Aston Martin Testing Vantage RS
In 2024, the Aston Martin Vantage was given a mid-cycle refresh. The updated iteration sports a new front fascia, an updated interior with a 10.25-in. infotainment screen that is similar to the one found on the superior DB12, enhanced aerodynamics, a larger grille and a stiffer body structure. The twin-turbocharged 4.0-L V8 engine was also reworked as part of the facelift, and it now offers 30 percent more output and 15 percent more torque.
However, the company is still not done with the lineup, as an even more exciting version is in the works. Caught in the open on several occasions, it is understood to gain the RS suffix to justify the aerodynamic upgrades and the supposed power boost.
The Aston Martin Vantage RS (name unconfirmed) features a reworked front fascia, with a completely new grille design and a pair of air intakes that remind us of the RTR Mustang. The vents on the sides of the bumper appear to be the same as before, though the splitter is a bit more pronounced and has wings on the sides.
The side skirts appear to be a bit sportier this time, and the wheel arches are just as fat as before. The door mirrors carry over, and so do the vents on the front fenders. One of the biggest changes can be seen at the rear, where a massive wing now decorates the boot lid. The taillights carry over, and the bumper and diffuser now sport a more aggressive design.
Moreover, while the regular Vantage has four round exhaust tips on the sides, this prototype features as many tailpipes, but mounted in the middle of the diffuser. Chances are that the brakes have been slightly uprated, and the same probably goes for the chassis, as customers would expect an RS to be a bit stiffer for enhanced cornering capabilities.
Work under the hood will be done by the twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, which is understood to have been upgraded. On the Vantage S, the mill puts out 680 hp and 800 Nm of torque, hooked up to an eight-speed automatic transmission. This model hits 62 mph in 3.4 seconds and maxes out at 202 mph.
If rumors prove right, expect more power from the Aston Martin Vantage RS, though figures have yet to be revealed. Some say that the ZF eight-speed automatic transmission will be reworked to better handle the alleged extra power and will continue to channel the output and thrust to the rear wheels, because all versions of the Vantage have a front-mid-engine and rear-wheel-drive layout.
All-Electric, Two-Ton SUV: BMW iX5 M
The BMW X5 is in for a serious redesign both inside and out and beneath the skin, and while plenty of prototypes of this upcoming model have been spotted recently, our shooter at the German Nürburgring racetrack has now caught the new BMW iX5 M.
The prototype features a significantly more aggressive design at the front, due to its larger and sportier-looking air intakes, whereas the grille and headlights are similar to those seen on the rest of the series and one of the design elements that will bring the model into the Neue Klasse era.
Compared to the front fascia, the back end of this tester looks quite mild. The taillights are provisional and so are the reflectors mounted on the bumper. Even if the camouflage suggests otherwise, there is no split-opening tailgate anymore, as the next-generation BMW X5 is losing this practical party trick. And there’s no reason to believe that this won’t apply to the battery-electric model and the hydrogen-powered version(s), too.
Besides the more aggressive face, this tester also featured a set of five-spoke alloys that seem to be on the lighter side of things. Shod in sticky Michelin Pilot Sport rubber for extra grip during fast cornering, the wheels are backed up by the uprated brakes, which comprise the large calipers at the front hugging the cross-drilled discs every time the driver steps on the left pedal. This is another good indicator that this is indeed the BMW iX5 M and not a regular variant of the electric premium midsize crossover.
There’s no information at this point on how powerful the new BMW iX5 M is, but the lesser iX5 60 is expected to feature a bi-motor setup, making 569 horsepower and a huge 147.8 kWh battery pack. The iX7 M70 is understood to boast well over 800 horsepower, and this raises the question of just how punchy the iX5 M will be. It will be answered in due course. Besides the EV power, the next-gen BMW X5 will also feature hydrogen power, gasoline and diesel units and at least one plug-in hybrid.
Story and photos by Andreas Conradt, Automedia
