2013 Aston Martin DB9 Coupe And Convertible

September 25, 2012

By Alex Nishimoto

ston Martin's lineup is about to get a little less confusing; in a release detailing revisions for the 2013 Aston Martin DB9, the automaker has confirmed the discontinuation of the Virage. With the 2013 DB9 moving slightly upmarket, the British sports car maker is streamlining its GT offerings.

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The new 2013 Aston Martin DB9 receives a version of the brand's 5.9-liter V-12 tuned to 510 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque, increases of 40 hp and 14 lb-ft over the previous model. Those numbers are achieved thanks to a revised engine block and head design, along with the addition of dual variable valve timing, larger throttle bodies, higher-rated fuel pump, improved intake manifold, and machined combustion chambers. Aston Martin estimates the 0-60 mph time at 4.6 seconds with a 183-mph top speed. Considering we clocked a 2012 Aston Martin Virage with the same six-speed automatic from 0-60 mph at 4.2 seconds, the DB9 estimate is probably conservative.

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The 2013 DB9 integrates styling elements of the Virage, including a strip of LED daytime running lights in the HID headlights. A carbon fiber front splitter is available through the exterior Carbon Pack. The opening in the front valance is enlarged to direct air to the standard carbon ceramic brakes. Those brakes, supplied by Brembo, include cross-drilled carbon ceramic matrix discs, which Aston Martin says reduces weight by 27.5 pounds compared to the previous DB9's cast iron setup.

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The DB9 also gains Aston's next-gen Adaptive Damping System, which offers three modes. Normal mode tunes the suspension for comfort, while Sport and Track modes deliver increasingly stiffer settings. A number of 20-inch alloy wheels are offered as standard, as are full-grain leather interior, power sports seats with memory, satellite navigation, a rearview camera, and what Aston Martin calls Organic Electroluminescent displays. Like the outgoing Virage, the new DB9 features glass buttons and switchgear. A leather headliner is offered as an option, and carbon fiber interior accents are available through the interior Carbon Pack.

Deliveries of the 2013 Aston Martin DB9 will begin in November, with the model priced starting at $185,400.

BMW Active Tourer PHEV Concept

September 18, 2012

By Erick Ayapana

With German rivals Mercedes and Audi preparing to unleash a number of premium, front-drive vehicles, it was only a matter of time before BMW joined the fray. Set to debut at the upcoming Paris auto show is the BMW Concept Active Tourer, which combines the functionality of a subcompact crossover with a fuel efficient plug-in hybrid powertrain.

The hybrid equation starts under the hood with a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder gas engine that is transversely mounted to drive the front wheels. Should this concept make to production in some form, it could be the first-ever front-drive BMW. Supplementing the engine is a BMW-sourced electric motor, which drives the rear wheels. The system has a combined output of 190 hp, propelling Concept Active Tourer from 0-62 mph in less than eight seconds, BMW estimates. Recharging the lithium-ion battery is done via regenerative braking or a plug. BMW says the concept can run solely on electric power for about 12 miles. The concept's eDrive powertrain is similar to the i8 concept unveiled last year, although the sleek coupe is more powerful and faster with an estimated 0-62 mph time of less than five seconds.

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Inside, the BMW Concept Active Tourer includes an advanced, multicolor head-up display, a panoramic sunroof that changes transparency at the push of a button, an 8-inch infotainment screen, and a 10.3-inch customizable screen replacing a traditional instrument cluster. BMW says the eDrive system gathers information from planned navigation routes and assists the driver to drive more efficiently. For example, if the system detects an upcoming blind, downhill turn, it will alert the driver to let off the throttle. Furthermore, the concept features a "Seismic Surf" game that collects driving data, which affects the gameplay for rear-seat passengers using the app on an iPad.

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BMW Concept Active Tourer left rear view 02 300x187 imageIn the styling department, the Concept Active Tourer appears production ready, especially compared to the futuristic i concept cars. The side profile casts an unmistakable crossover silhouette, while the front sports BMW's familiar corporate face with a twin-kidney grille and angular headlights. The lower front bumper features large and aggressive airdams, while the rear is fitted with taillights that are similar to the X3 and X5 crossovers. BMW didn't include shots of the interior, but one photo does reveal plenty of ambient lighting and leather seats.

Stay tuned for more details and photos once the concept makes it official debut at next week's Paris auto show. Would we ever see a production car inspired by the Concept Active Tourer in the U.S.? While Europe is the focus here, don't put it past BMW to one day offer a front-drive plug-in hybrid with crossover

styling in the U.S.

2013 Subaru BRZ Limited Arrival

A Silver Bullet in the War on Boring Cars

The 'ol MT Garage has been looking a little light on sports cars these past few months. Sure, the Nissan GT-R Black Edition that currently resides there pulls the weight of two or three "normal" sports cars, but even so, it's still limited to just one driver at a time -- usually bossman Ed Loh. Apart from the Godzilla that lurks in our shadowy lair, there wasn't a single vehicle that could be considered an honest-to-Fangio sports car until the arrival of this Sterling Silver Metallic Subaru BRZ.

As is often said, timing is everything. Having just given my previous S60 long-term car back to the good folks at Volvo (Verdict coming soon!), I happened to find myself near the top of the list for a new steed. That, combined with a few not-so-subtle whisperings in the ears of executive editor Ron Kiino landed our new BRZ's key fob in my sweaty little palm. Success!

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"My" BRZ is a six-speed manual with the Limited trim option. That means I get niceties like dual-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, keyless access, Alcantara and leather upholstery, silver interior accent trim, heated seats and mirrors, fog lights, rear spoiler, and -- wait for it -- illuminated vanity mirrors. It's a good amount of equipment for just $2000 more on the window sticker.

Of course, the lower-spec Premium trim still includes things like navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and the BRZ's sweet 2.0-liter, 200-hp, 154-lb-ft boxer-four engine. A Torsen limited-slip diff is also standard across the board as are 17-inch wheels.

Thus far, the BRZ has already wound its way up the California coast for the Monterey Car Week and I'm finding myself loving every mile behind the wheel. This little Subie is one of the few cars that seems to make every trip feel special, no matter how mundane the destination. How will the BRZ stack up as a true daily driver? That's what I intend to find out while having plenty of fun along the way.

2013 Subaru BRZ
SERVICE LIFE	2 mo/4443 mi
AVG CO2	0.68 lb/mi
ENERGY CONS	118 kW-hr/100mi
UNSOLVED PROBLEMS	None
MAINTENANCE COST	$0
NORMAL-WEAR COST	$0
EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON	22/30/25 mpg
AVERAGE FUEL ECON	28.6 mpg
BASE PRICE	$27,495
PRICE AS TESTED	$28,265
VEHICLE LAYOUT	Front engine, RWD, 4-pass, 2-door coupe
ENGINE	2.0L/200-hp/151-lb-ft DOHC 16-valve F-4
TRANSMISSION	6-speed manual
CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST)	2754 lb (55/45%)
WHEELBASE	101.2 in
LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT	166.7 x 69.9 x 50.6 in
0-60 MPH	6.4 sec
QUARTER MILE	15.0 sec @ 93.0 mph
BRAKING, 60-0 MPH	120 ft
LATERAL ACCELERATION	0.90 g (avg)
MT FIGURE EIGHT	26.3 sec @ 0.68 g (avg)
EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON	22/30 mpg
ENERGY CONS., CITY/HWY	153/112 kW-hrs/100 miles
CO2 EMISSIONS	0.78 lb/mile