Vantage – Page 2 – Automobiles Review

Aston Martin Unveiled a Special Vantage GTE Model

Aston Martin today unveiled a special 24 Hours of Le Mans art car, personally designed by artist Tobias Rehberger. The idea behind the concept is to create the illusion of speed and movement, even when the vehicle is static.

As you know, Rehberger is famous for his abstract art and interesting optical effects, that make you question your perception abilities. He has received numerous prizes and awards, that include the prestigious Golden Lion for best artist at the 2009 Venice Biennale. And now Aston Martin team invited him to create a concept, that will add incredible dynamics and colors to the vehicle.

There are more than thirty years, that passed since the first art car took place in the 24-hours race and now Rehberger takes the challenge to use geometric shapes and patterns, so the impression of movement and speed is still strong, even the car remains in one place. The artwork was commissioned by owner of vehicle #97, who is interested in the art of Rehberger and wanted to witness a combination between the elegant lines of the luxurious vehicles and the challenging art concepts of the artist. We bet he is amazed by the end result. Just as we are.

The design, that will be seen on #97 Vantage GTE was unveiled at the official race scrutineering in the town center today.

let us remind you, that the toughest race in the world, Le Mans starts on Saturday 13 June at 15:00 hrs.

Source: Aston Martin

June 8, 2015

Aston Martin’s Vantage GT12 Will Make its UK Debut at 2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed

Aston Martin‘s performance-focused road vehicle, the Vantage GT12 will make its world debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed. It is extreme, lightweight and confident-looking. The vehicle comes with a 6-liter V12 engine, that produces the crushing 600 hp (441 kW) and it is ready to demonstrate it is an honorable member of a proud family.

In fact, there will be only 100 units, that have already been purchased by eager buyers.

On June, 25, visitors at the Goodwood Moving Motor Show will have the chance to witness the showing of the Vantage GT12. After the ceremony, the machine will go up the famous Goodwood Hill Climb with Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer himself behind the wheel.

The vehicle is redesigned and inspired by the V12 Vantage GT 3 race car and now it is here to demonstrate some incredible confidence and numerous sporty features with its monstrous engine and the special aerodynamic body.

In fact, this will not be the only Aston Martin vehicle on the festival. Other machines, that will be demonstrated along the latest Aston Martin member are:

Vanquish Coupe V12 Vantage S Coupe
V12 Vantage S Roadster
Rapide S
Vanquish Volante

As you know, we are also expecting impatiently the festival, so for further information stay with us!

Source: Aston Martin

June 8, 2015

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.

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

May 4, 2015

Aston Martin Introduces 2015 V12 Vantage S Roadster

2015 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Roadster is one of the most powerful and fastest cabriolets on the market. The company plans to enter the vehicle on the market worldwide later this year. This model is set to deliver great sporting agility highlighted by an enviable sports ‘soundtrack’. The latter of course is generated by its naturally aspirated V12 engine and the tuned sports exhaust system. All in all V12 Vantage S Roadster is the mechanical embodiment of Aston Martin’s exceptional spirit – beautiful, potent and dynamic.

To go into details, under the hood of the new cabrio sleeps the 565 hp (415 kW) AM28 6.0-litre V12 engine. It features Bosch engine management and is capable of accelerating the car from 0 to 60 mph in only 3.9 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited up to 201 mph.

Furthermore, the peak torque is rated at 619 Nm (457 lb-ft) and it is available at 5,750 rpm. The low rev torque is measured at just 1,000 rpm and peaks at a 509 Nm (376 lb-ft).

Just like its coupe sibling, the roadster includes race car technology, which runs right through its DNA. Two examples of this track technology are the CNC machined combustion chambers and hollow cam shafts. Another instance is the Sportshift III ASM auto-shift manual transmission that is engineered to use the full potential of the V12.

In addition, the utilization of the three-stage adaptive damping, contributes to more precision in driving dynamics. There are three modes: ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Track’ that provide versatility in performance. This system also manages the level of power steering assistance.

The braking performance is ensured by carbon ceramic discs, while the new exhaust system is derived from the exclusive One-77 hypercar. Next, the ZF Servotronic power assisted steering offers a quick 15:1 ratio. It is linked to the adaptive damping button and also offers two-mode steering assistance.

In terms of exterior the new roadster has the emblematic grille, which is made of carbon fibre arrangement with sporty black or titanium silver mesh. It was created to optimize the airflow to the V12. Other distinguishing features include the lightweight forged alloy ten-spoke wheels.

The interior of the car features seat trim and door trims with Sport and carbon fibre lightweight seat options. As an option, Aston Martin is offering the Interior Carbon Pack. It adds the material to car’s fascia and door pulls, and includes black pedals.

On the other hand, the company is also introducing for the V12 Vantage S Roadster, the Q by Aston Martin Collection. It comprises of bespoke features such as a wide range of bold exterior and interior colors, body colored carbon bonnet louvers, red tint or satin finish to the carbon fibre elements on the exterior and interior, a full carbon fibre centre console, black anodised and machined rotary controls and a steering wheel with a leather on-centre stripe in the chosen color.

2015 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Roadster Technical Specification:

Body	Two-seat, two-door soft-cover convertible top bodystyle Extruded bonded aluminium VH body structure Aluminium, magnesium alloy, composite and steel body Extruded aluminium door side-impact beams Halogen projector headlamps (main beam) High Intensity Discharge headlamps (dipped beam) LED rear lamps Clear rear lamps Carbon fibre front splitter and rear diffuser Black headlamp bezels
Engine	All-alloy, quad overhead camshaft, 48-valve, 5935 cc V12 Front mid-mounted engine, rear-wheel drive Fully catalysed, stainless steel exhaust system with active bypass valves Compression ratio 11.1:1 Max power 421 kW (573 PS/565 bhp) at 6750 rpm Max torque 620 Nm (457 lb ft) at 5750 rpm Acceleration Roadster 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds 0-100 km/h in 4.1 seconds Maximum speed Roadster 323 km/h (201 mph)
Transmission	Rear mid-mounted, seven-speed ‘Sportshift III’ automated manual transmission Alloy torque tube with carbon fibre propeller shaft Limited-slip differential Final-drive ratio 3.727:1
Steering	Rack and pinion, speed-sensitive Servotronic power-assisted steering, 2.5 turns lock-to-lock Column tilt and reach adjustment Steering rack with 15:1 ratio
Wheels & Tyres	19” 10-spoke forged alloy Graphite painted wheels with diamond-turned finish Front: 9 x 19” Pirelli P Zero Corsa 255/35 ZR19 Rear: 11 x 19” Pirelli P Zero Corsa 295/30 ZR19
Suspension	Front: Independent double wishbones incorporating anti-dive geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube adaptive dampers Rear: Independent double wishbones with anti-squat and anti-lift geometry, dual-rate coil springs and monotube adaptive dampers Three-stage Adaptive Damping System (ADS) with Normal, Sport and Track modes
Brakes	Front: Ventilated Carbon Ceramic Matrix discs, 398 mm diameter with six-piston monobloc calipers Rear: Ventilated Carbon Ceramic Matrix discs, 360 mm diameter with four-piston monobloc calipers Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Track mode Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Track mode Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) Traction Control (TC) Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA) Positive Torque Control (PTC) Hill Start Assist (HSA)
Standard Specification	Full-grain leather interior Piano Black fascia trim, centre stack and door grabs Leather-trimmed sports steering wheel with Black airbag ring Electrically adjustable sports seats with side airbags Memory seats and exterior mirrors (three positions) Dual-stage driver/passenger front airbags Carbon fibre front grille Titanium front grille and side strake meshes Powerfold exterior heated mirrors Heated rear screen Automatic temperature control Organic Electroluminescent (OEL) displays Trip computer Cruise control Bluetooth® telephone preparation with audio streaming capability Satellite navigation Auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror Garage door opener Rear parking sensors Reverse parking assist camera (USA and Canada only) Tyre pressure monitoring Alarm (with volumetric and tilt sensor) and immobiliser Remote control central door locking and boot release Glass ECU Glass switches Aston Martin Tracking by Cobra LED map reading lights
In-Car Entertainment	160 W Aston Martin audio system with six-CD autochanger Integrated Apple iPod® connector USB connector with Waveform Audio Format (WAF), Windows Media Player (WMA) and MPEG (MP3) audio file compatibility
Exterior Detailing Options	10-spoke lightweight alloy wheels – Silver painted – Satin Black painted 10-spoke forged alloy wheels – Liquid Silver painted – Gloss Black painted with a diamond-turned finish Alternative Brake Caliper finish: Grey, Red or Yellow Pirelli P Zero Tyres Black or Silver Graphics Pack – individual body panels or combinations of: front grille ‘lipstick’, rear tailgate panel and lamp infills, Exterior Carbon Pack comprising mirror caps, side strakes and rear lamp infills Carbon fibre side strakes Painted carbon fibre front grille Black front grille and side strake meshes Black side window trim surround Black textured tailpipe finisher Silver headlamp bezels ‘V12’ front wing badging Delete model badging Delete protective tape
Interior Detailing Options	Carbon fibre fascia trim Carbon Interior Pack comprising fascia trim and door grabs Carbon fibre paddleshifts Aston Martin Wings headrest embroidery Black pedal pads and footrest Black anodised speaker grilles (only available with Bang & Olufsen audio system) Personalised sill plaques
Comfort and Convenience Options	Front parking sensors Reverse parking assist camera Lightweight seats with six-way electrical adjustment Heated seats Passenger seat with ISOFIX (fixed height) Garage door opener Second glass ECU Aston Martin Tracking by Cobra First aid kit Ashtray and cigar lighter Boot-mounted umbrella Leather ECU pouch
In-Car Entertainment Options	700 W Aston Martin Premium Audio System with Dolby® Pro Logic II® 1000 W Bang & Olufsen BeoSound audio system with ICEpower® technology Satellite radio
Dimensions	Length 4385 mm (172.6”) Width 1865 mm (73.4”) excluding mirrors Width 2022 mm (79.6”) including mirrors Height Roadster 1260 mm (49.2”) Wheelbase 2600 mm (102.4”) Front track 1570 mm (61.8”) Rear track 1575 mm (62.0”) Turning circle 11.8 m (38.7 ft) (kerb to kerb) Boot capacity 144 litres (5.1 cu ft) Fuel capacity 80 litres (17.6 UK gal/21.1 US gal) Kerb weight Roadster 1745 kg (3847 lb)
Fuel consumption litres/100 km (mpg)	Urban 22.5 (12.6) Extra-urban 10.2 (27.7) Combined 14.7 (19.2)
Gas mileage and CO2 emissions	City 12 mpg Highway 18 mpg Combined 14 mpg 343 g/km

Source: Aston Martin

July 16, 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

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 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

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

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

2013 Aston Martin Vantage GT3 and DBRS9

Aston Martin has announced the launch of the new GT3 CUP, a three race series open to competitors in the Aston Martin Vantage GT3 and DBRS9.

The series is an invitational class within the ASTON MARTIN GT4 CHALLENGE OF GREAT BRITAIN, which is now in its fourth season, and the cars will race alongside the Vantage GT4s at the Silverstone, Donington and Brands Hatch rounds. To commemorate Aston Martin’s centenary this year, each of the races will be held over either 100 laps or 100 minutes, with the Brands Hatch round forming part of the ASTON MARTIN CENTENARY FESTIVAL in July.

At each circuit, the series takes prime position in the paddock with separate garages for all competitors and the exclusive Aston Martin VIP Race Centre for drivers and guests to relax between sessions.

Points scored in the GT3 Cup will count towards the ASTON MARTIN RACING GLOBAL CHALLENGE.

Check out the calendar, below!

Calendar:

• 6 April – Silverstone
• 1 June – Donington Park
• 7 July – Brands Hatch GP

Source: Aston Martin

March 8, 2013

2013 Aston Martin V8 Vantage SP10 – Price €96,635

Aston Martin has announced the V8 Vantage SP10, which is inspired by the GT4 Racer. The V8 Vantage S Special Edition will be available as both – Coupe and Roadster. The pricing start from €96,635.

2013 Aston Martin V8 Vantage SP10 is powered by a 4.7 liter naturally aspirated petrol engine with – 436HP (321 kW) and 490Nm (361 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 7-speed automated manual transmission available as an option. 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 305 km/h (189 mph) for both versions.

The Vantage SP10 is offered in a bespoke specification that reflects its close affinity with the racing car

Both versions are finished in Ceramic Grey Metallic paint, while the Roadster’s top has a Titan Grey paint. Other special features include a set of 19” alloy wheels, black brake calipers, new front splitter, carbon fiber rear diffuser and new taillights. The interior boasts black accents and spectacular 1000 WATTS Bang & Olufsen BeoSound premium audio system.

“Aston Martin has a long and successful tradition in motorsport. Since in the GT4 class the technical similarities between racing cars and their road model cousins are extremely pronounced, many of our customers see their own Aston Martin as a way to identify with our motorsport activities, or they actively participate as gentlemen drivers”, commented Jeffrey L. Scott, Managing Director of Aston Martin Lagonda of Europe.

“With the new Vantage SP10 we are now offering a V8 Vantage S with a special motorsport and race track flair – at a competitive price point.”, he finished.

Source: Aston Martin

February 8, 2013

Tag: Vantage