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Geeky Gadgets
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- Geeky Gadgets
The Aston Martin Vantage S Has Arrived! Official Details Revealed
The unveiling of the Aston Martin Vantage S marks a significant milestone in the world of front-engine luxury sports cars. This latest addition to the Vantage lineup not only builds upon the legacy of its predecessors but also introduces a new level of performance, refinement, and design excellence. The Vantage S is a testament to Aston Martin's unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering and craftsmanship. At the heart of the Vantage S lies a formidable 4.0-litre V8 Twin-Turbo engine, which delivers an astonishing 680PS and 800Nm of torque. This powerhouse propels the car from 0 to 60mph in a mere 3.3 seconds, before reaching a top speed of 202mph. The engine's responsiveness and raw power have been carefully tuned by Aston Martin's engineers to provide an exhilarating driving experience that will leave enthusiasts craving more. Dynamics Refined for Precision and Control The Vantage S is not just about straight-line speed; it is a car that has been engineered to excel in every aspect of performance. Aston Martin's team has fine-tuned the throttle response, suspension, and steering to create a driving experience that is both engaging and precise. The addition of a new rear subframe mounting and recalibrated adaptive dampers ensures that the Vantage S maintains exceptional cornering grip and stability, even when pushed to its limits. The car's dynamic capabilities are further enhanced by the integration of advanced technologies, such as the Electronic Rear Differential (E-Diff) and Dynamic Torque Vectoring (DTV). These systems work in harmony to optimize traction and agility, allowing drivers to tackle even the most challenging roads with confidence and control. Whether carving through tight hairpin turns or navigating high-speed straights, the Vantage S delivers a driving experience that is both thrilling and precise. Design that Embodies Performance and Luxury The Aston Martin Vantage S is a masterpiece of automotive design, with every element carefully crafted to enhance both its visual appeal and aerodynamic performance. The car's exterior features striking details, such as the centrally mounted bonnet blades and the full-width decklid spoiler, which not only contribute to its aggressive stance but also improve downforce and stability at high speeds. Inside the cabin, the Vantage S showcases a luxurious blend of Alcantara® and leather, creating an interior that is as captivating as it is comfortable. The attention to detail is evident in every aspect, from the embroidered 'S' logos to the bespoke carbon fibre trim inlays. The cockpit is designed to immerse the driver in a world of performance and luxury, with intuitive controls and advanced technology at their fingertips. Customization and Exclusivity One of the hallmarks of Aston Martin is the ability to offer customers a truly bespoke experience. The Vantage S is no exception, with a wide range of customization options available to make each car unique to its owner. From the choice of exterior colors and wheel designs to the selection of interior finishes and materials, the possibilities for personalization are virtually endless. For those seeking the ultimate in exclusivity, Aston Martin's Q by Aston Martin division offers an even higher level of customization. This service allows customers to work directly with the company's designers and craftsmen to create a one-of-a-kind Vantage S that reflects their individual tastes and preferences. Whether it's a custom paint color, a unique interior trim, or even a completely bespoke feature, Q by Aston Martin ensures that each Vantage S is a true reflection of its owner's personality and style. A Legacy of Innovation and Performance The Aston Martin Vantage S is not just a new model; it is a continuation of the brand's rich heritage of creating exceptional sports cars. From the iconic DB5 of the 1960s to the groundbreaking Valkyrie hypercar of today, Aston Martin has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in automotive design and engineering. The Vantage S builds upon this legacy, incorporating innovative technology and materials to deliver a driving experience that is both exhilarating and refined. Whether on the road or the track, this car is a testament to Aston Martin's unwavering commitment to performance, luxury, and innovation. Summary The Aston Martin Vantage S is a remarkable achievement in the world of front-engine luxury sports cars. With its powerful V8 Twin-Turbo engine, refined dynamics, and striking design, it sets a new standard for performance and craftsmanship. As deliveries of the Vantage S begin in Q4 2025, automotive enthusiasts around the world will have the opportunity to experience firsthand the thrill of driving a car that redefines what is possible in its segment. Whether you are a long-time Aston Martin aficionado or simply appreciate the finest in automotive engineering, the Vantage S is a car that demands attention. It is a testament to the brand's unwavering commitment to excellence and a glimpse into the future of high-performance luxury sports cars. Source Aston Martin Filed Under: Auto News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Auto Blog
06-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
7 Reasons You Can (And Should) Daily Drive a 2025 Nissan Z NISMO
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. A legacy of success In case you didn't immediately spot it, the Z is a brilliant tribute car to the Fairlady Z, which first debuted in 1969. Its sleek design, surprising agility, and truly underestimated power for its size at a more-than-fair price helped the Fairlady Z sell more than 520,000 units—a personal best for Nissan, and for sports cars in general. Then came the 240Z, 280Z, 300ZX, 350Z, 370Z, and finally, the Z. That is a long way of saying something simple: Nissan has been making badass cars with a 'z' in its name for a long, long time. 2025 Nissan Z undercuts Toyota Supra by a surprising amount Watch More Source: Kristen Brown Finally, the company decided to put its all into the newest generation of the Z: the 2025 Nissan Z. At the very top of the line is the NISMO (short for 'Nissan Motorsports') edition, which comes with a host of premium features that make it $13,000 more expensive than the Performance edition. At $64,990, some reviewers say it's 'too much' for 'just a Nissan.' After driving it for a week and having driven cars with fewer options for a lot more money, the Z quickly raced its way to my heart. My husband even said he'd drive one daily. Here are 7 reasons why we'd do it. 1. There's more cargo space than meets the eye When my eyes first landed on the Z NISMO, I assumed it suffered a case of Miata syndrome: looks cool and drives great, but lacks space to make it suitable for daily driving or errand running. I was wrong. The back of it slopes down for aerodynamics, giving the illusion that there was next to no space under the rear hatch. I lifted it to take pictures of it and was shocked. There was a long, flat surface with a cargo net attached and cubby holes behind the driver and passenger seat. I'd put my filming and photography gear in those spaces, and then the rest of the trunk would be open for whatever else I needed. Source: DeLand Nissan The net came in handy when I made grocery runs. It held gallons of milk, eggs, wine bottles, and other breakables without incident. I can't confirm or deny this, but even driving like a hooligan didn't set those items loose. There's easily enough trunk space for a suitcase (or two), backpacks, gym bags, or a racing suit and helmet. Since you know, you'll probably be headed to the track. Aside from trunk space, the center console had plenty of usable space, the door panels had deep pockets, and the glove box was respectably large. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. 2. Nissan didn't skimp on interior quality and tech Most sports coupes I've driven have very bare-bones interiors, save for cars from companies like Mercedes or BMW. The Nissan Z's interior was impressive, to say the least, as every bit was lined in Alcantara, and the high-resolution gauge cluster was responsive, intuitive, easy to customize, and attractive. The Z came with a 9-inch touchscreen for the media center, and when paired with your phone, connected wirelessly to Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. To boot, the NISMO comes with a premium 8-speaker sound system from Bose was an amazing way to hype myself up while I zipped and zoomed (see what I did there? With the 'z' theme?) through the mountain roads of Central Oregon's Cascade Lakes Highway. Source: Kristen Brown The Recaro seats that come with the car were firm and heavily bolstered but still comfortable for extended drives. I spent a solid three hours in the driver's seat looking for places to take photos of it and I wasn't sore at all. I'm typically sore after an hour and a half in performance-style seats. But not in the Z NISMO. I also found the cabin to be quiet, even with a loud exhaust. Long trips wouldn't be much different than driving across state lines in your friend's loud Subaru. 3. The twin-turbo V6 is surprisingly efficient, thanks to versatile driving modes Before you roll your eyes, get this: even after a spirited driving session in the mountains, driving through busy downtown Bend during commute time on a weekend, and bumper-to-bumper traffic on my way home from Sisters, I was achieving an average of 25 mpg. Which is astonishing for how primal this car is when its potential is employed. I spent the majority of my drives in Normal mode. This mode tames the 9-speed transmission to be better suited for daily driving, as it's less aggressive and prioritizes keeping the Z in the low-rev range. But most of the Z's torque is midrange, so a good chunk of its power is still usable in traffic without putting a lot of strain on the engine or transmission. Source: Kristen Brown Sport mode was great for the mountains, as it kept the car in the gears longer to get every ounce of torque to the wheels. Twenty-five miles to the gallon, switching between Sport and Normal is phenomenal when you look at the numbers. Sport+ is a trim-exclusive driving mode that makes it even MORE aggressive for track driving. It shifts even quicker than Sport mode, which makes the rear drive wheels receive all 420 horsepower from the mid-mounted 3.0-liter engine quicker. That way, you can keep up with your local track's frequent Porsche, BMW, Toyota Supra, or Mustang track day racers without breaking a sweat. 4. The NISMO is auto-only, which isn't as fun, but is statistically better for daily driving Before I had kids, I drove my 2002 Subaru WRX daily. It had a very easy five-speed manual, and it was so much more fun and engaging to drive. I do think the NISMO's extra 20 horsepower over the Performance edition is put to better use with an automatic, since, statistically, a human can't shift as quickly as a computer can. I would have loved to drive the Z with the optional six-speed since I've heard nothing but great things about that transmission, but the Z NISMO's automatic is responsive, quick, efficient, and fun, so I didn't miss the manual too much. Source: Kristen Brown Plus, as much as I like to think I'm a smooth shifter, there's no way I'd be getting 25 mpg on average with a twin-turbo V6 if it were a stick. I'd wager I'd be getting more like 19 mpg if I were driving a manual. Which still isn't bad for the kind of car it is, but you'd be at the pumps more often. Since it takes premium and premium only, that can be an expensive daily driver. 5. If you like people drooling over your whip, the Z is certainly an attention hog Admittedly, Nissan's marketing for the Z wasn't as enthusiastic as it probably should have been. There's so much history, incredible engineering and tech, and raw power, and it's a shame that the one I tested was the only Z NISMO I've seen in the wild. They're sort of rare, which is a damn shame if you ask me. Its rarity made it quite the spectacle in my quiet mountain town, and every time I was at a stoplight, I'd hear the person in the car next to me asking the driver, 'Is that the Z NISMO?' I saw troves of people taking pictures, kids jumping and pointing, husbands watching it longingly drive away, it was truly a sight to behold. Source: Kristen Brown When I parked near the docking ramp at Elk Lake to take photos, a line of people came to ask me about it. My favorite game was to ask people how much they think it costs after rattling off the specs of it. Most guessed over $80,000, and when I said it was $64,990, they were all stunned. Everywhere I parked, even at the grocery store, people wanted to know about the sleek, sexy, and somewhat loud Z NISMO. Introverts would hate it, but I love talking cars. 6. The visibility from the driver's seat was surprisingly good Most sports cars make me feel like I'm sitting in a bathtub, leaning over the steering wheel to see the end of my hood, the corners, and beyond the fat A-pillars. The Z NISMO was shockingly easy to see out of, and even though it came with all the bells and whistles of Nissan's safety suite (like pedestrian detection, auto emergency braking, etc), I didn't need them while driving. I could see everything at all times, which made me feel much more confident and comfortable. Plus, if you think about it, that would be an advantage on the track, too. A car that's easy to see out of is a car that's easy to drive. Source: Kristen Brown 7. For what it is, it's really not that expensive Even if you were driving to the dentist for a root canal in the Z, you'd be smiling the entire way there. The most mundane drives were so much fun in the Z, thanks to the cozy and sporty interior, the pleasant exhaust note, the sporty driving feel (even in Normal mode), the amazing sound system, and the user-friendly technology that helped it feel less like a gutted engine on wheels for the sake of speed. The Z NISMO is incredibly quick, but it isn't just quick. She isn't just a pretty face; she also has an amazing personality. Source: Kristen Brown Final thoughts All of these reasons are why I'll tell people over and over again, $64,990 for a Z isn't that much, especially after driving comparable cars. Aside from the BMW M2, the Z was a very pleasant and surprisingly efficient daily driver. Even my husband said he'd daily drive the crap out of it if he had the opportunity. About the Author Kristen Brown View Profile
Auto Express
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
Crunch time at Lotus as UK factory is placed 'under review'
The future of Lotus's UK factory Hethel is under review, as its Chinese owner, Geely, takes drastic action to fix the loss-making British sports car brand. The car maker is trapped in a perfect storm, buffeted by tariffs that have inflated the cost of UK sports car exports to the United States, and exorbitant American import duties on its Chinese-built lifestyle EVs that make sales commercially impossible. Lotus is also grappling with inconsistent electric car demand, and growing the brand from a tiny customer base. Advertisement - Article continues below Geely has pumped billions of investment into Lotus, funding the clean-sheet electric technology that underpins the Eletre SUV and Emeya sports saloon and a factory in Wuhan, China, with a 150,000-unit capacity. It has also invested £100 million in its Norfolk site, yielding new production lines to build the petrol-powered Emira sports car and pure electric Evija hypercar. Nonetheless, Lotus sold only 12,134 vehicles in 2024, and deliveries slid 42 per cent in the first three months of this year to just 1,274. Sports cars contributed 555 of those, but volume will have taken a further dive since, with Hethel having to stop production in May in the aftermath of President Trump's announcement of global tariffs. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below The US is a critical market for the Emira sports car, accounting for a fifth of Lotus's global volume in 2024. 'We hit a bump in the road,' Lotus Europe boss Matt Windle told Auto Express a few weeks ago. 'But pricing is agreed and cars [will begin] flowing again.' With the new prices incorporating the 10 per cent import tariff agreed between the US and UK, deliveries are scheduled to recommence in August. But the structural decline in sports car sales, the recent production hiatus and underperforming sales to date for the £2.4 million Evija electric hypercar have triggered multiple rounds of job cuts in Norfolk. And now Geely has ordered a strategic review into Hethel, as part of its drive to get Lotus to break even in 2026. Advertisement - Article continues below The review will look at ways to boost sales of the existing line-up, decide whether a hybrid or pure electric sports car should replace the Emira, and even consider closure of the factory. News of the review, including the extreme option of shuttering Hethel, leaked to the Financial Times, which reported in late June that Geely had decided to shift sports car manufacturing to the US. The report sparked intense talks with the Department for Business and Trade, with state support potentially on the table to help Lotus through this bleak period. The following statement was also issued: 'Lotus Cars is continuing normal operations, and there are no plans to close the factory. We are actively exploring strategic options to enhance efficiency and ensure global competitiveness in the evolving market.' Shifting sports car production to the US is unlikely: more logical is that Geely fast-tracks US localisation of the Eletre and Emeya, which will introduce 'hyper-hybrid' powertrains from next year. It already owns a factory in South Carolina producing the Volvo EX90 and Polestar 3, although Volvo expects to add the 2026 EX60, eating up capacity. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below The hyper-hybrid powertrain will be shared with Chinese entrants Zeekr and Lynk & Co: Geely chairman and founder Li Shufu outlined his plans to scale technologies more deeply across group brands – including Lotus, Volvo and Polestar – in his Taizhou declaration in September 2024. Advertisement - Article continues below Zeekr and Lynk & Co have a plug-in hybrid set-up that combines a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine packing up to 275bhp with front and rear electric motors. Total output can eclipse 850bhp, 0-62mph takes less than 5-seconds and the system is supported by a big battery with more than 100 miles of electric range. Lotus will have access to this hardware to deliver its hyper-hybrids, starting with the Eletre in 2026. Chinese executives are said to be acutely aware of the iconic status of Hethel, home to Lotus since 1966, its triumphant Formula One racers and competitive sports cars. 'I think there's a place for Hethel, it's the home of the brand,' Matt Windle told us. 'When I spend time in China with my Geely colleagues, they really buy into the brand story; other companies just haven't got that legacy or history.' Geely plans to decide Lotus's future unilaterally: it has exercised an option to buy Malaysian partner Etika Automotive's 49 per cent stake in the Hethel sports car business and engineering consultancy. The deal should be complete by the end of the year. Join us on Whatsapp to keep in touch with all the latest car news and reviews... Find a car with the experts Big plans for the Lotus Emira with hybrid tech on the cards Lotus is plotting a raft of developments for its mid-engined Emira sports car – with combined petrol/electric power a future option The Lotus electric car rebirth is struggling, but will new hyper-hybrids save the day? Despite huge Chinese investment to electrify Lotus, sports car sales still prop up the loss-making business. Can Lotus achieve take-off? Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond These are the most important new cars headed our way, from brands including Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more Best cars & vans 23 Jun 2025 Lotus backtracks on electric-only plan in favour of new 'Hyper Hybrid' tech New plug-in hybrid powertrain on the way, with 'EV-centric' driving experience and over 100 miles of zero-emissions range Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production There's also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand's latest entry-level model Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand's latest entry-level model A slick new look and more power are the headlines for Ferrari's new baby, but it's probably some simple new buttons that will get customers' attention Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV Geely has looked to Lotus to ensure it's new electric SUV lives up to our driving expectations
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Ariel Celebrates 25 Years of the Atom With Its Most Powerful Model Yet
Ariel Motor Company, the renowned British manufacturer of ultra-lightweight, no-compromise sports cars, is marking the 25th anniversary of the Ariel Atom with its most potent and exclusive variant yet: the Atom 4RR. Limited to just 25 individually tailored examples, this road-legal, track-focused machine will deliver an astonishing 525 bhp and 550 Nm of torque from a heavily reworked turbocharged Honda 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Built on the proven Atom 4R platform, the new 4RR features a host of internal engine changes, along with revised oil and fuel systems, to maximize performance. Ariel describes it as the ultimate expression of its 'serious fun' philosophy, aimed at drivers who want to push their skills and the Atom's engineering to the absolute limit. Pricing and full technical details will follow later this year. The new model not only celebrates 25 years of the Atom, but also underlines Ariel's heritage as a company dating back to 1871, when it produced the pioneering Ordinary, or 'Penny Farthing,' bicycle, the world's first series-production vehicle. As Ariel writes a new chapter with the Atom 4RR, here's a look back at the evolution of one of Britain's most radical sports cars: Launched at the turn of the millennium, the original Atom shocked the performance-car world. With a 120bhp Rover engine and Ariel's now-iconic exposed tubular space frame, it embodied an entirely fresh vision: extreme lightness, ultra-minimalist design, and a thrilling, highly configurable driving experience. The 'No Doors, No Windscreen, No Roof' ethos made the Atom a true driver's machine and helped cement its legend among purists. The second-generation Atom switched to Honda power, adopting the high-revving 220bhp Civic Type R K20 engine. From 2005, Ariel offered an optional supercharger pushing power to 275bhp, adding another level of performance, and introducing that unforgettable supercharger whine. Engineering and design updates further refined what was already a visceral driving experience. The Atom 3 brought a significant overhaul. A revised chassis, upgraded suspension, and updated bodywork made the car even more capable. Standard output rose to 245bhp, while a supercharged option lifted power to 300bhp. In 2010, Ariel built a very special edition: the Atom V8. This 25-car limited run boasted up to 500bhp and a spine-tingling 10,000rpm redline, taking the Atom philosophy to the extreme. Refining the Atom 3 platform, the Atom 3.5 improved engine management, steering, suspension, and bodywork, while retaining the same fundamental chassis. A year later, the even more hardcore 3.5R arrived with 367bhp, a sequential gearbox, and further suspension upgrades, cementing the Atom's place as a benchmark for raw, lightweight performance. Every part of the Atom was reimagined for the Atom 4, apart from the fuel filler cap, steering wheel, and pedals. As the first turbocharged Atom, it utilized a 2.0-liter Honda Civic Type R engine, producing 320bhp with switchable boost, and was backed by a stiffer chassis, advanced geometry, and adjustable driver aids, including traction control and launch control. With a stunning power-to-weight ratio and exceptional handling, the Atom 4 raised the bar for lightweight, road- and track-oriented sports cars. In 2023, Ariel further advanced the Atom 4 platform with the introduction of the 4R. This time, the same Honda turbo engine was tuned to 400bhp and 500Nm, resulting in the 4R achieving an extraordinary power-to-weight ratio of nearly 600bhp per tonne. Designed for the most dedicated drivers, the Atom 4R delivered electrifying track performance while remaining road-legal. As Ariel gears up to celebrate the Atom's 25th birthday, the 525bhp Atom 4RR stands as a fitting tribute to a quarter-century of engineering passion, fearless innovation, and that uniquely analog driving experience. With just 25 bespoke cars to be built, the 4RR will be among the rarest and most potent Ariels ever made. For those lucky enough to secure one, it promises a driving experience unlike anything else on the road or the track.
Motor 1
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
The Nissan Z Is Crushing the Toyota Supra With Triple Sales
The Nissan Z got off to a slow start, partly due to production delays and supply chain disruptions caused by the microchip shortage. Dealer markups didn't help either. But that's all in the past. In 2025, the rear-wheel-drive coupe is performing better than ever. Demand more than doubled in the first quarter, surging 108% to 1,635 units. For the first half of the year, deliveries jumped 160.1% to 3,789 cars. Meanwhile, the Toyota Supra is having a much tougher year. The BMW-engineered sports car racked up just 1,231 sales in the first six months of 2025. The number represents a 17.7% drop compared to the January–June 2024 period. Yes, the Z is outselling the Supra by a 3-to-1 margin. Looking ahead, Nissan won't have to worry about the Supra much longer. Photo by: Toyota Toyota is pulling the plug after the 2026 model year, with a Final Edition limited to 1,300 units. However, a sixth-generation model is already in the works , so the gap between generations is likely to be shorter than before. Enthusiasts in the U.S. certainly won't have to wait another two decades like they did between the Mk4 and Mk5. While the Z and Supra continue to lock horns, the Ford Mustang remains far ahead. Despite a 14.2% decline through June, the pony car still tallied 23,551 sales, more than four times the combined total of the Z and Supra. We haven't forgotten about Nissan's other performance car, the GT-R. Only 37 units were sold in the first half of the year, down 75.5%. That's hardly surprising, as U.S. production ended last October after the final Skyline Edition and Takumi Edition models. Japan closed its order books in late February, signaling the end of the R35. A new GT-R is planned, but it won't arrive anytime soon. If the radical Hyper Force concept is any indication, it could be fully electric. Catch Up With Nissan: Nissan Is Still Selling a Sedan It Stopped Making Two Years Ago The New Nissan Patrol Nismo Has More Power Than America's Armada Sources: Nissan , Toyota , Ford Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
