Aston Martin Presents “Tailor” Made V8 Vantage Coupe

Who said that only Lamborghini gets the designer treatment? So does Aston Martin that teamed up with design house Kilgour of Savile Row to present a haute couture bespoke V8 Vantage Coupe at Kilgour’s first-ever fashion show in Paris. The one-off V8 Vantage was finished in a unique Morning Frost Satin paint, while the coupe’s interior was influenced by Kilgour’s latest collection and finished in Kilgour Midnight Blue, with the seat-inserts adorned with a polka-dot effect. Unfortunately, Aston Martin did not provide any pictures of the polka-dot cabin…

2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Gets a Power Boost

Don’t attempt to detect any differences on the 2009 V8 Vantage exterior, because with the exception of new standard and optional 19'' alloy wheels, there aren’t any. Most changes are under the skin and they concern a new 4.7-liter V8 engine. In particular, Aston Martin has fitted the V8 Vantage with a larger displacement 4.7-liter engine (previous 4.3-liters) that develops 420 Hp (+11%) and a maximum torque of 347lbs-ft (+15%).

Other updates include revised dynamics, improved Sportshift transmission software and a new sports suspension option. According to Aston Martin, the V8 Vantage features an improved 0-60mph (96km/h) time of 4.7 seconds and top speed of 180mph (288km/h). Combined European fuel economy and CO2 emissions are also improved by 13% with the Sportshift semi-auto transmission. -Continued

Inside, the only changes include a new centre console and revised switchgear along with the introduction of an ECU replacing the previous V8 Vantage key.

Commenting on the new car, Aston Martin’s CEO, Dr Ulrich Bez said: "Continued development and evolution of our unique VH (Vertical-Horizontal) architecture has brought even higher levels of refinement and dynamic performance to our whole range. With the new 4.7 litre engine and associated changes we have taken the V8 Vantage to new levels of performance to produce an even more desirable sports car.”

Drive an Aston Martin Vantage N24 on-track

As much as we would have like to offer you the chance to drive a race-prepped Aston Martin Vantage N24 on-track, unfortunately its UK newspaper “The Sunday Times” that’s giving its readers this unique opportunity. Thanks to a partnership between Aston Martin, PalmerSport and The Sunday Times, the UK newspaper is running a competition from April until October offering two lucky readers per month the chance to demonstrate their driving skills in a Vantage N24, at PalmerSport’s Bedford Autodrome.

For those of you who don’t believe in “Lady Luck”, Aston Martin offers the option to pay for a timed session in one of the cars. Either way, each driver’s lap time will be entered into a ‘Hot Lap League’, with the ten fastest drivers being called back at the end of the year to compete in a final to decide who’s the fastest. The winner will enjoy a package of prizes, including the loan of an Aston Martin V8 Vantage for a month and full VIP hospitality for two people at the 2009 Le Mans 24-hour race.

Drive an Aston Martin Vantage N24 on-track

As much as we would have like to offer you the chance to drive a race-prepped Aston Martin Vantage N24 on-track, unfortunately its UK newspaper “The Sunday Times” that’s giving its readers this unique opportunity. Thanks to a partnership between Aston Martin, PalmerSport and The Sunday Times, the UK newspaper is running a competition from April until October offering two lucky readers per month the chance to demonstrate their driving skills in a Vantage N24, at PalmerSport’s Bedford Autodrome.

For those of you who don’t believe in “Lady Luck”, Aston Martin offers the option to pay for a timed session in one of the cars. Either way, each driver’s lap time will be entered into a ‘Hot Lap League’, with the ten fastest drivers being called back at the end of the year to compete in a final to decide who’s the fastest. The winner will enjoy a package of prizes, including the loan of an Aston Martin V8 Vantage for a month and full VIP hospitality for two people at the 2009 Le Mans 24-hour race.

Aston Martin Reveals Official Pictures of Vantage GT2

About a week before the new Vantage GT2 makes its race debut with James Watts Automotive at the first round of the Le Mans Series at Barcelona on 5 April, and Aston Martin decided to release the first official images of its latest racing car. The Vantage GT2, which has been designed to run on both standard and E85 bio-ethanol fuel, completes Aston Martin’s portfolio of GT cars in each of the four categories GT1, GT2, GT3, GT4.

Robin Brundle, Aston Martin Racing’s new managing director, said: “The new Vantage GT2 completes our product portfolio for 2008 with competitive cars now available in every category. Thanks to our experience with the DBRS9, we have been able to develop a bio-ethanol fuelled version, which will be eligible to compete in an increasing number of series now accommodating this greener fuel, including the American Le Mans Series.” -More pics after the jump

Aston Martin Reveals Official Pictures of Vantage GT2

About a week before the new Vantage GT2 makes its race debut with James Watts Automotive at the first round of the Le Mans Series at Barcelona on 5 April, and Aston Martin decided to release the first official images of its latest racing car. The Vantage GT2, which has been designed to run on both standard and E85 bio-ethanol fuel, completes Aston Martin’s portfolio of GT cars in each of the four categories GT1, GT2, GT3, GT4.

Robin Brundle, Aston Martin Racing’s new managing director, said: “The new Vantage GT2 completes our product portfolio for 2008 with competitive cars now available in every category. Thanks to our experience with the DBRS9, we have been able to develop a bio-ethanol fuelled version, which will be eligible to compete in an increasing number of series now accommodating this greener fuel, including the American Le Mans Series.” -More pics after the jump

Aston Martin DBS Video: Tiff Needell Races Against Casino Royale’s Stunt Driver

In this latest episode of Fifth Gear TV Show, Tiff Needell takes the new Aston Martin DBS coupe that's powered by a hand-built, 518 HP V12 engine, for a spin to see how it goes. But that’s not all, as Tiff invited Adam Kirley, 007's stunt driver in the the latest James Bond film, Casino Royale, to find out who is the better driver in a series of challenges. Check out the 10-min long video after the jump to see who wins. -Continued

Aston Martin DBS Video: Tiff Needell Races Against Casino Royale’s Stunt Driver

In this latest episode of Fifth Gear TV Show, Tiff Needell takes the new Aston Martin DBS coupe that's powered by a hand-built, 518 HP V12 engine, for a spin to see how it goes. But that’s not all, as Tiff invited Adam Kirley, 007's stunt driver in the the latest James Bond film, Casino Royale, to find out who is the better driver in a series of challenges. Check out the 10-min long video after the jump to see who wins. -Continued

Aston Martin DBS Video: Tiff Needell Races Against Casino Royale’s Stunt Driver

In this latest episode of Fifth Gear TV Show, Tiff Needell takes the new Aston Martin DBS coupe that's powered by a hand-built, 518 HP V12 engine, for a spin to see how it goes. But that’s not all, as Tiff invited Adam Kirley, 007's stunt driver in the the latest James Bond film, Casino Royale, to find out who is the better driver in a series of challenges. Check out the 10-min long video after the jump to see who wins. -Continued

Aston Martin DBS Video: Tiff Needell Races Against Casino Royale’s Stunt Driver

In this latest episode of Fifth Gear TV Show, Tiff Needell takes the new Aston Martin DBS coupe that's powered by a hand-built, 518 HP V12 engine, for a spin to see how it goes. But that’s not all, as Tiff invited Adam Kirley, 007's stunt driver in the the latest James Bond film, Casino Royale, to find out who is the better driver in a series of challenges. Check out the 10-min long video after the jump to see who wins. -Continued

Aston Martin DBS Video: Tiff Needell Races Against Casino Royale’s Stunt Driver

In this latest episode of Fifth Gear TV Show, Tiff Needell takes the new Aston Martin DBS coupe that's powered by a hand-built, 518 HP V12 engine, for a spin to see how it goes. But that’s not all, as Tiff invited Adam Kirley, 007's stunt driver in the the latest James Bond film, Casino Royale, to find out who is the better driver in a series of challenges. Check out the 10-min long video after the jump to see who wins. -Continued

Aston Martin to Open Engineering Test Centre at the Nϋrburgring

British sports carmaker Aston Martin has announced plans to create a new engineering test centre at the famous Nϋrburgring race circuit in Germany. According to Aston, work is underway to convert an existing building at a prime location at Meuspath, adjacent to the Nordschleife circuit, and the facility is expected to be operational by the end of May this year. Aside form providing permanent base for the company's engineering and development team, the new centre will also allow opportunities for customer activities in the future. -Continued

Aston Martin’s CEO, Dr Ulrich Bez, commented: “When we open the Aston Martin Nϋrburgring Test Centre at the end of May this will be our second major new facility in less than 12 months since the company entered new ownership.

“The Nϋrburgring has played a vital part in improving the performance and durability of all modern Aston Martins. Our new test centre will allow us to further increase the performance of our cars and to share something of the unique Nordschleife experience with our customers.”

Aston Martin to Open Engineering Test Centre at the Nϋrburgring

British sports carmaker Aston Martin has announced plans to create a new engineering test centre at the famous Nϋrburgring race circuit in Germany. According to Aston, work is underway to convert an existing building at a prime location at Meuspath, adjacent to the Nordschleife circuit, and the facility is expected to be operational by the end of May this year. Aside form providing permanent base for the company's engineering and development team, the new centre will also allow opportunities for customer activities in the future. -Continued

Aston Martin’s CEO, Dr Ulrich Bez, commented: “When we open the Aston Martin Nϋrburgring Test Centre at the end of May this will be our second major new facility in less than 12 months since the company entered new ownership.

“The Nϋrburgring has played a vital part in improving the performance and durability of all modern Aston Martins. Our new test centre will allow us to further increase the performance of our cars and to share something of the unique Nordschleife experience with our customers.”

Aston Martin to Open Engineering Test Centre at the Nϋrburgring

British sports carmaker Aston Martin has announced plans to create a new engineering test centre at the famous Nϋrburgring race circuit in Germany. According to Aston, work is underway to convert an existing building at a prime location at Meuspath, adjacent to the Nordschleife circuit, and the facility is expected to be operational by the end of May this year. Aside form providing permanent base for the company's engineering and development team, the new centre will also allow opportunities for customer activities in the future. -Continued

Aston Martin’s CEO, Dr Ulrich Bez, commented: “When we open the Aston Martin Nϋrburgring Test Centre at the end of May this will be our second major new facility in less than 12 months since the company entered new ownership.

“The Nϋrburgring has played a vital part in improving the performance and durability of all modern Aston Martins. Our new test centre will allow us to further increase the performance of our cars and to share something of the unique Nordschleife experience with our customers.”

Aston Martin to Open Engineering Test Centre at the Nϋrburgring

British sports carmaker Aston Martin has announced plans to create a new engineering test centre at the famous Nϋrburgring race circuit in Germany. According to Aston, work is underway to convert an existing building at a prime location at Meuspath, adjacent to the Nordschleife circuit, and the facility is expected to be operational by the end of May this year. Aside form providing permanent base for the company's engineering and development team, the new centre will also allow opportunities for customer activities in the future. -Continued

Aston Martin’s CEO, Dr Ulrich Bez, commented: “When we open the Aston Martin Nϋrburgring Test Centre at the end of May this will be our second major new facility in less than 12 months since the company entered new ownership.

“The Nϋrburgring has played a vital part in improving the performance and durability of all modern Aston Martins. Our new test centre will allow us to further increase the performance of our cars and to share something of the unique Nordschleife experience with our customers.”

Aston Martin Rapide: Production Version Caught on the Road

Aston Martin’s first four-door model for generations has been caught on film barely masked during a fill-up at a gas station in Denmark. The stylish Rapide, which will compete head-on against Porsche's planned front engine, Panamera four-door coupe that is due in 2009, is based on the versatile VH architecture that underpins the current Aston Martin DB9 and Vantage models. Power is expected to come from Aston’s V8 and V12 units. -Continued

Via: Autoblog.it , Source: Omniauto

Aston Martin Rapide: Production Version Caught on the Road

Aston Martin’s first four-door model for generations has been caught on film barely masked during a fill-up at a gas station in Denmark. The stylish Rapide, which will compete head-on against Porsche's planned front engine, Panamera four-door coupe that is due in 2009, is based on the versatile VH architecture that underpins the current Aston Martin DB9 and Vantage models. Power is expected to come from Aston’s V8 and V12 units. -Continued

Via: Autoblog.it , Source: Omniauto

Aston Martin Goes To Le Mans With DBR9 Gulf

British sports car maker Aston Martin will defend the GT1 title at the 2008 Le Mans race with two DBR9s dressed in the distinctive blue and orange livery of Gulf Oil. The two cars, which will be entered as numbers 007 and 009, 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.” -Continued

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.”

Aston Martin Goes To Le Mans With DBR9 Gulf

British sports car maker Aston Martin will defend the GT1 title at the 2008 Le Mans race with two DBR9s dressed in the distinctive blue and orange livery of Gulf Oil. The two cars, which will be entered as numbers 007 and 009, 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.” -Continued

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.”

James Bond Aston Martin Vanquish V12 Replica - Based On Ford Mustang

Be honest now; if someone didn’t tell you otherwise, would it ever cross your mind that the car you’re looking at the pictures is actually based on the fourth generation Ford Mustang, and in particular, the 2000 – 2003 model? It never passed our mind! The replica of the Aston Martin Vanquish V12 that stared in the James Bond movie, “Die Another Day”, is made by a Canadian company called Exclusive Motors.

Apart from the 34 piece composite body, Exclusive Motors stretches the Ford Mustang’s wheelbase and widens the cars tracks while the interior is fully rebuilt. The Canadian company is also working on a “Spy Package” that will be available shortly. The package adds a set of guns coming out of the hood, and rockets in the front grill for a more “007” style. -Details and imageafter the jump

Release From Exclusive Motors:

Philosophy Behind the Car

We as a company that makes specialty cars, wanted to create a new car that nobody else produced. We wanted to make a limited run, with a timeless look, that thirty years from now will still be considered good looking; Somewhat like the Cobra. We wanted great horse power, and great aftermarket upgrades. We wanted a car with all the options: power brakes, power windows, power steering, power driver seat, power locks, navigation, leather seats, you can even ask for a super charger that makes the car 0 to 60, as fast the original car.

We wanted to start with a great donor car, a car that would help us keep our prices down. We needed a car that would lend itself to its new styling. The car needed to be part of the Aston Martin family. The Ford 2000-2003 Mustang was perfect for this. This helps with the “Pinto Effect”, as explained on the Pricing page.

We took the Ford Mustang and lengthened the wheel base. This was done when we created the new suspension. At the same time, we widened the track, as well as lowered the car. With the use of KW Suspension components, we created a great driving grand touring car.

Now with using the Ford Mustang, what it also enabled us to do, was create a car that had very low and inexpensive maintenance, as well as low insurance costs. For example, the Aston Martin Vanquish runs very hot. Hot enough that Aston Martin requires the use of their own spark plugs. This can only be bought at Aston Martin for $60 each. And these are changed quite a few times. If you were driving across the United States, and got stuck in Montana off the highway, you might have a problem. Whereas the Ford Mustang, you can go into any parts store across the United States and get a spark plug.

Did you know that most cars that are bought new, within a period of five years, that 50%-80% depreciated is lost on a vehicle. That is a lot of money. Our car, five years from now, will still hold most of its current value, because of its uniqueness.

The Building Process

In this project, it was decided to have ten different companies build this car. What this did, was allow each company to add their unique talents and commitments. Allow us to show the different steps:

1 A company takes care of purchasing the right donor car. From background information, mileage, wear-and-tear, damage, correct paper work, and the right location.

2 The next company strips all the necessary parts, makes all the required chassis changes, installs all the suspension components, and does a full mechanical inspection.

3 A company here builds us grills, door handles, hinges, brackets, that are crafted and designed for our project.

4 In this step, two individual companies produce the 34 piece composite body. This is done in a hand lay-up and also a resin transfer method. All the best materials are used to allow us to put on such a beautiful paint job.

5 Even though part of the Ford Mustang door is used, a full door buildup is done.

6 This step is done by us. We take care of the assembly of the complete body. From headlights, grills, exhaust, and partial interior pieces. We make sure that the car has the right fit.

7 Another company then assembles the complete interior.

8 At this point the car is sent out to the paint shop. The car is then painted in a basecoat clear coat Glasurit paint. It is then hand sanded and polished to perfection. Also, a number of interior parts are painted.

9 The interior is then sent out to our master upholsterer, where it is finished in the right leathers and materials.

10 In this step, we have a unique company that makes hand made automotive glass. A little thicker glass and laminate gives us better sound quality inside the car.

11 This is the part we enjoy the most. Yes, the car has to be tested. At the point we are satisfied, the car is detailed, ready for delivery.

Link: Exclusive Motors