New Aston Martin DB9

With James Bond making use of the DBS and the long-awaited four-door Rapide finally under production, the DB9 could appear as the lost sheep in the British premium sports car company’s flock. Priced mid-range between the V8 Vantage and DBS the DB9, a vehicle advertising by Aston Martin as ‘the definitive sport grand tourer’, enters into the 2011 model year undergoing an automotive equivalent to a spa renewal treatment.

Far from requiring any reconstructive surgery, the exterior and interior appearance of the so-called ‘revised DB9′ coupe and Volante is only slightly retouched. Lower intake ducts on the front fascia has been redesigned to better coordinate with the large primary grille. The Aston Martin’s air intake is accompanied by a refreshened look for the headlamp lenses. The hind side of the Aston Martin DB9 is also enhanced as the clear lenses over the taillights is now a standard offering.

While the premium car retains its 470 horsepower 6.0 liter V-12 engine, the new Aston Martin DB9 will simply look faster; particularly along the side. Aston Martin’s termed ‘hockey stick curve’ treatment along the bottom door sills is given an more pronounced presence as part of the refit. Engine power spins the large and enchanting 20-inch diamond turned alloy wheels over top of majestic silver brake calipers to complete the DB9’s stylish roll.

Putting importance on keeping the DB9 in vogue, Aston Martin has also committed efforts to insuring the V-12 engined two-door remains firmly connected to the road. Upon the greatest changes for 2011, the DB9 becomes the newest recipient of Aston Martin’s Adaptive Damping System (ADS). An option through the DB9 Sport Pack previously, the now standard equipment ADS is designed to provide optimum ride quality by constantly regulating and adjusting the car’s shock dampers. Featuring a driver-selected sport and comfort setting allows the new Aston Martin DB9 to whether reduce body roll around sharp corners or gracefully overcome ripples in a road.

Understanding that many of us will have to settle with admiring the Aston Martin DB9 from the outside, the privileged ones who get to admire the British sports car’s interior can find a few new changes. For the upcoming DB9s, options such as Double Apex alloy trim and a BeoSound Bang & Olufsen stereo system can now to added.

Priced a little higher than the current model, the new Aston Martin DB9 coupe price roughly equates to $185,648 U.S. while the convertible Volante running $199,328. The first of these DB9s are set for delivering within the month of July sending British motoring excellence across the globe once again.

[Source: Aston Martin]

Electric Audi A1 won't be produced

According to a report out of Italy, Audi boss Rupert Stadler has said that the Audi A1 e-tron concept will not see production. Apparently the house of Audi believes that the conventional A1 will be sufficiently frugal and kind enough on the environment with its stop/start and brake energy recovery system. Additionally, there seems to be some issues with the A1's platform and its ability to house all the necessary EV components. If true, 'tis a shame – that cargo-floor-mounted Wankel engine paired with lithium-ion batteries was supposed to be good for 154 mpg, and the A1 e-tron is a package we would have enjoyed by being so green we made grass jealous.

Hyundai: Sonata 2.0 Turbo hits 60 in 6.5 seconds, returns 34 mpg highway

According to Hyundai, its new 274-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine for the 2011 Sonata sedan is going to be a real gem. To wit, the Korean automaker says the boosted-four will propel its midsize sedan to 60 miles per hour in just 6.5 seconds. That's serious speed for the segment and it means the Sonata will at least have the accelerative chops to stick with the rest of the sport sedan competition.

Of course, these days frugality is just as important as horsepower, and Hyundai assures us that its 2.0T-powered Sonata will be able to return the promised 22 miles per gallon in the city and 34 on the highway – all on regular-grade fuel. For those who like to keep track of such things, Hyundai claims those figures are 16% and 17% better respectively than the outgoing 3.5-liter V6.

Want more? Well, that's all we can share for now... but our initial driving impressions will be on their way just as soon as Hyundai gives the word. Stay tuned.

[Source: Hyundai]

Chrysler Sebring convertible to survive

Much to our collective surprise, Chrysler's new Italian overlords have reportedly decided to keep the Sebring convertible alive and even give it a major refresh early next year. The Sebring and Dodge Avenger sedans are due to get their updates before the end of this year, and the Sebring could yet receive a new name. Most of those changes including reworked suspensions and improved interiors, and the company's new Pentastar V6 will migrate into the droptop in the new year.

As you may recall, back in the 1990s, the Sebring was consistently the top-selling convertible in America thanks to its reasonable price, relatively attractive styling and seating for four. The current model completely squandered that advantage by combining all the negative aspects of its sedan counterpart with a highly compromised design that includes three different tops including vinyl and canvas soft tops and a very finicky folding hardtop. So why keep the Sebring convertible around? According to AllPar, it's because they remain a favorite of rental fleets in warm weather states thanks to "move-em-out" pricing from Chrysler and demand for four-seat convertibles from vacationers.


[Source: AllPar]