Archive for the ‘Aston-Martin’ Category
September 3rd, 2010 | 
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An Aston Martin SUV? That seemed to be the plan back in 2009 when the company brought back the Lagonda brand with an SUV concept. In 2010, however, the company has decided that the Rapide is the only non-sports car version they will ever develop. It’s probably a good decision considering the Lagonda SUV wasn’t very well-received by the automotive industry when it debuted.
So, instead of wasting money on something no one will buy, Aston Martin is going to bring a Lagonda version of the Rapide sedan. It will grow in length in order to offer enough interior space for the rear passenger, and will most likely be more luxury oriented.
If we remember correctly, at the concept launch Aston Martin Lagonda Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez said that the future sedan would be “the luxury car of the future, a combination of total usability, a new form and innovative new technology and materials.” Sounds promising, but we’ll have to wait about four years to see if they’re right since that is how long it will take Aston Martin to produce the Lagonda Rapide.
Aston Martin drops Lagonda SUV; plans sedan instead originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 3 September 2010 12:00 EST.
When Aston Martin first unveiled the Cygnet they announced that it would only be offered in Europe, and only to those customers who already owned an Aston Martin model. Oh, how things change, as Aston Martin has now stated that the Cygnet will be making its way over to the US in 2012.
What we don’t get is why Aston Martin would put a more expensive, rebadged Toyota iQ in the States. Sure, cars like this would make sense in highly congested cities or for people who like to throw some extra money away for a badge that says Aston, but, overall, wouldn’t people just buy the cheaper iQ?
When the Cygnet is offered in 2012, it will come with a 1.3-liter gasoline engine. An electric-only version with a 60-mile range will arrive in 2013. In the USA, the mini car will be priced at a steep $35,000. Of course, this price is nothing compared to the $200K for the newly launched Rapide sedan, but the rule still stands, only current Aston Martin owners can purchase the Cygnet. All the rest of us will just have to stick with the iQ if we want a vehicle like this, which is just fine by us.
Aston Martin Cygnet coming to USA originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 1 September 2010 22:00 EST.
When you get into this category, it’s hard to say if one is better than the other. Ferrari, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, and McLaren are all wonderful products, but is one better than the other one in the real world? Probably not, but there are a few things we can look at to try and determine a solid list.
When you have this kind of money, performance is expected out of these machines and that is a key thing to remember. Every car on this list is fast enough for most people. Many will begin to point out numbers and statistics to prove that their car should be ranked higher up. What they fail to understand is that most of the people who buy these machines will never get close to those numbers. For them, it’s more about the car. With that in mind, we will look at styling, prestige, luxury, and the sensations that you get when you sit behind the wheel.
There is a never a right answer when comparing these machines. Everybody has their own opinion and everybody will think they’re correct. We really had to think about this one long and hard because, well, we had no idea how to rank most of these machines. The top ten supercars for 2010 is just one of life’s great mysteries.
Nonetheless, we persevered on your behalf to try and rank today’s best supercars. We would also like to point out price was not considered in this ranking. If you can afford any one of these cars, most of the time price isn’t going to be a big deal.
Hit the jump to see the list.
TopSpeed’s 10 Best No-Limit Supercars originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 31 August 2010 08:00 EST.
Posted in Aston-Martin, Bugatti, Ferrari, Koenigsegg, Lamborghini, Lexus, Mercedes, Pagani, Porsche, Supercars / Exotic cars, Top Ten, guide | 
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Seven months after Aston Martin announced its new racing series, the GT4 Challenge, they are coming at us with another announcement. Not only will this be the debut year for the series, but will also be the debut year for Aston Martin’s Design Director. Marek Reichman will make his racing debut in the Aston Martin GT4 Challenge of Great Britain at Oulton Park on Saturday August 21, 2010. The amateur racer will be driving a customized Vantage GT4, a production-based race car eligible for all FIA GT4 races as well as other race series around the world.
A race in the GT4 Challenge will last between 90 and 150 minutes in length with practice, qualifying, and the race happening all in the same day. While talking about the race Marek said: “The design team has been closely involved in the design of all our race cars, from the works LMP1 prototype to the Vantage GT4, but I’ve always longed to get even more closely involved and the Aston Martin GT4 Challenge provides the perfect introduction to GT4 racing for me.”
Chris Porritt will be racing alongside Reichman during the race. Porritt is well known for his racing experience at the Nürburgring, but he says that Oulton Park is his home track. The only difference is that Porritt has never raced an Aston Martin on the track before, but we doubt that will make a huge difference in his performance.
Press release after the jump.
Aston Martin’s Design Director will make racing debut in a Vantage GT4 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Saturday, 14 August 2010 06:00 EST.
The British auto manufacturer Aston Martin is notorious for creating some of the most elegant and luxurious cars on the supercar market. What makes them stand apart is that they do so without taking away from any of the brute force of an agile hyper-car. However, when we see a car like the bulky, awkward looking 1996 “Sportsman” Shooting Brake, we wonder how all of that finesse got lost in in this particular translation.
With styling similar to the V8 Le Mans, the Shooting Brake is an entirely hand built 2-door hatchback. What makes it even more special is the fact that only two were ever built. Normally, we wouldn’t discuss automobiles such as this unless they were miraculously thrown back into the loop so you can guess that this one has gone back into circulation. The Shooting Brake is up for auction at Bonhams’ sale of Fine Motor Cars and Automobilia at the ’Weekend de l’Excellence Automobile on September 11th. Due to its rarity, the car is expected to fetch upwards of $650,000; as much as a couple of 599s.
We’ll let you decide if you want a hatchback over a couple monstrou, red Ferraris. Other Astons up for sale are a 1965 DB5 Vantage (one of which went for $830K at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed), a 1957 DB2/4 MKII Drophead Coupe, and a 1986 Volante.
Super-rare $650k Aston Martin Shooting Brake up for auction originally appeared on topspeed.com on Sunday, 8 August 2010 06:00 EST.
The Aston Martin Rapide was debuted back in 2006 at the North America International Show (NAIS) with many people oohing and aahing over the clean and sleek design of the supercar. You would think that after such a remarkable reception, Aston Martin would jump at the chance to produce this vehicle and give everyone just what they were drooling over. That was not the case. It took Aston Martin four years to come out with a production model and now we get to see what transpired over those four years in a video that is only three minutes long.
To be honest, the video is not that great. The stages of development that are showed are not exhilarating or telling in any fashion. What the video is good for is a few shots of the beautiful Rapide as it coasts down the road. If you are looking for a Mulsanne type documentary, this video simply isn’t for you. If you are looking to see the gorgeous Rapide travel along some roads, then watch on.
The Aston Martin Rapide comes with a 6.0 Liter V12 engine lifted directly from the Aston Martin DB9. It will make the exact same 470 HP and 443 lb-ft of torque as the coupe. The fat four door will be able to go from 0 to 60 MPH in just 5.1 seconds and reach a top speed to be estimated at 188 MPH.
Video: Aston Martin Rapide in development originally appeared on topspeed.com on Saturday, 17 July 2010 23:00 EST.
Posted in Aston-Martin, Aston-Martin Rapide, luxury cars, sedan, sports cars, video |
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The British have a certain man working on their side to make sure the world stays baddie free. Sure, he is a made-up character by Ian Fleming, but what does that matter? He loves vodka martinis, women, and watches, but most of all, he loves his Aston Martins. If you haven’t guessed his name by now you have been under a rock for quite some time.
James Bond, played by Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Daniel Craig, and a few others, has a certain sophistication that makes him who he is. Bond might not be the fastest, the quickest, or the best, but that’s not why we love him. Aston Martins are the same way. They can be out dueled by a Ferrari and out cornered by a Lamborghini, but we don’t love them any less because of that.
Astons aren’t about breakneck speed or snap your spine cornering. They aren’t about flashy looks or massive rear exhausts, in fact, they are quiet and conservative compared to their Italian counterparts and you know what? We love them for it.
Hit the jump to keep reading.
An In Depth Look At The New 2011 Aston Martin DB9 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Monday, 12 July 2010 09:00 EST.
With the James Bond series on a bit of a long break, we thought it would be an appropriate time to take a look at the past films and find the best cars used by the English spy.
It won’t be easy, as there were plenty of top-notch automobiles throughout the years. The current Aston Martin DBS is a stunning machine and the one we would own if it were our choice, but it doesn’t have the history and gadgets to be ranked in this article.
From Sean Connery to Roger Moore to Pierce Brosnan, every Bond actor has had a chance to drive these fabulous machines. Some longer than others.
We don’t have any James Bond experts, but that’s all right. Sometimes experts over-think things. We are just going to look at every movie as a die hard fan and pick our favorite 007 cars of all time.
Hit the jump for the list.
Top Five James Bond Cars originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 8 July 2010 17:00 EST.
Yesterday we reported that a 1965 Aston Martin DB5 Vantage Convertible was auctioned for $830.000 and today we are pleased to announce that an even more exclusive 1966 Aston Martin DB6 will be available for auction in Monterey on August 13, 2010.
The Aston Martin DB6 was based off the DB5, but had a larger and more accommodating Grand Touring drive. For some, like legendary crooner Bing Crosby, this was an ideal car to drive around in. In fact, Crosby was the original owner of this exclusive vehicle. The silver gray coupe is powered by a 4 liter OHC straight 6 engine producing 282hp which was made by AM.
The coupe is in excellent condition and still has all of the original interior and original cheery wood steering wheel. The DB6 did receive new paint and chrome about five years ago. It has also received new wheels, tires, and a new brake system.
1966 Aston Martin DB6 for auction originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 8 July 2010 09:00 EST.
It seems there has been a wave of sickness that has swept over Europe. It’s not the disease-ridden kind of sickness, but it’s still rather interesting. Where as the United States has been working on making their supercars faster, the Europeans have been hard at work making their high performance cars more practical.
There is nothing wrong with practicality, but it’s certainly not the new speed. Power, beauty, and performance are three things that matter more to us than practicality. Sure the Lamborghini Gallardo Balboni doesn’t have rear seats or all-wheel drive, but it’s still bloody fun to drive and that makes us happier than any backseat could.
Yet, for some that isn’t enough. Porsche was the first to catch the disease and it has really affected them quite badly. Worse than others in fact. Their first go at a practical vehicle was a bit too tall, long, and very out of place. Imagine Land Rover creating a sports car and you’ll get the idea here. It was called the Cayenne and it must have been a ’real’ illness that made them think it looked remotely good.
Now we have the Panamera and, sadly, the same thing has occurred, just in a smaller and easier to swallow dose. It doesn’t look great, but it does offer insane performance with room in the back for two full sized people.
Aston Martin decided to follow the German lead with the Rapide. This is their first practicality attempt in quite some time and initial impressions are very good indeed. This car looks the part, but does it drive as well as the Panamera. We’re about to find out.
Hit the jump to keep reading.
Four-Door European Saloons: Aston Martin Rapide vs. Porsche Panamera originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 7 July 2010 08:00 EST.
Posted in Aston-Martin, Aston-Martin Rapide, Porsche, Porsche Panamera, Supercars / Exotic cars, sedan |
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In July 1963 Aston Martin unveiled the DB5. The convertible version was limited to only 23 units, but only nine of them featured the more powerful Vantage engine which was a 282bhp engine mated to a four-speed/overdrive gearbox. One of these fantastic automobiles was auctioned during this past weekend at the Goodwood Festival of Speed for an impressive £551,500 (or $830,000 at the current exchange rates).
The Aston Martin wasn’t the only vehicle with a price tag to bid on at that auction. Other extravagant vehicles were sold and included a 1937 Bentley 41/4-Litre Drophead Coupe (which was featured in the 007 James Bond film ’Never Say Never Again’), a 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK230, and a 1976 Jensen Interceptor Series III Coupe. In total, the auction raised an impressive £3,707,687.
Group Head of Bonhams Motoring Department, James Knight, comments: "There was extraordinary strength of bidding in all areas of the market and we were exceptionally pleased to establish yet another world record Aston Martin price with the sale of the DB5 convertible."
Press release after the jump.
1965 Aston Martin DB5 Vantage Convertible auctioned for $830K originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 6 July 2010 15:00 EST.
Barracuda Wheels is offering a set of Tzunamee wheels for the V8 powered Aston Martin Vantage. The set includes 9.0 x 20 inch light alloy rims on the front axle and 10.0 x 20 inch rims mounted on the rear drive axle.
The wheels feature a very aggressive design with a matte black, highly polished surface. The wheels are slapped on to the classic green V8 Vantage to add a dynamic edge to the already beautiful vehicle. In addition, the wheels are available in sizes ranging from 7.5 x 17 to 10 x 20 inches. They also come in three different color schemes: Higloss black, real chrome, and white polished.
The V8 Vantage features a 4.7 Liter V8 engine that delivers a total of 420 HP and 350 lb-ft of torque. This power is enough to sprint the car from 0 to 60 MPH in just 4.7 seconds and hit a top speed of 180 MPH.
Press release after the jump.
Aston Martin Vantage gets Barracuda racing wheels originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 24 June 2010 20:00 EST.
Looking for a good read about futuristic automobiles and gorgeous women, Playboy has your fix. In the July issue of the long running men’s magazine, reporter Ken Gross will be looking at six new cars that will be coming to showrooms near you. Of course, readers can just get the information for the vehicles here, but then what would be your excuse to buy the magazine? Our recommendation? Get your car fix here and then pretend to read the article when you buy the July issue of Playboy.
The article will be called Reinventing the Wheel and will take a look at the new Porsche 318 Spyder, Bertone Pandion, Aston Marton Cygnet, Mercedes-Benz F800 Style, Ferrari 599 Hy-Kers and the IED Tesla EYE.
The first car on the list is the new Porsche 918 Spyder. This car is a serious case of have your cake and eat it too. It has the appearance of the old Carrera GT, which isn’t really a bad thing from a company that created the horror that is the Cayenne. The 918 will be able to reach 62 miles per hour in just 3.2 seconds thanks to its 500 horsepower V8 and a pair of electric motors. The amazing thing is this car’s gas mileage. Porsche claims that this car can get 78 miles per gallon with just 70 grams of CO2 per kilometer. Stunning.
Hit the jump for the rest of the story.
Playboy to take in-depth look at Geneva's best concept cars originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 23 June 2010 11:00 EST.
Posted in Aston-Martin, Bertone, Ferrari, Mercedes, Porsche, Tesla, cool fast cars |
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Although we do not understand why, this really happened! A Russian customer came to Edo Competition with a strange request: he wanted his 5 year old DB9to be transformed into an Aston Martin DBS.
Of course the German tuner did not limit the makeover to only the exterior transformations! They also increased the engine’s power to a total of 500 HP, so now the DB9... oh sorry... the DBS can hit a top speed of 199 mph. Carbon fiber pieces, a new set of 20" wheels, a high-performance exhaust system, a new sport suspension system, and a new braking system offered the car a more muscular appearance.
For the interior Edo Competition added a refreshed dashboard, center console, headliner, door panels, and seats all made in Alcantara/leather interior with carbon fiber inserts and metal accents. There is also a new high-end audio system and the exhaust system features fitted butterfly valves allowing the driver to change the sound from ferocious to unobtrusive and quiet.
Press release after the jump.
Edo Competition transforms an Aston Martin DB9 into a DBS originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 18 June 2010 10:00 EST.
Posted in Aston-Martin, Aston-Martin DB9, Edo Competition, car tuning, coupe, sports cars |
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Yesterday we reported that Aston Martin would bring the new generation DB9 sometime in 2013-2014. Today the British magazine AutoCar reveals details on another six future models.
The first to go on sale will be the 2011 Cygnet. It will have a vital role in helping Aston to cut its fleet average CO2 by the near-20%. The DB9 coming in 2013 will be offered with a new exterior design, fresh interior, and revised V12 engine. At the same time Aston Martin will bring the next generation DBS. It will get more power and a sportier chassis.
In 2014, the British company will bring the next generation Vantage. It will get the same tricks as the DB9 and will be 150kg heavier than a steel-bodied 911.
The Lagonda SUV will also be launched in 2014. It will be a more luxurious, less sporting model than the Aston Martin and will compete with models in the Mercedes GL-Class. A second generation Rapide will be launched in 2016.
So, there you have it folks. Six beautiful and luxurious vehicles heading our way between now and 2016. We’ll keep posted and reveal any new details we have on any of these models as soon as the information becomes available.
Aston Martin reveals details on six future models originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 11 June 2010 14:00 EST.
Yesterday we reported that Aston Martin would bring a new generation DB9 sometime in 2013-2014. However, until then, the British company is preparing a facelift version that will be revealed at the Paris Auto Show. And spy photographers caught it almost completely undisguised.
The facelift version includes a new front bumper with revised intakes, a new side sill design, new wheels, new wing mirrors, and redesigned taillights. The new DB9 will also get new exterior colors and a few new wheel options.
A facelift version for the Volante version will be revealed in a few months after the coupe version.
Facelift Aston Martin DB9 caught testing originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 11 June 2010 09:00 EST.
Posted in Aston-Martin, Aston-Martin DB9, Spy Shots and Rendering, coupe, sports cars |
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Aston Martin will be giving the DB9 and the Vantage two-seater a facelift in 2013 and 2014 as the English company aims to refresh its range without engineering new models.
Aston’s plan for a more fundamental revamp of the cars has been thrown out due to the financial crisis.
Instead of a major revamp, Aston Martin will be focusing on a detailed engineering overhaul of the DB9 and the Vantage’s current aluminum structure. The two cars will also get new exterior looks and new interiors.
Artists at Autocar have given us a sample of what they think these modified cars will look like.
The new DB9’s look will come from the limited-run One-77 supercar, although the styling will be toned down a bit.
Full story after the jump.
Aston Martin DB9 leads a revamped Aston lineup originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 10 June 2010 11:00 EST.
The Park Stoke Club is no stranger to hosting Agent 007 in its grounds. As the setting for a number of Bond movies made over the years, you could say that the club and James Bond himself are pretty well acquainted with each other.
So it really wasn’t surprising to us to find out that four Aston Martins from four different Bond movies will be making their way to the Park Stroke Club for a nice, little tete-a-tete at the club’s Midsummer Classic event on June 26. The four Astons that will be on-hand for the event include the soon-to-be auctioned off Aston Martin DB5, the DBS, the Vanquish, and the V8 Vantage Volante.
So if you’re a Bond - and Aston Martin - fan, you better circle that date nice and clear in your calendar. You won’t find another opportunity that comes as close as this one to seeing your favorite Aston Martin-Bond cars, especially since the aforementioned DB5 will find its way into the auction block later this year.
Four James Bond Aston Martins to have reunion at Park Stoke Club originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 9 June 2010 13:06 EST.
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