Automotive news

• Porsche 911 Speedster spied looking like a drop-top GT3

  11-04-2018 23:32
  
  Filed under:Design/Style,Spy Photos,Porsche,Convertible,Luxury,PerformanceThe last Porsche 911 Speedster capped off the old 997-generation 911. It was basically a convertible Carrera GTS with a slight humpback and a number of performance and styling changes. A new Speedster has been rumored to be in the works for a while. These new spy photos show that Porsche is indeed working on a new drop-top 911, and it looks far more GT3 than GTS.Continue reading Porsche 911 Speedster spied looking like a d
  
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• Chinese EV startup Xiaopeng Motors plans to raise $1.6B this year

  11-04-2018 23:01
  
  Filed under:Green,Misc. Automakers,Technology,Crossover,SUV,Autonomous,ElectricIf you haven't already picked your Chinese-backed electric vehicle startup that plans to challenge Tesla, you've got your work cut out for you. This list keeps growing. If you haven't included Xiaopeng Motors (A.K.A. Xpeng Motors) to your short list, the up-and-comer has 1.6 billion reasons you should.Continue reading Chinese EV startup Xiaopeng Motors plans to raise $1.6B this year Chinese EV startup Xiaopeng Motors
  
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• Tesla targets Nov. 2019 to start Model Y output, report says

  11-04-2018 22:50 via feedproxy.google.com
  Tesla is targeting November 2019 as the start of production for the Model Y small crossover, with output in China to begin two years later, two sources told Reuters this week.
  
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• Tesla targets November 2019 for start of Model Y production

  11-04-2018 22:44
  
  Filed under:Green,Plants/Manufacturing,Tesla,Technology,Crossover,SUV,Electric,FutureTesla Inc is targeting November 2019 as the start of production for its Model Y sport utility vehicle, with production in China to begin two years later, two sources told Reuters this week, shedding some light on the electric vehicle maker's next project that could tax its resources and capacity.Continue reading Tesla targets November 2019 for start of Model Y production Tesla targets November 2019 for start of
  
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• Family of Tesla crash driver hires law firm, questions autopilot

  11-04-2018 21:42 via feedproxy.google.com
  The family of a driver killed in a Tesla crash has hired law firm Minami Tamaki to explore legal options, the law firm said, adding the Autopilot feature in the vehicle probably caused his death.
  
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• Lexus ES sedan (probably) teased ahead of Beijing debut

  11-04-2018 21:10
  
  Filed under:Beijing Motor Show,Lexus,Sedan,Future,Hybrid,Luxury,PerformanceLexus has shared a teaser image of a yet-unnamed future production car, which we believe to be the upcoming ES. The now-familiar spindle grille fills almost the entire image, which Lexus has served us with the tagline "Expect the Unexpected".Continue reading Lexus ES sedan (probably) teased ahead of Beijing debut Lexus ES sedan (probably) teased ahead of Beijing debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Apr 2018 15
  
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• Uber still believes autonomous vehicles have a future

  11-04-2018 20:20 via feedproxy.google.com
  Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said the ride-sharing company still believes in the prospects for autonomous transport after one of its self-driving vehicles was involved in a fatal crash last month.
  
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• Uber still believes autonomous vehicles have a future, says CEO

  11-04-2018 20:03
  
  Filed under:Green,Safety,Emerging Technologies,Technology,AutonomousUber Chief Executive Dara Khosrowshahi said on Wednesday that the ride-sharing company still believes in the prospects for autonomous transport after one of its self-driving vehicles was involved in a fatal crash in Arizona last month.Continue reading Uber still believes autonomous vehicles have a future, says CEO Uber still believes autonomous vehicles have a future, says CEO originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Apr 2018
  
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• Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison trademark filed, could be upfitted overlander

  11-04-2018 19:50
  
  Filed under:Aftermarket,Chevrolet,Truck,Off-Road,SpecialtyThe Chevy Colorado ZR2 is a favorite here at Autoblog. It was a finalist for our most recent Technology of the Year award thanks to some trick spool-valve suspension. It's supremely capable off road without giving up anything on the streets. It looks like Chevy may have something bigger planned for the ZR2. AutoGuide reports that GM recently filed a trademark for the name "ZR2 Bison." In fact, we may have already seen a preview of the tru
  
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• Why Bob Lutz still thinks dealerships are doomed

  11-04-2018 18:54 via feedproxy.google.com
  Automakers, dealers and suppliers have two -- maybe three -- decades left before life as they know it is over, longtime automotive executive Bob Lutz says.
  
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• Florida man arrested in road rage incident captured in viral video

  11-04-2018 18:45
  
  Filed under:Government/Legal,MotorcyclePolice in Florida say they've arrested a Sarasota man in connection with a violent road rage incident, captured in a viral video, that injured a motorcyclist.Continue reading Florida man arrested in road rage incident captured in viral video Florida man arrested in road rage incident captured in viral video originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Apr 2018 12:45:00 EDT.Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink |  Email this | Co
  
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• Australia sees Q1 sales growth

  11-04-2018 18:18
  A record March result of 106,988 sales delivered a strong 4.4% first quarter growth for the Australian new vehicle market according to the motor industry's official statistical service VFACTS.
  
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• 2018 Lexus GX 460 Drivers' Notes Review | When dinosaurs roamed the earth

  11-04-2018 18:00
  
  Filed under:Design/Style,Read This,Lexus,Quick Spins,SUV,Luxury,Off-RoadThe 2018 Lexus GX 460 has been on sale since late 2009. There have been a few minor updates, but a 2018 model is essentially the same as one from 2010. It's based on the global Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and shares more than a little with the Toyota 4Runner. It slots between the Lexus RX and the big daddy Lexus LX. Despite its age, it's still a seller. Sales were up in 2017. In fact, the GX had its best year in the U.S. since
  
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• Buying a car privately: tips, advice and your rights

  11-04-2018 17:55
  Buying a car privately can be daunting, but follow our advice to get the best deals with the least hassle
  
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• New Forza 7 update adds Porsches, Ferrari ... and a Honda Odyssey

  11-04-2018 17:45
  
  Filed under:Etc.,Toys/Games,Videos,Honda,Minivan/Van"Forza Motorsport 7" continues to maintain its freshness by offering new playable cars in its monthly downloadable Car Packs. April's DLC has some really special offerings, as we see in the leaked trailer above. There are two classic Porsches. There's a 1985 Nissan GT racer and a Greenwood Corvette. The 1948 Ferrari 166 Inter Sport looks particularly beautiful. There's even a 2017 Maserati Levante S, so you can give that a virtual test drive be
  
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• Carmakers struggle to keep driver engaged even when on Autopilot

  11-04-2018 17:28 via feedproxy.google.com
  After partially faulting Tesla's automation system for a fatal crash, federal investigators last year called on carmakers to do more to keep drivers engaged as next-generation cars steer themselves.
  
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• All the cool prototypes testing at the Nurburgring, in one video

  11-04-2018 17:25
  
  Filed under:Spy PhotosAnyone who's seen our spy shot posts knows that automakers are frequently testing at the Nürburgring. We don't always get to see the cars in motion, though. Thanks to YouTube channel EMS Nordschleife TV, we get to see a bunch of prototypes running the 'Ring on an industry testing day. And boy were there a lot of cool ones.Continue reading All the cool prototypes testing at the Nurburgring, in one video All the cool prototypes testing at the Nurburgring, in one video or
  
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• Only one SUV in top 10 as German market hits 18 year high

  11-04-2018 17:24
  The German market for new passenger vehicles ended the first quarter at a level not seen since 2000. There are some surprising performances from older models, such as rocketing Ford Focus registrations and a boost for the Volkswagen Passat. Conversely, Opel's ongoing collapse means it may soon be at risk of falling behind an ever-improving Skoda.
  
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• Unions will get a VW board seat if they agree to Herbert Diess as CEO

  11-04-2018 17:15
  
  Filed under:Hirings/Firings/Layoffs,UAW/Unions,VolkswagenVolkswagen will give labor leaders a management board seat as part of a broad agreement to win approval for Herbert Diess as the German carmaker's new chief executive, sources said on Wednesday.Continue reading Unions will get a VW board seat if they agree to Herbert Diess as CEO Unions will get a VW board seat if they agree to Herbert Diess as CEO originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Apr 2018 11:15:00 EDT.Please see our terms for us
  
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• 2018 Range Rover family: How they compare

  11-04-2018 17:01
  
  Filed under:Land Rover,Car Buying,SUV,Luxury,Off-Road,ComparisonSo, there's this thing called the 2018 Land Rover Range Rover. But really, that's just what it's called in the realm of automotive websites that need a proper Year, Make and Model to make the 1's and 0's make sense of it. If you know someone who refers to it as a "Land Rover Range Rover," let us know, we'll send them a scone. Really, what we're talking about is the 2018 Range Rover, the literal range-topping model and an ancestor to
  
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• Interior design and technology - Nissan X-Trail

  11-04-2018 16:43
  Launched years ago, or in 2014 to be precise, Nissan's third-generation X-Trail (badged Rogue overseas) is one of the world's most popular SUVs. Continuing QUBE/just-auto's review of interior design and technology trends, we take a closer look inside the X-Trail to see what makes this family crossover such a fashionable choice.
  
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• Icahn's $5.4 billion exit strategy for Federal-Mogul soothes aftermarket retailers

  11-04-2018 16:37 via feedproxy.google.com
  One reason Carl Icahn is selling Federal-Mogul is because customers such as AutoZone and O'Reilly bristled at the fact the billionaire investor was both their supplier and competitor.
  
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• Majority of car thieves avoid jail

  11-04-2018 16:07
  
  Hugo Griffiths2018-04-11 15:45
  Official figures show the majority of thieves are handed non-custodial sentences following car theft convictions, with fines averaging £198The majority of people prosecuted for car theft are being handed non-custodial sentences, a new analysis of official crime statistics has revealed.
  Of the 7,405 prosecutions for theft of a motor vehicle between 2012 and 2016, 3,696 resulted in convictions with sentences handed down. And with only 20 per cent of total prose
  
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• Toyota Supra's instrument cluster partially revealed in spy shots

  11-04-2018 16:05
  
  Filed under:Spy Photos,Toyota,Coupe,PerformanceAlthough we've seen most of the production Toyota Supra, albeit in race car form, we still haven't seen the final interior. And most of the time, the prototype test drivers keep the interior well-covered. This new batch of spy shots help give us a more complete picture of the interior, giving us a look at the instrument panel.Continue reading Toyota Supra's instrument cluster partially revealed in spy shots Toyota Supra's instrument cluster partiall
  
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• 2019 Range Rover 400e PHEV First Drive Review | Elegant SUV for a more civilized age

  11-04-2018 16:01
  
  Filed under:Design/Style,Green,Land Rover,First Drives,Crossover,SUV,Hybrid,Luxury,Off-RoadAbout halfway through, right as the water touched the top of the wheels, someone made a joke about electrocuting the fish in the Duke of Marlborough's lake with our 2019 Range Rover 400e plug-in hybrid. Despite the 400e's 35.4-inch wading depth — the same as every other Range Rover model — the thought of driving a hybrid SUV through a lake was disconcerting. In the end, the fish were fine. We c
  
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• Bentley installing 10,000 solar panels in HQ parking lot

  11-04-2018 15:55
  
  Filed under:Green,Bentley,LuxuryBentley has started construction on what it says will be the U.K.'s largest solar-powered car port at its factory headquarters in Crewe, England. When completed, the array will have a capacity of 2.7 megawatts, enough to cover 24 percent of the company's energy requirements on the site.Continue reading Bentley installing 10,000 solar panels in HQ parking lot Bentley installing 10,000 solar panels in HQ parking lot originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Apr 201
  
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• New Toyota Land Cruiser Utility Commercial launched

  11-04-2018 15:49
  
  Cameron Smith2018-04-11 15:00
  Toyota increases its commercial vehicle offering with a modified Land Cruiser joining the Hilux and ProaceToyota has introduced a version of its Land Cruiser SUV to compete in the light commercial vehicle market. Available in short and long-wheelbase forms, the new Land Cruiser will have a payload of up to 756kg and a three-tonne towing limit. First customer deliveries are due in July.
  The short-wheelbase version comes as a three-door and measures 4,395mm long and 1
  
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• Turkey ripe for growth - if tax rates tackled - ODD

  11-04-2018 15:40
  Turkey's low penetration of passenger vehicles per 1,000 people can signal significant growth potential says the country's Distributor Association (ODD) - provided current punitive tax rates can be addressed.
  
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• COMMENT - VW CEO can't hold back desire for faster change

  11-04-2018 15:22
  On the face of it, Volkswagen Group CEO and chairman Matthias Müller ought to be in a strong position.
  
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• Sharing gives EVs a boost claims car2go

  11-04-2018 14:51
  Electric carsharing gives new impetus for the breakthrough of electric vehicles, claims car2go, which has published a White Paper showcasing the five main reasons why e-carsharing plays a central role in the development of electric mobility.
  
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• ‘PSA’s confidence in Britain bodes well for the future’

  11-04-2018 14:42
  
  Steve Fowler2018-04-11 13:40
  Steve Fowler thinks Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port factory should be turned into a global plant for PSA’s right-hand-drive carsI always get a kick out of visiting factories, especially when there’s good news to report. So it was great to be at the Vauxhall plant in Luton – home to vehicle manufacturing since 1905 – to hear that its future had been secured until the end of the next decade at least.
  New Vauxhall/Opel owner PSA announced investm
  
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• When marketing luxury vehicles, 'electric' is no longer a bad word

  11-04-2018 14:37 via feedproxy.google.com
  These days, well-heeled buyers consider a hybrid or plug-in vehicle a crucial part of a well-rounded garage.
  
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• VW CEO Mueller's abrupt exit heralds sweeping change to come

  11-04-2018 14:07 via feedproxy.google.com
  Volkswagen's board abruptly ended the tenure of CEO Matthias Mueller, a caretaker who revived the carmaker after its worst crisis on record, turning instead to a leader who can implement deeper changes, people familiar with the matter said.
  
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• Mexico awaits details of plan to bring auto engines to U.S., officials say

  11-04-2018 14:05 via feedproxy.google.com
  A proposal that automobiles should be built in high-wage areas within the NAFTA region is partly aimed at increasing engine production in the United States.
  
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• 820-foot Land Rover Defender outline drawn high up a French mountain

  11-04-2018 14:00
  
  Filed under:Etc.,Weird Car News,Land Rover,SUV,Luxury,Off-RoadIt's been 70 long years since the original Land Rover was introduced at the 1948 Amsterdam Motor Show. The story goes that the boxy shape was drawn in the sand of Red Wharf Bay by Rover's engineering director Maurice Wilks. Now, that figure has been stomped on the snow of the French Alps, as an artist specializing on snow art has created a 820-foot Defender shape at La Plagne.Continue reading 820-foot Land Rover Defender outline drawn
  
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• World Rallycross 2018 season preview

  11-04-2018 13:52
  
  Stephen Errity2018-04-11 12:56
  The 2018 World Rallycross season is packed with new cars, exciting circuits and big-name driversThe World Rallycross Championship (World RX) blasts back into action at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona this weekend, following a winter of big announcements as manufacturers step up their involvement in the fast paced, mixed-surface motorsport discipline.
  Swede Johan Kristoffersen, the series’ reigning champion, forms part of an unchanged line-up at Pet
  
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• Volkswagen's Herbert Diess goes from lame duck to top dog in 2 years

  11-04-2018 13:46 via feedproxy.google.com
  As Volkswagen fought for its survival two years ago, Herbert Diess -- a fresh hire from BMW -- appeared headed for a rapid exit after a tense standoff with the company's powerful labor unions over cost-cutting measures.
  
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• Extreme 800bhp Lamborghini Aventador SVJ spied

  11-04-2018 13:20
  
  Jonathan Burn2018-04-11 12:30
  Hardcore Lamborghini Aventador Super Veloce Jota spied at the Nurburgring, and it could pack almost 800bhpLamborghini is applying the finishing touches to the most extreme version of its flagship supercar, the Aventador SVJ, and it’s due to be revealed before the end of the year. 
  Despite the prototypes in the latest spy shots being completely disguised, there’s no hiding what’s going on beneath. The Aventador SVJ will receive a complete aerod
  
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• Toyota to produce hybrid batteries in Thailand

  11-04-2018 13:06
  Toyota Motor announced plans to build a production base in Thailand for battery packs for hybrid vehicles, according to reports in Japan citing company sources.
  
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• Vietnam sales fall 8% in March

  11-04-2018 13:00
  New vehicle sales in Vietnam continued to fall in March, by 8.1% to 20,956 units from 22,792 units in the same month of last year according to member data released by the Vietnam Automotive Manufacturers Association (VAMA).
  
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• New Abarth 124 GT 2018 review

  11-04-2018 12:28
  
  Image 1 of 7
  Image 1 of 7 11 Apr, 2018 11:30amAdam Towler
  The new Abarth 124 GT promises added driver appeal with a hard top and new alloy wheels, but is it worth the extra cost? We find out...The Abarth 124 is a harder, faster version of Fiat’s delicate 124 Spider. This new GT version aims to offer even more driver appeal – but it comes at a price.
  The three additional elements of the GT package comprise a carbon fibre hard top, some lighter alloy wheels, and a more powerful Bose st
  
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• GM Korea facing liquidity crisis

  11-04-2018 12:05
  GM Korea is facing an increasingly urgent liquidity crisis after it failed to convince labour unions to support its restructuring plan by the end of last month.
  
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• Ankara seeks more OEMs as Customs Union renewal looms

  11-04-2018 12:05
  Turkish government agencies say they are working to attract further OEMs to the country as Ankara looks to renew its Customs Union deal with Brussels.
  
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• New Lexus ES saloon teased in official image

  11-04-2018 11:57
  
  Jonathan Burn2018-04-11 11:00
  The Lexus ES will be a new mid-size saloon to rival the BMW 5 Series, and it could be coming to the UKLexus has revealed the first official image of its all-new ES saloon, a rival for the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes E-Class and Audi A6. The car will make its debut at the Beijing Motor Show at the end of April. 
  The teaser shot doesn’t give much away but shows the ES will wear Lexus’ distinctive spindle front grille and angular headlamp design. At first g
  
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• Kia completes wireless EV charging trial

  11-04-2018 11:44
  The Hyundai-Kia America Technical Center in Superior, Michigan, (HATCI) and Mojo Mobility (Mojo) have completed a three year project to develop a fast charging wireless power transfer system on a test fleet of Kia Soul EVs.
  
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• FCA running 'pitch pit' at SAE show

  11-04-2018 11:44
  In conjunction with SAE International's WCX 18 event, FCA US has set up a 'Pitch Pit' operating on 10 and 11 where, in private meetings with the automaker's purchasing and engineering representatives, suppliers who might not otherwise have such an opportunity are touting their innovations and products in an "energetic setting".
  
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• California: Emissions deal with EPA could be doable

  11-04-2018 02:19 via feedproxy.google.com
  California's top air-quality regulator sees hope for a deal with the Trump administration over fuel economy and emissions standards -- so long as Washington doesn't try to steamroll the state.
  
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• FCA, U.S. talks advance over emissions settlement

  11-04-2018 02:05 via feedproxy.google.com
  Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is in advanced settlement talks with the Justice Department and California Air Resources Board over accusations that the company illegally used software that led to excess emissions in 104,000 diesel vehicles sold since...
  
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• Latest Audi A6 Avant is a lovely piece of forbidden fruit

  11-04-2018 01:30
  
  Filed under:Audi,Wagon,Luxury,PerformanceWe'd love to tell you that the pretty blue wagon just above is coming soon to the United States, but we can't. Because the next-generation Audi A6 Avant probably isn't coming to the United States at all. Here in the States we get the seductively attractive A5 and S5 Sportback, and the swoopy A7, S7, and RS 7 hatchbacks instead of the traditional A6 wagon. We're not going to complain (much), because we do love the aforementioned Audis, but we'll still grum
  
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• 2019 Aston Martin V8 Vantage First Drive Review | A sportier bark and bite

  11-04-2018 01:01
  
  Filed under:Aston Martin,First Drives,Coupe,Luxury,PerformanceAston Martin's 21st century renaissance kickstarted with the DB11, a high-dollar grand tourer that upped the outgoing DB9's dynamic envelope while keeping one foot firmly planted in the brand's aesthetically elevated roots. The sequel to Aston's bid for relevancy is the V8 Vantage, a more agile and track-focused two-seater, perennially the company's best-seller that guns for the heavyweight in the segment, the Porsche 911. With a comp
  
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