Mercedes-Aston Martin Tie-Up Could Extend Beyond Engines and Electronics

Following on from the recent Aston Martin and Mercedes-Benz tie-up, it has been confirmed that Daimler chief Dieter Zetsche is up for the idea of extending the deal past the present engine and electrical architecture sharing.

While speaking at the Detroit Motor Show 2014, Zetsche confirmed that while there are currently no plans to extend the deal further than it already is, there is a possibility the partnership could go further depending on how the current arrangement develops. What additional sharing could occur is currently unclear, but reports have previously emerged suggesting that platforms could be shared between the two for the next-generation Mercedes-Benz GL and the possible Aston Martin Lagonda SUV.

Aston Martin SUV Could Receive 2018 Mercedes GL Platform

While it has yet to be confirmed for production, the general consensus is that Aston Martin will create a luxurious SUV in the coming years. Now it has emerged that such an Aston Martin product could likely share its platform with the next-generation Mercedes-Benz GL.

The GL is currently pinned in to receive a facelift next year before a replacement is created in 2018. If the Aston Martin SUV were to utilise the same platform, it would definitely help out the British automaker from having to create its very own architecture specifically for an SUV. Following the relatively recent tie-up between Aston Martin and Mercedes-Benz AMG and the agreement to share engines and electronics, it is possible that an Aston SUV could also ditch the firm’s trademarked range-topping V12 engine in favour of a smaller AMG V8.

After all, Mercedes-Benz could quite easily adapt one of its twin-turbo V8 engines to deliver around 600 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque to suit the character of an Aston SUV and it will be as simple as dropping it into the GL platform.

Moving away from the Aston Martin SUV, it is also a possibility that the firm could utilise the upcoming Mercedes MSA (modular sports car architecture) set to be utilised in the next SLK and SL models due out in 2019 and 2020 respectively.

Render: BMW 8-Series Based on Gran Lusso Coupé

Render: BMW 8-Series Based on Gran Lusso Coupé

Upon releasing the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé earlier this year, BMW insiders suggested that a production model could be on the horizon in the form of a BMW 8-Series. While we remain sceptical that a massive BMW 8-Series will reach the production line anytime soon, Autoprojecoes recently completed the following rendering of such a car based off the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé concept car.

With BMW set to introduce a facelifted and updated BMW 7-Series very soon to compete with the advanced 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, creating a BMW 8-Series may seem like a pointless move. However, with Mercedes officially preparing a coupe version of the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class for a debut soon, any possible BMW 8-Series would likely hit the production line as a luxurious coupe and could share design elements with the Gran Lusso Coupé like these renderings show.

2014 Jaguar F-Type V6S Coupe vs F-Type R Coupe Review

The Jaguar F-Type Coupe made its debut at both the Los Angeles Motor Show and Tokyo Motor Show last year. The release came almost a year to the day that we first saw the production ready F-Type Roadster at Los Angeles back in 2012. Almost a year after I first got behind the wheels of the F-Type Roadster, I find myself sliding behind the wheel of its Coupe counterpart wondering if the addition of a roof will take away any of the magic I found in the Roadster.

It seems as though Jaguar has got everyone involved in the launch of the new F-Type Coupé. A few weeks ago we saw David Beckham introduced as an ambassador for the brand in China, before that it was announced that Jose Mourinho would take delivery of the very first car, even Prince Harry had an opportunity to drive the car at Goodwood earlier this year. Lest we forget the fantastic Superbowl promotion too!

BMW E92 M3 M500 GTR Golden Edition by Petersport

The BMW E92 M3 Coupe may be out of production but to the untrained eye, it still looks like a brand new German sports car. While introduced a number of years ago, the E92-generation BMW M3 is still an incredible performance machine more than capable of taking it to newer rivals from Mercedes-Benz and Audi.

Slovakian tuners Petersport have just revealed their upgraded E92 M3 and we must say, it makes us somewhat sad that production of the car has ended. Dubbed the M500 GTR Golden Edition, Petersport have fitted a host of visual and performance modifications to make this car not only more eye-catching, but also a bit faster than the standard car!

Highlights from the 2014 Calgary International Auto and Truck Show

The 2014 Calgary International Auto Show has been in full swing over the past week. This year’s exhibition is one of the largest showing of new consumer vehicles in Canada.

In addition to the Aston Martins & Bentley’s, Lamborghini’s and Ferrari & Maserati’s, the 2014 auto show presented some additional highlights that are worthy of mention.

BMW Bringing Special Anniversary Car to Goodwood Festival of Speed

BMW Bringing Special Anniversary Car to Goodwood Festival of Speed

n addition to the brand new BMW M4 Convertible debuting at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2014 in July, the German marque is said to be bringing a special anniversary model to the automotive festivities at Goodwood.

While BMW hasn’t revealed any more than this, it is very possible that a special version of either the new BMW M3 or M4 could be presented. Other possibilities could include a special M4 Convertible or a special i8. We really have no idea at this stage. But whatever it is, expect it to be crowd pleaser!

As for the M4 Convertible debuting, it will likely lose much of its driving dynamics and handling due to a possible weight rise of around 300 kg bringing the total figure well above the 1,497 kg kerb weight of the coupe.

Nevertheless, expect it to remain identical to the coupe under the hood. As a result, it will feature a twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine revving to 7,600 rpm and producing an impressive 431 hp between 5,390 rpm and 7,000 rpm and 406 lb-ft of torque from a low 1,800 rpm to 5,390rpm. That torque figure is available across a broad rev range and is an improvement over the outgoing BMW E92 M3 of 40 per cent. We can’t wait to try it out!

Official: StudioTorino Moncenisio

Last year, the very first sketches of the unique Porsche Cayman S based StudioTorino Moncenisio emerged. Now the extremely unique sports car has officially been revealed. Maintaining the mechanicals of the standard 981 Porsche Cayman S, the StudioTorino Moncenisio has been thoroughly modified on the outside.

All around, the StudioTorino Moncenisio has received new lightweight body panels to give it a very unique flair while still remaining identifiable as a Porsche Cayman based sports car. Up front a new bumper and hood have been installed with unique five-spoke wheels also featuring. At the back the Moncenisio features a new roof and B-pillar design somewhat reminiscent of the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport. A new bumper, diffuser and central exhaust outlet are also featured along with a more pronounced lip spoiler

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