sunday Times, and supply Automobile Catalog.
102023 Marks The thirtieth Anniversary Of The V8 Vantage V550
Aston Martin
The Aston Martin Vantage V550 was unwrapped on the British Motor Show in 1992. A 12 months after the fortunate can-afford few bought behind the wheel of a real supercar of its period. For the unfamiliar, the Vantage nameplate represents some of the most desirable and successful sports cars of Aston Martin. The moniker has been used for over seven many years and has stood for the model’s engineering ambition, exhilarating efficiency, and jaw-dropping aesthetics.
Vantage DNA Of Automotive Superiority
A real supercar throughout its period
Unveiled in 1992
First deliveries in 1993
Virage-based Vantage
It shouldn’t be confused with the old-school V8 Vantage from the Seventies
The Vantage V550, produced between 1993 and 1999, is the successor of the Virage. The engineers and the designers of the Vantage V550 took an enormous leap and made in depth modifications to how the automobile appears to be like and the center that roars beneath its hood. The Virage-based grand tourer shouldn’t be confused with its predecessor from the Seventies, the unique Aston Martin V8 Vantage hailed as Britain’s first supercar.
9Sports A Look That’s Hard To Ignore
Aston Martin
The strains of the closely re-bodied Aston Martin Virage was the work of Ken Greely and John Heffernan. At first look, you would possibly mistake it for its predecessor, however the designers really solely took just a few panels and the remainder of the strains had been contemporary. You can not miss the distinct Aston Martin grille. It has a entrance spoiler that helps channel the air to the radiator and out by way of the louvers on the hood and the aspect vents.
Not Just A Reworked Virage
Elegant, sporty attraction
Long and vast, simply how sports activities automobiles ought to be
Distinctive Aston Martin entrance grille
Only the doorways and roof of the Virage had been carried over to the design
Aggressive stance with evident refined strains
From the aspect, the plain size of the automobile can’t be ignored. You’ll additionally get that modern silhouette that hints the engineers took the automobile’s aerodynamics to the following degree. The wheel arches had been flared, wider than that of the Virage’s.
From the again, the Aston Martin Vantage V550’s width is obvious. It is usually uncluttered and focuses on the purposeful components, with the rear round lights and the exhaust cleanly built-in into the design. Overall, the hand-made Vantage V550, represents an ideal mix of brute aggression and refined luxurious.
It is dominated by burr walnut veneers, Wilton Carpet, and Connolly leather-based. The seats of the Vantage V550 are well-bolstered to make sure you keep in your seat even when negotiating tight turns at excessive speeds. The roof is lined inside with Alcantara suede.
Vantage V550 Interior Details
mixture of luxurious and practicality
Generous use of Connolly leather-based, Wilton carpets, and burr walnut veneer
Well-bolstered sports activities seats
Two plus two configuration
Classic analog dials
The dashboard format is harking back to the Virage, with giant analog dials in entrance of the motive force that let you know about your velocity, the RPM, supercharger stress, water temperature, and oil stress. The heart of the console presents small round fixtures that function a clock, oil temperature gauge, gas gauge, and an ammeter.
Those who can afford this trip can specify the colours of the outside and inside they like. You may additionally select the floor supplies across the cabin, the sound system, and the massive outdated cellphone you wished to put in. At the rear, you may have two small seats so as to add a dose of practicality to it.
The Vantage is the best-selling nameplate in Aston Martin’s historical past, and right here are some things that it’s best to learn about it
7The Aston Martin Vantage V550 Is Big, Bold, And Beautiful
Aston Martin
The British Automaker gave the coupe a extra is extra therapy. The supercar ideas the size at roughly 4,387 kilos, or about 441 kilos heavier than the Virage. In entrance, you don’t have the standard two headlights.
Instead, you’ll be greeted by six sq. headlights behind heated glass covers. Peek behind the 18-inch alloy wheels, and also you’ll see brakes which can be up for stopping the trip earlier than you hit something. The Vantage V550 was equipped with the largest brake discs in production again within the day.
How Massive Is The Aston Martin Vantage V550?
Length
186.81 inches
Width
76.54 inches
Height
51.97 inches
Wheelbase
102.8 inches
Curb Weight
4,387 kilos
(Source: Aston Martin)
When fueling up, be prepared for the 26.9-gallon gas tank of the Vantage V550, which is barely greater than its predecessor. If you examine that to the 2023 Aston Martin DB11 coupe fuel tank, it solely has a gas capability of 20.5 gallons.
6Each Vantage V550 Took 1,200 Hours To Build, And Only 239 Units Were Produced
Aston Martin
If you’re planning to pay money for an Aston Martin Vantage V550, be able to be affected person and be able to spend– loads. Only 239 examples of the Vantage V550 had been crafted throughout its brief manufacturing run. It is taken into account one of many final actually handcrafted autos on the British marque’s Newport Pagnell manufacturing unit. Each unit took 1,200 hours to construct. This is akin to a Rolls-Royce that takes round 800 hours unfold throughout just a few months to construct.
The Highly Exclusive Vantage V550
239: the variety of Vantage V550 items produced
1,200: the variety of hours it took to construct one Vantage V550
177,000: the worth of the automobile in GBP when it was launched
440,000 or 658,000: the equal value of the automobile right now
During the slowest manufacturing tempo, Aston Martin may solely end half a automobile every week. At their finest price, the workers assembled two autos per week. This is a testament to the craftsmanship and attention to detail the crew poured into making each automobile. For such work, a hefty price ticket is justified.
The value of Vantage V550 throughout its launch again within the early ’90s was pegged at GBP 177,000 or roughly 440,000 GBP. That’s nearly $658,000 primarily based on right now’s worth of cash. To today, specimens just like Elton John’s Aston Martin V8 Vantage V550 that crossed the block in 2018 command costs solely the top-of-the-food chain spenders can snag.
5Powerful V-8 Engine That Produces 550 Horsepower
Aston Martin
Under the hood of the Aston Martin Vantage V550 lies a twin-supercharged 5.3-liter V-8 that pumps out 550 horsepower and 550 pound-feet of torque. The powerplant makes use of the EEC IV Management System by Ford. It is the first E.C.U. liable for the engine’s operation.
All the facility from the longitudinally aligned engine are despatched to the rear wheels by way of a six velocity guide gearbox with a twin-plate clutch and a limited-slip differential. With such setup, the hefty automobile can blast to a prime velocity of 186 mph and full the quarter-mile sprint in 12.2 seconds.
Vantage V550 Performance Specs
Engine
5.3-liter V-8
Transmission
Six-speed guide
Horsepower
550 HP
Torque
550 LB-FT
Driveline
RWD
0-60 MPH
4.3 Seconds
Top Speed
186 MPH
(Specs sourced from Aston Martin and Automobile Catalog)
And in case you’re questioning why the American carmaker was concerned within the Vantage, Ford was really the proprietor of the British Brand from the late Eighties to the early 2000s. This paved the best way for the monetary stability and introduction of applied sciences Aston Martin was capable of capitalize on.
If you’re in search of a gorgeous and complex sports activities automobile, you’re principally in search of an Aston Martin and these are the quickest ones on the market
4Equipped With A Pair Of Eaton M90 Superchargers
Aston Martin
For fast comparability, the output of the Virage was round 200 horses much less in comparison with the Vantage. The main purpose for such efficiency distinction are the 2 Eaton M90 superchargers. Each of the superchargers got here with their very own cylinder financial institution. The M90 is a roots-type supercharger identified for its reliability. They’re additionally present in some GM and Ford automobiles, such because the Chevrolet Monte Carlos and Thunderbird Super Coupes.
Performance Boost From A Pair Of Superchargers
The Vantage V550 makes use of a pair of M90 Superchargers
Each M90 supercharger pumps 90 cubic inches of air per shaft revolution
The setup produces an additional 220 horsepower
Uses constructive displacement charger leading to predictable HP enhance
No lag in superchargers in comparison with turbochargers
Driving a supercharged vehicle come with several benefits. Aside from elevated energy, you’ll be capable of faucet many of the torque at a a lot decrease RPM. In the Vantage V550, you may hit the 549 pound-feet of torque at simply 4,000 RPM. With superchargers, there’s virtually no lag identical to in turbochargers. The enhance in horsepower might be felt via the RPM vary, which performs an enormous function when you’re speaking in regards to the acceleration the Aston Martin Vantage V550 can ship.
3Performance Of A Supercar Killer
The Aston Martin Vantage V550 is taken into account by many as a forgotten ‘90s supercar killer. Its spectacular efficiency numbers assist it sustain if not depart some standard nameplates behind. This is primarily because of the good stability of energy, velocity, and luxurious it delivers. Side by aspect with the 1996 Porsche 911 GT2, the Vantage 550 is rather more highly effective as a result of the German supercar solely boasts 424 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque.
Vantage V550 Vs. Other Supercars Of The ‘90s
Marvelous engine uncooked energy
Aston Vantage V550 (0-60 mph: 4.3 seconds | Top Speed: 186 mph)
The Vantage can sustain with its contemporaries when it comes to straight-line velocity
1996 Ferrari 550 Maranello (0-60 mph: 4.3 seconds | Top Speed: 191 mph)
Another good comparability is with the 1993 Lamborghini Diablo. Its 0-60 mph time shouldn’t be far behind the V-12-powered and far lighter supercar. The Italian bull weighing 3,582 kilos can full the feat in 3.9 seconds and hit a prime velocity of 202 mph.
It additionally doesn’t lag far behind the 1996 Ferrari 550 Maranello, which may hit 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds and hit a prime velocity of 191 mph. In the actual world, it may be a matter of driver expertise and driving situations. Also, the roar of the Vantage V550’s engine harmonizes nicely with these supercar symphonies.
2A Rolls Royce With Attitude
Aston Martin
When the Aston Martin Vantage V550 was unveiled, the automotive world was enamored. It didn’t take lengthy earlier than the press threw evaluations praising the groundbreaking sportscar. This contains Jeremy Clarkson’s praises for its wonderful design and efficiency. The veteran automotive journalist was in awe of its imposing presence. Besides the automobile’s brute drive, Clarkson pointed out its impressive speed and stability on the open road.
What Experts Say About The Vantage V550
Imposing presence
Superior design
Impressive stability of velocity and stability
Serious however enjoyable
Better than any equal Porsche
Clarkson describes the Vantage V550 as a supercar of the old-fashioned. The automotive journalist likened it to a Rolls-Royce with angle. This highlights the refinement of the Aston Martin creation and its skill to ship an exhilarating supercar efficiency.
Clarkson nonetheless pointed some drawbacks similar to its weight, squirmy dealing with in tight corners, and dim headlights. He additionally identified that the Vantage V550 is perhaps too achieved. He aspect it’s better than any equivalent Porsche or maybe different Aston Martin choices, such because the DB11 and DBS Superleggera.
Aston Martin Works breaths hearth into the engine bay of the Virage, turning it right into a British V-8 muscle automobile
1Vantage Le Mans Special Edition As Last Hurrah Before The V-12 Era
Before the Aston Martin V-12 period, Aston Martin launched an non-compulsory Vantage V600 improve to make the V550 much more highly effective. This was accomplished in celebration of the fortieth anniversary of their victory in Le Mans in 1959. As the nomenclature implies, you’ll get 600 horsepower as an alternative of the usual 550 horses. The equipment was developed as a particular undertaking of Aston’s Works Service. The improve entails stripping a model new V550 to combine the GBP 43,000 improve.
The V8 Vantage V600 Le Mans contains AP Racing brakes and most items got here with five-speed shut ratio guide gearbox. It additionally options redesigned vents that had been made to appear like the Le Mans-winning DBR1, five-spoke magnesium alloy rims, blanked radiator, and cooling ducts on the hood. The V600 improve Of the virtually 300 Vantage V550 that rolled out of the Aston Martin manufacturing unit, about 90 units ended up with the V600 kit upgrade.
The solely factor higher than proudly owning an Aston Martin Valkyrie is having its roofless counterpart parked within the storage as nicely. That should’ve been on this proprietor’s thoughts after they forked out the cash for a Valkyrie Spider. A brand new video exhibits the dynamic duo at a dealership within the UK collectively alongside just a few different uncommon vehicles.
The achingly lovely DB5 grand tourer – one in all solely 887 coupes constructed – joined the duo in Nottingham in addition to a Valkyrie rival within the Ferrari Daytona SP3, capped at simply 599 items. Yes, that Ferrari belongs to the identical proprietor. But the Valkyries are even rarer for the reason that model is making simply 150 coupes and 85 spiders.
In a world dominated by gray and black, we’re delighted to see the 2 Valkyries in vivid colours. The coupe wears Sunburst Yellow whereas the spider retains it elegant in British Racing Green. Both vehicles look quick, even when standing nonetheless, because of a wild aerodynamic bundle that is someway road authorized.
The Valkyrie is likely one of the few new vehicles with actual Formula 1 DNA. There’s additionally a 3rd taste (not pictured right here) for monitor use solely. Limited to 40 items, the AMR Pro has the identical naturally aspirated V12 engine constructed by Cosworth however with out the hybrid part. It too delivers four-digit horsepower even after dropping the electrical bits.
Aston Martin confirmed the primary Valhalla idea – codenamed AM-RB 003 – in 2019. And the automaker has been regularly dropping hints in regards to the hybrid supercar ever since. Today, we get our first official take a look at the Valhalla testing on the monitor at Silverstone.
Aston’s first hybrid supercar packs a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine with a flat-plane crank design and three electrical motors – two on the entrance axle and one built-in into the transmission. That provides it a complete output of 998 horsepower (1,012 PS).
The entrance electrical motors permit for torque vectoring and can even act as a reverse gear since there is not any precise reverse gear within the title of weight financial savings. All-wheel drive will come normal, and the Valhalla can have lively aerodynamics aplenty, which you’ll see a few of in these pictures. Peep that huge adjustable rear wing.
The Valhalla may even be good for 1,322 kilos of downforce at 149 miles per hour, with lively wings on the entrance and rear, similar to on the AMR23 race automotive, and small louvers close to the rear wheels. Aston says it is accomplished lots of of hours of aerodynamic testing within the wind tunnel alongside engineers at its Formula 1 crew.
The Valhalla is step one towards a completely electrical future for Aston, with the maiden EV scheduled to go on sale someday in 2025. Those electrical Astons will use a devoted EV structure developed fully in-house.
As for the Valhalla, manufacturing is scheduled to kick off someday subsequent 12 months. Just 999 might be produced, however there is not any phrase on pricing but. The excellent news is that it ought to value considerably lower than the $3.5-million Valkyrie.
Some autos can solely be described as attractive, and this 1954 Aston Martin DB2/4 Coupe by Bertone is totally one among them. The glossy traces, refined creases, a teardrop silhouette, and tiny tail fins coalesce to create a form you possibly can’t look away from. RM Sotheby’s will public sale this good-looking machine on December 8 in New York with an estimated sale value between $1.2 million and $1.6 million.
Beyond its improbable look, this Aston Martin can also be extraordinary as a result of it is the one DB2/4 coupe with a physique by Bertone. The Italian coachbuilder produced six convertible variations, however only one fixed-roof coupe.
Unfortunately, the much-anticipated Aston Martin Vanquish concept, which was set to feature a mid-engine V6 design, will not be moving forward. A spokesperson for Aston Martin confirmed this decision, signaling a shift away from the Vanquish project. This car was intended to rival the Ferrari 296 GTB, and was anticipated to join the array of new offerings from Aston Martin within the next two years.
While this development could suggest the end of the road for the Vanquish, it’s important to note that the company’s statement specifically referred to the “mid-engine V6 design.” Car and Driver received a similar response, hinting that there may still be a possibility for the project to continue in some form. Aston Martin refrained from using the term “canceled,” leaving a slight opening for speculation. This signifies that while the original concept may not come to fruition, there could still be potential for its development down the line.
Aston Martin is working on a replacement for the twelve-cylinder DBS model, while Jeep is recalling over 30,000 plug-in hybrid Wrangler units in the United States.
This is AM Drive, Motor1’s daily rundown of essential news before you hit the road.
Aston Martin Committed to Preserving the V12 Engine
In the era of downsizing, Aston Martin is choosing to stand out. Despite the release of the DBS 770 Ultimate this year, suggesting the V12 engine’s eventual retirement, it appears that the twelve-cylinder powerplant will remain in use. According to a recent report from Autocar, the replacement for the DBS will retain the V12 as it transitions from being a grand tourer to a full-fledged supercar.
Marek Reichman, Aston Martin’s chief creative officer, shared with the British publication that the DBS successor will be a “completely different” vehicle. While it’s premature to discuss specifics, it’s worth noting that the 770 Ultimate Coupe and Volante models were equipped with a twin-turbo 5.2-liter engine generating 759 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque.
The new DBS won’t be the only player in the V12 supercar category, as the replacement for the Ferrari 812 Superfast is also expected to retain its twelve cylinders. In May 2021, Ferrari stated that its naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 engine would receive an upgrade beyond the 830 horsepower offered by the 812 Competizione.
Stellantis Recalls Over 30,000 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Plug-In Hybrid SUVs Due To Fire Hazard
The Las Vegas F1 race was marked by controversy. Nevertheless, brands like Aston Martin still had plenty to showcase during the race weekend with around 60 hot laps for select customers.
YouTuber Tim Burton, also known as Shmee, had the opportunity to drive a DBX707 around the 3.85-mile track. The 697-horsepower SUV, painted in a striking Kermit Green, demonstrated its capabilities on the street circuit, with Shmee pushing the posh family hauler to its limits.
During the video, the front brakes of the DBX707 were seen glowing orange. The vehicle comes equipped with carbon ceramic brakes and six-piston calipers as standard. Compared to the regular DBX, the weight is reduced by nearly 90 pounds.
Aston Martin produces only a few thousand cars each year, unlike more mainstream manufacturers. This is because cars like the DB11, which are designed for luxury and performance, are not practical for most consumers. This limited production leads to higher costs.
With lower production numbers, expenses increase. This is due to the concept of economies of scale, which states that as production quantities rise, prices fall. Manufacturers benefit from bulk purchasing of components, which reduces the cost per unit. As the number of units produced goes up, fixed development costs are spread among more parts, reducing individual unit costs.
For example, a part like a headlight assembly is much cheaper to produce when the costs are spread among 200,000 units for a Toyota compared to 1,000 units for an Aston Martin. This explains why the DB11 is expensive to purchase and why replacement parts, such as a headlight, are also more costly.
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