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New: 2023 Peugeot 508

Whilst Peugeots' new look 508 may not fit the generally accepted criteria to be categorised as a supercar, it most certainly can't be labelled mainstream.

You see, the French are well versed in the art of pushing both style and engineering envelopes and creating their own unique take on the mainstream market. Citroen forged their own path with clever hydropneumatic suspension throughout their range, Renault went turbo crazy and developed hot family cars, and Peugeot made the 205 GTI. Regarded as one of automotive history's greatest hits. However, they quickly forgot everything and made the 206 a crime against humanity on wheels.

But present-day Peugeot have thankfully crawled their way out of the rut and are now making things like the 508, one of the best-looking cars in its segment. Its sharp lines, flameless grille, and fanged headlights distinguish it from the pack like a flare in the dead of night. It's also one of those rare examples where the wagon variant is the best looking.

Under the skin lies a wide selection of drivetrain options, from a modest 97kw 4-cylinder engine to a punchy 268kw in the range topping PSE AWD. New, however, is the 134kw PHEV edition using a 110kw 1.6-litre turbo charged 4-cylinder and an 84kw electric motor.

In summary, the 508 is the truly attractive option.

Pricing and local releases are all yet to be determined.

What are your thoughts? How does it compare to its rivals? Comment below

#508
#2023

Image courtesy of: Peugeot

New: 2023 Aston Martin DBS 770 Ultimate

A few months back Aston unveiled their last V12 powered Vantage signalling the beginning of the end for the powerplant. We knew sooner or later, the same fate would befall the DBS which had for the last couple of decades utilised with great success that V12. But Aston are poised to discontinue the motor and the DBS following this final iteration.

The 770 Ultimate will be a limited run production meaning only a select few hundred will get to experience this 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 that's now pumping out 566kw and 900nm of torque. The increase in power means this DBS will get to 100kph in 3.4 seconds and onto a top speed of 340kp/h.

Improvements haven't been contained to the powerplant. Chassis strengthening, new vents and splitter along with the reworked suspension and remapped gearbox means the Ultimate will handle alot more aggressively than the standard car.

I've always loved the DBS with a passion. It's sleek, clean and comparatively understated styling coupled with a biblical motor ticked all the right super car/grand tourer boxes. Seeing it relegated to the pages of history again is painful but in the wake of new emissions and fuel efficiency standards, ultimately it was an like a typewriter at a PC convention.

What are your thoughts on the demise of the DBS? Will it ever come back?




Image courtesy: Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings PLC

New: 2023 Subaru Impreza

Recently unveiled at the LA Motor Show was Subaru's sixth-generation of their popular and much beloved Impreza.

Some big changes have been announced for next year's Impreza all of which includes the return of the RS nameplate slotting in below WRX and STI, along with the discontinuation of Impreza sedan. This time the decision to drop the sedan won't affect WRX since it's now its own thing.

While Impreza sedan is gone, RS is back. Something which has been absent since the mid-2000s but has returned in full force. Subaru announcing that it'll receive a 2.5-litre N/A (136kw/ 241nm) boxer four-cylinder, sports suspension (steering from the old WRX) and a host of other visual upgrades to let people know......this isn't your regular Impreza.

A standard 2.0-litre variant will be offered as the S with the same sports suspension but output will only be 113kw/197nm. No turbo or hybrid engines announced as of yet.

Finally we get onto the styling which draws alot of comparison with its more rugged sibling, the XV (soon to be renamed Crosstrek). It's roof line is made to look taller and the rear lights have been shifted up, giving it a high rider appearance. Proportionally I'm not a fan, it doesn't differentiate itself enough from Mazda 3 (with its long front end overhang) and short busy rear end of old Honda Civic. But it still works as a whole and looks upmarket.

But I'm sure it'll still be a strong seller for Subaru and it'll see Impreza soldier on through the 2020s.

What's a nameplate or trim level you'd like Subaru to bring back?
(I'd like to see SVX return)



Images courtesy: Subaru Corporation