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GTspirit Car of the Year Awards 2019 – The Winner is…!

Traditionally we unveil our GTspirit Car of the Year during the last moments of the year. This year the battle was particularly fierce as we returned to a one-group-winner-takes-it-all award.

All luxury and performance models that saw their first customers deliveries in the last 12 months made it onto our initial list of nominees. Our editorial team than had a chance to vote for their top 5 favorites which generated a list of five overall finalists. A second round of voting determined the overall winner and the winner is…

GTspirit Car of the Year 2019 – Mercedes-AMG G63

The G-wagon is an iconic car and remains true to its 1979 original. This year it saw the first major relaunch since the 1980s and our team praised the successful evolution of the ‘G’. Everything has taken to a new level while staying true to the square and raw looks and emotion of the old G.

Runner-Up – Porsche 911 GT2 RS

When we talk about iconic cars there is only that rivals even the G-class and that is the 911. This year also saw the launch of the most powerful 911 variant to date; the 991 GT2 RS. It is a true autobahn and track warrior claiming both Nurburgring records as well as setting new acceleration and topspeed benchmarks for the 911.

Third Place – Ferrari 488 Pista

Launched at the Geneva Motor Show this year it stole the hearts and minds of Ferrari fans and car enthusiasts alike. It is one of the sexiests new cars of the year and one that now received the acknowledgement from our team.

Now it is time to wish all our readers, fans and partners around the world a great New Year’s Eve and all the best for 2019! We can’t wait to see and drive all the contenders for next year’s GTspirit Awards!

December 31, 2018 / Comments Off

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Top 15 Supercars to Look Forward to in 2019

2018 has been a superb year for sports cars and super cars. We saw the release of cars such as the BMW 8 Series, the Bugatti Divo, the McLaren Speedtail and the Lamborghini Aventador SV J. There is plenty more to look forward to in 2019 though.

We have collated a list of the 15 biggest new releases you should be looking forward to next year.

1. Koenigsegg Ragnarok

Koenigsegg have been working on a replacement for the Agera. We will get to see it in 2019 with a release pencilled in for the Geneva Motor Show 2019. Ragnarok is the rumoured name for the hypercar. It originates from Norse mythology, meaning a series of events which lead to the destruction of the cosmos. While we don’t expect that Koenigsegg’s Agera replacement will be quite so destructive, we do expect it to take the fight to cars like the Bugatti Chiron…

2. Aston Martin Valkyrie

Aston Martin are expected to start production of the Valkyrie this year. Their joint project with Red Bull racing was first announced in July 2016. Aston Martin are still teasing details of the Formula 1 inspired hypercar with customer deliveries due to begin in late 2019. We know that it will get a 1,000 hp 6.5-litre V12 engine with electric boost. It also gets a carbonfibre monocoque, bodywork and suspension inspired by Formula 1.

3. Mercedes-AMG ONE

The Mercedes-AMG One will hit owner’s driveway slightly sooner that it’s rival if rumours are to be believed. The One is expected to be delivered during the second quarter of 2019. Powered by a 1,000 hp combustion engine, a turbocharged 1.6-litre V6 petrol engine in this case, the One is also electrified. The Mercedes-AMG One should feel closer to a Formula 1 car as, in essence, its engine is very similar!

4. Lamborghini LB48H

Perhaps this might debut at the Geneva Motor Show 2019? Rumours suggest that this, as yet unnamed, Lamborghini project is intended to preview the technology that will underpin the replacement for the Lamborghini Aventador. That means hybrid technology. 63 copies of the Lamborghini LB48H will be up for grabs with rumours suggesting that the B48H will use a naturally aspirated V12 engine producing 789 hp coupled with a regenerating hybrid system producing an additional 49 hp.

5. Porsche Taycan

The Porsche Taycan is generating a huge amount of buzz on the internet. It has a waiting list of over a year already despite the fact that owners will need to wait until the Frankfurt Motor Show 2019 in September to get the official details. For now, we can say that Porsche plan to target the Tesla Model S with the Taycan. It is a crossover model, previewed by the Mission E Cross Turismo concept, which blends zero emissions electronic technology with the practicality of an estate.

6. Toyota Supra

We won’t have to wait long for the new Supra! It is due to be unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show 2019 during the first month of the year. The Supra is part of a joint collaboration with BMW. BMW’s new Z4 has already been revealed, the Supra remains mostly secret for now. Hopefully its only a matter of weeks before we can bring you some official detail!

7. Pininfarina Batista

Pininfarina recently received substantial investment from Indian Mahindra Group, allowing it the opportunity to forge a new identity as an EV specialist. The first part of it’s plan, before the onslaught of three electric SUV models, is to put together an electric hypercar, the Pininfarina Batista. The Batista will get its official unveil at the Geneva Motor Show 2019. The Italian design house has already announced that the Battista will get a 1,900 hp powertrain, sub-2.0 second 100 km/h sprint time and a 450 km range.

8. Corvette C8

American muscle fans will be braced to learn more about the Corvette C8. It had originally been expected to debut in Detroit but we understand that it is now more likely that Chevrolet will hold a stand alone event in the summer to blow the covers off. The C8 will depart from the front-engined set-up which has become the Corvette’s trademark. Very little is known, however, you can rest assured it will have a V8 engine and will likely target cars like the Porsche 911 Turbo.

9. Cayman GT4

Porsche are expected to release a new GT4 in 2019 too. The pocket supercar will retain the same formula as the last model. Bigger, 911 power plant coupled with a manual gearbox and around 430 hp. Rumours have also been circulating about a GT4 RS which might use the 4.0 litre straight six engine. Most sources suggest that a Geneva Motor Show 2019 release is most likely.

10. Ferrari 488 Successor

It seems only 10 minutes ago that we were reporting on the reveal of the Ferrari 488 GTB. Alas, the Pista has now been revealed and attention in Maranello should be focussed upon delivering the next generation model. Test mules have been spotted and rumours are already circulating that a Geneva Motor Show 2019 release might be in the offing. It should get the traditional Ferrari V8 with power at around 700 hp.

11. McLaren Sport Series

Another supercar that we know very little about, the McLaren 570S is due a successor this year. The 570S first hit the market in 2015. McLaren recently released the hardcore 600 LT and there are rumours that McLaren plans to replace the 570S next year. The rumours began at the start of this year when it was speculated that McLaren planned to use the Sport Series to release hybrid and autonomous technology into its model range. The rumours are not yet substantiated so we expect that the 570S replacement will happen later in the year. Still, keep your eyes pealed, the Sport Series is bound to be hugely desirable.

12. Aston Martin DBS GT Zagato

The Aston Martin DBS GT Zagato has already been announced. Back in September, Aston Martin confirmed that it would offer a version of its new DBS, fetled by coachwork legends Zagato. The catch is that in order to get one, you would need to order a DB4 GT Zagato Continuation! Just 19 of each will be built, which matched the production run of the original DB4 GT Zagato. To own one, you will need to put up £6 million. It remains to be seen what the DBS GT Zagato will look like.

13. Porsche 992 Cabriolet

The above render by Aksyonov Nikita shows what the Porsche 992 Cabriolet might look like. Porsche will almost certainly release the droptop version of its 911 next year. Customers will hope this will happen in time for a summer delivery date. It is possible that Porsche might choose the Geneva Motor Show 2019 as the official reveal. In any event, it will use a fabric drop top and share the 3.0-litre twin turbocharged flat six with the Coupe. In standard Carrera spec it will produce around 420 bhp, with the Carrera S getting 444 bhp.

14. Bentley Flying Spur

Bentley will follow the release of the Continental GT last year with its latest Flying Spur. During its centenary year, Bentley’s Flying Spur will move further away from the Continental GT line it was previously aligned to. While we expect that it will use a variation of the same platform, it is expected to get a personality of its own. It should get a full range of engine options with a V8 and W12 petrol unit, and a plug-in hybrid based around a V6 petrol. It will compete with the Rolls-Royce Ghost and Mercedes-Maybach S600.

15. BMW M8

The final car in our list has been anticipated ever since the BMW 8 Series was announced just under two years ago. Developed alongside the production Coupe, the M8 will get a larger lip spoiler, quad exhaust tailpipes and re-profiled bumpers compared to the M850i. It will use BMW’s 4.4-litre V8 together with a reveal currently anticipated for the Geneva Motor Show 2019.

December 29, 2018 / Comments Off

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Festive Wishes From the GTspirit Team!

It’s that time of the year where everything shuts down. The out of office goes on, the phone is left off the hook and the shutters are drawn on the office one final time. Wherever you are, and whatever you have planned for the festive period, the GTspirit Team wishes you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

2018 has been an incredible year for the GTspirit team, covering more events that ever before, and brining you the latest news and supercar news from across the industry. We have a few recaps to bring you in the lead up to the New Year, however, we are expecting to slow down until after the New Year when we will be back with coverage of CES 2018.

Here’s a few Christmas wishes from some of our friends:

BMW

Audi

Mercedes-Benz

Bugatti

Lamborghini

Porsche

December 24, 2018 / Comments Off

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MSO Creates Unique McLaren P1 GTR to Celebrate to Ayrton Senna

McLaren have taken the covers off of a brand new McLaren P1 GTR. Although the production run for the P1 came to an end years ago, McLaren have been convinced by one lucky individual to produce one last model, given the chassis designation 12. This particular P1 is very special. It has been designed to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Ayrton Senna’s first Formula 1 championship victory!

The bespoke McLaren P1 GTR is finished in the colours of Ayrton’s Marlboro sponsored McLaren MP4/4. It uses MSO’s McLaren Rocket Red and Anniversary White paint finish. The cigarette branding is gone, replaced by a barcode design. The car features further liveries including the Brazilian flag and Senna’s recognisable helmet design.

Ayrton Senna McLaren P1 GTR MSO

The owner, with the blessing of the Senna family, has named the bespoke P1 ‘Beco’, a reference to the family’s nickname for the legendary racing drive. The project has been three years in the making at an undisclosed cost.

What makes this P1 GTR so special are the unique touches applied to the aerodynamics. The car features new front dive planes, a wider front splitter and a rear a Gurney flap. New barge boards offer better channel airflow along the sides of the car and new endplates feature for the rear wing. A secondary wing element has also been added, the sum of these changes means that this P1 GTR generates 800 kg of downforce as against the 600 kg generated by standard GTR’s.

Other custom touches include lightweight racing seats lifted directly from the McLaren Senna, a 24ct gold heatshield, Lexan rear cover and modified engine bay shrouds. The McLaren press release also hints at increased power from the electric part of the hybrid drivetrain.

December 21, 2018 / Comments Off

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Lamborghini Huracan and Aventador Successors to be Hybrids

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December 20, 2018 / Comments Off

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G-Power Reveals 800 hp Mercedes-AMG C63 Sedan

G-Power recently released a series of modifications for the Mercedes-AMG C 63. This is unusual as G-Power have traditionally been known for their BMW supercharger packages. With the death of series-produced naturally aspirated engines and the prevalence of turbocharging, there is little demand for the humble supercharger. This is why G-Power seem to be moving away from BMW and into other German brands.

It’s take on the Mercedes-AMG C 63 is impressive. The 4.0 litre V8 has received some significant attention. The C 63 left the factory with 510 hp, after some felting in Germany, the sedan gets a heady 800 hp. The power is released through the combination of an ECU tune and a new set of turbochargers. The later come optimised with a larger CNC-machined compressor and turbine wheels, an optimised compressor housing and an enlarged intake area.

G-Power Mercedes-AMG C63 Sedan

G-Power have also fitted lighter pistons, made changes to the manifold and a new high performance fuel pump. A new system and replacement down pipes complete the package together with a new exhaust system. In order to handle the impressive performance increases, G-Power have reinforced the C 63’s standard transmission.

Aside from the distinctive wrap, G-Power engineers have also added a set of its characteristic Hurricane RR wheels. The 20-inch forged rims are shod with 255/30 ZR20 tyres at the front and 285/30 ZR20 tyres at the rear. With all of the modifications, the G-Power Mercedes-AMG C 63 is capable of a 100 km/h sprint in just 3.4 seconds with a top speed in excess of 330 km/h with the limiter removed.

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As you would expect, the cost of these fairly extensive modifications is substantial. The engine modifications cost 8,500 euros, turbochargers an additional 5,420 euros, intake system 1,250 euros, down pipes 2,240 euros and transmission enhancement 1,500 euros. Complete with a 2,892 euro charge for the ECU enhancements, 800 hp equates to an additional 21,000 euros. Of course, go to Brabus, Renntech or any other tuner and you likely pay the same money…

December 17, 2018 / Comments Off

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Mustang with Lamborghini V10 Engine and Interior to be Auctioned

Auctioneers, Barrett Jackson recently listed a novelty lot for its Scottsdale 2019 auction. Originally a show car, built for the SEMA show, this Ford Mustang has a massive Lamborghini-shaped twist.

If the name doesn’t give it away (Tractorri) the twist is that this Ford Mustang sits on the running gear of a Lamborghini Gallardo! It is believed to be the only conversion of its type, taking the 5.2 litre V10 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission from the Italian supercar.

Evidently, a huge amount of work has gone into engineering this one-off supercar. Barrett Jackson mention figures in the region of $700,000 which presumably covers the cost of both Ford and Lamborghini donor cars. What’s more, it appears as though it has actually been used, although not extensively. The odometer shows 2,564 actual miles.

The name Tractorri is a supposed tribute to Ferrucio Lamborghini’s humble beginnings, building tractors for agriculture.

The Tractorri features completely custom bodywork with a unique front end, Porsche 911 Turbo turn signals, steel fender flares and factory Lamborghini taillights. Inside, the dashboard has been custom chopped to fit something virtually identical to the Lamborghini Gallardo. Normally we are sceptical about these sorts of projects, this one actually looks well executed.

It is being sold with no reserve. No price estimate has been given but we suspect that it will fall short of recovering the $700,000 build cost. If you are looking for something unique though, you need look no further!

December 16, 2018 / Comments Off

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Manhart MH8 600: BMW M850i Gets 621hp Package

We have yet to see the BMW M8 and tuning companies have already playing with the current range topping M850i. Manhart Performance have today announced a performance program for the current range topping BMW 8 Series. We believe that they are the first to tackle the highly anticipated luxury GT car, presumably keen to capitalise on the wait for the M Powered model!

The BMW M850i uses BMW’s 4.4 litre V8 power plant. Fitted to the 8 Series, the engine is also expected to make its way into the new X5 M50i as well as the M550i next year. It makes sense for Manhart to get to grips with it as early as possible.

The modification at this early stage is limited to just software optimisation. The MHTronik software does wonders for the performance though! Power is boosted by 91 hp up to 621 hp and torque rises to 870 Nm. Both figures that provide serious rivalry to the upcoming M8. Performance figures haven’t been announced, needless to say, 10ths of seconds will have been lost from the 100 km/h sprint. With the limiter removed, top speed will also have improved.

Manhart’s improvements are cosmetic too. The M850i gets a new set of front and rear carbon fibre spoilers. It sits lower, on H&R springs with a set of 100 millimetre quad tailpipes venting from a new muffler. Manhart have even switched out the wheels for a new set of 21 inch units.

Pricing for all of these modifications should be available through Manhart direct. Expect more optimisation options to come in time.

December 14, 2018 / Comments Off

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2019 Porsche Macan S Review

As a lover of sports cars I have a huge admiration of Porsche and their two door sports cars. The Boxster and Cayman have mid-engined poise and balance like noting else in the segment and don’t even get me started on the brilliance of every 911 in the range from the T, to the GTS to the unhinged GT models. Porsche define sports cars and set an example to the rest on how things should be done.

But now there are far more Porsche models on offer. When the Cayenne launched way back when I was a wee little lad, the world thought that the Germans had gone mad. When the Panamera launched the world thought the designers had gone blind. Then followed the Macan, a car that was an instant hit, because the world had gone barmy and suddenly everyone wanted an SUV to clog up narrow city streets and school drop off zones.

Porsche Macan Mallorca Zaid Hamid

This epidemic has continued and now we live in a world where Porsche sells more Macans than any other model. This is great for two simple reasons. The Macan is brilliant and selling shed loads of Macans, Panameras and Cayennes means that Porsche can reinvest profits into the cars that the rest of the world and I love them for – the bonkers things such as the GT2 RS et al.

So the Macan is the bread winner, the golden child, the cash cow if you will – this makes it extremely important. It must be good and for this reason I flew to Mallorca to see what was what. Initial impressions are great – my buddy Philipp Rupprecht shot the official press pictures of the updated Macan and it looked great under the studio lights. The front end is not wildly different to the first gen car. The rear is a similar story, the most notable change being the lightsaber rear light beam that is now the norm on the buttocks of every Porsche. I liked the look of the old car, I love the look of the new one.

Enough of the styling, what this this new car like on the road? Porsche boldly opens the press materials with the statement that the new Macan is ‘the sports car in its segment’. The seating position immediately suggests that they are on to something – you sit nice and low and the steering wheel comes to meet you. It’s a little bizarre, but it is positive in a car that weighs 2,500 kilograms. The drivetrain continues the sporty connotations with a 3.0-litre petrol, twin-scroll turbocharged V6 nestled under the bonnet on the Macan S – this same unit can be found in the Cayenne and Panamera. This is, of course, linked to Porsche’s PDK which we all know to be sublime. Being an SUV, the power is fed to all four wheels via the PTM all-wheel drive system.

With 354 horsepower the Macan S is spritely for a midsized SUV sprinting to 100km/h in 5.1 seconds and ploughing onto a top speed of 225km/h. What is interesting is how the Macan S is able to be driven with gusto on twisty roads and manage its weight very well. The car I was driving was fitted with the Sport Chrono package meaning that features the drive mode switch. In Sport and Sport+ the air suspension is stiffened to fight body roll and works with the Porsche Stability Management systems to make this the most dynamically capable Macan yet. Furthermore, new engine mounts manage the movement of the engine.

There is a smidgen of feedback from the steering wheel, a feat for such a car, there is always a sense that you can feel what the chassis is doing beneath you. Driving the car for several hours a few things instantly became clear. The car is happy to be driven in anger and handles well for a car of this nature, but more importantly, it is a sublime and comfortable car to drive at a more leisurely pace. That being said, the sound of the engine in the upper half of the rev range is disappointing. It does not sound smooth, to the extent that it could pass as a diesel to the untrained ear.

The aforementioned air suspension irons out bumps and craters as if they were filled with marshmallow and it is extremely quiet and gentle on highway cruises. This is where Macans will almost entirely spend their lives – going to the supermarket, dropping children to and from schools and occasionally doing a longer drive on a long weekend or vacation.

For tasks such as these the Macan shines. The interior, complete with Panamera like screen and displays is fantastic with fabulous materials and build quality. There is a small army of driver aids and tech and the updated styling, in and out will be a huge success. The Macan S is sure to still be the segment leader.

December 10, 2018 / Comments Off

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LA Auto Show 2018: Mercedes-AMG GT R PRO

GTspirit are live at the LA Motor Show 2018 and the wraps have just been pulled off the Mercedes-AMG GT R PRO. When you buy a Porsche RS car you have the option of ticking a box for something called the Weissach Package. This adds an extra track focus you the already crazy fast GT3/2RS that you are buying. Now AMG have cooked up something similar for the bonkers AMG GT R – meet the GTR PRO.

The new PRO shares its powertrain with the AMG GT R. It differs in what it offers for the suspension, aerodynamics and weight reduction packages. The PRO gets a new coilover suspension system which can be mechanically adjusted by the driver depending on the circuit they are driving. The front axle gets an adjustable carbon fiber torsion bar, the rear steel unit is also adjustable. Dynamic engine and transmission mounts have been re-tuned specifically for the PRO.

Cars delivered outside of the Chinese, US and Canadian markets will get the option of a track pack. This adds roll over protection, a four point safety harness and a 2 kg fire extinguisher. Ceramic brakes are fitted as standard in the PRO as well as AMG bucket seats. Aerodynamics are taken care of with a variety of unique carbon fiber pieces. These include two front flicks, a larger front splitter, a larger rear diffuser and rear air vents.

This culminates, along with the new facelift lights and dashboard, to make the AMG GT R even more angry and menacing. This really is a racecar for the streets that holds the title of being the fastest front engined production car ever to lap the fearsome Nurburgring.

November 30, 2018 / Comments Off

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Ferrari 812 Convertible is Coming, Insider Sources Say

Rumours have ignited that suggest Ferrari are currently planning a Ferrari 812 Convertible. The rumours have been supplemented by a render, produced by Jonathan Machado. If the rumours are to be believed, the 812 Convertible will arrive within the next 12 months as a limited edition model.

The rumours fit with what Ferrari has previously done with its V12 front engine models. The Ferrari F12, for example, received the one-off barchetta, the Ferrari F12 TRS and the Ferrari F60 America, limited to 10 examples. The Ferrari 599 had the 599 SA Aperta, a highly sought-after collectors model, limited to just 80 pieces.

The Ferrari 812 Convertible is likely to use the folding hardtop system similar to the Ferrari 488. This will mean that it should get prominent roll-over bars with a relatively small section of the roof cut out, as opposed to the barchetta models which feature a much larger cut-out.

We are talking about rumours at the moment though, so nothing is known for sure. The 812 Superfast currently uses Ferrari’s 6.5 litre V12 engine with a massive power output of 789 hp. If the Convertible gets the same engine (which is highly likely) it should prove to be one of the fastest convertibles on the planet.

We know that cutting the roof off the Ferrari 812 chassis is technically possible too. The recent Ferrari Monza SP is based on the same chassis and receives a complete barchetta makeover. Maintaining a Ferrari 488 Spider-style opening can only aid in making a vehicle which is more structurally balanced.

November 22, 2018 / Comments Off

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G-Power Unleashes 800hp BMW F90 M5

BMW’s latest M5 is a serious weapon. It comes equipped from the factory with a 600 hp, 4.4 litre V8 engine, enough to allow it run with some of the very bets sports cars. G-Power, who have a record to maintain when it comes to the M5, have recently released their own take on the F90 M5. The headline figures? An additional 200 hp!

G-Power’s program for the BMW M5 includes a mixture of hardware and software modifications. On the electrical side, G-Power adds its own performance software to the enegine management system. For hardware, customers get modifications to the turbochargers; optimised housings, an enlarged intake, larger turbines and new compressor wheels.

G-Power BMW F90 M5 800hp

The modifications allow a reduction in exhaust back pressure and exhaust gas temperature while simultaneously increasing airflow. G Power also fit a titanium exhaust system with four 100-millimetre Carbon-Titanium tailpipes.

The G-Power BMW M5 puts out 800 hp and 980 Nm of torque as a result. Improvements of 200 hp and 230 Nm respectively. The sprint to 100 km/h takes just 2.9 seconds and top speed levels off at 335 km/h. Staggering performance when you think of the sheer size and weight that the M5 carries.

G-Power also add improvements to the visual look of the M5. The offer their trademark Hurricane RR forged wheels which measure 21 inches in diameter. The cost for these is €7,521 which includes a set of tyres.

With the performance and exhaust pipe modifications, the package you see in the photos costs €28,663 net of tax!

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November 16, 2018 / Comments Off

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Aston Martin DBX SUV Begins Testing Ahead of 2019 Launch

Aston Martin have began testing of the upcoming Aston Martin DBX SUV. The British firm will release the SUV next year, most likely at the Frankfurt Motor Show or at the Los Angeles Motor Show. Various concepts have been released over the past few years, Aston Martin will now look to hone these into a production vehicle!

It has been officially confirmed that the SUV will wear the DBX badge. It was being put through its paces on the Welsh Rally stage this year in the hands of the company’s Chief Engineer, Matt Becker. It seems that Aston Martin have finally decided on a five door version as against the three door version that debuted as a concept back in 2015.

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Aston Martin plan to test the Aston Martin DBX in the Arctic, the Middle East and on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, a fairly normal circuit for any production car. The company also report that many hours have already been dedicated in the simulator.

The DBX will be built at Aston Martin Lagonda’s St Athan facility, a brand new £250 million factory. This version looks to use the 4.0-litre V8 engine from the current V8 Vantage. That engine is built by Mercedes-AMG so should provide decent performance. There is no suggestion that Aston Martin will offer a version with its V12 engine.

Aston Martin DBX Prototype

The DBX will sit on top of a lightweight, bonded aluminium body structure. It will compete with the likes of the Lamborghini Urus and the Bentley Bentayga.

November 14, 2018 / Comments Off

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Top 8 Cars to See at LA Auto Show 2018

The LA Auto Show 2018 starts in a few weeks. There will be plenty to see in Los Angeles this year. Many of the big European names have shunned the Detroit Motor Show next year meaning that the Los Angeles Auto Show (together with CES and the New York Motor Show) will see some of the biggest US releases of the year.

The event takes place at the LA Convention Center in Downtown Los Angeles. Press days run between 28th and 29th November 2018 with the show opening to the public on 30th November 2018, running through to 9th December 2018.

We will of course be available to bring you all the latest from the show through our front page and social media channels. Below is a list of the top 8 cars to see at the LA Auto Show 2018 if you are expecting to visit!

1. Porsche 992 911

The new Porsche 911 is expected to make its debut in a few weeks at the LA Auto Show 2018. Prototypes have recently been spotted testing in the wild. Porsche have opted for the minimal camouflage approach so we have been able to get an idea as to what will change.

The Porsche 991 911 is widely expected to be faster, more efficient and more fun to drive than before. It will retain the iconic flat-six engine mounted past the rear axle. Don’t expect a brand new car though. The 992 will build upon the platform of the 991 with more power and electric assistance systems.

2. Audi e-tron GT

Audi have focused on alternative fuels at the LA Auto Show in recent years. This year will be no different. We expect Audi to debut the e-tron GT, a four door rival to the Tesla Model S. It is due to debut in production form by 2020 and will feature similar technology to the e-tron SUV.

In concept form at this stage, we expect Audi to provide us with some insight into the direction of the brand. That said, the German company have promised that the e-tron GT will be “steered towards performance”. This implies that Audi have targeted the Tesla Model S P100D’s 100 km/h sprint time of 2.7sec and 155mph top speed.

3. Bentley Continental GTC

Very little has been said about the Bentley Continental GTC, however, we understand that it is also set to debut in Los Angeles this month. The current generation of Continental GT is the best yet. The platform is based upon that which underpins the Porsche Panamera. The two were developed in tandem and the GTC will be the only model to lose its roof.

We are expecting Bentley to stick with the tradition of a folding soft-top with little changes from the coupe version of the Continental. That means a 630 hp W12 engine and potential for a V8 and plug-in hybrid version to join soon after!

4. BMW X7

The BMW X7 was revealed last month. The gigantic SUV makes it’s world debut at the LA Motor Show 2018, its first public debut since details were announced. It measures 5.1 metres in length, 2 metres wide and 1.8 metres tall, making it the largest BMW X model.

Inside, there are three rows of seats. Seven seats are fitted as standard with the middle row optionally available with two comfort seats.

5. Audi R8 Facelift

Another new model, released on the internet but not yet seen in public is the Audi R8 Facelift, The R8 get new front and rear bumpers, together with a set of redesigned side sills.

The 5.2 litre V10 powerplant remains with 580 horsepower (plus 20) for the base model, 620 horsepower (plus 10) for the Performance version.

6. BMW M340i xDrive

BMW’s 3 Series was first unveiled at the Paris Motor Show 2018, earlier this year. BMW’s hottest version at that point was the 330i, a turbocharged, four cylinder, 2.0-litre powerplant developing 260 hp and 400Nm of torque. The M340i xDrive expands the range, offering a turbocharged, straight six engine, 382 hp and 500 Nm of torque.

The M340i should give us an idea as to what we can expect from the upcoming BMW M3.

7. BMW 8 Series Convertible

The BMW 8 Series Convertible is another world premiere, having been released at the start of the month. Based on the 8 Series Coupe, it is the second model of the revived 8 Series range. It is also the first time that BMW have offered a Convertible 8 Series.

BMW are likely to show the range topping BMW M850i xDrive Convertible which uses the 4.4 litre V8 unit, producing 530 hp and 750 Nm of torque. US markets have little interest in the 840d.

8. Porsche Panamera GTS

We recently drove the Porsche Panamera GTS, its world premiere at the LA Auto Show 2018 feels strange as a result! Yet it will be an interesting addition to the Porsche 992 911.

The GTS uses the 4.0 litre V8 biturbo engine. Producing 460 hp and 620 Nm of torque in both models, it outperforms the predecessor by 20 hp and 100 Nm.

November 13, 2018 / Comments Off

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McLaren Speedtail Begins One Year Testing Ahead of 2020 Deliveries

McLaren have officially begun testing the Speedtail. Photos released this weekend show the first prototype, nicknamed ‘Albert’, which will commence testing at a closed-facility and on public roads from December 2018.

The Speedtail was officially unveiled last month. The third model in McLaren’s Ultimate series, it intends to capture some of the magic of the McLaren F1. The first prototype has been codenames ‘Albert’, named after Albert Drive, Woking, Surrey, the road where the McLaren F1 designs were originally sketched. Internally, the prototype gets the designation MVY02 combining McLaren’s usual MV project initials with the letters Y0 which signify the lateral central point in the XYZ axis for Computer Aided Design.

The Speedtail will be tested in Europe, North America and Africa on a mixture of bespoke automotive test facilities and on public roads. With the Speedtail, McLaren are promising customers the most aerodynamic and luxurious McLaren to date. Albert gets a production-specification chassis and an, as yet, unspecified petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain.

The Speedtail will prove unique with a three-seat cockpit and central driving position. Power output will be 1,050 PS with performance potential of up to 403 km/h. Replacing Chris Goodwin as McLaren Automotive’s Chief Test Driver, Kenny Bräck will take care of most of the high speed testing. Those with a keen eye for detail will notice that the front end of this particular Speedtail is that of a 720S.

5 McLaren Speedtail mules exist, Albert is the sixth. The existing mules will continue development alongside Albert until customers take first deliveries in early 2020. 106 cars will be made available at a cost of £1.75 million (plus local taxes). All examples are sold out.

November 12, 2018 / Comments Off

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Hennessey Reveals 2019 VelociRaptor with a 758hp V8

It has already featured within our top 10 from SEMA 2018, so you should know a little about the V8 transplant Hennessey performed on the 2018 Ford Raptor. It debuted last week at the SEMA motor show and will undoubtedly find a place among Ford Performance purists who prefer the V8 to the V6 that the current generation comes equipped with.

Named the Hennessey VelociRaptor, the biggest talking point is that the 450 hp twin turbo V6 EcoBoost engine has been replaced. Hennessey have instead fitted a specially modified Ford 5.0 litre V8 engine, with a supercharger, which helps to produce a peak output of 758 hp.

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As well as the power, Hennessey fit their own VelociRaptor bumpers front & rear, LED front lights, Stage 2 off-road suspension with a six-inch lift, Hennessey 20-inch alloy wheels and massive 37-inch BF Goodrich KM03 off-road tires.

The Hennessey VelociRaptor V8 manages to put down a 4.1 second 60 mph sprint with a quarter mile dispatched in 12.2 seconds at a terminal speed of 115 mph. That performance is all the more surprising when you consider the sheer size and the massive tyres.

2019 Hennessey VelociRaptor V8

Prices for the 2019 Hennessey VelociRaptor V8 start at £147,950 which includes the Ford Raptor F150. Production will be limited to just 100 cars per year which each on receiving a 3 year / 36,000 mile warranty.

November 5, 2018 / Comments Off

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Aston Martin DBS Superleggera 59 Revealed to Honor DBR1 Le Mans Winner

Aston Martin have announced the production of a special edition DBS Superleggera to commemorate thw SBR1’s win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The unique model has been put together by Aston Martin’s Q by Aston Martin division and was ordered by Aston Martin Cambridge. 24 will be made available.

The collection of 24 cars will be known as the ‘DBS 59’. There will be one for every hour of the race! It carries a bespoke colour and trim palette with details which evoke the race winning car.

Just 5 of the DBR1’s were built with the last one commanding a price of £17.5 million at auction last year. The DBS 59 gets a bespoke Aston Martin Racing Green paintwork, replicating the car upon which it is based. In a modern twist, the DBS 59 makes extensive use of gloss finish Carbon Fibre. The roof, roof strake and painted bonnet louvres are a few examples.

Aston Martin DBS 59 Superleggera

Inside, the leather is a combination of Obsidian Black and Chestnut Tan leather is used throughout the interior, together with fabric inspired by the DBR1 seat material used to trim the ‘DBS 59’s’ seat backs and door inserts. Bronze detailing has been applied on both the outside and the inside with the badging also including the colouring.

Additional Q by Aston Martin detailing includes a bespoke Saddle Leather Helmet Pod for the rear compartment. It holds a special ‘DBS 59’ crash helmet, race suit and gloves. Each of the ‘DBS 59s’ use a small painted white roundel to identify which number in the series it is.

Being based on the new DBS Superleggera, the DBS gets a 5.2 litre V12 engine with 720 hp and a 340 km/h top speed. Aston Martin Cambridge have also previously commissioned three other Q by Aston Martin bespoke projects including; the Red Arrows Edition Vanquish S, the V12 Vantage S Spitfire 80 Edition and the Vantage S Blades Edition.

Aston Martin Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer, Simon Sproule said: “When Aston Martin Cambridge expressed a desire to create a limited run of DBS Superleggeras inspired by the DBR1’s famous Le Mans victory we knew it had to be something special. The soft metallic hue of the Aston Martin Racing Green paintwork is classy and timelessly beautiful; the level of thought and detailing is exceptional. My favourite element on the ‘DBS 59’ are the seat backs that feature fabric inspired by the DBR1 seat material, but there are countless touches that will intrigue and delight”.

November 3, 2018 / Comments Off

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Production Ready Aston Martin Valkyrie Revealed

Aston Martin have finally signed off the shape of the Valkyrie. That much we can deduce from the pictures Aston martin shared on tis official Instagram page earlier today. The photos show both the inside and the outside of the Valkyrie with a light to dark, fading blue colour scheme.

The car in the pictures looks distinctly different to the models we have seen at car shows worldwide. The design lines around the rear of the window appear to have been smoother over and the roof is now dominated by a small air intake. The side sills feature what look like gills and the front rear fender now features what looks like side lights.

The design is still notable for its lack of side mirrors which perhaps suggests that the Valkyrie will use cameras, much like the recently announced McLaren Speedtail. The photos also show the massive cutaway front clam which is clearly visible from above.

The Valkyrie is expected to debut at some point next year. It has already been announced that the 6.5 litre V12 engine will be powered by a Cosworth engineered system. The total power output will be 1,130 hp when combined with a hybrid drive system. Weight will be just 1,030 kg.

Aston Martin hopes to have a road-going prototype by the end of the year with production scheduled to start in early 2019. 150 are planned for production at a cost of $3.2 million. Every single one is accounted for.

November 2, 2018 / Comments Off

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Lightweight Porsche Cayman T Set for Production

Porsche experienced a huge amount of success with the Cayman R several years ago. Since then, a string of back-to-basics Porsche 911 models have been launched, each proving more popular than the last. AutoExpress has now managed to obtain confirmation that a new lightweight Porsche Cayman is in the works; the Porsche 718 Cayman T!

The British magazine has confirmed that the model will follow the ethos of the recently released Porsche 911 T. The T, in Porsche’s eyes, is a lightweight, stripped-back Porsche model, differing from the R and GT3 in the sense that it enters the market at a different price point. As many have pointed out, the T has its history in the 1987 Porsche 911T which was essentially a budget 911.

For the Cayman, we are told that it will sit between the Cayman S and GTS, fitted with Porsche’s 2.5 litre flat-four engine and developing around 360 bhp. A world away from the 1987 car’s measly 110 bhp.

Porsche will offer some weight saving measures, including thinner glass, fabric door pulls and sports seats which should remove around 20 kg from the Cayman’s kerbweight. It should also come fitted with a sports exhaust and a sport chrono package together with 20 inch wheels.

The Cayman T will be part of the 718 Cayman’s final production year as Porsche gear up for the 2020 launch of its replacement. In recent days the Cayman T was spotted testing on roads neart the Nürburgring. Those images show that the T shares its front facia with the GTS, gets a lower ride height and a new set of exhaust pipes.

We are still expecting Porsche to release a hardcore, performance version of the 718 Cayman. The GT4 is also expected to debut next year and will likely prove to be the final Porsche Cayman before the new generation.

October 26, 2018 / Comments Off

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Anonymous Buyer Acquires Aston Martin Vanquish Tooling for $26 Million

With Aston Martin’s recent listing on the stock market, it seems certain that we will get to learn more secrets about how the company is run. As part of the company’s listing, it was required to produce an initial public offering prospectus. Buried in this 321 page document is confirmation that in June, Aston sold the tooling and design drawings for its Vanquish sportscar for a massive $26 million.

The Aston Martin Vanquish was replaced this year by the brand New Aston Martin DBS Superleggera. It is a car that has been getting rave reviews from those that have driven it. It seems that at least one person might wish to continue production of the outgoing Vanquish. They have acquired enough to effectively bring the Vanquish back from the dead!

There is no confirmation on who the purchaser might be although the sale also includes 18-months of support from Aston Martin Consulting.

It seems clear that someone is looking to continue production of the Aston Martin Vanquish. You don’t pay $26 million for the right to build a car just for prosperity. Among some of the likely candidates are Mansory and Ares Design, European tuning companies. We might also look at companies like Spyker and Gumpert who plan to introduce new vehicles and need a proven platform to do so.

Do you know more? Get in touch.

October 25, 2018 / Comments Off

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