1/23/09

Aston Martin Vantage GT4 Launched In Dubai, Well Heeled Racers Rejoice [Aston Martin Vantage GT4]

Always wanted to go FIA GT4 racing but worried the cars just aren't sophisticated enough for your carefully cultivated image? Aston Martin may have the answer. The Aston Martin Vantage GT4 replaces the old Vantage N24 with a larger engine, modified suspension and bigger brakes. You might remember the N24 from the Top Gear episode where James May drove around in one giving himself hemorrhoids.

With the launch of this car, Aston becomes the only brand in the world to make cars for all four levels of GT racing, 1 through 4. Over the road-going model, the GT4 is 300kg lighter, loses the interior in favor of a Recaro racing bucket and a steel roll cage, adds crazy light magnesium wheels and has the usual track-specific suspension and brakes. What's interesting is that the company retained many of the road-going features in the racecar, meaning that if you're the comic relief for a successful car show, driving it on the road may not be such a bad idea. Included are dynamic stability control, traction control, ABS and electronic brake force distribution. The GT4 is available now for just $144,000.

The press release follows:

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.

The car is an evolution of the N24 with the larger capacity engine being more responsive with increased torque throughout the rev range. The suspension has been retuned to enhance the handling, including modified front uprights to give increased camber. The 2009 Vantage GT4 also has larger front brake discs with revised cooling.

"In the last two years, the N24 has proved to be one of the most successful cars in its class; winning the Nurburgring 24 Hours this year, as well as several FIA GT4 races," said David Richards. "We have built on this success to develop the Vantage GT4, a competitive racing car for professional and semi-professional drivers, but also a forgiving car which will appeal to enthusiasts who wish to use it for track days and club racing."

The Vantage GT4 is built to FIA GT4 regulations and is eligible to compete in the following series: FIA GT4 European Cup; British GT4 Championship; Britcar Endurance Series; German GT4 Championship; Dutch Supercar Challenge; Dutch GT4 Championship; VLN Endurance Championship at the Nurburgring; Australian Endurance Championship; the American SCCA Championship; and the Aston Martin Owners Club Race Series.

The Vantage GT4 comes with either a manual or sportshift transmission. It is priced from £96,645 and is available to order now with delivery in January 2009.

Aston Martin Racing is now the only manufacturer to produce cars in each of the GT classes: GT1, GT2, GT3 and GT4.

The Vantage GT4

The GT4 is based on the latest 4.7 litre V8 Vantage and is hand built by Aston Martin Racing.

The 4.7 litre eight cylinder engine has an engine management system recalibrated for race use. It also has a free flow exhaust system and air filters, and the standard V8 dry sump lubrication system is retained, helping to prevent oil surge during cornering.

The Vantage GT4 can be supplied with either a six speed manual, or a Sportshift transmission with paddle controls. Both versions have a Valeo twin-plate cerametallic racing clutch and lightweight flywheel to complete the powertrain specification.

At 1,330 kg the Vantage GT4 is 300 kg lighter than the standard car. This has been achieved through a range of weight reduction measures. The interior trim is removed with the exception of the facia moulding, which is re-trimmed in Alcantara, and the console and door casings are replaced by new lightweight mouldings.

The chassis has been fitted with a high-strength steel rollcage and Recaro competition seats. A suede-trimmed steering wheel with a quick release mechanism is also fitted as standard. The Vantage GT4's safety features are completed with a Sabelt sixpoint safety harness with a push-button release and Lifeline Zero 360 gas extinguisher system.

The V8 Vantage road car's suspension has required only minor adjustments for optimal track performance. These include larger diameter front and rear anti-roll bars and adjustable ride height aluminium dampers, as well as single rate, flat ground springs with separate helper springs. The front subframe is modified for extra camber and castor. Cast magnesium front and rear wheels are standard fit with high performance Yokohama A048-R tyres. The brakes are uprated with Pagid RS 29 race pads.

As further endorsement of the standard V8 Vantage underframe, the active safety systems are directly carried over to the Vantage GT4, including: dynamic stability control, traction control, ABS and electronic brakeforce distribution, providing reassurance and enhanced control in slippery conditions.

 

First Official Aston Martin Rapide “Image” Leaks [Aston Martin Rapide]

According to CAR, this rendering shows the long-awaited production version of the Aston Martin Rapide. As expected and as indicated by multiple spy shots, the Rapide stays remarkably similar to the original concept, full-length glass roof and all. That's a good thing, the Aston design language, as seen on the DB9, Vantage and Jaguar XK lends itself rather fetchingly to a four door shape, resulting in a much less awkward car than the Porsche Panamera and a much less confused shape than the Lamborghini Estoque. But what changes have been made?

CAR says to expect a two-intake, stacked front grille, a new crease that runs from the front wheels back through both doors, a redesigned trunk and rear clip with a chrome accent between the taillights. The interior should, more or less, resemble a four seat DB9, since that's exactly what this car is.

Power will come from a 6.0-liter V12 making around 500 HP and 420 Lb-Ft of torque. While that sounds like more than enough, a faster version of the Rapide, tentatively called the Rapide R (get it?) is allegedly in the cards. Production will be carried out by Magna Steyr in Austria, meaning the Rapide stands half a chance of having quality that'll live up to its near $300,000 price tag. [via CAR]

 

Older Aston V8s get power boost

Owners of an Aston Martin V8 Vantage with the 4.3-litre engine can upgrade their cars with a new power upgrade that increases power from 380bhp to 400bhp and adds 7lb ft of torque.

The factory-developed upgrade improves the engine's breathing with a new induction system based on the DBS's, allowing more air in at over 5500rpm.
The V8 Vantage's engine management system has also been retuned to work better with higher-octane fuels. Top speed goes up to 177mph, and there is a 'slight improvement' in the 0-60mph time – think a fraction of a second.


Aston Martin is also offering the Sports Pack option from the current 4.7-litre V8 as a retrofit for the 4.3-litre V8 Vantage. Uprated springs, Bilstein dampers and lighter forged wheels contribute to what Aston describes as a 'superior dynamic response'.

Owners of an Aston Martin V8 Vantage with the 4.3-litre engine can upgrade their cars with a new power upgrade that increases power from 380bhp to 400bhp and adds 7lb ft of torque.

The factory-developed upgrade improves the engine's breathing with a new induction system based on the DBS's, allowing more air in at over 5500rpm.
The V8 Vantage's engine management system has also been retuned to work better with higher-octane fuels. Top speed goes up to 177mph, and there is a 'slight improvement' in the 0-60mph time – think a fraction of a second.

Aston Martin is also offering the Sports Pack option from the current 4.7-litre V8 as a retrofit for the 4.3-litre V8 Vantage. Uprated springs, Bilstein dampers and lighter forged wheels contribute to what Aston describes as a 'superior dynamic response'.

 

Aston Martin offers performance upgrades for previous 4.3L V8 Vantage



Following the launch of the updated Aston Martin 4.7L V8 Vantage earlier this year, owners of the original 4.3L model are now afforded the choice of a retro-fitted power upgrade plus a special 'Sports Pack' option previously limited to the updated model. With the addition of the power upgrade, peak power is raised by 20hp (15kW) to 400hp (300kW) and torque is increased by 7.3lb-ft (10Nm) to 310lb-ft (420Nm), increasing top speed to 177mph and delivering a slight improvement in the 0-60mph time. Developed by the Aston Martin engineering team, the power upgrade is realized through a revised induction system using technology previously introduced on the DBS supercar.

2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage update

 

Aston Martin Rapide: Hot Rear Action [Spy Photos]

Mere weeks after showing you the supposed first rendering of the Aston Martin Rapide from the front we've got this supposed rear end shot of the new Aston to add to our collection.

As expected and as indicated by multiple spy shots, the Rapide stays remarkably similar to the original concept, full-length glass roof and all.

As we told you before, we're told to expect a two-intake, stacked front grille, a new crease that runs from the front wheels back through both doors, a redesigned trunk and rear clip with a chrome accent between the taillights. The interior should, more or less, resemble a four seat DB9, since that's exactly what this car is.

Power will come from a 6.0-liter V12 making around 500 HP and 420 Lb-Ft of torque. While that sounds like more than enough, a faster version of the Rapide, tentatively called the Rapide R (get it?) is allegedly in the cards. Production will be carried out by Magna Steyr in Austria, meaning the Rapide stands half a chance of having quality that'll live up to its near $300,000 price tag.

[via 4wheelsnews]

 

Aston Martin Rapide - another official rendering

Last month we saw an official rendering of the Aston Martin Rapide, and now Aston is back in the rendering game to reveal the back half of the Porsche Panamera and Lamborghini Estoque. Aston's sedan should be powered by a 6.0-liter 500 hp V12. When we last heard news about the Rapide, CAR reported pricing between £130,000-£150,000 (about $193,000-$223,000 at direct current rates) when it arrives in about a year. This would be a welcomed price compared to the rumors that Aston Martin is (...)

 

Kuwaiti firm considering sale of Aston Martin stake



The Kuwaiti-based investment firm that partnered with Prodrive's David Richards and American banker John Sinders in March 2007 to purchase Aston Martin from Ford was previously reported to be offering its stake in the niche carmaker for an estimated $1 billion. Investment Dar Co. paid roughly $480 million for its 50% share of Aston Martin and the investment firm has now confirmed that it is seriously considering selling up to 20% of the British marque. The firm is looking at raising close to $1 billion to refinance some of its debts and is willing to sell a portion of its Aston Martin stake on behalf of itself and some of its partners, according to its executive vice-president Amr Abou El-Seoud, who spoke with Reuters. "We have offers ...

 

Which Aston Martin is Sexier - V8 Vantage, or DB9?

Aston Martin DB9

Aston Martin V8 Vantage

 

Kota Sasaki becomes 2008 Aston Martin Asia Cup Champion

Kota Sasaki becomes 2008 Aston Martin Asia Cup Champion

Team Reckless driver Kota Sasaki (Japan) took the 2008 Aston Martin Asia Cup title in style this weekend with a double win in the final rounds held at the Zhuhai International Circuit, China. The Aston Martin Asia Cup joined forces with the Asian GT3 race to provide spectators with a bumper grid at the Southern China [...]

 

How not to deliver an Aston Martin

On the rare occasion that an Aston Martin passes into view, it's impossible not to look. Its exquisite sheet metal has a way of making the world a better place, which is why the picture above is so damn painful. We don't have many details regarding exactly how this gorgeous Aston Martin V8 Vantage ended up at a 45-degree angle, but we're pretty sure that's going to show up on CarFax. A quick look at the blacktop beneath the $120,000 supercar reveals that a piece of the truck's loading equipment simply snapped off, resulting in... well...

Considering that the owner loved this Vantage enough to have it shipped via a covered carrier (and likely waited months for the right to buy it) you get an idea of just how upset he or she is right about now. Actually, looking at the photo, we can see that the gentlemen responsible for unloading the Aston don't look too pleased either. Thanks for the tip, Cosmin.

Gallery: Aston Martin Vantage Loading Errror


[Source: Q35 Driver]

 

1/5/09

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.

 

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

 

WHY DIDN’T BOND GET THIS ASTON ONE-77

HMMM double 7's 007 I wonder if they planned that or was it a coincidence?

Watch in the latest video starring the Aston Martin One-77 below, you will see three of the participants in its sculpting as it were, and express some of its finer points. The One-77 will be so powerful it will be able to accelerate from any gear and its pedals can be fine-tuned to suit the individual owner, so they each get the exclusive feel for their car. The one exclusive thing is that exterior panels are hand-made, something Aston can afford to do since only 77 of these rare cars will be produced.

The very best materials are used for building this car, some have probably never been used on any other car ever. As states in the clip "The amount of noise that will come through the exhaust…will sound like nothing that you've ever imagined before" is but one of many strong statements made on this clip.

I see the US going the way of the Britt's the leader of the world that can't make anything right. The Austin Martin is one of my favorite cars. The type that you can't buy a used one you know what I mean, the type of thing in your life that when you get one it has to be new. I hope the 77 lucky people who get one enjoy a new One-77 get what they will be paying for. In the clip they make a lot of claims of excellence and i hope they meet them and the Aston One-77 promises to deliver on all of them.

The One-77 will produce 700bhp from a 7-litre V12 engine and the supercar will top 200 mph. This car should arrive in the fourth quarter of 2009, though the company has said the Project One-77 title is still a temporary moniker a permanent one is still in the works.

Just 77 will be made, and if you're lucky enough to get on the list, it will cost you. The sticker is reportedly more than $1.6 million for that price if anything doesn't work I would kick someone's but especially those in the video clip.

 

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