Arias Pistons 12.5:1 Compression 82mm Bore Honda B-series on 2040-parts.com

Aston Martin takes Vantage V8 N420 out on the 'Ring

WITH VIDEO -- Aston Martin, which has made a habit of running cars at the Nurburging 24-hour race for the past five years, has taken a special-edition Vantage V8 back to the track. The V8 Vantage N420 will make its U.S. debut in August at the Pebble Beach concours.

Aston Martin V8 Vantage S: The Video

Aston Martin V8 Vantage S on track at the Ascari Circuit in Spain We’re always up for a bit of Aston Martin goodness, so we were more than happy to report in January that Aston Martin has added a bit of extra oomph to the V8 to create the Aston Martin V8 Vantage S. To be honest, there’s not a huge amount of extra power on the Vantage V8 S – just 10bhp – but there are a chunk of tweaks that make it very appealing, including a new seven speed Sportshift ‘box, sharper steering, better braking and a bit of suspension tweaking to make the V8S that bit more aggressive. All this new V8 S goodness was served up at the Geneva Motor Show last week, but we got a bit sidetracked with the new Aston Martin Virage – or DB9 Ghia – in a marmite shade of orange hogging AM’s Geneva stand.

Hyundai ix-Metro Concept – too much ‘Design’

The Hyundai ix-Metro Concept at Frankfurt The new ix35 – despite looking very similar to most offerings in the same sector –  is enormously competent – at least in its conception –  and well built. Most importantly for buyers it will undercut the current offerings, whilst offering a package the equivalent of the best. But is Hyundai getting a bit too wrapped-up in its Euro-design?