2014 Aston Martin Vanquish

Burying the late, great DBS and resuscitating the Vanquish name is no small task for Aston Martin. Armed with a nearly $300,000 asking price, the new 2014 Vanquish demands equal doses of sexy-yet-discreet styling and forward thinking hardware to uphold its desirability in the current exotic car landscape.

Introducing the 2014 Aston Martin Vanquish

Does the new flagship succeed in stoking the embers of desire? A recent drive on rambling English roads offered some insight into the Vanquish's ability to stoke our champagne-fueled dreams.

Inspired by Seventy-Seven Bespoke Hypercars, Inside and Out

Trickle down styling usually works in the realm of four-wheeled exotica, and Aston Martin's new Vanquish exhibits some of the tight radius curves and hunkered down poise inherited from its ultra-rare predecessor, the One-77. But the new $279,995 flagship also gains a thorough mechanical reworking that helps answer to detractors who claim the British brand is all show and no go: while an extruded aluminum tub remains at its core, the Vanquish adds carbon weave structures to the nose and tail for further weight savings and 25 percent more torsional rigidity, as well as carbon fiber skin all around. Official avoirdupois has yet to be announced, but the Vanquish's curb weight is estimated in the region of 3,750 lbs, nearly 100 lbs less than its DBS predecessor.

2014 aston martin vanquish Sx-Z

2014 Aston Martin Vanquish FD Opt

Introducing the 2014 Aston Martin Vanquish

2014 Aston Martin Vanquish

The new 5.9 liter V-12 sits lower and lighter, churning more power (565 hp, 457 lb-ft compared to the old mill's 510 hp) while claiming greater fuel efficiency, thanks in part to the incorporation of variable valve timing. Connecting the powerplant to the 6-speed automated manual rear transaxle is a carbon fiber prop shaft surrounded by an alloy torque tube. Aston claims that 60 mph arrives in 4.1 seconds, and that the Vanquish tops out at 183 mph.

Inside the cabin, a new interior treatment reveals One-77-inspired stitch patterns and details like a haptic touch surface on the center stack. The cockpit has been expanded for less of a cocooning effect, while the "boot" offers 60 percent more space.

2014 Chevrolet Malibu

We called the redesigned 2013 Chevrolet Malibu "a consistent disappointment" during 2013 Car of the Year testing. Jonny Lieberman went so far as to call the midsize sedan "not so much a car as it is a collection of things I hate about rentals." We've heard GM was fast-tracking a refresh to address the sub-par 2013 Malibu, and now we have the first official details on the restyled and more efficient 2014 Chevrolet Malibu.

2014 Chevrolet Malibu

One aspect of the 2013 Malibu we didn't mind was its exterior styling, but it's hard to argue with Chevrolet's decision to make the 2014 Malibu appear like a smaller Impala. While no one will confuse the 2014 Malibu's interior with that of the 2014 Impala, the midsizer now has 1.25 inches more rear-seat knee room thanks to reshaped front seatbacks, and Chevrolet claims the rear seat -- one we called "rock hard" on the 2013 Malibu at COTY testing -- is more comfortable. The rear seat cushion is about half an inch slimmer to let passengers sit deeper in the seats. The 2014 Malibu's center console is now longer, and we hope the Malibu's neat hidden storage compartment behind the dash's touch screen has been retained.

2014 Chevrolet Malibu

2014 Chevrolet Malibu

2014 Chevrolet Malibu

Engine stop-start technology is now included on every 2014 Chevrolet Malibu, which should give dealers (and advertisers) something to brag about. Of course, electric accessories including the climate control, power windows, and sound system are powered by an auxiliary battery when the engine has stopped. Fuel economy on the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu with a 2.5-liter I-4 has improved to an estimated 23/35 mpg city/highway, up from the 2013 model's 22/34 mpg. For comparison, the 2013 Toyota Camry is rated 25/35 mpg, while the 2013 Ford Fusion with the 1.6-liter EcoBoost I-4 and a six-speed automatic is good for 23/36 mpg, or 24/37 mpg with engine stop-start technology. The automatic-transmission 2014 Fusion will make use of a new 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine, meaning its fuel economy numbers might improve. The class leaders are still higher, with the 2013 Nissan Altima at 27/38 mpg and the automatic-transmission 2014 Mazda6 at 26/38 mpg.

2014 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S

Aston Martin is taking sports car performance to extremes with the announcement of the new Aston Martin V12 Vantage S.

The new car replaces the outgoing V12 Vantage in markets around the world and, with the exception of the One-77 hypercar, arrives as the fastest road-going Aston Martin yet offered.

2014 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S

2014 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S

Providing the most visceral yet engaging sports car experience in the British luxury car maker's current range, the new Aston Martin V12 Vantage S delivers exceptional sporting agility underpinned by admirable long distance refinement.

Equipped with the new 573 PS Aston Martin AM28 6.0-litre V12 engine, featuring latest generation Bosch engine management, the car is capable of reaching 205 mph.

2014 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S

Peak and low rev torque improves appreciably, too. With 620 Nm available at 5,750 rpm - up from 570 Nm previously - the Aston Martin V12 Vantage S is not to be found wanting. Crucially, too, low rev torque - measured at just 1,000 rpm - leaps from 440 Nm to 510 Nm. This serves to both flatten and fatten the torque curve, thereby significantly improving driveability.

Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer Dr Ulrich Bez said: "The new V12 Vantage S is, simply, pure Aston Martin. It is extreme in its nature yet truly timeless in its design language. Learning from our successes on the track feeds the development of this type of car and I'm proud to launch such an exciting sports car in this, our centenary year."

Race car technology runs right through the DNA of the Aston Martin V12 Vantage S with, for instance, CNC machined combustion chambers and hollow cam shafts just two examples of track technology feeding through to the road.

2014 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S

Another clear example is the new car's new gearbox. The Sportshift™ III AMT (automated manual transmission) is a major development of the automated manual gearbox that appears in the current V8 Vantage S.

Designed and engineered to exploit the full sporting potential of the V12 engine, the new Sportshift™ III hydraulically actuated automated manual transmission provides motorsport-style paddle shift changes for optimum performance delivery and efficiency. The unit is also appreciably lighter than the outgoing six-speed manual gearbox - saving 25 kg.

2014 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S

This race-derived and motorsport proven technology - used routinely in Aston Martin Racing's race-winning Vantage GT4, GT3 and GTE competition cars - provides for great driver control with only milliseconds of torque interruption and delivers precise and swift gear changes.

The Sportshift™ III transaxle, from transmission experts Oerlikon Graziano, joins an extensive array of new sport- and track-focused developments that ensure the Aston Martin V12 Vantage S is fully equipped to exploit the huge performance potential of its 6.0-litre naturally aspirated AM28 engine.

The debut of three-stage adaptive damping - another 'first' for the Vantage family - allows the driver to more precisely tailor the car's dynamic character. 'Normal', 'Sport' and 'Track' modes provide a broad swathe of dynamic performance that can be tuned to better suit the driver's requirements. The system also governs the level of power steering assistance offered.

Working alongside the extended adaptive damping system is a 'Sport' mode, controlled via a button on the centre console, that alters throttle response, gearshift speed and timing, and exhaust note to, once again, tune the character of the car to the driver's requirements.

A whole new exhaust system - derived from that of the One-77 hypercar, no less - is lighter, smaller and, crucially, even more sonorous than that of the outgoing car.

The ZF Servotronic power assisted steering is new, too. With a quicker 15:1 ratio, it is linked to the adaptive damping button and offers two-mode steering assistance designed to best match the 'Sport' or 'Normal' settings generated by the Adaptive Damping System.

2014 BMW X5

The third-generation 2014 BMW X5 has arrived, and its big news is an optional rear-wheel-drive variant. Those models will have a 300-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder gasoline engine in the U.S. We're expecting a Frankfurt motor show debut in September. Why rear drive? BMW says customer clinics revealed prospective buyers, including those in the U.S., aren't really concerned about the luxury SUV being able to take them off-road.

2014 BMW X5 m50d image BMW Blog

Developed under the codename F15, the new BMW X5 retains its upright profile and traditional features such as a two-piece tailgate. There's a bolder front end with a more prominent kidney grille, LED headlamps and a heavily contoured bumper with so-called air-curtain ducts on the lower outer edges sending air more efficiently through the front-wheel houses.

BMW X5 2014

Overall, the new SUV has a more structured look with a more contoured hood, more pronounced shoulder line and an added feature line in the lower doors. BMW says it's all aimed at reducing visual bulk.

2014 BMW X5

At 192.4 inches long, 76.3 inches wide and 69.4 inches high, the new X5 is a mere 1.3 inches longer, 0.2 inches wider and 0.6 inches taller than its predecessor. The new model carries over the 115.5 inch wheelbase.

2014 BMW X5 Brown Front Three Quarters view

Inside, the new X5 has a more luxurious interior, with styling following the latest BMWs. Buyers will get two rear-seat choices: a fixed 40/20/40 bench or a new 70/30 bench; it adjusts longitudinally for space for an optional third row. Cargo capacity grows 1.1 cubic feet to 23.9, rising to 66.0 with the second- and third-row seats folded.

2013 Audi R8 e-tron Concept

After the E-tron concept and the E-tron Detroit Show car, Audi has brought us the e-tron technology platform based on the R8 from the 24 Hours of Le Mans race. This has turned out to be more than just a publicity stunt or science experiment. Audi is serious about bringing this car to market and has taken the time to develop a completely new ideology behind this electric R8 and the normal gasoline version.

2013 Audi R8 e-tron

Having the exterior design of the car already completed and in supercar form it was an easier job for the Audi engineers to develop an electric version than if they would have had to start from scratch. The mid-engine design of the R8 provides the perfect location to store heavy batteries without distorting the weight balance that Audi wanted to achieve. In essence, this electric version should be able to compete on the same levels as its V8 and V10 brothers, but will it be as exhilarating?

2013 Audi R8 e-tron

2013 Audi R8 e-tron

2013 Audi R8 e-tron

That all depends on what the driver sees as excitement – The V10 version will provide an unbridled amount of power and harmonious soundtrack to go along with it, but the electric version will incorporate some of the most innovative technology available today. Being able to reach high top speeds in the least amount of time is the most important thing that a sports car can deliver, if it can do it by using batteries than we don’t really see a problem. If Audi can truly create an exciting Quattro experience with its new E-Tron R8 than they will have accomplished something truly special in this emerging market.

BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe

The 2013 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este kicks off this weekend, and BMW has once again unveiled a concept car for the prestigious Italian car show. Called the Gran Lusso Coupe, the vehicle was built in partnership with Italian design house Pininfarina. According to BMW, the concept marks the first time the two companies have paired together, and the coupe showcases the best each company has to offer in “style, dynamics, and aesthetics.”

BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe

BMW didn’t specify what car the Gran Lusso Coupe is based on, but from the outside it looks like a 7 Series morphed into two-door form. Power comes from a V-12 powerplant, further hinting that its roots stem from BMW’s flagship sedan. That said, the large coupe sits on a long wheelbase, which contributes to its commanding presence, a sharp contrast to the smaller, two-seater BMW Zagato Coupe unveiled at last year’s show. The front end still sports the familiar BMW design cues like the dual-kidney grille and quad-round headlights. Additionally, the Gran Lusso Coupe features the automaker’s Air Breather aerodynamic system, which first debuted on the 4 Series coupe concept.

BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe Concept

From the side, the coupe features a sloping roofline, large 21-inch wheels, short overhangs, and the requisite Hofmeister kink. A chrome accent strip engraved with the “Gran Lusso” logo is found between the front fender and door, while a “Pininfarina” badge is affixed immediately behind the Hofmiester kink. The rear end is fairly simple, with a sleek, single-unit taillight bar that wraps around the fender and rectangular exhaust tips integrated into the lower bumper.

BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe Concept front view

BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe Concept left rear view with driver

Inside, passengers are surrounded in brown leather seating surfaces and a black headliner made from Italian virgin wool. A fixed-glass moonroof cuts across the center of the roof that is also illuminated by LED accent lighting at night. BMW claims the kauri wood accent pieces, which were sourced from New Zealand, are more than 48,000 years old. Other interior trim pieces include black chrome, patterned leather piping on the seats, and a sporty, three-spoke steering wheel.

2013 Renault Twin-Run Concept

The rumors were true: Renault’s new Twin’Run concept, which debuted today at the Monaco Grand Prix, does channel the spirit of the wild Renault 5 Turbo rally car of the 1980s.

Renault has hinted that the Twin’Run ties in with a string of concept cars dating back to the 2010 De’Zir, but this latest concept has more in common with the Twin’Z show car unveiled earlier this year. Although that car was a five-door battery-electric vehicle, it still drew its inspiration from the old Renault 5 subcompact. The Twin’Run – which bears a close resemblance to the Twin’Z – does the same, but specifically the 5 Turbo: a rear-engined, Alpine-assembled monster originally created for Group B rally racing.

Renault Twinrun Concept

The Twin’Run’s shape and surfacing is almost identical to the Twin’Z, but a little more muscular and aggressive. The front fascia boasts a large, open lower air intake, and is topped with four square LED driving lights. The 5 Turbo’s blistering rear fenders are nowhere to be found, but large air intakes are tucked into the C-pillars, giving a hint to its mid-engine configuration.

Renault TwinRun Concept Front Three Quarters View on Track

With the exception of the carbon fiber roof and wheel wells, the Twin’Run’s bodywork is fabricated out of fiberglass and then draped upon a bespoke tube-frame chassis. That framework is especially evident within the interior, despite Renault’s attempts at dressing up the cabin. A rounded, white instrument panel echoes the shape of the original R5 Turbo’s but boasts a large, multi-function LCD panel that replaces most mechanical gauges. The dashboard and door panels are trimmed in red Alcantara, while the bucket seats use the same faux-suede albeit in three different shades. Vive les 80s.

Renault TwinRun concept side view

The cockpit is separated from the engine compartment by means of a plexiglass panel located just aft of the front seats. Unlike the R5 Turbo, the Twin’Run doesn’t use a small four-cylinder engine – or, for that matter, forced induction. Instead, Nissan’s VQ35 3.5-liter V-6 – the same engine found once found in the 350Z and Infiniti G35 — is planted amidship, and mated with a six-speed sequential gearbox. Power is then routed through a limited-slip differential to the rear wheels.

Renault Twin'Run Concept

Renault says the 3.5-liter V-6 serves up 320 hp and 380 Nm of torque. That sounds somewhat pedestrian until you consider the Twin’Z is almost the exact same size of a Fiat 500, and tips the scales at 2100 pounds – 400 pounds less than a 500 Abarth. That crazy power-to-weight ratio allows for a 0-62 mph time of 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph. And, despite placing a large V-6 in the tail, the Twin’Run boasts a relatively even 43/57 front/rear weight distribution.

That’s pretty cool, but is it a proper successor to the R5 Turbo? According to Jean Ragnotti, former R5 rally racer and the man Renault hired to tune the Twin’Run’s handling, it certainly is.

“I’d say this is a sound car with a sound pedegree,” Ragnotti dished in a prepared press release. “It’s easy to control. All we need to sharpen our attacking edge a bit more are racing tires. There’s a slight roll but no understeer. There’s excellent traction with a responsive engine delivering full power at all revs, and with more torque than the R5 Turbo. [That] makes it particularly efficient and easy to drive, unlike the R5, which required more technique.”

That said, don’t expect this to follow in the R5 Turbo’s footsteps and become a production – or rally – reality in the near future.