Aston Martin v8 Vantage

 Aston Martin v8 vantage

• The driver-focussed V8 Vantage featuring enhanced dynamics
• Increase in power and torque to 430 bhp and 490 Nm
• New ground-up developed seven speed Sportshift™ II transmission
• Dramatic V12 Vantage-inspired looks available as coupe and Roadster
• Compelling package of agility, balance, engagement and everyday practicality

Gaydon, 25 January 2011. The Aston Martin Vantage range comes of age with the new V8 Vantage S characterised by a host of new driver-focussed features all designed to push the honed dynamics of the standard Vantage to a new benchmark level. 

 Aston Martin v8 vantage

Aston Martin’s own 4.7 litre V8 engine has been engineered to deliver peak power of 430 bhp (436 PS / 321 kW) at 7300 rpm and torque of 490 Nm (361 lb.ft) at 5000 rpm and is coupled with a new ground-up developed Sportshift™ II transmission specifically designed for the Vantage S with seven short ratio gears to deliver the most engaging and intense driver involvement.

“The Vantage S epitomises every attribute of the V8 Vantage and pushes the driver experience beyond what we have offered before,” says Dr. Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin, “It combines dynamic exhilaration with all the charming finesse, beauty and practicality already associated with the Vantage range.”

 Aston Martin v8 vantage

Dynamic revisions are central to the Vantage S, with a quickened steering rack ratio of 15:1 compared to 17:1 on the standard car and a larger diameter front brake disc with new six-piston front brake calipers. New springs and dampers, and wider rear wheels also contribute to chassis revisions. A new dynamic stability control (DSC) system specifically tuned to the Vantage S along with a new brake module providing features such as Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA) which provides assistance in emergency braking situations, and Hill Start Assist (HSA). Bespoke tyres have been developed with Bridgestone to optimise road holding enhancing dynamic feel. 

 Aston Martin v8 vantage

At the core of the Vantage S is the new seven speed Sportshift™ II automated manual transmission, offered as standard and delivers exceedingly rapid gear changes, twenty per cent quicker than Sportshift™. The extra gear permits shorter well-spaced ratios taking advantage of the optimum torque, which combined with a shorter final drive ratio of 4.182:1 delivers quicker acceleration and an enhanced sporting feel. The inherent benefits of a single clutch system reduces complexity and significant weight over a dual clutch solution. Sportshift™ II allows the driver to take an increased level of control, modulating the throttle pedal to achieve the desired type of gear change. In addition, the Vantage S features a ‘Sport’ button which quickens the gear changes and gives the driver a more aggressive throttle response while also opening the exhaust bypass valves across most of the engine speed range perfectly characterising the ‘S’ variant. 

 Aston Martin v8 vantage

As with every Aston Martin, the Vantage S benefits from its own unique sound with a new exhaust muffler and bypass valve map, creating a very distinctive and highly vocal exhaust note.

The Vantage S is instantly recognisable as a true Aston Martin, characterised by its purposeful stance conveying its agility and performance capability. From the front, a new lower front bumper finished in perfectly-aligned carbon fibre houses a larger air intake feeding the engine and front brakes. The splitter combined with the extended deck lid ‘flip’ work in harmony to provide increased down force at speed. New 19 inch ‘V’ spoke wheel styles are available as standard, while an optional 10-spoke lightweight forged wheel option, reduces unsprung mass further. A new rear bumper and side sills optically widen the car. 

 Aston Martin v8 vantage

Bridging the gap between road car and race car, the Vantage S is heavily influenced by the 2011 Vantage GT4 race car. The GT4 takes advantage of the Vantage’s immensely rigid bonded aluminium chassis, providing the ideal platform for a race car. Minor racing safety modifications including an FIA approved roll cage and racing ‘bag’ petrol tank along with weight saving measures are made to the standard road car to convert it into a class winning race car. In 2010, it won its class at the Dubai 24 Hours following this up with further endurance race wins at the Nürburgring 24 Hours, Silverstone 24 Hours and Spa 24 Hours. It also won its first major international championship victory in the European GT4 Cup.

The Vantage S is available to order now from Aston Martin’s global dealership network. 
 Aston Martin v8 vantage

Aston Martin v8 Vantage

Aston Martin v12 Vantage

Aston Martin v12 Vantage

The Aston Martin Vantage has broken cover with a 12 cylinder model featuring some new exterior design and performance technology that should bring the aging Vantage back into relevance. The 2010 Aston Martin V12 Vantage, as the new British sports car is aptly called, gets a big bump in power and a new stability control system to help put it to the road.

Shaking the "grand tourer" moniker often applied to larger, more unweildy Aston Martin models, the V12 Vantage is pure sports car through and through. A 6 speed conventional manual is mounted behind the driver for better weight distribution and drives the rear wheels.

Aston Martin v12 Vantage

The V12 powerplant is the same excellent unit found in the current DBS, producing 510 horses and 420 lb-ft. of torque, good for 4.1 seconds through 60 mph and a top speed of 190 mph, Aston says.

On the outside, the 2010 V12 Vantage gets a host of minor styling changes to differentiate itself from "lesser" V8 Vantage models, most noticable of which is the louvered hood. Carbon fiber front and rear air dams, as well as low and lean skirts from Aston Martin Racing round out the package.

Aston Martin v12 Vantage

2010 V12 Vantage pricing is not yet announced, we'll have to wait for Geneva for that. Initial reports have put the V12 Vantage at around $250,000.

For those who want a piece of serious Aston Martin performance but don't want to drop a cool million for the exclusive One-77, Aston Martin may have just the remedy. Expect a V12 Vantage release date of Q3 2009.

Aston Martin v12 Vantage

V12 Vantage: Aston Martin's Most Exhilirating Sport Car

Official Aston Martin Press Release

• Fastest and most agile Vantage ever; ultimate performance interpretation of the Vantage range
• Purposeful, striking and functional styling signalling performance capabilities
• Everyday usability associated with a modern Aston Martin
• Race-derived technology used throughout

Aston Martin v12 Vantage

Gaydon, Warwickshire, Wednesday 4 February 2009. Aston Martin will present the most potent production sports car in the marque’s 95-year history at the Geneva motor show on 3 March. Based on the hugely successful V8 Vantage, the V12 Vantage will feature a 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 510 bhp (380 kW / 517 PS), and 570 Nm (420 lb ft) of torque with a top speed of 190 mph (305 km/h) and 0-62 mph (0-100 kp/h) time of 4.2 seconds.

The latest incarnation of the Vantage family has been designed to provide a unique character, appealing to different driver tastes and complementing the other models in the current Aston Martin line-up.

Aston Martin v12 Vantage

The original V12 Vantage concept was unveiled to guests at the opening of the Aston Martin Design Studio in December 2007. Continuing the marque’s impressive record of bringing concepts through to production, Aston Martin engineers have brought the V12 Vantage to market in an incredible 12 months.

Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ulrich Bez said: “This is the ultimate performance interpretation of the Vantage range, combining our most agile model with our most powerful engine. It represents the definitive driving package; providing spectacular performance to ensure a dynamically thrilling and everyday useable driving experience.

Aston Martin v12 Vantage

Aston Martin v12 Vantage

Aston Martin Rapide

Aston Martin Rapide

Aston Martin's highly anticipated model -- the Rapide -- is finally here. The Rapide will list from $199,950 in the United States, and will become the British luxury sportscar maker's only four-door model.

It goes without saying the car will compete with vehicles like the Porsche Panamera. But the Aston will likely be one of the most expensive and exclusive luxury sports sedans on the market, with standard features that include a Bang & Olufsen Beosound audio system, heated memory seats and Aston Martin's Adaptive Damping Sytem.

Aston Martin Rapide

The Rapide features a hand-built 6.0-liter V12 engine producing 470 horsepower with peak power being delivered at 6,000 rpm and 443 pound-feet of peak torque at 5,000 rpm. A specifically tuned six-speed Touchtronic 2 automatic transmission allows the driver to change gears automatically or manually via the steering column-mounted magnesium paddles.
As one can see, the production version is very similar to the concept car, but does swap out quad-air intakes for upper and lower grilles. The rear of the car has strong family ties to other Aston Martin models, and sports 'smoked' rear taillights.

Aston Martin Rapide

Continuing its series of firsts and oddities for the brand, the Rapide is the first ever Aston Martin built outside of the United Kingdom, thanks to a partnership up with Magna Steyr. Given a strong interest in the Rapide, Aston Martin says it will build between 1,000 and 2,000 units per year, up from an original estimate of 500 or less.
Like Aston's other models, the Rapide is built on the company's VH (Vertical/Horizontal) architecture -- the same that underpins the DB9. The Rapide will also borrow its twelve-cylinder powerplant from the DBS, DB9 and Vantage models -- although power will be increased from 450 horsepower to 470.

Aston Martin Rapide

Thanks in part to the modest bump in power from the engine's previous applications, the four-door Rapide will sprint from zero-to-60 mph in under five seconds, on its way to a top speed of 180 mph.

Continuing the successful brand partnership between Bang & Olufsen and Aston Martin, the Rapide is fitted standard with the 1000 watt BeoSound Rapide - a bespoke sound system tailored specifically to the Rapide. It includes 15 speakers that have been optimally located throughout the cabin to deliver the audiophile-level sound quality.

Aston Martin Rapide

While enjoying the BeoSound Rapide audio system, passengers and the driver alike will enjoy a full grain leather interior, accented with walnut trim, an iridium silver finish for the outer center console, and a graphite inner center console finish. Screens consist of Organic Electroluminescent displays, along with LED map and ambient lighting.

Aston Martin Rapide

Options include cooled front and rear seats, a DVD entertainment system complete with a 6-disc player and two LCD screens, along with a myriad of interior finishes, such as: Eye Maple, Olive Ash Burl, Double Apex Alloy and matching wood door trim. Various other interior and exterior components can be customized as well, ranging from wheels, to brake caliper finish to Magnum silver rear lamp infills.

Aston Martin Rapide

Aston Martin Rapide

Aston Martin Dbs

Aston Martin DBS

As with all current Aston Martins, the engine is hand-assembled at Aston Martin’s dedicated engine facility in Cologne, Germany. The classic 6.0-liter V12 features a number of power-increasing enhancements including a ‘by-pass’ engine air intake port that opens above 5500rpm to allow more air into the engine, and re-profiled air inlet ports that further improve airflow into the combustion chamber.

Combined with a compression ratio of 10.9:1, the result of these enhancements is prodigious power and torque: the DBS delivers 510 horsepower at 6500 rpm. The 3.71:1 final-drive ratio ensures that the additional power is usable, enhancing in-gear acceleration in particular.

Aston Martin Dbs

Like the DB9 and its sibling DBR9 and DBRS9 race cars, the DBS uses Aston Martin’s class-leading all-alloy VH (Vertical Horizontal) architecture, a lightweight bonded aluminum structure that provides outstanding strength and rigidity.

Carbon-fiber panels are used for the boot enclosure, boot lid, door opening surrounds, front wings and bonnet, giving a saving of some 30kg over more conventional materials without any reduction in strength.

Aston Martin Dbs

To take full advantage of its rigid platform, the DBS employs a new and sophisticated Adaptive Damping System (ADS) which uses two separate valves to set the dampers to five different positions, allowing instant adjustment of the car’s ride and handling characteristics. The ADS automatically alters the suspension settings to ensure the driver has high levels of control at all times, with the ability to respond instantly to different driving conditions. The dampers can be 'softer,' with a corresponding improvement in ride quality, or 'firm,' providing improved body control for more spirited driving.

Aston Martin Dbs

The damper settings are determined by an electronic control unit which takes sensor readings from the car's systems, including throttle position, brake position, steering wheel rotation and vehicle speed.

The DBS's Adaptive Damping System ensures that stiffer dampers are available for better handling and control when the car is being driven enthusiastically, without compromising ride comfort during normal driving conditions.

Aston Martin Dbs

A designated Track mode automatically sets all dampers to their firmest positions, making it ideal for circuit driving. The DBS is fitted with Pirelli P-Zero tires that have been developed especially for the car, along with new 20-inch lightweight alloy wheels.

The DBS also has a revised Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system, designed to help maintain maximum traction in challenging driving conditions.

Aston Martin Dbs

The car's braking system marks the first time Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) brakes have been used on a road-going Aston Martin. The end result is shorter stopping distances with excellent resistance to fade in even the most demanding driving conditions. CCM brakes are also some 12.5kg lighter than a conventional system, reducing the weight of the car overall and, in particular, the unsprung weight and rotational masses, further enhancing the performance of the suspension.

Introduced as an alternative to the standard six-speed manual gearbox, DBS customers will now be afforded the option of the Touchtronic 2 six-speed automatic transmission. Derived from the same ZF transaxle unit that was developed for the DB9, the system has been substantially re-engineered to accommodate the power and performance characteristics of the DBS.

Aston Martin Dbs

Aston Martin Db9 2011

Aston Martin db9

Aston Martin Db9

The DB9 features a 6.0-liter V12 engine producing 470 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, and a torque output of 443 lb-ft at 5,000 rpm. At the same time, the car's six-speed automated manual with a computer controlled clutch has been reprogrammed to allow it to shift faster. These changes combine to make the car three tenths of a second quicker in the 0 to 60 mph sprint, while the six-speed manual cars are only a tenth quicker thanks to a power hike.
Aston Martin Db9

In addition to the straight-line performance, handling of the newest DB9 is improved thanks to Bilstein shocks, new suspension arms and bushings, and 19-inch wheels. These suspension upgrades resulted in a sportier ride, while the Volante's (convertible model) ride is made cushier.

The DB9's bumpers are invisible. The front number plate is part of the crash structure and computer modeling has enabled Aston Martin to use invisible 'hard pressure zones' to cope with bumps.

Aston Martin Db9

The side strakes - an Aston Martin DB signature - are made from metal. The door handles are flush with the body opening the unique 'swan wing' doors, which rise at a 12-degree angle for improved access.

There are no visible gutters on the roof panel, and no visible drain channels at the front or rear windscreens. Nor are there any plastic 'dressing' plates.

Aston Martin Db9

The interior features an elegant center console, finished almost entirely in
die-cast zinc with an iridium finish. What isn't finished in iridium is finished in a mix of high quality leather or one of five different hand-finished wood trims, ranging from Walnut to Piano Black.

The Aston Martin DB9 is also available in a convertible model, designated by the unique Volante name.
Aston Martin Db9

Aston Martin Db9

Aston Martin Db9