Aston Martin is reintroducing its 'S' moniker, historically reserved for high-performance editions, with the unveiling of the 2026 Vantage S Coupe and Roadster. This latest iteration signals a renewed focus on exhilarating driving experiences, featuring a refined powertrain and a host of dynamic enhancements. While foregoing the V-12 engine of some predecessors, the new Vantage S models are poised to deliver an unmatched blend of speed, agility, and luxurious craftsmanship, reinforcing Aston Martin's heritage of producing exceptional sports cars.
\nThe marque’s commitment to pushing performance boundaries is evident in the meticulous engineering applied to these new models. From the recalibrated engine to the advanced suspension system and bespoke aesthetic touches, every aspect of the Vantage S has been carefully considered to maximize driver engagement and on-road presence. This strategic return of the 'S' badge underscores Aston Martin's dedication to its core values of power, precision, and distinctive style, ensuring its continued prominence in the elite sports car segment.
\nUnleashing Raw Power and Precision
\nThe 2026 Aston Martin Vantage S showcases a formidable twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, meticulously re-tuned to unleash an impressive 671 horsepower. This significant power output, paired with a rear-mounted eight-speed automatic transmission, propels the Vantage S from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.3 seconds, achieving a top speed of 202 mph. The vehicle's reduced weight, achieved through lightweight materials and structural optimizations, further contributes to its blistering acceleration and dynamic capabilities. This enhanced powerplant is complemented by an advanced chassis, providing a more engaging and responsive driving experience.
\nBeyond raw power, the Vantage S features extensive chassis and suspension refinements aimed at optimizing handling and responsiveness. The throttle response and configurable driving modes have been precisely adjusted, allowing drivers to tailor the car's characteristics to their preferences. Innovations such as reduced rear spring rigidity and enhanced front-end responsiveness from the Bilstein DTX adjustable dampers improve ride comfort without compromising performance. Furthermore, adjustments to camber, toe, and caster settings, coupled with a directly attached rear subframe, boost front-end grip during high lateral loads and fine-tune the car's dynamic balance, ensuring unparalleled precision and control on both road and track.
\nDesign Evolution and Interior Refinement
\nThe new Aston Martin Vantage S boasts a refreshed exterior design that subtly yet effectively signals its enhanced performance credentials. Distinctive features include new center-mounted hood blades, available in carbon fiber or gloss black, which not only enhance aesthetics but also optimize engine cooling. The presence of brass-forged 'S' badges, filled with vibrant red enamel on the front fenders, visually communicates the model's special status. Further aerodynamic improvements come from a full-width rear spoiler, a new front air dam, and redesigned front venturi vanes, all contributing to improved stability and downforce. Completing the bold exterior are 21-inch Y-spoke wheels, finished in satin black with striking red accents, reinforcing the vehicle's athletic and aggressive stance.
\nInside the cabin, the Vantage S elevates the sense of luxury and sportiness with a meticulously crafted environment. High-quality materials such as Alcantara, premium leather, and carbon fiber trim are seamlessly integrated throughout. The seats feature elegant 'S' logos and Aston Martin's iconic wings embroidered onto the headrests, adding a bespoke touch. Buyers also have the option to personalize their interior with a red or silver knurled metal rotary controller for drive modes, which can be color-matched to the seatbelts, contrast stitching, and headrest stitching. Furthermore, choices between full semi-aniline leather or a combination of semi-aniline leather and Alcantara upholstery allow for ultimate customization, creating an interior that is as luxurious as it is performance-focused.
Drive More, Spend Less: The Hyundai Elantra Advantage!
Unveiling the July 2025 Lease Special for the 2025 Elantra SE
Hyundai has introduced an enticing lease program for its 2025 Elantra SE model, positioning it as an exceptionally budget-friendly choice in the compact car category. This sleek, fuel-efficient, and technologically advanced sedan is now more accessible than ever, making it an ideal option for those seeking a practical yet well-equipped daily driver or an entry-level vehicle that exceeds expectations.
Competitive Leasing: Hyundai's Aggressive July Offer
This July, Hyundai's lease offer for the 2025 Elantra SE stands out significantly. For a 36-month term, the monthly payment is set at an attractive $209, with an initial payment of $3,499 at signing. This aggressive pricing places the Elantra SE ahead of many rivals, even surpassing some subcompact and crossover models in terms of lease competitiveness. The SE trim level is generously appointed, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an 8-inch touchscreen display, remote keyless entry, and a driver attention warning system, offering a comprehensive package for its price segment.
Interior Comfort and Practicality: A Class Above
The interior of the Elantra SE boasts a straightforward yet highly functional design. The front seats are easily adjustable, providing a comfortable driving position, while rear passengers benefit from surprisingly generous legroom for a vehicle of this size. The trunk offers substantial cargo space, facilitating effortless loading of groceries, luggage, or recreational gear. Despite a focus on cost-effectiveness, evidenced by hard plastics, the overall fit and finish are commendable, and controls are intuitively placed. The infotainment system is user-friendly, ensuring a hassle-free driving experience from the moment you get behind the wheel.
Performance, Efficiency, and Safety Features
Propelled by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generating 147 horsepower, the Elantra SE delivers smooth and quiet performance suitable for both urban commuting and highway driving, providing ample power for typical road conditions. Its efficiency is a major highlight, with an impressive fuel economy of 32 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway, making it one of the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid sedans available. Hyundai has also integrated a comprehensive suite of safety technologies as standard, including forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and driver attention monitoring, reinforcing the Elantra's value proposition with enhanced safety and peace of mind.
Concluding Impressions on the 2025 Hyundai Elantra Lease Deal
The July lease offer for the 2025 Hyundai Elantra SE represents an exceptional opportunity in today's automotive market. Offering a low monthly payment combined with modern technology and class-leading fuel efficiency, it redefines what a 'budget car' can offer. While it may not prioritize sporty dynamics or premium materials, the Elantra excels in delivering essential qualities that matter most to everyday drivers: comfort, economical operation, and outstanding overall value. For consumers looking to maximize their budget this summer, this lease deal is arguably one of the most intelligent choices available.
General Motors is strategically reutilizing its former Cruise robotaxi fleet to propel the development of its cutting-edge hands-free driving system, Super Cruise. This move signifies a pivotal shift in the automotive giant's approach to autonomous technology, transforming a significant investment in ride-hailing into a foundational asset for broader innovation in driver assistance. By integrating the advanced hardware from the Cruise vehicles with their internal development efforts, GM aims to enhance its Super Cruise capabilities, ultimately delivering a more refined and safer driving experience to its diverse range of brands, including Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC, and Buick.
The Rebirth of Robotaxis: A New Purpose for GM's Advanced Technology
In a compelling turn of events, General Motors has redeployed its specialized Chevrolet Bolt vehicles, formerly part of the Cruise robotaxi division, not for passenger services, but for crucial research and development. Since February, a select cohort of these advanced vehicles has been rigorously tested on designated highways in Michigan, Texas, and the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area. These tests, confirmed by GM in a statement to the Detroit Free Press on July 7, are meticulously supervised by highly skilled safety drivers, ready to intervene at a moment's notice, ensuring an environment of controlled experimentation.
This initiative follows the challenging decision in December 2024 to cease Cruise's ride-hailing operations, a venture that, despite significant investment exceeding $10 billion since 2016, proved economically unfeasible as a core business. The cessation of operations was compounded by a severe incident in late 2023 in San Francisco, where a pedestrian was dragged by an autonomous Chevrolet Bolt, leading to the suspension of Cruise's operating license in California and nationwide. This turbulent period saw the departure of Cruise founder Kyle Vogt and a substantial reduction in its workforce, including nine key executives.
The current testing phase marks a strategic pivot for GM, as engineers are now leveraging the inherent autonomous technologies of these vehicles to advance their proprietary Super Cruise system. While past Cruise vehicles featured Level 4 autonomous capabilities, the focus has now shifted to refining a Level 3 autonomous system, emphasizing seamless integration with human supervision. These repurposed vehicles are equipped with sophisticated new hardware and software designed to collect invaluable data, which is then fed directly into the continuous improvement of GM’s future product offerings, enhancing their existing advanced driver-assistance features for everyday consumers.
Reflecting on the Road Ahead: Opportunities and Insights
From a forward-looking perspective, GM's decision to repurpose the Cruise robotaxis for Super Cruise development is a remarkably astute strategic move. It demonstrates a pragmatic and resilient approach to technological investment, transforming past challenges into future advantages. Having personally experienced the impressive capabilities of Super Cruise, particularly its intuitive and 'human-like' lane-changing ability on dynamic highways like the Garden State Parkway, I recognize its significant potential. This technology not only elevates the luxury quotient of vehicles like the Cadillac Escalade but also positions GM with a distinct competitive edge in the evolving landscape of automated driving. The substantial capital previously poured into Cruise, though initially a setback, now represents an invaluable resource that, through this refined application, can truly unlock groundbreaking advancements. It is imperative for GM to capitalize on this unique asset, ensuring that the substantial investment translates into tangible innovations that further differentiate its products in the global automotive market, competing robustly against established and emerging players in autonomous vehicle technology.