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Aston Martin previews new 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12

Depicted in the teaser video above is Aston Martin's new 5.2-liter twin-turbocharged V12. Beyond those basic specifications, Aston isn't saying much about this new engine or what it will power, but it does promise that the new engine will debut sometime this year. The bulk of Aston Martin's current lineup – basically everything but the V8 Vantage – is powered by a 6.0-liter V12 that dates back to the DB7 Vantage that debuted in 1999. Only where that model produced 420 horsepower, the latest version in the Vantage GT12 produces nearly 600 hp. Which just goes to show how much Aston has been able to do with the aging engine, but everything has its limits, and all good things must come to an end. While the switch to forced induction may mean a less revvy engine, it ought to deliver more torque (as well as lower emissions and fuel consumption). Aston has a new partnership with Mercedes-AMG that is slated to supply the British automaker with a twin-turbo V8. But the German outfit has considerable expertise with twin-turbo V12s as well. The production facility that recently relocated from Affalterbach to Mannheim produces the 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 that motivates Mercedes' own SL65 roadster, G65 sport-ute, and S65 sedan, coupe, and cabrio, as well as the version for the Pagani Huayra.

800-hp Aston Martin Vulcan will live long and prosper... on the track

The Aston Martin Vulcan might by one of the most beautiful creations to ever emerge from the British sports car company. Unfortunately, its status as a track-only toy limited to 24 units makes seeing one on the road practically impossible. That's a shame, too, because nothing would wake up an early morning commute better than seeing jets of flame shoot out of the side of this coupe. For the Vulcan, Aston Martin takes a 7.0-liter version of its tried and true V12 and promises to extract over 800 horsepower from it. The engine is hooked up to a six-speed sequential gearbox, and the car features all of the other necessities for a full-bore track car too. The pushrod suspension, anti-lock carbon-ceramic brakes and traction control are all fully adjustable to create the perfect balance for any circuit. Underneath, there's a carbon fiber monocoque, and the body panels are also made from the lightweight material. While the mechanicals are everything a driver could want on the track, the design is just as attractive. The styling takes the taut lines from Aston Martins of the last decade and sharpens everything to look futuristic. The pointed, orange filaments making up the taillights are an especially cool touch. The brand promises to reinterpret this look for future models, so we might still see inspiration of it on the road. Give it a thorough look in our live gallery above from the floor at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show. Related Video:

2019 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Volante breaks cover

With less than a month to go before the official unveiling, it appears that the 2019 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera has been spied in Volante convertible form. The car is very clearly related to the DB11 GT sports car currently available, but with a number of updates. It should also be lighter (hence the Superleggera name) and more powerful. The most notable exterior change is in the front fascia, particularly the main grille. The traditional Aston grille shape has been stretched downward in the style of the Rapide and the Vantage AMR Pro. It also ditches the classic slats for an aggressive black mesh. Flanking the grille are two large air inlets that surely provide more cooling to the engine. Their positioning would be ideal for brake cooling, too. On the hood, the new DBS Superleggera gets two large vents right in the middle. Based on a teaser image, there will be Superleggera badging in a classical script next to the vents. The hood also has a bit of a raised dome down the middle. Moving around to the side, the car is basically unchanged save for deeper side skirts. The rear also lacks much in the way of changes. It has sprouted an additional pair of exhaust tips. Interestingly, each side has a small tip and a large one. We're not sure if this is a stop-gap measure for the prototype, or if the different-sized tips will be a production feature. When the car is revealed in June, it will come with a version of the twin-turbocharged 5.2-liter V12 found in the DB11. It will almost certainly have more power than existing DB11 models, meaning it will have more than the 630 horsepower of the DB11 AMR. Rumors have even indicated as much as 700 horsepower. With the Superleggera name, it will likely be lighter than existing DB11s, too. And of course, expect a price above other DB11s. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2019 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera spy shots View 24 Photos Image Credit: SpiedBilde Spy Photos Aston Martin Convertible Luxury Performance Supercars aston martin db11 aston martin dbs superleggera