Autoblog Aston Martin http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog Aston Martin http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/favicon-v5.png Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff RossThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Daimler discussing collaboration with Aston Martin]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/daimler-discussing-collaboration-with-aston-martin/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/daimler-discussing-collaboration-with-aston-martin/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/daimler-discussing-collaboration-with-aston-martin/#comments Filed under: , , ,



Daimler and Aston Martin have been "in discussions" over various matters going back at least five years, when an engine-supply deal from the Germans to the Brits turned into rumors of Daimler looking to buy a piece of Aston Martin. Neither the engines nor the company stake every changed hands, but three years later they were talking about trying a relationship again, this time in the large luxury sedan segment - Daimler would get help with Maybach, Aston Martin would get help with the Lagonda revival. That also came to nothing.

Late last year, when Investment Dar offloaded a share of its stake in Aston Martin to Anglo-Italian equity house Investindustrial, part of the allure was that Investindustrial said it would work to unite Aston Martin with technology and components from AMG. So the talks have begun again.

Although nothing's come of it yet, Bloomberg reports that the English and the Germans have opened dialogue "on supply and technical-cooperation agreements." In November 2012, Investindustrial mentioned getting engines, gearboxes and other technology from AMG - a brand it got to know when it owned Ducati. A tie-up would also help indie player Aston Martin rein in development costs. Daimler is said to be Investindustrial's preferred partner, but the latest chapter has only just begun. We're sure they hope it won't take another five years to get something closed with someone.

Daimler discussing collaboration with Aston Martin originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 May 2013 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> amgaston martindaimlerinvestindustrial Thu, 09 May 2013 18:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20564044/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20564044/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/09/daimler-discussing-collaboration-with-aston-martin/20564044/article-detail.xml 20564044 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/aston-martin-rapide-s_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/aston-martin-rapide-s.jpg <![CDATA[Supercar parade entering highway is mesmerizing]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/supercar-parade-entering-highway-is-mesmerizing/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/supercar-parade-entering-highway-is-mesmerizing/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/supercar-parade-entering-highway-is-mesmerizing/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,



In what must have looked and sounded to motorists on the M6 like an invasion of The Swarm, a parade of 50 enthusiast gems leaving a charity event were caught shooting down the on-ramp and merging into traffic. There were plenty of Porsches joining the 959 and Ducktail above, Aston Martins going back to the badboy V8 of the last millennium, a Ferrari Testarossa, a TVR and numerous other Easter eggs.

There were not, however, plenty of turn signals, with someone counting just five among the fifty engaging in proper use of the blinker. One reason put forth for that is the same reason we're posting this video, which is from last Summer, below: "because supercar." Enjoy.

Continue reading Supercar parade entering highway is mesmerizing

Supercar parade entering highway is mesmerizing originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 May 2013 12:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> aston martinferrarilamborghinim6nissan gt-rporscheporsche 911ukvideo Thu, 09 May 2013 12:43:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20562691/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20562691/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/09/supercar-parade-entering-highway-is-mesmerizing/20562691/article-detail.xml 20562691 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/supercar-parade-m6_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/supercar-parade-m6.jpg <![CDATA[Dubai police add Aston Martin One-77 plus Bentley and SLS AMG to exotic fleet]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/dubai-police-aston-martin-one-77-bentley-sls-amg/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/dubai-police-aston-martin-one-77-bentley-sls-amg/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/dubai-police-aston-martin-one-77-bentley-sls-amg/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Dubai Police Aston Martin One-77

GulfNews.com reports the Dubai Police will add even more exotic cars to its fleet of law enforcement vehicles. As you may recall, the city's police department already has a Ferrari FF and a Lamborghini Aventador. Now it looks as if officers will be able to patrol the streets in an Aston Martin One-77 Q-Series and a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. An undefined Bentley will also join the the fleet in the near future. Right now, the One-77 is on display at the Arabian Travel Market for tourists to enjoy. So, why does a police department need a one-of-seven ultra exotic like the $3 million One-77 Q-Series?

While speaking with GulfNews.com, Dubai Police Chief Lt Gen Dahi Khalfan Al Tamim said that the public's reaction and enthusiasm for the force's Aventador convinced him to add other exotics to the stable. The cars will be used for "road security." "These sports cars will not be roaring and chasing speeding motorists," he said.

Dubai police add Aston Martin One-77 plus Bentley and SLS AMG to exotic fleet originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 May 2013 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> aston martinaston martin one-77aston martin one-77 q seriesdubai policedubai police astion martin one-77police Mon, 06 May 2013 10:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20558977/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20558977/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/06/dubai-police-aston-martin-one-77-bentley-sls-amg/20558977/article-detail.xml 20558977 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/dubai-police-one-77-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/dubai-police-one-77-628.jpg <![CDATA[Aston Martin boss Ulrich Bez to step down?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/04/aston-martin-boss-ulrich-bez-to-step-down/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/04/aston-martin-boss-ulrich-bez-to-step-down/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/04/aston-martin-boss-ulrich-bez-to-step-down/#comments Filed under: ,



According to a report in Autocar, Aston Martin CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez is expected to step down and take "a more ambassadorial role" with the company at the end of this year. The magazine states that an Aston Martin spokesperson declined to comment on this rumor, but a new boss is expected to be put in place this summer, giving that person time to work with Bez during the transition period.

Bez joined Aston Martin as CEO in July 2000, when the company was owned by the Ford Motor Company as part of the Premier Automotive Group, and stayed in this position after the brand's sale to a group of investors led by Prodrive boss David Richards. During his tenure, Bez has been credited with pushing the DB7 to success, as well as spearheading the launch of the current, modern Aston Martin range.

If a new CEO is, in fact, to be announced this summer, we expect to have official word coming in the next few months. Stay tuned.

Aston Martin boss Ulrich Bez to step down? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 May 2013 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> aston martindr ulrich bezulrich bez Sat, 04 May 2013 10:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20556395/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20556395/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/04/aston-martin-boss-ulrich-bez-to-step-down/20556395/article-detail.xml 20556395 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/159526713_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/159526713.jpg <![CDATA[Hydrogen-powered Aston Martin Rapide S headed to the 24 Hours of Nürburgring]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/12/hydrogen-powered-aston-martin-rapide-s-headed-to-the-24-hours-of/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/12/hydrogen-powered-aston-martin-rapide-s-headed-to-the-24-hours-of/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/12/hydrogen-powered-aston-martin-rapide-s-headed-to-the-24-hours-of/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,

Aston Martin Hydrogen Rapide S Race Car

Aston Martin has announced it will both debut and campaign a hydrogen-powered Rapide S at this year's ADAC Zurich 24 Hours of Nürburgring. The company wants to be the first to manage a zero carbon dioxide emission lap in mainstream racing, and the racecar should be the first hydrogen-powered machine to compete in an international event. The Hybrid Hydrogen Rapide S will continue to use a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V12 engine for propulsion, though the prototype engine can be fed on either pure gasoline, pure hydrogen or any combination of the two.

In order to do so, Aston Martin had to install a hydrogen fuel rail, tanks and an entirely separate engine management system. The tanks themselves are hewn from ultra-high-strength carbon fiber. The four vessels can hold around 7.7 pounds of hydrogen at 5,076 pounds per square inch of pressure. Two get stashed next to the driver while the other two reside in the car's trunk. Check out the full press release below for more information.

Continue reading Hydrogen-powered Aston Martin Rapide S headed to the 24 Hours of Nürburgring

Hydrogen-powered Aston Martin Rapide S headed to the 24 Hours of Nürburgring originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Apr 2013 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 24 hours of nuburgringaston martinaston martin hybrid hydrogen rapide saston martin rapide sAston Martin Rapide S Hybrid Hydrogenhybridhydrogenhydrogen fuel cell Fri, 12 Apr 2013 09:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20538659/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20538659/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/12/hydrogen-powered-aston-martin-rapide-s-headed-to-the-24-hours-of/20538659/article-detail.xml 20538659 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/aston-martin-hybrid-hydrogen-rapide-s-1628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/aston-martin-hybrid-hydrogen-rapide-s-1628opt.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Aston Martin Rapide S [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/20/2014-aston-martin-rapide-s-first-drive-review-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/20/2014-aston-martin-rapide-s-first-drive-review-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/20/2014-aston-martin-rapide-s-first-drive-review-video/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Fresh Styling, More Power And New Confidence

2014 Aston Martin Rapide S

Three years ago, almost to the day, we slid behind the wheel of the all-new Aston Martin Rapide for the very first time.

After unabashedly calling it "the world's best-looking four-door sedan" - a statement that is as accurate today as it was in 2010 - we piloted the Aston Martin on a meandering route from Miami to our final destination in Palm Beach.

Our conclusion, at the end of a very long day, was that British automaker had built a peerless sedan cleverly disguised as a coupe, and it offered more accommodation and utility than anything else in the automaker's two-door lineup. With that as its primary mission objective, it excelled. However, in terms of overall performance, our realization was that it fell short.

Enter the Aston Martin Rapide S, a thoroughly refreshed sedan that appears, at first glance, to have addressed our very frustrated concern.

Continue reading 2014 Aston Martin Rapide S [w/video]

2014 Aston Martin Rapide S [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Mar 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 aston martin rapide saston martinaston martin rapideaston martin rapide sfeaturedfirst driveFirstDrive Wed, 20 Mar 2013 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20509025/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20509025/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/20/2014-aston-martin-rapide-s-first-drive-review-video/20509025/article-detail.xml 20509025 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-aston-martin-rapide-s-fd-1363678782_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-aston-martin-rapide-s-fd-1363678782.jpg <![CDATA[Aston Martin Vanquish Centenary Edition sparkles in silver]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/06/aston-martin-vanquish-centenary-edition-geneva-2013/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/06/aston-martin-vanquish-centenary-edition-geneva-2013/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/06/aston-martin-vanquish-centenary-edition-geneva-2013/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Aston Martin Vanquish Centenary Edition

The traditional gift, if someone has the longevity to celebrate a 100th anniversary of... well, anything, really, is a 10-carat diamond. In lieu of that, we're going to recommend one of these Aston Martin Vanquish Centenary Edition machines. After all, it's nearly as sparkly as a diamond, and it's probably a fair bit cheaper than a 10-carat diamond that's got all four of its C's in proper order.

The car's exterior jewelry includes a graduated paint finish and solid sterling silver badges inlaid with enamel. Inside you'll find Deep Soft Black leather (the same spec as used in the One-77) with contrasting silver stitching, embroidered headrests, and sterling silver sill plaques that are individually numbered (1-100, as only 100 models will be made).

If that's not enough bling for your bucks, each car also comes with "a unique presentation box containing a number of exclusive gifts to mark the first 100 years of the company," including "two glass keys, two bespoke key pouches made from leather matching the car's interior trim, solid silver cufflinks featuring the Aston Martin script, solid silver Rollerball pen and high quality Bang & Olufsen headphones."

Check out the complete press release below, but not before browsing our high-res image gallery above. Pricing is available by request, and remember, if you miss out on one of these, the automaker will also be offering Centenary Editions of its V8 Vantage, DB9 and Rapide.

Continue reading Aston Martin Vanquish Centenary Edition sparkles in silver

Aston Martin Vanquish Centenary Edition sparkles in silver originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Mar 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 aston martin vanquishaston martinaston martin centenarygenevageneva 2013geneva motor showvanquishvanquish centenary Wed, 06 Mar 2013 14:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20489076/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20489076/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/06/aston-martin-vanquish-centenary-edition-geneva-2013/20489076/article-detail.xml 20489076 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/aston-martin-vanquish-centenary-geneva_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/aston-martin-vanquish-centenary-geneva.jpg <![CDATA[Bertone Jet 2+2 is a family-style Aston Martin Rapide]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/06/bertone-jet-aston-martin-rapide-geneva-2012/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/06/bertone-jet-aston-martin-rapide-geneva-2012/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/06/bertone-jet-aston-martin-rapide-geneva-2012/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Bertone Jet 2+2 - front three-quarter view, Geneva Motor Show premiere

Leave it to Bertone to take a stab at improving the look of the Aston Martin Rapide. The coachbuilder may have done just that with its Jet 2+2 shooting brake unveiled here at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. Using the sexy Aston four-door as a basis, the coachbuilder worked the Aston's rear quarters and lifted the roof into a proper hatch, resulting in a machine with plenty of cargo space out back (though rear seat room doesn't appear to be much better than the production sedan). An LED span joins the vehicle's two taillights, and the design looks far more cohesive than the original renderings led us to believe.

An unnamed collector commissioned the one-off build, and Bertone is using the longroof to mark the 60th anniversary of the company's first partnership with Aston Martin. We couldn't think of a better way to commemorate the date. The stock 6.0-liter V12 remains unsullied, cranking out 476 horsepower, though Bertone has given the interior a once-over with unique wood, glazed aluminum and two leather colors specified by the individual who commissioned the car. Check out the full press release below for more information.

Continue reading Bertone Jet 2+2 is a family-style Aston Martin Rapide

Bertone Jet 2+2 is a family-style Aston Martin Rapide originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Mar 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> aston martinbertonebertone jetbertone jet 2+2coachbuiltgenevageneva 2013jet 2+2rapide Wed, 06 Mar 2013 13:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20490949/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20490949/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/06/bertone-jet-aston-martin-rapide-geneva-2012/20490949/article-detail.xml 20490949 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/bertone-jet-2-plus-2-geneva_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/bertone-jet-2-plus-2-geneva.jpg <![CDATA[Aston Martin enhances Rapide with new S model]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/aston-martin-rapide-s-geneva-2013/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/aston-martin-rapide-s-geneva-2013/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/aston-martin-rapide-s-geneva-2013/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2014 Aston Martin Rapide S

We've never really thought of the Aston Martin Rapide as being an old car in need of an update, but since the gorgeous sedan has, in fact, been around since 2010, we suppose a tidy freshening is in order. Here at the Geneva Motor Show, Aston is showing off the new Rapide S, which adds minor styling tweaks and a bit more oomph to the rakish four-door package. But don't be fooled, the S isn't just a trim-and-tape up-do - it wholly replaces the outgoing Rapide.

That's fine with us, since the new car improves upon an already exceptional package. The big sedan's V12 gets a power injection to the tune of 80 horsepower and 14 pound-feet of torque, bringing the totals up to 550 and 457, respectively. This means the Rapide S can hit 60 miles per hour in 4.7 seconds compared to the outgoing car's 5.1, on its way to a top speed of 190 mph. Woosh.

Visual changes for the new S model include a reworked front fascia with a one-piece grille, new 20-inch wheels, a slightly redesigned rear fascia, and a carbon fiber exterior pack that adds a bit of design differentiation to some of the car's outside details. Pricing hasn't been announced just yet, but expect this Aston to come in around the $200,000 mark. Scroll down for the full details in the press blast.

Continue reading Aston Martin enhances Rapide with new S model

Aston Martin enhances Rapide with new S model originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Mar 2013 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> aston martingenevageneva 2013geneva motor showrapiderapide s Tue, 05 Mar 2013 22:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20489117/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20489117/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/05/aston-martin-rapide-s-geneva-2013/20489117/article-detail.xml 20489117 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-aston-martin-rapide-s-geneva_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-aston-martin-rapide-s-geneva.jpg <![CDATA[Bertone bringing one-off Aston Martin Rapide shooting brake to Geneva]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/bertone-bringing-one-off-aston-martin-rapide-shooting-brake-to-g/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/bertone-bringing-one-off-aston-martin-rapide-shooting-brake-to-g/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/bertone-bringing-one-off-aston-martin-rapide-shooting-brake-to-g/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,



Way back in 2004 Bertone created a one-off concept called the Bertone Jet 2, a shooting brake based on the Aston Martin Vanquish. For this year's Geneva Motor Show the Italian styling house is doing it again, but this time it has used the Rapide to create the Jet 2+2. Employing a model whose lines were more readily made for shooting brake adaptation has resulted in a vehicle that we find far better looking than its predecessor.

There's a 470-horsepower V12 under the hood, a bespoke interior with two-tone leather, a stretched and heightened rear quarter for more headroom and luggage room, and fold-flat rear seats. An LED strip connects the taillights across the wide tailgate.

An unnamed client commissioned the build, and it also happens to be another candle on Aston Martin's centenary birthday cake as well as commemoration of the sixty years since Bertone and Aston Martin first worked together. It will take the floor in Geneva along with the Rapide S.

Bertone bringing one-off Aston Martin Rapide shooting brake to Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> aston martinbertonebertone jet 2+2genevageneva 2013geneva motor showrapideshooting brake Mon, 25 Feb 2013 09:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20475584/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20475584/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/25/bertone-bringing-one-off-aston-martin-rapide-shooting-brake-to-g/20475584/article-detail.xml 20475584 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/bertonejet22_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/bertonejet22.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante poses prettily in the snow]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/19/2014-aston-martin-vanquish-volante-poses-prettily-in-the-snow/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/19/2014-aston-martin-vanquish-volante-poses-prettily-in-the-snow/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/19/2014-aston-martin-vanquish-volante-poses-prettily-in-the-snow/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



We've seen the upcoming Aston Martin Vanquish Volante in spy photography before, but the car has never been shot while sitting so cooperatively still as it does for this latest set of images.

Most of the bulky camouflage has been removed from the car's flanks in these images too, with masking really only apparent on the rear fascia of the supercar, and snow obscuring the valences, of course. All in, it's another very cautious update to the signature Aston styling, albeit one the keeps the car among the most sexy convertibles on the planet.

Expect that the Vanquish Volante will come to town with Aston's 6.0-liter V12 engine under the hood, probably making something like 565 horsepower and 457 pound-feet of torque, if earlier leaked reports are to be believed.

2014 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante poses prettily in the snow originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Feb 2013 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 aston martin vanquish volanteaston martinspy shotsvanquishvanquish volante Tue, 19 Feb 2013 10:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20463839/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20463839/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/19/2014-aston-martin-vanquish-volante-poses-prettily-in-the-snow/20463839/article-detail.xml 20463839 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/2014-aston-martin-vantage-volante-spy-shots-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/2014-aston-martin-vantage-volante-spy-shots-628.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Aston Martin Vanquish graces Jay Leno's Garage]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/11/2014-aston-martin-vanquish-graces-jay-lenos-garage/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/11/2014-aston-martin-vanquish-graces-jay-lenos-garage/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/11/2014-aston-martin-vanquish-graces-jay-lenos-garage/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

2014 Aston Martin Vanquish with funnyman Jay Leno in his garage - video screencap

Jay Leno always seems to lay his hands on some of the best cars - new or old - that have ever been created, so you'd think there aren't many new models that can impress the comic any more. Well after watching the latest installment of Jay Leno's Garage, the collector car king has had some time in newly updated 2014 Aston Martin Vanquish, and if we're not mistaken, he's downright giddy about it.

Leno spent a week with the Vanquish, and during his video walkaround, he has almost nothing negative to say about the British coupe, labeling it the "perfect combination" of sports car and a grand touring car, even defending it against very different cars like the Porsche Carrera GT and the Ford Shelby GT500. Starting at almost $300,000 and having a powerful V12 under its long, carbon-fiber hood, Leno notes the Vanquish is sophisticated, astounding him with how well-balanced it is between performance and comfort. Oddly enough, the only thing Leno didn't like about this particular car was its bright blue color, which is probably only a shade or two brighter than Leno's own denim outfit.

Scroll down to watch Leno give his opinion about the Vanquish and then have some real fun taking it for a spin.

Continue reading 2014 Aston Martin Vanquish graces Jay Leno's Garage

2014 Aston Martin Vanquish graces Jay Leno's Garage originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Feb 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 aston martin vanquishaston martinjay lenojay lenos garagelenovanquishvideovideos Mon, 11 Feb 2013 20:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20456738/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20456738/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/11/2014-aston-martin-vanquish-graces-jay-lenos-garage/20456738/article-detail.xml 20456738 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/jay-leno-vanquish_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/jay-leno-vanquish.jpg <![CDATA[Aston Martin Vanquish Volante spied in unlikely surroundings]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/08/aston-martin-vanquish-volante-spied-in-unlikely-surroundings/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/08/aston-martin-vanquish-volante-spied-in-unlikely-surroundings/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/08/aston-martin-vanquish-volante-spied-in-unlikely-surroundings/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2014 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante spy shot - winter testing

The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray might not be the only convertible dropping its top at the Geneva Motor Show. Based on these spy shots of the 2014 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante caught almost camouflage-free doing some winter testing, we could easily see this model making its debut at next month's Swiss show.

Like all current Aston Martin convertibles, the Vanquish Volante will use a cloth roof, and while there is little concealing this car's identity, some cladding around the spoiler and a good layer of snow do a good job covering up its tidy rump. Unsurprisingly, even with its disguise, we can still see that the Vanquish convertible model will definitely keep the wide, rounded haunches of its coupe counterpart.

Aston Martin Vanquish Volante spied in unlikely surroundings originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Feb 2013 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fresh Arrival Makes The Virage A Distant Memory

2013 Aston Martin DB9

My neighbor had been ignoring the various exotics and high-priced luxury cars parked in my driveway for many years - I should have expected that the DB9 would shatter the trend.

The morning sun was glistening off the Aston Martin's metallic Volcano Red paint when she rolled by in her late-model Acura TL, abruptly hit the brakes, and then reversed her sedan before coming to a stop in front of my driveway. The passenger window went down and she smiled before uttering seven words - a curious question followed immediately by an ardent statement.

"What is that car? It is gorgeous!"

There was no need to discuss the muscular twelve cylinders under the hood, yards of hand-stitched soft leather or its carbon-ceramic brakes. None of that mattered. As she peered at the sexy aluminum bodywork, her eyes filled with lust and then glazed over.

Continue reading 2013 Aston Martin DB9 [w/video]

2013 Aston Martin DB9 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Feb 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 aston martin db9aston martindb9featuredreviewreviews Wed, 06 Feb 2013 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20443843/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20443843/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/06/2013-aston-martin-db9-review-video/20443843/article-detail.xml 20443843 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/2013-aston-martin-db9-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/2013-aston-martin-db9-review.jpg <![CDATA[2013 World Car of the Year finalists announced]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/01/2013-world-car-of-the-year-finalists-announced/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/01/2013-world-car-of-the-year-finalists-announced/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/01/2013-world-car-of-the-year-finalists-announced/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

With the Chicago and Geneva auto shows not even out of the way yet, the automotive world's sights are set on the New York Auto Show for the naming of the 2013 World Car Awards, and the top 10 finalists for World Car of the Year and World Performance Car were recently announced and will be voted on by 66 journalists from around the world (including our own European Editor, Matt Davis).

Vying for the top award are the Audi A3, 2013 Range Rover, 2014 Mazda6, Mazda CX-5, Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Peugeot 208, Porsche Boxster/Cayman, the trio of Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ/Toyota GT86, Volkswagen Golf and the Volvo V40. Since its inception, past winners of this award include Volkswagen Up! (2012), Nissan LEAF (2011), Volkswagen Polo (2010), Volkswagen Golf (2009), Mazda2/Mazda Demio (2008), Lexus LS 460 (2007), BMW 3 Series (2006) and the Audi A6 in the award's inaugural year.

The competition is no less fierce for the performance car of the year with the Aston Martin Vanquish, Audi RS5, BMW M6, BMW M 135i, Ferrari F12Berlinetta, Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG and SLS AMG, Porsche Boxster/Cayman, Renault Clio Sport and the Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ/Toyota GT86. This award was first handed out in 2006 with previous recipients including Porsche 911 (2012), Ferrari 458 Italia (2011), Audi R8 V10 (2010), Nissan GT-R (2009), Audi R8 (2008), Audi RS4 (2007) and the Porsche Cayman S (2006).

The top three finalists for each award will be announced at the Geneva Motor Show on March 5, and the winners will be revealed on March 28.

Continue reading 2013 World Car of the Year finalists announced

2013 World Car of the Year finalists announced originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Feb 2013 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Goodbye Aston Martin Rapide. Hello Aston Martin Rapide S. That's right, Aston Martin has unveiled an updated version of its famously beautiful four-door and given its name a new consonant to boot.

The 'S' probably stands for "Sport," as the new Rapide's most significant upgrade is under the bonnet where Aston's V12 has been poked and prodded to produce 550 horsepower, a stout 80 more units of equine oomph than last year's model. Torque is likewise up 14 pound-feet to 457 at 5,000 rpm. Performance has improved in turn, with the Rapide S now able to reach 60 miles per hour in 4.7 seconds compared to 5.1 seconds before and its top speed climbing to 190 mph.

All 6.0 liters of the Rapide's engine now sit 19 millimeters lower than before, which aids handling along with the car's new adaptive suspension, tagged with the inspiring moniker of "Adaptive Damping System." ADS offers drivers three settings: Normal, Sport and Track, the latter of which implies the Rapide S will be able make the most of its newfound power.

Of course, if the Rapide is known for anything, it's the car's devastatingly good looks, and Aston has been somewhat careful here so as not to alter a curve the wrong way and ruin the Rapide's main selling point. What has changed is the grille, which grows in size and shrinks in number to just a single gaping maw. While still the face of a super model, Aston Martin won't be shaking the comparison to recent Ford designs with this one. There's also a subtle reworking of the car's rear decklid, but otherwise the Rapide S is as stunning as it always was, and a new Carbon Exterior Pack will add those precious fibers to all the major exterior trim pieces.

Aston has spared the interior from much change, instead offering a new piano black interior pack and debuting Duotone perforated red and black leather in the Rapide S.

Pricing has yet to be announced, but Aston Martin says the new Rapide S will be available to order worldwide next month. We're pretty sure its price tag will remain above $200,000, though, so maybe the 'S' stands for "So Not Gonna Happen On My Salary."

Continue reading Aston Martin Rapide S adds an extra consonant worth 550 hp [w/video]

Aston Martin Rapide S adds an extra consonant worth 550 hp [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jan 2013 20:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston Martin was founded on January 15, 1913, and to celebrate 100 years, the British automaker has many events planned... but it's going to be hard to top the festivities that took place in Dubai. Like everything else in this city, Aston Martin went over the top to show off the Vanquish to a select group of dignitaries on the helipad of the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel. In addition, the Vanquish, Rapide, V8 Vantage and DB9 will all be offered with a Centenary Edition model with production limited to just 100 units.

Getting a car on a helipad might not sound that difficult, but this hotel's pad is 1,000 feet above the ground. Aston Martin used a helicopter to transport the Vanquish to this height, which made for quite an impressive video. Scroll down to watch the video and check out the official press release for the event that includes an interesting timeline of Aston Martin's history.

Continue reading Watch Aston Martin helicopter a Vanquish onto Dubai's Burj Al Arab hotel

Watch Aston Martin helicopter a Vanquish onto Dubai's Burj Al Arab hotel originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Jan 2013 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 aston martin vanquish centenary editionaston martinburj al arabcentenary editiondubaivanquishvideovideos Fri, 18 Jan 2013 19:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20433261/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20433261/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/18/watch-aston-martin-helicopter-a-vanquish-onto-dubais-burj-al-ar/20433261/article-detail.xml 20433261 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/aston-martin-vanquish2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/aston-martin-vanquish2.jpg <![CDATA[Aston Martin celebrates milestone with Centenary Vanquish]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/16/aston-martin-celebrates-milestone-with-centenary-vanquish/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/16/aston-martin-celebrates-milestone-with-centenary-vanquish/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/16/aston-martin-celebrates-milestone-with-centenary-vanquish/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Aston Martin Vanquish Centenary Edition

Aston Martin is marking its 100th anniversary with special edition versions of its V8 Vantage, DB9, Rapide and Vanquish. The automaker will only build 100 Centenary Edition versions of each car. The first of those is the Vanquish, which boasts a special graduated paint finish and sterling silver badges with a unique enamel inlay. Indoors, buyers can expect to find the same Deep Soft leather as used in the One-77, complete with contrast silver stitching and sterling silver sill plates bearing the car's individual number.

Those who pony up the cash for the Centenary models will also receive a box packed full of exclusive "gifts," including two glass keys, bespoke key pouches, silver cuff links, a silver Rollerball pen and a pair of Bang & Olufsen headphones. There's a silver polishing cloth in there as well. Near as we can tell, the Centenary Editions will remain mechanically identical to their non-bejeweled counterparts. You can check out the full press release below and take a look at a slew of special models from the company's first 100 years in the gallery.

Continue reading Aston Martin celebrates milestone with Centenary Vanquish

Aston Martin celebrates milestone with Centenary Vanquish originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jan 2013 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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While we will just be catching our breath after obsessively covering the Detroit Auto Show, Aston Martin will be kicking off a yearlong celebration commemorating 100 years since the automaker's creation. Incorporated back in 1913, Aston Martin will be spending the year hosting numerous events in Europe and the US to celebrate. The company even created a special centenary logo aimed at commemorating the past and looking ahead to the future.

The festivities begin on January 15 when Aston Martin will present a plaque at the company's original headquarters at Chelsea's Henniker Mews in London, England followed by a reenactment of Lionel Martin at a separate event in London; both will feature a new Aston Martin Vanquish alongside the third car the automaker ever produced - a prototype named A3. In July, from the 15th through the 21st, Aston Martin will have more celebrations at its current headquarters in Gaydon, and this will include a car show with as many as 1,000 cars in attendance making it the largest gathering of Aston Martins in the automaker's history. Other events include a James Bond-inspired drive through England and Wales making site stops for past 007 movies, and there will be a driving event in California preceding this year's Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

Scroll down for a brief video and an official press release detailing Aston Martin's centennial celebrations.

Continue reading Aston Martin plans 100th Anniversary celebrations in 2013 [w/video]

Aston Martin plans 100th Anniversary celebrations in 2013 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Jan 2013 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> aston martinaston martin 100th anniversaryaston martin cenenaryaston martin centennial Sun, 06 Jan 2013 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20417129/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20417129/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/06/aston-martin-plans-100th-anniversary-celebrations-in-2013-w-vid/20417129/article-detail.xml 20417129 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/aston-martin-100-years_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/aston-martin-100-years.jpg <![CDATA[<i>EVO</i> among first to finally test Aston Martin One-77]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/04/evo-among-first-to-finally-test-aston-martin-one-77/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/04/evo-among-first-to-finally-test-aston-martin-one-77/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/04/evo-among-first-to-finally-test-aston-martin-one-77/#comments Filed under: , ,



With only 77 (or maybe 76) examples of the Aston Martin One-77 on the earth, the only thing rarer than the car itself are reviews or test drives of it. Evo Magazine, however, recently had the opportunity to slide behind the wheel of the limited-production Aston Martin supercar. In what it claims to be a world-exclusive, Evo not only got to drive the One-77, but it did so along some incredible roads in North Wales.

Coming in at a cool $1.87 million, we're happy to hear that the car drives as well as it looks. The video does a great job of providing plenty of in-depth information on the car as well as some killer driving shots that really let us hear the car's exhaust note. Considering that we usually only see this car gleaming under the lights of an auto show, the best part of the video might, in fact, be the closing shots showing the sea foam green, super exotic covered in road grime.

If you get jealous easily, you might want to skip this video, but everyone else should check it out below.

Continue reading EVO among first to finally test Aston Martin One-77

EVO among first to finally test Aston Martin One-77 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Jan 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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