2010 Acura TSX V-6 Debuts at Chicago Auto Show

Many enthusiasts felt that Acura's nimble, cutting-edge TSX would be a serious contender in the sport-luxury market, if only it had enough power and a couple of extra cylinders to compete with the likes of the Audi A4, Lexus IS350 and Infiniti G. It appears that Acura has come to the same conclusion, as it unveiled the latest addition to the lineup, the TSX V6, at the Chicago Auto Show today.
The update is a simple one: Acura has shoehorned a 3.5 liter V6 engine under the hood. The 280-horse powerplant features a dual-stage induction system and VTEC valve control, of course. Acura's sequential SportShift transmission handles shifting duties, and includes paddle shifters, Grade Logic Control and Shift Hold Control for spirited driving. Exclusive suspension tuning is also part of the mix; the TSX V6 gets unique 18-inch split five-spoke wheels and tires and a tauter suspension, to handle the additional power. Double wishbones are used up front, with five-link construction at the rear.
Apart from the mechanical changes and a slight design change on the front fascia, the TSX V6 is the same as the four-cylinder version. A laundry list of standard equipment includes a power moonroof, automatic climate control, XM satellite radio with Bluetooth connectivity and a USB port and a seven-speaker sound system. The optional Technology Package adds voice-commanded satellite navigation and an upgraded sound system.
The TSX V6 goes on sale this summer as a 2010 model. Acura says this car is the first in a series of upcoming introductions from the brand that will result in "significant enhancements" to every model in the lineup.

Source: http://www.worldcarfans.com/

Aston Martin DBS Volante Revealed

Aston Martin will be taking the covers off the new DBS Volante at the 2009 Geneva International Motor Show. The DBS Volante is AM's 16th convertible in its 95 year history and represents the ultimate combination of luxury with open air sports car performance. The motorised retractable fabric roof can be opened in just 14 seconds and stows away under the newly sculpted tonneau.
Powered by Aston Martin's 6.0-litre V12 engine with 510bhp (380kW) and 570Nm (420 lb ft) of torque, the Volante is not just a poser's car. Naught to 100km/h comes in 4.3 seconds and top end is 307km/h (191mph). It's a proper performance GT with two rear seats though Aston does concede the rear seats won't be as spacious as those of a normal sedan. This is not a normal car however, it's a DBS Volante.
The two available gearbox choices are a 6-speed manual and an automatic six-speed ‘Touchtronic' that can be engaged via paddles. Keeping the car on the road are 8.5' x 20 Pirelli P Zero 245/35 front wheels and tyres as well as 11 x 20 Pirelli P Zero 295/30 at the rear. Stopping power comes from carbon ceramic brakes. Engineers have utilised measures like carbon fiber front wings, boot lid and bonnet to reduce weight. In the end it weighs 1810kg which is similar to mid-sized German luxury sedans.
Inside passengers get comfortable to features like the Bang & Olufsen's BeoSound 13-speaker sound system, integrated iPod connector, a USB connector and a Hard Disk Drive (HDD) satellite navigation system.

Source: http://www.worldcarfans.com/

Aston Martin Racing LMP1 Car Debuts at Paul Ricard Circuit

Aston Martin Racing showed off its 2009 LMP1 challenger at the Paul Ricard Circuit in France. This was the first time that the Le Mans Series race car had been driven but team Aston Martin came out of the test with a positive attitude. Reliability and performance were the yardsticks that they measured success on. One accident involving Czech driver Tomas Enge driving car number 007 ruffled the team's feathers a little but Enge escaped injury. Nevertheless the car was heavily damaged. The second car numbered 009 is fine.
Other than that all six drivers Jan Charouz (CZ), Tomas Enge (CZ), Stefan Mücke (DE), Harold Primat (CH), Miguel Ramos (PT) and Darren Turner (GB) managed to get a feel for the car.
"The LMP1 feels great, the speed on corning is great," said Ramos. "I'm not yet used to it as I normally drive a GT car but it is getting easier...I'm comparing my lap data with the more experienced drivers and making adjustments each time I drive which means I'm improving every lap. My last lap was my fastest of the two days."
About 3,500 spectators witnessed the event which saw 28 of the 50 competitors taking part in the test. It was the first time in 10 years that the public were allowed access to the Paul Ricard Test Track.
Aston Martin Racing team partner Drayson Racing also put their number 87 Aston Martin Vantage GT2 through its paces. They were also encouraged by the results they achieved.
Team bosses at Aston Martin Racing are aiming to reclaim the brand's 1959 ultimate success at the 24 Hour Le Mans which takes place on June 13 and 14, 2009.

Source: http://www.worldcarfans.com/

Aston Martin One-77 Internal Product Brief Leaked - Design process detailed

An internal product brief for the Aston Martin One-77 has been leaked and with it come a few more details about the upcoming ultra-supercar from the iconic British brand.
The 'tub' core of the car is a lightweight chassis made of a dense and rigid carbon fiber monocoque, part of which will keep the curb weight of the 0ne-77 down to a sprightly 1,500 kg (3307 lbs). It was engineered with the help of Multimatic (MTC) - a company that specializes in carbon composite materials and technologies.
Mounted onto the chassis are double wishbones at each corner and pushrods that move suspension loads to the horizontally-lined-up dampers. The dampers are of a sophisticated technology which Aston Martin calls Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve (DSSV). The valves in the dampers consist of precision crafted components that make it possible to change the tension in the dampers without them having to be removed.
There are also carbon-ceramic discs and new calipers for the brakes that create less heat transfer from the pads to the fluid.
Yes, lots of little details that describe for us how the One-77 will be handling all that power.
How much is it again? 700 hp from a new 7.3 liter, naturally aspirated V12 engine that Aston Martin is developing with Cosworth. The engineers re-sculpted the old 6.0 liter V12 seen in the DB9 by adding displacement but reducing weight on the drivetrain by an impressive 25 percent. And with the help of a new 6-speed gearbox the One-77 is expected to sprint from 0-60 mph (100 km/h) in about 3.5 seconds and have a top speed above 200 mph (or 320 km/h).
The One-77 (which sounds very Bond-ish, wouldn't you say?) will cost somewhere in the neighborhood of 1.2 million pound UK (1.3 million euros). There will be only 77 of them made.

Source: http://www.worldcarfans.com/

New Bang & Olufsen Sound System Detailed for Aston Martin DB9

Aston Martin has teamed up with Bang & Olufsen to create a new bespoke audio system for the DB9.
Dubbed the BeoSound DB9, the new audio system was designed exclusively for the DB9 so it blends in perfectly with the Aston Martin's handcrafted interior. The attention to detail is astounding as the speakers boast specially designed aluminum grilles which allow the units to seamlessly integrate into the DB9's cockpit.
Packed with the latest technological advancements, the system comes with two motorized acoustic lens speakers which emerge silently from either side of the dash. Elsewhere, twin motorized tweeters rise to the occasion to provide 180 degrees of horizontal dispersion of high frequency sounds for a life-like listening experience. Among the other components included in the package are five mid-range speakers, three additional tweeters, two woofers, and a powerful 200mm subwoofer located under the rear seats. In total, the system features thirteen speakers located in ten different positions throughout the cabin.
On the technological side, the BeoSound DB9 audio system uses proprietary ICEpower technology to create hi-fi sound quality despite the system's compact size. It also comes equipped with Bang & Olufsen's Digital Signal Processing (DSP) which automatically adapts to changing road and noise conditions to provide occupants with a premium listening experience.
Although pricing information wasn't released, the new BeoSound DB9 audio system will be immediately available to order on both the DB9 coupe and convertible.

Source: http://www.worldcarfans.com/