Chitika

Showing posts with label aston martin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label aston martin. Show all posts

Wednesday, 28 September 2011

Aston Martin is still coolest

Seemingly the arrival of the Toyota iQ-based Cygnet hasn’t harmed the reputation of Aston Martin too much, because the firm has just retained the title of the UK’s coolest brand. That’s according to the 2011/12 CoolBrands survey, which gauges the opinions of an ‘Expert Council’ of various glitterati, as well as over 2,000 members of the public.




Aston Martin V8 Vantage S Coupe (2011) Front Side



Harley-Davidson was declared the coolest motorcycle brand, and it also achieved an impressive third spot in the overall results. The only other automotive brands that made it into the top twenty were Ferrari, which also appeared last year, and new entry Maserati. Mini, however, dropped out.































2011/12 CoolBrands Survey - Top 20 Brands
Position Brand Category
1 Aston Martin Automotive - Cars
2 Apple Technology - General
3 Harley-Davidson Automotive - Motorbikes
4 Rolex Fashion - Accessories, Jewellery, Watches
5 Bang and Olufsen Technology - General
6 BlackBerry Technology - Telecommunications
7 Google Online
8 Ferrari Automotive - Cars
9 Nike Sportswear and Equipment
10 YouTube Online
11 Alexander McQueen Fashion - Designer
12 Dom Perignon Drinks - Champagne
13 PlayStation Leisure and Entertainment - Games and Toys
14 Ray-Ban Fashion - Accessories, Jewellery, Watches
15 Chanel Fashion - Designer
16 Nintendo Leisure and Entertainment - Games and Toys
17 Vivienne Westwood Fashion - Designer
18 Agent Provocateur Fashion - Lingerie
19 Tate Modern Leisure and Entertainment - UK Attractions and The Arts
20 Maserati Automotive - Cars



Related posts:

£40k for iQ-based Cygnet

Aston Martin is coolest

Friday, 26 August 2011

V12 Zagato at Frankfurt

The new Aston Martin V12 Zagato is to make its motor show debut at next month’s Frankfurt event.



Two examples are going to be on display. The first, nicknamed Zig by the development team, is still in full endurance spec as per its recent outing at the Nürburgring 24 hour race.



Aston Martin V12 Zagato 'Zig' (2012) Front
Aston Martin V12 Zagato 'Zig' (2012) Front Side


The second, unsurprisingly called Zag, is the car that was first exhibited at the Villa D'Este Concours back in May. Since then, it too was converted to compete at the Nürburgring, but for Frankfurt the aerodynamic race package has been removed to give a better impression of what the road-going car will look like. The interior, however, retains its competition configuration.



Aston Martin has now decided that the build volume for the V12 Zagato will be ‘up to’ 150, thereby guaranteeing exclusivity. Assembly is due to take place during summer 2012.



As already confirmed, the V12 Zagato will cost £330,000 excluding local taxes.



Related posts:

V12 Zagato production run

Aston Martin V12 Zagato

Friday, 8 July 2011

V12 Zagato production run

Aston Martin has confirmed that ‘a strictly limited number’ of its new V12 Zagato will be built.



The decision comes after the car’s successful debut at the Villa D'Este Concours in May, where it won the design award for concepts and prototypes. This was then followed by an entry into the challenging Nürburgring 24 Hour race that took place at the end of June.





Production is expected to begin during the summer of 2012, with the first deliveries due shortly afterwards. Aston Martin isn’t saying exactly how many examples will be made, but the order book is open now with cars being allocated on a first come, first served basis.



The UK price has been set at £330,000, excluding taxes.



Aston Martin V12 Zagato Concept (2011) Front Side
Aston Martin V12 Zagato Concept (2011) Side
Aston Martin V12 Zagato Concept (2011) Rear Side


Dr. Ulrich Bez, Aston Martin Chief Executive, said of the V12 Zagato: “Such style, exclusivity and fastidious craftsmanship ensures it will be one of the most highly coveted models in Aston Martin’s 98-year history. A fabulous celebration of the iconic DB4GT Zagato, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, the V12 Zagato is the perfect inspiration for the next 50 years of Aston Martin.”



Related posts:

Aston Martin V12 Zagato

Aston Martin is coolest

Thursday, 23 June 2011

Aston ‘Cygnet and Colette’

Well that didn’t take long. Aston Martin has just announced the first special edition model based on its Cygnet city car which, in turn, is of course based on the Toyota iQ.



Called the ‘Cygnet and Colette’, the name recognises that Aston Martin has teamed up with Parisian fashion emporium Colette to create this exclusive version. Just fourteen examples are going to be built, which may seem a rather random quantity, but that’s the number of years Colette has been in business.



Aston Martin 'Cygnet and Colette' (2011) Front Side


The work has been entrusted to Aston Martin Works Tailored, which is usually responsible for personalising customer cars. Judging by the specification though, its talents have hardly been stretched.



Externally, the only things that differentiate the ‘Cygnet and Colette’ from the standard version are the Lightening Silver paintwork with contrasting blue elements and some special badges.



Aston Martin 'Cygnet and Colette' (2011) Interior


On the inside, there are Bitter Chocolate quilted leather door and seat inserts, plus quilted Alcantara sun visors. The back seats also get a couple of blue leather cushions, although arguably they’re a bit pointless given the cramped rear accommodation of the Cygnet.



The ‘Cygnet and Colette’ can be ordered now via the Colette store in Paris, and it costs €48,995 (around £43,600 at today’s exchange rates).



Aston Martin 'Cygnet and Colette' (2011) Rear Side


Anyone who misses out on this particular limited edition needn’t be too concerned, because Aston Martin has promised that it’s just the first in a series of ‘Cygnet and …’ collaborations.



Related posts:

£40k for iQ-based Cygnet

Aston Martin is coolest

Baby Aston Martin

Friday, 20 May 2011

Aston Martin V12 Zagato

Fifty years after the DB4GT Zagato, and following in the wheel tracks of several subsequent collaborations with the Italian design house, Aston Martin has unveiled the new V12 Zagato concept.



Aston Martin V12 Zagato Concept (2011) Front Side


Its debut will be at the Villa D'Este Concours on 21st May 2011, which takes place near Lake Como in Italy. Aston Martin is going to use the occasion to ‘gauge customer interest’, despite already confirming that a strictly limited run of cars will be built.



But the V12 Zagato isn’t just going to be a road car. In the tradition of previous Aston Martin Zagatos a race programme is planned, starting off with the four hour VLN Nürburgring race on 28th May 2011, and then followed by a 24 hour event at the same venue on 25th and 26th June 2011.



Aston Martin V12 Zagato Concept (2011) Rear Side


Aston Martin V12 Zagato Concept (2011) Side


Unsurprisingly for a Zagato creation, the looks are arguably more challenging than those of a series production Aston Martin.



Even Marek Reichman, Director of Design at Aston Martin, described it as ‘an elegant yet brutal design which reflects the great balance between race performance and pure Aston Martin style. The original DB4GT Zagato was a true icon, powerful and graceful; the new design is a true representation of the spirit of DB4GT Zagato. The muscular organic forms define the thoroughbred nature of the car's racing credentials.’



Regardless of whether the styling divides opinion, there’s no disputing the craftsmanship that has gone into building the car. Sitting atop the bonded aluminium structure (borrowed from the V12 Vantage) is a handmade aluminium body, assembled using traditional techniques. The front wings, for example, are each made from seven separate pieces of metal, while the roof panel alone uses five pieces.



No word on prices yet, but that probably won’t be of much concern to prospective owners.
























Aston Martin V12 Zagato (Endurance Race Specification)
Body
Type Two door, two seat coupe
Chassis Bonded aluminium structure
Body Hand crafted aluminium
Roll cage FIA compliant; steel
Fuel system 120 litre endurance racing fuel tank
Suspension All-round independent double wishbone with fully adjustable Multimatic DSSV dampers
Front brakes Ventilated floating grooved discs with 6 piston callipers
Rear brakes Ventilated floating grooved discs with 4 piston callipers
Engine
Type All alloy, quad overhead cam 48-valve 5,935 cc V12
Location Front mid-mounted
Power 510 bhp (380 kW / 517 PS)
Torque 570 Nm (420 lb/ft)
Compression ratio 10.9:1
Transmission
Drive Rear-wheel drive; limited slip differential; magnesium alloy torque tube with carbon fibre propeller shaft
Gearbox Six-speed automated manual gearbox with auto shift manual / select shift manual (ASM / SSM) electric hydraulic control system; rear-mid mounted
Clutch Twin plate competition


Related posts:

Alfa Romeo TZ3 Stradale

Aston Martin is coolest

Alfa Romeo TZ3 Corsa

Thursday, 21 April 2011

World Car Awards winners

Last November it was declared the 2011 European Car of the Year, and now the Nissan Leaf has been named 2011 World Car of the Year at the New York International Auto Show. Occupying the runners-up slots were the two other short-listed models, the BMW 5 Series and Audi A8.






Nissan Leaf (2011) Front Side 1
Nissan Leaf: 2011 World Car of the Year


2011 World Performance Car winner was the Ferrari 458 Italia, an unsurprising victory even though it was up against the talented Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and Porsche 911 Turbo.



Another predictable (but deserved) result was that the 2011 World Car Design of the Year title went to the Aston Martin Rapide, which beat the Alfa Romeo Giulietta and Ferrari 458 Italia.



The Nissan Leaf was also a finalist in the 2011 World Green Car category. However, it lost out to the Chevrolet Volt which, with its range-extender technology, is undoubtedly a much more practical proposition for many drivers. Even so, the Leaf’s environmental credentials must have helped it to secure the main prize, so perhaps the outcome seems rather inconsistent? The third finalist for this award was the BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition.



Related posts:

World Car Awards top three

World Car Awards finalists

Leaf is Car of the Year

Wednesday, 13 April 2011

Aston Martin Vantage GT3

Aston Martin Racing is replacing its DBRS9 racer with the brand new Vantage GT3. Based on the V12 Vantage road car, the plan is to develop and build ten customer cars in time for a competition debut next season.



Aston Martin Vantage GT3 2012 Front Side


Target figures for the GT3’s dry-sump 6.0 litre engine are 600 bhp (447 kW / 608 PS) and 700 Nm (516 lb/ft) of torque. By comparison, the standard V12 Vantage manages with 510 bhp (380 kW / 517 PS) and 570 Nm (420 lb/ft).



But that doesn’t tell the whole story, as the extra output will be complemented by a weight reduction from 1,680 kg (3,704 lbs) to 1,250 kg (2,755 lbs).



Drive will be via a semi-automatic paddle shift Xtrac transmission, and the Vantage GT3 is going to get bespoke traction control and anti-lock braking systems.



John Gaw, Aston Martin Racing Managing Director, said: “The DBRS9 has been a very successful GT3 racing car and, despite being more than six years old, is still competitive today. However, the competition has moved on and we needed to create a new car that combines our six years’ experience in this category with the latest race technology to continue Aston Martin’s success in GT3 for many years to come.”



And he’s correct about the increased competition - since the introduction of the DBRS9, the class has seen the arrival of cars such as the McLaren MP4-12C GT3, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 and the recently upgraded BMW Z4 GT3.

Friday, 4 March 2011

World Car Awards top three

Following the announcement of the World Car Awards finalists at the beginning of February, the jurors have voted once again to decide the top three candidates in each category.



There’s now a short wait until the New York International Auto Show, which begins on 22 April, to find out the winners.



The three models up for each award - in alphabetical order - are:



2011 World Car of the Year



· Audi A8

· BMW 5 Series

· Nissan Leaf






BMW 5 Series Saloon


The outsider here is probably the Audi, but whether enough jurors have been swayed by the Leaf remains to be seen. Many might have been reluctant to give their votes to the Nissan because, despite its green credentials, it nevertheless represents first generation electric car technology which comes with associated issues of purchase price, recharging time and range.



2011 World Performance Car



· Ferrari 458 Italia

· Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

· Porsche 911 Turbo






Ferrari 458 Italia


It’s difficult to foresee the Ferrari not winning this category.



2011 World Car Design of the Year



· Alfa Romeo Giulietta

· Aston Martin Rapide

· Ferrari 458 Italia






Aston Martin Rapide


Perhaps the surprise here is that the Citroën DS3, which was in the top ten shortlist, hasn’t make it through to the top three. Naturally this is a very subjective category but, from an aesthetic perspective, surely the Aston Martin just about beats the other contenders?



2011 World Green Car



· BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition

· Chevrolet Volt

· Nissan Leaf






Chevrolet Volt


This award is hard to predict, because the three finalists represent three very different technologies: internal combustion, range extender and pure electric. However, because the Volt combines the benefits of battery power with a total absence of range anxiety, it deserves to clinch the title.



Related post:

World Car Awards finalists

Wednesday, 2 March 2011

Aston Martin AMR-One

Aston Martin Racing has unveiled its AMR-One LMP1 racer, which will be used to contest this year’s Intercontinental Le Mans Cup. Although it seems likely that the team will miss the opening round at Sebring, it is expected to participate in the remaining events, including the Le Mans 24 Hours.





Unlike the rival Peugeot 908 HDi FAP and Audi R18 TDI, the AMR-One’s two litre, six cylinder, turbocharged engine uses petrol, not diesel. That choice follows a commitment by ILMC organisers, the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, to modify the regulations to better equalise performance levels from the two fuels.



Further emphasising the different approach from its two main opponents, the AMR-One is an open-cockpit car. The bespoke carbon fibre monocoque chassis is brand new, and features a prominent aerodynamic fin.





When plans for an LMP1 challenger were first revealed last year, it was said that just six cars would be built. Aston Martin Racing has indeed been true to its word, and the factory team will be running two of them. Car #007 is going to be in the hands of Darren Turner, Stefan Mücke and an as yet unconfirmed third driver, while car #009 will see Adrian Fernandez, Andy Meyrick and Harold Primat behind the wheel.



Aston Martin is planning to commence testing the AMR-One soon, ahead of a competition debut at the 6 Heures du Castellet, the first race of the 2011 Le Mans Series that takes place on 3 April.



Related posts:

Peugeot 908 HDi FAP

Audi unveils R18 race car

Aston wants Le Mans win

Wednesday, 2 February 2011

World Car Awards finalists

Sixty-six jurors from across the world have completed a first round of voting to determine the 2011 World Car Awards finalists.



With four different awards up for grabs, the shortlist models - in alphabetical order - are:





2011 World Car of the Year



  • Audi A1

  • Audi A8

  • BMW 5 Series

  • BMW X3

  • Jaguar XJ

  • Jeep Grand Cherokee

  • Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

  • Nissan Leaf

  • Porsche Cayenne

  • Volvo S60 / V60



Obviously, this is the big prize. Each of the finalists will be judged on ‘overall merit, value, safety, environmental responsibility, emotional appeal and significance’, a combination that has lead to some previous winners being very worthy but also just a bit dull.



What’s striking is that 2011’s entire crop is from premium or, in the case of the Volvo and Jeep, semi-premium manufacturers. Even the Nissan isn’t exactly mainstream, given its relatively high price.



The Leaf could well repeat its 2011 European Car of the Year victory, but it does tend to divide opinion. There are those who believe it almost makes petrol or diesel cars obsolete, while others won’t back an all-electric car until both battery range and the recharging infrastructure improve.







It’s hard to see either the SLS AMG or Cayenne winning, given their comparative lack of environmental responsibility. The BMW 5 Series has to be a contender given its all-round ability, but it would be good to see the Jaguar XJ clinch it, simply because it represents such a brave departure from previous generation XJ models.



Audi’s A1 probably ticks all the boxes. However, it’d be a shame for it to win because it’s essentially a tarted-up version of last year’s World Car of the Year, the Volkswagen Polo.





2011 World Performance Car



  • Aston Martin Rapide

  • Audi RS 5 Coupe

  • Cadillac CTS-V Coupe

  • Ferrari 458 Italia

  • Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera

  • Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG / CL 63 AMG

  • Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

  • Porsche 911 GT2 RS

  • Porsche 911 Turbo

  • Renault Mégane Renaultsport 250



This category is wide open, as it includes everything from a compact hot hatch to numerous supercars for the jurors to choose from. Audi has won the performance car award three times in the past five years, but it’ll be a surprise if the feat is repeated with the RS 5.









2011 World Car Design of the Year



  • Alfa Romeo Giulietta

  • Aston Martin Rapide

  • Audi A7

  • Citroën DS3

  • Ferrari 458

  • Honda CR-Z

  • Kia Sportage

  • Nissan Juke



There were originally fifty-one candidates in this category, which is expected to ‘highlight new vehicles with innovation and style that push established boundaries’ - a demanding set of criteria.



On that basis, the Aston Martin would seem to be a strong challenger, but arguably it’s the Nissan Juke that truly stands out as a unique design.



The shortlist was decided by a panel of five design experts but, as with all of the other awards, it’s now solely up to the jurors to arrive at a winner.







2011 World Green Car



  • BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition

  • Chevrolet Volt

  • Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

  • Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-Cell

  • Nissan Leaf

  • Smart electric drive



Three environmental experts were asked to draw up the finalists for this award based on emissions, fuel consumption and the power plant technology employed.



Perhaps the Leaf stands a stronger chance of winning this category, but it may be the case that more jurors consider the Volt’s range extender concept as being more practical for everyday use.







But with its 109 g/km and combined cycle 68.9 mpg (4.0 l/100km), the 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition proves that cars with a traditional internal combustion engine can still be impressively green.







The next stage is that during February the jurors will vote again, but this time just on the finalists.



Following that ballot, the top three cars in each category will be announced at the Geneva International Motor Show on 1st March.



Then, bringing the process to a close, the 2011 World Car Awards winners will be declared during the New York International Auto Show in April.

Wednesday, 26 January 2011

V8 Vantage S launched

Aston Martin has plugged the gap in its range between the regular V8 Vantage and the V12 Vantage.



Admittedly it was never a huge chasm, but the new V8 Vantage S is being pitched differently from its siblings. Indeed, as a more driver-focussed choice, Aston Martin is claiming that the S has been heavily influenced by the Vantage GT4 race car.





The technical specs would seem to support that assertion. Power from the 4.7 litre V8 engine is increased from 420 bhp (313 kW / 426 PS) to 430 bhp (321 kW / 436 PS), while maximum torque has been raised from 470 Nm (346 lb/ft) to 490 Nm (361 lb/ft).



Standard fitment in the V8 Vantage S is a new seven-speed Sportshift II automated manual transmission, which promises gear changes that are twenty per cent faster than with the original Sportshift system. Activating the ‘Sport’ button quickens the changes even more, gives a more aggressive throttle response and opens the exhaust bypass valve to make sure bystanders hear the car coming.



There’s also a shorter final drive ratio designed, along with all of the other mechanical modifications, mainly for better acceleration.



All of which means it looks a bit odd that Aston Martin has yet to reveal performance figures for the S. That’s apart from its top speed, which increases from 180 mph (290 km/h) to 189 mph (305 km/h).





Fuel consumption data has been disclosed though and, although it’s not too bad for such a performance car, Toyota Prius drivers are unlikely to be impressed.



According to European measures, the new Aston Martin will achieve 21.9 mpg (12.9 l/100km) on the combined cycle, 14.7 mpg (19.2 l/100km) on the urban cycle and 30.4 mpg (9.3 l/100km) on the extra-urban cycle. CO2 emissions are, unsurprisingly, high at 299 g/km. The US market EPA ratings for city and highway are 14 mpg and 21 mpg respectively.



Tweaks have also been made to the chassis to help make the most of the improved drive train. These include revised springs and dampers, a quickened steering rack ratio, a reworked dynamic stability control system and larger diameter front brake discs with new six-piston calipers. Wider rear wheels are fitted too, and Bridgestone has developed bespoke tyres for the car.



The V8 Vantage S, which is available as either a £102,500 Coupe or £110,700 Roadster, can be ordered now from Aston Martin dealers.



Related post:

V8 Vantage N420

Friday, 21 January 2011

£40k for iQ-based Cygnet

The Aston Martin Cygnet will either create a chic new ‘exotic city car’ category, or it’ll be a flop that marks out any owners as total loonies with more money than sense.



That’s because the Cygnet - which is based on the £12,515 Toyota iQ 1.33 VVT-i - will have a price tag of £30,995.



But if that isn’t expensive enough, up to 100 lucky punters will be able to get their hands on a special Launch Edition that commemorates the start of Cygnet production and costs an astonishing £39,995.





Available in two colour schemes, the Cygnet Launch Edition White combines Snow White paint and White Diamond alloy wheels with Pearl White leather and Alcantara seats.





Alternatively, the Cygnet Launch Edition Black is finished in Magic Black metallic paint which has a deep sea green effect, while the interior is upholstered in pure black full grain leather, perforated with a diamond pattern.





Completing the Launch Edition package is a five-piece luggage set by British luxury bag maker Bill Amberg. However, don’t imagine this comprises assorted commodious suitcases, because the Cygnet simply wouldn’t have enough space to carry them. Instead, it includes a glove box bag, removable door pocket bag, holdall, garment bag and a collapsible tote bag, all finished in black leather and a technical fabric.



The serious purpose of the Cygnet is to drive down average CO2 emissions across the Aston Martin range. With a predicted figure of 116 g/km for the manual transmission version, it should definitely help achieve that.



Related post:

Baby Aston Martin

Thursday, 30 December 2010

DB9 special editions

Aston Martin has been busy during 2010 creating special editions of its DBS (Carbon Black and UB2010), V8 Vantage (N420) and V12 Vantage (Carbon Black).



Now it’s the turn of the DB9 to receive the ‘let’s see if we can shift a few more units’ treatment.



The DB9 Morning Frost specification is aimed at those wanting a little more luxury. Finished in pearlescent white with a metallic bronze leather interior, other distinguishing features include silver grilles and brake calipers, plus 19" ten-spoke alloy wheels.





By contrast, the DB9 Carbon Black and Quantum Silver editions are intended to be sportier. Named after their body paint colours, both feature Obsidian Black interiors with coarse silver stitching, real glass switchgear and a piano black centre console. They also come with a remapped sports exhaust for a better sound (Aston Martin isn’t claiming any increase over the standard car’s 470 bhp / 350 kW / 477 PS), graphite tailpipes, 19” ten-spoke gloss black alloys and black grilles.





The DB9 Morning Frost, Carbon Black and Quantum Silver will all have Touchtronic II transmission fitted as standard. They are available to order now, although curiously pricing has yet to be revealed.

Wednesday, 29 September 2010

Aston Martin is coolest

For the fourth time in five years, Aston Martin has been named the UK’s coolest brand in the CoolBrands survey. The 2010/11 poll, which sought the opinions of members of the public as well as a panel of experts, placed the British car maker ahead of brands such as BlackBerry, Google and Dom Perignon.



The other automotive companies that made it into the top twenty were Harley-Davidson (6th), Ferrari (9th) and Mini (16th).



Speaking of the award, Aston Martin CEO, Dr Ulrich Bez said, “Once you can define precisely why a brand is cool, then it no longer has the magic that earns it that label. There has to be an element of mystique, something that eludes definition. In order for a brand to have that quality, it needs people behind it with a passionate, creative vision who care for and nurture it.”



Quite right too. Let’s see if Aston Martin can retain the title after the Cygnet arrives.



The 2010/11 CoolBrands Top 20:

  1. Aston Martin (Automotive - Cars)

  2. iPhone (Technology - Telecommunications)

  3. iPod (Technology - General)

  4. Blackberry (Technology - Telecommunications)

  5. Bang & Olufsen (Technology - General)

  6. Harley-Davidson (Automotive - Motorbikes)

  7. Nintendo Wii (Leisure & Entertainment - Games & Toys)

  8. Google (Online)

  9. Ferrari (Automotive - Cars)

  10. Dom Perignon (Drinks - Champagne)

  11. BBC iPlayer (Online)

  12. Vivienne Westwood (Fashion - Designer)

  13. Apple (Technology - General)

  14. Tate Modern (Leisure & Entertainment - UK Attractions & The Arts)

  15. YouTube (Online)

  16. Mini (Automotive - Cars)

  17. Chanel (Fashion - Designer)

  18. Ray-Ban (Fashion - Accessories, Jewellery, Watches)

  19. Alexander McQueen (Fashion - Designer)

  20. Jimmy Choo (Fashion - Footwear)

Monday, 13 September 2010

Aston wants Le Mans win

Aston Martin is developing a brand new LMP1 class car, which it’ll use to challenge for outright victory at the 2011 Le Mans 24 Hours. The last time it achieved that feat was in 1959, with Carroll Shelby and Roy Salvadori driving a DBR1, although more recently the DBR9 won the GT1 category in both 2007 and 2008.





The decision to compete was helped by the revised technical regulations introduced by the Automobile Club De L’Ouest (ACO), organiser of the race. These have been designed to give petrol-powered cars a more equal footing against their diesel counterparts, something that was arguably overdue given that the Audi R10 TDI and Peugeot 908 HDi FAP - both diesel-powered - have dominated in recent years. In fact, the last petrol car to win the Le Mans 24 Hours was the Audi R8 back in 2005.



Work on the chassis and bespoke race engine for the Aston Martin LMP1 has already begun, and there’ll be six cars built. The first test runs are planned to take place in early 2011.

Tuesday, 25 May 2010

Aston Martin V8 history

Aston Martin's customers had been clamouring for an eight-cylinder car for years, so Aston Martin designed a larger 2-door saloon for V8 applications.



The engine was not ready, however, so in 1967 the company released the DBS with the straight-6 Vantage engine from the DB6. Two years later, Tadek Marek's V8 was ready, and Aston released the DBS V8. With the demise of the straight-6 Vantage in 1973, the DBS V8, now called simply the Aston Martin V8, became the company's mainstream car for two decades. It was retired in favour of the Virage in 1989.

Aston Martin V8
Aston Martin V8

Aston Martin V8
Aston Martin V8



Aston Martin V8
Aston Martin V8



Aston Martin V8
Aston Martin V8


Aston Martin V8
Aston Martin V8

Aston Martin V8
Aston Martin V8

Aston Martin V8
Aston Martin V8






All Review videos and more of:• Infiniti• Mitsubishi• Aston Martin• Isuzu• Nissan• Audi• Jaguar • Pontiac• Bentley• Jeep• Porsche• BMW• Kia• Rolls Royce• Buick• Lamborghini• Saab• Cadillac• Land Rover• Saturn• Chevrolet• Lexus• Scion• Chrysler• Lincoln• Smart• Dodge• Lotus• Subaru• Ferrari• Maserati• Suzuki• Ford• Maybach• Tesla• GMC• Mazda• Toyota• Honda• Mercedes-Benz• Volkswagen• HUMMER• Mercury• Volvo• Hyundai• MINI.and MORE....