Here we are again people, with another quick and informative update on some of the new cars that will, or should be heading to the Geneva Auto Show. We’re going to briefly discuss two entries that for the most part, are on two complete, and total opposite sides of the driving platform.
Gearheads.org First up, we have what I like to call the Mustang’s posh English cousin, the Aston Martin Vantage. Now I know that many of you primp, and proper distinguished gentleman drivers out there, would most likely beg to differ, but I do see some similarities, as vague as they may be, but we’ll save that comparison for another day.
Anyway, there’s a new Aston Martin Vantage that will be making it’s presence known to those very few people who are willing to own one of these pristine gems of excellence. The 2015 Aston Martin V8 Vantage N430 is a car that has been purely developed on the race track, for the sole sake of making it a better street car. It seems like when AM does it, it’s extra, “special”, although it’s not a foreign concept I know. The V8 Vantage N430 has the look of a race car, that has just been from the detail shop, and is now going to strut it’s stuff down Rodeo Drive, on it’s way to Starbucks. Two tone paint work, Graphite colored wheels, and matching calipers are what signify that this car means business, and what’s under the hood will surely back that up. The V8 Vantage’s long hood keeps a low mid-mounted, 4.7L, quad overhead cam, dry-sumped V8 engine that boasts over 440Hp, and married to that mill is a seven speed automated manual transmission. Because we all know that electronic shifting makes the drive that much better. SMH.
As I mentioned previously, Aston Martin spared no expense in spending day after day at Lawrence Germanthe track making sure that this new model would be something that the masses wanted to have in their car park. So much so, that they even tested, and made sure that the optional audio system wouldn’t be drowned out by the perfectly tuned exhaust system that was installed underneath the Vantage. I’m just kidding, you know good, and well that no one plays music whilst testing on the track. But the N430 will have the optional Bang & Olufsen audio set up for those who actually want it in there. Pricing for the 2015 Aston Martin V8 Vantage N430 will sit around $110,000 USD, or $89,000 RRP respectively, and it will become available September of this year.
Our other contestant in this segment is a car that is completely on the other side of the driving spectrum. The 2015 Volkswagen Golf GTE Plug-in Hybrid, is the latest entry from the VW Group that is a part of a growing line of alternative fuel driving machines. If you hadn’t already noticed is a Golf that specifically follows a very historic Volkswagen GT line, to start, the GTE. As inGTD and GTi, and now GTE. Whilst utilizing the current Mk7 Golf platform, the new 2015 GTE boasts a dual power plant system that will enable over 530 miles of driving in one shot. Here’s what’s under the bonnet. A 1.4L, four cylinder, turbocharged 148Hp engine, and a 101Hp electric engine which can be used in conjunction, or separately. If the driver wants to use electric power only, they could travel just over 80 miles, at which point the gas engine kicks in and continues the journey for the driver. Like all current VW’s, the DSG six speed transmission helps translate any, and all of that power into a modest 225 foot pounds of torque to the wheels.
Aside from the marvelous drive train, and power source, the looks of the 2015 VW Golf GTE are as Bad Ass as usual. You get my drift, even though there is nothing more brilliant to look at than this car, well except for a Veneno, or a Mustang. Smooth, and refined body lines promote better, and even more fuel efficient driving. Volkswagen made sure that keeping the Golf looking kind of mean looking, would still pan out for those people who to want to help the world, and save money. LED lighting, big wheels, curvy lines, and the unmistakable taillights keep you wanting to admire the German craftsmanship that sits before you.
The interior of the 2015 VW Golf GTE, is, or has been designed in a nostalgic Volkswagen-Golf_GTE_2015_interiorthrowback style of the old school Mk2 Golf GTi, and I’m loving every piece of it. Inside you’ll find the Black, and White plaid format plastered on the seats, and seat backs, of the new GTE. Along with that, the center dash has a 6.5 inch touch screen that not only keeps the driver abreast of what’s going with the car’s driving systems, but also it controls the kick ass infotainment system as well. Will come fully equipped with loads more goodies, but as I mentioned before this was supposed to be brief, as it stands the VW Golf GTE. Just be on the look out for a more in depth look at both look at both of these vehicles in the future if anything. And coming information about the 2014 Geneva Auto Show, as well as more up. So until the next one folks, be safe, and have fun, and Thanks for Reading.
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