12/31/08

2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Review

2009 aston martin v8 vantage

My friend Chris Burdick over at Automoblog.net seems to have had quite a bit of fun test driving the 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage! The 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage gets a 4.7L 420hp / 347 ft-lbs engine upgrade which only delivers 0-60 in 4.7, still a step up from its previous 4.3L 380hp! The new model has a Sports Pack option ($3,785) which includes new sexy and lightweight 5 spoke wheels and Bilstein dampers.

2009 aston martin v8 vantage




2009 aston martin v8 vantage interior

For Chris' detailed and thorough review head over to his blog and read his 2009 V8 Vantage Review!

2009 aston martin v8 vantage

2009 aston martin v8 vantage  

[Source: Automoblog.net]

 

12/29/08

Aston Martin Desktop Wallpaper

... 2008 nice pics have an Aston Martin Vanquish 2008 nice pics

Aston Martin desktop wallpaper V12 Vanquish desktop wallpaper Mansory.

Ya en 1964, el Aston Martin hot model photos DB5 fue ... hot model photos

 

Aston Martin Offers Upgrade Packages for 4.3-liter V8 Vantage Owners

Aston Martin V8 Vantage

When Aston Martin released the hugely popular V8 Vantage in 2006, they fitted it with a 4.3-liter V8 and 380 horsepower. This wasn't enough for many people, since the Vantage's competitors such as the Porsche 911 Turbo and Audi R8 were easily faster. Finally AM decided to up the ante for the 2009 V8 Vantage and bore out the engine to 4.7 liters, add a high-performance Sports Package and tighten the chassis, making the Vantage a real kick-in-the-nuts to Porsche and Audi.

Not wanting to leave the 2006-2008 V8 Vantage owners behind in their 380 HP weenie-mobiles, Aston Martin created an upgrade package allowing them to increase their horsepower to 400, add around 7 ftlbs of torque, and hit a slightly higher top speed of 177 mph.

All of this is done through a new air intake system originally designed for the DBS which opens a valve at 5500 RPM, letting more air in and allowing for more power. The engine computer has also been tweaked to optimize ignition timing and allow for a higher octane fuel to be used.

Additionally, due to the popularity of the new Sport Pack option on the 2009 Vantage, Aston Martin is allowing previous owners to retrofit a Sport Pack onto their older car. The Sport Pack increases handling performance with upgraded springs and Bilstein dampers, and adds the sexy new lightweight 5-spoke alloy wheels.

Still not as quick as the 2009 V8 Vantage, and you still can't get the excellent Sport/Comfort mode in the Sportshift 2009s, but it's definitely an upgrade that I hope many will take. Pricing has not yet been announced, but don't expect it to be cheap.

Check out our 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Review

 

Aston Martin Racing launches new Vantage GT4

Aston Martin Racing launches new Vantage GT4

Aston Martin Racing has released the 2009 specification Vantage GT4 based on Aston Martin's new 4.7 litre V8 Vantage.  The new Vantage GT4 builds on the success of its predecessor, the 4.3 litre Vantage N24.The Vantage GT4 has been under development for six months and was unveiled in Dubai this week by Aston Martin chairman, David Richards, and tested extensively at the Dubai Autodrome….

View article...

12/28/08

Second official image of production Aston Martin Rapide leaks



Late last month Aston Martin released the first official image of its upcoming Rapide four-door coupe, and like the previously revealed One-77 supercar the first image was a computer generated teaser that only revealed a few details. The second image, leaked today, is essentially the same, but shows the car from the rear, with a clear shot at the glass roof. The first picture showed that the production version will lose the tiny side air intakes on the front bumper that were first shown on the concept version, while the sides pick up a new shunt line that runs almost the entire length of the body.

Spy Shots: Aston Martin Rapide spotted with glass roof

 

 

2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Review

2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage

New for 2009

Since its release in 2006, the V8 Vantage had a 4.3-liter V8 which produced 380 horsepower. Much more than that, and the light-weight Vantage would keep up with its older brother, the V12-wielding DB9. In an effort to keep that from happening (and pissing off DB9 owners,) Aston Martin kept the Vantage's power down. This made the Vantage slower than its arch rivals - namely the Porsche 911 Turbo and Audi R8. But not anymore.

For 2009, Aston Martin got fed up with Porsche owners stepping all over them with their run-of-the-mill 911s. They increased the displacement of the V8 from 4.2 liters to 4.7, upping the horsepower to 420, and increasing torque 15% to 347 lb-ft. What we have now is a full-fledged power-house. And I couldn't be happier.

Along with the bigger engine comes a modified clutch for manual transmissions, as well as a new program for Sportshift equipped cars to change between Sport and Comfort mode which changes the car's dynamics drastically, turning it from an excellent sports car into a comfortable cruiser. Additional changes for 2009 include a revised center console, an "ECU" (Emotion Control Unit) replacing the previous standard key, LED interior lighting, and new wheels, along with quite a few other small changes. The exterior is untouched this year (don't fix something if it isn't broken.)

Options and Trims

Engines and Drivetrain

The 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage gets a new 420 horsepower 4.7-liter V8 engine, and comes available with either a 6-speed manual or Sportshift (paddle-shifter) gearbox. If the Sportshift option is chosen, the customer gets a new dual-throttle map mode, which allows them to choose between the default Sport mode, or a more tame Comfort mode. Comfort mode makes it easier to drive in high traffic or on the highway, reducing some of the jerkiness of the transmission and throttle, but doesn't respond to driver input as quickly.

2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage

Options

An exciting new option for the 2009 V8 Vantage is the Sports Pack, which includes lightweight 5-spoke alloy wheels, re-tuned Bilstein dampers, up-rated springs and a revised rear anti-roll bar (on the coupe only.) The new wheels are very sexy, as you can see in the pictures. Aston Martin says the Sport Pack is very popular, chosen on 50% of all V8 Vantages produced, and will be offered as a retro-fit on all 2008 and below Vantages soon. Our test car had the Sport pack, and I was very impressed with the increased handling ability.

Additional options include an upgraded audio system, heated front seats, cruise control, bluetooth connectivity, GPS navigation, memory seats and mirrors, front parking sensors, HID headlights, and a few accessories such as a first aid kit and an umbrella. As usual, you can also customize the colors of the various interior trim and seats, from the color of stitching on the carpets, to the color of the headliner.

Design

2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage side

Do I really need to say anything here? The Aston Martin V8 Vantage is one of the most beautiful cars on the road today, inside and out. The new 5-spoke wheels included in the 2009 Sport Pack are great looking. Available in both a Coupe and Roadster, the V8 Vantage is one of few cars that look equally good in both variations.

Inside, the leather is beautifully hand-stitched with a thread color of your choice. The redesigned center console is finished with graphite silver, and houses the new glass ECU, first introduced on the DBS a couple years ago. An Alcantara headliner rounds out the luxurious interior. This car is nothing short of a work of art - from the instrument panel to the wheels; headlights to taillights, everything about this car screams sexy.

Driving

Aston Martin V8 Vantage

What we liked

Damn near everything. The V8 Vantage is a pleasure to drive, and the power bump for 2009 was a smart move for Aston Martin. The Sport/Comfort mode is great, and the Sport Pack will appeal to all driving enthusiasts. Handling is exceptional around corners, and the enhancements for 2009 keep you from feeling any flex in the chassis.

This is one of the most beautiful cars on the road today, and the swarms of people pointing and staring with jaws dropped won't let you forget that you're driving it. The engine note is fantastic at any RPM; a low-pitched growl of which you'll never tire. Extensive customization options, although expensive, let you have your Aston any way you want.

What we didn't like

There really isn't much to complain about with the Vantage. Aston Martin fixed the power issue that was a previous complaint, but I would still like to see some faster acceleration. Even with 420 horsepower, the 0-60 time is 4.7 seconds. While that's not a bad time, getting beaten off the line by a BMW M3 would be embarrassing. But then again, you're not buying an Aston Martin for the 0-60 time; you're buying it for the pleasure of driving it - and it delivers.

My only other complaints about the V8 Vantage are minor - there is a large blind spot out the rear due to the styling. That, however is a non-issue, since fixing it would require altering the styling, and that's not something you want to do to this car. In this case, the blind spot is worth it. Since I'm nitpicking, I think that cruise control should be standard, and the footwells are too narrow as well - I could see it becoming cramped in the manual transmission version.

2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage interior

Pricing and Warranty

The V8 Vantage is the cheapest way to get into an Aston Martin, but this "baby" Aston will still set you back at least $120,000. Here are the base prices:

V8 Vantage

Coupe

Roadster

Manual

$119,500

132,500

Sportshift

123,500

136,500

The Sports Pack comes in at $3,785, HID auto-leveling headlights are $795, and Premium Audio $1,595. Many other options are available, and you can customize the exterior and interior colors any way you choose. The no-cost options are limited to eight "Fast Track" choices, while the nine "Contemporary" colors will cost you $750. DBS Special colors will cost $1,895, and any Special colors such as the Sunburst Yellow paint will run $3,785. Want your car to match your favorite shoes? Send Aston Martin your shoe and they'll match it for $3,785. Same thing for the interior - choose your leather, trim, carpeting, stitching, and headliner colors…the list goes on.

2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage rear

Before You Buy

Unless you're a fanatic about manual transmissions, check out the Sportshift option. Our test car had Sportshift, and not only does it do a great job as a paddle-shifting gearbox, but the Sport/Comfort modes alone make it worth the extra cost. It even gets slightly better fuel economy than the manual.

Main Competitors

Audi R8
Porsche 911 Turbo
Maserati GranTurismo S

Aston Martin V8 Vantage gauges

2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage long

2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage rear

 

2010 Aston Martin Rapide | New official photos

2010 Aston Martin RapideAston Martin release today 6 photos of the upcoming Rapide. 2010 Aston Martin Rapide comes with a 6.0 L V12 engine producing 500 HP, with a top speed of 290 Km/H. 100 Km/H is achieved under 5 seconds. 2010 Aston Martin Rapide will have it's debut at Geneva Motor Show in March 2009. The basic price is arou [...]

 

12/25/08

Aston Martin DBS: Bonds Have More Fun

"Yes, we do, in fact, have one of the DBSs from the filming of "Quantum" in the States at the moment. Would you be interested in driving it?"

The properly British-accented
Aston Martin representative had me shaken and stirred. Time to dig out my Persol 2720-S shades (worn by Craig in "Casino Royale") and Omega Seamaster Professional Chronograph (performing all kinds of tricks from the wrist of Pierce Brosnan in "Goldeneye") and see what it might feel like to be Bond -- or at least a Bond geek -- for a day.

Quantum Of Solace Aston Martin DBS


We recently put the updated-for-2009 DBS, equipped with the newly available Touchtronic automatic transmission, through its paces and found it to be the best-performing Aston Martin we've ever tested. But Daniel Craig never got anywhere near that one. What makes a real Bond car different from the others? Not so much, this time around.

If you've seen the latest 007 film, you'll know there are no machine guns, missile launchers, or defibrillators on Bond's latest DBS. It's hardly bulletproof either; this poor Aston is riddled with machine-gun fire by the time "Quantum's" hyper-thrilling opening sequence is over. Unlike our recent tester, the movie machines have six-speed manuals and are fitted with optional sport seats that aren't homologated for sale in the U.S. This car's exhaust system packs more bass and volume. The dark, warm gray paint color is called Quantum Silver. Then there was the set of Italian license plates in the trunk, as "Quantum's" chase scene was filmed around Lake Garda. I seriously considered sending the car back to Aston Martin one plate short of a pair.

Several "hero" cars were used during production, those that need to be seen in one piece, sans bullet holes. They're also used for scenes shot from the inside, where Bond is being filmed in the interior of the car. At least one of them was rigged for multiple camera use, and another was beaten up pretty good along the way. Another DBS (likely a prototype destined for the crusher) was converted into a giant film rig, complete with a large chassis beneath it, and a separate driver in back, a la hook-and-ladder.

Did this Bond wannabe spend his time cruising Italy's lakes, in search of a Vesper-like lady? Heck no. Like a carnival worker with a pony, I gave rides: friends, my nephew and niece, whoever; the line formed here. Several women just wanted to park their behinds in a driver's seat that was once occupied by Daniel Craig.

Movie provenance aside, this is a wonderful machine to drive. The chesty exhaust and manual trans allowed me to play the 6.0-liter V-12 like a torque-laden pipe organ. The sport seats have a fixed back with no rake adjustment. They're not luxurious, but really pin you in when you're flogging the DBS, dodging imaginary gunfire. Sunglasses not withstanding, even the most sight-impaired person wouldn't mistake me for Craig. But a day in his wheels gave me a hint at what it might be like to be the world's most famous spy.

Quantum Of Solace Aston Martin DBS Quantum Of Solace Aston Martin DBS Quantum Of Solace Aston Martin DBS Quantum Of Solace Aston Martin DBS Quantum Of Solace Aston Martin DBS

 

12/24/08

Aston Martin Vantage get power upgrade

So you bought an Aston Martin V8 Vantage with a 4.3 litre engine, not knowing the company would soon offer a stronger 4.7 litre engine down the line. And now you're feeling a bit inadequate. Well, good news for you.

Owners of a 4.3 Vantage are getting a new performance option. AM is making available a 20 horsepower upgrade to the engine in the form of a retro-fit induction system based on a similar unit in the DBS.

This system has two switching airbox-valves which open up at 5,500rpm to give an increase in air intake to the engine. To keep combustion under control, the engine ECU has been reprogrammed to improve ignition timing. These changes let the car better utilize high octane fuel, getting better overall performance.

Aston Martin Vantage

 

12/23/08

Aston Vantage Sportpack

Aston Vantage Sportpack

 

Think the 380bhp 4.3-litre Aston Martin V8 Vantage is not powerful enough? The firm is now offering a 20bhp upgrade for owners of the recently replaced coupe. The retrospectively fitted kit features a revised induction system that boosts bhp up to 400, while torque is increased by 10NM to 420. What's more, those drivers can also specify the Sports Pack handling upgrade as seen on the new 4.7 V8 Vantage. Both upgrades are available from franchised dealers costing £1,500 and £3,300 plus fitting, respectively.

 

First Test: 2009 Aston Martin DBS Touchtronic

It's not unusual for Her Majesty's Secret Servant to employ the same car in more than one movie. The iconic DB5 appeared in "Goldfinger" and "Thunderball," so why not let 007 have another go at Aston's freshened flagship, the DBS, for "Quantum of Solace?" For 2009, the DBS offers the optional availability of a six-speed automatic transaxle, 2+2 seating, a new 20-inch wheel package, and a Bang & Olufsen audio system.

The DBS shares its layout and architecture with the DB9, but is much sportier and differentiated enough to earn its own name. Available in coupe form only, its sinuous body is crafted of aluminum and carbon fiber. There's no change underhood: 510 horsepower still boils out the same 5.9-liter V-12 the model was launched with in late 2007.

2009 Aston Martin DBS Touchtronic

 

12/22/08

The New Aston Martin Rapide : Quantum Of Solace

This is the first official image of the new Aston Martin Rapide four-door super-saloon. Obtained exclusively, this computer-generated rendering from Aston shows the final production form of its new Rapide saloon. You can see a second image, and read about exclusive ride in the development V12 Vantage. News Car.

How has the Aston Martin Rapide changed from prototype concept to production car reality?

News Car.There have been a few minor tweaks here and there, but nothing major. At the front, the production car has lost the concept's quad air intakes, instead making do with a double-decker grille. Expect the Rapide to be priced between £130,000-£150,000. News Car.

 

Aston Martin DB9 Volante Review

front_10.jpgWalking up to the Aston Martin DB9, I couldn't decide whether I wanted to drive it or sleep with it.   If running your hand over the DB's sculptured haunches and taut lines doesn't give you a warm feeling in your nether regions, you should surrender your pistonhead privileges at the door.  Very few inanimate objects attain this level of beauty; those that do either rock your world or break your heart, or, as in this case, both.    

 

2009 Aston Martin Vantage Roadster Review

Abso-bloody-lutely perfect.Sean Connery's Bond, James Bond, would punch you in the face while kissing your girlfriend. His Aston Martin DB5 was beyond cool. By the 1990s, Bond drove a range of product placement-mobiles, and Astons looked like Jaguars (and vice versa). While devastatingly quick, Astons handled like trains. And then the Vanquish, DB9 and V8 Vantage restored a sense of dignity. But-- the Vantage's 4.3-liter V8 stumped-up "only" 380 hp. When critics questioned, Aston did the English version of flipping them off: nodded their collective head and shrugged their shoulders. But now, finally, Aston unleashes the 2009 Vantage with a 4.7-liter V8. Power jumps from 380 to 420. Torque is up, and the dashboard is new. I recently exercised the convertible version, the Vantage Roadster, for a few hours on a sun-drenched day to see if Bond's whip is suitably... nasty.

 

Aston Martin V8 Vantage Review

2006-aston-martin-v8-fa-speed-1024x768.jpgWe've all been there: deeply smitten by a witty, intelligent, urbane, drop dead gorgeous potential partner. Whether it's an actual acquaintance or a distant celebrity, their innate hotness sets our souls ablaze. And then, eventually, familiarity breeds contempt. The wit becomes tiresome, the intelligence debatable, the urbanity mundane and the beauty-- well that stays. Despite the obvious physical attractions, the time eventually comes when you realize that true love tends to forget. And yes, I'm talking about the Aston Martin V8 Vantage.

 

Aston Martin Vanquish Review

 I know an American editor with access to the world's best automobiles. When Aston Martin loaned him a DB7 for a California rally, he said the British car made him long for his Porsche. Aston should have given him a Vanquish.

The Vanquish's appearance is the most obvious advantage. The car has enough visual drama to make a DB7 look mundane, or a Carrera look like a suppository. The enormous rear wheel haunches are the aesthetic departure point. Ian Callum has done a remarkable job blending this bulky cliché into the DB7's svelte shape. Combined with a perfectly proportioned reiteration of the classic Aston nose, the result is the first Aston since Bond's DB5 to combine aggression with elegance. The design's only weakness-- the elliptical boot line-- will be remedied by the forthcoming Zagato version.

 

Aston Martin DB5 Review

 There's an absurd scene in Goldeneye, where agent 007 races a hottie through the winding roads above Monte Carlo. Bond is behind the wheel of a DB5. The girl is driving a Ferrari 355. Guess who wins? Preposterous. That said, if you're not the type of person to take an informed view on the relative merits of Aston's straight six vs. Ferrari's 32-valve 8-cylinder power plant, or the handling implications of conventional vs. electronically damped suspension, the scene made perfect sense. Handsome Bond in beautiful car duels beautiful girl in gorgeous car. That's more than enough information for the average moviegoer.

Encountering a fully restored DB5 39-years after its screen debut (in Goldfinger) it's easy to understand the filmmakers' choice. The Aston still looks fast enough to take on a Ferrari - any Ferrari. Although Touring of Milan sculpted the shape, the DB5 is nothing like the delicately proportioned Ferraris and Maseratis of its day. Examined in detail, the Aston appears to be an automotive farrago, combining a 'smiling bulldog' front grille, muscle car front air scoop, mini-Cadillac tapered wings and Volvo-esque rear window. Taken as a whole, it's the automotive equivalent of a Saville Row suit: butch, yet infinitely elegant. Like Bond himself, the DB5's design somehow manages to combine infinite sophistication with unbridled aggression.

 

12/21/08

Bang & Olufsen makes sweet, sweet music with Aston Martin

Aston Martin DBS

The new Aston Martin DBS gets a Bang & Olufsen audio system.

(Credit: CBS Interactive)

The Aston Martin DBS is a beautiful car, and sitting in one is a very special experience. Sitting in a DBS and listening to a Bang & Olufsen audio system takes that special experience and adds a ...

 

Aston Martin One-77 - Car News

One of 77.

Aston Martin's new GT, the One-77, seems to be an exercise in pushing the Aston brand even further toward the stratosphere. The idea behind the One-77 is to offer a personally tailored car to 77 wealthy customers prepared to part with as much as $2.5 million. Fundamentally, the One-77 is similar to its lesser kin, the DB9 and the Vanquish, but the V-12 engine has been enlarged to 7.0 liters and turns out 650 horsepower. The aluminum structure is replaced with a carbon-fiber composite hull, and the body is clothed in a new aluminum skin. Expect a show car next year that also will be shown to 500 potential customers that Aston has identified. It seems this ultra-exclusive Aston is not the rumored "DBX" replacement for the Vanquish, though some of the technology from the One-77 may find its way into that car.

Keep Reading: Aston Martin One-77 - Car News

 

Aston Martin AMVOX2 - Car News

The dirt road.

Aston Martin has teamed up with luxury watchmaker Jaeger-LeCoultre to produce a chronograph watch with a personal built-in transponder that can lock and unlock the doors of the DBS. Dubbed the AMVOX2 transponder, the watch lacks any buttons as its functions are activated by pressing the crystal face. The antenna for the door opener follows the curve of the inner bezel ring. The $37,900 price boggles the mind. Would you really want your watch to be your car's key fob? What if you decided to wear your sporty-looking Swatch on the day you decided to take your DBS for a spin?

Keep Reading: Aston Martin AMVOX2 - Car News

 

2010 Aston Martin Rapide - Official Images

Aston shows that it has little trouble doing what Porsche clearly can't: build a beautiful four-door sports car.

While we still haven't received official information on the upcoming Aston Martin Rapide super sedan, Aston Martin has released a pair of computer-generated images following two weeks during which leaked images found their way onto the sites of numerous online publications. And though they are not actual photographs, they are revealing enough to confirm that, unlike that of the Porsche Panamera, Aston Martin's sex-a-licious form vocabulary is indeed scalable to four-door proportions.

Essentially a DB9 coupe with an extra foot or so of wheelbase and two additional doors, the Rapide shares much of its styling DNA—long nose, ducktail deck, and stacked grille—with its saucy two-door platformmate. The Rapide also incorporates a door crease like that of the V-8 Vantage, as well as smoother cheeks and a thin strip of chrome trim on the back. Unique to the Rapide are One-77–style hood vents, nicely detailed headlamps with vertical LED running lights, and an all-glass roof (which, come to think of it, might be nice on the coupe, too). Inside, think DB9 with two rear bucket seats and perhaps a few unique touches and you won't be far off.

Keep Reading: 2010 Aston Martin Rapide- Official Images

 

Spy Shots: Aston Martin Rapide almost ready

It's been nearly three years since we first caught a glimpse of the Aston Martin Rapide at the Detroit Auto Show. During that time, Aston has expanded its lineup to include the DBS, a refreshed DB9 and a new V8 Vantage, each of which was strictly an evolution of an existing model. However, the Rapide will be the first all-new Aston in years, and judging by these recent spy shots, a production version is right around the bend.

Aston Martin Rapide


Unlike earlier prototypes that lacked door handles and production-ready side glass, this newest mule actually allows occupants to get in all four doors and nixes the vented plexiglass panels. The character line that stretches from the fender vent into the rear doors is a new development that wasn't included in the concept, and we finally get a clear view of the upkick in the rear window, along with the bumper-integrated dual exhausts. Expect the Rapide to make its production debut sometime next year and hitting dealers in late 2009 or early 2010.

[source:MotorAuthority]

 

Aston Martin One-77 Video Release II


Videos are the best media for communication and Aston Martin is exploring the possibilities of utilising the same for marketing and publicity of the new Aston Martin One-77. This is Aston Martin One-77's second video release that almost reveals the new limited production model, completely.

Here goes the video :



Only 77 units of the Aston Martin One-77 will ever be built and each one will be specifically tuned to suit its particular owner. The Aston Martin One-77 will house a 7.3 liter V12 engine under the bonnet that's expected to output around 700 hp. The price has not been made public yet, but it's expected to be around the 1,500,000 EUR mark.

 

 

12/20/08

Hard Times Fall On Aston Owner

Desperate times call for desperate measures. Just ask this unfortunate Aston Martin owner.

We're wondering if he's got one of those Meaty McMeat artery exploders in there for us. [TMZ]

 

Blogger Templates by OurBlogTemplates.com 2008