The first images of Aston Martin’s production V12 Zagato, which is scheduled to enter the market in the fourth quarter this year, have been released. The car – of which only 150 examples will be built – will make its first European appearance in Geneva.

Last May saw the V12 Zagato make its world debut at the prestigious Villa d’Este concours, and with consumer demand the decision was made to build a strictly limited run of cars.

Each Zagato, constructed from a combination of hand crafted aluminium and carbon fibre, will take approximately 2,000 man-hours to complete. Four unique colours have been created for the car, these being Scintilla Silver, Alloro Green, Alba Blue and Diavolo Red.

Inside, the car will feature Seven Bridge of Weir hides in a semi-aniline finish to offer durability while preserving the natural texture of the leather as trim material. Workmanship details will include hand-stitched quilting of a unique design to create a flowing pattern across the seats and headlining as well as ‘Z’ embroidery in the headrests and rear parcel shelf.

Elsewhere, the dashboard and centre stack wears satin-finish carbon fibre, with piano black accents and satin black rotary switchgear and carbon fibre sill plaques, with a ‘V12 Zagato’ inlaid metal script providing a distinctive finishing touch.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 16:07:41 +0000.

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Aston Martin is set to debut the first production V12 Zagato at the third Kuwait Concours d’ Elegance, which runs on February 15-18.

The car, which made its debut in prototype form in May last year at the Villa D’Este Concours in Italy, is being built in strictly limited numbers of up to 150 cars, with the first customer deliveries scheduled in late 2012.

The Zagato, based on the V12 Vantage, features a handcrafted aluminium and carbon-fibre body along with a bespoke interior, and is powered by a 6.0 litre V12 mill offering 510 hp and 570 Nm of torque.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 16:07:41 +0000.

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Aston Martin has revealed the DBS Carbon Edition that will be presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show. This new variant will be available as both a coupe and a convertible or Volante as the company calls it.

The Carbon Edition comes in two new colours including Frame Orange and Ceramic Grey, along with the existing Carbon Black. Each unit will be treated with seven layers of paint together with a 25-hour hand flat-and-polish finish which gives the surface a glass veneer look. Owners can also specify a satin lacquer paint finish which creates a silk-like texture.

Other goodies include 10-spoke gloss black diamond turned wheels with a reversed diamond turned or full gloss black finish available as an option as well as black brake calipers with colour options including yellow, orange, red or grey. Also in the bucket list are carbon fibre mirror heads, carbon rear lamp in-fills, a black grille as well as smoked tail lights.

The interior of the Carbon Edition is furnished with obsidian black or maranello orange semi-aniline leather, leather headlining for the coupe, a carbon fibre facia with a carbon weave that is positioned to follow the form of the dashboard and so on. There are also magnesium alloy shifter paddles that are tipped with carbon fibre and a carbon fibre special edition sill plaque with laser etched metal inlay.

This gorgeous Aston Martin DBS Carbon Edition carries a hefty £186,582 price tag for the hardtop and £196,581 for the topless variant. Deliveries are expected to start early next year. Continue reading to salivate over some high-res photos

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 16:07:41 +0000.

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We first saw it in May as an “endurance racer concept” at the Villa D’Este Concours. Then Aston actually took it racing at the 53rd ADAC ACAS H&R-Cup VLN race at the Nürburgring. Now, the Aston Martin V12 Zagato has been confirmed for production, but in a “strictly limited number” of 150 examples. This decision comes after Aston found “overwhelmingly encouraging interest from customers” for its latest collaboration with Zagato.

Based on the V12 Vantage, the Zagato’s body is of handcrafted aluminium and carbon fibre. Every aluminium panel was formed using an English wheel and traditionally crafted body bucks, and Aston says that the shape would not have been possible using pre-formed panel techniques. Iconic Zagato design cues include the double bubble roof, created in this case from five separate pieces, illustrating the craftsmanship required to built this car.

The V12 Zagato sits on Aston’s dynamic bonded aluminium platform, and is motivated by a 6.0-litre V12 engine with 510 hp and 570 Nm of torque. The big engine is paired to a rear mid-mounted, six-speed automated manual gearbox.

Orders are now being taken on a first come first served basis. Production of the £330,000 car is expected to commence next summer in Gaydon, and lucky first customers will get their hands on it from the second half of 2012.

Future classic. Gallery after the jump.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 16:07:41 +0000.

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Aston Martin has announced that production of its Rapide will move to the company’s Gaydon headquarters in Warwickshire, UK. The four-door sports car is now built by Magna Steyr (MS) in Graz, Austria. The shift will happen in the second half of 2012 and preparation work is underway.

The V12 powered Rapide is the first Aston not to be build in England. In 2008, due to constraints at Gaydon and after conclusion of a six-month feasibility study, Aston Martin appointed MS to hand build the £140,000 car. A dedicated facility at MS’ plant was then set up with pre-production of the Rapide starting in Q4 2009. Full production started in 2010.

“In 2008 we had facility restrictions at Gaydon which indicated that production of Rapide at Gaydon would likely compromise production of our other cars. We were not prepared to do this. Now, three years on things are very different – Gaydon is more established, more flexible and more efficient,” Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez explained.

“While our overall volume has not changed significantly, we now produce a far richer model mix – eight model lines (plus five variants) compared to three model lines (plus two variants) in 2008 – so Rapide production is now possible,” Bez added.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 16:07:41 +0000.

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Just a week after the Aston Martin V12 Zagato was unveiled, the endurance race car concept has completed its first running under race conditions in the 53rd ADAC ACAS H&R-Cup VLN race at the Nürburgring. The V12 Zagato was joined in the race by four other Astons, including the factory supported V8 Vantage and V12 Vantage (nicknamed Smurf and Kermit).

The four-hour race alongside 150 other competitors served as preparation ahead of a two-car entry at the Nürburgring 24-hour race in late June. The new car experienced some inevitable teething issues, but most importantly the team accrued valuable data.

“For V12 Zagato today was all about working on our race setup and developing the car ahead of the 24-hour race. Clearly, the car is still in the very early stages of development having only been unveiled a week ago and it was important for us to take as much learning and data as possible from today and give our drivers chance to familiarise themselves with the car,” said Aston Martin’s Head of Motorsport, David King.

“In terms of our other runners, the V12 Vantage was very unfortunate to be caught up in an incident on the first lap but managed to limp to the pits where the team heroically made the necessary repairs to get it running and back in the race,” King added.

A modern interpretation of famous Aston Martin and Zagato collaborations such as the DB4GT Zagato, the V12 Zagato won the Concorso d’Eleganza Design Award for Concept Cars and Prototypes at the event where it made its debut – the Villa D’Este Concours on the shores of Lake Como.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 16:07:41 +0000.

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Aston Martin’s newest collaboration with Zagato, the V12 Zagato endurance racer concept, was unveiled over the weekend at the Villa D’Este Concours in Lake Como, Italy, primarily as a basis to gauge customer interest, with a view towards a strictly limited run of road-going V12 Zagatos to come about.

The company’s V12 Vantage model provides the basis for the V12 Zagato, but the new two-door, two-seat coupe is very much its own entity design-wise, as should be the case. The new handcrafted aluminium body is shaped in such a manner that’s not possible using pre-formed panel techniques, AM says – utilising the skill of nearly 100 years of heritage in the craft, every aluminium panel on the car has been formed using an English wheel and traditionally-crafted body bucks.

Click to enlarge

For example, each front wing comprises seven separate pieces of aluminium, combined and then hand finished to give one flowing form. Another iconic Zagato design cue is the double bubble roof, created in this case from five separate pieces, illustrating further the intensity of craftsmanship involved in the construction of the car.

The V12 Zagato is powered by an all-alloy, quad overhead cam 6.0 litre V12 mill producing 510 hp and 570 Nm of torque, mated to a rear mid-mounted, six-speed automated manual gearbox with auto shift manual/select shift manual (ASM/SSM) electric hydraulic control system.

Click to enlarge

Like the first DB4GT Zagato, which was shown to the public in late 1960 and which spent much of its life as a racing car after being launched, the new car is set to walk the same path – the first two V12 Zagatos to be created are set to serve as endurance race cars.

The car will make its racing debut in the 53. ADAC ACAS H&R-Cup VLN round at Nürburgring next week, with a view to two cars racing in the 24 hour race on June 25-26.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 16:07:41 +0000.

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Obviously, someone somewhere thinks that this is undoubtedly a brilliant idea – an Aston Martin all-electric car. Only thing is, it’s not going to be very fast, nor very big.

Reports say the rumour mill has it that the company is planning an EV version of its tiny Cygnet, which of course will essentially be a tarted up electric version of the Toyota iQ, which the standard Cygnet is based on. All in the name of being seen as green, yes, and a case of ‘since everyone’s doing it, why shouldn’t we?’ Still, you can imagine there’ll be takers. There always are.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 16:07:41 +0000.

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Fifty years after the iconic DB4GT Zagato made its production debut, and 25 years after the V8 Vantage Zagato – and then later, the V8 Zagato Volante – came about, Aston Martin and Italian design house Zagato have announced that they have yet again renewed their famous partnership, with a new collaboration set to make its first showing as an initial concept at the Villa D’Este Concours in Lake Como, Italy on May 21.

No details yet on the concept, which the companies are presenting with a view towards a production car sometime in 2012, with only a teaser image available. Undoubtedly, there should be many more series production examples of the new Aston Martin Zagato vehicle than the 19 DB4GT Zagatos built.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 16:07:41 +0000.

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Aston Martin Racing has announced the introduction of its new Vantage GT3 race car – based on the V12 Vantage road-going version, the new car will be ready for competition in 2012.

The Vantage GT3 will replace the DBRS9, which was launched in 2006 at Le Mans and has since seen 26 chassis built and raced to multiple victories, and joins the Vantage GT2, GT4, DBR9 GT1 and the AMR-One LMP1 in the comprehensive AM race car line-up.

Designed to FIA regulations, the Vantage GT3 will be built around the Vantage aluminium VH architecture with a lightweight dry-sumped 6.0 litre V12 engine offering a targeted 600 hp and 700 Nm, and will feature a race semi-automatic paddle shift Xtrac gearbox and the latest race-developed ABS and traction control systems, optimised for it. AMR has set a target weight of 1,250kg for the car.

The first car will be completed in July 2011 and will undertake an extensive test and development programme during the rest of the year. Ten customer cars will then be built, ready for delivery for the start of the 2012 season.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 16:07:41 +0000.

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You might be wondering what’s new, but this really is a new model from Aston Martin. Called the Virage and available in both coupe and topless Volante form, it revives the famous old name last heard in the 1990s. Virage is derived from the French word viragem, which means bend or curve.

Although it looks similar to Aston’s recent models, the Virage is a new model that sits between the DB9 and range topping DBS made famous by Agent 007. In the UK, the Virage will be priced from £150,000, sandwiched between the £125,000 DB9 and the £175,000 flagship. Volante models will cost about £10,000 extra.

Built on Gaydon’s bonded aluminium VH platform, the Virage is powered by the familiar hand-built 6.0-litre V12, but with 490 bhp and 570 Nm of torque, as opposed to the DB9′s 470 bhp and the DBS’ 510 horses. Through its carbon fibre prop shaft, the engine is mated to a new six-speed ZF automatic transmission, which Aston brands Touchtronic II. Weight balance in this front engined, RWD car is exactly 50:50.

The Virage’s dynamics have been tuned to deliver an engaging yet more refined driving experience, where the driver can extract max performance with greater ease. The new Adaptive Damping System (ADS) intelligently ‘reads’ the road – it now selects up to five different stiffness settings within normal mode, and a further five stiffer settings within sport mode. A ‘Sport’ button on the dash allows for sharper throttle response and quicker gear changes. It also prevents auto shift up. Carbon Ceramic Matrix brakes are standard.

Inside, one will be “greeted by the aroma of seven hides of the finest Bridge of Weir leather”. Inspiration has been taken from luxury leather goods to produce a pinstripe welt which flows down either side of the fascia and along the seat and door. Apparently, each Virage will have 70 man hours of expert craftsmanship lavished on the interior alone.

Gallery after the jump.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 16:07:41 +0000.

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Aston Martin Racing (AMR) has unveiled its all new LMP1 race car, the men who will drive it, and the team’s race programme for this year.

The Gulf Liveried AMR-One is a new open-top LMP1 race car featuring a 2.0-litre turbocharged six cylinder direct injection petrol engine. Paired to a 6-speed Xtrac racing gearbox, it makes approximately 540 hp. The small capacity of the engine is in line with the Le Mans governing body’s efficiency focused regulations

The chassis is a new bespoke carbon fibre monocoque designed and manufactured by AMR. It features open style construction and a load bearing engine with steel frame to help rigidity. Besides the open cockpit, notable exterior features include the new blade fin, which we also saw on the Audi R18.

Speaking of that TDI beast, AMR expects a closer fight with the Audi this year. “We have chosen to run with a six-cylinder turbocharged engine because we believe this offers the best potential within the petrol engine regulations. With the ACO’s commitment to effectively balance the performance of petrol and diesel Le Mans entrants – our hopes are high that we’ll see the closest racing yet in the premiere LMP1 category, said Team Principal George Howard-Chappell.

A total of six AMR-Ones will be built, with the factory team running one car in the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup (ILMC) and two cars at selected events. It is expected that AMR will contend selected races in the ILMC with rounds in the United States (Petit Le Mans), Belgium (Spa), France (Le Mans), Italy (Imola), England (Silverstone) and China (TBC) and make its debut at Paul Ricard in April. The car’s first test will be happening this month.

The driver line up for 2011 will consist of Darren Turner (GB) Stefan Mücke (D) and another yet to be announced driver for the 007 car. Adrian Fernandez (MX), Andy Meyrick (GB) and Harold Primat (CH) will be teaming up to drive the 009 car.

Gallery after the jump.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 16:07:41 +0000.

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Here’s something to spend your Sunday night doing in case you don’t have any plans – all three episodes of “True Power Should Be Shared” (as well as a ‘Making Of’ clip), a mini web series produced by Aston Martin mainly to showcase the Aston Martin Rapide more than anything else. But I personally don’t feel anything out there has been able to match up to the standards that The Hire has set for short films by an automaker.

It could be all we’re going to get in the near future in terms of an Aston Martin in a movie-like setting as something tells me we’re not going to see James Bond drive an Aston Martin in the next installment of the movie, looking at how the last movie only featured an Aston Martin for awhile and then moved on to pimp various Ford Motor Company cars, as Ford had just disposed of its Aston Martin ownership at that time. Thankfully it does seem like Aston Martin independent of Ford is interested in sponsoring the James Bond franchise, as the DBS is featured in the new Blood Stone game.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 16:07:41 +0000.

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Aston Martin has introduced a leaner and meaner form of the bog standard V8 Vantage called the V8 Vantage S, which is heavily influenced by the 2011 Vantage GT4 race car – it’s meant for the driver looking for significantly more go.

The 4.7 litre V8 engine on this one has been reworked to offer 430 hp at 7,300 rpm and 490 Nm of torque at 5,000 rpm, working with a new ground-up developed Sportshift II transmission.

Specifically designed for the car, the seven-speed automated manual transmission – with a single clutch system – is offered as standard fitment. Highlights include 20% faster gear changes compared to the Sportshift box, and the extra gear permits shorter, well-spaced ratios which, combined with a shorter final drive ratio of 4.182:1, delivers quicker acceleration and a more sporting feel.

Click to enlarge

In addition to this, the Vantage S features a ‘Sport’ button which quickens the gear changes and gives the driver a more aggressive throttle response while also opening the exhaust bypass valves across most of the engine speed range.

Other dynamic revisions include a quickened steering rack ratio of 15:1 (compared to 17:1 on the standard car) and a larger diameter front brake disc, with new six-piston front brake calipers. There are also new springs and dampers, as well as wider rear wheels.

The car also gets a new dynamic stability control (DSC) system specifically tuned to it, as well as a new brake module providing features such as Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA) and Hill Start Assist (HSA).

Click to enlarge

Exterior tweaks include a new lower front bumper finished in perfectly-aligned carbon fibre, which houses a larger air intake feeding the engine and front brakes; the splitter, combined with the extended deck lid ‘flip,’ work in harmony to provide increased downforce at speed. A new rear bumper and side sills, to optically widen the car, are also on.

New 19-inch ‘V’ spoke wheel styles come fitted as standard, with a 10-spoke lightweight forged wheel available as an option, and these wear bespoke Bridgestone rubbers.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 16:07:41 +0000.

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Two years after it made its introduction, Aston Martin Racing has given its Vantage GT4 racecar an update. The firm has reworked the car by enhancing the aerodynamics and increasing the car’s downforce. The 4.7 litre V8 has also been remapped to offer increased levels of power and torque.

The car now features a new front splitter, which increases downforce at the front of the car and improves channelling of cool air to the brakes and radiator. At the rear, the GT4 gains the V12 Vantage’s larger boot ‘flip’. This works together with a new carbon fibre diffuser and rear underfloor, which creates an area of low pressure under the rear of the car, to increase downforce.

The redesigned underfloor also channels more air through a new rear-mounted high capacity transmission oil cooler. In addition to the engine and aero upgrades, competitors can now choose to include a race-developed Bosch ABS and traction control system from Bosch Motorsport to enhance performance in both wet and dry conditions.

More than 80 Vantage GT4s have been built and sold globally since 2009, and the car has certainly been successful plying its trade in its GT4 competition class – it won the European GT4 Cup this year, as well as the GT4 class at the Dubai 24 Hours, the Nürburgring 24 Hours and the Spa 24 hours.

Gallery after the jump.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 16:07:41 +0000.

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The £140,000 Aston Martin Rapide not luxurious enough for you? Try the Luxe, a new higher trim level for Aston’s Austrian made “four-door sports car”.

The standard Rapide’s spec list is already very long, but the Luxe adds a choice of exclusive colour options, including Quantum Silver and Concours Blue, bespoke six-piece luggage set that matches the cabin, rear-seat DVD entertainment system with wireless headphones plus glass switchgear and key fob. Also new is the ventilation system, which allows for three temperature settings in the cabin.

The Rapide Luxe is priced around £157,445 (depending on options), which is a £17,000 premium over the standard model. It is powered by a hand-built 6.0-litre V12 with 470 hp and 600 Nm of torque. Pics after the jump.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 16:07:41 +0000.

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This piece of news doesn’t come as a surprise. British-based sports car maker Aston Martin, yes the same company that has been giving us Bond cars has confirmed the production of the Cygnet super mini. The Cygnet which apparently “sets a new benchmark for compact luxury” is pretty much a refaced Toyota iQ.

Although the powertrain has not been confirmed, the Cygnet is likely to be motivated by Toyota’s 97hp 1.33 litre engine with 123Nm of torque. No mouth watering, rumbling V8s here. The compact vehicle is scheduled to go into production sometime next year and it will be built at Aston Martin’s Gaydon headquarters.

“Our customers need a small car for urban and city use, and they want the right tools for the right job, to downsize creatively without compromising intelligence, artistry and personality,” said CEO Dr Ulrich Bez. “The Cygnet is designed to support our sports cars by providing a greater degree of freedom in the urban context; it is a very special car, a premium but compact package with heart, soul and personality,” he added.

Despite being given the weird look by a few, Aston Martin’s venture into the compact car business is getting the blessings my many at the same time. Take Lotus for example. The company recently shown the CityCar concept at the Paris Motor Show. Just like the Cygnet, the CityCar concept is also a small sized vehicle. Although being just a concept at the moment, the CityCar is likely to go into production. More details including pricing and specifications of production Cygnet will be released by year end.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 16:07:41 +0000.

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We got a glimpse of the Vantage N420 coupe a few months ago and now Aston Martin have released a drop top version of the sporty baby Aston. Sporty, because it draws inspiration from the company’s experience within the Nurburgring 24-hour race.

The V8-powered Vantage uses the same engine that is in the coupe, which is the 4.7-litre engine generating 420hp, allowing it to hit a 100km/h in just 4.5 seconds. New on the N420 roadster is the use of more carbon fibre, which makes the car 27 kilograms lighter.

Keeping up with the sporty theme, a Sports Pack comes standard, which gives you revised springs, dampers and anti-roll bars. Adding more growl to the engine note is a new sports exhaust as well.

The exterior has wider sills, carbon fibre splitters, side strakes, a diffuser and 10-spoke diamond turned alloy wheels with a gloss black finish. A new Graphitic tailpipe finisher and black mesh vents complement the new package.

The interior sports an Iridium package which gives you graphite instrumentation, contrast-stitched upholstery as well as a choice of either Alcantara or a leather steering wheel. The new Aston is offered in new range of paint schemes, which is ‘Rose’ yellow, ‘Kermit’ green, ‘Elwood’ blue and Aston Martin Racing green. The pictures you see above is the Asia Cup livery. More images are available after the jump.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 16:07:41 +0000.

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Aston Martin has dropped the One-77‘s official horsepower figure, which is set at the 750 mark. The limited-edition supercar’s 7.3 litre sumptuous V12 also cranks out 750Nm of torque, making it one of the most powerful naturally aspirated cars in the world.

The company did not reveal performance numbers but it was previously reported that the One-77 hit the 354.86km/h mark during a test at an undisclosed facility in Europe. As mentioned before, the One-77 is based on a limited production run of 77 units. The car is still undergoing rigorous testing before it is let out into the wild, to the hands of millionaires who’ve got unbelievable amounts of money.

Aston Martin did confirm that deliveries of the One-77 will start in early 2011. The company also released a new video showcasing the supercar. In the video we see the usual list of action shots, and if you’re a fan of the supercar or just anything Aston, get your salivary glands ready.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 16:07:41 +0000.

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What you see here is the Aston Martin Super Sport. It isn’t really an Aston Martin, but more of an Aston Martin inspired coachbuild project by Star Electric Cars France. It looks very mildly Aston-like, sharing only a similar front-end design with the Gaydon-based company.

Star Electric Cars France are known for designing special cars for presidents, kings and princes, and are licensed to recreate electric golf carts resembling cars from Rolls Royce, Bentley, Mercedes and Aston Martin.

Details are sketchy for the moment but the car is said to house a 5.4 litre V8 engine producing anywhere from 800 to 950hp, quite different from the company’s usual customised electric golf carts. The engine is mated to a six speed manual transmission with optional F1 paddle shifters. It also has a limited slip differential.

Only available in left hand drive (not very Aston like – the British drive on the right), the car uses a carbon fibre bodywork with scissor doors, while employing other light weight components like Brembo or AP carbon ceramic brakes. The interior sees the use of leather, Alcantara, carbon fibre and Recaro seats while a sat nav is also included with iPod connectivity.

Only eight of these special edition cars will be available and each will come at a price of 7,500,000 Euros per unit. Look after the jump for more pictures of the Aston Martin inspired supercar.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 16:07:41 +0000.

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Aston Martin has released a 2011 minor facelift of the DB9 with package of improvements. It would probably take more than a few glances to notice the new styling changes which include a new front bumper, bright finish radiator grille, reshaped lower intake featuring bright hexagonal mesh, new headlight coverings, restyled sills, silver brake calipers, 20-spoke “diamond turned” alloy wheels and clear rear light lenses.

Under the skin, Aston now offers Adaptive Damping System as standard on both the DB9 coupe and Volante convertible. Also included is a tyre pressure monitoring system, revised Bluetooth microphone system and the addition of a new “Double Apex” alloy finish for the cabin, not forgetting the Bang & Olufsen stereo.

Besides the sleek sheetmetal, popularity of the DB9 stems from the 6.0-litre V12 engine that lives under that long hood. It comes with 470 hp, 600 Nm and lots of charisma. Power is fed to the rear wheels via a rear mid-mounted six-speed manual gearbox or an optional Touchtronic 2 six-speed auto.

Prices start from £122,445 for the Coupe, while the Volante retails from £131,445. Hi-res gallery after the jump.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 16:07:41 +0000.

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Fans of James Bond films will instantly recognise the Aston Martin DB5 seen here. It’s on auction, so you can start saving up now. How much? To go under the hammer on October 27 through RM Auctions in association with Sotheby’s, Bond’s DB5 is expected to fetch in excess of $5 million. Proceeds will go to charity.

With its familiar UK registration plate, FMP 7B, this DB5 is one of two remaining cars from the original 007 films featuring Sean Connery at the wheel. The other unit fetched more than $2 million in 2006.

The wow factor here is the fact that FMP 7B comes with all the gadgets for Bond by Q. Bidders can expect machine guns, bullet-proof shield, revolving number plates, tracking device, removable roof panel, oil slick sprayer, nail spreader and smoke screen, all controlled from switches in the DB5′s centre armrest.

Owner history? This unit was loaned to EON productions for the filming of Goldfinger and Thunderball and was eventually returned to the Aston Martin Lagonda factory after its promotional tour. American radio broadcaster, Jerry Lee, then bought it off the factory for a measly $12,000 in 1969. He has owned it ever since and the car has been rarely seen in public.

This example is in mint condition after recently undergoing a recommissioning program by experts at RM Auto Restoration. It’s now active and running perfectly after many years of lying dormant.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 16:07:41 +0000.

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Not new, but still cool, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s AMVOX2 DBS Transponder watch is billed as “the ultimate accessory for the ultimate sports car”. Besides the usual functions, this watch has is the ability to lock and unlock your DBS. Because of this, only Aston Martin dealerships are able to authorise the timepiece to “read and communicate” with the supercar.

The case and dial of the AMVOX2 DBS Transponder are highly detailed, featuring a suspended metallic grey DBS symbol, a discrete Aston Martin emblem on the movement operating indicator and ruthenium grey bridges, satin finish and a black dial that all evoke the DBS’s instrument panel. The outer dial ring also has an opening that reveals the internal mechanisms of the chronograph and transponder functions, an allusion to the exposed brake callipers visible behind the sporting wheel rims of the DBS car.

Prices are around $40,750, but then again when have you ever seen James Bond asking the man at the counter “How much?”

Pore over the detailing from the hi res image after the jump.


Click to enlarge

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 16:07:41 +0000.

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Ultimate luxury and class comes with a price tag. A price tag of 1.2 million pounds to be exact. The item it’s attached to is none other than the gorgeous Aston Martin One-77. But for some, money is no object for desires of the heart, which certainly applies to one customer who purchased 10 of these beauties.

Word is that the £12 million customer in question is of Middle Eastern descent. It should be the biggest purchase from a single customer Gaydon has ever received. The 10 units also represent 13% of the One-77′s total production run of 77 cars. Each the cars were customised with different interiors.

The One-77 has plenty of lucky sevens surrounding it – a 7.3-litre engine with 700 bhp and a limited run of 77 units. The most extreme Aston’s top speed is…no not 700, but an impressive 354 km/h. Acceleration to 96 km/h (60 mph) is achieved in 3.5 seconds.

With this latest supermarket sweep, 65 of the 77 cars are already spoken for. So what are you waiting for? To help you decide, click here to see the pics and hear the V12′s howl.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 16:07:41 +0000.

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The first of the Rapides have rolled out from Magna Steyr’s factory in Austria for delivery to customers. The four-door sports car is set to reach buyers and Aston Martin’s 125 showrooms in 34 countries over the coming weeks.

The Rapide is the first Aston Martin not to be made in England, although Aston promises that the Rapide achieves the “same exacting standards” as its other models from Gaydon. From the preparation of Rapide’s bonded aluminum body frame to the six-stage painting process where nine coats of paint are applied (Aston claims best in class paint finish), it’s all done at Aston’s dedicated area within Magna Steyr’s facilities. The contract manufacturer also takes on other tough projects, like making the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG’s body (Gullwing doors) and the Peugeot RCZ (complicated double bubble roof/rear glass).

The four-seat Rapide is powered by a hand-built 5.9-litre V12 engine producing 470 bhp and 600 Nm. It’s paired to a six-speed “Touchtronic 2″ automatic transmission with steering column-mounted magnesium paddles. There’s also plenty of luxury in the package, but then this costs £139,950 in the UK, a lot higher than what Porsche charges for the Panamera Turbo (£95,298).

The Rapide will race in the upcoming Nürburgring 24-hour race in “near standard” form, driven by a team of Aston engineers lead by CEO, Dr Ulrich Bez. Click here to see how the race car looks like.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 16:07:41 +0000.

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Aston Martin will compete at the Nürburgring 24-hour race on 15-16 May with the marque’s new four-door sports car, the Rapide. This will be Gaydon’s fifth consecutive year racing at the famous Nordschleife circuit after previously campaigning the V8 Vantage and V12 Vantage.

Aston’s decision to use the Rapide is to “underline the sporting credentials” of its four-door car. The Rapide will compete in “near-standard specification” apart from mandatory changes required to compete in the endurance race such as safety mods, interior trim removed to reduce weight, retuned suspension and slick tyres. No star drivers either; the Rapide will be driven by a team of Aston engineers lead by Aston Martin CEO, Dr Ulrich Bez.

He explained: “This race represents the ultimate final engineering durability test for any sports car – it subjects the car to the toughest possible assessment under public scrutiny. The Rapide has the capability to carry four people in comfort but first and foremost it is a sports car and we will subject it to the same tests we would our other sports cars.”

The 470 bhp 5.9-litre V12 Rapide will be joined by a similarly lightly modified V12 Vantage which won the SP8 class last year on its competitive race debut, finishiing 21st place overall. Porsche GT3s have won the event since 2006.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 16:07:41 +0000.

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I don’t know about you but an Aston Martin has always seemed to be like the more refined and gentlemanly alternative to more hot blooded cars like a Ferrari. I found that appealing. But now Aston Martin has developed a limited edition car with aggressive looks. Under its hood is a monstrous 7.3 litre V12 engine with over 750 bhp. Good thing is thanks to that V12 it has the soundtrack to accompany its looks – check out the video after the jump, which shows the One-77 undergoing some tests ahead of first customer deliveries. Let us know in the comments – are you liking the One-77?

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 16:07:41 +0000.

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Absolutely no one in Geneva cared about the “real” Aston sports cars at the Palexpo, because all attention was on the “not so real” Aston Martin based on a Toyota. Of course we’re talking about the debuting Cygnet, which is based on Toyota’s diminutive four-seat iQ city car.

To differentiate the Cygnet from its donor car, styling cues typical of Gaydon’s sports machines have been added liberally; examples include Aston’s trademark front grille, air intakes on the bonnet, side “gills” and boomerang shaped taillamps. Inside, the Cygnet is trimmed in a way that Toyota engineers would never have dreamed of when creating the iQ – fine, soft leather covering almost every surface, plush high-backed seats with Aston logos and a trendy bag to go along with it.

Aston’s official images portray the Cygnet as a trendy accessory for its current owners, a small runabout when you don’t feel like taking out that big V12 to the congested city or the nearby shops, or even as a gift for the new girlfriend/mistress, perhaps. So, brilliant idea or a bad joke? For me, the former. I’ll order a few or these (one for keeps, the rest for the ladies) along with a V12 Vantage should the lottery picks me!

Live images from Geneva and official gallery after the jump!

Aston Martin Cygnet live images from Geneva

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 16:07:41 +0000.

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The One-77 supercar is set to be Aston Martin’s fastest road car ever after surpassing its maker’s predictions and comfortably breaking the 320 km/h mark.

The ultra exclusive £1.2 million car (only 77 will be made) is currently in the later stages of development ahead of its planned debut in 2010. During high speed testing at an undisclosed proving ground in southern Europe, the One-77 recorded a 354.86 km/h top speed in dry but windy conditions.

Powered by a new 7.3 litre V12 engine with over 750 bhp, the One-77 features a new carbon fibre monocoque body structure and adopts active aerodynamic technology. Gaydon describes it as “the ultimate expression of what Aston Martin stands for which will combine modern technology and design with craftsmanship and ultimate exclusivity to create the world’s most desirable automotive art form.”

Check out our previous post for an undisguised view of the One-77.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 16:07:41 +0000.

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I remember when I first saw the Cygnet. In the office, having morning coffee, I unwrapped my weekly Autocar and nearly fell out of my chair! It wasn’t April Fools so this “Astonised” Toyota iQ had to be real. Only one official photo was released then – of people working on a clay model – and now Aston Martin shows the completed car and says that it will go on sale next year.

We can see that although the good folks at Gaydon have tacked on Aston styling cues such as the big grille, side fender vents and rear lights, the Cygnet still looks very much like an iQ. Similarly, the cabin retains the little Toyota’s dash architecture and instrument pack but with everything wrapped in red and black leather.

The official line is that the Cygnet “represents a creative, environmentally conscious solution, being small, yet with presence – and highly fuel efficient, now combined with the prestige of Aston Martin’s luxury brand ownership.”

The Cygnet will be initially available only to Aston’s European customers before general sales start. Perhaps Aston is positioning the Cygnet as a “top up” option for its current menu, like when you’re offered dessert at a special price after buying the main course!

More pics after the jump.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 16:07:41 +0000.

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