Aston Martin – Page 10 – Automobiles Review

Aston Martin Reveals DP-100 Vision Gran Turismo [VIDEO]

Aston Martin DP-100 Vision Gran Turismo Concept has just been unveiled not only with a series of pictures but with an exclusive video. They all show the detailed design of the car, which will be available from July for all those who have the latest Gran Turismo6 (GT6) racing game on the PlayStation3 platform. The car is in the shape of a Design Prototype 100, or simply – DP-100. The development of the vehicle was in-house. The design team at Aston Martin began from scratch and via hand sketches and 3D modelling, they’ve managed to create this unique concept.

After that, the car was got a full realisation in the virtual world. It took them six months too finalize the project. As you can see the DP-100 provides great levels of detail. It features fully functioning suspension system and state-of-the-art electronics.

Exclusive feature here are the revolutionary “active aerodynamics”. They are not only a way of enhancing, but also support car’s function in the game. Other design cue visible in DP-100 is the light blade rear lamps.

And while the car features clean and classy in design, it has a powerful potential hidden at its rear. DP-100 not only looks beautiful but also includes a high degree of engineering integrity. It is powered by the twin-turbo V12 which produces up to 800 hp (588 kW). This ensures exhilarating performance fully in resonance with the high octane nature of the game.

And we can only regret that this is a virtual-only GT racer. However, it has the full potential to become a real one.

httpv://youtu.be/3FROCsPRyWI

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Aston Martin

June 30, 2014

Aston Martin Teases DP-100 Vision Gran Turismo

Aston Martin DP-100 Vision Gran Turismo is the name of Aston Martin’s entry in the Gran Turismo 6 video game for PlayStation3. It is in the shape of Design Prototype 100 (DP-100) and has just been teased with couple of images. It will make its official debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on Friday, 27th of June. DP-100 was developed in-house by the Design team at Aston Martin. As the other cars in the game, this one is a new virtual-only GT racer, which will be available for PS3 customers to download in July.

We can say much when observing the first teaser image except for that we see the curvaceous body of the prototype and it’s typical for Gran Turismo cars menace look. However, judging on from the second picture, we are almost sure of seeing a V12 engine, which includes a lot of carbon fiber.

This year Gran Turismo video game series celebrates its 15th anniversary. Next to Aston Martin DP-100 the PS3 user will enjoy driving virtual concept vehicles from rival firms such as BMW, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Volkswagen and other.

This year’s Goodwood Festival of Speedstarts tomorrow and will last until 29th of June.

Source: Aston Martin

June 26, 2014

2014 Aston Martin Vantage GT4 Enters GT4 Challenge Series

2014 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.

Source: Aston Martin

April 3, 2014

Aston Martin Shows Full Potential On Ice [VIDEO]

The video you can watch below depicts Aston Martin’s launch of company’s first ice driving program in North America. It was hosted at Crested Butte, Colorado and through it the brand is aiming to provide customers with the ultimate driving experience on ice and to experience the full potential of the Aston Martin range.

The ice track in the heart of the Colorado Rocky Mountains was specifically custom built for the occasion as you can see in the footage from the event. The bespoke track comprises of a braking/cornering exercise loop, slalom, skid pad and full circuit.

With the help of experts, the participants were guided through the facility, embarking upon a series of braking, cornering and handling exercises before putting their skills to the test on a mile-long frozen road course.

The unique ice driving event adds to company’s portfolio of bespoke driving experiences offered in the U.S., which in particular include a Route of the Rockies drive and range of experiences offered around Pebble Beach Automotive Week. Both events are happening this summer.

httpv://youtu.be/TUd9tm1YOLY

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Aston Martin

March 18, 2014

2014 Aston Martin V8 Vantage N430 and DB9 Carbon Black and Carbon White

Aston Martin will unveil two exclusive new special editions at the 84^th Geneva International Motor Show. The V8 Vantage N430 boasts race breeding and sports styling, while the timeless DB9 is now available in Carbon Black and Carbon White versions.

2014 Aston Martin V8 Vantage N430 is available in Coupe or Roadster form. It comes with carbon fibre and Kevlar seats and ten-spoke forged alloy wheels in a new graphite painted finish – together yielding a weight saving of 20 kg – and it’s clear that the GT4-inspired N430 has been created to deliver exceptional performance with a club sport ethos.

The N430 is powered by a 4.7 liter V8 engine – 436HP (321 kW) at 7,300RPM. 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 310 km/h (190 mph). The power is sent to the rear wheels through a sporty 6-speed manual gearbox. There is an option of a close-ratio 7-speed Sportshift™II automated manual transmission with short final-drive ratio for those demanding the most driver-focused yet involving set-up.

The interior comes with machined carbon sill plaques, N430 seat logos, black magnesium paddle-shifts or carbon fibre gearshift surround; contemporary driver instrument panel; black anodised rotaries; leather steering wheel with contrasting on-centre stitch feature; seat and door inserts in technical PlissèAlcantara – indented leather on Roadster models – and unique seat trim patterns.

2014 V8 Vantage N430 starts from £89,995 with first deliveries expected to begin in September this year.

The new Carbon Black accentuates DB9’s potential through a strong dark theme underpinned by a unique combination of lightweight carbon fibre features. Meanwhile, the contemporary Carbon White special edition creates a dramatic visual effect with the carbon fibre and dark elements contrasting strongly against the Stratus White paint and accented caliper colour.

Striking exterior additions for both Carbon Black and Carbon White editions include carbon fibre side strakes and black window surrounds reinforcing the powerful visual themes.

The interior boasts a strong black styling theme with a choice of accent colours in line with the caliper shade showcases carbon fibre details and new black hardware. Bespoke sill plaques with the Carbon Black or Carbon White logo, communicate the cars’ rarity, too.

Aston Martin DB9 Carbon Black and Carbon White are powered by the well-known 6.0 liter naturally aspirated V12 – 517HP (380 kW) and 620Nm (459 lb-ft). 0-100 km/h in 4.1 seconds and the top speed is 295 km/h (183 mph).

Aston Martin can be found at stand number 5253 in Hall 5 at this year’s Geneva International Motor Show, once again taking place at the Palexpo complex.

Source: Aston Martin

February 19, 2014

Aston Martin Vanquish Volante Neiman Marcus Edition With Premiere In LA

2014 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante Neiman Marcus Edition is a bespoke example of the new 2014 Vanquish Volante which was officially unveiled at the Pebble Beach Automotive Week in July this year.

The unique Neiman Marcus Edition model is now set to make a first public appearance at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show. It has been hand-made by the company’s bespoke customization arm: Q by Aston Martin.

The car took inspiration from the iconic 1969 DB6 Volante, which is currently owned by HRH Prince of Wales and which was featured in the Royal wedding of Prince William. The vehicle will be produced in only ten examples and will also be the first Vanquish Volante to enter the US market.

As a matter of fact, the Vanquish Volante is the first fully carboned Volante in the brand’s 100-year history. It also has the stiffest Volante body structure. In addition to this, the Neiman Marcus Edition is also equipped with triple-skin lightweight fabric roof. The latter can be operated at speeds of up to 30 mph and takes just 14 seconds to fold.

In my opinion, the Vanquish Volante is probably the most beautiful car in its class. Under its hood is positioned the AM11 6.0-litre V12 engine, thanks to which the car delivers engaging driving and breath-taking performance figures.

The unit is coupled with a Touchtronic 2 six-speed automatic gearbox. The car is capable of producing 565 hp (415 kW) at 6,750 rpm and has a peak torque of 620 Nm (457 lb-ft) at 5,500 rpm. The top speed stands at 183 mph.

Source: Aston Martin

November 15, 2013

Aston Martin V8 Vantage GTE and DBR 1-2 Race Car – Price £500,000

Aston Martin is going to sell a V8 Vantage GTE and DBR 1-2 Race Cars for £250,000 (around €290,000) each.

The Vantage GTE took place at Le Mans in 2012 with Allan Simonsen, Cristoffer Nygaard and Kristian Poulsen behind the steering wheel. The DBR 1-2 competed in the LMP1 class between 2009 and 2011. Both cars feature Gulf livery and are designed to be used for display purposes. Unfortunately, that means the engine and gearbox have been removed to make transportation easier.

These cars never fail to generate high levels of interest, even amongst non-motorsport followers.

Source: Aston Martin

July 18, 2013

Aston Martin To Debut Three Models At Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

Aston Martin is going to make a premiere of its three new models at this years Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, which is going to take place between 14th and 18th of August in California. The models that are going to have their premiere are the new Vanquish Volante , the V12 Vantage S and the CC100 Speedster Concept.

This year the iconic British brand is making centennial celebrations around the world. The Vanquish Volante will make its global debut at Pebble Beach, while the V12 Vantage S and CC100 Speedster Concept are making their first appearances in the United States.

First, the Vanquish Volante draws its power by the latest generation AM11 naturally aspirated 6.0-litre V12 petrol engine. The latter is matched with a Touchtronic 2 six-speed automatic gearbox. The car is able of producing 565 hp (415 kW) at 6,750 rpm and has a peak torque of 620 Nm (457 lb-ft) at 5,500 rpm.

Next, the Aston Martin V12 Vantage S is powered by an AM28 6.0-litre V12 engine. It generates 573 hp (421 kW) and 620 Nm (459 lb-ft) of torque at 5,750 rpm. It covers the aacceleration sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 330 km/h (205 mph). The engine is mated to a Sportshift™III AMT (automated manual transmission) which powers the rear wheels.

At last, in the CC100 Speedster Concept new materials were used for the build of its body and interior. For instance, carbon fibre can be seen prominently in the design of the new concept.

In addition, the CC100 utilizes the latest generation AM11 naturally aspirated V12 gasoline engine which is connected to a six-speed hydraulically actuated automated sequential manual transmission. The new concept accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in little more than 4 seconds and has a top speed of 180 mph.

Source: Aston Martin

July 18, 2013

2014 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S – 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds

This is officially the fastest Aston Martin excluding the limited edition, and sold-out, One-77 hypercar.

The V12 Vantage S is powered by an AM28 6.0-litre V12 engine – 573HP (421 kW) and 620 Nm (459 lb-ft) of torque at 5,750RPM. 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 330 km/h (205 mph). The engine is connected to a Sportshift™III AMT (automated manual transmission) powering the rear wheels.

“The new V12 Vantage S brings our winning GT3 race formula to the road. It’s a car for those customers who want superior sporting performance in a ‘gentleman’s suit’. It’s the most pure, yet understated, driving machine we can imagine today.” , commented Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez.

The suspension features 3-stage adaptive damping – Normal, Sport and Track.

The pricing for the new V12 Vantage S is also confirmed – £138,000 in the UK, €179,950 for Germany and $184,995 for the US.

Source: Aston Martin

June 20, 2013

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

June 20, 2013

The Ultimate Convertible Super GT: Aston Martin Vanquish Volante

The ultimate luxury brand Aston Martin has just unveiled the premium convertible GT – Vanquish Volante. The coupe sibling of this model was launched globally last autumn and made a huge furore.

The cabrio version also benefits from the same technical, engineering and design advances. However, the new Volante enhances the driving experience still further through the option of exciting open-top driving.

Vanquish Volante is the first fully carbon fibre-skinned Volante in Aston Martin’s one hundred year history. Furthermore, vehicle’s triple-skin lightweight fabric roof can be manipulated at speeds of up to 30 mph and it needs just 14 seconds to fold.

The exterior design of the new car is a result of brand’s iconic visual language and includes styling cues such as the elegant waist, elongated side strakes and LED rear light blades. On the other hand, the windscreen is now full height; therefore the glass runs up to meet the fabric roof, thus reducing visual “clutter”.

Furthermore, the new models “suit” of carbon fibre panels cloaks a comfortable and luxury 2+2 cabin. The latter is created via sophisticated materials: full grain Luxmil leather with optional quilting, Alcantara and satin chrome.

One of the highlights in the interior is the centre stack with refinements which results in more elegant form. Car’s set-up keeps the familiar elements such as the ECU engine start button, gear selection buttons, but at the same time offers new infotainment system and a significantly more user-friendly design.

More importantly, the new Vanquish Volante is powered by the latest generation AM11 naturally aspirated 6.0-litre V12 petrol engine. It is mated to a Touchtronic 2 six-speed automatic gearbox and is capable of generating 565 hp (415 kW) at 6,750 rpm and a peak torque of 620 Nm (457 lb-ft) at 5,500 rpm.

The driving dynamics are also enhanced and tuned precisely via the new springs and damper settings, which are calibrated with the goal of delivering crisp handling and compliant ride. Vanquish Volante also utilizes Vertical Horizontal (VH) architecture which comprises of lightweight bonded aluminium structure with excellent strength and rigidity. The Vanquish also features significant semi-structural carbon fibre components.

What is more, in order to take full advantage of its precise and rigid architecture, the vehicle uses a battery of sophisticated technologies such as Dynamic Stability Control and Positive Torque Control. In addition, the Adaptive Damping System (ADS) gives the driver the ability to switch between three distinct damping modes: Normal, Sport and Track.

What ADS basically does is to automatically change the suspension settings and to ensure that the driver has high levels of control at all times. The damper settings are determined by an electronic control unit. The latter takes sensor information from the systems of the vehicle, featuring throttle position, brake position, steering wheel rotation and vehicle speed.

Next, this cabrio’s braking system comprises of the third generation Brembo Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) brakes, which offer shorter stopping distances. The front brakes utilize 398 mm x 36 mm CCM brake discs with larger front brake pads and six-piston brake callipers. On the other hand, the rear brakes use 360 mm x 32 mm CCM brake discs with a four-piston calliper.

Aston Martin Vanquish Volante has a starting price of $297 995, and its first deliveries are expected to begin next year.

Source: Aston Martin

June 19, 2013

Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Roadster [render]

Theophiluschin has published several renderings of the upcoming Aston Martin V12 Vantage S. The convertible sports car boasts incredible style and beautiful proportions.

The engine is the well-known 6.0 liter naturally aspirated V12 with 573HP (421 kW) and 620Nm (457 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to a 7-speed automated-manual Sportshift III AMT gearbox. The V12 Vantage S Roadster is going to weigh 1,665 kg (3,670 lbs), so the acceleration 0-100 km/h will be around 4.0 seconds. The top speed is 322 km/h (200 mph).

The car is going to feature the 3-stage adaptive damping, which allows the driver to more precisely tailor the car’s dynamic character. It offers ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Track’ modes that are made to better suit the driver’s requirements.

June 3, 2013

Tag: Aston Martin