Showing posts with label Aston Martin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Aston Martin. Show all posts

Friday, September 2, 2011

Citroen DS5

Citroën has revealed the eagerly anticipated third model in its innovative and distinctive DS line: Citroën DS5. Designed to express the full extent of Citroën's 'Créative Technologie', Citroën DS5 combines ground-breaking style, rewarding driving dynamics and exceptional refinement with innovative engineering solutions.Citroën DS5 is the first Citroën model to feature HYbrid4 diesel hybrid technology, providing enhanced performance and class leading environmental credentials. The advanced HYbrid4 system delivers 200bhp; four-wheel drive capability; emission-free electric power for the city; and an acceleration boost function for the open road - with total CO2 emissions of just 99g/km.The DS line has already redefined expectations in the supermini segment with DS3, and combines the style of a coupé and the flexibility of a five-door hatchback with DS4. Progressing to the executive segment, Citroën DS5 targets customers looking for a truly bold and assertive car with a resolutely modern approach to vehicle design.
Based on the futuristic and magical C-SportLounge concept, DS5 bringstrue technological innovation to its class.The dynamic exterior reflects a modern expression of status and promises enhanced driving pleasure. Flowing lines, a sleek profile and muscular wheel arches - which wrap themselves around the large (16" to 19") alloy wheels - give Citroën DS5 an undoubted air of refined confidence.The assertive front end instantly identifies Citroën DS5 as a member of the DS family. There is an oversized air intake, a large chrome-finished grille housing the chevrons and a new LED light signature. A distinguishing feature, DS5 boasts chrome-finished 'sabre' inserts stretching from the top of each headlamp to the windscreen.The rear design takes Citroën DS5's on-road presence to yet another level. The car stands firmly on wide tracks, emphasised by two tail pipes built into the rear bumper and highlighted by a rear signature featuring six light guides.Citroën DS5 is equally charismatic inside, with a remarkable cabin fully consistent with the exterior styling. The driver-focused cockpit features a coupé-like driving position with a near-vertical steering wheel and a wide central console. Citroën DS5 instantly fires the imagination. An array of buttons, switches, scroll wheels and toggles are grouped on two central consoles, one low down and one above the driver's head, 'pilot-style'. A simple push on the START button brings the interior to life. The colour Head-Up Display projects essential information into the driver's line of sight and the ambient lighting bathes the cockpit in a heady mix of red and white.
Most importantly, Citroën DS5 benefits from Citroën's expertise in quality and refinement. Each detail has been carefully considered, with premium materials such as fine-grain Club leather and exclusive designs like the 'watchstrap' seat upholstery - a signature touch of the DS line that is unique to the market.Reconciling fun at the wheel with comfort and practicality, Citroën DS5 opens up new horizons with pioneering architecture, including: * A sleek, compact body (4.52m long, 1.85m wide) and a driving position worthy of a Gran Turismo coupé. * A roomy boot (up to 465 litres VDA) reminiscent of a Sportwagon. * Five real seats, four doors and all the access and modularity of a hatchback.For its motor show debut in Shanghai, DS5 appears in a one-off livery as the Citroën DS5 White Pearl. The cabin features ebony-coloured full-grain leather, contrasting subtly with silver-flecked overstitching. Interior detailing includes decorative inserts in Markassa ebony and a highly reflective fascia, created by applying several layers of lacquer. Citroën DS5 White Pearl also sports specially designed 20-inch alloy wheels.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Bentley Continental GTC

The second generation of the Bentley Continental GTC convertible will debut at 2011 International Automobile Exhibition (IAA) in Frankfurt.
Taking cues from its GT coupe sibling launched in 2010, the new Bentley Continental GTC builds on the highly successful foundation of the previous cabriolet, which premiered in 2006. Bentley's design and engineering teams have improved virtually every aspect of the iconic convertible with an uncompromising focus on quality.
While the first Bentley Continental GTC was elegant and understated, the sharper radii and assertive stance of the new model delivers a more contemporary and muscular presence. Advanced manufacturing techniques produce aluminium front wings without the need for seams or welds creating the look and feel of a coach-built car. Twenty-inch wheels are now standard with three styles of 21-inch wheel, a first for GTC, available as an option, reinforcing the distinctive, sporting stance of the new Bentley.


The four-seater luxury convertible features a new, even more spacious and sumptuous hand-crafted cabin, with soft-touch leather hides, an extensive range of wood veneers, cool-touch metals and deep-pile carpets. There are 17 standard soft-touch leather hide colours with six colour split combinations, complemented by a range of seven veneers, all produced by Bentley's talented craftsmen and women.
The GTC's renowned coupe-like refinement is also enhanced. The tailored, multi-layered fabric hood is complemented by acoustic glass and under-body panels, for optimum noise isolation.
Superb everyday practicality for a luxury convertible was a hallmark of the original GTC and much valued by its customers. The cabin of the new GTC is now even more practical, with additional rear legroom, new storage solutions and innovative features such as touch-screen infotainment, automatic seat-belt presenters and a Bentley-designed Neck Warmer for comfortable roof-down motoring whatever the temperature.
A wider track, front and rear, sharper steering and retuned suspension provides a more exhilarating and class-leading drive. Bentley's advanced all-wheel drive system features a new 40:60 rear torque bias (compared with 50:50 of the original GTC) minimising understeer during hard cornering and allowing the spirited driver to manage the car's line and balance via precise throttle control.
This compelling dynamic package is combined with a more powerful 6.0-litre, twin-turbocharged W12 engine as well as a new QuickShift transmission enabling faster gear changes than ever before. Power output is raised from 560PS to 575PS (567bhp/423kW) and the famed Bentley 'wave of torque' has been increased by a further 50Nm to 700Nm (516lb ft).
"The GTC has always been the most emotional model in the Continental range and a showcase for Bentley design. With its tailored soft top, the GTC is a pure British convertible true to those classic Bentleys of the past. However, the technology, performance and overall design excellence invested in this model means that we are now writing a new chapter for the Bentley convertible driver." - Wolfgang Dürheimer, Chairman and Chief Executive, Bentley Motors.
The Bentley Continental GTC is now available to order and first customer deliveries will begin in late 2011. The price is €170,060 / £149,350 / ¥26,400,000 / US$212,800 MSRP.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Video: Bloomberg’s Adam Haynes on the Aston Martin Cygnet


You can’t spell, “Cygnet” without, “cynical marketing ploy”. The Toyota iQ-derived stocking stuffer iPhone accessory subcompact has prompted a neat little op-ed piece by Bloomberg correspondent (an ex-pat Aussie) Adam Haynes that includes some fascinating dialogue from Aston Martin insiders.

Most of our readers will know by now that the Cygnet exists purely to counteract the 120 grams of CO2 per kilogram EU carbon restrictions to be introduced in 2012. With a combined CO2 g/km rating of 400, Aston Martin’s current fleet of high performance vehicles could never match this.

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Disney and Pixar to Bring Cars 2 Characters to Life at Goodwood Festival


Continuing the assault of promotional material for the second installment of the Cars animated movie franchise, Disney and its Pixar unit announced today that two characters from the film will jump into life at the upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed, which will be held at the Goodwood House from 30 June until 3 July. Read more »

Monday, May 23, 2011

Video: Sights and Sounds of the Aston Martin V12 Zagato


Having brought you a first look at the winner of the design award for Concept Cars and Prototypes at this year’s edition of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Italy, it is now time to show you the Aston Martin V12 Zagato in the flesh and on film. The concept study is a V12 Vantage draped in an aluminum Italian suite, and it will spawn a racing model that will compete in the 24-hour Nurburgring endurance race in late June as well as a limited run production version, scheduled for launch within the next year.

Follow the jump to get a look of the supercar’s lines and a taste of the brutal sounds produced by Aston Martin’s 517-horsepower 6.0-liter V12 engine in our collection of videos.

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Aston Martin V12 Zagato is the Winner of this Year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Design Award


The world premiere of the new Aston Martin V12 Zagato, which took place at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2011 this past weekend on the shores of Lake Como in Italy, was marked by the design award for Concept Cars and Prototypes. The conceptual model, which was created to celebrate the Aston Martin and Zagato partnership in the 50th anniversary year of the famous DB4GT Zagato, won the approval of the visitors to the Concorso D’Eleganza event.

The competition in the Concept Cars and Prototypes category included BMW’s new 328 Homage Roadster, the Ferrari Superamerica 45, Audi Quattro, Mercedes CLS Shooting Brake, Infiniti Etherea, Italdesign VW GO!, Rinspeed Bamboo, Renault DeZir and the Scuderia P4/5.

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Saturday, May 21, 2011

2011 Aston Martin revealed new 2011 Aston Martin Vantage Cars pictures gallery

2011 Aston Martin revealed new 2011 Aston Martin Vantage Cars pictures gallery
kia cars wallpapers gallery and preview: http://car-wheelx.blogspot.com/2011/05/2009-kia-sportage-wallpapers-and.html

2011 Aston Martin Vantage GT42011 Aston Martin Vantage GT42011 Aston Martin Vantage GT4

2011 Aston Martin revealed new 2011 Aston Martin Vantage Cars pictures gallery

2011 Aston Martin revealed new 2011 Aston Martin Vantage Cars pictures gallery
kia cars wallpapers gallery and preview: http://car-wheelx.blogspot.com/2011/05/2009-kia-sportage-wallpapers-and.html

2011 Aston Martin Vantage GT42011 Aston Martin Vantage GT42011 Aston Martin Vantage GT4

2011 Aston Martin revealed Aston Martin Rapide cars wallpapers and prices

2011 Aston Martin revealed Aston Martin Rapide cars wallpapers and prices
Upcoming BMW cars Review and interior review: http://car-wheelx.blogspot.com/2011/05/bmw-328-kamm-coupe-1940-mille-miglia.html
Aston Martin Rapide Luxe special editionAston Martin Rapide Luxe special editionAston Martin Rapide Luxe special edition

2011 Aston Martin revealed Aston Martin Rapide cars wallpapers and prices

2011 Aston Martin revealed Aston Martin Rapide cars wallpapers and prices
Upcoming BMW cars Review and interior review: http://car-wheelx.blogspot.com/2011/05/bmw-328-kamm-coupe-1940-mille-miglia.html
Aston Martin Rapide Luxe special editionAston Martin Rapide Luxe special editionAston Martin Rapide Luxe special edition

Friday, May 20, 2011

Aston Martin’s One-77 Supercar Filmed on the Streets of London


There are very few cars in this world that can stir our imagination just by looking at them parked on the road, and this is one of them. We’re talking about the top dog in Aston Martin’s current lineup, the One-77 supercar, which was filmed here on the streets of London as it was being started up and ready to launch, by a Youtube user. It’s always great to see a rare supercar being used on the road instead of spending its life in a garage as a centerpiece.

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Aston Martin V12 Zagato: Italian Elegance Meets British Brute Force


Some companies really know how to celebrate. Take AstonMartin and Zagato, for example. The iconic British sports car maker and the legendary Italian coachbuilder will mark the 50th anniversary of their first collaboration with a brand new study.

To honor their first joint project, the 1961 DB4GT Zagato, the two companies developed the Aston Martin V12 Zagato, a race car study that will be unveiled on May 21 at the Villa D'Este Concorsod'Eleganza in Italy, where it will compete against the Ferrari Superamerica 45. But this elegant and dramatic coupe was not built for classy Concours d'Elegance events alone, as it will actually race at the Nurburgring 24 Hour event on June 25-26.

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Monday, May 2, 2011

ASTON MARTIN CYGNET CAR PHOTO


ASTON MARTIN CYGNET CAR PHOTO

This summer, we reported on the ridiculous possibility of Aston restyling the Toyota iQ and calling it the Cygnet. Now it’s here.All we saw just before was a picture of a styling mockup that resembled a first-semester style student’s effort to apply the Aston Martin styling language to the iQ. The task was achieved not by a philosophical analysis of the larger, Henrik Fisker-styled models and an original application onto a smaller platform. Instead, the styling department has grafted shrunken variations of the well-known Aston headlight contour, air intakes, and side scoops onto the iQ at what seems to be minimal price.
ASTON MARTIN CYGNET CAR PHOTO
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Friday, March 25, 2011

First Drive: 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage S

http://www.sportscarsfans.com/images/script/image.php?id=A028_4D8C86A0

Nestled in a secluded valley in the south of Spain is the Ascari Race Resort. Celebrated as one of the world’s most beautiful tracks, the private 3.2-mile ribbon of perfectly smooth blacktop challenges drivers with 26 corners, 10-degree climbs and 18-degree banks as it weaves through the mature oak trees that dot the landscape. Named after Alberto Ascari, the first double world Formula 1 champion, the well-manicured decade-old venue is the type of circuit enthusiasts fantasize about.

Our private shuttle takes us through the manned guard gate towards the main clubhouse. As we round the corner, and head down the shallow hill, the sun reflects off something in the distance. Parked in the paddock are a dozen glistening sports cars – some coupes, some roadsters – each still dripping wet from the overnight shower that leaves the air fresh and crisp. The vehicles, the latest offering from Aston Martin, are the enthusiast-targeted Vantage S Coupe and Roadster.

Nine times zones from home with jet lag extinguished by a morning café grande, I figure it is time to get behind the wheel. Only one thing is more enjoyable than driving the new Aston Martin Vantage S through the mountains of Spain – spending a long afternoon with the sports cars on the wide-open Ascari race circuit.

The Aston Martin Vantage secured its position as the automaker’s sportiest model when it was introduced at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show for the 2006 model year. Like the DB9, the then-new two-door utilized the now common VH Architecture (the chassis is constructed with extruded and bonded aluminum panels). Today, the platform is also shared with the DBS and Rapide.

The four basic body styles in the Aston Martin lineup have much in common, but the Vantage holds the trump card when it comes to handling. Unlike its architecture-sharing siblings, the Vantage is shorter by a foot and its wheelbase undercuts the others by nearly six inches – the reduction in overall size translates to a lighter curb weight (3,549 pounds Coupe, 3,726 pounds Roadster) and greatly improved handling.

Aston Martin offers its Vantage in a dozen flavors these days, from the entry-level V8 Vantage Coupe ($120,350) to the flagship V12 Vantage Carbon Black ($194,995). Following on the heels of the limited-edition sport-tuned V8 Vantage N420 models, introduced less than a year ago, are two new models both wearing the automakers coveted ‘S’ badge - the 2011 Vantage S Coupe and 2011 Vantage S Roadster.

2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage S side view2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage S front view2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage S rear view

While their aluminum platforms are virtually identical to the standard coupe and roadster models, the British automaker is targeting driving enthusiasts with these heavily upgraded Vantage S variants. Under the hood of each is a specially-tuned version of the familiar all-alloy 4.7-liter V8. Fitted with an adjustable air intake (engineered to open nearly unrestricted at 3,500 rpm), more aggressive spark mapping and the ability to take advantage of higher octane fuel, the engine delivers 430 horsepower at 7,200 rpm and 361 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm (its power rating tops the N420’s output by about ten horsepower). We estimate the Vantage S will hit 60 mph in about 4.5 seconds (Aston Martin lists the maximum speed at 189 mph).

The Vantage S also boasts a new transmission. The six-speed Sportshift gearbox (a single-clutch automated manual transmission) fitted to the standard Vantage models and the N420 has been superseded by Aston Martin’s all-new seven-speed Sportshift II. While it remains a single-clutch automated manual transmission (rumor has it a dual-clutch unit won’t fit), Sportshift II is 52 pounds lighter than Sportshift I. Plus, it is at least 100 pounds lighter than a dual-clutch transmission, reports Aston. Specifically designed with the performance of the V8 Vantage S in mind, the transmission is engineered to operate automatically in Drive mode, or to be manually commanded via column-mounted magnesium shift paddles (the new transmission is reportedly able to select gears 20 percent faster than the older gearbox, in both modes). The rear-mounted gearbox is also now air-cooled, not oil-cooled like its predecessor, helping to shed an oil pump and other unnecessary ancillaries.

2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage S engine

The exhaust system is also unique to the V8 Vantage S (it shares some commonality with the aggressive muffler system used on the V12 Vantage). Its overall capacity is larger, and the bypass valves are engineered to open earlier in the rev range to produce a throatier sound and more “crackle on the overrun,” says the automaker.

The steering rack has been modified with a quicker ratio (now 15:1, as compared to 17:1 on the standard Vantage models), dropping the number of wheel turns (lock-to-lock) down to just 2.62. The suspension has also been overhauled with retuned passive damper valves, revised rear spring coil rates and revised bump stop rates and lengths.

The braking system delivers more stopping power, thanks to larger 15-inch slotted front rotors with six-piston calipers. While their overall diameter has increased over the standard Vantage, their weight has done just the opposite (credit an innovative two-piece system that uses a lightweight aluminum hub with a durable iron braking surface). The rear 13-inch rotors are cast iron, with four-piston calipers. The braking software has been refined to take advantage of existing brake-related systems (ABS, electronic Brake Force Distribution, Traction Control and Positive Torque Control), and the three-mode Dynamic Stability Control has been specially calibrated for its new enthusiast-tuned role. The Vantage S is also the first Aston Martin to be configured with Hill Start Assist (the brakes are automatically used to hold the vehicle stationary on a steep grade for two seconds, or until the accelerator is pressed).

2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage S side detail

Visually differentiating the Vantage S from its other siblings, Aston Martin has resculpted the front bumper and added a carbon fiber lower front splitter (its larger intake channels more air to the engine and brakes). There are larger side sills with styling derived from the GT4 race car, and a new carbon-fiber rear diffuser. Lastly, the rear decklid features the slightly raised “flip” shared with the V12 Vantage. All of the design elements contribute to lowering the coefficient of lift and drag, thus increasing high speed stability.

The wheels are also unique to the Vantage S lineup. Standard fitment is 19-inch “V-spoke” cast aluminum alloys, wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza RE050 performance tires (245/40R19 in the front and 285/35R19 in the rear - the rears on the Vantage S are 10 mm wider out back when compared to the standard Vantage). Forged 10-spoke aluminum alloy wheels, saving additional unsprung weight, are optional.

2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage S exhaust system2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage S wheel

A glance at the interior reveals that it, too, has its own unique look. The cabin has been upgraded with distinctive three-track stitching on the door panels and seats (Aston Martin says the design element “echoes the gills of a shark”). The steering wheel can be covered in Obsidian Black leather (or Alcantara) with matching or contrasting stitching and there is an option to specify a Piano Black package, complete with a piano black center console, door handle surrounds and handles. The option list for both Vantage S models reads nearly identical to the other Aston Martin siblings, whether one is seeking a 1000-watt Bang & Olufsen BeoSound audio system, satellite radio upgrade or a boot-mounted umbrella. Track junkies overseas will want to opt for the extra-cost carbon-fiber and Kevlar bucket sport seats, with soft leather faces, saving nearly 40 pounds of weight (sadly, the DOT won’t certify them for the States).

Aston Martin is offering the 2011 Vantage S in two body styles. The standard V8 Vantage S Coupe (with mandatory Sportshift transmission), starts with a base price of $138,000. The V8 Vantage S Roadster with a power-operated soft top (also only fitted with Sportshift) will set you back $151,000. The pricing puts the two new models comfortably mid-pack in the Vantage lineup. (All pricing includes gas guzzler tax, but exclude the $1,615 fee for delivery and destination.)

2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage S interior2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage S interior2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage S door trim2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage S instrument panel

By luck of the draw, I’m on the track in the first round. My fortune is short-lived, however, as I quickly realize my dallying in the heated lounge has cost me first choice of vehicles – I’m left holding the glass key to a bright blue right-hand-drive model. The minor annoyance accepted, my six-foot, two-inch frame settles comfortably into the optional sport seats (as mentioned, the nice carbon/Kevlar buckets won’t be offered in the States). Strapped in place with the standard three–point belts, I slide the white open-face helmet over my skull. I have plenty of wiggle room.

The new Sportshift II, like its predecessor, doesn’t have a traditional PRNDL gate on the lower console. Instead, there are four round buttons (”Sport,” “R,” “N” and “D”) high on the center stack. The Vantage S, like all Aston Martins these days, is started with the signature key held in place for a few seconds. The V8 fires over and settles to a tempered growl. I step on the brake and tap the “D” button, followed immediately by the “Sport” button – it electronically changes transmission maps so the new gearbox will shift more rapidly and hold each gear longer through the counterclockwise sweep of the tachometer. The sport mode also alters the flapper in the exhaust to give it a more aggressive note.

2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage S on track

With an open track beaconing, and a flagman waving a bandera verde, I bury my right foot on the metal accelerator pedal. There is a very reassuring growl from the ass-end of the coupe as the 4.7-liter forces me back into the seat.

It takes about three full laps of the 3.1-mile circuit before I am comfortable with the layout. There are twenty-six corners, so much of the orientation is spent memorizing entry points (speed will come). With most committed to my internal RAM, I increase my velocity gradually. I immediately find the Vantage S very docile - it is nearly perfectly balanced (49:51 front to rear) and the steering is nicely weighed. I’m pleasantly surprised.

After ten minutes, I’m starting to really enjoy things. The Bridgestone Potenza tires are getting some good heat into them, as are the brakes. I push harder. At about eight-tenths, the Vantage S transforms from being a street car on a track to a showroom-ready racer. The back end starts to break free if power is applied on a lightened rear end (easily corrected with some opposite steering input) and a bit of understeer in the sharper corners becomes an issue. It’s time to crank things up.

2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage S on track

At nine-tenths, I’m grinning ear-to-ear. Diving into the hairpin corners, I use trail braking to help rotate the Vantage S (masking much of the understeer). Body roll is minimal, and there is plenty of low-end torque to control rotation and bring the coupe back to speed upon exit. The width of the Vantage requires some caution in the tighter areas (unless you enjoy unsettling impacts with curbs), but nothing overly distracting. That same low stance does contribute to ample, and welcomed, grip on the small and medium-size corners. On the larger sweepers, I find it easiest to keep my foot down until I feel the rear end get light. Then I just hang it there and enjoy the ride.

The Vantage S is truly one of the more enjoyable vehicles I have ever driven on the track. The engine pulls with gusto (it prefers to spin at the top of the tachometer, so be wary of the fuel cutoff), the exhaust sounds tremendous (even through a helmet) and the brakes are more than competent for the job. And one has to mention the chassis – it is a spectacularly stiff platform. Aston Martin takes some abuse for using the same VH architecture on all of its models. I say, who cares? It works.

2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage S on track2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage S on track2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage S on track

Yet hold your applause.

Even with its sexy styling and eight-cylinder rumble, there is something working against the Vantage S. It’s the darn brand-spanking new Sportshift II gearbox. While it is admirably lighter and quicker than its predecessor, it still trails the pack when compared against the dual-clutch offerings from the competition (there is no prize for inventing the ultimate VHS machine these days). Even when the transmission is in manual-shift mode, there is an agonizingly noticeable delay between gears. Aston Martin’s redesigned single-clutch gearbox may finally be quickest of its kind, but the industry moved on. Several years ago.

With my helmet back in the lounge, I grab the keys to another Vantage S and depart Ascari Circuit on two-lane public roads for the small Spanish villages of Cuevas del Becerro, Setenil de las Bodegas and Arriate. In a relaxed manner, the transmission is left in “D” allowing the electronic nannies do the shifting. Once again, I find myself flustered with the slow gearbox, so it’s back to manual mode (thankfully, it only takes a brief tap on the paddleshifter to kill the autobox and the system doesn’t revert back to automatic without pressing the “D” button again). With my brain in control, and my fingers doing the work, the Vantage S is a fun scalpel to carve local Spanish roads. I am smiling once again.

2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage S rear 3/4 view

The British automaker doesn’t hesitate when asked to put the crosshairs on the Vantage’s direct competition. It understandably comes from the volume-selling rear-engine Porsche 911. Granted, Aston Martin money ($138,000-plus) will buy every single naturally-aspirated 911 in today’s lineup, and get you in a standard 911 Turbo – an established segment benchmark.

Aston Martin Vantage S verses Porsche 911 Turbo. That’s a tough dilemma.

If asked to choose a weekend track car with those lottery winnings, I’d toss both aside and place my money on the Porsche 911 GT3 RS – that lightweight slot car is a no brainer. But, if asked to pick a sports car to fill the void in the third garage slot, one that would shuttle me to work a couple days a week, get front billing with the valet at the country club, provide me with an engaging driving experience up Mulholland Highway on days off and make me look over my shoulder each time I park, I’d choose the new Aston Martin Vantage S. But, really… can I get one with a manual transmission?

[SourceL autoblog]

Friday, February 25, 2011

2012 Aston Martin Virage on 2011 Geneva Motor Show


2012 Aston Martin Virage
One of the endearing traits of Aston Martin has been his ability to do more with less, especially when it comes to VH (Vertical / Horizontal) platform strategy that uses essentially the same chassis bits to produce all its vehicles from the V8 Vantage through the four-door Rapide.

With the introduction of the Aston Martin Virage in 2012, the British sports car manufacturer now offers three different models V-12 in the same wheelbase, 107.9 inches and place the car as a way for customers to split the difference between DBS DB9 sports and more sports. Or better yet, the new range should be described as sports (DB9), sports (Virage), sports (DBS).2012 Aston Martin Virage

Virage has a lot of its name has been divided into a DB9 and DBS, which begins at the same 6.0-liter V-12 engine. This front-mounted power plant produces 490 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque. Like the DB9 Touchtronic 2 is coupled to a ZF six-speed automatic transmission and paddle-shift feature, which gives the REV-climbing search. DBS differs in that it provides only a 6-speed manual. With the same weight and size, Virage offers an outcome similar to that of the DB9 is a 0-62 mph in 4.6 seconds. and a top speed of 186 km / h.2012 Aston Martin Virage

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Revealed new Aston Martin Virage

The Aston Martin Virage was unveiled today, with the company to publish their specifications, details and a huge image gallery. The Aston Martin Virage will have its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show held in March 2011, before going on sale. The Aston Martin Virage is a new two-door that looks like a roof and a steering wheel, which measures 4,703 mm long, 1,904 mm wide, 1282 mm tall and with a wheelbase of 2,740 mm. Aston Martin Virage
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Monday, January 31, 2011

First Aston Martin One-77 New Picture

First Aston Martin One-77 New Picture
First Aston Martin One-77 New Picture
The official, ladies and gentlemen: Aston Martin has found a million dollars League ultra-hyper-super with the new One-77.


Now we know what you think of the One-77 has been released some time ago. But it is only now that the first example it left the factory, and gave his first lucky (and apparently very wealthy) customers. The delivery was less prominent place in Monaco, opposite the iconic Hotel de Paris in Monte Carlo.
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Thursday, September 2, 2010

Vauxhall Astra VXR 2011 Review


The new bearing Vauxhall Astra is still after a hot archetypal but this looks set to change with a accessible Astra VXR model. Set to go arch to arch with the Renaultsport Megane, Golf GTI,Focus RS, Audi S3 and the like and will be powered by a 2.0 Litre turbo agent that offers 250bhp
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