Each week, our German correspondent slices and dices the latest rumblings, news, and quick-hit driving impressions from the other side of the pond. His byline may say Jens Meiners, but we simply call him . . . the Continental.
Yes, that's me behind the wheel.
With the advent of the V12 Vantage S, another manual transmission sports car is gone; the new model is fitted with a Graziano-supplied, single-clutch seven-speed automated transmission. The autobox replaces the Getrag-sourced six-speed manual, and it is 55 lbs lighter but can lack smoothness in normal traffic. Only the entry-level V8 Vantage continues to be offered with a row-yourself transmission—and the consumer take rate stands at a remarkable 35 percent.
An Aston Martin executive tells me that criticism of the Rapide's lack of space in the rear compartment has been duly noted; a longer-wheelbase, slightly taller Rapide is a possible future addition to the lineup. I also learned that the final tally of Cygnets—Aston's dressed-up version of the Scion iQ—sold amounts to about 1000 units. Would they do another one? Probably not.
I also learned that all-wheel-drive Astons are out of the question. Moreover, the current 5.9-liter V-12 can be tweaked to comply with Euro 6 emissions regulation. I deduce from this that there is no big rush, at least for engine technology, involved in the recently announced partnership with Mercedes-AMG.
Ford COO Mark Fields.
Ford is Watching
I recently had the opportunity to shoot a few questions at Ford Chief Operating Officer Mark Fields. Asked whether he was planning to launch passenger cars with diesel engines in the U.S. market, he said that there are no such plans: "We have a strategy structured around our EcoBoost engines." But there is hope; he confirmed that the company is studying the market performance of the diesel-equipped competition, such as Chevrolet's Cruze 2.0TD, and said that if the market demands it, Ford's platforms can be fitted with diesel engines.
I also asked Fields about the future global footprint of Lincoln. He said that there are no plans to bring Lincoln to Europe; the U.S. and China will remain the main markets for the foreseeable future.
It's a W12; you can tell by the badge.
Tweaking the A8 and Phaeton
Right now, Audi is launching the face-lifted A8 to the press in Europe; it has received significant stylistic and technological tweaks and is available on the Continent right now. However, it won't come to the U.S. market before the 2015 model year. It represents a very clever design update, with a smaller front grille and futuristic, wide taillights with ultra-snazzy design. The only casualty of the face lift is the distinctness of the W-12 version: Its rectangular exhaust outlets are carried over to all models except for the S8, and the W-12′s only remaining difference from other A8s is a specific mesh hidden under the chrome bars in the grille.
An updated bumper for the Phaeton.
Meanwhile, Volkswagen is trying to keep the Phaeton—a rare sight on U.S. roads—interesting before the long-awaited successor appears in approximately one and a half years. Now VW has tweaked the current car's lower front fascia. And since the W-12 has been given the axe, VW offers its quadruple exhaust tips on the V-8 model for a little extra money. I can't say I am impressed by this option, which, like the A8′s square-outlet proliferation, renders the clever visual differentiation between powertrains meaningless. It might sound tedious, but I don't want to believe that at VW and Audi, exhaust pipes are becoming random styling elements.
The interior of the Mercedes-Benz V-class.
Benz's First Really Nice Van
Last week, I wrote about the upcoming Mercedes-Benz V-class van, which will replace the crude, not-for-the-U.S. Viano by mid-2014. This week, a group of journalists was treated to a thorough tour of the vehicle, which was still partially camouflaged. It was possible, however, to study the interior, which aims for, and may succeed at dethroning, the Volkswagen T5 Multivan in terms of interior quality.
The V-class shares a lot of components with the upcoming C-class, some of which are optional. These include a touch-sensitive control panel which allows users to swipe through menus and enter letters; a sophisticated ambient lighting system with three available colors; and a rear window that can be opened independent of the tailgate. The dashboard is available with four levels of decor, two of which include artificial wood that appears remarkably real.
- First Drive: 2015 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S
- Instrumented Test: 2014 Mercedes-Benz S550
- First Drive: 2014 Ford Fiesta ST
No information was given on the V-class powertrain; however, I gather that it will remain rear-wheel drive but offer optional all-wheel drive. Engine choices include four- and six-cylinder gasoline and diesel units, and the V-class will come with several wheelbases. Also, no final word on a U.S. market launch: "It may come, but it hasn't been decided yet," I am told. Car-like in its features but incredibly spacious, it would make a great alternative to minivans like the Chrysler Town & Country. But it wouldn't be cheap.
from Car and Driver Blog http://blog.caranddriver.com
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