2010 Aston Martin Rapide first details

Aston Martin has released the first official details surrounding its upcoming four-door Rapide model which is scheduled to make its first public debut in late 2009. The Rapide is not only the first true four-door production sports car from Aston Martin, but also arguably the only model so far to successfully merge the four-door coupe concept into one stunning package.

The high-powered grand tourer boasts four individual sports seats, offering generous accommodation and luggage space together with thrilling performance thanks to the inherited flexibility of Aston Martin’s front mid-engined layout. From the outset, the Rapide was designed with no aesthetic compromise although this proved to be a much simpler task than expected with 2010 Aston Martin’s design language translating seamlessly to the four door format.

Signature brand elements such as the ’swan wing’ doors - which rise upward as they swing open - provide easy access to the rear seats, whilst the iconic Aston Martin bodywork flows effortlessly to incorporate the two extra doors. The Rapide is powered by an iteration of Aston Martin’s 6.0 litre V12 engine producing 350kW and 600Nm which has been hand built in Cologne, driving the rear wheels through a Touchtronic gearbox.

The car itself will be manufactured at a new production facility in Graz, Austria managed by the acclaimed vehicle manufacturer Magna Steyr and co-ordinated by a fully integrated Aston Martin team from the UK.

“Rapide will exceed expectations to deliver elegance and practicality in a form that will allow driving enjoyment and comfort beyond anything that exists today,” says Dr Ulrich Bez, “The Rapide will exist in a class all of its own, a true Aston Martin with the high performance and dynamic excellence that defines the brand, and a luxurious sporting grand tourer without equal.”

The last stages of endurance testing are now underway at the brand’s new Nürburgring Test Centre, with final sign-off expected later this year before a production car is debuted in September followed by customer deliveries in early 2010.

© Source: caradvice
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Aston Martin V12 Vantage – Video

Here is a quick but detailed enough review from Imotor. Unfortunately, Aston Martin only took them for a short drive. The car sounds and looks amazing.



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2009 Aston Martin Lagonda Concept

(from Aston Martin Press Release) Aston Martin is proud to announce the return of Lagonda, one of the oldest and most iconic names in luxury car manufacturing. The revival of Lagonda fulfils a long-term vision and will bring performance luxury into new markets and territories around the world for Aston Martin Lagonda. Ultimately, Lagonda will be a strong presence in 100 global territories, vastly increasing the global brand reach of the company and extending to new customers.

Reflecting its remarkable history, the brand will return to Russia, enter emerging markets in the Middle East, South America, India and China, as well as responding to demand from the dynamic, innovation-focused consumers of Europe, North America and the Far East. The Lagonda is the luxury car of the future, says Aston Martin Lagonda Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez, a combination of total usability, a new form and innovative new technology and materials.

Lagonda is committed to innovative new propulsion technologies, new materials and elegant forms, creating a functional luxury for the near future. Critically, the brand will allow the exploration of alternative powertrain solutions including flexfuel, low emission diesel and hybrid systems. Lagonda will epitomise the intersection of craft, design and technology with Aston Martin's established high performance expertise.

The intention is for Lagonda to enter the market place with a unique performance avant-garde luxury product, a vehicle that combines exceptional ability with unsurpassed elegance, inside and out. The LAGONDA CONCEPT is a powerful four-wheel drive, four-seater car that will satisfy the most discerning and demanding owner.

An Aston Martin is an authentic, pure sports car, says Dr Ulrich Bez, but Lagonda is something else, a new brand that will reach into new markets. Lagonda will create a new kind of customer relationship, instilling the spirit of travel, adventure and style into a single, formidable package.

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Aston Martin DBS Volante at Geneva

Aston Martin's V12-powered rag-top DBS has received a premature online unveiling. To be officially introduced in Geneva, the new 2+2 seater DBS Volante features a fabric top that neatly tucks away behind a sculpted tonneau cover at the touch of a button in 14 seconds. Power is provided by Aston Martin's all alloy 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 510-horsepower and 570 Nm (420 lb ft) of torque for a top speed of 191 mph (307 km/h) and a 0-100 km/h (62mph) time of 4.3 secs.

In standard specification, Aston Martin DBS Volante comes with a rear-mounted six-speed manual gearbox, while for those that don't mind having a less engaging driving experience, the British firm also offers an automatic six-speed 'Touchtronic' option.

To keep the car's weight down (Aston announces a weight of 1,810kg or 3,990 lbs), Aston Martin DBS Volante is offered with carbon ceramic brakes as standard while the bonnet, front wings and boot lid are all made from carbon fibre.

The DBS Volante will be built at Aston Martin's global headquarters at Gaydon, Warwickshire with the first examples expected to be delivered during the third quarter of the year. Prices will be announced at the Geneva Auto Salon.

© Source: carscoop
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2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage – Full test

Forget the DBS. Seriously. Compared with that V-12-powered moviestarmobile, the 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage - updated with a newly enlarged, more potent V-8 -- is easily as quick, lighter and nimbler, and arguably every bit as good-looking. Yet the Vantage sells for about half the price. If you're shopping for an Aston, we've just saved you about $140K (we accept 10-percent honorariums for our services; please mail checks to "Those Americans at the Bar," c/o Grand Hotel du Cap-Ferrat). A larger question remains, though: Do you really want this Aston at all?

) and, on Sportshift, a smarter computer that automatically holds the selected gear if it detects cornering inputs at the steering wheel.

Underneath, a newly available Sports Pack adds lightweight forged alloy wheels (19-inchers are now standard on all models) plus stiffer springs and shocks, trading some body roll and ride cushion for flatter cornering and quicker response.

On its first run the Aston had clocked a 0-to-60-mph time of 4.1 seconds and a quarter mile of 12.5 seconds at 115.0 mph, easily bettering the 4.3-liter car's performance (5.2 seconds; 13.6 seconds at 105.8 mph) and even topping the times of the mighty, 520-horse DBS with six-speed automatic (4.2 seconds to 60 mph; 12.6 seconds at 112.3 mph in the quarter). And the Vantage hadn't even revealed its full potential. "Definitely could've gone quicker," said test driver Scott Mortara. "Probably under four seconds to 60." Does the new Sports Pack pay handling dividends? Why, yes: The new Vantage circled our figure-eight course in 24.5 seconds at 0.79 average g, compared with 25.7 seconds at 0.72 g average for the outgoing car.

Aston Martin has upped its game. There's no denying the Vantage's rarity and beauty (lined up with the 911, it looks like a leopard next to an ostrich egg). Nor are there many engines on the planet whose exhaust note alone can convince you that $136,630 is an entirely reasonable sum to pay for an automobile. It's this timbre-the V-8's nerve-chilling shriek above 4000 rpm-that inspires the phrase "the sound of ripping silk." Of course, that's really just another hackneyed auto-journalism cliche. Besides, what the Vantage's V-8 really sounds like is a ripping silk-and-mohair blend. Those in search of spectacular tailoring and engine fireworks will adore this new Aston Martin. Porsche, however, has not a thing to worry about.

© Source: motortrend
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Aston Martin Rapide Images

Today, Aston Martin released the two sharpest renderings of its production-ready Rapide to date. Where the previous images of the car were dark and harder to distinguish, these latest renderings are bright and easier to read.

Granted the new pictures really aren't telling us anything that we don't already know. From the former renderings and spy shots we've been able to confirm the sexy sedan's seductive shape. We like the front end's snarling guise and the One-77-esque hood vents. We already know that the back end slightly resembles the Vantage, and we approve of that too.

What we dislike is the fact that Aston hasn't told us when we will see the four-seat sedan in person. We expect that the car may be unveiled at the 2009 Geneva motor show in March.

© Source: automobilemag
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Aston Martin Vantage 4.3-litre

Following the launch of the new 4.7-litre V8 Vantage, Aston Martin has introduced a retrospective-fit power enhancement and Sports Pack option for owners of the original 4.3-litre Vantage. The power upgrade will see peak power rise by 15kW to 298kW, with a modest torque increase from 410Nm to 420Nm resulting in a higher top speed of 285km/h and an improved zero to 100km/h time.

The package has been developed by the Aston Martin engineering team and includes a revised induction system using technology previously introduced on the DBS. The new air intake system has a pair of switching airbox-valves that open at 5,500rpm allowing additional air into the engine producing more power.

Engine calibration has also been revised to optimise ignition timing and improve compatibility with higher octane fuels.

The Sports Pack was first introduced on the 4.7-litre V8 Vantage earlier this year, and is now fitted to half of all vehicles produced - leading Aston Martin to provide the popular option to previous owners to enhance the handling characteristics of the car.

The package comprises uprated springs and Bilstein dampers, and lightweight forged aluminium 5-spoke wheels which help reduce unsprung mass, further improving the precision handling of the V8 Vantage.

© Source: caradvice
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2009 Aston Martin Rapide - official images

After numerous concept images, and news about the production of the car, Aston Martin has finally revealed the first official image of its forthcoming four-door GT, the Rapide. CAR Magazine reports that this is the genuine article, and that despite a few detail differences, this image reveals that the production version remains mostly faithful to the original concept car.

It loses a few intake vents on the front bumper, and there’s a new crease-line from the front guards back, however even the seats remain the same (if you look very closely!). A glass roof also features.

With a 373kW and 570Nm 6.0-litre V12 at the front (essentially the engine from the DBS), the Rapide’s estimated two tonnes shouldn’t be a problem. ZF’s creamy six-speed auto should also promote smooth travelling.

More images will be coming in the next few months, so stay tuned to see the battle between the Aston Martin Rapide and the Porsche Panamera.

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2009 Aston Martin One-77

(from Aston Martin press release) One-77 fuses advanced technology with stunning Aston Martin design to create possibly the world’s most desirable automotive art form. Based on a sophisticated carbon fibre chassis with a handcrafted aluminium body, this 7.3 litre V12 super car will deliver exhilarating performance for a strictly limited number of discerning customers.

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2009 Aston Martin Vantage GT4

Aston Martin has launched the new 2009 Vantage GT4 racer which parallels the recently released 4.7 litre V8 Vantage as its race-spec counterpart. The hand-built Vantage GT4 was unveiled in Dubai this week after six months of development by Aston Martin Racing, and tested extensively at the Dubai Autodrome.

The 4.7-litre V8 engine has been recalibrated for race use, featuring a free flowing exhaust system and air filters, with the standard V8 dry sump lubrication system maintained to help prevent oil surge during cornering. An evolution of the previous 4.3 litre Vantage N24, the more responsive larger capacity engine provides increased torque throughout the rev range.

The Vantage GT4 can be supplied with either a six speed manual, or a Sportshift transmission with paddle controls, although both versions feature a Valeo twin-plate cerametallic racing clutch and lightweight flywheel to complete the powertrain specification.

Active safety systems are directly carried over to the Vantage GT4, including dynamic stability control, traction control, ABS and electronic brakeforce distribution, providing reassurance and enhanced control in slippery conditions.

Aston Martin Racing is now the only manufacturer to produce cars in each of the GT classes: GT1, GT2, GT3 and GT4.


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Aston Martin One-77 second teaser – Video

Aston Martin has released the second teaser video showcasing the upcoming One-77 supercar before its official debut. With a limited production run of only 77 examples worldwide - all of which have been accounted for, the One-77 is set to become one of the most exclusive and highly sought-after supercars in history.



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Aston Martin DBS Touchtronic

It’s the pinnacle of the Aston Martin line up and the car of choice for James Bond. And now for the first time the stunning DBS can be ordered with the British firm's Touchtronic gearbox.

The transmission of choice on 90 per cent of standard DB9’s the automatic gearbox has been reworked to suit the sporty nature of the DBS. Aston Martin’s engineers contemplated using the automated manual Sportshift unit from the smaller Vantage but decided that despite its more traditional torque converter set up the automatic Touchtronic could offer the right blend of usability and involvement to keep DBS customers happy.

And the end result is very impressive – when driven in conventional auto mode the gearbox makes the DBS easy to live with in traffic and it copes with low speed manoeuvring better than the automated manual in the Vantage. But given the DBS’s power and focused handling, plenty of driver interaction is crucial and thankfully the steering wheel mounted paddles offer excellent control and a lovely throttle blip on the downshift. The upshifts are 15 per cent faster than in the standard DB9 and if you press the Sport button they are 25 per cent quicker. In addition to making up changes faster the Sport button also gives you a sportier throttle response.

Crucially, if you change up a gear at half throttle the changes are smoother than the Vantage’s Sportshift transmission too and with a shorter final drive ratio, despite being 30kg heavier, the Touchtronic DBS matches the manual’s 0-100mph performance.

Not only that, emissions drop from 388g/km to 367g/km, while claimed combined economy rises from 17.2mpg to a still scary 18.2mpg. But then fuel costs are not high on the list of super car owners concerns and even with its £3,000 price premium over the manual it’s no surprise that Aston Martin predict that the Touchtronic will account for 75 per cent of future DBS orders.

© Source: autoexpress
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4-Carat Gold Aston Martin DB7

At a time when stock markets are tumbling, people are losing their jobs and the auto industry is struggling to make ends meet, there's one company that's as good as gold: Alchemist.

Well, the luxury customization company decided to take gold-plating to another level by developing a one-off, 24-carat gold and platinum-leafed Aston Martin DB7 that will make its first public appearance at the MPH motorshow featuring Top Gear Live at London's Earls Court from 30 October to 2 November.

Aside from all that gold and platinum, the bling-bling Aston also comes with seven diamonds embedded in the bodywork. Alchemist's creative director and modern day 'Goldfinger', Jacques Blanc, said: "Forget the everyday optional extras offered by car manufacturers, this is the King Midas of customization and the gold standard of luxury."

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Aston Martin V8 Vantage

We’ve put together a small teaser of what we got up to in our drive of the Vantage last week. Make sure you read the Aston Martin V8 Vantage review and also check out the Aston Martin DBS video.



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Aston Martin launches DBS auto

Responding to customer requests, Aston Martin has now launched its DBS with an automatic transmission, which it is calling the Touchtronic 2.

Basically, a similar unit to the DB9’s automatic, the Touchtronic 2 is a transaxle ZF transmission which has been upgraded to handle the higher power and torque from the V12 of the DBS. Buttons on the fascia are used to select drive, park and reverse settings, with leather-trimmed magnesium paddles mounted behind the wheel to shift up and down gears. Once a paddle is activated, manual control is selected, with the driver needing to select “Drive” to return to full automatic mode. There is also a “Sport” setting with more aggressive throttle mapping and gear changes.

The 0-100km/h time of 4.3 seconds is unchanged, mainly due to a shortening of the final drive ratio from 3.15:1 to 3.46:1. Top speed of 307km/h is also unchanged.

In addition, the DBS now comes with BeoSound, Bang and Olufsen’s bespoke audio equipment for the DBS. 13 channels, 10 speakers, 1000W - it’s all fitting for Aston Martin.

An optional 2+2 seating configuration will now be offered also, along with new 10-spoke 20-inch wheels with a diamond turned surface, which saves 8kg in unsprung mass.

Pricing on the DBS starts at $497,441 for the manual, and $505,691 for the new Touchtronic 2, excluding on-road costs.

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2009 Premier4509 Aston Martin Vantage

(from Premier4509 Press Release) The Aston Martin Vantage is the latest vehicle to receive the latest design package from Premier4509. The new release consists of redesigns for the front bumper, front fenders, side skirts, rear bumper and rear spoiler. The first shipment dates are expected in the fourth quarter of the year.

Production standards will be original equipment quality in terms of fitment and ease of installation. Pieces will be made of high grade fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) and feature optional carbon fiber accessories that can be fitted to the Premier4509 pieces. Aston Martin is a classic brand and my focus for the creation of this new design was to capture the classic lines and invigorate it with masculine shapes, said Premier4509 president, Hironoa Yokomaku.

Only 300 Vantage limited kit sets will be produced worldwide. Each set will include a uniquely numbered serial plate that will come framed with a certificate of ownership. Also available with the kit is the option to collect the Premier4509 limited edition forged 3 piece aluminum-alloy wheels as shown on the vehicle.

Premier4509 is based in Tskuba, Japan with offices in Paramount, California. Premier4509 is a brand developed and created by VeilSide, a Japanese automotive performance company that and specializes in automotive parts that include aero design, hard parts and luxury-performance wheels. The company owns two world records for racing as well as several design awards from the Tokyo Auto Salon. For more information about Premier4509, visit the website: www.Premier4509.com.

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Aston Martin One-77 preview

Aston Martin has teased us today with a sneak peak at the company’s latest supercar, the One-77. Not much is known about this car, which has been kept under wraps, but what we do know is that it is set to turn the Aston Martin image on its head.

Currently recognised for making desirable (but heavy) grand-tourers and sports cars, Aston Martin has been secretly developing the One-77 for a limited build run. The difference with this car, is an all new chassis made from carbon-fibre, which along with aluminium panels will keep weight to a minimum.

Also new is a 7.0-litre V12 which Aston Martin says will offer “exhilarating performance for a strictly limited number of discerning customers.” The name, refers to “One of 77″ as implied by its new website - www.one-of-77.com

The company says that the One-77 is “the ultimate creative interpretation of the renowned British marque.” With a price-tag said to be around the £1 million mark, the hand-built supercar is said to be very special.

A front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout appears to be used, and although Aston Martin is cagey about the details, CarAdvice believes the engine to be an enlarged version of the existing 6-litre V12 used in the DBS.

The transmission is also unknown, but it’s obviously going to have to be able to handle enough grunt to rocket the car from 0-100km/h in a mooted 3.5 seconds. Top speed is also projected to be over 320km/h. Right and left-hand drive versions will be available, with Aston Martin Australia confirming that an Australian spec car would be on the cards if there was sufficient interest (read: money put on the table).

The forthcoming Paris Motor Show seems to be the expected reveal of the car, and CarAdvice will bring you pictures and more details as soon as they come to hand.

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2009 Aston Martin DB9 power boost

The 2009 Aston Martin DB9 has joined its baby brother, the V8 Vantage, for a performance overhaul. The DB9’s 6.0-litre V12 engine has been boosted from 335kW to 350kW with torque now nudging the 600Nm mark.

This has shaved a tenth off the supercar’s 0-100km/h time - dropping to just 4.6 seconds with the top speed jumping to 305km/h.

Handling has also been improved thanks so revisions made to the chassis and suspension setup.

Not unlike the V8 Vantage, the 2009 DB9 will also feature a new centre console and switch gear - a highly criticised aspect of the existing model.

It will also receive a new ECU (Emotional Control Unit) as seen in the striking Aston Martin DBS.

Exterior changes include new side mirrors, a revised grill and updated 19-inch wheels.

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Aston Martin rules at auction

In an auction by Newport Pagnell, the Aston Martin broke all boundaries by generating £4.7 million (approx. $9.3 million) bids from fans. Fans from all over the world put up as much money as they could to lay their hands on the keys of their beloved ride. Distances as far as Japan and Australia didn’t make much of a difference to the bidders. The Aston Martin’s patronage speaks for itself with all the goliath efforts from its patrons.

The 961 Aston Martin DB4 GT Coupe stole the show with the highest bid of £1,079,500 (that its approximately equivalent to $2,139,650). This is the highest price paid for this model that had only 75 units.

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2008 Sabino Design Aston Martin AMV10 Concept

(from Sabino Design) The Aston Martin was a project to create a mid-engined Aston Martin that could fit among the current ones, AMV8, DB9, yet different enough to have its own identity.Website: www.sabinodesign.com.


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