Special Land Rover Defender stars in new James Bond film

Special edition Land Rover

Land Rover

James Bond and British vehicles go together like bread and butter. The spy's most well-known rides come from Aston Martin, but Land Rover isn't sitting out on the action. The 25th film in the Bond series, No Time To Die, premiers in just a few weeks, and with it, a new special edition Land Rover Defender. Land Rover's SV Bespoke division created the special Defender, which in addition to making an appearance on the silver screen, will be on sale for a limited run to 300 lucky Bond fans willing to shell out the cash.


2022 Land Rover Defender V8 Bond EditionThe Defender gets exclusive infotainment animations.Land Rover


The villainous Defender is powered by a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 that produces 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard, and Land Rover says the powertrain is strong enough to push the hefty off-roader to 60 mph from a stop in just 5.1 seconds. The V8 is a recent addition to the Defender line, and comes paired here with unique suspension and transmission tuning, bespoke spring and damper rates, and a new electronic active rear differential.



2022 Land Rover Defender V8 Bond EditionThe 007 Defender V8 get special puddle lights.Land Rover


Unique touches to the 007 Defender include "Defender 007" treadplates, special infotainment animations, and "007" exterior puddle lamps. The interior will get a laser-etched detail plate to denote its number among the 300 vehicles. No Time To Die will feature the Defender front and center, but it's not the only Land Rover in the film. Two Range Rover Sport SVR SUVs will also make an appearance, along with a Range Rover Classic and a Land Rover Series III.


2022 Land Rover Defender V8 Bond EditionYou'll need to be really into Bond to truly appreciate the special Defender.Land Rover


If you're more interested in seeing the Defender's time on screen than you are in getting behind the wheel, it hits theaters in the U.S. starting on October 8, 2021. The film will be the fifth and final movie to feature Daniel Craig as Bond. However, if you're really excited about the Defender, get ready to pay up. Prices start at $114,600 and supplies are extremely limited.

Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images

New survey reveals Jason Statham is the preferred transporter

Survey Says

Jason Statham has made a career on navigating a wide variety of roads at a wide variety of speeds. It's no wonder that the man who played Frank Martin in the "Transporter" trilogy is Britain's preferred celebrity delivery driver.

A new survey by Motorpoint, which recently launched a home delivery service, asked which celebrity people would prefer to have deliver their new car to their home.

Making the list alongside Statham are a Formula 1 driver, an actor who has played James Bond, one of the best soccer players of all time, and a musician who faked an episode of MTV's "Cribs". Scroll down to see them all.

No. 10 - Lewis Hamilton

2019 Brazilian Grand Prix, Saturday - LAT Images

Photo by LAT Images

No. 9 - Peter Kay

Peter Ka

Photo by Jo Hale/Stringer/Getty Images

No. 8 - Tom Hardy

Photo Call For Columbia Pictures' "Venom" Tom Hardy

Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Staff/Getty Images

No. 7 - Dainel Craig

Prince Charles Aston Martin Daniel CraigPhoto by Niklas Halle'n - WPA Pool/Getty Images

No. 6 - Jurgen Klopp

Manchester City v Liverpool FC - Premier League Jurgen Klopp

Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Staff/Getty Images

No. 5 - David Beckham

David Beckham Presents Tudor New Collection In Madrid

Photo courtesy of Pablo Cuadra/Stringer/Getty Images

No. 4 - Robbie Williams

Ein Herz Fuer Kinder Gala 2019 - Show Robbie Williams

Photo by Pool/Getty Images

No. 3 - Idris Elba

Premiere Of Universal Pictures' "Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw" - Red Carpet

No. 2 - Ant and Dec

Britain's Got Talent London Auditions Ant and Dec

Photo by Anthony Harvey/Stringer/Getty Images

No. 1 - Jason Statham

Jason Statham Fast & Furious Hobbs & Shaw Dolby Theatre HollywoodPhoto by Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Photo courtesy of Aston Martin

Aston Martin launches two James Bond-themed Vantage and DBS Superleggera models

New Model News

The 25th James Bond film, "No Time to Die", was set to be released November 20 then pushed back to 2021. Before it arrives on screen, a collaboration between Aston Martin and EON Productions, the company that produces the James Bond films with Metro Goldwyn Mayer Studios, will bring new 007 editions of the Aston Martin Vantage and DBS Superleggera to a garage near you.

"No Time to Die" will feature four Aston Martin models: the iconic DB5; the classic Aston Martin V8; the brand's latest super GT, DBS Superleggera; and the Aston Martin Valhalla – the company's forthcoming mid-engined hypercar.

The special editions have been crafted by Aston Martin's bespoke division: Q by Aston Martin.

Aston Martin Vantage 007 Edition

Photo courtesy of Aston Martin

The Aston Martin Vantage 007 Edition is inspired by the original Aston Martin V8, which made its debut in "The Living Daylights" in 1987 and is featured in "No Time to Die". The movie sees James Bond uncover the car from his personal lock-up in London.

The Vantage 007 Edition gets unique exterior styling including a bespoke mesh grille with chrome bezel that references the look of the brand's classic V8. It will have a Cumberland Gray exterior and Obsidian Black leather and dark chrome interior. 007 branding can be found on the center console of cars equipped with a manual gearbox.

The sun visors of all the cars features a subtle film reference in the shape of an embroidered radio station frequency – 96.60 (FM) – which 007 buffs will know was the Russian police frequency Bond used to aid his escape in "The Living Daylights".

Q by Aston Martin has given the Vantage 007 Edition carbon fiber setbacks and the outline of cello "f holes" inspired by the memorable cello chase scene featuring James Bond (Timothy Dalton) and Kara Milovy (Maryam D'Abo).

There is a dashed yellow diffuser that is inspired by the hazard stripes on the film car's rockets. The Vantage 007 Edition can even be delivered with a set of "The Living Daylights"-inspired limited edition skis and ski rack – referencing the "winterized" V8 saloon from the film.

A laser-etched gadget plaque references the various weapons and devices seen on the original film car. These included a rocket motor, missiles, lasers, a targeting display and ski outriggers. Cross hairs etched onto the car's paddle shift gear levers allude to the missile guidance system seen in the film.

Just 100 Vantage 997 editions will be made.

Aston Martin DBS Superleggera 007 Edition

Photo courtesy of Aston Martin

The 715-horsepower DBS Superleggera 007 Edition is powered by a twin-turbocharged 5.2-liter V12. It has a Ceramic Gray exterior with roof, mirror caps, splitter, diffuser and rear Aeroblade IITM featured in black tinted carbon fiber. The model has unique Gloss Black diamond-turned Y-Spoke 21-inch wheels.

A 007 fender badge, finished in chrome with a black enamel infill and Stainless Steel Silver 007 foil, has been applied to the rear spoiler blade.

The interior of the model features leather upholstery with red detailing. Subtle 007 branding can be found on the door cards, armrest buckle badge and on the rear sub-woofer cover. The car is finished with a sill plaque that recognises it is one of just 25 DBS Superleggera 007 Editions.

The DBS Superleggera 007 Edition with a recommended retail price from RRP £279,025 and the Vantage 007 Edition with a recommended retail price from RRP £161,000 are on sale separately now. First deliveries will begin in Q1 2021.

Photo courtesy of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.

1992 Lamborghini Diablo from 'Die Another Day' up for sale (Pierce Brosnan not included)

Hollywood

In the 2002 film "Die Another Day" Pierce Brosnan, as James Bond, is tasked with locating a mole inside the British intelligence community who betrayed him. The film, and the roster of vehicles in it, proved to be a hit with audiences.

One of the vehicles featured in the Bond production is a 1992 Lamborghini Diablo. Well, not a full Diablo. You see, Eon Productions, the company that makes the Bond franchise, purchased just a shell of the vehicle. The model is first seen by audiences when troops under the command of Colonel Tan-Sun Moon (Will Yun Lee) are cleaning the vehicle alongside a Ferrari F355 Berlinetta, Porsche 911 Carrera, Mercedes-Benz SL, Ford GT40 and Jaguar XKR, according to Fandom.com.

1992 Lamborghini Diablo from 'Die Another Day'In the movie, Bond (and a few cars) escape a plane crash.Photo courtesy of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.

Bond, who is being held captive, eventually escapes, but the Porsche does not, falling victim to the antics of the spy. Later in the film, the cars are seen in the cargo hold of Gustav Graves (Toby Stephens), the alter ego of Moon. With Bond in hot pursuit, Moon, from aboard his plane, reveals that he plans to use the Icarus satellite to cut a path through the Korean Demilitarized Zone that would allow North Korea to invade South Korea.

Graves's plan is foiled by Bond to attempts to shoot him, only to pierce a hole in the fuselage of the plane. A series of struggles ensues and the Icarus beam hits the plane further injuring it. Graves attempts to escape but before he can, Bond pulls his parachute open, which pulls Graves out of the plane and into one of the engines. Bond escapes, relatively unscathed.

While the Diablo didn't survive in the film's plot line, landing in a field in South Korea along with the Ferrari, but it did survive the filming itself.

It now is being sold by Beverly Hills Car Club for $119,500 after being sold by the studio in 2002 for $25,000.

1992 Lamborghini Diablo from 'Die Another Day'The shell has been equipped to a proper V12 engine and other components.Photo courtesy of Beverly Hills Car Club

The European spec model has a Diable Rosso red paint job and a black interior with red piping. The odometer as 45,205 miles on it and the Carfax report comes back clean. It is powered by a 5.7-liter V12 engine that is paired with a five-speed manual transmission. It has power windows, four-wheel disc brakes, and OZ racing staggered wheels.

The seller reveals that the clutch will need to be replaced.

It comes with an invoice from Eon Productions that includes a VIN that matches the vehicle being sold.

Photo courtesy of Aston Martin

Production begins on Aston Martin DB5 'Goldfinger' Continuation cars

Hollywood

Did you happen to catch a few minutes of the James Bond movie marathon on AMC over Memorial Day weekend? With the release of the most installment of the series postponed, there has been a bit of a news void about the world's most beloved spy. Until now.

Aston Martin has once again begun production of the DB5, a model that is considered one of the most desirable cars in the world. Originally, just 900 saloon examples were built between 1963 to 1965. Bond drove one in "Goldfinger".

Fifty-five years after the first model rolled off the line in Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, work is again happening on a limited number of new DB5 models in association with the producers of the James Bond films, EON Productions. Each car takes around 4,500 hours to produce.

Aston Martin DB5 "Goldfinger" Continuation car production

Photo courtesy of Aston Martin

These models will be known as continuation cars and features a broad suite of working gadgets first seen on screen in the 1964 film are priced at £2.75 million, plus taxes. Just 25 will be made.

According to a release, "Each of the 25 new cars is being built to the highest possible quality using a blend of Sir David Brown-era old world craftsmanship, with the sympathetic application of modern engineering advancements and performance enhancements, alongside the integration of cutting-edge gadgets developed in association with Chris Corbould OBE, the special effects supervisor who has worked on more than a dozen Bond films."

All of the cars are a meticulous reproduction of the one Sean Connery drove in character on screen.

The exterior features a rear smoke screen delivery system, rear simulated oil slick delivery system, front and rear revolving number plates, simulated twin front machine guns, bullet resistant rear shield, front and rear battering rams, simulated tire slasher, removable passenger seat roof panel (optional).

Rare Bond Car To be Sold At Automobiles Of London AuctionThis is the 1964 Aston Martin DB5 that was used in the "Goldfinger" and "Thunderball" movies. It recently went under the hammer.Photo by Getty Images

Additionally, the cabin includes a simulated radar screen tracker map, telephone in the driver's door, gear knob actuator button, armrest and centre console-mounted switchgear, under-seat hidden weapons/storage tray, and remote control for gadget activation.

All the DB5 "Goldfinger" Continuation cars are being built to one exterior color specification – Silver Birch paint – just like the original.

The cars feature original DB5 styled aluminum exterior body panels and a mild steel chassis. Under the hood lives a 4.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, three carburetors, and oil cooler. The power plant achieves 290 bhp and is paired with a five-speed ZF manual transmission. It also has a mechanical limited slip differential.

Additional equipment is very much of the car's original production time. There are Servo-assisted hydraulic Girling-type steel disc brakes, rack and pinion steering – which does not feature assistance – and a suspension set-up comprising coil over spring and damper units with anti-roll bar at the front, and a live axle rear suspension with radius arms and Watt's linkage.

Rare Bond Car To be Sold At Automobiles Of London AuctionThe car featured a number of gadgets that were installed for the movie, including machine guns under the fog lights.Photo by Getty Images

First deliveries of the DB5 Goldfinger Continuation to customers will commence in the second half of 2020.

Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

Do you agree? Ford's Mustang team picks the best Mustang movies of all time

Starring Role

The Ford Mustang is a superstar in its own right. But, in the movies, it often takes a back seat to the star-studded cast until a chase scene appears.

There's an entire team at Ford Motor Company dedicated to the Mustang. They're already hard at work on the next generation of the vehicle in addition to modifications to the current.

While they're sheltered in place, members of the team have come up with a list of Mustang-centric movies worth indulging in.

"Bullitt"

'Bullitt' Car Chase

Photo by Warner Bros./Courtesy Getty Images

(watch on Amazon Prime, YouTube, iTunes, Google Play)
Two identical 1968 Mustang GT Fastbacks were used in the filming of the classic Warner Bros. movie "Bullitt" that debuted in theaters on Oct. 17, 1968. Ford revived the iconic nameplate as the 2019 Mustang Bullitt at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

"John Wick"

(watch on Amazon Prime, YouTube, iTunes, Google Play)
When it comes to explosive badass assassin movies, the John Wick series is one of the best of the modern era. Enter the 1969 Mustang Mach 1, a car that matches Wick's quick-tempered reputation for swift and decisive action.

"Goldfinger"

(watch on Amazon Prime, YouTube, iTunes, Google Play)
This classic 1964 James Bond movie was the first major motion picture to feature the pony car although Tilly Masterson's 1964 Ford Mustang meets an unfortunate ending.

"​Gone in 60 Seconds"

(watch on Vudu (free with ads), Amazon Prime, YouTube, iTunes, Google Play)
For the 2000 remake of the original 1974 film, starring Nicholas Cage and Angelina Jolie, the part of Eleanor was 'played' by a 1967 Shelby GT500. Seven Elanor replicas were created for production, with five being totaled during stunt sequences.

"I Am Legend"

(watch on Amazon Prime, YouTube, iTunes, Google Play)
Will Smith's character Robert Neville chose a supercharged red 2007 Mustang Shelby GT500 as his companion (plus his dog) in their fight for survival.

"The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift"

(watch on Amazon Prime, YouTube, iTunes, Google Play)
A 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback takes on a rival car in the final climatic mountain race in the third installment of the Fast and Furious franchise.

"Diamonds are Forever"

(watch on Amazon Prime, YouTube, iTunes, Google Play)
Bond, James Bond, puts a 1971 Mustang Mach 1 through its paces as a getaway car in a memorable chase sequence through Las Vegas, escaping through an alleyway on two wheels. The stunt was performed by legendary stuntman Bill Hickman.

"Transformers"

(watch on Amazon Prime, YouTube, iTunes, Google Play)
This 2005 Mustang was built specially by Saleen and prepped by DreamWorks SKG for the movie. Before being turned into the rolling evil Decepticon known as Barricade, the car started life as a Saleen S281 Extreme with a 4.6-liter V8 and five-speed shifter.

"Grand Prix"

(watch on Amazon Prime, YouTube, iTunes, Google Play)
Featuring a 1966 Shelby GT350H, American acting favorite James Garner plays American Formula 1 driver Pete Aron in director John Frankenhiemer's landmark film about F1 racing.

"War of the Worlds"

(watch on Amazon Prime, YouTube, iTunes, Google Play)
The 1966 Shelby GT350H driven by Tom Cruise in director Steven Spielberg's 2005 film is considered by many auto enthusiasts to be the best part of this particular movie.

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Automotive Map is moving to Your Test Driver

New website

Big news! Automotive Map has moved to a new site and has changed its name to Your Test Driver. You'll notice the same format, writing style, and content on the new site. That's because Your Test Driver is run by Chris Teague, the former editor of Automotive Map. We hope to see you there for continued coverage of news, reviews, and features from around the automotive industry.

2023 Nissan Leaf pricing announced

Updated EV

Nissan is nearing the release of the Ariya, its first new EV in several years. Even so, the brand hasn't forgotten about its first mass-market EV, the Leaf. It was an early entrant in the space, and has been an efficient, affordable, commuter car for over a decade. The car got a mild facelift for 2023, with updated wheels and exterior styling accents. Today, Nissan announced pricing for the Leaf, which starts at just under $29,000.

2023 Nissan LeafThe Leaf feels lively, despite middling power numbers.Nissan

The base Leaf comes with a 40-kWh battery capable of delivering a 149-mile range. Its 110-kW electric motor produces 147 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The Leaf SV Plus features a 60-kWh battery for a range of 212 miles. It comes with a 160-kW motor that makes 214 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. Nissan backs all Leaf models with an eight-year/100,000-mile battery warranty.

ProPilot Assist comes standard for the Leaf SV Plus, and brings a full suite of advanced driver aids that include adaptive cruise control, driver alertness features, and a surround-view monitor. All Leaf models get Nissan Safety Shield 360, which includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warnings, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, automatic high beams, and rear automatic braking.

2023 Nissan LeafThe Leaf SV Plus offers up to 212 miles of range.Nissan

The new Leaf starts at $28,895, which includes a $1,095 destination charge. The Leaf SV Plus starts at $36,895. The 2023 Nissan Leaf is on sale now, and may be eligible for federal tax credits of up to $7,500. Depending on where you live, you may also be able to receive a state tax credit or other incentives.

2022 Nissan Altima: Three things to know

Comfortable midsize sedan

The Nissan Altima may not get the attention or the praise that the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord get, but it's a solid entry in an ultra-competitive segment. It's also one of few options in its class with available all-wheel drive. We spent a week with the 2022 Nissan Altima SR Midnight Edition with AWD and came away from the experience impressed. Here are three things to know about the car.

The 2022 Nissan Altima is a Good Value

With a starting price in the mid-$20,000 range and available all-wheel drive, it's hard to complain about value here. The Altima is still reasonably priced at the top end, where it maxes out at around $35,000 before options and fees. That's a great value for a spacious, comfortable car like the Altima, and with all-wheel drive it's a great all-weather commuter.

2022 Nissan AltimaNissan offers the Altima in several configurations.Nissan

2022 Altima Interior Space and Comfort are Generous

It's easy to ignore Nissan's Zero Gravity seats as another marketing buzzword, but they are legitimately comfortable and supportive in a way that not many others are. Available leather upholstery and contrast stitching give the interior an upscale feel, but even lower trims' cloth upholstery feels nice and works well from a visual standpoint. Up front, there's room for both passengers to stretch out, and the driver won't feel cramped on leg or headroom. Back-seat passengers get a similar treatment, as there's plenty of space for adults and kids. Parents will find an easy time loading and unloading car seats as well.

2023 Nissan AltimaThe Altima gets an update for 2023 with fresh styling and more tech.Nissan

The 2023 Nissan Altima Gets an Update

Nissan is refreshing the Altima for 2023 with a facelift, new tech, and better safety features. The new car will go on sale in the fall of 2022 and will come in several trims, including one with Nissan's truck VC-Turbo engine. The Altima's most noticeable update will be its front fascia, which is all-new for 2023. Nissan gives the car a fresh grille design that varies depending on the trim, and LED headlights will be standard. Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard, and the Altima is available with all-wheel drive, ProPilot Assist, and more.