The DB11 from Aston Martin is the first model to take the Mercedes-AMG V8 engine.

• DB11 now available with choice of twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 or 5.2-litre V12 engines
• New V8 delivers 503bhp and 675Nm with a CO2 figure of 230g/km1

After its successful global introduction in 2016, Aston Martin’s definitive GT - the acclaimed DB11 - is now available with a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine. Perfectly complementing the DB11’s existing 5.2-litre twin turbocharged V12 engine, this new powerplant has provided the opportunity to reveal more of the DB11’s sporting character, while expanding its global appeal with a combination of exceptional performance and improved efficiency.

Producing 510PS (503BHP) and 675Nm of torque, the V8 engine’s potency is beyond question, propelling the DB11 from 0-62mph in just 4.0sec and on to a top speed of 187mph. This exceptional performance is matched by impressive efficiency: CO2 emissions of 230g/km1 and an EU Combined fuel economy figure of 28.5mpg1. This new V8 derivative brings further significant benefits in markets where car taxation policy is structured around engine capacity, such as China.

Aston Martin Chief Technical Officer, Max Szwaj, commented: “As an engineer I find the DB11 a fascinating car. One with great depth of character and ability. Of course the V12-engined variant is an icon - an ultimate, if you like, but the V8 is very much its own car. 

One with a distinct and carefully crafted character that’s truly seductive. It has been hugely rewarding to put our stamp on this new engine - both in the way it sounds and performs - and to use its impressive attributes as the impetus to reveal a little more of the DB11’s sporting character.

“To be able to offer not one, but two exceptional GT cars is terrific for Aston Martin and our customers. I’m particularly proud that this car is the first to receive an engine supplied by our technical partner, Mercedes-AMG. Not least because thanks to the nature of our relationship with AMG we have been given complete freedom to tailor this exceptional power unit so that it meets the particular needs and demands of an Aston Martin.”

The inherent qualities of this light, compact and characterful power unit make it the ideal choice to sit alongside the existing V12 engine. Aston Martin’s engineering team has tailored the V8 engine perfectly for its application in the DB11 with bespoke air intake, exhaust and wet sump lubrication systems.

Electronic calibration of the V8 engine has included creating new ECU software and reprogramming the engine and throttle mapping to ensure it possesses the all-important feel and sound for which Aston Martins are renowned.

With its rich reserves of effortless performance, the V12-engined DB11 already fulfills the role of consummate high-performance luxury Grand Tourer. This provided the ideal opportunity to explore the more dynamic side of the DB11’s character and capabilities with the V8-engine option.

To this end Aston Martin engineers designed new engine mounts, which together with the bespoke, slimline wet sump system enables the V8 to be mounted as low as possible for an optimised centre-of-gravity. The V8 engine is also lighter and more compact than the V12, which contributes to a saving of 115kg and a kerbweight of 1760kg.

With more of that mass centred within the wheelbase, the V8-engined DB11 has an increased sense of agility - a quality that has been fully exploited with detailed revisions to the suspension bushing, geometry, anti-roll bars, springs, dampers and ESP software. By carefully crafting its dynamic character to be distinct from that of the V12, the V8 appeals to those customers drawn to a refined and comfortable GT with a more sporting bias.

There are subtle visual differences between the two variants that include a unique alloy wheel finish, dark headlamp bezels and a pair of bonnet vents instead of the quartet featured on the V12. These vents come in a choice of black or titanium-finish mesh, again different from that fitted to the twelve-cylinder variant.

Inside, both V8 and V12 customers have the same standard equipment levels and the same extensive choice of colour and trim options. They can also elect to enhance the specification of their car via the same Option Packs and Designer Specification packages, plus a suite of Q by Aston Martin - Collection options.

Aston Martin President and CEO, Dr Andy Palmer said of the V8-engined DB11: “The DB11 is the most complete and sophisticated car Aston Martin has ever made. 

Now, with this new V8 engine option we have broadened its appeal by offering a car that will bring the DB11 to more customers around the world while still blessed with the exceptional performance and memorable character that sets Aston Martin apart from its rivals. 

Having driven the car during its development phase, it is not just the engine that has changed the character of the car, but also the resulting dynamic changes to create a remarkable GT car with its own distinct personality from the V12.”

The V8-powered DB11 is on sale now with a recommended retail price from £144.900 in the UK, €184,000 in Germany and $198,995 in the US. Deliveries will commence in Qtr 4 2017. The new V8-powered DB11 will make its dynamic debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, this weekend.

1. Predicted figure

Singapore's first hypercar, the all-electric Dendrobium concept, has made its global debut at the Geneva Motor Show

• Singapore's first hypercar, the all-electric Dendrobium concept, has made its global debut at the Geneva Motor Show
• High performance zero emission two-seater comes from Singapore electric mobility experts Vanda Electrics
• Striking design features an automatic roof and doors, which open in a synchronized manner
• Performance targets are a top speed in excess of 200mph and 0-60mph in 2.7 seconds
• Vanda Electrics' technical partner is Williams Advanced Engineering, the technology and engineering services division of the Williams Group

The covers have come off Singapore's first-ever hypercar, the Dendrobium, which has made its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show. The brainchild of Singapore electric mobility experts Vanda Electrics, Dendrobium is a two seater all-electric sports car concept, which features a striking design and a target top speed in excess of 200mph.

Specializing in battery technology, research, innovation and design, Vanda Electrics is one of Singapore's leading e-mobility companies. Its revolutionary strategy is to develop a range of global electric products that capitalize on the trend towards zero emission mobility and focus on three key segments: luxury, consumer and industrial.

With the launch of a fast-charging zero emission electric light commercial vehicle (http://vandaelectrics.com/pro-anttruck/) and electric mini scooter (http://motochimp.com) taking place later this year, the company has chosen the 2017 Geneva Motor Show to unveil its most exciting model yet, a high performance halo product that will sit in the luxury sector.

A project that has resided within the design team for many years, Dendrobium is finally being realised thanks to the rapid advancements in electrification technology, which allows headturning styling to be combined with high performance, compact e-powertrains.

Vanda Electrics has also engaged a small number of key partners to develop the Dendrobium concept car.

Technical partner is Williams Advanced Engineering, the technology and engineering services division of the Williams Group. The division specialises in a number of core areas that are highly relevant to Dendrobium, including aerodynamics, lightweight structures, vehicle integration and, of course, electrification. Williams Advanced Engineering has taken the project from the design stage to dynamic concept car.

Innovative, dramatic design

Designed by Vanda's in-house team, Dendrobium's remarkable shape incorporates an automatic roof and doors, which open in a synchronized manner, resembling a fully-opened dendrobium flower, a genus of orchids native to Singapore.

This unique feature is not just for show either - it also improves access to the cockpit, making ingress and egress easier than other hypercars. The tear drop shape that forms around the cockpit and ends in the tail - where the plug-in port is located, just behind a panel above the charging light, which shows the status of the car's battery - is a design feature that has remained a key part of Dendrobium from the initial sketches.

Other highlights of Dendrobium's exterior are the aerodynamic floor, rear double diffuser and front splitter. At the back, the rear light bar elegantly floats over the tail of the car, and throughout the design there is pure, motorsport-inspired functionality, such as the exposed double wishbone front and rear suspension. That motorsport theme is continued in the materials used. In order to meet its target weight of 1,750kg, Dendrobium features a composite monocoque chassis, carbonfibre body panels, carbon ceramic brake discs and lightweight alloy calipers inside 20-inch front and 21-inch rear alloy wheels, wrapped in Michelin high performance tyres.

Driver-focused interior

Carbonfibre is also used extensively in the interior, fitting with Dendrobium's minimalist but functional design brief. Step inside and it is immediately obvious that the driver is the absolute centre of attention. He or she enjoys a bright red body-hugging sports seat - which contrasts dramatically with the predominately black interior. Both driver and passenger seats feature stitching and motifs inspired by muscle fibres.

The interior of the Dendrobium concept has been trimmed using leather from Scotland's Bridge of Weir Leather Company, which sources the best hides from the best heritage breeds and has adopted the very latest technology. The result is the lowest carbon tannery and leather product in the world - the perfect material for a zero emission halo model.

Sitting in the driver's eye line is a digital dashboard flanked by two rear-view displays, which take feeds from wing-mounted cameras. All of the dashboard buttons are hexagon-shaped: a recurring design theme throughout Dendrobium, replicated in the air vents, front grille and headlight bezels.

Hyper-mobility: target in excess of 200mph

Although strictly a concept car at this stage, performance targets for Dendrobium are a top speed in excess of 200mph and 0-60mph in 2.7 seconds. The project will feature the latest lithium-ion battery and electric powertrain technology calling on Vanda Electrics' own expertise and, of course, that of technical partner Williams Advanced Engineering.

The Grove-based organization is an electrification world-leader; it is currently the sole battery supplier to Formula E and an electric motor and e-powertrain integration expert thanks to its pioneering F1-bred hybrid systems and its key role in the rapid development of the Jaguar C-X75 supercar.

Should Dendrobium go into production, a layout featuring two inboard-mounted electric motors per axle, with a single-speed gearbox and differential at the front and a multi-speed gearbox and differential at the rear, is envisaged. If Vanda Electrics receives enough positive interest at the Geneva Motor Show, the first model is expected to hit the road by 2020.

Larissa Tan, Vanda Electrics CEO said: "Dendrobium is the culmination of a dream. Our design team has had sketches of an electric hypercar on the drawing board since the mid-90s, but that vision was many years ahead of its time. As electric technology has advanced, we have been able to revisit this vision and now, as we launch our revolutionary global e-mobility strategy, the timing is finally right for us to take the wraps off a halo model.

"Dendrobium is our interpretation and expression of what pushes the boundaries in the development of an electric performance car. We have engaged some expert partners to help us achieve this such as Williams Advanced Engineering. With its skills in electrification, aerodynamics, lightweight structures, vehicle dynamics and integration - and even lowvolume build - we could not think of a more appropriate partner.

"We are looking forward to seeing the world's reaction to Dendrobium. This electric hypercar may just be a concept for now, but we have every intention of putting it into production. It sits at the top of our range and the production version will be a fitting showcase for the best in design and e-technology."

Classic Motorcycle brand "Brough Superior" has teamed up with ELf/Total to develop a range of products for the bikes.

Elf joins Brough Superior as ‘Official Lubricant and Technical Partner’ Elf, a brand of the global energy company Total, is proud to announce its new partnership with historic motorcycle manufacturer Brough Superior.

Brough Superior and Elf have signed a global partnership agreement. Elf has become the “Official Lubricant and Technical Partner” of Brough Superior starting 15^th November 2016, providing its technical expertise and products to the luxury British marque and its official distributors.

With 45 years of R&D and experience in the area of motor racing and road use, Elf has developed lubricants, greases, fluids and special additives of high quality and technical performance. The lubricants will be used as factory-fill and service lubricants. The service lubricants offered will cover a range or marques alongside the Brough Superior brand.

Marc Smith, General Manager of Total UK Lubricants Divsion, said: “150 researchers are working at Total & Elf to develop high end and classic lubricants. We are proud to work closely with Brough Superior and to contribute to their success. Being passionate and pushing the technical boundaries to new heights is something we share with such a legendary brand as Brough Superior. We are delighted to provide our products, our support and our technical know-how.”

Mark Upham, CEO  of Brough Superior Ltd., commented: “Brough Superior, is once again a global luxury brand and it is important that it continues to work with only the best from around the world. We recognise Elf as a leading player in the lubricant world and we very much look forward to working with them, to achieve more success. I am delighted that we will work together to provide both modern and classic motorcycle lubricant products.”

Williams and Nissan collaborate to produce a weird and futuristic prototype on display in Rio de Janeiro.

Prototype high-performance electric vehicle debuts in Rio de Janeiro

• Advanced full-electric battery powertrain delivers stunning performance and dynamic handling
• Zero-emission driving fun with central driving position and two passenger seats behind

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd today unveiled the working prototype of its futuristic BladeGlider vehicle, combining zero-emissions with high-performance in a revolutionary sports car design.

The vehicles, developed from concept cars first shown at the Tokyo Auto Show in 2013, have arrived in Brazil to symbolize future technologies that will combine Intelligent Mobility, environmentally-friendly impact and sports-car driving capabilities.

Carlos Ghosn, President and Chief Executive Officer, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., said: “These prototypes epitomise Nissan’s drive to expand its Intelligent Mobility philosophy, where driving pleasure combines with environmental responsibility. Nissan believes that enthusiasts should look forward to a zero emission future and BladeGlider is a perfect demonstration of that. It’s the electric vehicle for car-lovers.”

The debut of the BladeGlider prototypes forms part of Nissan’s ongoing commitment to the development of zero-emission vehicles and new automotive technologies including autonomous drive systems and connectivity. Nissan already sells the world’s highest-volume zero-emission car, the LEAF, and is pioneering Intelligent Mobility systems that will be deployed in a range of vehicles over coming years.

With the BladeGlider, Nissan’s vision was for an agile, efficient EV that would provide new dimensions of driving fun and excitement - a car that would ‘glide’, thanks to the near-silent performance of its electric powertrain and aerodynamic shape.

After two years of work on design, engineering and development, Nissan BladeGlider has evolved further into an exciting, real-life study into the potential of advanced EV performance. BladeGlider epitomises Intelligent Mobility, a philosophy to make its cars more exciting by redefining how they are driven, powered and integrated into society.

The demonstration models feature an advanced chassis configuration with a narrow front track and wider rear track for optimum aerodynamic efficiency and handling stability.

High-waisted, rear-hinged dihedral doors provide a dramatic entry and exit to the cabin. The open roof of BladeGlider is reinforced with an integrated roll-over protection structure, providing the exhilaration of an open-topped race car with the safety of a coupé.

Wheel-mounted controls for BladeGlider’s systems feed into an advanced display showing speed, state of battery charge, regeneration mode and torque map. Flanking the central display are two screens, with the images of rear-view cameras mounted just behind the front wheels. 

An alternative to door-mounted mirrors, this dual screen design improves the aerodynamic efficiency of BladeGlider. The driver sits in arrowhead formation slightly in front of two passengers, who enjoy extended legroom. The view for all occupants is panoramic, thanks to the seamless cockpit windscreen.

Power is 100 percent electric, with exceptional powertrain performance delivered by Nissan’s technical partner for the BladeGlider project, UK-based Williams Advanced Engineering. Maximum speed of the demonstration models is in excess of 190km/h*, with 0-100km/h taking less than 5 seconds*. The rear wheels’ drive is provided by two 130kW electric motors – one for each wheel.

The system features torque vectoring, controlling the torque delivered to the driven wheels, improving the handling even further. With torque vectoring, if the car starts to understeer, it automatically sends more torque to the outside wheel to restore the handling balance.

Designed to add to the driving experience rather than govern it, the torque vectoring systems has three settings: off, agile and drift mode.

Power is supplied by a high performance five module lithium-ion 220kW battery. Bespoke cooling systems have been developed for both the battery and the motors.

The interior of the BladeGlider reflects the vehicles’ sporting intentions, with four point safety harnesses for each occupant. The seats offer exceptional support to sides and legs of the driver and passengers. The seats are trimmed in a highly tactile blend of fabric and epoxy resin coating, resulting in a tough and grippy material that has the effect of comfortably adhering occupants securely in place.

There are two colour trims – Cyber Green and Stealth Orange. These colours are used for the upper portions of the seat back, and framed with a silver reflective material to create an eye-catching, sporty look. The base of the seats are in black, patterned material, with a band of green and orange trim framing the cushion.

Two BladeGliders will be presented in Rio de Janeiro in August. One will be on static display in Rio while the second will be offering dynamic rides to media and VIPs.

Key specifications:

Top speed	> 190 km/h (115 mph)*
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (62 mph)	< 5 seconds
Power	200 kW (268hp)
Torque	707Nm
Weight	1,300kg
Length	4,300mm
Width	1,850mm
Height	1,300mm
Wheelbase	2,800mm

*Figures recorded by Williams Advanced Engineering

Infiniti to become a technical partner of the new Renault Sport Formula One team from 2016 season

• Technical partner of new Renault Sport Formula One team from 2016 season
• Contributing Infiniti's expertise in hybrid performance
• Leveraging opportunities within the Renault-Nissan Alliance

Infiniti's successful involvement in Formula One enters the next phase. Starting with the new 2016 season, Infiniti will be a technical partner of the new Renault Sport Formula One team. Leveraging its expertise in performance hybrids, Infiniti will contribute engineering resources to the Renault Energy F1 Power Unit's Energy Recovery System (ERS), which incorporates two motor generator units, the MGU-H and MGU-K, and a battery.

This new and enhanced involvement strengthens the Renault-Nissan Alliance and at the same time leverages the opportunities the Alliance provides by creating powerful industrial synergies for its members.

Infiniti's reputation for performance hybrid vehicles is built on the widely acclaimed 3.5-liter hybrid engine. The Q70 sedan – which is equipped with this engine – has been recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the fastest accelerating full-hybrid car. The same hybrid system is also offered on the Q50 sports sedan. Infiniti's strong expertise will be used by the Renault Sport Formula One team in Viry-Châtillon as a team of Infiniti hybrid specialists move from Infiniti's technical center in Atsugi, Japan to France to support development of the Renault Energy power unit. At the same time, Infiniti will use the experience from the F1 ERS system to further enhance its hybrid powertrains for road cars.

Infiniti began its Formula One involvement in 2011 as partner of the Red Bull Racing team and evolved into the title sponsor of the team as of the 2013 season. Building upon this experience, Infiniti now takes the logical next step forming a technical cooperation with the Renault Sports Formula One team based on a five-year plan.

"At Infiniti, motorsport is an important part of our business strategy," said Roland Krueger, president Infiniti Motor Company. "Forming a technical collaboration and enabling technology transfer road-to-track and track-to-road is the logical next step. The establishment of the Renault Sport Formula One Team by our Alliance partner Renault provides us with an ideal opportunity to enter this next phase of our long-term motorsport strategy."

Zetsche: Daimler has no ambition to run Aston Martin

Daimler has no plans to increase its Aston Martin stake or become involved in operational matters at the UK sports car maker, Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche said. (SO reading between the lines means that AMG MB will be haveing a bid for Aston - LOL)

The huge difference in size between the two companies is one reason why Daimler won't get involved in running Aston Martin, Zestche said.

Daimler sells more than 1 million Mercedes-Benz cars a year while Aston Martin's annual sales volume is much smaller.

"I don't think we could do a better job running a 4,000-units-a-year company than Aston Martin's management,” Zetsche said on the sidelines of a press event here.

Daimler has a 5 percent stake in Aston Martin that it got in exchange for supplying the company with electric and electronic parts and V-8 engines from Mercedes’ AMG performance unit. Zetsche said no cash changed hands in order for Daimler to get its share.

Reports have said that Daimler and Aston Martin are also in talks on using Mercedes technology to develop an SUV that Aston Martin that would go on sale in 2017.

In December 2012, Italian tycoon Andrea Bonomi's Investindustrial bought 37.5 percent of Aston Martin in a $241 million deal with Kuwaiti controlling shareholders Investment Dar and Adeem Investment.

Zetsche said Investindustrial believed that Aston Martin needed a technical partner to help secure its long-term future. "As we share this vision, we were willing to be their technical partner," he said.

Nissan's former chief planning officer, Andy Palmer, became Aston Martin CEO on Oct. 1. He is tasked with upgrading the brand's aging product lineup and almost doubling Aston Martin's annual sales volumes to 7,500 cars by 2018 from 4,200 last year.

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