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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New York International Auto Show: Sedans in the spotlight 2015

There's no question that the auto industry is mad for crossover SUVs as the compact-sized variety is one of the fastest growing segments currently. But that's not to say that the traditional 4-door sedan has been consigned to the ash pile of history. At least that's the conclusion to take away from the New York International Auto Show, which played host to a bevy of new 4-door models

The most anticipated new sedan at the show was the all-new Cadillac CT6, a full-size sedan offered in either rear- or all-wheel drive positioned to take on the likes of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series. The CT6 not only ushers in new nomenclature for the car side of GM's luxury division, but also debuts a new lightweight architecture and a new family of twin-turbo V6 and V8 engines. It is a make or break product in Cadillac's bid for global parity among the top luxury cars. Cadillac's longtime rival Lincoln showed off an early look at its own new flagship sedan, the Continental Concept

No less important to Jaguar/Land Rover Group is the remake of the mid-size Jaguar XF, which will share the aluminum-intensive approach introduced in the compact XE. In addition to hitting the show floor in New York, the car also bowed in London as part of a high wire act

In the mainstream market, the Nissan Maxima has also been redesigned and will again stress its performance-oriented suspension and drivetrain under the 4-door sports car positioning, Chevrolet's much needed remake of the Malibu midsize sedan showed off completely new skin and a package that promises more rear legroom, while Kia took the covers off the next installment of its popular Optima midsize family car. At a more entry-level price point, Scion gave us a two-fer: The iA is that division's first 4-door sedan, and it bowed alongside the all-new iM hatchback

Other non-SUV offerings include a new Chevrolet Spark hatchback, Smart hosted the American debut of its new Fortwo city car and McLaren flaunted the high-performance 570S Sport two-seater

And even though sedans dominated the New York Auto Show headlines, there were some significant SUV introductions, too. Making their world debuts were the Mercedes-Benz GLE — a replacement for the current ML — a redone Mitsubishi Outlander and perhaps most important of all, the all-new Lexus RX, a remake of the iconic crossover SUV that created the segment

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