Skip to content

Automobiles Review

About us
Advertise here
Authors
Automobilesreview Directory
Car Catalog
Carlsson Wheels Smart ForTwo Mercedes ML and GL
Contact Us
Photos
Privacy Policy
Search
Terms and Conditions

Tag: Aston Martin

Mercedes McLaren SLR vs Aston Martin DBS Mansory and Nissan GT-R [HD video]

Here is another very interesting video by Dragtimesinfo posted on Youtube. This time, the Sport, Leicht, Rennsport” McLaren Mercedes-Benz is coming against two slightly tuned sports cars – Nissan GT-R and Aston Martin DBS Mansory.

The SLR is powered by an all-aluminium supercharged SOHC 5.4 liter V8 engine delivering whopping – 626HP (460 kW) at 6500RPM and 780Nm (580 lb-ft) of torque at just 3250RPM. The engine runs on just 0.9 bar of boost. The engine is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission delivering all that power to the rear wheels. The curb weight is 1 768 kg (3,900 lb).

Performance– 3.8 seconds 0-100 km/h, 10.7 seconds 0-200 km/h and 0-300 in 30.6 seconds.

The price of the beast is $750 000.

How the mighty SLR copes with the tuned beasts? Check out in the video below.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D72oc1ggvpE

Source: Dragtimesinfo via Youtube

April 10, 2012
2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage – Price £84 995

Aston Martin has announced its range for this year. It includes V8 Vantage Coupe and Roadster models, Vantage S, V12 Vantage and the exclusive V12 Zagato, which will join the range later this year.

The entry-level V8 Vantage is powered by a 4.7 liter naturally aspirated engine with 426PS (313 kW) mated to a 6-speed manual, but 7-speed Sportshift™ II automated manual is available as an option. With an additional gear, closer ratios, lower final drive and a quicker, refined shift quality, this new gearbox – designed and manufactured specifically for Aston Martin – provides faster and more precise shifts, optimises acceleration and delivers a sporting driving experience. The starting price is 84 995 or €108 500 in Germany.

The powerful Vantage S has a price tag of £99 995 or €128 500 in Germany. It has the same engine, which is slightly boosted to 436PS (321 kW) at 7300RPM and 490Nm (361 lb-ft) at 5000RPM. It also has Sportshift™ II close-ratio 7-speed automated manual transmission as standard, a sports exhaust system and carbon fibre detailing.

The V12 Vantage has a 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 517PS (380 kW) and 570Nm (420 lb-ft). Top speed of 305 km/h (190 mph) and 0-100 kp/h time of 4.2 seconds.

The exotic V12 Zagato, created in 2011 to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the iconic DB4GT Zagato, will be delivered later this year.

Combining iconic styling, thrilling performance, true craftsmanship and exclusivity the revitalised Vantage range boasts unprecedented breadth and appeal. The revised V8 Vantage together with the rest of the range is available to order now from Aston Martin’s global dealer network.

2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Coupe

Source: Aston Martin

February 20, 2012
SR Scion IQ Project

Interestingly enough, another custom company has undertaken a Toyota IQ project. Well, when we say Toyota we actually mean a Scion. And, yes, last week was an Aston Martin but this is all just badge talk. So today we have the SR autogroup made IQ – sporty, aggressive and with big wheels.

For a body kit, SR have chosen Fiveaxis components. They account for the front lip, side skirts, rear lip, and the roof spoiler. But a body kit does not look complete if it isn’t almost grinding on the ground. So that is why we also have a set of Tein lowering springs which, according to SR, do not in any way compromise performance and ride comfort.

An overall custom look is achieved only when we add four matte black 17-inch Sparco wheels held by titanium red lug bolts. We are not sure why they have to be titanium but they look great as a contrasting agent. Does it work for you?

SR Scion IQ (2012)

Source: SR autogroup

February 14, 2012
Afzal Kahn Aston Martin Cygnet

The British designer, Afzal Kahn has undertaken an ambitious task – to overhaul the Aston Martin Cygnet by inspiring refinement, vigor and passion in it. The Aston Cygnet recieved mixed reactions among critics upon its arrival and today it is a ‘hate it or love it’ kind of thing. Afzal Kahn has decided not to leave the people an option and eliminate anything in the Cygnet that might be disliked.

To start off we have a nice finish of metallic imperial blue on the body, heat resistant blue on the brake calipers and blue patterns on the hood louvers. The Cygnet however, doesn’t feel blue at all thanks to the low suspension achieved trough an Afzal Kahn lowering module. Other than that, there is a Kahn stainless steel quad exhaust system complete with a cross hair feature for refinement. Brilliantly designed and manufactured, 17-inch and 18-inch RS wheels sit perfect on the car’s front and rear axle respectively. The color patterns on them is left to the customer to decide.

For the inside, Afzal Kahn offers the absolute freedom to chose what is what and which is which. The surrounding trimmings might very well be the color of your own jeans while the seats match your T-shirt.

As always, a Kahn designed vehicle is for people with passion for character, individualism and rebelion. The Cygnet package is not just a greasy piece of machinery. It’s art on wheels. Does it work for you?

Kahn Design Aston Cygnet

Source: Kahn Design

February 12, 2012
Aston Martin V12 Zagato

Behold a finished product – images of the Aston Martin V12 Zagato are here. Geneva Motor Show goers next month will witness the debut while production is set to start later this year. But this not much of a car as it is a blend of complex emotions and passion on wheels.

The V12 Zagato has two tasks to fulfill – 1. it is basically purpose built to honor a generation of magnificent GT cars and the historic DB4GT Zagato in particuliar. 2. it also needs a perspective – setting new boundaries with innovative technology and style is a must if the V12 were to be a success. That’s why it shares so many components with the stunning One-77. In all essence, the V12 is an advanced HP printer in vintage overalls.

Looking at the V12 Zagato we see the exposed elements of carbon fiber on the front splitter, A-pillars, rear lamp pods, diffuser, door mirror cases and rear wing and we get that instant sense of modernity and purposefulness. Yet the bold new grille formed in a unique three-dimensional composite material mesh brings back the Zagato’s famous ‘Z’ moniker.

A pleasant place to be (a wild guess) would be also the inside of the Aston. Satin-finish carbon fibre on the dashboard and center stack is perfectly set next to piano black accents and satin black rotary switchgear. Carbon fiber sill plaques with ’V12 Zagato’ inlaid metal script provide a distinctive finishing touch.

It all sounds rally delightful but there are two problems with it: Price stands at £330,000 ($522,258) so it is pricy. Also it will be extremely rare – no more than 150 will be commissioned.

But when we see how much ‘Soul, Beauty, Power’ goes into making one the steep price kind of makes sense. The process of creating a V12 Zagato takes approximately 2,000 man-hours to complete. Hand-crafted aluminum and carbon fiber are the main composites that form the whole of the car. Hand-stitched quilting adds to the time and effort but it does leave that feel of passion and luxury usually felt with Italian cars. The Aston Martin V12 Zagato however, is all British and it will worth its every penny.

Aston Martin V12 Zagato (2013)

Source: Aston Martin

February 10, 2012
Aston Martin V12 Zagato at the Kuwait Concours D’Elegance

Aston Martin will exhibit the V12 Zagato at the Kuwait Concours d’Elegance. This is the only event of its type in the Middle East and plays host to some of the world’s finest automotive art from over 19 countries.

“We are excited to show the new V12 Zagato for the first time in production form at the Kuwait Concours d’Elegance. Over 50 years since the introduction of the iconic DB4GT Zagato, Aston Martin and Zagato have collaborated to create this modern interpretation which remains true to the original focus of craftsmanship, performance and exclusivity.”, commented Dr Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin .

Aston Martin V12 Zagato will be run in limited edition series of just 150 units. The sports car comes with the company’s acclaimed 6.0-litre V12 engine – 517PS (380 kW) and 570Nm (420 lb-ft).

The price for this masterpiece is £330 000, excluding local taxes.

Aston Martin V12 Zagato

Source: Aston Martin

January 27, 2012
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

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

January 10, 2012
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 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
November 21, 2011
2012 Aston Martin V12 Zagato

Aston Martin V12 Zagato will be appearing in September at the 64th IAA International Motor Show at Frankfurt. Along with the largest display of contemporary Aston Martins ever seen at a Motor Show, two V12 Zagatos, both having completed their engineering sign-off at the Nurburgring 24 hour race, will be shown for the first time at a mainstream event.

Hand assembled at the company’s global headquarters in Gaydon, England, the V12 Zagato is based on the highly acclaimed V12 Vantage and features a beautiful ’handcrafted‘ aluminium and carbon fibre body. Combining traditional craftsmanship and high technology, the V12 Zagato also boasts Aston Martin’s most dynamic bonded aluminium platform and the power of the company’s acclaimed 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 510 bhp (380 kW / 517 PS), and 570 Nm (420 lb ft) of torque.

Following extremely positive initial customer reaction, the V12 Zagato is being offered for sale at £330,000 GBP (excluding local taxes) and will go into strictly limited production of up to 150 cars in summer 2012. 50 years on from the introduction of the iconic DB4GT Zagato, Aston Martin and Zagato have collaborated to create this modern interpretation which remains true to the focus of craftsmanship, performance and exclusivity which underpinned the original collaboration.

2012 Aston Martin V12 Zagato

Launched successfully in late May at the famous Villa D’Este Concours on Lake Como, Italy, the V12 Zagato saw off tough competition to be awarded the coveted Design Award for the concept and prototypes class. Just a week later, the V12 Zagato made its racing debut at the 53rd ADAC ACAS H&R-Cup VLN race at the historic Nurburgring racetrack in Germany. Following other appearances in the series, both prototypes of the V12 Zagato were entered into the gruelling 39th ADAC Nurburgring 24 Hour on 25/26 June, successfully amassing a combined 230 laps and over 3,700 miles of intense durability testing – both taking the chequered flag to maintain Aston Martin’s 100% finish record in the race.

The first of the two V12 Zagatos being shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show, finished in its distinctive green livery is the full endurance race car concept specification as campaigned at the Nurburgring. The car, nicknamed ‘Zig’ by the factory team features a full aerodynamic package including front splitter, dive planes, large rear diffuser and spoiler designed to make the most of the Nurburgring’s multitude of corners and lengthy straights.

The second of the cars, nicknamed ‘Zag’, was originally shown at the Villa D’Este before being converted into the same full racing specification as the sister car. Since the 24 hour race, Zag, has been returned to its original show specification which, although showing a racing car interior, has an exterior more representative of the exclusive road car currently offered for order. In addition to this, Aston Martin today releases the first conceptual illustrations of the road car variant that will go into production from mid 2012.

The pair of V12 Zagatos will join the Aston Martin stand at Frankfurt in September alongside the stunning One-77 supercar and the recently launched Virage and Vantage S.

Source: Aston Martin

August 25, 2011
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

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.

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
August 25, 2011
2012 James Bond Vehicle Exhibition

Everybody knows James Bond movies and most of us have been watching the series for a long time. James Bond’s cars are very interesting part of the plot.

Now, we will have the chance to see all James Bond vehicles in large exhibition to celebrate the fiftieth year of the Bond franchise. The National Motor Museum, Beaulieu and EON Productions will run the event through whole 2012.

On display, there will be 2008 Aston Martin DBS from Quantum of Solace, the 2002 Jaguar XKR with SFX weapons from Die Another Day, the 1964 Aston Martin DB5 from Goldeneye and the 1937 Phantom lll Rolls-Royce from Goldfinger and many more. Totally 50 vehicles that will be on display at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu.

“Following the success of the first Bond cars exhibition staged at Beaulieu in 2001, we are delighted to be working with EON again on this new display, bringing together the world’s largest collection of Bond vehicles.”, said Beaulieu’s Commercial Director, Stephen Munn.

So, if you are James Bond fan and a petrol head or both, you’d definitely visit the National Motor Museum during the next year.

Aston Martin DBS from Quantum of Solace

Aston Martin DB5 from Goldeneye

Jaguar XKR from Die Another Day

Phantom lll Rolls-Royce from Goldfinger

Source: beaulieu.co.uk

August 12, 2011
Aston Martin Cygnet – birthday present

Sir Stirling Moss has made a very nice present to his wife – Lady Moss. The culmination of six months planning and “secret” correspondence between Sir Stirling and Aston Martin to plan a surprise birthday present for Lady Moss.

“My greatest partner in everything that I do, Susie is an amazing person and frankly the best wife a man could have. Since seeing a pre-production Cygnet in January I knew that it was the perfect car for Susie; a proper little piece of British luxury and perfect for our life in town.”, commented Sir Stirling Moss.

Aston Martin Cygnet shares much in terms of design and craftsmanship with the company’s sports cars. It is of course hand-crafted at Aston Martin’s headquarters in Gaydon, taking 150 hours to complete. Furthermore, specifications for Lady Moss’s car include Sir Stirling’s choice of Aston Martin Racing Green, harking back to the company’s sports cars that Sir Stirling raced in the 1950s, as the paint colour. This iconic exterior has been complemented by a simple and elegant interior hand crafted in Obsidian Black leather with a contrasting coarse silver stitch, forming a typically understated combination.

Sir Stirling’s own driving career with Aston Martin saw him drive a number of the company’s racing cars including the famous DB3S and DBR1 models with great success. This culminated in being part of the factory team that in 1959 secured the company the World Sportscar Championship following victories in the DBR1 at such prestigious races as the Le Mans 24-hour.

Aston Martin Cygnet – birthday present

Source: Aston Martin

July 12, 2011

←Previous Page

1 … 12 13 14 15 16 … 20

Automobiles Review

Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

Blog
About
FAQs
Authors

Events
Shop
Patterns
Themes

Twenty Twenty-Five

Designed with WordPress