Tag: Aston Martin

Overdrive reviews Lexus LBX, Aston Martin DB12, Jeep Compass 4×2 AT and Jeep Meridian Overland

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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In the world of luxury automobiles, Overdrive’s expert reviews are here to guide you through the latest offerings. We take a closer look at the Lexus LBX, Aston Martin DB12, Jeep Compass 4×2 AT, and the opulent Jeep Meridian Overland.

The LBX from Lexus is the brand’s most compact model in its current lineup and is being considered for the Indian market. If it manages to come in under the Rs 55 lakh price tag, it could find a strong appeal among its target audience. However, questions arise about its intended audience and whether its compact size compromises interior space. Our automotive guru, Rohit Paradkar, delves into the details.

Aston Martin, on the other hand, has begun accepting bookings for the recently launched DB12 in India. With prices starting at Rs 4.59 crore, those who jump in early can expect delivery of their Aston Martin by December. While it shares similarities with the DB11, there’s much more to this evolution than meets the eye. Rohit Paradkar takes us on an in-depth exploration of what makes the DB12 stand out.

Meanwhile, Jeep India has filled a crucial gap in its Compass lineup with the introduction of the diesel variant of the Compass 4×2 AT automatic. In addition, they have unveiled the luxurious Jeep Meridian Overland variant. Tuhin Guha is your source for all the intricate details on these exciting additions to the Jeep family.

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Also Read | Luxury SUV showdown: Overdrive tests the off-road capabilities of Lexus GX550

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Aston Martin launches DB12 in India for Rs 4.59 crore

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Aston Martin has launched its latest grand tourer, the DB12, in India. The much-anticipated model, priced at Rs 4.59 crore ex-showroom, replaces the DB11 and ushers in a new era for the brand. Aston Martin refers to the DB12 as the “world’s first super tourer”.

Gregory Adams, Regional President – Asia, Aston Martin, said of the launch of DB12 in India, “Marking its 110th anniversary, 2023 has seen Aston Martin shine brighter than ever, supported by the arrival of a true game-changing model, the Aston Martin DB12. For 110 years, Aston Martin’s iconic wings have been a symbol of innovation and craft, with the marque’s ultra-luxury, high-performance sportscars loved worldwide, with India being no exception.”

Design

The DB12 is claimed to be 80 percent new compared to the DB11. The aesthetic shift is obvious at the front, less so at the back. It has larger tracks in the front and rear, giving it a more aggressive stance. The headlights combine components from the DB11 and DBS, exhibiting impressive attention to detail, particularly in the three-piece DRL.

Also Read: Honda Dio to be promoted as India’s first moto-scooter during ISL 2023-24

Powertrain

The DB12 replaces the V12 engine with a V8 engine from Mercedes-Benz’s AMG division. The 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, combined with an 8-speed automatic transmission and improved tuning, gives the car more power than the DB11 V12 did. The maximum power output of this engine reaches 670bhp, and its peak torque stands at a remarkable 800Nm.

Features

The DB12 includes a new and technologically advanced cockpit with unique and performance-oriented features and equipment. It is equipped with the most recent adaptive dampers and stronger anti-roll bars from Aston Martin. Additionally, it includes an electronic rear differential that can change from fully open to locked in just milliseconds.

Price

Excluding customisation options, the Aston Martin DB12 costs Rs 4.59 crore (ex-showroom). It competes against the Bentley Continental GT, the McLaren GT, and the Ferrari Roma in the Indian market.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Aston Martin’s F1 team might consider calling itself ‘Awesome Martin’

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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With re-branding commonplace in Formula One, this Aston Martin team might consider calling itself “Awesome Martin” after a stunning start to the season at Sunday’s Bahrain Grand Prix.

Fernando Alonso showed his talent is not fading at the advanced age of 41, finishing third to give the Spanish driver a 99th career podium in his team debut.

Although Alonso impressed in pre-season testing, when his teammate Lance Stroll was recovering from injury, Alonso still felt he was dreaming after only his second podium since 2014.

“I had the same feeling from testing — it’s too good to be true. You’re always expecting that you will (take) a step back and you will get back to reality. But it seems real,” the two-time F1 champion enthused. “I really enjoyed the race and, even after the checkered flag, I felt like I could have driven for another hour.”

It seems Red Bull’s may be already too far ahead to catch, with a dominant Max Verstappen leading a 1-2 under floodlights in Bahrain.

But could Aston Martin jump past Mercedes and Ferrari to become the main challenger?

Another strong performance in Saudi Arabia on March 19 will increase the hype, although Alonso is measured in his optimism.

“This weekend feels like a dream, but we must stay realistic,” Alonso said. “Jeddah is a very different kind of circuit, a very different challenge. I cannot wait to get back in the car.”

Many observers wondered how Alonso would get on at Aston Martin, after some difficult relations at his former teams. Most recently at Alpine, where he suddenly announced last summer that he was leaving.

Before that, he’d parted on bad terms with Ferrari at the end of 2014 and endured a miserable four-year spell without a single podium at McLaren, where he was critical of the car’s performance and its engines.

And how would he get on with Stroll, the owner’s son?

So far, so good.

Stroll finished sixth in Bahrain even though he wasn’t even expected to race after a bicycle accident ruled him out of preseason testing and left him needing surgery on his right wrist.

Stroll, who had also broken a toe in his accident, drew high praise from Alonso.

“An incredible effort from Lance, who was a hero today for driving so well so soon after his injury,” Alonso said. “You can feel the energy in the team: everybody is working flat out at the moment and we are all very motivated.”

Alonso has long been considered one of the very best talents in F1, with seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton previously calling him the toughest on-track opponent in his career.

Stroll does not have the same ability as Alonso, yet few do.

The 24-year-old Canadian driver has three career podiums but also has his share of critics, who have often pointed out his dad Lawrence Stroll owns the team. But no one could question Lance Stroll’s grit in getting behind the wheel in Bahrain.

“It was not the most comfortable race for me, because of the injuries I have been dealing with, but to finish sixth has made it worth enduring all that pain,” Stroll said. “Even with the adrenaline, the pain was the biggest limiting factor in the second half of the race. I must thank everyone who has helped me be in the best shape possible for today. I will now use the coming days ahead of Jeddah to work on recovery.”

Stroll qualified eighth but made a good enough start to bump into Alonso, who started from fifth.

“I thought it was (Mercedes driver) George (Russell), but I saw in the replay it was Lance,” Alonso joked after the race. “It was our lucky day, from this contact and also to (score) very strong points.”

Team principal Mike Krack must be pinching himself at how smoothly Aston Martin’s transition has gone.

The team finished seventh in the constructors’ championship last year with 55 points — with no points from the first three races and no podiums all year from Stroll or four-time F1 champion Sebastian Vettel, whose retirement opened the door for Alonso.

Aston Martin already has 23 points and a podium, while the interaction between Alonso, Stroll and the whole green-clad “Awesome Martin” crew is clear to see.

“Fernando has been buzzing all weekend and that energy has transferred throughout the team,” Krack said. “As for Lance, just to be competing has been a heroic effort, and to see him finish sixth, after a great pass on George is a superb effort. It is a massively impressive performance.”

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Exotic Wheels sells India’s only green Aston Martin Vantage S 2011

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Exotic Wheels, which offers the widest range of the most exclusive and aspirational collection of pre-owned sports cars, recently sold an Aston Martin Vantage S 2011 Kermit Green, the only such pre-owned car available in the country.

Powered by a 4L 3,982 cc machine, the Aston Martin Vantage S 2011 has a peak power of 503 bhp @6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 685 Nm @5,000 rpm. The green collar of the power-packed car is sure to make heads turn as it passes by. The two-seater two-door couple has green exteriors and black interiors.

Some of the features of the interior include Alcantara interiors, Alcantara steering, Alcantara roof, carbon fire exterior package, Bang & Olufsen sound surround, contrast stitching, and red callipers, among others.

The car has been driven only 2,000 km since 2011 and is registered in the union territory of Dadra & Nagar Haveli. It is equipped with automatic transmission feature ensuring the vehicle owner can make the most of his driving.

“There are few cars that are as sleek and powerful as the Aston Martin Vantage S 2011. It is indeed a very rare and exclusive car in India. It is our privilege that Exotic Wheels was the exclusive retail partner for the car and speaks volumes about the growing trust both buyers and sellers of such exclusive cars have in us,” said Himanshu Karnwal, CEO, Exotic Wheels.

Buying of pre-owned premium cars has been popular in western countries for many years, but it is also gradually picking up in India.

“The way people in India look at pre-owned cars, especially premium cars is changing. Our efforts as a company and automobile enthusiasts are also bearing fruit with more people placing their faith in us. We are committed to continuing to serve customers by giving them the opportunity to buy the most exclusive and aspirational pre-owned cars in the country,” said Ashar, Director, Exotic Wheels.

Exotic Wheels deals in high-end car brands including Ferrari, Bentley, Aston Martin, BMW, Jaguar, Porsche, Rolls Royce, Lamborghini, Mercedes Benz, Maserati, Mustang, Audi, Land Rover, Range Rover, etc. It also offers the best buy-back policy, flexible financing options, great insurance deals, and doorstep delivery of the car to make the buying experience completely hassle-free.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

After Van Gogh’s ‘Sunflowers’, Just Stop Oil activists spray paint Aston Martin’s store in London

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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After throwing tomato soup at Van Gogh’s painting ‘Sunflowers’, Just Stop Oil activists on Sunday targeted luxury car maker Aston Martin’s showroom in London. The climate campaigners spray-painted the showroom in the city’s Park Lane. The videos of the protest have surfaced on social media.

The protest comes as part of the campaign against oil and gas development that began in early October. The campaigners are calling for the UK government to stop all new oil and gas licences, which the Prime Minister of the UK Liz Truss decided to accelerate with further off-shore drilling.

ALSO READ: Russia-Ukraine War: Kyiv reports multiple Kamikaze drone strikes

In the latest incident, activists blocked traffic in a sit-in protest on Park Lane and one of them sprayed on the window of the Aston Martin dealership with a fire extinguisher filled with orange paint.

JUST NOW: Climate activists spray paint Aston Martin luxury car showroom on Park Lane in London hours after they were branded “thugs and vandals” by the UK Home Secretary.

No shortage of crackpots like these in a developed country like England. pic.twitter.com/7yG62oXtjr

— #Ramesh Solanki (@ambitiouscaring) October 16, 2022

In early October, the climate change activist group Just Stop Oil launched a series of daily actions in the capital of the UK. Earlier, two activists attacked Van Gogh’s masterpiece ‘Sunflowers’ at the National Gallery, hurling tomato soup at the painting and glueing themselves to the wall. Another spray-painting protest targeted the headquarters of London’s Metropolitan Police, reported Euronews.

Due to the recurring protests, the UK government has decided to strengthen the powers of the police. Interior Minister Suella Braverman will be introducing new legislation this week that would make it easier for the police to take more ‘proactive’ action against these groups, as per the report.

The new law aims to “strengthen the security of transport networks, oil terminals and printing plants” to protect the national infrastructure or access to essential goods and services.

About 400 activists of the group have been arrested and some have also received prison sentences for their actions.

ALSO READ : How much Russia splurged on latest revenge strikes in Ukraine

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Fernando Alonso to replace Sebastian Vettel next F1 season at Aston Martin

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The rumour mills have been buzzing since Sebastian Vettel announced that he would be retiring at the end of the current Formula One season a few days back. Aston Martin has put an end to it today by announcing that two-time world champion, Fernando Alonso, who is currently driving for Alpine F1, will be replacing his rival of many years on a “multi-year contract”.

NEWS: @AstonMartinF1 announces Fernando Alonso for 2023.

We are delighted to confirm that two-time #F1 World Champion @alo_oficial will join the team from next season on a multi-year contract.

Tap below to read more. ⬇️#WeClimbTogether

— Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) August 1, 2022

Many drivers were being touted for this spot which suddenly opened up last week after Vettel’s announcement. Names of current F1 drivers like Mick Schumacher, Daniel Ricciardo, Pierre Gasly and Alonso himself were being speculated highly.

Alonso is widely regarded as one of the best racers in Formula One and has driven for many top teams like Renault (where he won his two World Championships), Mclaren and Ferrari. The Spaniard is known to work closely with his engineers to help develop cars and thus is a good replacement for Vettel who was spearheading Aston Martin’s developments.

In a statement released after the announcement, Alonso said, “I have watched as the team (Aston Martin) has systematically attracted great people with winning pedigrees, and I have become aware of the huge commitment to new facilities and resources at Silverstone. No one in Formula One today is demonstrating a greater vision and absolute commitment to winning, and that makes it a really exciting opportunity for me.”

Driver seats in motorsports’ most elite division are difficult to grab as there are only twenty that get to race in a year (two cars per constructor). Some more are contracted as “reserve drivers” and “test drivers” and if they show promise, they mount a challenge to the existing drivers for their seats.

There are many young drivers who have shown promise in Formula 2 and Formula E in the past few years. Alpine has former Formula 2 champion, Oscar Piastri as their reserve driver and it is highly likely that he will get promoted to the vacant position left by Alonso.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Formula 1: Vettel fined 5,000 euros for unauthorised scooter ride on Albert Park track

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Four-time Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel was fined 5,000 euros ($5,420.50) on Friday for riding a scooter around the Australian Grand Prix circuit after his Aston Martin broke down in first practice. It was not quite the return to action the German had expected after missing the first two races of the season due to contracting COVID-19.

Vettel had managed a few laps but his car soon stopped with smoke billowing out the rear. After getting out, the German grabbed a fire extinguisher off a track marshal and gave the car a spray.

Session over, he then rode along the track back to the pits on a motor scooter with his helmet perched on the top of his head, at one point waving at fans with both hands.

Stewards summoned Vettel and fined him for a breach of the sporting regulations in entering the track without permission during a five minute period after a session had ended.

Also read: Formula 1: Nothing working for Mercedes at Albert Park, says Hamilton

Vettel insisted he had been given the all-clear by a marshal who had offered him use of the scooter. “I said, ‘Can I drive it?’ Because I prefer to drive myself,” he told reporters in the paddock. “And then he handed me the scooter, so I said, ‘OK,’ and he said, ‘Off you go.’ And I went.

“I mean I would like to get the car back and not to have a problem in the first place. I’m not here to drive a scooter.”

Stewards said Vettel had set off alone and on the track rather than a designated route while the marshal tried to contact race control for instructions.

Vettel, who posted the 13th fastest lap before his mishap, was unable to return for the second free practice, with Aston Martin confirming it would need to swap in a new power unit. “It will be fine tomorrow but it would have been nice to get a few more laps,” he said.

Also read: Formula 1: Ferrari on top in Australian GP free practice; more disappointment for Mercedes

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Formula 1: Sebastian Vettel fit to race in Australia after COVID-19 absence

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Sebastian Vettel will race for Aston Martin in Australia next week after missing the first two Grand Prixs of the season due to COVID-19, the Formula One team said on Thursday.

Fellow German Nico Hulkenberg stood in for the four-time world champion at the Bahrain opener and in Saudi Arabia last weekend alongside Canadian regular Lance Stroll.

Aston Martin is yet to score a point in 2022, with Williams the only other team to have drawn a blank in both races.

“We are pleased to confirm that Sebastian Vettel is now fit to race and will therefore line up alongside @lance_stroll in Melbourne to kick off his 2022 @F1 season,” Aston Martin said on Twitter.

Check: All Formula 1 related stories here

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow