Aston Martin – Page 8 – Automobiles Review

Team 46 Drives an Aston Martin DBS that Glows in the Dark

Do you remember the Nissan which has these superpowers to glow in the dark? Well, if you do then you’ll know why this Aston Martin DBS have the same capabilities. For those who don’t, I must explain what has happened with both cars. First and foremost, they both can glow in the dark. This might sound very improbable, but actually it is actually due to the application of a very simple technology.

The paint used for covering the exterior both the Leaf EV and the DBS absorbs UV energy during the day so it can glow during the nighttime. This is a spray-applied coating or a foil-wrap, which absorbs the daylight and when the night falls, the absorbed energy can glow between eight and ten hours.

The creator of this innovative technology is Hamish Scott and has named it STARPATH. Both paint and foil are made of entirely organic materials. Scott actually used Strontium Aluminate to achieve the result. Another very interesting fact about this paint is that it could last for 25 years.

Now, Nevana Designs has applied this technology onto the DBS. The car is actually getting ready for the Gumball 3000 rally. The vehicle will be driven by Team 46 and in particular by David Morgan, who is proud owner as well. With this car he will definitely achieve his goal, namely his unique Aston Martin DBS to stand out among other cars.

Source: Nevana Designs via Facebook

May 25, 2015

Valentino and Aston Martin Release Vanquish Volante Special Edition

Valentino and Aston Martin have teamed up for a special project, which will support the “Cash & Rocket Tour”. Valentino will be the main sponsor of the event for the third consecutive year. The fourth edition has started yesterday and will continue until 19^th of May. If you hear for the first time about the “Cash & Rocket”, this is a fundraising event that supports three humanitarian organizations: Shine on Sierra Leone, OAfrica and Sumbandila, which help African children and their families.

Next to many fundraising items, among them is an extremely special Aston Martin Vanquish Volante. Valentino had the mission to create a special edition of this model, which had to be entirely customized.

What we see here is the Valentino Camouflage pattern and Maison’s iconic studs. There is a lot of carbon fiber inside and out, as well as special leather treatment for the interior of the open-top vehicle.

There aren’t any other details here, although Valentino has said that the car is “completely customized”. So we will have to satisfy with what’s before our eyes.

Presumably this also means that this Vanquish Volante sports the same standard 6.0-liter V12 engine, which produces 573 hp (421 kW) and 620 Nm (457 lb-ft) of maximum torque. The V12 under the hood drives the car from 0 to 100 km/h in only 4.1 seconds on its way to a top speed of 294 km/h (183 mph).

Left unmentioned is that the proceeds from this special edition, sold during an auction, will be entirely donated to the three organizations mentioned above.

Source: Valentino

May 15, 2015

Kahn Shows Three Sketches of Vengeance Project

Kahn’s Vengeance is here! At least in sketches. Yes, the tuning company has released the first three detailed drawings of its exciting upcoming car. As we told you last week, the ambitious project will be based on another British classic, just like the Flying Huntsman based Defender). It will feature tuner’s specific WB12 wide body and will be built in Coventry, UK.

In addition, also confirmed today was the fact that the car will be a two-door coupe in “hammer formed aluminium”. My guess about the marque was completely right – it will be an Aston Martin, however – not a Vantage, but a DB9.

Yes, the coachbuilt car will use as a basis DB9’s chassis. The future wide body two-door coupe will have a muscular stance and as we can see from the sketches – aggressive design.

Design

The specialists at Kahn always seek to push the boundaries of design. Project’s design is inspired by the 80s and 90s. This means that Vengeance follows the philosophy of volume and flowing curves over angular surfaces. As a result we will see a spectacular mix between old and new, between classic and contemporary design.

The details here are of importance. First, take a look at the widened rear wings, that are highlighted by lines projected from the signature bonnet bulge. And have you noticed the roof and the length of the car?

These visual characteristics are further emphasized by the striking front with this aggressive grille centerpiece. The polished stainless steel roof halo and window trim are accompanied by diminished rear windows.

Furthermore, this design treasure will be running on 16 spoke 20-inch wheel at the front coupled with 225 tyres and an 18 spoke 21-inch rear wheels mated with 335 tyres. The wheels are retro-inspired and will also have a two-tone body colour with the diamond cut outer section.

Production

Since there is no information about the interior, the next important question is whether this car will see production. The answer is positive, and it will begin in 2015 with a limited run. What you should also know is that each vehicle will be hand built by Kahn’s team of experts and will carry an engraved plaque in the boot.

Source: Kahn Design

May 7, 2015

“The Vulcan” Erupts at the New York Auto Show

Aston Martin Vulcan Side View “The Vulcan” is a track only supercar, capable of producing over 800 hp, that will make a debut at the New York International Auto Show next month. The model will expand the luxorious product range, that already includes Vanquish Carbon, Rapide S, V12 Vantage S and GT Roadster. CEO Andy Palmer says he really looks forward to reviewing the car in New York, as the company already recieved positive feedback from customers and car fans at the Geneva Motor Show.

Vulcan is created by a team, led by Marek Reichman himself, that brings us not just a luxorious hi-end vehicle, but shows the next gen of Aston Martin sports car. And to do so, the designers, created a masterpiece, that is powered by the naturally-aspirated 7.0 litre V12 gazoline unit. Combined with the crushing force of 800-plus hp (588 kW), the rear-wheel car will dramatically expand the heritage of the well known luxury vehicle brand.

Interesting fact is that owners will be offered to be part of a detailed programme for track drive training. There are many expirienced drivers, who will guide the new owners on the sports track until their own driving expirience is refined and expanded. The training programme is divided on two separate parts – owners will be trained not only on the super tracks, but also their theoretical knowledge about the car and the race will be put on the test.

The exiting vehicle will be offered to customers within a special Aston Martin VIP programme, that supports an incredible flexibility of color and trim choices and of course customer service, that will include personalisation options.

Aston Martin Vulcan will have its premiere at NYIAS on 3d of April. Stay tuned for more details.

Source: Aston Martin

March 27, 2015

Henrik Fisker Shows-Off with Vanquish Based Thunderbolt Concept

Another exquisite car from Fisker was shown at the Concours d’Elegance this weekend. This time it isn’t a muscle car, but a very stylish V12 Vanquish which has taken the form of a Thunderbolt. Or at least its name. Being a GT coupe concept, the vehicle features timeless design and it is actually a representation of Henrik Fisker’s personal preferences about the Vanquish.

The body of the car shows design cues typical for Fisker, like the deeply sculpted air ducting, but what’s hidden here is that the bodywork was made of carbon. A large power dome is what has a strong presence on the hood as well as the one-off new head lamps.

At the rear the car features unique tail lights with blade-like form. It is also impossible not to see the innovative wraparound rear window and panoramic dark tinted glass roof. Moreover, other details around the exterior include aluminum grille and assorted bright work as well as 15 mm lowering of the ride height and 21-inch alloys.

Substantial changes have been made to the interior, too. In fact, the Thunderbolt is a concept that features the first application of Panasonic’s 11.6-inch Curved Control Screen that reduces reflections and glare.

In addition, the Swiss watch maker Maurice Lacroix delivered a Skeleton chronograph integrated into the dash, while Natuzzi supplied the trimmed Italian leather for the upholstery. A very special feature, which will definitely grab your attention, is the unique champagne/wine bottle holder that you can see in the gallery below. It is first of its kind and I must admit that it is very charming and creative element of the interior.

The sad news is that the car has been developed only as a study. However, Fisker has promised that it will use the help of his friends at Galpin Auto Sports for a limited number of additional cars only if there is any initial response for this and on the condition that the car stays non-commercial and a true collectible.

Source: Fisker

March 16, 2015

Aston Martin DBX Concept: Strange Mix Of Luxury and All-Electric AWD

The next vehicle on the spot comes from my personally favorite brand Aston Martin. It is called DBX Concept and was again revealed in the Swiss city. It has the styling characteristics of its siblings but somehow it reminds me of a muscle car mixed with a Peugeot RCZ. It is obvious that the concept was created with the aim to bring some new insights to the luxury GT segment, like the sense of more practicality.

The brand even says that it focuses on family and eco-friendliness, which is true since the car runs on pure electricity. In addition, the design is harmonious and evokes powerful stance with hints to the future development of the brand. In other words, the all-wheel drive DBX Concept effortlessly incorporates the traditional Aston Martin beauty with the new engineering applied in it.

Exterior-wise, the body of the car is made of machined billet aluminum and has visible milling lines. The paint finish, Black Pearl Chromium, further strengthens the presence of the model, incorporating micro-fine layer of chrome. This helped the designers deliver a truly unique exterior paint, that can’t be obtained via usual techniques.

The concept is suitable for four people and it features huge space available for the luggage. Inside, we see the purity of luxury applied via the cutting edge style and advanced technology. Precisely, the standard materials used inside include Nubuck leather, sandwiched accent layer, gold ‘pin striping’ element on the edging and more.

But this car, in my opinion, challenges the conventional thinking in other terms. First, DBX Concept needs no engine compartment. Why? Because it uses electric motors that are powered by lithium sulphur cells.

Other technology advancements that need to be mentioned are the drive-by-wire electric steering and the driver and passenger head-up displays. Not to mention the toughened glass with an auto-dimming ‘smart glass’ inter-layer.

Active LEDs light the way of this concept, while carbon ceramic brakes with a kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) take care for the perfect stop. There are no conventional rearview mirrors here because they have been substituted with rear view cameras.

Despite that I really like this car, this question still bothers me: Could it be capable of catching up with the performance of a real, gasoline-driven, Aston Martin? There are no details regarding the power output of the model, or any performance figures. This “little” fact gives me the feeling that we won’t see the DBX in production anytime soon.

Source: Aston Martin

March 4, 2015

Aston Martin Vulcan is all about Horses and Carbon!

If yesterday was the “international day of teasers” today is the “day of the big reveals”, since so many models have been shown ahead of their official premiere at the Geneva Auto Saloon. The first one that we are going to review today is Aston Martin Vulcan. We have already heard the sound of its engine (that was really intriguing) and now it is time to get some impressions of the official data and pictures released. As we already know the car will be track only and will have a limited production of around 30 units. Well, to be more precise they will be less – 24.

The new information confirmed that the car will be driven by a 7.0 litre V12 engine that produces more than 800 horsepower (588 kW). Even as exciting as this news is the fact that the Vulcan will be all-carbon fibre. In addition, every of the 24 owners will have the chance to tailor their driving experience through some adjustments to the performance via a special “experience” program.

This car is all about motorsport engineering. The evidence for this is that its power-to-weight ratio exceeds this of the GTE cars. Responsible for this are the carbon fibre monocoque, the integral limited-slip differential, the carbon fibre propeller shaft of the magnesium torque tube and the calipers coming from Brembo. The latter are fitted with carbon ceramic racing disc brakes in the sizes of 380mm and 360 mm at the front and rear, respectively.

The Xtrac six-speed sequential shift gearbox is translating the power coming from the V12 to the rear wheels. By the way they are fitted with huge Michelins measuring 345/30×19.

In terms of suspension this Aston Martin gets the best. In addition, Multimatic has delivered the DSSV (Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve) adjustable dampers and rear and front anti-roll bars. Variable traction control and driver-adjustable anti-lock braking is what rounds out this equipment.

The British company will also gather important technical and performance data shown by the car during testing, and then will release the information closer to the track introduction of the car. Since this will happen later this year, we all must focus on the world debut of the Vulcan on 3^rd of March.

Source: Aston Martin

February 25, 2015

Aston Martin Vulcan Breathes Out Fire and Power [VIDEO]

Earlier this month Aston Martin shared that the world is going to see something outstanding, something special, something that will melt the air and will urge time to stop just so people can take a long breath while looking in amazement at the new automotive beast. Releasing a new teaser video, the automaker showed us what kind of an aggressiveness to expect soon. Of course, the debut of the vehicle will take place during the 2015 Geneva Auto Show next week.

Determined to conquer the world, the new Aston Martin Vulcan is going to be track only, which will turn it into a potential competitor for the McLaren P1 GTR and Ferrari FXX K. According to the British sports car builder, this hypercar is expected to be the most extreme model in the 102-year history of the brand. And after viewing the video it is hard to disagree with this statement.

Showing off with a massive racing rear wing as well as beefed up and the more masculine body, the new Vulcan revs the engines while its side exhausts breathe out flames which can burn the senses of every adrenaline-lover.

Other details about this powerful Aston Martin reveal that the car is expected to be produced in less than 30 units. More information is yet to come meanwhile enjoy the craziness of the Vulcan in the video bellow.

httpv://youtu.be/ktD_ueZtReg

Source: Aston Martin via Youtube

February 24, 2015

Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Special Edition Limited to 100 Cars Only

Defined as the “most potent and uncompromising Vantage to date,” the track-inspired Aston Martin Vantage GT3 special edition is notably re-engineered and restyled. Bolder, more aggressive and sophisticated, the car arrives with high demands that hopefully the automotive world can cope with!

In terms of power, under the hood resides a 6.0-liter V12 engine which can generate about 600 PS (441 kW / 591 bhp) and a peak torque of 625 Nm (460 lb-ft). This unit is matched to a seven-speed automated manual transmission that is supposed to enable the car to speed up from 0-100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds before reaching an approximate top speed of 297 km/h (185 mph).

The newly – born beast is thoroughly equipped. It impresses with cutting edge motorsport-inspired components such as: carbon fiber wide body kit with reworked bumpers, modified side skirts and extended fenders. There is also a range of aerodynamic features including a prominent rear wing, pronounced front splitter and a nicely-shaped rear diffuser.

In order to go even further with the goodies, Aston Martin packs the new Vantage GT3 with a carbon fiber hood, a black mesh grille and ceramic coated tailpipes. The car moves on 19-inch forged alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires.

Inside the cabin, the car has been comprehensively reworked too, thus implementing the sporty styling of the exterior. The interior benefits from highlights like: carbon fiber center stack with touch-sensitive controls, carbon fiber sports seats, Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, leather door pull straps and, last but not the least, an infotainment system with GPS navigation.

2015 Aston Martin Vantage GT3 special edition is limited to 100 units and will make its debut on 3 March during the 85th Geneva International Motor Show.

Source: Aston Martin

February 18, 2015

Jaguar Land Rover to Star in the Latest James Bond Movie

Jaguar Land Rover revealed that it is going to join the 24th James Bond adventure with three different models. A while ago we wrote that Aston Martin is also going to be part of the franchise with its revolutionary Aston Martin DB10.

The Spectre movie is obviously going to be pretty damn good. The extreme flair of dynamism and action are set to be mixed with a healthy dose of luxury and motion which are extracted from the automotive world. Regarding this exciting news, the Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations, John Edwards, commented that: “This is an exciting partnership for Jaguar Land Rover and an opportunity to demonstrate the fantastic capabilities of the Special Operations team.’’

Among the vehicles selected for the movie are the Jaguar C-X75, Range Rover Sport SVR and the revised Land Rover Defender Big Foot. The JLR vehicles which are going to be used in the upcoming film have been provided by the company’s Special Operations division and were built together with Williams Advanced Engineering. Interestingly enough, the C-X75 model will play a crucial role in a “spectacular car chase sequence” that is taking place through the streets of Rome alongside the Aston Martin DB10.

Nevertheless, this is not the first time when Jaguar and Land Rover cars have had roles in a succession of Bond films. For example, in 2012, Defender 110 Double Cab Pick Up was driven by field agent Eve Moneypenny in the opening sequence to Skyfall.

Spectre is scheduled to come out on the 6th of November this year.

Source: Jaguar Land Rover

February 9, 2015

Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Teased [VIDEO]

Aston Martin has been toying around with the idea of a road-going Vantage GT3 model which will be officially presented at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show.

In order to escalate the impatience of customers, Aston Martin teased with a video which draws connections to the V12 Vantage GT3 racer. Even though there is a sufficient lack of any further information that might feed the hunger of those who are anticipating the final moment of the car’s release, the vehicle is expected to be powered by an advanced version of the 6.0-liter V12 engine. The powerplant will be able to pump a not inconsiderable power output of 600 HP approximately.

The teaser video shows the V12 Vantage GT3 racer in action on the Nürburgring Nordschleife track. At the end we are given a glimpse of a sketch of the street-legal machine. What we can see is a massive rear wing, more aggressive front end with a reworked bumper and redesigned engine hood. But that’s scarcely enough, isn’t it? For more, we have to wait slightly longer.

Aston Martin not always teases, but when it does, it knows how to do it!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_51BWtp4Fk

Video Source: Aston-Martin via Youtube

January 7, 2015

Aston Martin Vanquish On Ice

Aston Martin On Ice is a three-day driving program which gives drivers the ultimate chance to really test their skills in an outstanding environment and surrounding. After last year’s success of the event, early in 2015 Aston Martin On Ice once again goes back to the western town of Crested Butte which is situated right in the center of the Colorado Rocky Mountains for a second round of this adrenaline-propelling experience.

On Ice program impresses with a 10-acre ice surface that has more than enough bends, curves and turns to make the Aston Martin’s driver breathe with excitement like never before. It guarantees power, exceptional performance, thrills and passion which are taken to another level. Of course, in order to provide with safe driving, there will be professional driving assistants who will guide the drivers across the challenging courses.

The bespoke Aston Martin’s track features a braking/cornering exercise loop, slalom, skid pad and full circuit which will put to the limit the braking, cornering and handling abilities of enthusiasts.

In addition to this, the President of Aston Martin The Americas, Julian Jenkins pointed out that: “Combining extreme driving, in an extreme environment, with typically sumptuous Aston Martin luxury living, the 2015 On Ice activity is sure to be amongst the highlights of our year.”

Source: Aston Martin

December 29, 2014

Tag: Aston Martin

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