Downshift Daily - Chase's Blog (5th)

ASTON MARTIN RAPIDE - FIRST OFFICIAL PICTURE

With the Porsche Panamera and the Maserati Quattroporte in it for the long run of high-class-expensive-fast saloon cars, it's no wonder the Aston Marton Rapide is nearing production. It will be powered by a 470hp V12.

Aston Martin insists the Rapide is a four-door sports car whereas the Panamera is more "function over form" with a comfortable back seat. Regardless, who cares if the backseats are comfortable when you are driving around this piece of art?

Production is expected to start late 2009 Magna Steyr factory in Graz, Austria.

2012 JEEP CHEROKEE SRT8 SPECS RELEASED

The X5M, and Cayenne Turbo have a new neighbor to worry about...and he's straight out of Detroit.

That's right. The new SRT8 Jeep is going to have some serious punch if the end up boring-out their current Hemi powerplant. As it's sold now, the SRT8 is good for 420 hp and 420 tq from the 6.2L trademark Hemi motor. 2012 will see that the engine displacement raises to 6.4L producing between 505 and 525 horsepower and somewhere around 510 lb-ft of torque.

The 4WD system will be heavily revised to handle the power.

JEEP RECALLING 47,000 VEHICLES

The 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Commander, and Wrangler four-door that may have reversed wiring on the driver's airbag controller, a defect that may inhibit the airbag's deployment. The 2002 and 2003 Jeep Libertys sold in New England and much of the Midwest are susceptible to a loss of lubrication in their front ball joints due to salt.

A trip to the dealer will remedy any necessary repairs.