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2019 Aston Martin Vanquish: Like a handsomer DB11 with more grunt

Aston Martin appears to be getting the 2019 Vanquish ready for action, as these spy shots from the Nurburgring show. There's a lot of DB11 there at first glance, but let's take a closer look and try to spot most of the differences. To begin with, the headlights and front fascia are different. There's more overall intake area upfront, with lower side vents and a much bigger grille opening. The headlights are rounder than the DB11s, and to this author's eyes more classic and attractive. The hood extractor vents are in a different place, large quadrangles instead of the DB11's long, narrow slits – although this could easily change for production, as this arrangement might only be for the mule. Moving to the side, the sills are wider and the wheels are larger, likely an inch greater diameter than the DB11's judging by the reduced sidewall. The car is also noticeably lower. Out back, the most obvious difference is the quad pipes. They nestle above a more aggressive rear diffuser. So far, all this looks to be production-possible. Certainly the Vanquish will be positioned as a more aggressive, powerful version of the DB11, to which it's related. While the specific shapes may be tweaked slightly, everything we're seeing looks to communicate the Vanquish's mission effectively, and nothing looks unrenderable in metal or composite. Long story short: This looks like a nearly finalized exterior design. Note that this isn't related to the Vanquish Zagato Volante we saw earlier this year. That car is a final hurrah for the old, VH-architecture Vanquish. We expect the Vanquish to have more than the DB11's impressive 600 horsepower, so it can do battle with competitors from Ferrari like the 812 Superfast. Related Video:

Aston Martin electric supercar might be in the works

Aston Martin could develop a lightweight battery-electric sports car in line with the Tesla Roadster as part of the British brand's shift towards hybrids and electric vehicles. CEO Andy Palmer told Auto Express the company is considering a pure-electric car that's smaller than the Vantage but faster and more expensive, taking aim squarely at the Roadster. "There are various challenges involved in making an EV, and the one everyone focuses on is the battery — the management system and the chemistry involved," Palmer said. He added: "The interesting thing is that the other three components of any electric car — weight, aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance — are areas sports car manufacturers, and us in particular, are really good at mastering. That puts us at an advantage over other brands who are making some big claims — such as Tesla, with a lightweight roadster. I think we could be in that space relatively easily." Aston Martin is building only 155 examples of its new RapidE, its first electric car due for launch in 2019, which will cost $255,000. It's also developing an electric version of its DBX crossover for 2019. More broadly, Palmer has said the brand plans to convert its entire six-car lineup to hybrid powertrains by the middle of the next decade, with 25 percent of its vehicles fully electric by the end of the 2020s. It recently unveiled an all-new Vantage, which it expects to price somewhere south of $150,000. Palmer also told Auto Express that Aston's coming hybrids will use 48V technology — but they won't be plug-in hybrids, which he says add complexity and costs. They could also pave the way for a six-cylinder Aston. "I have no objection to the principle of engines that are smaller and in a V configuration, in fact, but inline four-cylinder or three-cylinder units? No," he said. "I don't think we'll see an Aston Martin with a combustion engine that has any fewer than six cylinders."Related Video: Image Credit: Corbis via Getty Images Green Aston Martin Coupe Electric Hybrid Performance Supercars PHEV aston martin vantage aston martin dbx

Aston Martin brings ice driving program to America [w/video]

With between four and six hundred horsepower channeled to the rear wheels from a V8 or V12 engine mounted up front, an Aston Martin – any Aston Martin, really – might not seem like the smartest choice for driving on ice and snow. But that can also make it the most fun, and the most enlightening to experience. That's the point behind the Aston Martin On Ice program: allowing customers to drive the latest Gaydon has to offer on slippery, wintery surfaces. But whereas the On Ice program has been established for years in St. Moritz, Switzerland and in the Swedish Lapland, this year it arrived in America for the first time. A series of custom tracks – including a braking/cornering loop, slalom, skid pad and a full circuit – were carved into the snow in Crested Butte, CO, where expert driving instructors taught customers a thing or two about how to handle a powerful twelve-cylinder GT car like a DB9, Vanquish or V12 Vantage. The program has concluded for the season, returning next February, but in the meantime Aston will use the Colorado base camp as the center of its driving experience through the Rockies. Check out the video footage and the details in the press release below. ASTON MARTIN... ON ICE - New US ice driving program launches in Crested Butte, Colorado - Affords customers the opportunity to drive full Aston Martin range in extreme winter conditions - Utilises custom-built Aston Martin facility Irvine, CA, 17 March, 2014 – Aston Martin has launched the company's first ice driving program in North America, hosted at Crested Butte, Colorado providing customers with the ultimate driving experience against a stunning mountainous backdrop. Offering customers the opportunity to experience the full potential of the Aston Martin range and hone their driving skills, the new On Ice program took place in the heart of the Colorado Rocky Mountains in a unique setting, with an ice track custom built for the occasion as illustrated in a new film from the event, released today. Comprising a braking/cornering exercise loop, slalom, skid pad and full circuit, the bespoke Aston Martin track was especially constructed for the occasion over the last four months. Under expert tuition, participants were guided through the facility, embarking upon a series of braking, cornering and handling exercises before putting their skills to the test on a mile-long frozen road course.