Tag: martin

Aston Martin releases updated 2011 Vantage GT4

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Aston Martin, Racing

2011 Aston Martin Vantage GT4

2011 Aston Martin Vantage GT4 – Click above for high-res image gallery

The Aston Martin Vantage GT4 has only been racing for two years, but in that time has garnered notable accolades: Wins at the Nürburgring 24 Hours, Spa 24 hours and this year’s European GT4 Cup, just to name three.

The Gaydon firm has made revisions to the 2011 model, incorporating lessons learned from the roadgoing V12 Vantage, including better aerodynamics and greater downforce, as well as a new option that includes racing-tuned ABS and a new traction control system developed by Bosch. No specific numbers were released, but Aston Martin says that it has reworked the GT4’s 4.7-liter V8, as well, providing improved horsepower and torque numbers.

We’re sure these new changes will help the GT4 secure a few more wins in the 2011 racing season. You can follow the jump for more details or just ogle it in the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: 2011 Aston Martin Vantage GT4

[Source: Aston Martin]

Continue reading Aston Martin releases updated 2011 Vantage GT4

Aston Martin releases updated 2011 Vantage GT4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Nov 2010 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage drops by Jay Leno’s Garage

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Aston Martin, Celebrities, Luxury

Jay Leno Aston Martin V12 Vantage

Jay Leno spends time with the 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage – Click above to watch video after the jump

The 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage sits up near the top of the ‘ole Autoblog must-drive car list. While we wait for the day that someone hands us a crystal ‘Emotion Control Unit’ to fire one up, we can sit back and live vicariously through Jay Leno. Mr. Leno recently got to spend some time with the British sports coupe and was kind enough to capture his experience on camera.

Leno remarks that the V12 Vantage is “almost the perfect combination of hardcore track sports car and GT car.” To prove that, he turns the camera over to his tame racing driver, Justin Bel,l who brings the car to Willow Springs and puts it through its paces. Check out Jay, Justin and the 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage in the video after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage

[Source: Jay Leno’s Garage]

Continue reading Video: 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage drops by Jay Leno’s Garage

Video: 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage drops by Jay Leno’s Garage originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Oct 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Latest Aston Martin DBS prototypes suggest Rapide influence

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Aston Martin

Aston Martin DBS spy shots

Aston Martin DBS spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

The last time we spied the Aston Martin DBS, it was fitted with headlamps similar to those on the four-door Rapide. Now, though, a new DBS prototype has been spotted running the ‘Ring, and in addition to a change of headlamps, other visual modifications are on hand, as well.

As opposed to the older prototypes, this latest DBS has a more sculpted lower front fascia which will likely be what we see on the final production model. We fully expect power to be sourced from the same 510-horsepower, 6.0-liter V12 as the current car (not that we’re complaining). But will those Rapide-like headlamps find their way back onto the new car? We’ll be keeping our eyes peeled.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Aston Martin DBS

Aston Martin DBS spy shotsAston Martin DBS spy shotsAston Martin DBS spy shotsAston Martin DBS spy shotsAston Martin DBS spy shots

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Latest Aston Martin DBS prototypes suggest Rapide influence originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Aston Martin Cygnet… it’s not a Toyota. Really.

Filed under: Coupe, Europe, Videos, Aston Martin, Luxury

Aston Martin Cygnet video

Aston Martin swears the Cygnet isn’t a Toyota – Click above to watch video after the jump

Aston Martin has begun its PR assault to attempt to assure its customers that the Cygnet is more than a gussied-up Toyota iQ. The company just released a new video detailing exactly what makes the compact fit into the Aston Martin bloodline. Brace yourself for an onslaught of terms like “tailor fit” and “owner-customized.” As with the rest of the company’s products, buyers will be able to slather their Cygnet in a bevy of custom interior materials and colors, as well as an array of exterior paint colors. We’re even assured that the pint-size Aston will smell like the real deal.

And to think we were worried.

All jesting aside, the Cygnet should help Aston Martin significantly raise its average corporate fuel economy in preparation for ever stricter emissions regulations. Still, we don’t exactly see James Bond getting the girl from behind the wheel of this thing. Hit the jump to see the video for yourself.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Aston Martin Cygnet… it’s not a Toyota. Really.

Video: Aston Martin Cygnet… it’s not a Toyota. Really. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Oct 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston Martin recalls 2007-2008 V8 Vantage, DBS, DB9 models over suspension fear

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Recalls, Aston Martin, Luxury

2008 Aston Martin DBS

2008 Aston Martin DBS – Click above for high-res image gallery

The National Highway Traffic Safety Adminstration has issued a recall for select Aston Martins. If you own a V8 Vantage, DB9 or DBS produced during the 2007 and 2008 model years, you should head on in to your local dealership. A cam bolt in the front bottom suspension arm could crack, allowing the lower control arm to move about in ways it shouldn’t.

As always, dealers will replace the bolt free of charge. The recall is scheduled to begin on or before October 18th, 2010 and is said to potentially affect 1,090 vehicles.

Gallery: 2008 Aston Martin DBS

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading Aston Martin recalls 2007-2008 V8 Vantage, DBS, DB9 models over suspension fear

Aston Martin recalls 2007-2008 V8 Vantage, DBS, DB9 models over suspension fear originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Oct 2010 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston Martin tops iPhone as UK’s “coolest” brand

Filed under: Aston Martin, Mini, Ferrari

Aston Martin

In a really good year, Aston Martin sells about 10,000 vehicles. That exclusivity is part of the brand’s cachet, but exactly how much brand-name juice does Aston have? In the UK, apparently, more than any other.

The Superbrands Cool Brands survey by the UK-based Centre for Brand Analysis crowned Aston Martin as the coolest brand among the top 500 companies studied. 2,000 consumers and a panel of designers, editorial types and brand consultants gave the nod to Aston Martin after a tough battle against the likes of the iPhone, iPod, BlackBerry and Harley-Davidson. While Aston took the top spot overall, high tech companies like Google, Apple, YouTube and Nintendo dominate the list. The only other automakers making the cut are Ferrari at number nine and Mini at 16.

We love Aston Martin, but it’s pretty clear that it benefited from some UK home-cooking here. After all, the BBC iPlayer made the top 20 in this survey…

[Source: Marketing Week]

Aston Martin tops iPhone as UK’s “coolest” brand originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 02 Oct 2010 12:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Preview: Aston Martin V8 Vantage N420 Roadster

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Aston Martin, Luxury

2010 Aston Martin V8 Vantage N420 Roadster – Click above for high-res image gallery

There’s not much we’d change about the Aston Martin V8 Vantage, as it’s compact, stylish and thoroughly addictive already. But that hasn’t stopped the British marque from launching a series of updates and upgrades. The latest came in July with the launch of the N420 edition coupe, a race-car-for-the-street variant inspired by the company’s motorsports prowess at the Nurburgring. At the time, Aston announced that the N420 – itself the successor to the earlier N400 – would be available in both coupe and convertible bodystyles, but it has only now released the drop-top model ahead of its debut later this week at the Paris Motor Show.

Like the N420 coupe, the roadster keeps the same 420-horsepower V8 engine and the optional Sport Pack suspension as standard, and upgrades with a sport exhaust system, new wheels, aero package and reduced weight as compared to the standard model. Prices should come in around the $145k mark, available with either a six-speed manual or Sportshift automatic. Have a closer look at the Gaydon goodness in our gallery below, and stay tuned for live shots straight from the Parisian show floor.

Gallery: 2010 Aston Martin V8 Vantage N420 Roadster

[Source: Aston Martin]

Paris Preview: Aston Martin V8 Vantage N420 Roadster originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Sep 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston-Martin One-77 world’s most powerful normally-aspirated road car? [w/video]

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Aston Martin, UK, Luxury

Aston Martin One-77

2011 Aston Martin One-77 – Click above to watch video after the jump

Aston Martin continues to march forward with its One-77. The soon-to-be-ultra-rare hypercar is closer than ever to production, and according to the minds behind its creation, when it hits the street, it will boast the world’s most powerful naturally-aspirated production car engine. With 750 horsepower and 750 lb-ft of torque, the 7.3-liter V12 is a marvel of automotive and acoustic engineering.

Despite the company’s plans to produce just 77 examples of its halo model, Aston Martin says that it’s bent on making sure that each and every one of the vehicles can stand up to the same level of abuse as the rest of its production fleet. That means that somewhere out there, a One-77 prototype is being flogged in the world’s most brutal climates.

Aston Martin has released the fourth installment of its video series on the One-77, complete with all of the long, slow-motion shots your little heart could possibly desire and a glorious soundtrack. If you’re lucky enough to have secured a One-77 for yourself, the company says that deliveries should begin during the first half of 2011. Hit the jump to take a look and for a quick read over the press release.

Gallery: Aston Martin One-77 at Galpin Motors

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2009 AOL

[Source: Aston Martin]

Continue reading Aston-Martin One-77 world’s most powerful normally-aspirated road car? [w/video]

Aston-Martin One-77 world’s most powerful normally-aspirated road car? [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston Martin sketches out Le Mans-bound 2011 LMP1 racer

Filed under: Motorsports, Aston Martin, Racing

2011 Aston Martin LMP1 car

Aston Martin’s 2011 LMP1 challenger for the 24 Hours of Le Mans – Click above to enlarge image

The Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), which oversees various Le Mans series in Europe and elsewhere, laid out a number of changes to the 2011 LMP1-class cars, aiming to equalize performance between diesel- and gasoline-engined cars. Sniffing a chance to not only steal some thunder, but perhaps beat Audi and Peugeot over the head with it, Aston Martin plans a brand-new LMP1 entrant for 2011 to go for overall Le Mans victory.

An open cockpit, monococque single-seater with a new engine, it would be the first racing Aston developed entirely in-house in fifty years. The biggest X factor is whether, and how much, the regulations will actually work to close the diesel/gas disparity. If it’s close, Aston Martin Chairman Dave Richards believes his company is in with a shout. Follow the jump for the press release.

Gallery: Aston Martin’s 2011 Le Mans LMP1 challenger

[Source: Aston Martin]

Continue reading Aston Martin sketches out Le Mans-bound 2011 LMP1 racer

Aston Martin sketches out Le Mans-bound 2011 LMP1 racer originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 Sep 2010 18:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: ‘Ring-bound Aston Martin One-77 begs the question – Who is Dirty Shirley?

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Aston Martin

Dirty Shirley Aston Martin One-77

“Dirty Shirley” Aston Martin One-77 spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

If you’re thinking, “This car looks familiar,” it’s because we’ve seen it before. The Aston Martin One-77 continues to tease us with its beauty, power and exclusivity, and our spies have caught the bronze test car out on the Nürburgring once again. This time, though, One-77 isn’t its only name.

Whoever Dirty Shirley is, she should be honored to know that her name has been given to Aston’s super-rare One-77. Even so, if this name is just Aston’s way of getting closer to its prototypes, so be it, because honestly, we can’t think of a more appropriate name.

For the sake of drooling, we’ll remind you yet again that only 77 of these darlings will be made, packing a lordly 7.3-liter V12 good for over 700 horsepower. Top speed is somewhere north of 220 miles per hour, and the whole thing retails for a lofty $1.8 million. Stay dirty, Shirley.

Gallery: Dirty Shirley Aston Martin One-77

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: ‘Ring-bound Aston Martin One-77 begs the question – Who is Dirty Shirley? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 20:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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