Its early November and Aston Martin is teasing us, as it always does, with the upcoming reveal of its DBX SUV. Soon to be revealed in full, the brand decided to show off just a couple of features that make its first SUV so unique.While the exterior of the DBX remains a secret, this newest head-on photo does show some details. The front fascia looks like it was borrowed from the gorgeous DB11, slightly elongated to fill out the SUVs large stance.A large panoramic sunroof is also visible.The interior has been kept less of a secret, with the teaser image showing the view out of the front window from the back seat. In the distance we can see the banked curves of the Brooklands racetrack, the place where Aston Martin set a few speed records in the 1920s. The luxurious materials covering the interior are on full display, and theres no doubt theyre of the highest quality.According to Aston Martin, six months of development were devoted specifically to the driving position, taking into account visibility above all else, to the controls and to the space around the vehicle.The driving position also allows the driver to see the hood, which should make the relatively large vehicle easier to maneuver. Aston also consulted with children to determine the optimal ingress and egress experience, using a model at its design studio.The 2020 Aston Martin DBX will debut officially on November 20, which is also when orders will be taken. In Canada, if youre interested in getting one, youll want to know the DBXs starting price is
Origin: Aston Martin shows off DBX SUV’s interior, reveals pricing
interior
New Aston Martin DBX: interior shown with bespoke luggage set
The new 90-acre factory in Wales, built on a former Ministry of Defence site, has been under development since 2016 and will be the sole production facility for the DBX. The electric models of the revived Lagonda brand will also be built there. Ahead of the machine’s official launch later this year, Aston Martin previously issued images of the DBX sporting a camouflage livery reflecting its new Welsh home. The machine is currently undergoing final testing using pre-production versions. A video published earlier in the year shows the DBX undergoing extreme weather testing in Sweden at Pirelli’s Flurheden proving ground, part of the two brands’ ongoing partnership. Speaking about that test, Aston Martin chief engineer Matt Becker said: “Testing these prototypes in cold climate conditions helps us to assess the car’s early dynamics and, crucially, ensure confidence-inspiring sure-footedness on low-grip surfaces. “This car propels Aston Martin into a new segment and our engineering team are enjoying the challenges of developing a quality luxury SUV experience through this robust testing schedule. Progress is on track and I am confident that we will deliver over and above what our customers would expect from an Aston Martin SUV.” The DBX is the first Aston Martin to go through a new dedicated test programme, to ensure it can produce the kind of dynamic on-road performance on which Aston has always made its name, allied to some credibility off road. Testing is also due to take place in the deserts of the Middle East, on German autobahns and at the Nürburgring. Unlike the concept, the production DBX will feature a more conventional five-door layout rather than the sleeker three-door design that was originally expected. The DBX is one of the most important models in Aston Martin’s history and the next phase of the company’s turnaround plan under boss Andy Palmer. While every Aston produced under Palmer to date as part of his ‘Second Century’ plan has been a replacement for an existing model (DB11, Vantage and DBS Superleggera), the DBX breaks new ground by having no direct predecessor. During its life cycle, the DBX will introduce hybrid technology to Aston and it will also play a key role in trying to attract female buyers to the Aston Martin brand. The DBX is built on an Aston Martin architecture that will be closely related to that set to underpin the Lagonda saloon and Lagonda SUV, which Aston also has in the pipeline. The new Lagondas will be built alongside the DBX in Wales, starting from 2021. However, whereas the Lagonda models will be electrically driven, the DBX will start life with petrol power before getting Mercedes-sourced hybrid technology early in the next decade. Aston Martin’s own V12 and Mercedes-AMG’s V8 engines will both find their way into the DBX, with Mercedes also donating the car’s electrical architecture. The DBX will compete against the likes of the Lamborghini Urus, Bentley Bentayga, Rolls-Royce Cullinan and upcoming Ferrari SUV. Given the broad appeal and rise in popularity of SUVs, the DBX is expected to quickly become Aston’s best-selling model. Sharp body creases and a pronounced shoulder line help reduce the overall visual bulk of what is the most high-sided Aston yet produced, while a new integrated grille design performs a similar role at the front of the car. It will also be the first all-new Aston Martin model launched after the company’s stock market flotation, after the firm returned to profitability last year. Since then the share price has plummeted, however, so it will be a crucial car to restore faith in the brand for investors. Palmer has underpinned that growth with his so-called ‘Second Century’ plan, which is formed of seven models being launched over seven years at the rate of one per year, each then on sale for a seven-year model cycle with various derivatives and special-edition versions launched within that. Hybrid powertrains to arrive later in DBX’s lifecycle Daimler will provide Aston’s hybrid technology and is also one of two routes for sourcing full-electric drivetrains, according to Palmer, with other external partners also being explored. Aston has sourced an 800V system for its first electric car, the limited-run RapidE due later this year, and Palmer said 800V and access to the latest chemistry is key to any future EV powertrain from the firm. Although hybrid versions of the DBX are a long way off, the car will be launched with a Mercedes-sourced 4.0-litre V8 and Aston’s own 5.2-litre V12 as core engine options. Palmer said that although he lists the DBX’s rivals as the Bentayga, Urus, Cullinan and upcoming Ferrari, each model performs a very different role in the super-luxury SUV segment. “Those minded towards a beauty of execution will move to Aston,” he said. First-time Aston customers are expected to be found in China and North America in particular for the DBX, but Palmer said plenty of
Origin: New Aston Martin DBX: interior shown with bespoke luggage set
Porsche’s new Taycan EV will beat Tesla to a full vegan interior
Porsche could beat Tesla to a fully vegan vehicle cockpit by implementing an animal-products-free interior in its new Taycan EV.The German automaker revealed the much-anticipated sedans cabin late August, ahead of a full reveal September 4, and explained thered be two interior options available for the car, a natural olive-leaf-tanned Club Leather; as well as a fully leather-free vegan option with Race-Tex microfiber, made out of recycled polyester.Now, that fully vegan part does come with an asterisk, because there are still other parts of the vehicle that use animal by-products, such as the tires and various fluids and adhesives. Still, its a step in the right direction.Besides the materials announcement, the reveal showed off the Taycans classic five-gauge instrument cluster, which reminds us of vintage 911s except, yknow, now theyre completely digital and can be configured into different layouts. To the right of the floating glass pod is the 10.9-inch infotainment screen, and a touchscreen for the passenger. The centre console also has screens for a battery level gauge, handwriting inputs and climate controls. Apparently, the system is so powerful it can show a map on every screen without lagging. The screens can also all be turned off for a driver-focused cockpit.Teslas interior is almost fully vegan, with the steering wheel being the only piece that still puts real cow to use. Elon Musk has said the only reason Tesla steering wheels havent been wrapped in synthetic material yet is because its been difficult to find something durable enough that can handle a heating element, but synthetic will be happening
Origin: Porsche’s new Taycan EV will beat Tesla to a full vegan interior
New Porsche Taycan: electric four-door’s interior revealed
Porsche has revealed the interior of its first electric production car, the Taycan, ahead of its public debut at the Frankfurt motor show next month. The Tesla Model S rival’s cabin takes the brand’s design and technology to a new level. It’s based around up to four digital displays, including a curved, freestanding 16.8in configurable driver’s display – Porsche’s first fully digital instrument binnacle. To the right of that the Taycan features a 10.9in infotainment screen where navigation, music and connectivity functions are handled. To the right of that – uniquely for Porsche – is an optional screen of the same size for the passenger. It can’t control driving functions, but allows them to programme the sat-nav and media features independently. Finally, there’s an 8.4in portrait layout screen on the centre console, set at an angle with a touch trackpad below to help control the upper screen. Unlike the upper two touchscreens it offers haptic feedback to improve usability on the move. Over-the-air updates – traditionally a big draw for Tesla buyers – are also possible in the Taycan. Buyers will also receive a free six month subscription to Apple Music, with Apple CarPlay integration also included. Android Auto functionality is not available, however. Despite the distinctly high-tech approach, classic Porsche features such as the dash-top analogue clock still feature. Porsche has been building up to the launch by releasing snippets of information about the Taycan. A pre-production version of the machine recently completed 2128 miles in a 24-hour endurance test run at the Nardò high-speed test track in Italy. Porsche claims that, in temperatures of up to 32deg C, the electric performance saloon averaged speeds of between 121 and 134mph. Minimal stops were made, with the Taycan only pausing for driver changes and battery top-ups. The Taycan’s battery size is yet to be confirmed, but it’s said to offer around 270 miles of range on the WLTP test cycle. In order to maximise mileage, the test car was charged using Porsche’s 800V ultra-fast chargers, capable of delivering 249 miles of range in 15 minutes. The machine will be the first mainstream production car built using 800V technology, allowing for the use of fast-charging stations. The car made its public dynamic debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in lightly disguised form, driven by ex-Formula 1 driver Mark Webber. The Taycan has previously been previewed with official camouflaged images (below) and has also been spotted testing numerous times in prototype guise. The Taycan’s styling is heavily influenced by the original Mission E concept, which was designed by Porsche’s former head of exterior design Mitja Borkert, now head of design at Lamborghini. Details include a retractable rear spoiler, advanced regenerative braking system and Tesla-style retracting door handles. The Taycan is the first in an extended line-up of electric models being developed in a programme budgeted to cost up to £5.3 billion through to the end of 2022. It marks a radical departure from Porsche’s traditional line-up, bringing zero-emissions running together with the promise of what the new car’s lead engineer, Stefan Weckbach, describes as a “typical Porsche driving experience”. When it goes on sale in the UK, the Taycan will be positioned between the £55,965 Cayenne SUV and £67,898 Panamera five-door coupé in a move that will set the scene for the introduction of other new electric Porsches, including a mid-engined sports car in the mould of the existing 718 and an electric Macan. Porsche UK boss Marcus Eckermann told Autocar earlier this year that the Taycan is “the beginning of a new era” for Porsche, and is attracting many conquest customers. “We have a lot of interest in the car – and a lot of new customers. Based on the expressions of interest, there are more new people to the brand than existing customers.” While he declined to give expected sales figures, the Taycan’s share of the line-up is set to be considerably higher than the overall EV market share in the UK, which is below 1%. Porsche has previously said it expects to produce 25,000 Taycans worldwide annually, which is about 10% of its current sales. In the UK last year, Porsche sold 12,500 cars, so we can expect at least 1250 sales of the Taycan per year. The Taycan will be offered in two bodystyles, with the standard saloon planned for right-hand-drive delivery in Britain in early 2020 and a higher-riding estate-cum-crossover model, previewed by the Mission E Cross Turismo concept, arriving in showrooms in 2022. Taycan rivals include Tesla Model S Among the key rivals for the new Porsche is the Tesla Model S, which was used as an initial benchmark during the early phases of the Taycan’s development. However, Weckbach acknowledges the model will also compete against a host of other upcoming electric offerings, including the E-tron GT from sister brand Audi and
Origin: New Porsche Taycan: electric four-door’s interior revealed
Renault updates big-selling Captur with new platform and interior
Renault has followed up its strong-selling Captur crossover with a second-generation model that features a similar dramatic interior revamp as the Clio – and will also be offered as a plug-in hybrid. The French maker claims to have sold more of the outgoing Captur last year than when it first launched in 2013. To continue that success, the new Seat Arona rival adopts an evolutionary approach to the exterior design that Renault describes as “more modern, more muscular and more expressive, with more SUV design cues”. LED head and tail-lights are also now standard across the range. Set to go on sale at the end of this year, the new crossover is significantly larger than its predecessor, with 100mm added to its length – with a 33mm longer wheelbase – and a 19mm increase in width. The result is claimed class-leading rear seat space, aided by a sliding bench that can be adjusted by up to 16cm, and a 536-litre boot that is 81 litres larger than the outgoing car. The Mk2 Captur sits on the same CMF-B platform first used for the latest Clio. It’s said to weigh “about the same” as the old car despite its increase in size and equipment levels, thanks to details such as an aluminium bonnet and plastic tailgate. The interior of the new car, like the Clio, has had a more substantial overhaul than the exterior. Renault claims it offers “a new dimension of quality and comfort rivalling models from the class above” with extensive use of higher-grade materials and newly designed seats. There’s also a new floating centre console, freeing up additional storage and space for wireless phone charging. The infotainment is a big upgrade, with an optional 9.3in central screen – larger than in the bigger Kadjar – combining with standard customisable 7in digital instruments (a 10in display is available on higher grades). A greater range of standard safety assist kit is offered, too. Renault is also going big on customisation: there’s a total of 90 exterior colour combinations and 18 interior configurations. From launch, the Captur will be offered with three turbocharged petrol engines and two diesels, all new to the car. The base 1.0-litre three-cylinder TCe unit puts out 99bhp and 118lb ft of torque, while a 1.3-litre four-cylinder makes 128bhp and 177lb ft in ‘130’ form, and 153bhp and 199lb ft in ‘155’ form. A 1.5-litre diesel comes in 94bhp and 113bhp form. Depending on the engine, five- or six-speed manual and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearboxes are offered. The Captur will gain a plug-in hybrid E-Tech model in the first quarter of 2020. The system, for which Renault has filed over 150 patents, blends a 1.6-litre petrol engine with a 9.8kWh battery and two electric motors, linked to a new ‘multimode’ continuously variable transmission, claimed to feel like a dual-clutch set-up. Renault says it can run for 28 miles on battery power alone at up to 83mph, while a braking system taken from the firm’s EV range allows strong brake regeneration for a ‘one pedal’ driving technique. Performance and efficiency figures have not yet been released, but engineers tell us it puts out around 150bhp and “substantially” more torque than the regular petrol
Origin: Renault updates big-selling Captur with new platform and interior
Limited-edition Bentley Bentayga features plaid interior and chessboard
Bentley has revealed a limited-edition Bentayga, a result of a collaboration between its Mulliner bespoke division and Savile Row tailor Huntsman. There are two versions available: the Businessman and the Sportsman. Both replace traditional wood veneer with Huntsman tweeds while the Businessman features a Mulliner chessboard in the rear seat rest, complete with a drawer trimmed in Huntsman fabric to hold the chess pieces. The Sportsman “take its cue from relaxed countryside pursuits,” said Bentley, with more obvious use of tweed on passenger and driver and includes blue leather and Liquid Amber veneer inserts, paired with a red exterior. The Businessman is described as having a “more urban spirit”, with a black Anthracite interior with two-tone black and grey exterior, carbon fibre fascias and waistrails and tweed on door cards. The limited-edition Bentayga is only available through Bentley showroom Jack Barclay, based in Mayfair, London close to Huntsman. The partnership is described as “uniting two icons of London’s Mayfair district and two special centenaries; that of Bentley Motors and that of Huntsman’s Savile Row boutique”. Huntsman and Jack Barclay logos are embroidered into each of the head rests. Stefan Sielaff, Bentley director of design said: “Bentley is delighted to bring together two brands which have such an impeccable heritage in the heart of London – Jack Barclay and Huntsman. “The personalisation work we do at Mulliner is about bringing a vision to life – like creating a perfect tailored suit – so adding an element of bespoke Huntsman material to the Bentayga’s lavish and beautiful interior is a perfect fit.” All buyers of the limited-edition Bentayga also receive a bespoke Huntsman jacket with a lining made exclusively for Bentley. Pricing has not been revealed, but is expected to be significantly more than the Bentayga’s starting price of £162,700. Bentley is ramping up its Mulliner division, as it recognises more and more demand for ultra-exclusive models. Later this year, a new model of which only 10 will be made will be revealed and is expected to cost in excess of £1m. The Crewe-based marque has already seen success with a limited-edition Mulliner model this year. The Continental GT Number 9 Edition by Mulliner was revealed at the Geneva motor show in March and all 100 examples promptly sold out. The special edition model celebrates the brand’s 100th anniversary and sports design that echoes the 4 ½ Litre ‘Blower’ raced at Le Mans in 1930. Bentley’s main centenary celebrations will happen next week, 10 July, at its headquarters and will include a new concept showcasing the future of grand
Origin: Limited-edition Bentley Bentayga features plaid interior and chessboard
New Bentley Flying Spur: luxury saloon’s interior previewed
Bentley is building up to the launch of its all-new Flying Spur, previewing the car’s interior ahead of its debut later this year. While Mercedes-Maybach S 600 rival’s interior is seen for the first time in this image, it’s not exactly revealing, showing the front door card design. Bentley is previewing what it claims to be a world-first: three-dimensional, textured leather upholstery. Bentley describes the new Flying Spur as a “ground up development that pushes the boundaries of both technology and craftsmanship to deliver segment-defining levels of performance and refinement”. The luxury saloon is the firm’s answer to the Rolls-Royce Ghost, as well as the Maybach. While it has commonly been known as the four-door sibling to the Continental GT – and will continue to be closely related under the skin – it is understood that the Flying Spur will have a far more distinctive design, intended to make it stand alone as a model in its own right. As hinted at a previous video showing the car’s bonnet and emblem, the model’s styling will follow the themes of the Continental GT but has more distinct surfaces and sharper swage lines. The latest Continental GT launched early last year, and the maker recently unveiled the V8 variant and the GT Convertible. A full range of engines is expected to be launched on the next Flying Spur, including Bentley’s V8 and W12 petrol options, and a plug-in hybrid based around a V6 petrol engine instead of going down the diesel route. Hybrid options will be key in bolstering Bentley’s sales in China in particular. In time, a Speed variant will crown the range. It will feature a higher-performance engine that will also be used in the Continental GT and GT Convertible. Once the Continental range has been completed, the firm will turn its focus to what Autocar understands will be a next step in its design, promising a more radical change to something more fresh and modern. It is Bentley’s centenary year, and a host of celebrations in July will include a concept reveal which is expected to showcase this change in design direction. Bentley, under the tenure of boss Adrian Hallmark, who joined last year from Jaguar Land Rover, is finalising its broader model strategy for the next few years, which is expected to focus on grand touring models and SUVs rather than sports
Origin: New Bentley Flying Spur: luxury saloon’s interior previewed
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