JUNE 28, 2017

(Aston Martin)
The Aston Martin DB11 is now available with a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with 503HP and 513 lb.ft. of torque. The new combination propels the car from 0 - 62 mph in 4.0 seconds with a top speed of 187 mph. The V8-powered Aston is 253 lbs. lighter than the DB11 with the twin-turbo 5.2-liter V12. It will be available in the U.S. late this year with a price of $198,995.

(Audi)
The Audi RS 5 Coupé has a newly developed 2.9 TFSI bi-turbo engine producing 450HP (331 kW) and delivering 442.5 lb-ft (600 Nm) of torque, with standard quattro drive. Audi PR minions say that "The car also impresses with innovative infotainment solutions and the intelligent interplay between numerous driver assistance systems." We'll have to take their word for it... for now.

(Aston Martin)
Editor-In-Chief's Note: This is the all-electric Aston Martin RapidE, which the company says will debut in 2019. Aston Martin says there will be a limited run of 155 cars for the first all-electric model in the company's history. We would view this as another example of electric car vaporware except for one key detail. Aston's technical partner on the machine is Williams Advanced Engineering. Sound familiar? That's because the company is connected to the Williams Grand Prix team. We'll see if it actually shows up in 2019, but the engineering credentials of Williams Advanced Engineering bring a level of gravitas to the project that can't be discounted. -PMD

(Jaguar)
This is the new Jaguar XE SV Project 8, which Jaguar PR minions say, "sits at the pinnacle of performance sedans, with a thrilling mix of explosive power, dynamic agility and all-wheel drive traction." (Then again, what would they say?) The Jaguar Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) modifications to the Jaguar XE sedan include a 5.0-liter, 592HP supercharged V8; lightweight aluminum and carbon fiber exterior panels; manually adjustable ride height, aerodynamics and Intelligent Driveline Dynamics settings for track use; and Carbon Ceramic Brakes and F1-style silicon nitride ceramic wheel bearings. The digits? 0 - 60 mph in 3.3 seconds with a top speed of 200 mph. The first model of the Project 8 will be completely hand-assembled by SVO at the new $25m SVO Technical Center in Warwickshire, UK. Just 300 examples will be available worldwide, all exclusively in left-hand drive. The Project 8 will be available to order in North America in four-seat specification only. (A Track Pack version featuring two race specification seats and Harness Retention Hoop is available outside North America.) The Project 8 will make its world debut on June 30 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

(Ford images)
Ford is expanding the availability of electronic line-lock on the 2018 Mustang. The track-exclusive feature, previously only available on V8-powered Mustangs, will be standard across the Mustang lineup, including the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engines. It will be available with either the 10-speed SelectShift automatic or six-speed manual. On Mustangs equipped with the available 12-inch, all-digital instrument display drivers will see an industry-first: video game-like animation of a spinning alloy wheel with smoking tire to indicate when the electronic line-lock feature is activated. Editor-In-Chief's Note: I don't know, kids. I think this whole smoky burnout thing is so overdone and has been so overplayed that it's getting beyond ridiculous. -PMD

(Porsche images)
This is the 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS, billed by the German auto manufacturer as "the fastest and most powerful street-legal 911 model ever." The 3.8-liter twin-turbo flat-six engine delivers 700HP and 553 lb.-ft. of torque. Weighing 3,241 lbs. with a full tank of fuel, the rear-wheel-drive GT2 RS accelerates from zero to 60 miles per hour in 2.7 seconds and reaches a top track speed of 211 miles per hour. If you really want to be the biggest tool in the shed, you can order the optional Weissach Package, which reduces the weight by nearly 40 pounds. This package includes the roof and anti-roll bars made of carbon fiber, as are the end links on both axles; and forged magnesium wheels that reduce both overall and unsprung weight by over 25 pounds. When equipped with the Weissach Package, the carbon fiber weave of the luggage compartment lid and the roof are left largely exposed, and are painted with a centrally placed decorative strip in the vehicle color for a distinctive look. And this being Porsche - aka "The King of the Gougemeisters" - the optional Weissach Package will set you back an additional $31,000 over the base MSRP of $293,200 (excluding the $1050 delivery charge, of course). Oh, and there's a special titanium 911 GT2 RS Chronograph created exclusively by Porsche Design for 911 GT2 RS owners that is super-trick too. The 911 GT2 RS and watch are produced and customized in line with each customer's wishes and are delivered together, if you must know. The 2018 911 GT2 RS will reach U.S. dealers early next year.

Editor-In-Chief's Note: Since WG and I have spent many years in the advertising profession in our past lives, we hold a special affection for great ad work when we see it. This TV commercial for Samsung VR is simply breathtaking. And brilliant. Enjoy it here. -PMD