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Image courtesy of Autocar The most beautiful piece of car design ever to hit the roads time and again has always been by Aston Martin (in my opinion). Of course, no one can ignore the pantomime of a Lamborghini and the passion of a Ferrari and the ridiculousness of a Zonda, but at the end of the day, when you want to relax and just have a drive, only one car comes to mind, and that is an Aston Martin. The good news is, their current line-up of the DB9 and the Vantage are set to be restyled and re-engineered. What an optical feast the world is going to have in a few years time.. Aston Martin has recently introduced the Rapide, the Cygnet and the exquisite One-77 without giving much attention to the core of their model line-up, the DB9 and the Vantage. Apart from the recent introduction or the V12 Vantage, there hasn't been much change to the fundamental elements of these cars. However, instead of replacing the existing designs, Aston Martin has decided to revise the existing models including the chassis and the engines to make them even better. Clever thinking by Aston, if it ain't broke why fix it? A revised model will maintain the basic profile of both the DB9 and the Vantage but improve on its inner bits. The current VH platform is one that is shared between the DB9 and the Vantage, however, weight is going to be cut by around 10% which means re-engineering the engine and platform components. Also going to face changes are the body panels which may be replaced by lightweight composite ones that will seriously reduce the weight of the fuel guzzling Astons. All this weight shedding is also part of the plan to reduce emissions and to meet the emission standards in the EU. Stylistically speaking, the new models will be taking inspiration from the One-77 with its low profile and wide stance and the bold line running from the front fender to the rear. Expect all of these changes to be completed in 2013 or early 2014..

Porsche designers have always been known as the laziest people when it comes to drawing a new car and by the looks of the new 928, I think they haven't used up a sheet of their drawing paper, neither do they ever need to sharpen their pencils. This is going to be the replacement of the 928 which was built between 1977 and 1995 and it will pose some form of competition in the Gran Tourer market as it will be up against the Ferarri 599 and the Aston Martin DB9. And 'stiff competition' it may be, this Porsche looks terribly uninviting and boring. Its conveniently based on the current Panamera which is disappointing news since its not the best looking car there is out there, but when you give it a proper look, it doesn't look too bad, yet it still isn't a great piece of design. Essentially, this is a two-door version of the Panamera with a shortened wheelbase. It still has enough space for 4 and maybe even a golf-bag which you will struggle to stuff in the 911, but not in this. The 928 will be powered by engines lifted from the Panamera with a 4.8 litre V8, while turbochargers are still in the mix but not confirmed, Porsche's new GT car is estimated to produce between 400 to 500 bhp and only the range topping model will come with 4WD. Well this version won't be out till 2012, so in the meantime, Porsche lovers who want a 2 door Panamera which isn't as ugly as the Panamera, get this one. The new Porsche 928.