New Car: 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage S

Faster, lighter and more thrilling... that’s Aston Martin’s S express! This is the new V8 Vantage S, which bridges the gap between the ‘entry’ model and the mighty V12 Vantage.

Under the bonnet is an uprated version of the familiar 4.7-litre V8, boosted by 10bhp to 430bhp at 7,200rpm. Peak torque also rises 20Nm to 490Nm at 5,000rpm. The improvements are brought about by a revised intake system, which lets in more air at higher engine speeds, plus more precise management of how the spark plugs ignite the fuel.

The tweaked engine drives the rear wheels through a new seven-speed version of the Sportshift automated manual transmission. Despite having an extra ratio, this weighs 24kg less than the old six-speeder. Aston says the first six gears sit closer together, allowing seventh to be longer, for more relaxed motorway cruising.

Add all this together, and the Vantage S is expected to complete the benchmark sprint from 0-60mph in less than 4.5 seconds – that’s three-tenths quicker than the standard car. It goes on to a top speed of 189mph.

To match the increased punch, Aston has beefed up the Vantage’s looks with a carbon fibre splitter, wider sills – inspired by the GT4 racer – and a larger rear spoiler with a fresh diffuser. Other upgrades include revised 19-inch V-spoke alloys. There’s also a new hill-hold system.

The Vantage S is on sale now, in coupé or roadster form, and starts at £102,500 – an increase of just over £10,000. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Hot News: Aston Martin to Build Next Maybach

Aston Martin could be set to build Daimler’s next-generation Maybach luxury saloon, according to reports.

The Financial Times, citing sources close to Aston and Daimler, said that Aston would also carry out design work of the new saloon as part of the deal.

German magazine Auto Zeitung has even claimed that Daimler has already created a mock-up Maybach using know how and parts from Aston.

An Aston source told Autocar the firm had good relations with Mercedes and discussions between the pair were always ongoing, but described the FT report on it building the next Maybach as speculative although anything was possible.

In return for building Maybachs, the FT reports that Aston would gain access to Mercedes engine technology and the GL’s all-wheel-drive system to underpin a production version of its 2009 Lagonda concept, a concept that our source said had never died.

Thanks to: Autocar

V6 2.0-liter twin-turbo for the new Aston Martin LMP1

According to the British magazine Autosport, the first trials of the new LMP1 will occur in January. The timetable is extremely tight for Aston Martin Racing as the first appearance of the new LMP1 race must be made at next March for the 12 Hours of Sebring.

Autosport but also reveals the engine of the new LMP1. It would be a 2.0-liter twin-turbo V6, obviously a petrol unit.

New Car: 2011 Aston Martin DB9 Special Editions

The end of 2010 is almost upon us, but that hasn’t stopped Aston Martin managing to squeeze in not one but three new special edition DB9s which have just gone on sale from Aston dealers.

The three editions are called the Morning Frost, Carbon Black and Quantum Silver, are available as either coupe or Volante convertible bodystyles and cost from £132,525 including VAT at the new 20 per cent rate.

The DB9 Morning Frost is intended to be a more luxurious offering, as it features pearlescent white paint, 19-inch 10-spoke alloys and silver brake calipers on the outside, while the interior gets metallic bronze leather on the seats and headlining, and piano black trim.

Both the Carbon Black and Quantum Silver editions feature either black or silver paint, different 19-inch alloys and a sports exhaust, plus more piano black trim, a semi-aniline leather roof lining and polished glass switchgear.

All cars are powered by the familiar 470bhp 6.0-litre V12 and six-speed automatic gearbox, and all get a laser etched sill plaque depicting the Aston Martin logo along with “Morning Frost”, “Carbon Black” or “Quantum Silver.”

The three new specials join a host of other limited Astons which have broken cover in 2010. This year has seen the debut of the V12 Vantage Carbon Black, DBS Carbon Black, DBS UB2010 – a limited run of 40 cars in tribute to the firm’s boss Ulrich Bez – and the V8 Vantage N420, inspired by the legendary Nurburgring where Aston’s R&D centre is located. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express