Tag: GT

May 16

Exploring the Thrill of the 2025 Aston Martin Vantage: A New Era of Performance

Reimagining Power and Poise

The 2025 Aston Martin Vantage heralds a bold new era for the iconic British sports car, trading its classic V12 for a potent AMG-sourced 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8, delivering a robust 656 horsepower. This engine swap marks a significant shift from the traditional but ensures the car loses none of its renowned dynamism. Despite some purists’ initial skepticism over the absence of a V12, the Vantage’s enhanced specifications and performance quickly dispel any doubts about its capabilities.

Aesthetic and Mechanical Evolution

The latest iteration of the Vantage not only impresses with raw power but also through its refined design and engineering enhancements. Sporting a sleek, aggressive facade and a chassis that’s 7% stiffer than its predecessor, the new Vantage is built to excel both on the road and the racetrack. This model is more than just a continuation of its lineage; it’s a redefinition, offering 128 more horsepower than the previous V8 models and ensuring a more visceral driving experience.

An Aston Martin Vantage gets sideways on a track.
The 2025 Aston Martin Vantage | Aston Martin

Track-Tested, Adrenaline Approved

During an exhilarating test drive on Spain’s Circuito Monteblanco, automotive journalist Mat Watson experienced firsthand the sheer exhilaration the new Vantage offers. As Watson navigated through sharp turns and long straights, the car demonstrated its exceptional handling and power, occasionally getting sideways with a surge of throttle. This performance underscores the Vantage’s evolution into a more aggressive and engaging sports car, ready to leave a lasting impression on both enthusiasts and critics.

Additional Insights for the Reader:

For those considering the 2025 Aston Martin Vantage, it’s important to understand the impact of the shift from a V12 to a twin-turbo V8. While it maintains an exceptional power output, the change also offers improved efficiency and responsiveness. Additionally, the car’s design enhancements not only contribute to its aesthetic appeal but also improve aerodynamic efficiency, which is crucial for achieving its top speed of 202 mph and accelerating from 0-60 mph in just 3.4 seconds. For potential buyers, these changes make the Vantage not just a symbol of luxury, but a beacon of modern sports car engineering.

2025 Aston Martin Vantage
Engine 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8
Horsepower/Torque 656 hp, 590 lb-ft
Transmission Eight-speed automatic
Curb weight 3,750 lbs
0-60 mph 3.4 seconds
Top speed 202 mph
Starting price $194,400
May 15

Seeking a Classier Alternative to a Ford Mustang? Explore These GT Cars

 

Introduction to GT Cars

GT cars seamlessly blend practicality with style, offering a refined alternative to the robust Ford Mustang. While the Mustang is often celebrated for its grand touring credentials, including a spacious trunk, comfortable cabin, rear seats, powerful front-mounted engine, and rear-wheel drive, some luxury-focused travelers might seek a more prestigious badge. Fortunately, several posh grand tourers can fulfill this desire without significantly exceeding the cost of a new Mustang.

Affordable Luxury GT Alternatives

For those desiring a luxury grand tourer without a hefty price tag, several excellent options are available:

BMW 4 Series (F32 Generation) The F32 BMW 4 Series coupe is a solid alternative to the Mustang. While the 435i trim’s 300-horsepower 3.0L inline six-cylinder may not match the Mustang GT’s 480-horsepower 5.0L V8, its 4.5-second sprint to 60 mph ensures an exhilarating drive. Additionally, a 2015 BMW 435i xDrive is valued at around $17,000, making it an affordable choice.

Audi S5 (B8 Generation) The pre-2012 B8 Audi S5 features a naturally aspirated 4.2L FSI V8, providing a throaty V8 experience akin to the Mustang. With 354 horsepower and a price well under $15,000, the B8 S5 stands out as a cost-effective yet powerful alternative.

A Jaguar XK from the X150 generation shows off its GT car fascia.
An X150 Jaguar XK | National Motor Museum, Heritage Images via Getty Images

Opulent GT Choices

For those willing to invest a bit more, these grand tourers offer unmatched luxury and performance:

Jaguar XK (X150 Generation) The X150 Jaguar XK is perhaps the epitome of opulence, boasting a 4.2L V8 engine, with a supercharged variant available. Although it lacks a manual transmission, the post-facelift models feature 5.0L engines similar to those in Mustang GTs, combining power with elegance.

Maserati GranTurismo For the bold, the first-generation Maserati GranTurismo offers a thrilling drive with its 454-horsepower V8 and iconic trident badge. While maintenance costs can be high, the allure of owning a Maserati for less than the price of a new Mustang GT is undeniable.

Conclusion

While the Ford Mustang remains a strong contender in the GT segment, these alternatives offer luxury and performance for discerning drivers. Whether it’s the affordable elegance of the BMW 4 Series, the robust Audi S5, the luxurious Jaguar XK, or the daring Maserati GranTurismo, there’s a grand tourer to suit every taste and budget. Share your thoughts in the comments below on which GT car you’d choose as your classy Mustang alternative.

Apr 26

Kia EV9 GT performance three-row SUV to be revealed next year

A high-performance version of the Kia EV9 electric three-row SUV, to be badged the GT, has been confirmed for a January debut, and it will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4 seconds. This is according to Kia’s Investor Day presentation.

Kia said the new version of the SUV will have “enormous power output”—as yet unspecified—generated by a dual electric motor setup. It’s expected that the SUV will inherit a powertrain similar to that found in the smaller EV6 GT. As such, output would likely be around 576 horsepower at least, if not a little more to account for the EV9’s additional weight.

The upcoming EV9 GT will be 1.3 seconds faster to 60 mph than the EV9 GT-Line, and only 0.5 second slower compared to the EV6 GT, although it will likely be heavier than that model.

As a performance flagship, the EV9 GT will be fitted with all-wheel drive, and a “reinforced suspension and electronic braking system” set to provide “stable driving performance at high speeds.” Going by the EV6 GT, that suspension will probably have electronically adjustable damping. We also wouldn’t be surprised to see other upgrades such as a limited-slip differential, either electronic or mechanical, included, too.

At its meeting in South Korea, Kia, which is planning to introduce other GT versions of its EV line, confirmed that an updated version of the EV6 GT will debut later this year. The company has also confirmed Kia will launch six new mass market EV models in major locations by the end of the decade: the EV2, EV3, EV4, and EV5.

The EV3 subcompact SUV is expected by the end of this year, to start at about $30,000. By 2030, said Kia President and CEO Ho Sung Song, Kia aims to sell 1.6 million EVs, helped in that quest by concentrating on smaller, more affordable models and discontinuing some larger, less affordable models. The EV9 GT on the other hand, will surely be the most expensive version of the SUV, just as the EV6 GT is the most expensive version of that model.

Apr 21

Aston Martin Cars Say Psych to Electrification Push

Aston Martin pulled an old switcheroo on promises to electrify. Instead, the brand will keep building gas-powered GT cars and SUVs.

Some things just work. A Supermarine Spitfire singing its song at low altitude. A cold beer on a hot day. Oh, and a powerful engine pulling Aston Martin GT cars in a posh performance of engine notes and tire chirp. Well, the company’s executive chairman confirmed that the gas-powered Aston isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

Lawrence Stroll says luxury performance car marque Aston Martin will continue producing gas-powered cars in the 2030s

Aston Martin cars won’t be ditching its sonorous V8s anytime soon. However, before anti-EV folks tout the death of electric vehicles, the brand is planning on releasing its first electric vehicles in the not-too-distant future. But they won’t be replacing the internal combustion engine (ICE) side of their lineup anytime soon.

Aston Martin Executive Chairman Lawrence Stroll (yes, that Stroll) claims that the brand’s faithful aren’t ready to part with the “sounds and smells” of a gas-powered GT car, per Car and Driver. That’s great news for the brand’s fans. What’s more, spy shots suggest that the company might be reviving its 12-cylinder aspirations for the next generation of the marque’s range-topping GT cars.

An Aston Martin DB12 'Super Tourer' car takes a corner.
An Aston Martin DB12 | Aston Martin

Consequently, the announcement isn’t a huge shock. Many of the automakers that established radical all-or-mostly EV production targets by the decade’s end are behind on their goals. Moreover, EV adoption across the industry is losing vital momentum. Stroll asserts there will “always be demand” for ICE cars like Aston Martin’s V8-powered DB12 platform, per Autocar.

Of course, the company still has plans to release four vehicles on its bespoke electric architecture. “We planned to launch at the end of 2025 and were ready to do so, but it seems there is a lot more hype in EVs, politically driven or whatever, than consumer demand, particularly at an Aston Martin price point.”

However, the move to keep ICE propulsion in Aston Martin cars isn’t a total abandonment of green technology. Stroll told Autocar the company “decided to invest very heavily in PHEVs.” As such, Stroll says Aston Martin’s hybrid initiatives will “play out for a long while and we will have an extensive offering.” Most excitingly, the brand’s executive chair says we’ll see a hybridized V12 in the future.

Dec 18

Michael B. Jordan’s Ferrari 812 Superfast Involved in Los Angeles Crash

Accident Details

Michael B. Jordan experienced an unexpected jolt when his Ferrari 812 Superfast collided with a Kia Niro on the streets of Los Angeles. The incident occurred while Jordan was reportedly racing alongside another Ferrari, a red 488, resulting in significant damage to his vehicle. Thankfully, the LAPD reported that there was no suspicion of DUI, and Jordan appeared unharmed.

The Crash Impact

The dramatic video reveals the moment Jordan’s Ferrari sideswipes the parked Kia Niro, causing a notable crash. The impact left both cars severely damaged, with debris scattered across the road. The Ferrari’s wheel was notably dislodged, and the car came to a halt after a brief period of uncontrolled movement.

Ferrari’s Legacy and Impact

This crash highlights the fragility of high-performance vehicles like the Ferrari 812 Superfast, a standout among front-engine, V12-powered grand tourers. Such incidents are particularly disheartening for car enthusiasts, as they mark the loss of a remarkable piece of automotive engineering. The Ferrari 812 Superfast, known for its exceptional performance and design, is a significant loss to the world of luxury sports cars.

For a closer look at the incident, check out the video coverage. For updates and more information on luxury cars and their latest news, visit our website or follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Dec 18

2024 Ford Mustang’s Large Screens: A Bold Shift That Divides Opinions

The 2024 Ford Mustang represents a bold leap away from its classic design, embracing substantial digital screens in place of traditional elements. The new model features a prominent 13.2-inch touchscreen and a 12.4-inch digital gauge cluster, a stark contrast to the more modest screens of its predecessor. While this upgrade brings a modern edge to the Mustang’s interior, it has sparked mixed reactions among enthusiasts and reviewers alike.

The new screens, while visually impressive, have faced criticism for overshadowing the Mustang’s classic charm. The removal of the iconic double-brow dashboard, a beloved feature from past models, marks a significant shift in design philosophy. However, Ford offers a nostalgic Fox Body setting on the digital gauge cluster, allowing drivers to relive the spirit of earlier Mustangs despite the departure from traditional aesthetics.