2014 Aston Martin Vantage Coupe-tungsten Silver-6-speed Manual on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Aston Martin Rapide AMR a limited-edition last hurrah before the DBX

The Aston Martin Advanced Operations department would like you to meet the Rapide AMR. The second Aston Martin product to highlight race-to-road synergies after the DB11 AMR, the production version follows the concept shown at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show. Unless the auto market suddenly veers back to sedans, the "hardcore" Rapide AMR will be one of the carmaker's last big swings at the four-door fastback until the Rapide retires in 2020 to make way for the DBX crossover. Its tech updates were tested and proved at the Nurburgring earlier this year, resulting in final specs that have changed slightly from the concept. While the UK and European Union get a version of the 6.0-liter V12 that makes 595 horsepower, the U.S. and the rest of the world must make do with 580 hp, a 28-hp increase over the Rapide S. Torque holds steady worldwide at 465 pound-feet, same as in the Rapide S. Aston Martin quotes a 0-60 mile-per-hour time of 4.2 seconds, also matching the S version, but a top speed of 205 mph, two mph beyond the standard sibling. The two Rapides could never be confused because of the AMR's vented carbon fiber hood, front splitter, sills, decklid, decklid spoiler, and rear diffuser wrapped around a new quad exhaust. Black mesh fills the grille, Zagato-like running lights rest at the front corners. The sedan sits 10 millimeters lower, but on forged 21-inch wheels — the largest ever fitted to an Aston Martin — with spokes designed to aid in brake cooling. The carbon ceramic brakes are a first for the Rapide, six-piston calipers doing the work up front, four pistons in the rear. Indecisive buyers can start with one of three exterior design themes: Standard, Silhouette, or Signature. The first two start with either Mariana Blue, Scintilla Silver, Lightning Silver or Onyx Black, but Standard puts AMR Lime accents on the splitter, sills, and rear diffuser. Silhouette swaps the Lime dainties for a full-length stripe in China Grey or Clubsport White. Signature goes full race, with Stirling Green the primary color and a Lime strip and Lime accents hinting at Aston Martin Racing liveries. Inside, Alcantara with embroidered AMR logos and welting in Lime or Galena Silver seats flank a full-length carbon fiber center tunnel. Before adding options like carbon fiber door handles or a One-77 steering wheel, the price of entry is $240,000, a $34,000 premium over the Rapide S. The first of just 210 cars will be delivered in the later part of the year.

Aston Martin's CEO says that autonomous cars are only a matter of time

In addition to bringing the Aston Martin AM-RB 001 to its first auto show this week, the CEO of Aston Martin, Andy Palmer, revealed his thoughts on the future of cars. And it's a future full of autonomy and electricity. According to our friends at TechCrunch, Palmer said it's a question of when – not if – autonomous vehicles will reach the public. T echCrunch also reports that Aston plans on offering an autonomous Lagonda in the future. For those of us who love driving ourselves, though, there is some good news: Fully autonomous cars are likely well into the future. Palmer told the Toronto Star that he recognizes autonomous driving is a bit antithetical to a sports car company, saying "we're a driver's car, so we're not in a rush to go driverless." He also pointed out a number of issues that personally concern him about autonomous vehicles, and which have him hesitant to pursue autonomous tech on Astons. His primary concern, according to both TechCrunch and Toronto Star, is the issue of security, but he also wants to make sure the technology is truly ready. TechCrunch reports that he said companies need a full understanding of the tech "before we beta test our customers." This statement seems pointed at Tesla, which has often said that its semi-autonomous Autopilot feature is in beta. In addition to discussing autonomous vehicles, Palmer talked about the future of electric cars, which he finds to be bright. He told the Toronto Star that he believes the future of vehicle propulsion has been decided, and that it will be electricity. He pointed to a shift in focus from the German automakers, as well as the Volkswagen diesel scandal as indicators. Palmer suggested that 25 percent of cars will be powered by electricity sometime in the next eight years, but noted this leaves plenty of room for internal combustion vehicles for a while. Related Video:

Gladiators, Pilots, and Palisades, plus a couple boring crossovers | Autoblog Podcast #562

On this week's Autoblog Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Greg Migliore is joined by Consumer Editor Jeremy Korzeniewski. The duo discuss the leaked Jeep Gladiator, Ford's Baby Bronco, the Aston Martin DBX, and then touch on other reborn names like the Honda Pilot. They also discuss how boring crossovers have taken over as the family car of choice in the United States and debate the merits of turbocharged V6 engines versus the classic American V8. Finally, we spend your money.Autoblog Podcast #562 Get The Podcast iTunes – Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes RSS – Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator MP3 – Download the MP3 directly Rundown Jeep Gladiator leaked Hyundai Palisade and Honda Pilot teased Aston Martin DBX Ford Baby Bronco leaked Boring crossovers Ford F-150 2.7-liter EcoBoost Spend My Money Feedback Email – Podcast@Autoblog.com Review the show on iTunes Related Video: Podcasts LA Auto Show Aston Martin Ford GMC Honda Hyundai Jeep Truck Crossover SUV honda pilot jeep gladiator aston martin dbx hyundai palisade ford baby bronco