Jalopnik: Aston

First Official Aston Martin Rapide “Image” Leaks

Wes Siler — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 12:30:00 EST

According to CAR, this rendering shows the long-awaited production version of the Aston Martin Rapide. As expected and as indicated by multiple spy shots, the Rapide stays remarkably similar to the original concept, full-length glass roof and all. That’s a good thing, the Aston design language, as seen on the DB9, Vantage and Jaguar XK lends itself rather fetchingly to a four door shape, resulting in a much less awkward car than the Porsche Panamera and a much less confused shape than the Lamborghini Estoque. But what changes have been made?

CAR says to expect a two-intake, stacked front grille, a new crease that runs from the front wheels back through both doors, a redesigned trunk and rear clip with a chrome accent between the taillights. The interior should, more or less, resemble a four seat DB9, since that’s exactly what this car is.

Power will come from a 6.0-liter V12 making around 500 HP and 420 Lb-Ft of torque. While that sounds like more than enough, a faster version of the Rapide, tentatively called the Rapide R (get it?) is allegedly in the cards. Production will be carried out by Magna Steyr in Austria, meaning the Rapide stands half a chance of having quality that’ll live up to its near $300,000 price tag. [via CAR]

Aston Martin One-77 Revealed In A Flourish Of Accidental Leakage

Ben Wojdyla — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 16:45:00 EDT

Even though we've been teased by the Aston Martin One-77 via renders, videos and a positively evil skirt lifting at the Paris Motor Show, we haven't seen the real deal yet — until now. Here are the first images of the body shell of the new, $1.9 million supercar with a 700 HP, 7.0-liter V12 and an already spoken-for run of only 77 units. We should be way, way more excited about these shots, but it's pretty true to all of the previous teasers, so there aren't any real surprises here. No shots of the interior yet, but we're sure it'll be swaddled in unicorn leather with baby narwhal ivory tusk knobs.

[529 via Autoblog]

Gold Leaf "Premium Bond" Aston Martin DB7 Tackier Than Roger Moore

Wes Siler — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 18:00:00 EDT

Gold isn’t known to the be the most durable of materials, which is probably why over-the-top tuning firm Alchemist left it off the bumpers and rockers. The 24-carat gold leaf on this Aston Martin DB7 is actually part platinum for longevity, but we still wouldn’t advise running it through a car wash, especially since we’re not sure how the seven (as in 007) diamonds are attached to the bodywork. Alchemist will be debuting its "Premium Bond" at London’s MPH car show next week at, what we can only assume, will be a champagne and cocaine-fueled five hooker Nazi orgy.

[via MPH]

Bond Star Daniel Craig Lands Lifetime Aston Martin Privileges

Andrew Stoy — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 12:30:00 EDT

Despite his record of Aston abuse, current James Bond actor Daniel Craig has been granted lifetime privileges to swing by the Aston Martin factory any time he likes and take the car of his choice out for a spin. Want to borrow the test track for a bit? No problem. Of course, Craig says he has no interest in actually buying an Aston since parking in London is such a bear. Best to take the Tube. While we admire AM's PR gesture, we wonder if it wouldn't have been more laudable to pick someone lesser from the movie crew, like a key grip or best boy. You know, someone who can't afford to buy pretty much any Aston Martin he wants already. [Motor Authority]

Aston Martin One-77 Completely Sold Out, Nobody Shocked

Ben Wojdyla — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 17:01:00 EDT

In not particularly surprising news today, we learn all of the Aston Martin One-77's have been spoken for. We say "not surprising" because, well, there are only going to be 77 built, they're going to be fabulously gorgeous and powerful, and if you throw a product unveil at the Paris Motor Show that's so exclusive the media isn't even invited, we're betting you've got some fairly interested high-rollers willing to sign on the dotted line. Oh don't worry Aston, we'll be fine, just picking up the table scraps you throw our way.

[LuxeVelocity]

Aston Martin To Revive Lagonda Brand, Offer Two New Super Saloons

Ben Wojdyla — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 14:20:00 EDT

Aston Martin is planning to reawaken the slumbering Lagonda name and plaster it on two ultra-luxury sedans beginning in 2011. The first Lagonda will be based on the already nearing production Aston Martin Rapide, though dressed to impress and sporting a higher price tag to match. The other offering would go live sometime in 2012 and settle in as a Mercedes S-Class fighter, dredging the depths of the consumer market near the bottom at the paupers price of $100,000. With the mega-luxe sports sedan market filling up quickly we can hardly wait for 2030 when they'll all be cluttering the used car lots. [AutoNews Sub. Req.]

Jalopnik's Top Ten Reveals From The 2008 Paris Motor Show

Andrew Stoy — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 19:00:00 EDT

Ben's gone to bed now, and the Paris Motor Show press days have wrapped up. Whether you agree or disagree, here's the top ten most trafficked posts from the last two days, compiled in order of popularity from most trafficked to least. Be sure to visit the full posts where you'll find more pictures, press releases and analysis.

1.) Citroën GTbyCITROËN Concept2.) Pininfarina B0 Concept3.) Honda Insight Concept4.) Lamborghini Estoque Concept5.) Aston Martin One-776.) Mini Crossover Concept7.) Peugeot RC HYmotion48.) Mercedes ConceptFASCINATION9.) Mazda Kiyora Concept Live10.) Renault ZE Concept

Aston Martin Releases One-77 Teaser Video For Us Plebes

Mark Arnold — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 13:20:00 EDT

The Aston Martin One-77 has only been partially unveiled at the Paris Auto Show to all but a select few monied d-bags, but Aston have now just released this first official video of the $1.9-million masterpiece, you know, for us plebes. There's a few quick glimpses of the actual car here, but mostly it's just Aston CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez and designer Marek Reichman hyping up the limited-production car, babbling on about emotion and essence. We just wish they'd show us the whole thing already. [via Aston Martin]

$1.896 million Aston Martin One-77 Sales Contract Leaks With More Pictures, Details

Wes Siler — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 15:00:00 EDT

It looks like a sales contract for the forthcoming Aston Martin One-77 has leaked, bringing with it details of the price, performance and specifications, as well as two new teaser shots. With 700 HP, 553 lb-ft of torque, a 3,300-pound curb weight and a limited run of only 77 units, the One-77 certainly looks like it’ll be a special car. But can it justify the astronomical, nearly $1.9 million price?

The One-77 will be available in either left- or right-hand drive, has only two seats, uses a carbon monocoque chassis with hand-worked aluminum body panels, active aerodynamics (including deployable spoiler), carbon ceramic brakes and a six-speed automated manual transmission. The engine will be a naturally aspirated 7.3-liter V12, allowing the car to reach 60 in the mid three-second range and top out just north of 200mph.

That all sounds great, but what does the One-77 offer (other than good looks) that, say, a $480,000 Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 doesn’t, and for a fraction of the price? Wow, we never thought we’d ask that. Take a look at the contract and let us know if you spot something in there that’s worth $1.3 million. Us? We're still saving for a ZR1.
[925.nl via Autoblog]

Aston Martins Look Lame In New James Bond-Flavored Coke Zero Commercial

Mark Arnold — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 12:20:00 EDT

With everyone looking forward to the new James Bond movie, Quantum Of Solace, there isn't a brand out there that doesn't want a slice of juicy cross-promotion. We can't imagine Bond to be the type that would prefer a sugar-free cola over a normal Coke, but that doesn't matter right now. We're just let down by how cheesy the CG Aston Martins look in this otherwise cool, stylized opening-credits-like ad. [via CarDomain]

First Image Of The New Flagship Aston Martin One-77 Released

Mark Arnold — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 15:30:00 EDT

This is the first official image of Aston Martin's new flagship supercar, known for now as the One-77 to indicate its exclusivity: only 77 units will be constructed. With a price tag of nearly $2 million (£1M), the One-77 promises to be a spectacular machine, helped along by a 7.0-liter V12 that's sure to be impressive. The body will be aluminum with a carbon-fiber chassis, but we'll have to wait and see just how much weight that really saves — as with engine output, Aston Martin isn't releasing any official numbers yet. Estimates figure the One-77 will be able to launch from 0-60 in about 3.5 seconds and top out at over 200 MPH. Those are impressive figures, but for a car that stickers for more than a Bugatti Veyron, they'd better be. [AutoExpress via Autoblog]

2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage, Reviewed

Wes Siler — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:00:00 EDT

The lucky buggers over at Popular Mechanics recently got their hands on the revised 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage. With a larger 4.8-liter, 420 HP engine and modified suspension, they find the $119,500 British sports car to be more refined, more focused, faster, and a welcome antidote to the "stuffy" DB9...if still not quite up there with the Porsche 911. Should you have the means, they highly recommend picking one up, as long as it comes with the optional Sport Pack.

[Popular Mechanics]

Garage419 Behind The Scenes At Lime Rock...And Behind The Wheel Of A Vanquish

Andrew Stoy — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 18:20:00 EDT

Matt Farah, host of Garage419, chats it up with Grand Am drivers at Lime Rock Park during the last race on the original historic track surface. That's cool and all, but the footage of Farah blasting through Connecticut in an Aston Martin Vanquish is worth the click.

New Aston Martin V8 Vantage, Now With A Little More V8

Mark Arnold — Fri, 30 May 2008 17:40:00 EDT

The Aston Martin V8 Vantage is a gorgeous car, but anyone who's ever driven one has always been left with a feeling that the V8's bark was bigger than it's bite. It's more of a show dog than a hunting dog. Sure you could send the Vantage off to Prodrive for some performance tuning, or if you didn't mind sitting around for awhile, you could wait for the mighty V12-powered Vantage RS to come out. But nobody with a need for more speed wants to wait. So now, the old 4.3-liter V8 is being enlarged to a bigger 4.7-liter V8.

That means power is now up to 420 HP and 347 lb-ft of torque. How does it feel? Well, the loud exhaust gurgle is said to have been toned down a bit, which combined with a 0.2-second quicker 0-to-60 time, means the Vantage's bite is now actually more proportionate to its bark. But only by a little bit. We're also told that the new extra power is said to be noticeable, but not overwhelmingly impressive. So, it looks like all you speed freaks will still have to wait for the V12. [Autocar]

James Bond's Aston Martin DBS Swan Dives Into Italian Lake

Ben Wojdyla — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 08:20:00 EDT

It seems the lusty power of the Aston Martin DBS, a rain-soaked night and an over-zealous stunt driver conspired to result in James Bond's car taking a swim in Lake Garda in Italy. According to the Daily Telegraph, a stunt driver for the latest film Quantum of Solace, lost control while bombing along some narrow roads and managed to fly off the road. While the car was a quantum of sogginess, the driver managed to escape a similarly water-soaked fate, but probably decidedly less marketable as a stunt driver. We're thinking it's excusable to lose a car when you're rehearsing or performing a stunt in front of the camera and crew. It's probably less acceptable when you're merely attempting to deliver the car to the set. Even less acceptable is that it's the only car available for filming.

Aston Martin Releases Official Vantage GT2 Shots

Wes Siler — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 16:15:00 EDT

Aston Martin finally got around to taking photos of its new Vantage GT2 racecar. A step above the Vantage N24 road-going racer, the GT2 will compete in ALMS, FIA GT and Le Mans series. We told you a couple of weeks ago that the 4.3-liter V8 will run on either ethanol or gasoline and should make about 480bhp. There's not much more information available, so we'll just sit back, look at the pictures and drool.

Geneva Project Hell? Aston Martin V8 Vantage

Ben Wojdyla — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 17:30:00 EST

As we were exiting the incredibly trippy Schtroumpfs residential development, our eye caught something sleek and silver and slowly floating down the road on a flatbed. This Aston Martin V8 Vantage seems to be in the midst of a restoration and probably becoming a new man's Project Car Hell. We couldn't quite nail down the vintage, but it looks like early 70's for this lithe British beast. The fella with the Touareg seemed happy with the attention the car garnered, but we would have lost our minds driving that big trailer around the cramped streets of Geneva.

Aston Martin Vantage GT2 Tests For Le Mans

Mark Arnold — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 10:00:00 EST

We've known for a while that Aston Martin was preparing a GT2 Racer based on the V8 Vantage. But now, thanks to the guys at UltimateCarPage, we've got photos of it in action during a test session at the Paul Ricard circuit. The 4.3-liter V8 is expected to make around 480 HP. So, this is a couple steps up from the GT4-spec Vantage N24, and a step down from the GT1-spec DBR9. Aston is scrambling to finish the GT2, and is expected to deliver cars to teams a couple races into the season. It will be raced in ALMS, FIA GT and Le Mans Series, so all those Porsche 911 GT3 RSRs, Ferrari F430 GTCs, and BMW M3 GTRs better watch their mirrors. [via UltimateCarPage]

Aston Martin Vantage RS Revealed At The Geneva Auto Show

Mike Spinelli — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 12:15:00 EST

Ask not how many alcantaras were killed to fashion the interior of Aston Martin's Vantage RS. Merely ask why it's one of the sexiest cars in Geneva. Naturally, it just is. But the Vantage RS is not only a looker. It's also Aston's answer to the Porsche GT3. That's by way of a 4.3-liter V8 upclocked from 380 HP to 420 HP by way of variable valve timing. The company says it'll do zero to 60 in 4.5 seconds and 0 to 100 mph in under 10. It's also been lightened to the tune of 330 pounds, which is where the alcantara comes in. Full circle.

Aston Martin Opening Nürburgring Research Center

Wes Siler — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 15:15:00 EST

Aston Martin have begun construction on a new engineering center located adjacent to the historic Nürburgring track in Germany. The new facility will be used both to evaluate and enhance the performance of future models and to give customers the opportunity to drive their cars around the Green Hell. The Aston Martin Nürburgring Test Center will open at the end of May, becoming the second brand new facility to open in less than 12 months since the company purchased itself.

Aston Martin DB9 Tuned By Mansory: Gorgeous or Gauche?

Ben Wojdyla — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 14:30:00 EST

If you're worried that the sultry Aston Martin DBS has rendered your DB9 passé, maybe a jaunt to the German tuner Mansory is in order. Their latest super-duper upgrade package makes the already shockingly gorgeous DB9 even more ridiculously alluring. The company adds carbon fiber and alcantara, milled 20" wheels, a revised front fascia and side skirts, a set of Brembo brakes and dashes of tasteful chrome. It's all a bit gauche to us, but then again we're busy gilding all the buttons on our TV remote, so should we really be trusted? [via MotorAuthority]

Aston Martin Rapide Spotted Undisguised

Matt Hardigree — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 12:00:00 EST

We've been waiting for a while now to see the Aston Martin Rapide four-door coupe finally go into production, and it looks like the fine fellows at World Car Fans managed to get their hands on some photos of a near-production version filling up at a local gas station (where local is somewhere in Britain). We've already had confirmation that Aston's new buyers would produce the Rapide after it had been put on the backburner by Ford.

With the platform, looks and motivation of the DB9, we've been drooling for one of these for years and we hope that the V12-powered four-door coupe makes it to the expected debut of 2009, lest we decide to kit up a VW Passat CC instead. [World CarFans]

Aston Martin To Revive Gulf Oil Livery For Le Mans

Matt Hardigree — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 11:15:00 EST

Thanks to the Gulf Oil Ford GT40 MKIs ~~MKII~~ historic triumph at the 1968 24 Hours of Le Mans we'll probably forever pay tribute to the light blue and orange colors. First it was the GT40 replicar paying homage and now, 40 years after the initial victory, the 2008 Aston Martin DBR9 will carry the Gulf Oil livery into battle once more to vanquish any foes trying to recapture the GT1 title at this year's 24 Hours of Le Mans. If a racing Aston is a bit out of your price range, may we suggest the Gulf Oil Bass? Full press release below the jump.

Aston Martin to defend GT1 title with Gulf

Aston Martin Racing will return to Le Mans in 2008 to defend its GT1 title in the distinctive blue and orange livery of Gulf Oil.

Two Aston Martin DBR9s will look to emulate Gulf's first victory at the 24 hour race 40 years on.

Alain Dujean, Gulf Oil vice president international, said: "This is arguably the most important year ever for Gulf in motorsport. The famous Gulf racing colours first tasted victory at Le Mans in 1968, so 2008 already had great significance for us, but for Gulf to have joined up with Aston Martin Racing for this year is fantastic - the coming together of two great automotive names, for what I hope will be a long and fruitful partnership."

David Richards, chairman of Aston Martin, said: "Endurance racing is engrained in the heritage of both Gulf and Aston Martin and we have also both been intrinsically linked through Le Mans for many decades. It was perhaps destined that, in the year we defend our GT1 title and Gulf celebrates the 40th anniversary of its win, we would finally race together at La Sarthe."

The two Aston Martin DBR9s for 2008 will be entered as numbers 007 and 009.
[Source: Aston Martin via CarScoop]

Aston Martin Unveils New 600 HP V12 Vantage RS Concept

Ray Wert — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 08:52:21 EST

The newly independent automaker by the name of Aston Martin just revealed their new concept car, the V12 Vantage RS. The concept is based on the V8 Vantage coupe — but the engine's based on Aston's big 600bhp 6-liter racing V12. Aston claims the new performance concept achieves peak power output at 6250 rpm and peak torque of 509 lb-ft at 5000 rpm. And with the severe weight-cutting Aston's done to this concept, they're claiming the V12 Vantage RS concept is the fastest accelerating road car ever built by the company — with a 0-60 time of just under four seconds. Maybe Bond should be driving this in the next movie, eh? Full press release below the jump.

Aston Martin Unveils New Performance Concept Car
At the official opening of Aston Martin's first ever dedicated design centre in Gaydon, Warwickshire, on Tuesday 11 December, Dr Ulrich Bez, Chief Executive Officer, thrilled an audience of more than seven hundred VIP guests with a surprise unveiling of a stunning new 600bhp performance concept car; the V12 Vantage RS.

The V12 Vantage RS concept is based on Aston Martin's critically acclaimed V8 Vantage coupe, but the company's design and engineering team have fully exploited the design flexibility of their unique VH architecture and the motor sport development of their 6.0 litre V12 engine to create a dramatic and production feasible concept car focussed on extreme performance and dynamics.

In a speech to the assembled guests, Ulrich Bez said: "Over the last five years, we have established a reputation for presenting fully functional, feasible concept cars, and the V12 Vantage RS is no exception. We will listen with interest to feedback on this concept and, as ever, if there is sufficient demand then we will seriously consider a low volume production run in the near future with a price that will reflect the exclusivity of the car.

"With our dedicated production facilities, our own engine plant, our own unique vehicle architecture and now a dedicated design studio, we have the ideal framework to bring new models such as this to market and to further establish Aston Martin as the ultimate independent luxury sports car company."

Although the 600bhp power output of the V12 Vantage RS concept will be the focus of attention, just as significant is the level of weight reduction achieved by Aston Martin's engineering team. With a kerb weight of less than 1600kg, the RS concept underlines Aston Martin's continued commitment to intelligent use of materials and weight reduction as a means of achieving improved efficiency and performance. In common with the recently launched DBS, the bonnet and trunk lid are moulded in carbon fibre and the concept also adopts motor sport-inspired carbon ceramic brake discs.

The subtly aggressive exterior appearance is driven by function. The dramatic bonnet louvres extract air from the fully ducted cooling pack and the trunk lid features a deployable spoiler that rises automatically at high speeds to increase rear down force. The front bumper features cooling ducts for the carbon ceramic brakes and a carbon fibre splitter to balance down force.

Director of Design, Marek Reichman, commented: "Much of Aston Martin's recent success has come from the ability of our designers and engineers to work hand-in-hand to optimise form and function. Our new dedicated design centre will take this process to a new level and I am delighted that the V12 Vantage RS is the first car to stand on the turntable in the studio."

The 600bhp 6.0 litre engine featured in the V12 Vantage RS concept has benefited directly from the race development of this acclaimed power unit. It features a dry sump lubrication system, tuned length exhaust manifolds, forged pistons and steel con-rods, revised lift and duration camshafts and modified cylinder heads. Peak power is achieved at 6250rpm and peak torque of 690Nm is at 5000rpm.

With a power-to-weight ratio of over 375bhp per ton, the V12 Vantage RS concept is the fastest accelerating road car ever built by the company, capable of reaching 62mph (100km/h) from rest in 4.0 seconds and 100mph (160km/h) in just 8.5 seconds.

The unveiling of the Aston Martin V12 Vantage RS concept concludes a remarkable year of new product announcements for the British manufacturer. In the last twelve months the company has launched two of the most eagerly anticipated sports cars of the year - the DBS and Vantage Roadster - and announced details of the DB9 LM and V8 Vantage N400 special editions which celebrate the company's racing successes at Le Mans and the N?rburgring. All of these models now join the award-winning V8 Vantage, DB9 and DB9 Volante models in production at the company's Gaydon headquarters.

Aston Martins to feature Bang & Olufsen stereos

Wes Siler — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 12:45:00 EST

Already found in the black plastic and brushed aluminum interiors of most high-end Audis, Bang & Olufsen have announced their stereos will soon grace the wood and crystal environs of Aston Martin. Personally, we think listening to anything other than the glorious V12 soundtrack in a Vanquish is a crime against nature, but we suppose there's a certain class of customer for whom this will appeal. Namely, those who buy an Aston for its image rather than sheer visceral pleasure. The full press release follows the jump. [Via World Car Fans]

Bang & Olufsen Aligns With Aston Martin for Creative Partnership

STRUER, Denmark, Dec. 10 /PRNewswire/ — Bang & Olufsen, the Danish
provider of high end audio and video products, and Aston Martin, the leader
in producing exclusive high-performance automobiles, proudly unveil a
creative and strategic partnership that will revolutionize the luxury
automotive sector. Together, the brands present a union of two innovative
companies with a proud tradition in technology and design. Both Bang &
Olufsen and Aston Martin blend an unrelenting quest for technical
excellence with an uncompromising commitment to quality and style, and have
the courage to go far beyond the conventional.

Dr. Ulrich Bez, Aston Martin's Chief Executive Officer, describes the
new association between the companies as a landmark collaboration of two
market leaders. "Without technological innovation, neither Aston Martin nor
Bang & Olufsen would have achieved the reputation they have today as
leaders in both design and performance," he says. "Elegance and excellence
go hand in hand, and designers, engineers and specialists in both companies
will work closely together to achieve a benchmark result."

Bang & Olufsen's Chief Executive Officer Torben Ballegard Sorensen also
believes the two companies have much in common, and not just in terms of
esteem and ambition. "There are deep similarities between our cultures and
heritages," he says. "Bang & Olufsen's values are rooted in passion and
performance as well as design and craftsmanship, and these exact values are
experienced in an Aston Martin."

Renowned for much more than unparalleled performance on road and track,
an Aston Martin combines refinement with exhilaration, a key component of
which is the sound of the engine — as finely tuned as a musical
instrument. Along these same lines, Bang & Olufsen is known all over the
world for producing state-of-the-art audio and video products of the
highest quality materials with the utmost in sound and picture performance,
as well as a magical experience with each use.

Both companies appreciate the value of individuality, and at Bang &
Olufsen there is a very real human element to every stage of the design and
manufacturing processes, from the integral role played by the classically
trained tonmeister, to the hand finishing of the products. Aston Martin
takes the same approach, as each engine bears the signature of the engineer
who signed off on it.

About Bang & Olufsen a/s

Founded in 1925 in Struer, Denmark, Bang & Olufsen a/s is world
renowned for its distinctive range of quality consumer electronic products
that represent our vision: Courage to constantly question the ordinary in
search of surprising, long-lasting experiences. The Bang & Olufsen Group
manufactures a unique range of televisions, music systems, loudspeakers,
telephones and multimedia products. The company has approximately 2,500
employees and the products are sold in more than 100 countries worldwide.
The turnover for the 2006/2007 financial year was DKK 4,376 million (USD
801 million). Further information about Bang & Olufsen a/s is available
from http://www.bang-olufsen.com

Aston Martin Vantage RS to Get V12 Power

Matt Hardigree — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 12:15:00 EST

The power thirsty folks at AutoWeek are reporting that the Aston Martin is ready to take on Ferrari with the V12 Vantage RS, which should replace the vanished Vanquish as the brand's top offering. The monster engine is said to be taken from the DBRS9 race car, thereby giving it something in the range of 600 hp, with the 0-60 mph run in less than 4.0 seconds and a top speed close to 200 mph.

The car will likely be a special edition pegged above the DBS in price and performance. Other features include carbon-composite brake discs and whatever goodies needed to keep the Aston on the road. [AutoWeek]

Mansory Modifies V8 Vantage, Because Tasteless People Buy Astons Too

Wes Siler — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 13:30:00 EDT

Actually, we really like the black wheels, but they should have stopped there. Adding chintzy fog lights, cheesy exhausts and tacky body addenda only serve to reduce the appeal of one of the classiest cars ever made. In addition to the usual boy racer bolt ons, Mansory added a strut brace, 6-piston Brembo brakes and firmer springs, which we guess would be ok too.
Mansory

Aston Martin Vantage Roadster, DBS Unveiled Amid Cocktails, Canapes

Mike Spinelli — Mon, 23 Oct 2006 11:15:09 EDT

The money-watchers at Forbes caught the new Aston Martin Vantage roadster at its coming out cocktail party in New York last week. It was a photos-only event, as the AM executives on hand were apparently mum on pricing, specs and availablity. The mini quiches, however, were reportedly to die. – Mike Spinelli

New Aston Martin DBS Bond Car and V8 Vantage Roadster Unveiled; Photos of the 2008 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster [Forbes]

Related:
More on the Aston Martin roadster [internal]

Spy Photos: Aston Martin Vantage Volante

Mike Spinelli — Sun, 02 Apr 2006 00:00:00 EST

Hello, gorgeous! (Oh, wait, that's your cousin.) Regardless, Motor Trend posted some spy shots that appear to be of the new Aston Martin Vantage Volante Auto Express reported was on the way for 2007. The company has still not confirmed it's building a convertible version of the V8 Vantage, but if these shots don't give away its intentions, then we're made of Cheez Wiz and there's a giant cracker headed our way. Maybe we'll see the production model in Paris, then again, maybe not. [Thanks to James for the tip.]

Spied: 2007 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Convertible [Motor Trend]

What's So Great About the Aston Martin Vanquish S?

Mike Spinelli — Fri, 24 Feb 2006 08:44:19 EST

We know what you're thinking. What's the deal with Aston Martin — all their damn cars look the same? They're all hot as a cup o' magma to be sure, but certainly similar, though prices vary by a half-dozen zeros. Why buy a $250,000 Vantage when a $150,000 DB9 seems perfectly sufficient? Too many questions, you ask? Then see what Classic Driver has to say. No pullers of punches, them.

Aston Martin Vanquish S [Classic Driver]

Related:
More on Aston Martin [internal]

Thanks to Leaky Corgi, Aston DBS Revealed

Davey G. Johnson — Thu, 26 Jan 2006 14:26:27 EST

One big catch when one's building a top-secret vehicle for James Bond: merchandising. UK website Pocket-lint somehow managed to face time with what's apparently toymaker Corgi's prototype of the new Aston-Martin DBS toy scheduled to be released in October to coincide with the film. Hey Ulrich: still love the dogs? [Thanks to Punkey for the tip.]

P.S. We totally miss our missile-firing Corgi Lotus Esprit that we got at the MGM Grand in Reno all those years ago. We also had a General Lee big wheel at the time. Why are we suddenly getting the impression we were cooler at the age of six than we are now?

James Bond's next car revealed [Pocket-lint, UK]

Related:
Bond to Drive New Aston in 'Casino Royale' [Internal]