2009 Aston Martin Db9 Volante on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #379 LIVE!

We're set to record Autoblog Podcast #379 this evening.Check out the topics below, or drop us your questions and comments via our Q&A module. And don't forget to subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so. To take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.
Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #379
Lamborghini Huracán

Aston Martin and Lotus each issue recalls

A pair of head-turning high performance cars are catching some attention off a different kind, in the form of safety recalls. Aston Martin and Lotus have issued recalls for the V12 Vantage Coupe and Evora, respectively.
Aston Martin's affects 169 examples of the 2009-2012 V12 Vantage Coupe. It concerns the tire-pressure monitoring system, and is less a malfunction than it is a compliance issue. The TPMS does not alert the driver until the front tire is more than 25 percent below the recommended cold tire pressure. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 138 states that the alarm must sound when tire pressure is "equal to or less than either the pressure 25 percent below" the recommended cold inflation pressure. To address the issue, Aston Martin will notify owners and reprogram the software, free of charge.
As for Lotus, 80 supercharged Evoras have been recalled, all built between February and September, 2011. The problem involves an engine-mounted oil feed pipe, which could rupture, causing loss of engine oil or a possible fire if the oil sprays onto a hot engine.

Aston Martin to unveil lighter, faster Vantage called GT8

After the Vantage GT12's (pictured above) success last year, Aston Martin will reportedly build a new race-inspired version of the coupe called the GT8. According to Autocar, the British sports car brand sent select customers invitations to an unveiling later this week. The note included a sketch of the car, including a road-scraping front splitter, big rear wing, and large diffuser. The GT8 will boast carbon fiber body panels like the GT12, and according to Autocar the new edition could be the lightest road legal Vantage ever. Inside, look for a race-inspired interior, which makes any trip feel a little more like being on the track. There's no official word on the powerplant yet, but the name likely gives away the secret. Where the GT12 has a 592-horsepower 6.0-liter V12, expect the GT8 to use a hotter version of the brand's V8. Customers would choose between a seven-speed manual or Aston's SSII automatic, Autocar claims. Aston Martin will build just 150 units of the GT8 – 50 more than the GT12. Going forward, the company plans to introduce two limited edition vehicles each year. The GT8 would be the first one for 2016, so there's still another exciting model to expect from the company. Related Video: