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]

Here's a perfect example of the type of asks the Sultan would make to automakers. The V8 Vantage of the '90s was an awesome piece of brutish British muscle. In our mind, the only way to make it more badass was to add more doors, and it would appear the Sultan was of the same mindset as the Brunei royals ordered Aston Martin to convert some Virages to Lagonda-badged sedans and wagons. Some were even converted to Vantage technical specification.

Done in-house by Aston Martin Works, the Aston Martin Special Series 1 was styled to look like the classic DB4 Zagato. But while the old DB4 had to make do with an inline-six, the Series 1 rode on a V8 Vantage platform complete with twin-supercharged V8 power. Because when you've got the money to make it happen, you make it happen.

Where the Series 1 was pure retro, the Series 2 was the culmination of contemporary. Striking a nice balance between elegant and aggressive, the Special Series 2 was also believed to be based on the V8 Vantage. Sounds like a nice way to counter-balance the design of the Series 1. Or at least the Sultan seemed to think so.

The AM3 was the most non-traditional design of all the custom Astons. Perhaps this was because it was bodied by Pininfarina in Italy. The lights were given a smoked treatment to blend in with the black plastic front fascia. And like all great contemporary designs, it still looks modern today.

Although the AM4 was much more conservative than the AM3, it too was designed by the denizens of the clay workshops of Pininfarina. Also on the V8 Vantage chassis, we think it looks something like a big DB7.

Before the Porsche Cayenne or Cadillac Escalade, if you wanted an SUV with a stuck-up sense of over-built purpose, there was only the Range Rover. Unless you were the Sultan, in which case you'd commission Bentley to construct a batch of SUVs with a unique Bentley chassis and Range Rover 4WD systems. At least they didn't ride on 24" spinners.

Originally the Java was a concept to show what a Bentley based on a BMW 5-series might look like. Apparently the Brunei royals liked it enough they had Bentley build a convertible version of the show car. The gleefully exorbitant brand-bastard madness didn't stop with the drop-top, as it appears he had some wagons built as well. Though from what we understand they didn't actually use a BMW for these functioning examples of concept gone crazy.

We told you this guy loved wagons — and an extended-end Bentley is certainly an expensive way to show that love. While we're not too keen on the I'm-Lovin'-It McDonald's themed interior on the jaundice-colored Bentley, we adore the styling on the silver one. What's better, if you believe the badges, these were equipped with four-wheel-drive. Think of it as a Volvo wagon — except symbolizing the opposite of every ideal of the Swedish brand.

Back when all Bentleys were styled starting with Lego models, the Rapier was designed to be a modern and forward-thinking interpretation of the brand. The flowing lines are still more sleek that the current lineup from Crewe. Although now, the front view might cause people to initially confuse it for a Jaguar XF.

The BMW 850CSi was the best you could get from Bavaria, but that wasn't good enough for the Sultan. This version of the big coupe is tuned by Alpina and called the B12. In addition to those fancy stripes and vents, the car had a V12 pumping out about 350 HP.

Yes, that's right, with a 16-cylinder engine made from two V8s stuck together, the Cizeta-Moroder V16T was one of the most ambitious hypercar projects ever attempted. The engine was mounted in a Fiero-like sideways fashion, instead of the longitudinal way you'd expect in a Lamborghini. Even the headlights were over-the-top, it had two flip-up lamps on each side.

Known as the Dauer 962 Le Mans, it's an extremely limited edition street-version of Porsche's dominant 962 race car. It's also said up to five of these once lived in the Brunei royal garage, but we're told this yellow example was apparently the favorite. At one time, they were arguably the fastest road cars in the world. That is, if you actually consider them "road cars."

The Ferrari 456 is arguably the most elegant car to come from Maranello in recent years. That being said — why stop with mere elegance when you're a Sultan. No, a Sultan demands indulgence. Which we're assuming is why he built himself a four-door sedan and wagon version of the Italian stallion. With a wave of his hand, he commissioned design-shop Pininfarina to build some super-sized versions. We're even told the Sultan reportedly had them set up shop on the royal grounds, just for this sort of special project. Must have been why they tossed in that sexy drop-top 456 Spider at no extra cost.

The Ferrari F40 only came in red, right? Not if you're the Sultan. It's ironic to see the most exciting car of its day in the most drab color imaginable, but we think it's awesome.

Obviously, this wasn't the only McLaren in the garage, but where else are you gonna find one in yellow? And we all know what yellow is good for. We can see it now — the Sultan cruising — one chick magnetically sealed to each side due to the raw yellow magnetism of the McLaren. Yeah, or else he had so many credit cards in his pockets, the stripes on the back actually became magnetized. Whatever the reason, we're assuming the man doesn't need a yellow McLaren. But we're also assuming that wasn't his reasoning behind the color either.

Essentially a re-bodied SL, the Argento Vivo design was originally a Honda concept car by the same name. But what sets a Honda concept apart from a Mercedes is all about what's under the hood. In this case, an AMG 7.3-liter V12, the same engine used in the Pagani Zonda.

Yet another awesome wagon, the special S-class Touring model was designed just for the Sultan. Of course, it never hurts to have some extra power to drag around all that extra cargo room, so AMG installed another one of their 7.3-liter V12s under that pretty hood.

No, that's not just a sheet-metal restoration. It's been restored by HWA, the people that made the CLK-GTR, and was given modern underpinnings from a (then) new S-class. Style of the old, power of the new. We like that combination.

The Sultan didn't just use HWA for the 600 above. Like many tuning houses, the Sultan of cars had them take a swing at a few four-wheeled wonders. Like the Mercedes above. Sure, it looks just like a normal 300 SL, but it's got a modern drivetrain. That gives it plenty of "go" to match the gullwing "show."

Ok, so this wasn't actually called "The Panty Dropper" or "The Shaggin Wagon" but it might as well have been. Why else would you have a yellow Mercedes Sprinter with a red interior? We're wondering if those seats fold down conversion van-style. What happens in Brunei, stays in Brunei, right?

What could be better than the Rambo-Lambo? How about a wagon version? Just looking at this thing pumps enough testosterone into our system to make us want to go on a Lion-hunting expedition. In the middle of a war zone.

Think Jaguar's XJ220 is just too ugly? Of course not. So why would you have one re-styled by Pininfarina? Because you can, and because the end result looks absolutely fantastic.

Nowadays, it's common to see stretched Escalades and Navaigators, but this Range Rover was stretched long before big SUVs were played out. We wonder how it'd do off-road? Our bet is we'd find out right about the first time we tried to scale a rock taller than a foot.

Styled by Bertone, this one-off Roller dubbed the Majestic is distinct enough to be noticed by those in the know, but subtle enough to be overlooked by most everyone else. Much less vulgar than say, a current Phantom.

What collection would be complete without a basic stretched Rolls-Royce? We're sure the Sultan had plenty of limos like these, but something about this Roller just gives it the quintessential "rich guy" flavor.

Photo Credit: Supercars.net
[Information gathered from a variety of sources including but not limited to: AstonMartins.com, bentleyspotting.com, benzworld.org, classicdriver.com]

That's enough power to give the Ferrari F430 Scuderia and Porsche 911 GT2 a serious scare. That would also make it more powerful than the current Aston DBS, or even the Vantage GT2 race car.
[AutoWeek.nl]

I don't think this ad is entirely accurate. Most of us will agree that anything in a Aston Martin V8 Vantage turns them into a _ILF. [AdRants via Fleshbot (NSFW)]

Additionally, as we first reported to you here, the Aston Martin DBS Volante (i.e. convertible) is also a go. Everything's coming up Martin! [Autovisie via World Car Fans]

One of the series that could see corngas burning Aston GT2's is the American Le Mans Series, which allows competitors to use the E85 for racing fuel. Full details of AMR's plans for 2008 will be announced next Thursday. [Aston Martin Racing via World Car Fans]

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.

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]

The Bavarian tuner presents innovative concepts for the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante and the new Ford Mondeo

Loder1899 sends two luxury racers to the 2007 Essen Motor Show

For this year´s Essen Motor Show (1.-9.12.2007) the Bavarian Tuner Loder1899 presents the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante and the new Ford Mondeo.

Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante

The newly created Loder1899 wheel Vertigo Viginti has its debut at the Essen Motor Show. The 20 inch wheel in hyper-alloy look has a fascinating design, and hamonizes perfectly with the luxurious form of the British racer.

Aerodynamic real carbon fiber accessories from one of Germany´s leading tuner Loder1899, embellish the latest Aston Martin. These elegant parts: front-lip, rear diffusor and engine cover are extremely light weight and of the highest quality.

In addition, Loder1899 sport exhaust system includes a stainless steel sport catalytic converter. At 4000 rpm the flap control opens, which allows the engine to breathe out more effectively. Thanks to this optimised exhaust system not only does the sound have more substance, but the power also increases from 385 hp to 425 hp. To finish off the look, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante´s beautiful and dynamic lines are displayed to their fullest by Loder1899´s 35mm lowering kit.

Loder1899 gears up the new Ford Mondeo in a special edition designer outfit
The Ford Mondeo shares the podium at this year´s motor show with the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante. The frost white Ford Mondeo coolly holds its own with a body styling kit made out of real carbon fiber. The discreet front lip and the 35mm lowering kit accentuate the sporty lines of the new Ford bringing it closer to the street. The elegant roof spoiler, the rear skirt and the two branch stainless steel exhaust system (75x105mm), take care of a powerful finish. Rounding off the look nicely is the hand-polished Loder1899 bonnet in a special edition Stainless steel look in a silver, glossy finish.

The wheel/tire combination for the elegant Ford is the 9x20 inch alloy wheel Sins in a shiny, black finish. Alternatively Loder1899 offers the 9x20 inch design wheel W1 in a special edition Polish glam also in a black, glossy finish with polished spokes.

The standard 220 hp Ford Mondeo gains 50 hp, thanks to the up-to-the-minute motor management from Loder1899 and the sport exhaust system.

Loder1899 offers for both vehicles a 4-way adjustable sport suspension system. This enables the driver to adjust vehicle height, gradient, pressure level and strut compression to personal taste and requirements. [Source: Loder1899]

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Press Release:

Press Release

Aston Martin is not only showing the DBS for the first time in Europe at the Frankfurt motor show next week but will also showcase two new special editions - the Aston Martin DB9 LM and the V8 Vantage N400. Both special editions draw inspiration from the company's recent achievements at Le Mans and the N?rburgring 24-hour races.

The V8 Vantage N400 commemorates Aston Martin's achievements at the Nürburgring where the company enjoyed success in the gruelling ADAC 24-hour race with the V8 Vantage N24 production race car. Aston Martin develops and tests all of its road cars extensively on the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit and the Vantage N400 recently broke the eight minute benchmark around the legendary 14-mile circuit.

The Vantage N400 includes a number of technical improvements as well as enhancements to the car's standard range of renowned colour and trim specifications. These include a power upgrade to Aston Martin's 4.3 litre V8 engine, lifting peak power to 400bhp and peak torque to 420Nm. The car also comes equipped with a new Sports Pack which offers subtly different driving dynamics tailored to enthusiasts who seek even more responsive handling. The Sports Pack comprises a unique lightweight graphite-finished aluminium wheel with diamond turning, up-rated springs and dampers and a new rear anti-roll bar (for the Coupe). The Vantage N400 also includes a number of exterior design changes, including a revised side sill design, Magnum Silver bonnet and side strake meshes, clear rear lamp lenses and a bright finish grille.

Interior enhancements include perforated black leather seats, micro-spin alloy facia trim and a unique numbered sill plaque. The Vantage N400 will be available in three new exterior colours; Bergwerk Black, Lightning Silver or Karussell Orange, with either Sportshift automated manual or conventional manual transmission and in either Coupe or Roadster forms. Additionally, the Vantage N400 comes equipped with a range of normally optional equipment, including Satellite Navigation, 700W Aston Martin Premium Audio System, Bluetooth telephone preparation, HID headlamps, cruise control and memory/heated seats.

The DB9 LM celebrates Aston Martin's GT1 class victory in the Le Mans 24-hour endurance classic in June with the DBR9 - a race car derived from the DB9.

This special edition car, available in Coupe form only with Touchtronic transmission, includes a unique Sarthe Silver exterior paint finish, meshes and rear crossbar finished in Magnum Silver and red brake calipers. Inside, the DB9 LM is fitted with handcrafted black leather finish, perforated leather inserts, unique 'Tertre Rouge' facia trim and numbered sill plaque. The car is also equipped with the normally optional DB9 Sports Pack as standard, with colour keyed and diamond turned alloy wheels.

Pricing details for both cars will be confirmed at the Frankfurt motor show

[Jalopnik's Question of the Day drives a Lambo. Have a question you need answered? Email suggestions to tips@jalopnik.com with the subject line "QOTD"]

If you're a thirtysomething pistonhead like me, odds are good you once had a poster of a Lamborghini Countach on your wall. Most likely, the Countach spent the duration of your puberty sandwiched between a Ferrari Testarossa and Kathy Ireland. But you probably didn't have a picture of an Aston Martin V8 Vantage. And I say picture instead of poster because they didn't print posters of the British supercar — I had to cut mine out of Car and Driver. Even freighted with pimples, hairy palms and a funny voice, I just knew the reserved British charmer was far cooler than its rival Italian extroverts. Stemming from my still lingering teenage fantasies, I nominate the original Aston Martin V8 Vantage for induction in the Jalopnik Fantasy Garage.

Some of you might balk at the appellation of "supercar" applied to anything rolling out of Newport Pagnell before 2001 (think Vanquish). However, all you Queen-haters do need to step off, as the V8 Vantage was not only Aston Martin's first supercar, but Britain's as well (and yes, I'm fully aware that AMs stopped coming from Newport Pagnell when Ford bought 'em). And hell yeah was it a supercar! When the Vantage first debuted in 1977, the V540's "375 to 380 bhp" gave it a top speed of 170 mph. And that made it the fastest car in the world.

Let us meditate on that for a moment. Star Wars had just been released, burning "the jump to light speed" into the collective consciousness. Top-end mattered. The truly radical (and equally powerful, i.e. 380 bhp) LP400S Countach could only hit 164 mph. We don't even want to speculate about how slow Ferrari's 512 BB was, what with its puny 340 horses [Actually, it was 162 mph that year — ed.]. The Porsche 911 3.0 was just barely coughing up 200 hp and the (awesome) 928 was still a year away. Even if you were to argue that 1978 model year 928s were available for sale in 1977, they could barely crest 150 mph. The Corvette? 180 hp, dude. Plus of course, the Vantage could seat four. Moving on.

Aston Martin had used the moniker "Vantage" for some time to describe cars with a more powerful engine. But the V8 Vantage was much more than just a checkbox. The Vantage was in fact a separate line. Despite what Jeremy Clarkson says about European cars, no one back in the salad days of cocaine and amyl nitrate poppers was really interested in stopping or turning, so the brakes and suspension setup remained unchanged from the standard V8. However, top speed mattered very, very much. So several aerodynamic tweaks were made to reduce lift at 170 mph. They were essential in a car with a chassis design that predates Watergate. The grill was closed up, as was the intake scoop on the hood, creating a very butch and good looking "bonnet bulge." Air was fed to the radiator and four big-ass Webers via an intake below the deep front air dam. And how can we forget the twin 5" Cibie driving lights stuck into the gaping catfish maw? Oh yeah, we can't.

The version we'd like to stick in our Fantasy Garage is the 1978 Series 2 V8 Vantage "Oscar India" (short for "October Introduction"). Featuring an integrated hood scoop and ducktail spoiler (as opposed to the bolt-ons found on the series 1), the 1978 iteration is to our eyes without question the best looking of all Vantages. The Oscar India was slick inside, too as all the vinyl on the dash was replaced with leather. And if there is one thing we love above most other things, it is leather on a dash. Seriously, sit in a Maserati some time. Also important, the Oscar Indias still had the uber-sexy 15" GKN wheels, as opposed to the wider and grippier but so-much-more garish BBS 16"s that eventually became standard. With the fatter wheels came bigger arches, which looked more screaming chicken than Q-car. Of course the eventual and inevitable 5 mph bumpers ruined the rear end. But back to the beginning, and while the Germans will never understand this, you couldn't think of a hotter name for a car than "Oscar India." We tried. Also, before you vote, please consider that the Vantage came standard with a cigar lighter and ashtray. Seriously folks, the original V8 Vantage is one of the greatest cars ever. – Jonny Lieberman

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[Jonny Lieberman's Jalopnik Fantasy Garage runs every Tuesday. Submit proposals for future acquisitions to tips@jalopnik.com.]

Related:
Jalopnik Fantasy Garage: Maserati Quattroporte Executive GT; Jalopnik Fantasy Garage: RUF RT12; Aston Martin Sold To Kuwaiti Investment Company For $925 Million [internal]

Now that the Hamster is repaired and the Top Gear boys are back to making television, we can dispense with the flipping jet car business and get back to giggling over egregious examples of hoonage — which is pretty much what Clarkson spends his time in the Jaguar XKR doing. He then sics it on its hotter half-sister, the Aston V8 Vantage, in a sans-Richard Dawson episode of Family Feud, usefully pointing out that the new EU booster seat mandate has now largely made 2+2 coupes too cramped in the back for the only people small enough to fit there — children. – Davey G. Johnson

Related:
Holy Jet Car, Hamster — Here's The Exclusive Crash Footage! [Internal]

Motorsports engineering house Prodrive has turned some of its Aston Martin competitive-tuning knowledge on the general public. Developed by way of partnership with the Aston Martin Racing team, the company's tweakage boosts the V8 Vantage's power source from 380 hp to 425 hp, with torque increased from 302 lb-ft to 325 lb-ft. Other kit includes a driver-adjustable suspension comprised of Bilstein and Eibach gear — with normal and sports mode — modified exhaust (with noisy and "don't wake the baby" modes), an aero kit that reduces lift by 45 percent and forged wheels mimicking those of the Prodrive-built DBR9 racer. A fully-kitted show car is on display at the Essen show this week for tuner freaks who find themselves in North Rhine-Westphalia with nothing better to do. – Mike Spinelli

Related:
Aston Martin Reveals Rally GT Vantage [internal]

Who would have thought the bespectacled Bavarians at Loder 1899 could improve the sexiness of the Brits' latest Emma Peel, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage? But while the eyes have it, the wallet might as well take a powder. This is a purely high-end treatment, with an titanium suspension system that allows the driver to adjust the car's height, gradient, pressure level, strut compression, and whether Scottish gin or Russian Vodka goes in his martini. That tweak alone is a $10,000+ option. A $7,000 sport exhaust increases horsepower from 385 to 405, and a carbon-fiber aero kit defies currency conversion (Ok, $6,000). Wheels are by Afzal Kahn ($7,000+) and the payment card is American Express Centurion. Just try not to wake the staff by doing doughnuts in the courtyard. – Mike Spinelli [UPDATE: Jeffrey from Kahn Design says the wheels in the press shots aren't the company's RS-Vs, as indicated in the press release, they're by Loder 1899. There's a big difference.]

Related:
LA Gear: Aston Martin Reveals V8 Vantage Roadster [internal]

It won't take the traditional Volante designation, as had been speculated, but the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster is nonetheless an SPF 0 version of the V8 Vantage coupe. (Better to hear that snarly V8.) Aston revealed the convertible today ahead of its media coming-out at the Los Angeles auto show later this month. Performance is said to match that of the coupe, with a zero-to-60 score of 4.9 seconds and top speed of 175 mph. Also like the coupe, transmission choices include the six-speed Graziano manual as standard, with Aston's Sportshift automated manual on option. It'll likely sell for some large number in the neighborhood of $130,000, with first shipments scheduled for mid-2007. – Mike Spinelli

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Press Release:

ASTON MARTIN LAUNCHES THE V8 VANTAGE ROADSTER

Los Angeles - Aston Martin will unveil one of the most eagerly anticipated convertibles of the year when the V8 Vantage Roadster is revealed at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show on Wednesday 29th November.

Aston Martin Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ulrich Bez said: "The V8 Vantage Roadster is a pure sports car, a car that heightens the senses and provides a dynamically thrilling driving experience.

"The Vantage Roadster adds to the unbeatable thrill of open air motoring and by combining engineering excellence, technological innovation and physical perfection, will ensure every journey is one to remember."

Perfectly proportioned, with a low purposeful stance, the Vantage Roadster is uncompromisingly modern yet also incorporates classic Aston Martin design cues. The elegant lines are fused with traditional craftsmanship and striking 21st century style, with an interior hand-trimmed and finished in the finest quality genuine materials.

The Vantage Roadster will be built at Aston Martin's global headquarters at Gaydon, near Warwickshire in the UK, joining the current Aston Martin line-up. This now comprises the flagship Vanquish S, the elegant DB9 and the agile V8 Vantage Coupe.

Design
The design of the Vantage Roadster is elegant and uncompromising, a single fluid form with characteristic attention to detail, both inside and out, representing the open sports car in its purest form.

The Vantage Roadster represents the latest evolution of Aston Martin's synthesis of craft and technology. From the beautifully hand stitched leather seats to the hand-finished bodies, to the ultra-modern Aston Martin V8 engine, hand-assembled at a dedicated, high-technology facility in Cologne, Germany, the Vantage Roadster is an exclusive, advanced and uniquely desirable sports car.

The three-layer fabric hood gives a taut, aggressive appearance when closed and when folded, the flow from front to rear is smooth and elegant, enhanced by the leather speed humps that create a unique transition between interior and exterior. Even in convertible form the Roadster retains the critically acclaimed design of the Vantage Coupe. The hood is stowed neatly beneath the rear tonneau cover and is either opened or closed at the press of a button located on the centre console, in just 18 seconds, and at speeds of up to 30mph (50km/h) with no manual intervention required.

Offered with an imaginative combination of different leathers, contemporary fabrics and aluminium, Vantage Roadster customers will have an extensive choice of body and trim colours from which to choose.

Performance
Developed from the outset alongside the V8 Vantage Coupe which was launched in 2005, the Roadster shares the unique-to-Aston Martin bonded aluminium VH (Vertical Horizontal) architecture - the backbone to all modern Aston Martins. Adding to this structure, sophisticated materials such as lightweight alloys, magnesium and advanced composites are used for the body, further contributing to the car's low weight and high rigidity.

Driver and passenger sit low, close to the car's centre of gravity, where they can feel the car reacting to the input of the driver - a special sensation, usually only experienced in racing cars - providing a direct and sporting connection between car and driver.

Despite the additional mechanism associated with the Vantage Roadster's convertible roof and the additional body stiffness, Aston Martin's engineering team have ensured only a minimal weight increase to preserve the agile and sporting characteristics of the V8 Vantage Coupe. At just 4.38 metres (172.5 in) long, Vantage Roadster remains not only the smallest model in the Aston Martin range but also one of the leanest cars in its class.

The Vantage Roadster delivers exceptional performance with careful development and engineering ensuring that the Roadster equals the achievements of its Coupe sibling, with 0-100km/h (62mph) achieved in 5.0 seconds (0-60mph in 4.9 seconds) and a potential maximum speed of 280km/h (175mph).

Vantage Roadster will be available with two transmission alternatives from launch. Offered as standard is the fast-shifting, six-speed Graziano conventional stick-shift manual gearbox, with ratios perfectly matched to the performance of the V8 engine. This is joined by Aston Martin's new Sportshift automated manual transmission - an ultra-quick system that provides the driver with heightened precision via fingertip control of gear changes using paddles to progress smoothly and swiftly through the ratios.

Deliveries of the V8 Vantage Roadster are expected to commence during quarter two 2007, with prices to be confirmed at a later date.

Related:
Aston Martin Vantage Roadster, DBS Unveiled Amid Cocktails, Canapes [internal]

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]

Aston Martin's going rallying with Prodrive, the company announced today, offering a specially appointed Vantage V8 for Series GT rally players and the checkpoints they sweat. In basic terms, the Rally GT is a standard Vantage with a Prodrive-designed roll cage, which provides both safety and additional torsional rigidity, and a 420bhp version of Vantage's 4.3-liter V8 under the bonnet. The suspension includes Eibach springs and three-way adjustable EXE-TC dampers over the stock car's wishbones, and buyers can choose a close-ratio, six-speed, cog-engagement gearbox over the stock clockworks. Aston says the Rally GT has already competed in three French Rally Championship events, placing second in the Series GT class on its debut at the Lyon to Charbonniers Rally. Now it's open season. Go, rich European guys, go! [Gallery] – Mike Spinelli

[Source: Aston Martin]

Related:
ProDrive's P2 Gets The Top Gear Sub Four Second Treatment [internal]

Aston Martin is taking on Ferrari's F1 gearbox with a new electro-hydraulic automated manual for the V8 Vantage, the company announced in Paris. Dubbed Sportshift, the six-speed box, the company says, improves shift times while retaining the car's weight distribution. De rigueur paddle shifters, forged of magnesium, mark the clickoffs — up to three times faster than the manual (less than 200 milliseconds per), the company said in a press release. Still, in the game of milliseconds, Ferrari's latest F1 box — which directs traffic in its 599GTB — wins, at 100 milliseconds. But the Aston box also has a low-speed "crawl" feature that engages the clutch to move the car along at up to 4 mph, so the driver doesn't have to throttle up for parking and risk launching through the window of Bergdorf Goodman's. Brilliant.

Related:
New Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante to Hit in 2007 [internal]

Here's one from the "so close you can taste it" list. Aston Martin's new roadster based on the V8 was recently caught grazing in Germany. Some are calling it the Volante, recalling history to put a name to the future (considering how often that's done in the car business), but word is Aston won't be reviving the old Vantage roadster designation. We may see it in Paris next month or Geneva next year, ahead of a runored launch in 2007.

Spied: 2008 Aston Martin V-8 Vantage Volante - Car News [Car and Driver]

Related:
New Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante to Hit in 2007; Spy Photos: Aston Martin DBS, Vantage Volante [internal]

Aston Martin speculators in the UK are finding that one man's catastrophic depreciation is another's pop 'round the bargain basement. It seems some blokes had been buying Aston V8 Vantage models to flip at a high-demand premium. The lucky ones likely made out swimmingly indeed, back when the wait list for the Vantage was over a year. But as Pistonheads reports, dozens of low-mileage cars are now up for resale, some priced well below list. It seems Aston production is catching up with demand, with a mere five-month wait for new-car buyers. Now, it's time for all good arbitrage boys move on to the next mark — the V8 Vantage convertible, coming next year.

ASTON V8 VANTAGE PRICES PLUMMET [PistonHeads]

Related:
Aston Martin V8 Vantage, DB9 Nab Design Awards [internal]

What will $113,000 buy these days? How about an Aston Martin V8 Vantage that's virtually identical to the car that recently ran in the 24-hour endurance race at the N rburgring? (Or 29,000 boxes of Cheerios.) The racing model is nearly identical to the production version — thus the barely inflated price tag — with only a full mandatory safety cage, special fuel tank and fire system, racing seat, and built-in air jacks to distinguish it. Buyers will be able to get their own — complete with bragging rights — beginning next month.

Related:
Aston Martin V8 Vantage, DB9 Nab Design Awards [internal]

Now that Bond fans have conceded new 007 Daniel Craig can actually drive stick-shift, despite having the face of a club fighter, we can get on to more pressing matters — the car. World Car Fans posted spy ditties of what's likely the Aston Martin DBS, the production version of Bond's latest oil-slick dispenser, a worked-over DB9 with a reported 500 horsepower and wider track. They've also got new shots of the roadster that will take the Volante mantle, though likely without that venerable Aston designation. Just V8 Roadster, please.

Spy Photos: Two New Aston Martin Models [World Car Fans]

Related:
New Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante to Hit in 2007; Death to the DBS! Bond Crew Kills Three Astons in One Day [internal]

The leftlaners over at Left Lane News located shots of Aston Martin's upcoming Vantage convertible, as portrayed in AutoExpress. Aston's still mum on the subject of the Vantage droptop, but word is it'll be a 2007 model and emerge from obscurity at the Paris show. Still, considering the British motor show is coming up in July, we wouldn't be a bit surprised if it rolled out on its home turf.

Spy shots reveal 2007 Aston Martin Vantage Roadster [Left Lane News]

Related:
Spy Photos: Aston Martin Vantage Volante [internal]

Car Design News readers have voted Aston Martin's V8 Vantage (pictured) and DB9 first and third places in a poll of favorite car designs. Aston Martins overall scored higher than any other brand — including BMW, Porsche, Mercedes and Lamborghini — in the poll, which took the opinions of 1,000 design professionals and students. The honor goes both to designer Dilip Chhabria and to the engineers who created the cars' flexible VH platform, which underpins all current Astons, as well as to parent Ford for both ponying up needed cash and then knowing when to keep the hell out of the way. Mazel tov.

http://www.dexigner.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=5750">Aston Martin V8 Vantage Voted Best Production Car Design [Dexigner]

Related:
Aston Martin V8 Vantage Designer Talks About Designing James Bond's Car,/a>; Spy Photos: Aston Martin Vantage Volante [internal]

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]

Related:
New Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante to Hit in 2007 [internal]

The UK's AutoExpress is reporting Aston Martin is considering a variant of its V8 Vantage on par with Porsche's GT3 — a stripped-down, lightweight coupe with an upclocked 4.3-liter V8, giving it 420hp, 40 more than the base model. Sources say the car will arrive in late 2007 as a 2008 model, priced in the $150,000 range. The RS model will also have a stiffer suspension, an aerodynamically attuned body kit, carbon fiber roof and 19-inch mag-alloy wheels. Top speed will be in the 190mph range. Yes, please.

Aston Martin to Launch "Hard Core" V8 Vantage RS [Edmunds]

Related:
New Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante to Hit in 2007 [internal]

AutoExpress magazine has confirmed the soft-top version of Aston's slinky V8 Vantage will arrive in 2007, likely as a 2008 model, according to PistonHeads (just call us third-hand Rosie). The company's entry-level Volante, which will be powered by the same 380hp 4.3-liter V8 as the coupe, has been trademarked, and will sell for around $150,000, or an approximately $10,000 premium over the closed-topper.

The car has been trade-marked and priced [PistonHeads]

Related:
Geneva Premiere: The Aston Martin V8 Vantage is Hot; Aston Martin Announces V8 Vantage Prices; Aston Martin V8 Vantage Uncovered at Pebble Beach [internal]