Automobiles Review

Tag: Aston Martin Vantage

  • The Vengeance: Kahn Teases New Project

    Kahn Design has been lately famous for the Flying Huntsman project. After the successful Flying Huntsman 6×6 concept revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March, the latest addition in the family was the Defender Pick-up that caused a lot of controversial comments.

    They were mainly in terms of the strange front to rear lengthening. The two-door Defender-based pick up actually includes more than 15 inches to the standard 90-inch wheelbase. The lengthening adds 400 mm to the bonnet and 150 mm added to the width. This results in a huge difference between the lengths of the rear-bed and front hood.

    SEE ALSO: Flying Huntsman Family adds Defender Pick Up

    Anyway, the British tuner has been obviously planning another ambitious project. What is currently available as information is that the next project will be also based on another British classic. It will be called Vengeance and will feature Kahn’s specific WB12 (a.k.a wide body).

    Next to the teaser, the tuner announced that the car will be built in Coventry and will be a two-door coupe in “hammer formed aluminium”. What we also know for sure is that the official images of the vehicle will be released this week. My personal guess, judging from the teaser and available data, is that we will see an Aston Martin. Probably a Vantage. What’s yours?

    Source: Kahn Design 

  • 2014 Aston Martin Vantage GT4 Enters GT4 Challenge Series

    2014-Aston-Martin-Vantage-GT4-THUMB2014 Aston Martin Vantage GT4 is going to take part in brand’s GT4 Challenge series. The model is part of the latest three entries, headed into their first round at Watkins Glen. Aston Martin GT4 Challenge of North America is a seven-event, multi-round series. In it the vehicles compete on some of the finest road courses in the country. The racing event is owned and operated by TRG-AMR North America, and begins on 18th of May, while ending on 23rd of Novemer at Sebring International Raceway.

    This weekend, Joel Segal tested the Vantage GT4 at the Thermal Club. The driver was so impressed by the car that he even purchased it with the aim to enter the racing competition with it. Aspiring competitors will drive the evocative Aston Martin GT4 Vantage cars they have acquired.

    The vehicle is equipped with a 4.7-liter 400 plus horsepower (295 kW) V8 engine, coupled to a six-speed paddle-shifted gearbox. It also features adjustable suspension with track-tuned springs, shocks and antiroll bars, and Pirelli P-Zero tyres. In order to make it appropriate for competition, the designers at Aston Martin made it circa 650 pounds lighter than its road-legal sibling.

    In addition, the GT4 also comes with an aerodynamic package, stripped cockpit and FIA-approved roll cage. The price of the model is approximately $200,000, depending on options the drivers chose.

    2014 Aston Martin GT4 Challenge of North America Schedule:

    • May 16-18 Watkins Glen International, Watkins Glen, N.Y.
    • June 6-8 Virginia International Raceway, Alton, Va.
    • July 25-27 Circuit Mont-Tremblant, Mont-Tremblant, Quebec
    • Aug. 29-31 Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey, Calif.
    • Sept. 12-14 Monticello Motor Club, Monticello, N.Y.
    • Oct. 10-12 Road America, Elkhart Lake, Wis.
    • Nov. 21-23 Sebring International Raceway, Sebring, Fla.
    2014 Aston Martin Vantage GT4
    2014 Aston Martin Vantage GT4
    2014 Aston Martin Vantage GT4

    Source: Aston Martin

  • Aston Martin Unveils Winning Le Mans Gulf Livery

    Aston Martin and Gulf have just unveiled the winner of their livery design competition. The design of the car was inspired by the change in atmosphere in this moment when the day gives way to night during the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

    The winning design was created by Jonathan Wesley and will adorn the number 97 Vantage GTE throughout race week. The drivers of this particular car will be Darren Turner (GB), Stefan Mücke (D) and Peter Dumbreck (GB). They were also those one responsible for the choice of Wesley’s design among hundreds of other entries.

    Wesley is going to attend the race weekend as a VIP guest of Gulf and will have the opportunity of seeing his winning design compete in the 90th 24 Hours of Le Mans. Although he found it quite difficult to design an already perfect Gulf Aston Martin, he accepted the challenge and just sketched a few thoughts out.

    In the end, he put his attention on the idea of the car being in a different colour on both sides. He also used Gulf’s corporate colours – dark blue, light blue, orange and white, to make its livery come to reality. The idea for it, he calls “daylight to dusk”, because this was for him the most exciting part of the race.

    To be more precise, the livery moves from the white with the broad orange stripe dividing things to the dark blue of the night. The orange and blue lines visible on the exterior of this Aston Martin represent the streaks that one often sees in photos of the cars at night.

    Gulf and the iconic British brand have been partners for five years and have signed a further three-year deal. With the livery competition they have allowed fans to participate in the team’s most ambitious Le Mans campaign.

    The number 97 car is one of the five Aston Martin Racing Vantage GTEs that are going to compete in the 24-hour race. Only one of them however, will be adorned with the competition-winning design. The car will first be seen on the Circuit de la Sarthe at the first free practice session on 19th of June.

    Source: Aston Martin

  • D2Forged Aston Martin Vantage FMS-01

    D2Forged-Aston-Martin-Vantage-THUMBD2Forged Aston Martin Vantage FMS-01 is definitely a vehicle which a character such as James Bond would love to drive in one of his action scenes. And although he has never driven a Vantage, I’m sure that when he sees the looks of this one, he would regret he didn’t.

    The car carries a unique spirit is due to its 4.7 liter eight-cylinder petrol engine. The V8 unit generates 426 hp (313 kW) and 490 Nm (361 lb-ft) and is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox sending all that power to the rear wheels. And these numbers fit perfectly to the concept of what the 007 agent calls fast.

    D2Forged enhanced the model in terms of aerodynamics and lowered suspension. In particular, the 20×9.5″ for the front and 20×11″ for the rear D2FORGED FMS-01 wheels provide the perfect finishing touch. Finished in an aggressive yet sporty matte black finish with chrome lip and matching black fasteners, the overall effect is simply perfect.

    D2Forged Aston Martin Vantage FMS-01
    D2Forged Aston Martin Vantage FMS-01
    d2forged-aston-martin-vantage-fms-01-03
    d2forged-aston-martin-vantage-fms-01-04
    d2forged-aston-martin-vantage-fms-01-05

    Source: D2Forged Wheels

  • Project Kro: SR Auto Aston Martin Vantage

    SR-Auto-Aston-Martin-Vantage-THUMBProject Kro is the name of an undertaking that the specialist of SR Auto have begun and finished exquisitely. The car that is being tuned is the Aston Martin Vantage. It is popular because of its unique characteristics, sublime nature and exceptional driving experience.

    The stunning pictures show that Project Kro is in fact a true prince of the night. What adds to it is not only the modifications done, but also the true Aston Martin spirit that it carries within. And to be more precise this spirit is due to the 4.7 liter eight-cylinder petrol engine.

    The V8 unit generates 426 PS (313 kW) and 490 Nm (361 lb-ft) and is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox sending all that power to the rear wheels. On the other hand the five spoke design and Project Kro go hand in hand perfectly.

    SR Auto obviously kept the classic look of the vehicle but adding a bit of a modern twist. Te spice here is due to the PUR 8IGHT Wheels in Modern Black added. Weight and strength is what dominates in the choice of those wheels. They are in size 21×9+42 for the front and 21×10.5+55 for the rear. The wheels itself weigh in at 23lbs each and include a forged mono block design.

    SR Auto Aston Martin Vantage
    SR Auto Aston Martin Vantage
    SR Auto Aston Martin Vantage
    SR Auto Aston Martin Vantage
    SR Auto Aston Martin Vantage
    SR Auto Aston Martin Vantage
    SR Auto Aston Martin Vantage
    SR Auto Aston Martin Vantage
    SR Auto Aston Martin Vantage
    SR Auto Aston Martin Vantage
    SR Auto Aston Martin Vantage

    Source: SR Auto

  • 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage [HD video]

    Aston Martin has announced their new facelift version of V8 Vantage – both Coupe and Convertible models. The 2012 V8 Vantage has a lot of features coming from the sporty Vantage S.

    The new V8 Vantage has an updated front bumper including a nice air splitter, a new modified side sills and different rear bumper having an integrated diffuser. However, the updates are not only for styling, but the handling is also improved. Aston Martin also took care about the brake system, which features bigger discs and calipers. Other improvement to comfort, handling and styling are the new wheel-tire sets, which are wider.

    2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is powered by a 4.7 liter eight-cylinder petrol delivering 426PS (313 kW) and 490Nm (361 lb-ft). It is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox sending all that power to the rear wheels. Still, 7-speed Sportshift II is available as an option. It replaces the old 6-speed Sportshift automated manual transmission.

    The new V8 Vantage starts around $144 000 and the Vantage S is $170 500.

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Syv8BNAEVGE

    2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
    2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
    2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
    2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
    2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
    2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
    2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
    2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
    2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
    2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
    2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
    2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
    2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
    2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
    2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
    2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
    2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
    2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
    2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
    2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
    2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage

    Source: Aston Martin

  • 2012 Aston Martin Vantage GT4

    Aston Martin will reveal the new 2012 Vantage GT4 at the Geneva Motor Show, next week. The revised sports car features an all-new aerodynamic package plus further improvements to the rollcage and fuel tank.

    The aerodynamic package includes a carbon fibre rear wing, which generates a lot of downforce, especially combined with a new larger front splitter.

    The re-designed rollcage conforms to the latest FIA regulations and improves access and legroom.

    Last improvement is the mid-mounted, 115-litre fuel tank, which lowers the centre of gravity and helps for better weight distribution. The fuel tank has twin quick-fill entries in the rear quarter.

    The Vantage GT4 is powered by a 4.7 litre V8 with 436PS (321 kW) at 7300RPM and 490Nm (361 lb-ft) at 5000RPM.

    The price is £119 500.

    “We have taken the opportunity to make some quite dramatic aerodynamic enhancements to the Vantage GT4, which will close the performance gap between this entry level GT car and the GT3.  We have also fitted the car with the same roll cage and fuel tank configuration that’s found in the Vantage GT3 and GTE. We are about to sell our 100th Vantage GT4 and since its launch it has been one of the most successful cars in its class; the Vantage GT4 and its predecessor, the Vantage N24, scored many 24 Hour race class victories, the 2010 European GT4 Cup title and also back-to-back championship victories in the Nürburgring VLN series in 2010 and 2011.”, said John Gaw, Managing Director of Aston Martin Racing.

    “The revised version has very large boots to fill, but given the effort we’ve put into developing the upgrades and following a successful first outing, we’re very confident that the 2012 Vantage GT4 will pick up where its predecessor left off.”, he added.

    2012 Aston Martin Vantage GT4
    2012 Aston Martin Vantage GT4
    2012-aston-martin-vantage-gt4-01
    2012-aston-martin-vantage-gt4-02
    2012 Aston Martin Vantage GT4

    Source: Aston Martin

  • Aston Martin Vantage V8 GT4 to Appear at CTSCC

    Aston Martin Racing, jointly with Multimatic Motorsports, intend to continue their winning streak with this year’s Grand-Am Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge (CTSCC). The Toronto-based Multimatic company is no stranger to  CTSCC previous titles and so, racing one of the two team Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT4s will be Multimatic’s acclaimed drivers Scott Maxwell and Joe Foster. The other one will be driven by Hollywood film star Patrick Dempsey, a talented racer in his own right, partnered in the opening round of the series by Aston Martin Chief Engineer and greatly experienced Vantage GT4 racer Chris Porritt.

    This is not the first time Aston Martin and Multimatic seen in cooperation on a common project. The Canadian firm helped develop the Aston One-77’s carbon fibre chassis and various carbon fibre components for the Aston Martin Zagato. They also have a four-post testing rig based in the UK that has been used on many occasions by road going and racing Astons.

    The Vantage GT4 was first seen back in 2006 when, almost in stock condition, forged its name at the Nurburgring 24h race. Up to this day the car has not changed a lot – it still has the standard 4.7l V8, the same road car aluminium chassis with its suspension and a manual transmission. It all sounds very crude but with a reputation of reliability and numerous wins on endurance races, the Aston V8 Vantage is not to be taken lightly. It has been tuned specially to deviate from the FIA standard to meet the regulations of the Grand-Am challenge and with service provided by Multimatic it is ready to go.

    Aston Martin Vantage V8 GT4
    Aston Martin Vantage V8 GT4

    The CTSCC is run by the Grand American Road Racing Organization. Some of North America’s most iconic circuits will see action this year with over ten races which last for two and a half hours each. The challenge starts on the 27th of January at the Daytona International Speedway where the Aston will be competing in the Grand Sport category that consists of six- and eight-cylinder, production-based cars. Other notable circuits include Watkins Glen International, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Laguna Seca, and the Lime Rock Park in Connecticut which will be the conclusive race at the end of September.

    Source: Aston Martin

  • Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3

    What happens, when you put 600BHP V12 engine in 1250kg car? The answer is very simple – it happens something really good and nice to drive and in this case to watch.

    Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 is not only extremely fast race car, but it is incredibly beautiful, too. The tests of the vehicle has just began and the racing team has already covered almost 1000 kilometres in just two days. The majority of the mileage was conducted by factory driver Darren Turner.

    “The car ran like clockwork throughout and we’ve managed really good mileage already. The feeling of the V12 Vantage GT3 is a massive step forward from the DBRS9. Being based on the smaller Vantage it is more responsive and feels more nimble, giving the driver plenty of confidence to extract all the performance from the V12 engine while also being light on its tyres. It isn’t too physical to drive and I didn’t even break into a sweat during the test!”, said mr. Turner, after two days behind the wheel.

    “With the clean styling and the amazing sounding V12, it’s closer to the core values of Aston Martin’s road cars than any of the racing cars we’ve ever built. I’m certain it’ll become a favourite among motorsport fans in no time at all.”, he added.

    The V12 Vantage GT3 is a direct replacement for the Aston Martin DBRS9, which first competed in 2006 and went on to score many race and championship wins including the 2007 British GT Championship and the 2009 FIA GT3 Teams’ Championship.

    The engine is the most staggering element in the V12 Vantage GT3. It is 6.0 liter twelve-cylinder naturally aspirated monster with 600BHP (445 kW) and 700Nm (517 lb-ft) of torque. All that power is sent to the limited slip differential at the rear wheels through Xtrac 6-speed sequential transmission.

    Aston Martin Racing will continue with the V12 Vantage GT3’s comprehensive testing programme into the New Year and beyond.

    You can check the full specs, below!

    Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3
    Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3
    Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3
    Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3

    Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 Specs:

    • Engine

      Lightweight V12
      Dry sump oil system
      Power >600bhp
      Torque >700Nm

    • Transmission

      Xtrac 6 speed sequential transmission with semi-auto gear change
      Limited slip ramp/plate differential
      Carbon fibre propshaft

    • Chassis

      Lightweight aluminium chassis
      Steel roll cage to FIA safety standards
      High speed pneumatic jack system

    • Suspension

      Double wishbone with uniball bearings
      2-way adjustable dampers front and rear
      Optimised geometry for lower race ride height

    • Steering

      Hydraulic power assisted steering

    • Fuel system

      110-litre fuel cell to FIA safety standards
      Twin quick release couplings

    • Brakes

      6 pot front & 4 pot rear calipers with ventilated steel discs
      Manually adjustable front/rear brake bias
      Adjustable motorsport ABS and traction control

    • Wheels & Tyres

      Front 12.5” x 18”        30/68-18
      Rear  13” x 18”            31/71-18

    • Cockpit

      Six-point safety harness
      Adjustable seat & pedal box position
      Lightweight battery
      Carbon fibre dash
      Fire extinguisher system
      Driver display and shift lights

    • Body & Aero

      Removable carbon-fibre body panels & aluminium roof
      Front splitter
      Adjustable full width carbon fibre rear wing
      Aerodynamically optimised bumpers, side sills and rear fenders

    • Weight

      Dry weight 1250kg

    Source: Aston Martin

  • 2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3

    Aston Martin confirms today the specification of the 2012 Vantage GT3 race car. As the natural successor to the enormously successful DBRS9, the new Vantage GT3 will offer customers the latest in race-car technology to ensure the Vantage GT3 has the credentials to compete with the most recent new product offerings from other manufacturers.

    The Vantage GT3 features a modified version of Aston Martin’s production 6.0 litre V12 engine found in the marque’s highly acclaimed sports cars. The dry-sumped engine is expected to produce 600 bhp with 700 Nm of torque and its position has been optimised further to improve weight balance. A carbon fibre propshaft mates the engine to a Xtrac 6 speed sequential transmission with semi-automatic paddle shift gear change.

    The Vantage GT3 benefits from Aston Martin’s V/H architecture philosophy, the modular chassis uses aerospace bonding techniques to create a light and immensely stiff aluminium and composite structure which not only aids handling on Aston Martin’s road cars but is also an ideal base for competitive race cars.

    2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3
    2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3

    Most dramatic of all, are the new aerodynamics, contributing to a muscular and purposeful stance while maintaining the overall beauty of the V12 Vantage. The shorter wheel base and lower engine position over its predecessor will contribute to enhanced handling and performance. The new car will also provide enhanced driveability with the latest race-developed ABS and Traction Control systems which are fitted to the V12 Vantage GT3 as standard.

    The Vantage GT3 will be eligible for numerous race series around the world including the FIA GT3 Championship, ADAC Masters, Nurburgring VLN, Blancpain Endurance Series, British GT, Belcar and Open GT among others.

    Aston Martin remains the only manufacturer to offer a race car for every GT class firmly cementing it as a global forerunner in race car production. The new Vantage GT3 is being developed to replicate and indeed surpass the superb track record of the DBRS9.

    Aston Martin has sold 24 DBRS9s and customer teams have accumulated many race podiums and victories over the past six years including 2009 Winner Teams Championship, and Winner Manufacturers Championship for Hexis Racing and as recently as a 2011 GT Open race win at Spa for Villois Racing.

    Testing of the new car will commence in October, where the Vantage GT3 will undergo a comprehensive sign-off durability test including a 10,000 km test programme. Deliveries of the first cars will commence in early 2012. Prices start from £298,000.

    2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3
    2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3
    2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3

    V12 Vantage GT3 Specification

    Engine

    • Lightweight V12
    • Dry sump oil system
    • Engine repositioned to optimise weight distribution
    • Target power 600 bhp
    • Target torque 700 Nm

    Transmission

    • Xtrac 6 speed sequential transmission
    • Racing clutch
    • Limited slip ramp/plate differential
    • Easily accessible drop gears
    • Semi-automatic paddle shift gear change
    • Carbon fibre propshaft

    Chassis

    • Lightweight aluminium chassis
    • Steel roll cage to FIA safety standards
    • High speed pneumatic jack system

    Steering

    • Hydraulic power assisted steering
    • Quick release steering wheel

    Suspension

    • Double wishbone suspension arms front and rear with uniball bearings
    • 2-way adjustable dampers front and rear
    • Optimsed geometry for lower race ride height

    Fuel system

    • 110 litre fuel cell to FIA safety standards
    • Twin quick release couplings
    • Fuel cell location optimised for performance and safety

    (behind the driver’s seat, inside the safety roll cage)

    Brakes

    • 6 pot front calipers
    • Ventilated front brake disc
    • 4 pot rear caliper
    • Ventilated rear brake disc
    • Floor mounted pedal box
    • Manually adjustable front/rear brake bias
    • Adjustable motorsport ABS

    Wheels

    • 12.5″ x 18″ front
    • 13″ x 18″ rear

    Tyres

    • Front 30/68-18
    • Rear 31/71-18

    Cockpit

    • Steering wheel mounted controls
    • Driver display / data logger / shift lights / beacon
    • 6-point safety harness
    • Adjustable steering position
    • Adjustable seat position
    • Adjustable pedal box position
    • Light weight battery
    • Carbon fibre dash
    • Fire extinguisher system

    Aerodynamics

    • Front splitter
    • Adjustable full width carbon fibre rear wing
    • Aerodynamically optimised bumpers, fenders and sills

    Weight

    • Target dry weight 1250kg

    Source: Aston Martin

  • Aston Martin Vantage GT3

    Aston Martin has announced Vantage GT3, which is based on the V12 engined road car. The race car will be ready to hit the race tracks in 2012.

    The Vantage GT3 will take the place of the DBRS9, launched in 2006 at Le Mans. The new Vantage GT3 joins the Vantage GT2, GT4, DBR9 GT1 and the AMR-One LMP1. The line-up is really astonishing.

    The race car meets all FIA regulations and is powered by a lightweight dry-sumped 6.0 litre V12 engine mated to a race semi-automatic paddle shift Xtrac gearbox and the latest race-developed ABS and traction control systems

    “The DBRS9 has been a very successful GT3 racing car and, despite being more than six years old, is still competitive today.”, commented John Gaw, Aston Martin Racing Managing Director.

    “However, the competition has moved on and we needed to create a new car that combines our six years’ experience in this category with the latest race technology to continue Aston Martin’s success in GT3 for many years to come.”, he added.

    Aston Marting Vantage GT3 will have a curb weight of 1250 kg and the power will be in excess of 600BHP and 700Nm. The first car will be completed in July 2011 and it will be put in serious testing. 10 units will then be built ready for delivery for the start of the 2012 season.

    Aston Martin Vantage GT3

    Aston Martin Vantage GT3

    Source: Aston Martin

  • Aston Martin V8 Vantage S

    Aston Martin V8 Vantage S is the purist sport automaker’s latest addition, which benefits from a long list of newly developed driver-focussed features all aimed at providing customers with more exciting experience, power and dynamics.

    Inspired by the 2011 Vantage GT4 race car and already available for order at the Aston Martin official dealer network, the amazing Aston Martin V8 Vantage S sports an enhanced version of the 4.7-liters V8 engine which now delivers the staggering 430 horsepower (321 kW) at 7300 revolutions and 490 Nm (361 lb-ft) of peak torque at 5000 rpm. In addition to the higher figures, the super sport athlete also hosts a new ground-up developed Sportshift II transmission with seven short ratio gears that delivers the most engaging and intense driver involvement.

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

    Besides the new drivetrain upgrades, the “S”-badged Vantage showcases larger diameter front brake disc with new six-piston front brake calipers, all-new springs and dampers, wider rear wheels, as well as new dynamic stability control (DSC) system. Standard features also include Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA) which provides assistance in emergency braking situations and Hill Start Assist (HSA).

    On its exterior, the Vantage S has a new, lower, carbon-made front bumper with larger air intake, re-styled rear bumper and side sills, extended deck lid and a new 19-inch ‘V’ spoke rims wrapped in high-performance tyres.

    The Aston Martin V8 Vantage S is available as both, coupe and Roadster, but unfortunately the price tags are still mystery.

    Aston Martin V8 Vantage S
    Aston Martin V8 Vantage S
    Aston Martin V8 Vantage S