2014 Aston Martin Rapide Sedan 4d S 6.0l V12 on 2040-cars

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The Aston Martin Valkyrie and its V12 sound insane

Formula 1 is where the mind goes when we listen to this teaser engine clip of the Aston Martin Valkyrie hypercar. And we're not talking about the lame-sounding turbo cars they're racing now. No, this sound brings to mind the stupid-high-revving machines of the 2000s. It makes sense too, because we've been told that the 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine is loosely based on Cosworth's 2.4-liter V8 it made for Formula 1. Rumors place the Valkyrie engine somewhere around 1,000 horsepower with a kinetic energy recovery system providing even more thrust. We've seen a number of reports putting the final combined figure around 1,130 hp, but the actual number will remain a mystery for the time being. The sound of "THE" GREAT British car company! Thank you @Cosworth @redbullracing #AstonMartinValkyrie #NaturallyAspirated#V12 pic.twitter.com/HmEICj29uH — Andy Palmer (@AndyatAston) October 3, 2018 This video with the Valkyrie's soundtrack layered behind it comes courtesy of Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer. Dramatic renderings of the Valkyrie cycle through in the background, but the noise is what we're paying attention to here. The engine's redline is reportedly 11,000 rpm and we don't doubt it after listening to the soundtrack more than a few times. No other production car revs that high — even LaFerrari tops out at 9,250 rpm. The team definitely has the engine working, and production is slated to kick off sometime in 2019. We'll be waiting impatiently until then to hear that insane V12 in person. Related Video: Aston Martin Coupe Performance Supercars hypercar Aston Martin Valkyrie

Has Aston Martin abandoned plans for a Lagonda SUV?

Aston Martin may possibly (hopefully?) axe plans for a Lagonda-badged SUV, according to a new report from the blokes at Piston Heads. If this is true, it'd serve as proof that the auto gods are good, and want us to be happy. The report is based on statements made by Director of Design Marek Reichman. "We still have plans for the brand. There might be some surprises in the marque's re-establishment into the market place, but as a very unique coachbuilt experience. And that's probably what's most befitting of the brand," Reichman told PH when asked about the Lagonda SUV, which debuted way back in 2009. "That was a different time [when the Lagonda debuted]," Reichman continued. "It was [Dr. Ulrich Bez's] time. And now we're in a very, very different time, with a different plan and with a different projection of what that brand should become." Considering the spy shots we've already seen (inset), PH's conclusion that the Lagonda brand would be reborn as an ultra-exclusive sedan doesn't seem far off. As for the rumors that AM would look to Mercedes-Benz for its SUV architecture, well, it's not looking so good any more. What do you think? Should Aston Martin launch a sedan above the Rapide? What would you expect in terms of price and performance? Let us know in Comments.

Aston Martin bringing special Vantage, DB9 editions to Geneva

A European car show wouldn't be a European car show without the introduction of a new special-edition Aston Martin. And this year, Aston has two of them lined up to unveil at the Geneva Motor Show. First up we have the latest in a long line of N edition V8 Vantages. This one is called N430, and it will be available in both coupe and roadster bodystyles. It features the same 430-horsepower version of Aston's 4.7-liter V8 as the Vantage S (mated to either the six-speed manual or seven-speed sequential gearbox), and weight-saving measures like carbon-Kevlar seats and ten-spoke forged alloys help it hustle to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds en route to its 190 mph top speed. A new competition-derived aero package, retuned suspension, new steering ratios and a throatier exhaust aim to give the N430 a tighter, racier feel – as do the "club sports graphics packs" (that take their inspiration from GT racing versions of the Vantage) and dark-finish trim inside and out. Aston is also rolling out new Carbon Black and Carbon White editions of its DB9 that incorporate additional carbon-fiber trim to either complement or contrast with the exterior paint. Unfortunately, neither the V8 Vantage N430 or DB9 Carbon editions will be available in North America, so we'll just have to gaze at them from afar until we see them up close at the Swiss expo early next month. ASTON MARTIN UNVEILS TWO EXCLUSIVE NEW SPECIAL EDITIONS AT GENEVA - Striking V8 Vantage N430 builds on heritage of successful 'N' cars - Bold new styling options derive from N430's clear sporting pedigree - Debut of dramatic DB9 Carbon Black and Carbon White Aston Martin is unveiling two exclusive new special editions at the 84th Geneva International Motor Show. The great British sports car marque, now in its 101st year, is debuting a bold addition to its iconic V8 Vantage range as well as dramatic new special editions of the timeless DB9. Building on the appeal of the sports-focused Vantage range, and enhancing the enduring allure of Aston Martin's seminal GT, the DB9, the new models deliver eye-catching looks and classic elegance. V8 Vantage N430: race breeding, sports styling Pure, unadulterated fun is what lies at the heart of the new V8 Vantage N430. Honed on the track to excel on the road, N430 – available in Coupe or Roadster form – boasts a power hike to 436 PS at 7,300 rpm that brings its output up to that of the spirited V8 Vantage S.