The Aston Martin Vantage range continues to evolve with a comprehensive array of improvements to the Aston Martin V8 Vantage aimed at enhancing the dynamic feel, style and competitive pricing of the marque's entry-level sports car. The Aston Martin V8 Vantage also comes with tyres that are 10mm wider than the outgoing model.
Aston Martin’s entry-level V8 Vantage and its Roadster sibling have been updated for the latest model year, bringing with them fresh new styling, more power, and a host of additional features.
The latest updates to the base V8 Vantage are the most comprehensive since 2008.
Further enhancements center on the V8 Vantage’s chassis, which also gets a few items from the Vantage S. Quicker steering, bigger brakes and wider tires have all been fitted to further enhance the V8 Vantage’s dynamics.
The V8 Vantage also comes with tires that are 10 mm wider than the outgoing model.
The standard six-speed manual transmission remains, but the optional six-speed Sportshift automated manual transmission has now been replaced with a seven-speed Sportshift II.
Aston Martin has released an interesting piece about the company’s relationship with Zagato – a collaboration that goes back 50 years creating some of the most extraordinary collectible sports cars.
“All the Aston Martins designed by Zagato were created in a very limited series,” Aston Martin said in a statement. Check out more news on the Aston Martin V12 Zagato.
The 2012 Aston Martin V12 Zagato will debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in March.
Hit the jump to see a list of Aston and Zagato collaborations.
DB4 GT Zagato (1960). V8 Vantage Zagato (1985), V8 Volante Zagato (1986). Both models were designed and produced by Zagato in the historical factory in Milano.
DB7 V12 Zagato (2002), DB-AR1 (2003). Zagato designed, engineered and manufactured in Italy 99 body-in-whites of each model, whereas assembly and trimming were made by Aston Martin directly in England.
V12 Zagato (2011). As well as for the DB7 Zagato and DB-AR1, the assembly and trimming are entrusted to the Aston Martin staff in Gaydon.
To reflect its enhanced performance the Aston Martin V8 Vantage has received a number of styling changes inspired by the Vantage S and N400 limited edition. Racing is in Aston Martin's DNA and the Vantage is at the forefront of Aston Martin's motorsport activity.
The Vantage first went racing in 2006, when Aston Martin's CEO Dr Ulrich Bez and members of the company's engineering department took a near-standard Aston Martin V8 Vantage to the gruelling Nürburgring 24 hour race. For 2012 Aston Martin Racing is stepping up a gear with the new V12 Vantage focused race car.
Combining iconic styling, thrilling performance, true craftsmanship and exclusivity the revitalised Vantage range boasts unprecedented breadth and appeal. The revised Aston Martin V8 Vantage together with the rest of the range is available to order now from Aston Martin's global dealer network.
For 2013, GMC has given a needed refresh to the popular and consistent selling Acadia full size crossover SUV.
Continuing the basic Acadia and the Acadia Denali luxury trim line, GMC refreshed several exterior elements giving Acadia some distinctively improved looks and added some enhancements in technology, improved trim features and a new industry first front center air bag.
The 2013 GMC Acadia abandons the pulled-back front grille that characterizes the 2012 Acadia shown here. The redone sheetmetal isn’t as drastically changed in the rear of the 2013 GMC Acadia, where retouched taillights and bold exhaust outlet trim are the big changes.
Speaking of big changes, where the outgoing GMC Acadia needed the most help was inside. The new 2013 GMC Acadia and its in-your-face grille definitely fit in better with the boxy GMC Terrain’s styling. What do you think: has GMC improved the crossover’s design?
GMC unveiled the new 2013 GMC Acadia and Acadia Denali at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, highlighting a new exterior and safety features including the industry's first front center air bag.
"With an award-winning combination of space, capability and fuel-efficiency, Acadia epitomizes GMC's 'never say never' attitude," said Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president of GMC Marketing.
Confident design The new GMC Acadia gets other subtle exterior design updates, including wrap-around rear glass and a new rear spoiler. The redesigned Acadia will be the first vehicle on the market with GMC's new front center air bag system, created to protect drivers and front passengers in far-side impact crashes where the affected occupant is on the opposite, non-struck side of the vehicle. Standard on the GMC Acadia Denali and available on other models are Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert systems. GMC's Color Touch Radio - first introduced on the 2012 Terrain - is standard in the GMC Acadia. GMC Acadia's most-popular options, including rear-seat entertainment, a Dual SkyScape sunroof and a trailering package, continue to be available.
Exclusive Denali returns GMC Acadia's popular top-of-the-line Denali trim represents 30 percent of sales, so a high priority was placed on adding premium amenities and refining Denali's signature design cues.
Redesigned lower front and rear fascias Unique body-side moldings with chrome accents and Denali badges 20-inch machined wheels Inside, Denali adds standard comfort and safety features, including: Heated and cooled front seats Color Touch navigation Dual SkyScape sunroof system, with sliding front sunroof and fixed rear section All-wheel drive
From Spring 2012 the new versions of Renault Twingo RS and Gordini RS will join the range.
As a nice contrast, top of the steering wheel, seat backs and cushions, rev-counter surround and manual climate control controls are finished in white.
Distinguishing features of the Gordini model, as ever, include Gordini blue with whit stripes, 17-inch diamond-effect black wheels, leather trim and automatic climate control. Alternatively you can have the car in Malte Blue, Glacier White, Pearlescent Black or Vif Red.
On the inside, Renault sport yellow stitching accents the steering wheel, dash and seating, with gloss black detailing throughout.
The model comes equipped with a standard sport chassis with the option of a cup chassis option lowers height by 4mm. Low emissions and 3 percent fuel savings are also featured.
This detail, which now runs across the Renault Sport range, recalls Renault's success in Formula 1. Trademark Renault Sport yellow stitching will feature inside Renault Twingo RS (on the steering wheel, seats and dashboard cowl), while the dashboard, radio console, rev-counter housing and lateral air vents all come with Gloss Black inserts.
Renault Sport expertise
New Renault Twingo RS brings the driving enjoyment and sporty performance associated with Renault Sport Technologies' experience of motorsport to an even wider audience:
The optional Cup chassis (ride height lowered by 4mm) is an exceptional feature in new Renault Twingo RS's class, Twingo Gordini RS: the 'French Touch', plus premium features as standard
New Twingo Gordini RS adds a touch of refinement to the attraction of the Renault Sport range.
