Experiencing car problems can be extremely stressful. You might be lost as to how to proceed in fixing them. If you don't know much about auto repair, you should educate yourself on the subject. Luckily for you, you'll find quite a few useful tips in this article; put them to good use!

You should not trust a mechanic who does not want to give you a detailed quote in writing. Then he can charge what he likes and leave you stuck with the bill. It is always a good idea to get these things down in writing beforehand, even if the estimate is off a bit.

You do not necessarily need an oil change every 3,000 miles. This rule of thumb has been passed down for generations. Modern cars can often go from 5,000 to 10,000 miles. Always look at the recommendation of the manufacturer.

OEM is the abbreviation of Original Equipment Manufacturer. This is good to know when you are dealing with mechanical issues and parts. If you walk in and tell the mechanic that you want OEM parts, you will sound knowledgeable. It is not as likely that a technician will attempt to put used parts upon your automobile.

Ask for Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts. These parts come from the manufacturer of your car. Generic parts may be cheaper, but the quality may not be the same as OEM parts. It can appear like a deal right now and cost twice the amount later as OEM components to begin with.

For you to be able to identify issues with your vehicle, you need to be somewhat familiar with its various components. If you have enough time, sign up for a class that will teach you about auto repairs. Although it's probably not good to go to a class if you're not able to pay for it, getting some basic knowledge about cars can help you to save up some money later when you can fix problems. With this knowledge, you can deal with things before they become big issues.

When you understand basic car repairs, also understand repair pricing. Compare prices for repairs on the same vehicle and for repairs made by certified mechanics.

Checking your tire pressure can help save you money and wear and tear on tires. Examine the tires for anything that might be stuck in them. If you notice any problems with your tires, have them checked by a professional. You don't want to have to drive around with bad tires.

Going to the dealership can be costly, however it is usually the best option. Technicians at the dealership are often more knowledgeable about the make and model of your car. They know what's wrong and can fix it fast. There are many training programs that they have to pass to become certified.

The confusion and panic that can sometimes follow a vehicle breakdown are something that most people dread. If you aren't knowledgeable on auto repair, then you may worry about who you should turn to in order to have your car repaired properly. This article provided you with the education you need to get started, you just have to put it to use.

The final version of the Alfa Romeo 4C makes its début at the 83rd International Motor Show in Geneva. This mid-engined rear-wheel drive coupé with two bucket seats represents the true essence of a sports car at the heart of Alfa Romeo’s DNA: performance, Italian style and technical excellence, offering maximum driving satisfaction in total safety.

Designed by Alfa Romeo engineers and produced in the Maserati plant in Modena, the new compact supercar will be available for purchase in 2013, marking the return of the Italian brand to the United States and inaugurating Alfa Romeo’s global growth plan.

The Alfa Romeo 4C derives directly from the concept which raised many eyebrows in wonder at the Geneva Show in 2011, so much so that it won three prestigious awards: the ‘AutoBild Design Award’ (2011, Germany), the ‘Design Award for Concept Cars & Prototypes’ (2012, Italy) and the ‘Most Exciting Car of 2013’ - ‘What Car?’ (2013, Great Britain).

Acronym 4C



The acronym ‘4C’ draws its inspiration from the brand’s glorious past, projecting the values of technology and emotions into the future. Indeed, it refers to Alfa Romeo’s great sporting tradition: the acronyms 8C and 6C in the 1930s and 1940s distinguished cars – both racing and road – fitted with the powerful ‘eight cylinders’ and the innovative ‘six cylinders’, confirming in its design layout and construction the goal of achieving the power/weight ratio of an authentic supercar, less than 4 kg/HP, yet focusing not merely on the maximum power delivered, but on limiting the weight to guarantee maximum agility and top performance. To this end, the Alfa Romeo 4C uses technologies and materials derived from super sports cars (including the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione) – carbon fibre, aluminium, rear-wheel drive – and technologies from the latest standard models from Alfa Romeo, but updated to enhance the sports appeal of the new car even further. This is demonstrated by the new 1750 Turbo Petrol all-aluminum engine with direct injection, the sophisticated Alfa TCT twin dry clutch transmission and the Alfa DNA selector with the unprecedented Race mode.

Exterior style

Designed by the Alfa Romeo Style Centre, the 4C immediately brings to mind some of the traditional iconic models which have left a significant mark in the history of the Brand. Above all others, in terms of dimensional and layout similarities, one stands out in particular: the 33 Stradale, a car that combined extreme mechanical and functional requirements with an essential style which ‘clothed’ the engine and chassis appropriately with unmistakable Alfa Romeo treatments. The 4C has followed suit, and thus completes a journey which was embarked upon with the 8C Competizione, emphasising some particular concepts of the brand, such as compact size, dynamism and agility.

Interior design

The elemental design and essential materials also distinguish the interior, which is all designed and built for maximum driving satisfaction. Specifically, the carbon fiber in the interior immediately stands out, used to make the central cell, which has been left in full view to enhance the sense of uniqueness, of technology and light weight.

Dimensions and aerodynamics



The compact dimensions make this car with 2 bucket seats truly unique amid its competitors: it is just under 4 meters long, 200 cm wide, 118 cm high and with a wheelbase of less than 2.4 metres. These dimensions serve both to emphasize the compact size of the car and to accentuate its agility. What’s more, owing to the designers’ excellent work, the car achieves maximum aerodynamic efficiency levels, recording a negative Cz (downforce coefficient) which, as in racing cars, contributes towards achieving increased stability at higher speeds.

New 4 cylinder 1750 Turbo Petrol

An evolution of the engine already in use in the Quadrifoglio Verde version of the Giulietta, the new 4 cylinder 1750 Turbo Petrol engine implements an innovative aluminum block and specific intake and exhaust systems which have been optimized to enhance the sports appeal of the car even further. In addition, it boasts cutting-edge technical solutions including direct fuel injection, dual continuous variable valve timing, a turbocharger and a revolutionary scavenging control system that gets rid of any turbo lag.

Alfa TCT automatic transmission

The 1750 Turbo Petrol engine is teamed with the innovative Alfa TCT automatic twin dry clutch transmission, which is a genuine benchmark in its segment due to its low weight and extreme speed of activation. The gears can also be changed in sequential mode using the shift paddles located behind the steering wheel.

The new Alfa DNA selector with Race mode

The Alfa Romeo 4C also sees the début of the new Alfa DNA selector which not only features the three standard settings available until now – Dynamic, Natural and All Weather – but also a fourth mode: Race, designed to enhance the driving experience on a race track even further.

Excellence made in Italy

The very best technical and industrial expertise of the Alfa Romeo and Maserati brands were used to develop the final version of the 4C. Specifically, the teamwork between the two brands was aimed at the integration of the Alfa Romeo design department with the Maserati production plant. In short, this too is a distinguishing trait of Alfa Romeo, a brand with a century of history that continues to be one of the most famous and popular ambassadors of Italian products across the world.

Are you overwhelmed by car issues? If you don't have lost of auto repair knowledge, you need to gain some more. The following article has the information you need to know.

Don't get work done if your mechanic gives you problems when asked for a written estimate. If the work is done poorly, you won't be able to recover costs because there is no written proof of the contracted work.

Although mechanics from your dealer are usually expensive, there are times when using them is absolutely necessary. A dealer's mechanic will know your car type inside and out. They have rapid diagnostic tools and are used to handling common problems with your specific vehicle. It is also a requirement that they attend training programs on a regular basis.

Check the car's tire pressure whenever you fill up the tank. Inspect your tires and look for embedded rocks or small objects. If there's an issue, get it fixed quickly. Driving on the highway with corrupt tires can be very dangerous.

Avoid diagnosing car problems yourself. Remember, you're not a professional. The problem may seem simple, but you might find out it's more complex. Leave the diagnosing to your auto repair shop. Give them all the details on what occurred and what you heard, but leave the final diagnosis to them.

Don't let a mechanic tell you that flushing your engine is routine maintenance. This is a costly service and not something that is typically done during the course of normal maintenance.

Check online for reviews of local mechanics. You will get a great idea of how the shop operates this way. This information can then be used to get with a shop that makes you comfortable.

Whenever you become aware of which components need fixing, you can utilize the Internet to compare prices and search for parts. Car repair websites will give you a standard cost for this type of repair. See how this estimate measures up to repair shop quotes.

It is not necessary to get oil changes after 3,000 miles. This has been standard practice for many years, but is no longer true. Newer cars don't require an oil change until 5,000 miles have been reached. Some do not need an oil change for 10,000 miles. Always look at the recommendation of the manufacturer.

You should always get a good warranty when investing in new expensive parts. You should ask your mechanic about the warranty on the parts they order for you. Find out how long the warranty lasts and ask for a printed version of the contract so you can review it.

Check the amps on your fuses before replacing them. Make sure the fuse you replace is with one that has the same amperage. Get your electric systems checked if you find yourself replacing fuses often.

The stress and confusion that occurs when a vehicle breaks down is something that a lot of people really hate. If you don't know much about cars, you may feel at a loss for what to do. This article provided you with the education you need to get started, you just have to put it to use.

The future of electric mobility at Audi is highly dynamic: The R8 e-tron has set a world record for a production vehicle with an electric drive system on the Nürburgring Nordschleife – the toughest test track in the world. Racing driver Markus Winkelhock piloted the high-performance, all-electric-drive sports car around the demanding 20.8-kilometer (12.92-mile) track in 8:09.099 minutes. With this Audi has achieved yet another milestone in its history, following overall wins at the 24-hour races at the Nürburgring and Le Mans.



“The R8 e-tron has given  a magnificent demonstration of its potential on the toughest race track in the world,” said Michael Dick, AUDI AG Board Member for Technical Development. Dick, who completed a fast lap himself in the R8 e-tron, added: “The record-setting drive confirmed that we are on the right track. To us, electric mobility has never been about sacrifice, but rather is about emotion, sportiness and driving pleasure.”

A comparison with the current record lap driven by a combustion engined production car shows just how impressive the 8:09.099-minute time really is. The record time of 7:11.57 minutes was achieved with a Gumpert Apollo Sport, which is powered by a 515 kW (700 hp) Audi V8 gasoline engine.



The drive system of the Audi R8 e-tron that Markus Winkelhock drove to the world record corresponds in every detail with that of the production model that will come on the market at the end of the year. Both of the car’s electric motors generate an output of 280 kW and 820 Nm of torque; more than 4,900 Nm (3,614.05 lb-ft)  are distributed to the rear wheels nearly from a standing start.

The Audi R8 e-tron accelerates from zero to 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in just 4.6 seconds. Its top speed is normally limited to 200 km/h (124.27 mph); 250 km/h (155.34 mph) was approved for the record-setting lap.



The R8 e-tron’s rechargeable lithium-ion battery stores 49 KWh of energy – enough for a distance of about 215 kilometers (133.59 miles). Its “T” shape allows it to be installed in the center tunnel and in the area between the passenger compartment and the rear axle. It is charged by energy recovery during coasting and braking. The ultralight car body of the Audi R8 e-tron is made primarily of aluminum, along with CFRP components; this is a main reason why the high-performance sports car weighs just 1,780 kilograms (3,924.23 lb), despite the large battery.

In order to further underscore the production-relevance of the R8 e-tron and the capability of its drive technology, Audi has set another record on the Nordschleife in addition to the single lap record time. Immediately afterwards, Markus Winkelhock drove two fast laps in one go in a second R8 e-tron that was limited to 200 km/h (124.27 mph). At 8:30.873 and 8:26.096 minutes, both laps were well under the important nine-minute threshold.



“The record drives were a fantastic experience for me,” said Markus Winkelhock. The 32-year-old, who lives near Stuttgart, has a high standard for comparison – the Audi R8 LMS ultra, in which he, along with Marc Basseng, Christopher Haase and Frank Stippler, won the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring a few weeks ago.

“Of course, the R8 e-tron is a production car, not a racing car with the assistance of aerodynamics,” Winkelhock emphasized. “But with its low center of gravity and rear biased weight distribution, it brings with it a lot of sporty qualities. The torque with which the electric motors propel the car uphill beats everything that I know – even if they make hardly any noise in the process, which at the start was really a completely new experience for me. In places where I really need traction, the torque vectoring – the displacement of the torque between the powered wheels – really helps me.”

Michael Dick proudly summed up events after the record-setting drive at the Nürburgring. “Within just a few weeks we’ve taken on some big challenges and in the process we’ve shown that we are at the forefront with all of our drive concepts,” he said, adding:“We won the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring in May in the Audi R8 LMS ultra with a ten-cylinder engine.

In mid-June we triumphed at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the Audi R18 e-tron quattro – the first overall victory for a hybrid-electric vehicle in the toughest race in the world. And now we’ve set another record with the all-electric-drive R8 e-tron on the most demanding track there is.”

Getting your car repaired can cost a lot. The cost of parts are significant, but the labor costs can add up as well. Wouldn't you like to save money and do the repairs yourself? Read these tips to save yourself money on car repairs.

Don't get work done if your mechanic gives you problems when asked for a written estimate. You'll have no written word of work done.

Prior to letting a mechanic touch your vehicle, ensure that they are A.S.E certified. If a mechanic has this certification, then they have taken a test and have a minimum of 2 years experience. This is one good way to separate the wheat from the chaff when picking a good mechanic.

Always ask questions when dealing with your mechanic. Ask about things other than just the cost of repairs. Is there an estimate available for the amount of time that will be involved? What type of work is being performed on the car? How much will parts cost? You can ask questions that arise. This will not only show the mechanic that you are well informed, it will also help should the same issue pop up again.

Knowing where the belts are in your car and keeping them in good condition can save you a major problem down the line. A failed belt can cause major damage to your engine. Check the belts regularly, looking for wear and tear, and replace them when necessary. If you hear a screeching noise whenever you're starting the car, you may need new belts.

AAA is a good company to look into when you need auto repair. AAA can be very useful when you need a tow, or are looking for a deal with an auto repair service shop. In fact. a lot of the time AAA has discounts that will help you save money.

After paying to replace old parts, make sure the mechanic gives you the old ones that were removed. If he cannot provide this, he may not have done anything with your car. This should raise warning flags that should be confronted.

Don't take an emergency car kit for granted. This kit should consist of tire changing tools, jumper cables, and an empty container that is appropriate for re-fueling your gas tank. In the event that your car were to break down in the middle of the night on a deserted road, bring blankets, batteries, and a flashlight.

You are likely going to have to face a mechanic when it comes to auto repair. You want to avoid any mechanics that give you a bad vibe. Observe their willingness to make sufficient eye contact and other mannerisms that may be red flags. These people could be less than honest and may be more expensive.

Every car is going to need some form of repair at one point or another. But, mechanic intervention is not necessarily needed. It is possible to do your own repairs. Next time you are having car problems, refer to this article to help you out.

Michelin North America unveiled today the latest innovation from the Pilot family of tires, the MICHELIN® Pilot® Sport A/S 3™, a new tire that will provide drivers with enhanced handling and control in a variety of weather conditions. The MICHELIN Pilot Sport A/S 3 tire uses a unique tread design and proven Michelin technologies to deliver all-season performance and incredible wet and dry braking, enabling a passion for driving year-round without sacrificing safety.

"As an all-weather, all-season tire, the MICHELIN Pilot Sport A/S 3 marries performance and practicality,"said Doug Brown, ultra-high performance category manager at Michelin North America. “This tire is ideal for someone who wants to optimize the performance of his or her vehicle and drive with confidence year-round.”

The MICHELIN Pilot Sport A/S 3 tire distinguishes itself in the ultra-high performance all-season tire market because of the Michelin technology it bears. No other all-season tire on the market benefits from Michelin’s heritage in endurance racing and arsenal of technological innovations. Specific technology benefits include:

Breakthrough levels of dry grip

• Variable Contact Patch 2.0 combined with an aggressive asymmetric tread pattern inspired by the MICHELIN Pilot Super Sport.
• Incredible wet grip and resistance to hydroplaning regardless of the road surface
• Extreme amounts of silica in the tread compound combined with Variable Thickness Sipes and large circumferential grooves.
• Cold weather mobility for true all-season performance
• Michelin’s Helio Compound combined with Variable Thickness Sipes and unique biting edges in the tread grooves.

For detailed information on Michelin technologies engineered into the MICHELIN Pilot Sport A/S 3 tire, please visit: http://www.michelinman.com/pilotsportas3

In 2008, Michelin introduced the MICHELIN® Pilot® Sport A/S Plus, which offered a combination of all-weather performance and extended tread life. Three years later, the company introduced the MICHELIN® Pilot® Super Sport, born from endurance racing.

“In endurance racing, tire performance and longevity are crucial – the same is true for street tires,”added Brown.

Continuing the Pilot family legacy, the MICHELIN Pilot Sport A/S 3 tire, available in late summer 2013, delivers dramatically improved grip in wet and dry conditions, extraordinary handling and control and better dry and wet braking than the previous generation, while also providing cold weather mobility.

This technology leap is due in part to advancements in three areas:



1) Tread Pattern – The tread pattern in the MICHELIN Pilot Sport A/S 3 does not resemble any other all-season tire. Rather than a directional tread design, the MICHELIN Pilot Sport A/S3 has an asymmetric tread design. This provides for:

• The tire to exhibit less noise as it wears
• Greater flexibility for tire rotations
• More rubber and rigid blocks on the outside shoulder, to provide high levels of lateral grip
• Better handling and control for drivers

2) Tire Compound – By applying a special silica compound technology proven in endurance racing, Michelin engineers are able to achieve maximum wet traction from a single tread compound. The same Michelin compound technologies used during wet sessions at the historic 24 Hours of Le Mans qualifying have been enhanced to provide all-season performance in the Pilot Sport A/S 3.

3) Cold Weather Mobility – Michelin’s Helio Compound technology engineered into the MICHELIN Pilot Sport A/S 3 tire allows it to withstand colder temperatures, meaning consumers benefit from extra grip at low temperatures while extending their vehicles’ driving season. By also adding biting edges in the tread grooves, the tire gains traction in snow.

Other technologies incorporated in the MICHELIN Pilot Sport A/S 3 tire include the Variable Contact Patch 2.0 (VCP 2.0), which focuses on evenly spreading contact patch pressures and temperatures regardless of the driving situation. Variable Contact Patch 2.0 is one of the key technologies derived from Michelin’s experience in endurance racing.

The MICHELIN Pilot Sport A/S 3 tire embodies the company's commitment to delivering total performance. A tire's most critical role is providing grip and handling to drivers, which is why Michelin systematically aims to deliver the best possible performances in every passenger car and light truck tire made while minimizing performance tradeoffs.

The MICHELIN Pilot Sport A/S 3 tire is designed, engineered and manufactured in North America. It will be available in 65 sizes ranging from 175/65/R15 to 285/35/ZR20. The MICHELIN Pilot Sport A/S 3 tire is backed by the Michelin Promise Plan™, a comprehensive tire service package for MICHELIN replacement tire owners.

Consumers are encouraged to visit the Team Michelin Tire Selector on http://www.michelinman.com

to find a complete listing of MICHELIN® Pilot® Sport A/S 3 tire benefits and to research the best tire for their individual needs.

The 18th annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance announced today that it will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Lamborghini, the glamorous Italian supercar, during the event’s festivities March 8-10, 2013. In support, Lamborghini will bring the rare Miura Roadster from Switzerland for the celebration. The historic roadster will be joined by its contemporary, the Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster, a full class of historic Lamborghinis, as well as a surprise from Lamborghini’s new motorsports team, Squadra Corse.

Ferruccio Lamborghini was a man of the earth and was born under Taurus, the sign of the bull. So it was no surprise when he founded his own line of farm tractors that he chose the fighting bull as his emblem. He loved fast cars and owned everything from an Aston Martin to a Mercedes-Benz Gullwing and, of course, Ferraris. When he became irritated by certain traits of his personal Italian exotic, he directed his workmen to install a new clutch from one of his tractors in the car.

In 1963, Lamborghini took the next step and built his own GT car. He knew precisely the kind of buyer he needed to please: himself. “I want to make a GT car without faults. Not a technical bomb. Very normal. Very conventional. But a perfect car.” Unspoken was the goal to out-Ferrari Ferrari. His first GT, the 350 GTV, had a 3.2 liter twin overhead cam V12 engine where Ferrari had a 3-liter single cam.

The front engine Lamborghini 350 GTV came first, but the Lamborghini that comes to mind when the cars from Sant’Agata Bolognese are mentioned, is the Miura. Named for an especially ferocious strain of Spanish fighting bull, the Miura made its debut without bodywork at the 1965 Geneva Auto Show. The 4-liter twin-cam 12 was mounted transversely and the advanced P400 (its model number) stole the show. When it was parked in front of the Casino in Monte Carlo during the Grand Prix weekend, alarm bells sounded from Maranello to Stuttgart to Coventry.



The rare Lamborghini Miura Roadster, which will be on display at this year’s Amelia Island Concours, debuted at the 1968 Brussels auto show.

The 2013 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance will be held March 8-10th on the 10th and 18th fairways of The Golf Club of Amelia Island at Summer Beach adjacent to The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island.  The show’s Foundation has donated over $2 million to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, Inc. and other charities on Florida’s First Coast since its inception in 1996.

Many people think that looking for, and shopping for, a car is a very annoying task. Though new cars can be great fun, deciding which to get can require lots of work. You'll be able to have more fun when buying a car by using the following information.

Remember that you have the option to purchase a vehicle from somewhere other than a dealership. You can go to smaller lots or buy from private owners and get some really good deals. Search through community area classifieds and hunt through social media to focus your search on cars available in your neighborhood.

Make your down payment on the vehicle you're getting with your credit card. Should the dealer close its doors prior to delivering your car, any funds paid in advance can be recovered. Payments that are done with cash will likely go to waste.

Remember that a salesman wants nothing more than to earn commission and meet a quota. It's difficult to remember this when faced with a friendly, flattering salesman. Avoid falling for additional fees and unnecessary packages that often are added to the selling price. Even a base model can become pricey if saddled down by these fees.

If you notice that the cost of a vehicle includes an advertising fee, ask the dealer to waive it. Why should you pay for their ads? If they won't budge, it is not the deal for you. They will stop you and give in.

Quotas are key to a car salesman's job. This system works to your advantage at the end of the month. Due to their quota, salesmen become a lot more friendly at the end of the month in most cases. This gives you a bit more leverage in your bargaining.

If you are buying a car and think your credit rate is right for bank financing, use it! Making an informed, wise choice here will save you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars that you would have spent on higher interest. Go with the firm that offers you the best interest rates!

If you're buying a car from someone, make sure you get your mechanic to look at it prior to buying it. If the owner objects, chances are this car isn't for you. There could be expensive, hidden problems that affect the value of the car. You need to know before purchasing.

Before buying a used car from a dealership, ask to have it looked over by a third-party mechanic. If the dealer won't let you do this, look elsewhere. Mechanics provide you with a neutral opinion on the quality of the vehicle.

Try to get all of the prices possible for the car that you want. You may discover that other zip codes in your region offer better prices than you can find closer to home. If you look up prices online you might find a great deal close by.

Making the move to get a new car can leave you anxious and lacking confidence. You must educate yourself on the process if you want to be happy with your purchase. Use the tips you just read and prepare yourself by doing some research on different makes and models until you find the ideal vehicle.

The stunning new Aston Martin Rapide S is making its debut with yet more luxury and yet more power on offer in its quintessentially elegant four-door silhouette.

The iconic British car maker’s new luxury GT has been sympathetically redesigned and painstakingly re-engineered to reassert its position as the world’s most beautiful, and beautifully balanced, four-seat sports car.

Aside from the extensive design and engineering improvements, the luxurious new Rapide S – which replaces the outgoing Rapide in markets worldwide – is now even more refined thanks to a range of additions to the four-seater’s sumptuous interior.



Still instantly recognizable as an Aston Martin, of course, the new Rapide S now boasts an imposing and assertive new ‘face’, created by virtue of the impressive and striking new full grille.

Imbuing the new car with an even more sporting, forceful demeanour, the revised front end design is matched at the back by a striking new rear deck profile which includes a more pronounced boot lid ‘flip’. The aerodynamic and aesthetic upgrades both reinforce the sporting nature of new Rapide S and work to counteract lift at higher speeds.

Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ulrich Bez said:“The Rapide S is to me, without doubt, the most beautiful four-door sports car on the market today. This is, very clearly, the power of luxury in action.

“The car’s stunning visual appeal is now matched by a much more powerful and yet more efficient engine – our exceptional new AM11 V12 – which increases massively both the excitement and performance potential of the Rapide S.

“It is a four-door sports car that uniquely combines luxury, style and sporting excitement in Aston Martin’s most flexible and accommodating silhouette. Purity of proportion and exceptional elegance are mixed with truly sensational dynamic performance – this is the four-door sports car in its most versatile form and I am sure our customers around the world are going to love it!”

Engineered to excel

Changes under the new Rapide’s skin are comprehensive, with a version of the new AM11 naturally-aspirated 6.0-litre V12 powerplant delivering unprecedented power and improved in-gear acceleration.

Power from the new engine jumps significantly versus that of its predecessor: up by 17% or a massive 81 PS from 477 PS at 6,000 rpm to a now very substantial 558 PS at 6,750 rpm.

Peak torque increases, too, up from 600 Nm to 620 Nm at 5,000 rpm. Meanwhile an even more marked improvement in torque occurs lower down the rev range, as pulling power rises by more than 40 Nm between idle and 4,000 rpm with an additional 50 Nm available at 2,500 rpm.

Naturally, increases in power and torque lead to even swifter performance as befits a four-door sports car. New Rapide S shaves 0.3 seconds off its 0-62 mph time, which drops from the 5.2 seconds of the current car to just 4.9 seconds for the new model. Top speed climbs, meanwhile, to 190 mph.

The 5,935 cc naturally aspirated V12 boasts race car technology – developments derived directly from Aston Martin Racing’s successful WEC GT campaign – to maximise both performance and efficiency. The new AM11 engine thus boasts fully CNC machined combustion chambers and lighter, hollow, cam shafts.

Dual variable camshaft timing, knock sensing, even the fully catalysed stainless steel exhaust system – these are all engineering advances developed to preserve the V12’s position as a mainstay of the Aston Martin range.

The engine is now even more efficient, too. Despite the very significant increase in peak power and torque, the Rapide S is appreciably more economical than before. CO2 emissions drop by seven per cent – from 355 g/km to 332 g/km – while fuel economy now stands at 19.9 mpg on the official EU combined cycle.

A product of the latest generation of Aston Martin’s world-renowned VH engineering philosophy, which debuted in 2003, the new car of course benefits from many elements of the current Gen4 VH architecture.

The carefully conceived engineering changes continue as the new Rapide now offers even sharper agility and even quicker responses to driver input. The new AM11 engine – a key Gen4 component – has been lowered by 19 mm versus the position of the powerplant in the previous car, with a corresponding reduction in the sports car’s centre of gravity.

The changes also lead to a tangible improvement in front end turn-in – no mean feat for a car that was already acknowledged as a leader in dynamic performance.

Aston Martin engineers at the company’s global HQ in Gaydon have worked to revise the car’s dynamic stability control (DSC) in line with its significant increases in both power and torque.

As befits the more sporting nature of new Rapide S the car benefits from the latest Gen4 iteration of Aston Martin’s hi-tech Adaptive Damping System (ADS). The system now offers three distinct settings: ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Track’, with the character of each being tailored to the nature of Rapide S.

The ADS automatically alters the suspension settings to ensure the driver has high levels of control at all times, with the ability to respond quickly to different driving conditions. The different damping modes help to significantly broaden the character of the Rapide S, adapting its set-up to suit the driver’s precise requirements. Thus it can be a luxurious GT car in Normal mode with the capacity to morph into a more assertive sports car in Sport and Track modes.

The damper settings are determined by an electronic control unit which takes sensor readings from the car’s systems, including throttle position, brake position, steering wheel rotation and vehicle speed. This data establishes the prevailing driving conditions and the demands the driver is making on the car.

Head of Product Development at Aston Martin, Ian Minards, explains: “Growing the power in a luxury sports car is all very well, but maximizing control and ‘usability’ of that increased power is, just as much, the engineers’ challenge.

“Balance, poise and control are the keys to a successful sports car and the dynamic improvements we have made with Rapide S showcase our efforts to make this not just the most beautiful, but also the most beautifully balanced, car in its class.”

He added: “Transmission calibration, ADS refinement, braking capability and engine output optimisation are among the many ‘ingredients’ which the team here at Gaydon have used to create a sports car of unerring quality and excitement.”

Meanwhile, as with the new DB9, the new Rapide S achieves compliance with the latest European pedestrian protection regulations courtesy of its innovative new front grille design.

The lowered engine, new bonnet, new front bumper construction and new grille combine to deliver a uniquely innovative approach to pedestrian impact protection.

The patent-pending design – which features a unique ‘keystone’ construction – enables the grille to move rearwards on impact, whilst the central and outboard chin stiffeners give rigidity to the lower structure and support achievement of the leg impact regulations. Cut-outs on the front wing catwalks contribute to the achievement of the headform regulation.

The solution means Aston Martin can remain true to its design ethos, and avoid the use of plastic grilles and nose cone bumpers that stretch up in front of the bonnet.

First class cabin



As luxurious as it is thrilling, the new car now boasts a host of new luxury- or sports-orientated options, allowing buyers to more precisely tailor the car to their specific style.

The new optional Carbon Exterior Pack, for instance, immediately dials up the Rapide’s sporting attitude. Front splitter, rear diffuser, mirror caps and rear lamp infills all fashioned from carbon fiber clearly signal the sporting nature of this 558 PS four-seater.

More pronounced luxury, on the other hand, comes from the new piano black interior pack that adds a deep, rich, mirror-like shine to the fascia, transmission tunnel centre plate and door handles of the Rapide S. A darker surround in the instrument binnacle and steering wheel with black horn-push surround round off the pack’s sumptuous additions. Luxurious blend headlinings in either tan or grey emphasize the luxury still further inside.

As would be expected of a modern Aston Martin, handcrafting is the order of the day in the Rapide S with the standard-fit pure glass transmission selector switches in the centre console one small yet important example of the truly authentic, bespoke, nature of the car’s cabin.

However those with a desire for a more sporting ambience in their sports car will not be disappointed. Optional duotone perforated red and black leather makes its Aston Martin debut here – delivering a captivating visual combination that’s unique to the new Rapide S.

Luxury is enhanced by the removal of extraneous ‘noise’ and the enhancement of desirable ‘sound’ – a fine distinction but one that helps the new car deliver an aural experience like no other. Improved NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) characteristics are derived from the likes of the new bonnet lining and revised windscreen cowl.

Flexibility comes in the form of four seats – the rearmost two capable of accommodating adults in a uniquely sporting setting – while at the touch of a button the individual back seats fold down to almost triple the Aston Martin’s load space.

Options to further enhance the luxurious look and feel of the Rapide S include, subject to market, a reversing camera and twin screen rear seat entertainment system with wireless headphones, remote control and six-disc DVD changer.

Those seeking the ultimate in luxury and personalization can also consider the ‘Q by Aston Martin’ service which offers uniquely-tailored options for individualization. The Q service focuses on fashioning color and materials with limitless boundaries precisely to customer choice and specification, enabling owners to give free rein to the creativity and indulge their desire for bespoke luxury.

The new Aston Martin Rapide S will be available to order through the brand’s 146 dealers worldwide next month with prices confirmed closer to the on-sale date.

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