Aston Martin DBX Concept surprises at Geneva

Providing a bit of drama beyond the introduction of the Aston Martin Vulcan supercar, the British automaker surprised the crowd by having a second, unannounced concept on hand, the DBX, a crossover SUV coupe.  The vehicle was commissioned by new CEO Andy Palmer when he took over Aston Martin last October

The 4-passenger 2-door coupe with the stance and ride height of an SUV also breaks with Aston Martin convention in that it is an all-wheel drive electric. According to Palmer, he charged his design and engineering staff to think out of the box

The DBX Concept is a challenge to the existing status quo in the high luxury GT segment, Palmer said. It envisages a world when luxury GT travel is not only stylish and luxurious but also more practical, more family-friendly and more environmentally responsible. I asked my team at Aston Martin to expand their thinking beyond conventions, to explore what the future of luxury GT motoring would look like in years ahead, and the DBX Concept you see before you is the result

Traditional grille, futuristic package

Beyond the trademark Aston grille, the DBX use of materials represents the company's forward thinking in the use of lightweight aluminum. The concept's exterior bright work is made from machined billet with visible milling lines in a piece of craftsmanship intended to be seen as jewelry. The DBX Concept's unique paint finish - Black Pearl Chromium - has been specially created to mimic the look of a genuine black pearl, and comprises a micro-fine layer of chrome to deliver a level of reflectivity that cannot be obtained through normal paint finishes

Inside, designers deliberately chose to use non-automotive materials to create a soft, cocoon-like cabin. This includes extensive application of velvet-like Nubuck leather, which contrasts with the concept's hard, hi-tech equipment. The exposed leather reveals a sandwiched accent layer, more akin to high-end furniture, while the car's interior bright accents mimic that of the exterior with the addition of a gold 'pin striping' element on the edging

In addition to space for four, the DBX also boasts plenty of cargo space thanks to the use of an electric power train that frees up space both beneath the front hood and in the rear

The DBX Concept is more than a thought starter for us and for our customers, though, Palmer explained. We will, in due course, be entering a car into the new DBX space and I am very much looking forward to seeing how this concept is received not only here today, but also by our legion of existing loyal customers and by those potential customers around the world who have, to this point, yet to consider one of our cars

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Aston Martin Vulcan: 800-hp track-day thriller

Totally outrageous and stunningly bold, the Aston Martin Vulcan makes its debut in Geneva

That prodigious might passes through an Xtrac 6-speed sequential manual transmission and heads to the rear wheels via a Multimatic limited-slip differential. While holding off on citing performance numbers until the car makes its on-track debut later this year, Aston Martin says the Vulcan has a better power-to-weight ratio than current GTE- category racers that compete in the FIA's World Endurance Championship, including the firm's own Vantage GTE

Light makes right

As one might expect, the Vulcan features all carbon composite construction, and Aston said that elements of the car's exterior styling hints at what we'll see in the next generation of its production sports cars. However, those aren't likely to include the Vulcan's ultra-efficient front splitter and rear diffuser nor its massive fixed aft wing. Underneath, this ultra-Aston's racing-derived pushrod-style chassis incorporates fully adjustable dampers, anti-roll bars and traction control as well driver-selectable brake bias on its huge Brembos that feature carbon-ceramic discs

Fitted with two racing-style bucket seats, the Vulcan's competition-spec cabin incorporates an FIA roll cage, a cutaway steering wheel and a digital instrument display. While performance is paramount, Aston says buyers - who'll are expected to be shelling out something beyond $2 million for the right to own one - will be able to have it painted, trimmed and equipped to their specific preferences by the brand's "Q" personalization group when production begins late this year, with deliveries in 2016

Full factory support

Like the track-only McLaren P1 GTR and Ferrari FXX K, acquisition of an Aston Martin Vulcan will be accompanied by a full factory support package. It includes seat time in various Aston Martin models including a V12 Vantage and the exotic One-77 as well as a Vantage GT4 racer -- all with hands-on guidance from Aston Martin's Le Mans-winning driver Darren Turner - to develop a feel for what the Vulcan has to offer as well as the option to book time in one of Turner Base Performance Simulators prior to taking part in a series of organized track events

We have already received strong interest from the customers we have spoken to about Aston Martin Vulcan, noted Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer. The cars will blend our traditional Aston Martin values of Power, Beauty and Soul with an unrivalled ownership experience; a unique combination that will guarantee their place in the brand's rich and charismatic history

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Aston Martin Vantage GT3: Race ready, street legal 2016

Inspired by competition but fully street legal, the 2015 Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Special Edition debuted in Geneva based on the V12 Vantage S. This hot GT3 benefits from loads of motorsport-derived enhancements that trim weight, tidy up its aerodynamics, sharpen its dynamics and boost the output of its 5.9-liter engine to a projected 592 horsepower. In revealing the car, Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer noted: "The Vantage GT3 Special Edition is an uncompromising example of our design and engineering expertise and I'm sure the 100 owners who secure one of these cars will savor every second behind the wheel -- whether on the road or on the track." Sadly, none of those GT3 models are slated for North America

The Vantage GT3 makes extensive use of carbon fiber body bits - including its prominent front splitter, dramatically vented hood, a huge fixed rear wing and optional carbon fiber roof panel -- to help trim nearly 220 pounds, improve its wind cheating abilities and raise top speed. The weight savings also encompasses more subtle tweaks that range from a polycarbonate rear glass and windows to a magnesium torque tube and lightweight lithium-ion battery. Lower and wider than any other Vantage, the GT3 complements its thoroughly reworked tri-mode adjustable suspension with expanded track dimensions and ultra-grippy Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires wrapped around 19-inch center-locking magnesium alloy wheels

In addition to a selection of internal modifications that improve breathing, the 5.9-liter V12 in the GT3 also does its part to shed unwanted mass thanks to redesigned cylinder heads made from magnesium and a new titanium exhaust system. In addition to raising the pony count to 592 from the 565 horses in a Vantage S, the revamp bumps peak torque from 457 to 461 lb-ft, bringing more of it into play across a wider rev range to heighten overall responsiveness

The cabin of the new Vantage GT3 displays its own light-makes-right rework, starting with a full carbon fiber center stack, Alcantara-trimmed carbon fiber racing shell bucket seats and a bespoke touchscreen display. Buyers also will be able to add a host of unique additional touches via Aston Martin's Q personalization wing. Pricing for the 2016 Aston Martin Vantage GT3 is set to open around $390,000 in Europe and the first cars will be delivered during the third quarter of 2015

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Buick Enclave Tuscan Edition adds continental charm 2016

Making its first appearance at the New York Auto Show, the 2016 Buick Enclave Tuscan Edition brings several cosmetic touches to the automaker's popular crossover SUV. Available on the 2016 Enclave Leather and Premium trim grades, the Tuscan Edition includes a bronze-tone grille and 20-inch chrome wheels with bronze accents

Arriving at Buick dealers this summer, the Tuscan Edition Enclaves offer the choice of three premium exterior colors: White Frost Tricoat, Dark Chocolate Metallic and Ebony Twilight Metallic. All will be powered by the standard 288-horsepower/3.6-liter V6 backed by a 6-speed automatic transmission and can be had in front or all-wheel drive. The lengthy roster of standard equipment on both trim grades includes 8-way power front seats, Buick IntelliLink with color touchscreen, OnStar with 4G LTE and built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, tri-zone climate control, rear park assist/rear-vision camera and a power liftgate. The Premium swaps heated front buckets for heated/cooled alternatives. Pricing for the 2016 Buick Enclave Tuscan Editions will be released closer to the on-sale date

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BMW Alpina B6 xDrive Gran Coupe makes U.S. debut 2016

Following its global debut in Geneva, the 2016 BMW Alpina B6 xDrive Gran Coupe was shown at New York and pricing announced for the fastest production car in the German automaker's lineup. Priced at $122,150 including destination, the Alpina B6 matches its bolder appearance with seriously enhanced output. The 4.4-liter Bi-turbo V8 nestled beneath its restyled Alpina-designed hood now develops 600 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of peak torque - gains of 60 and 50, respectively. Achieved through reworking its air intake and fuel supply systems, this all-wheel-drive 4-door is the quickest accelerating Alpina ever. In addition to a 3.6-second 0-60 mph sprint time, the 2016 B6 xDrive Gran Coupe can reach an electronically limited top end of 200 mph

In addition to the new hood, the 2016 B6 GranCoupe also features a revised Alpina front spoiler with an integrated splitter that better directs airflow to the radiators and helps keep the nose more securely planted at high speeds. Other key enhancements to the equipment roster include full LED Adaptive Headlights with High Beam Assistant and larger-diameter rear brake discs with new Alpina-logo calipers all around. The new B6 rolls on sticky Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. But while the fronts are 255/35 rubber on 20x8-inch lightweight Alpina alloys, the same-diameter rear rims are wider, moving from 9.5 to 10.0 inches to wear 295/30 tires, up from the current 285/30s

The rest of the hardware on the built-to-order 2016 BMW Alpina B6 xDrive Gran Coupe carries over unchanged, including Alpina-tweaked versions of the 8-speed automatic transmission, Dynamic Damper Control/Adaptive Drive suspension system and xDrive intelligent AWD setup. The Alpina touch is equally evident in the B6's luxuriously appointed cabin where unique cosmetics integrate seamlessly with features that include everything from Nappa leather and electric comfort seats to BMW Navigation with ConnectedDrive services. Dealers are taking orders now for summer delivery

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