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Last year, Aston Martin's V12 Zagato concept debuted to a flush, veal-complected crowd at Italy's Villa D'Este. This year, the Zagato-massaged Vantage collabo's going into production, and according to GTspirit.com, this is it. More »
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Aston Martin will take a version of its V12 Vantage supercar racing next year in the guise of the Vantage GT3, giving 10 customers a 600-hp track beast. More »
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A new V8 Vantage has slipped in between the base model and the V12 Vantage. It's the V8 Vantage S, a slightly more powerful version with a better seven-speed Sportshift transmission. All that plus quicker steering and bigger brakes. Essss! More »
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I'm crouched in the footwell of an Aston Martin V12 Vantage hammering across a dry lakebed at 140 mph, wondering why I'm not a Top Gear presenter, which, I can now confirm, is the greatest job... in the world. More »
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The Aston Martin V8 Vantage N420 Roadster is 60 lbs lighter than its non-N420 sibling, 426-hp, more carbon fiber, fancier interior, new wheels, does 0-to-60mph in under five seconds and will reliably incite marijuana jokes. More »
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An Aston Martin Vantage sitting roadside wearing a "For Sale" sign's the stuff of dystopian futurist fiction. Yet here's one spotted parked beside a Toyota Tacoma in Park City, Utah. Only $75,000. The end is nigh. [DailyDerbi] More »
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The Aston Martin DBS and V12 Vantage Carbon Black special editions come with a color coat taking 50 man-hours of hand painting to create. It's the perfect gift for the Aston Martin owner who has everything but meticulous, unnecessary labor. More »
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This b-roll from WAVY shows an Aston Martin Vantage sitting on High Street in Hampton, Virginia about to succumb to flood waters from a Nor'easter fueled by the remnants of Hurricane Ida. Let's stop this trend. Someone go save it! More »
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Webster's Dictionary describes jealousy as zealous vigilance, which is exactly how we feel after listening to the skin tingling soundtrack of pure engine pr0n coming out of this 6.0-litre V12, 510-horsepower Aston Martin V12 Vantage. More »
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The 2010 Aston Martin V12 Vantage packs a 6.0-liter 510-horsepower V12 punch in one of the sexiest designs in recent times. Driver's Republic got a chance for a first drive. Here's what they had to say about this production-spec sex-machine. More »
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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. More »
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When we last checked in with the 2010 Jaguar XF-R it looked as though there might be a powerful 5.0-liter V8 lurking under the hood. We've seen a lot of the XF-R, as seen below, but the actual motivation has been a point of contention. It is our good fortune then that a Fast Lane Daily source happened to spot a fleet of XF-R engine mules, posing as S-Types, doing some harsh weather testing in Death Valley, California. Witnesses suggested the mules emitted a sound similar to the V8 found in the Aston Martin V8 Vantage. That's not an insane suggestion given that Aston and Jag were under the same roof around the time this vehicle probably began development. More »
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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. More »
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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. More »
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Aston Martin decided to take a classy route with its latest print advertising campaign for the V8 Vantage. I've been known to be a connoisseur of all things mom, MILF and cougar-like, so I naturally give this advertisement a bold thumbs-up. But I have a feeling those parent-y types out there may have a problem with little Timmy being exposed to advertisements that so blatantly throw around the MILF acronym. Click below to see the advertisement in its full size. More »
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Things have been good in the world of Aston Martin enthusiasts since breaking free from Ford, as exemplified by the Vantage RS V12 Concept, which is going to be a reality according to Dutch car mag Autovisie. The word comes from Dr. Ulrich Bez, Aston Martin CEO, who said the fastest Aston Martin will go on sale next year. This ultimate Vantage gets its ultimate status from the 6.0-liter V12 and its 600 horsepower, good for a 0 to 60 trot in under four seconds and enough carbon fiber to achieve a power-to-weight ratio of 375 horsepower-per-ton. More »
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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. More »
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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] More »
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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. More »
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Aston Martin Racing has decided to share an illustration of the Vantage GT2, the latest addition the company's growing racing stable. The V8-powered Vantage derivative is the first available Aston Martin race car that can run on either race fuel or E85 bioethanol. The addition of this green-lipped wonder means that Aston Martin is the sole manufacturer offering cars in all four GT classes. More »
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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. More »
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The Bavarian accessorizers at Loder1899 are showing off a little at this year's Essen Motors Show, bringing both an upgraded Mondeo and Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante. The Vantage gets the company's new 20-in "hyper-alloy" wheel, lowering-kit, and a new exhaust system good for a boost to 425 hp. The Mondeo gets mostly exterior upgrades, including a less-than-flattering carbon fiber hood, though a new engine management system and sport exhaust system is good for a 50 hp bump to 270 hp. Press release and high resolution shots below: More »
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Warning: Anything you say will be held against you. As we saw, the amazing Tempo Matador is for sale. Asking price: $110,000. That is many clams. There is the "obo" caveat, but as Murilee points out, our best offer would be $3,000. No, only a Jay Leno type would be able to appreciate a choice ride like the Matador and shell out all those greenbacks. Not that it needs pointing out, but for that sorta scratch you can get some pretty fly rides. Like this 2007 Aston Marting V8 Vantage. Now we're asking you — if you magically got $110,000 would you buy one of the best looking Aston Martins ever made (which puts it in the running for best looking car ever made) or a mid-engined, front-wheel drive pickup truck with suicide doors? More »
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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. More »
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You didn't think Aston Martin would halt their Frankfurt show premiere show after the old-news DBS, did you? AutoExpress says the company's plans for the Messe include the rollout of two racing-inspired offshoots of the DB9 and V8 Vantage. Word is, the roadgoing models will be of the lighter-is-faster variety, with their sights set on the Porsche 911 GT3 and Ferrari F430 Scuderia, which will also show up in Frankfurt. We may have already seen the Vantage version, in a series of spy shots recently pubbed on Autogespot, which indicate a blacked-out prototype that could hint at the Vantage R. [AutoExpress] More »
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Our West Coast team snapped themselves some of the first shots of James Bond's Aston Martin this weekend, but in all the hoopla, we almost forgot it's not the only sled in the newly ProDrive-purchased brand. There's also the question of what's going on with the littlest Aston — the V8 Vantage? Jalopnik bilingual reader and occasional tipster Ard-Jan dropped us an e-mail this morning with a link to something he's found over at AUTOGESPOT — pictures of what they think could be the next V8 Vantage not sporting any camouflage. Although it looks very similar to the Mansory Vantage tuner, the rear taillights, grille, and sides look different enough that maybe it could be the next baby Aston. And hey, considering the 2005 Frankfurt show was where they released the last one — wouldn't this year's Frankfurt Auto Show be a great place to drop the new V8 Vantage? Just sayin'... More »
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Today is a sad day for Aston Martin fans. You can say what you will about the Vanquish never living up to its full ubercar potential (the engine was never powerful enough, the gearbox competed with Maserati's duo-select for the right to the title of "World's Worst") and the air vents were from a Taurus. Regardless, the Vanquish is the last car ever to be built at ye olde Newport Pagnell plant, where the tools of choice are still hammers and cigarettes. Newport Pagnell is where James Bond's Goldfinger DB4 was built. Same goes for our Fantasy Garage favorite, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Oscar India. And who could forget the Lagonda, which was also built there? As for the Vanquish itself, we've always found it astonishingly beautiful yet muscular, like a Greek statue. Or Ronnie Coleman. And we don't care what anyone says, the Vanquish is way better looking than the DB9. Plus, before you die you really need to hear AM CEO Dr Ulrich Bez pronounce "Vanquish." I mean pronounce, "Wang-kesh." Tee hee. Anyhow, we'll be pouring out a 40oz. of Earl Gray for our V12 homie. [Motor Authority] More »
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While at a pleasant if not a bit boozy dinner party on Saturday, we found ourself in the position of having to explain what we did last weekend. Which meant that for the second time in as many hours we were once again singing the praises of the Se7en. After we'd been bloviating wildly for 10 minutes, our friend stopped us and asked the following question: If we had $250,000, what car or cars would we buy? Our answer was (of course) a 1978 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (figure about $80,000 for a good example), an RS4 Avant (About $100,000 due to a weak dollar and import charges) and then spend the remainder on a Z06. Though, we'd probably want a Se7en, too. Hmmm...Should have been the $300,000 question. Anyhow, you? More »
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And does Ferrari need the headache? We're all for more Ferraris, but is downmarket the right way to go? Chevy's Z06 already has pwnage on the F430 in terms of raw, thrusting juju and costs $100,000 less. Should the Dino get actualized, it will (obviously) have less to say on the track than its beefier, brawnier sibling. And its guestimated price point of of $100,0000 to $120,000 aims it squarely at another also ran, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage. Why also ran? Because those are the waters that the Porsche Turbo patrols, and to a lesser extent Audi's R8. Ginsu knives, no matter how shiny, don't play at a gun fight. But that's what we think. How about you? More »
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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. More »
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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 More »
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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.] More »
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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 More »
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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 More »
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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 More »
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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. More »
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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. More »
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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. More »
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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. More »
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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. More »
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