While there were some rumors that the Aston Martin V12 Zagato will go into limited production, there were no certainties. Now, we have official news from the British automaker that this exclusive car will be seen on the streets. Only 150 units will be made and all will have a whopping price tag of 330.000 pounds, without the local taxes.
The car is going to be assembled at AM’s headquarters located in Gaydon and the first cars will be delivered in the second part of next year. The British company is already taking orders so if you have the money, grab one while you still can as they’re selling it on a first come, first serve basis.
The design work for this very desirable car began last year and the initial engineering started in the first month of this year. A couple of months later, the supercar attended the Villa D’Este Concours and grabbed the award in the Concepts and Prototypes class. Just a week later, it managed to finish the very demanding Nurburgring 24 hour race.
The Aston Martin V12 Zagato has a bonded aluminum and carbon fiber chassis and features a massive V12 6.0-liter engine that generates 510 hp (517 PS / 380 kW) and has a peak torque of 420 lb.-ft (570 Nm).
Source: Aston Martin via WCF
Post tags: Tags: Aston Martin, aston martin v12 zagato
The British carmaker Aston Martin has decided to reduce the production rate of the Rapide in order to match the slow sales. From now on, they are going to make only 25 units every year which means that the annual output will be of approximately 1250 units, which is a little over 50% of the 2,000 units that they had in planned back in 2007/2008. Other sources are saying that AM will reduce output to only 10 cars per week.
Last month, the company halted the production of the Rapide and right after the weekend of the Royal Wedding, an e-mail was sent to the suppliers in which Aston Martin said that they don’t need any more components for the rest of the month.
A couple of days ago, the automaker announced that they will be ending an 8-year production agreement with Magna Steyr from Austria in the middle of next year, which is 6 years earlier than planned. No word about the terms of the contract but if we were to believe the rumors, Aston Martin will have to pay about 10 million pounds in order to get out of this deal.
Source: Autocar.co.uk
Post tags: Tags: aston-martin-rapide
It seems that the British automaker Aston Martin has established a partnership with Parisian fashion house colette in order create a limited edition of the tiny and very expensive Cygnet model. Only 14 units will be made and all of them are going to be “hand crafted by Aston Martin Works Tailored.”
On the outside, this special Cygnet will feature a Lightning Silver paint that is going to have colette blue details, along with a race-inspired front bumper and hood livery, diamond-turned road wheels and mirror caps. As far as the cabin is concerned, expect to see a “Bitter Chocolate themed interior” (whatever that means), along with blue leather cushions in the back, Alcantara sun visors and of course, Cygnet and colette badging.
The starting price for this limited edition Aston Martin Cygnet is 43,685 pounds.
Source: Aston Martin via Autocar.co.uk
Post tags: Tags: aston martin cygnet, limited-edition
We have some fresh new spy shots of the upcoming “S” version of the exquisite Aston Martin Rapide, courtesy of our colleagues form AutoExpress. In these shots we see a prototype undergoing some road rests near the company’s headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire.
The standard version of the Rapide features a massive V12 6.0-liter engine that cranks out 470 hp, enough for a 0-60 mph sprint in 5.3 seconds. However, the “S” version will be even quicker than that and more powerful, featuring an uprated engine coming from the DBS, with 510 ponies. Most likely, the car will get carbon-ceramic disc brakes as standard, along with a firmer configuration of the suspension.
The model should be out later on this year and it will certainly be more expensive than the standard Rapide so expect to see a price tag of almost 200,000 pounds.
Source: AutoExpress
Post tags: Tags: aston martin rapide s, Spy Shots
From a recent interview given to Car Magazine by Aston Martin’s CEO Ulrich Bez, we learn that the British automaker is working on “two or three” new Lagonda models: a sporty crossover, a high-end luxury sedan and an Allroad-type crossover.
He added that the Lagonda brand cannot survive “as a one-model brand” and for this reason they’ll launch several cars. The sporty crossover will ride on 21-inch wheels and will feature a low-riding chassis, while the Audi Allroad-type model will be aimed at the odd Range Rover customers. As far as the luxury sedan is concerned, it will combine the traditional luxury of the brand along with a sophisticated drivetrain and advanced packaging. We shouldn’t be surprised if the model will be powered by a hybrid powertrain coming from Mercedes-Benz.
Source: carmagazine.co.uk
Post tags: Tags: Aston Martin, lagonda
The British automaker Aston Martin along with the Italian design house Zagato have finally unveiled their V12 Zagato, based on the 12 Vantage. It was created in order to celebrate 50th years since the exquisite DB4GT Zagato. This 2-seat coupe benefits from a handcrafted aluminum body, a bespoke steel roll cage and a bonded aluminum structure. It also features a very nice double-bubble roof.
To be honest, the back of the car doesn’t look so good, especially with those taillights that look just about the same as the ones on the Ferrari California. Other than that, it looks very beautiful, as it should if we take into consideration that the Vantage is one of the most beautiful cars ever made.
Anyway, the car is powered by a massive V12 6.0-liter mid-front mounted engine that generates 510 hp (517 PS / 380 kW) and 420 lb.-ft (570 Nm) of torque. This power unit is mated to a 6-speed automated manual gearbox that was mounted in the rear, where it sends all of the power.
The car will make its official debut tomorrow at the Villa D’Este Concous. On May 28th, it will participate in the 4-hour VLN race at the famous Nurburgring track. Next month it will make an appearance at the 24 hour Nurburgring endurance race.
Source: Aston Martin via WCF
Post tags: Tags: Aston Martin, aston martin zagato, zagato
It seems that the British automaker Aston Martin is working hard in order to keep up with the increasing environmental pressures if we were to believe the latest rumors that tell us about a possible 2013 Cygnet EV model.
Basically, this car will be nothing more than a rebadged Toyota iQ EV and will feature an electric motor that generates 63 hp (64 PS / 47 kW) which will be powered by a 11 kWh lithium-ion battery. The car will be able to “sprint” to 60 mph in an agonizing 14 seconds, before reaching a top speed of 78 mph (125 km/h).
The good news is that the drivers will be able to use the car for up to 65 miles (105 km) before the battery is drained. To recharge it completely, you’ll have to wait about four hours but if you are in a hurry, in 15 minutes you’ll charge the battery to 80% of its capacity thanks to the rapid charging cycle.
Source: Car Magazine
Post tags: Tags: aston martin cygnet ev, Green
Wheelsandmore Aston Martin V8 Vantage
The German aftermarket specialists over at Wheelsandmore have come up with a tuning program for the beautiful Aston Martin V8 Vantage, offering an increase of power, a new suspension, new wheels and other upgrades.
Wheelsandmore Aston Martin V8 Vantage
The car now sits on 21-inch 3-piece 6Spor² forged wheels covered by 255/30/21 rubber (front) and 295/25/21 rubber (rear). From KW they got a new suspension kit that features a rebound and compression adjustable coil-over stainless steel variant 3 configuration.
Wheelsandmore Aston Martin V8 Vantage
The standard output of the engine is rated at 420 hp, but by installing 200-cell catalytic converters along with a flip-controlled exhaust system, Wheelsandmore have managed to raise the power of the engine to 460 hp and a peak torque of 369 lb.-ft.
I’m really glad that they didn’t mess with the design of the V8 Vantage as this is one of those cars that looks gorgeous right off the production line.
Source: Wheelsandmore via TopSpeed | Photos: Motoring Exposure
Post tags: Tags: Aston Martin V8 Vantage, Tuning, wheelsandmore
I’ve always been a big fan of Aston Martins and the DB4 has to be the prettiest of them all. It was sold between 1958 and 1963, replacing the DB3. It was the backbone of great cars, like the epic DB4 GT Zagato and the Lagonda Rapide, another legendary design.
It was unveiled at the London Motor Show in 1958 and it was the first Aston Martin that was built at the company’s factory in Buckinghamshire, England. It featured a 3.7-liter engine that was developed by Tadek Marek and it produced 240 hp. The DB4 featured servo-assisted disc brakes on all four wheels and its independent front suspension had ball-jointed wishbones and coil springs. The live rear axle also used coil springs with location by a Watt linkage.
The Aston Martin DB4 achieved the 0-60 mph sprint in 9.3 seconds and was capable of hitting a top speed of almost 140 mph. Not like it matters, but fuel consumption was rated at 14.7 mpg (16 liters / 100 km).
The lightweight, high-performance version was launched in 1959. Dubbed DB4 GT, it had enclosed headlights and a thinner aluminum body for reduced weight. In addition, the wheelbase was also reduced, which meant that most of the cars were not fitted with rear seats. The car was powered by either a 3.7- or a 3.8-liter engine, while the hp figure was rated at 302 hp. 0-60 mph was done in 6.1 seconds and top speed was 153 mph.
The DB4 Vantage was launched in 1961 and it had three SU carburetors along with special cylinder heads, allowing the power unit to develop 266 hp.
Aston Martin DB4 Convertible
The convertible version was introduced in 1962 and it featured in-house styling quite similar to the Touring saloon. Only 70 convertibles were ever made, from a total DB4 production of 1110 units.
Source: Wikipedia
Post tags: Tags: aston martin db4, classic cars
To get as much piece of the action as possible, British car manufacturer Aston Martin has opened its first dealership in India, in the city of Mumbai. As most of you know, in India there is a significant increase in the demand of luxury cars. Last year, the car market posted sales of 1.87 million units, which is 25% more than in 2009. More important for Aston Martin, the luxury car segment went up by an impressive 70% in 2010.
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Post tags: Tags: Aston Martin, india
Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3
The British supercar maker Aston Martin has revealed earlier this week its plans on launching a GT3 version of the V12 Vantage. It will be powered by a 6.0-liter engine that produces 600 hp and 516 lb.-ft of torque. Set to have a target weight of only 1250 kg, it will feature a semi-automatic paddle shift Xtrac gearbox, along with a race-developed ABS and traction control systems.
The new V12 Vantage GT3 will replace next year the DBRS9 model which has been the automaker’s GT3 car since 2012. The first one should be finished this July, and 10 customers will get their cars before the 2012 racing season starts.
Source: Aston Martin via AutoCar
Post tags: Tags: aston martin v12 vantage gt3
High-tech and mobile applications are increasingly widely used in the automotive industry, but this is part of its development, we say. What’s surprisingly pleasing to see is that even the exclusive sports cars and with a rich heritage around the world are doing the same thing, trying to stay tuned with all the evolution from the industry.
One of those cases is the cool Aston Martin brand, which has always tried to combine the latest technology with graceful styling and acclaimed performance. This time, their up to date improvement is the Aston Martin App, a way of creating and remaining loyal to its ethos and driving experience.
In the city or at home, the app is ready to use. This is what it does:
- ignition – the Aston Martin App offers the possibility to start-up by using an exhaust note.
- accelerator – you can use the phone as an accelerator, which is kind of awesome. V8 & V12 Vantage, DB9, DBS, Rapide and even One-77 are the featured models from the app.
- top roads – if you want to find the best driving roads or some information about checkpoints to share experience, you just have to use the app.
- speedometer – the app gives you access to speedometer race upwards via GPS and hear the sound of the Aston Martin model chosen by you. The results are shown with a faithful reproduction of the Aston Martin in car dial , with speeds in mph and km/h. Actually, we are talking about a digital version of the car.
- the guide of a city – it features information about 40 of the world’s coolest cities and the full London, including restaurants, bars or hotels.
- telemetry – the Aston Martin App displays the G Force from the vehicle with a 0-60 timer and sharing functions.
- camera on board – due to the app, the iPhone can be used as an onboard camera too, augmenting an overlay of key driving data into the driver’s view.
If this sounded interesting to you, you can get the Aston Martin Explore App on the App Store.
So, what do you think: is this mobile app a “wow” in the automotive industry?
[Source: Aston Martin]
Post tags: Tags: Aston Martin, iphone app
Anderson Germany 2011 Aston Martin DBS Superior Black Edition
I’ve always been a huge fan of the Aston Martin DBS and I’ve always thought that it couldn’t look prettier. Well, I was wrong, as the guys over at Anderson Germany have managed to do the impossible, make the DBS even cooler than it was before. If James Bond was a bad guy, he would probably drive this black beauty.
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Post tags: Tags: anderson germany, aston-martin-dbs, Tuning
Aston Martin Lagonda Concept
According to our colleges from caranddriver.com, Aston Martin’s CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez wants to resuscitate the Lagonda marquee by rolling out a Rolls Royce Ghost-sized luxury four-door. Creating an entire new platform would be very expensive and hard to do for such a small manufacturer like Aston, but by teaming up with another manufacturer, it could happen.
The British car manufacturer contacted BMW and Mercedes, but discussions with the first one broke down at the beginning of last year. They did find a partner in Mercedes and they’ve signed a deal at the end of 2010 from which we find out that Aston Martin will build the next Maybach (I never would have expected this in a million years). This agreement also calls for the German automaker to provide Aston with an SUV, some engines, and possibly a platform to replace Aston’s aging VH architecture that has been used since 2004 with the DB9 model.
Let’s face it; the Maybach was never an attractive car and probably now more than ever it needs some significant updates. It wasn’t a hit among rich people and Mercedes even thought of killing the brand, but after the significant economic boost in China, Maybachs are starting to become more popular there so for this reason the German car manufacturer has decided to give the brand another chance.
To keep costs down to a minimum, the forthcoming Maybach will use the 2013 S-Class’s hardware and platform, and it will be made in England at Aston’s factory in Gaydon. Sources inside Mercedes say that by making the new Maybach at Aston’s plant (instead of Stuttgart) will cut down the production costs by approximately 50%. We will probably see a concept of Aston’s Maybach at the Frankfurt auto show this year.
Aston Martin will use for its Lagonda sedan the platform of the Maybach/S-Class, along with the chassis, transmission and the safety equipment. The Aston Martin Lagonda will have a base price of about $350,000 and it will have to face up some serious competition coming from Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and of course, Maybach.
The British car manufacturer will also roll out an SUV based on the Merc’s ML/GL-Class unibody SUV platform. It will most likely be fitted with a V8 4.7-liter turbocharged engine, good for 429 hp, an engine that was recently introduced in the Mercedes CL550. Aston’s SUV will also be available with a hybrid powertrain and some diesels borrowed from its German partner.
Source: caranddriver.com
Post tags: Tags: Aston Martin, lagonda, Maybach, mercedes
Aston Martin Goes Mobile
Aston Martin CTP002 Mobile Phone
The British automaker Aston Martin revealed today its own branded mobile phone concept, dubbed CTP002. They won’t be exhibiting it at an electronics convention like the rest of the mobile phone companies do. Instead, they’ll take it to the BaseWorld, which is a watch jewelry shop in Switzerland. According to the company, when it is not in use, the phone is transparent.
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Post tags: Tags: mobile phone
