Autoblog

Pics Aplenty: Aston Martin V12 Vantage, DBS Volante

Drew Phillips — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Convertibles, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Supercars, Aston Martin

Aston Martin V12 Vantage - Click above for high-res image gallery

Aston Martin makes some of the most visually appealing cars on the road today. Their latest offerings, the DBS Volante and the V12 Vantage, continue the company's tradition of elegant styling combined with V12 power. We generally can't get enough photos of either car, and fortunately for us, Aston has released a plethora of new pictures of both cars. Check out both high-res galleries below.

Gallery: Aston Martin V12 Vantage

Gallery: Aston Martin DBS Volante

[Source: Aston Martin]

Pics Aplenty: Aston Martin V12 Vantage, DBS Volante originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Aston Martin Cygnet adds a smart set of clothes to the Toyota iQ

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:26:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Economy, Aston Martin, Toyota

Toyota iQ-based Aston Martin Cygnet Concept - Click above to enlarge

With a nod to our current global economic and environmental issues, super GT maker Aston Martin has reportedly announced the world's first super luxury supermini. Having blown their development budget on the V12 Vantage RS, Rapide and One-77 hypercar, they turned to an unlikely partner for some help: Toyota. Aston Martin has taken the Toyota iQ 3+1 commuter and given it a tailored suit from Savile Row. The result is the new Aston Martin Cygnet you see above. In case you're wondering, a "cygnet" is a baby swan, not to be confused with an ugly duckling.

Although technically just a concept, word has it that the vehicle will be put into limited production and sold exclusively to existing Aston Martin owners, at least initially. There's a full press release after the jump, but the Cygnet should sell for around £20,000 (around $33k USD) when it goes on sale late next year. The car will retain the iQ's unique 3+1 seating but will be tailored to the individual customer's needs when it is assembled in Gaydon. Think of it as a move to "1-down" BMW's MINI brand. We only have the one photo for now, but from what we can see it doesn't look as unfortunate as we might have expected with Aston's distinctive grille, hood cutouts, side vents, and of course, the winged badge. Still, you have to wonder what this sort of thing might do to the Engish company's brand equity, no? Follow the jump for the presser. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

[Source: Toyota via Autocar]

Continue reading REPORT: Aston Martin Cygnet adds a smart set of clothes to the Toyota iQ

REPORT: Aston Martin Cygnet adds a smart set of clothes to the Toyota iQ originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: This is your Aston Martin Rapide

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 17:46:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedans/Saloons, Sports/GTs, Aston Martin

A Car magazine reader has photographed the Aston Martin Rapide looking like it could have come off a dealer lot. The snapper also peeped the inside, which he said has a full-length console a la the Mercedes CLS to create four distinct seating positions. Aston has, however, said that those rear seats are for "children or two adults on shorter journeys." The slinky black number also sports a serious set of pipes out back that we expect to put out a beautiful soundtrack. And thank goodness the car has a hatch like the Vantage, which means -- in a first for current Aston Martins -- it could have a proper trunk. Like the kind you can actually put things in.

[Source: Car]

Spy Shots: This is your Aston Martin Rapide originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 20 Jun 2009 17:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

AB visits the 24th Annual Huntington Beach Concours

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Time Warp, Aston Martin, Pontiac, Celebrities, Event Alert

2009 Huntington Beach Concours - Click above for high-res gallery

We returned from a secret mission in Alaska just in time to make it to one of our favorite smaller concours, the Huntington Beach Concours d'Elegance in Central Park this past weekend. Not quite as prestigious as the L.A. Concours we covered from the Rose Bowl, it's always an eclectic show, with everything from hot rods to supercars, pre-war classics to bikes. In fact, Big Dog and Nimbus Motorcycles were featured this year. Pontiac and Aston Martin were the featured automotive marques, but there were a healthy showing of Mini enthusiasts as well for the car's 50th anniversary. Not quite as many as the number at Silverstone last month, but there were about 50 of them in every color and configuration you could think of. Lots of Ferraris, muscle cars, Corvettes and motorcycles as well.

This concours always attracts mostly locals, but this year, that included seven Borgward Isabella owners! We're not sure we've ever seen more than one in any single show before so this was a bit of a treat. And there was at least one representative of each bodystyle: saloon, estate, cabriolet, and coupe. The Master of Ceremonies was local car presenter Dave Kunz and the Grand Marshall was Jim Wangers, "Godfather of the GTO," on hand to celebrate Pontiac. Although we couldn't make it on Saturday, the previous day's Grand Marshall was our MINI-mad friend, Fireball Tim Lawrence, who was at the show on Sunday as well, just not marshaling as grandly.

Highlights included the Judson-supercharged MG TD Mille Miglia, Ferrari 400 SuperAmerica, Lusso and Europa, Barbie-pink Mini, International Karate Champion Harley, BMW 501 V8, Pegaso 102, Jaguar XK120R, '31 Cadillac Convertible Coupe, Marco Rigassi's '32 Highboy, a tangerine AMX, and the Schwinn Stingray Super Deluxe and Apple Krate. Other sentimental favorites included the '81 Lancia Zagato, two Subaru SVX sports coupes, two early Mazda RX-7s, and a trio of '80s GM ragtops. It was another fun, family-oriented show that had us smiling about being car people.

All photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio / Weblogs, Inc.

Gallery: 24th Annual Huntington Beach Concours d'Elegance

AB visits the 24th Annual Huntington Beach Concours originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Kerfuffle? What kerfuffle? All Formula 1 teams reportedly sign on for 2010

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 30 May 2009 11:03:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Aston Martin, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Ferrari, Renault

At least for now, disaster seems to have been averted as all ten teams currently taking part in the 2009 Formula 1 championship have signed conditional agreements to take part in the series in 2010. These reportedly hinge on the Formula One Teams Association's ability to reach a mutually-agreeable compromise to the contentious budget cap negotiations currently taking place between the FIA and the teams themselves.

At various points over the last few weeks, powerhouse teams such as Ferrari, Renault, Red Bull, Toyota and Toro Rosso had all threatened to withdraw from the 2010 F1 season due to the FIA's insistence on a $60 million voluntary budget cap, which the competitors say would have resulted in a two-tiered rulebook. Prior to this announcement, Williams had been the only current F1 team to commit to racing next season.

In addition to the ten teams taking part in this year's festivities, Campos Racing from Spain and USF1 from the United States have both signed on for 2010 with Prodrive/Aston Martin and Lola from Britain also waiting in the wings. Now, if we could just keep overly attractive girls from messing with the driver's heads, we'd be all set. Thanks for the tip, Pat!

[Source: The Globe and Mail | Photo: Mark Thompson/Getty Images]

Kerfuffle? What kerfuffle? All Formula 1 teams reportedly sign on for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 30 May 2009 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Aston Martin to join F1 circus in 2012?

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 29 May 2009 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Aston Martin

It looks like GT and Le Mans prototype racing may be just the beginning for Aston Martin. Following an agreement this week with F1 promotions boss, Bernie Ecclestone, Aston Martin could be jumping into the Formula One ranks in 2012. Like Aston's other race programs, it's F1 campaign will be operated by Prodrive, although the team will actually launch in 2010 as the Prodrive team then switch to the automaker's branding two years later.

The new team will apparently cooperate with McLaren-Mercedes, but Prodrive will build the cars at its Banbury factory. The new cars will use customer engines from another manufacturer, but they will wear Aston Martin badging. The team already has two primary sponsors including Aston Martin majority owner Investment Dar. Prodrive boss Dave Richards acknowledged that the deal to enter F1 was only possible because of the budget caps that are being imposed beginning in 2010.

[Source: AutoCar]

Aston Martin to join F1 circus in 2012? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 May 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Aston to field half-dozen V12 Vantage racers at Nürburgring 24

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 23 May 2009 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Aston Martin

Click above for a high-res gallery of the V12 Vantage preparing for the Nürburgring 24-hour race

It started with one lone V8 Vantage, dubbed the N24, that ran the Nürburgring 24-hour race in 2006. Last year, that first racer, a yellow car dubbed "Rose," won class honors in the race. This year, it will be joined by five more Vantages, one of them being the 510 horsepower V12 Vantage introduced in Geneva earlier this year.

Only three of the six cars will be factory efforts. The slightly modified V12 Vantage will be piloted by Aston CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez and three co-drivers, and "Rose" will be driven by another team of three. Privateer entrants will be headed by Richard Kramer, an Austrian Aston dealer whose Vantage N24 is being supported by the factory.

You can read the full press release after the jump, and check out live action from the weekend's qualifying and race at the ADAC site.

Gallery: Aston Martin V12 Vantage at the Ring

[Source: Aston Martin]

Continue reading Aston to field half-dozen V12 Vantage racers at Nürburgring 24

Aston to field half-dozen V12 Vantage racers at Nürburgring 24 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 23 May 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Aston gets social, releases 20 new pics of V12 Vantage on Facebook

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 20 May 2009 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sports/GTs, Euro, Supercars, Aston Martin

Aston Martin V12 Vantage - Click above for an image gallery

Reviews of the Aston Martin V12 Vantage are beginning to pop up around the interwebs and Aston decided to hype up the first drives by releasing an additional 20 photos of its new 510-hp GT through... Facebook. The real-world shots show a few more details of the hopped-up Vantage, including the racy carbon fiber hood vents, suede-lined seats and a eye-catching blood-red interior. Unfortunately, the V12 Vantage isn't headed Stateside, but rest assured, our non-essential organs are finding their way onto Craigslist for an opportunity to drive the new sports coupe abroad. Until that happens, check the gallery below for plenty of beauty shots.

Gallery: Aston Martin V2 Vantage on Facebook

Aston gets social, releases 20 new pics of V12 Vantage on Facebook originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 May 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Spied Aston V12 Vantage Roadster actually a beefed-up V8

Noah Joseph — Thu, 14 May 2009 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertibles, Sports/GTs, Aston Martin, Rumormill

If you saw the recent spy shots of a supposed upcoming Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster and wondered where all the louvers from the coupe went, the answer may be found in newer reports. Sources suggest that rather than a drop-top V12, the thinly-disguised test mule in question is actually a regular V8 Roadster, only wearing an extra body kit to give it a more substantial look.

Whichever reports are correct, we wouldn't be surprised to see a V12 Roadster popping up close to the end of the fixed-roof V12 Vantage's limited production run. But could Aston be up to something with its entry-level eight-cylinder sportscar? Stay tuned. We know soon.

[Source: Auto Express]

REPORT: Spied Aston V12 Vantage Roadster actually a beefed-up V8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 May 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster

Noah Joseph — Wed, 13 May 2009 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Auto Show, Spy Photos, Convertibles, Supercars, Aston Martin

Aston Martin knows how to crank out the variants like few others automakers. With essentially two model lines in production, the British sportscar marque always seems to have another new model to debut. And the next looks to be the V12 Vantage Roadster.

Joining the limited-edition V12 Vantage coupe and its endurance racing counterpart, the muscle-bound drop-top should carry over the 510-hp 6.0-liter twelve, but trade a couple of ticks off the coupe's 4.2-second 0-60 time in exchange for the open-air experience. With barely-disguised test mules already spied, sources suggest the V12 Vantage Roadster is being prepared for its debut at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

[Source: WCF]

Spy Shots: Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 May 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Shaken, Not Stirred: Aston parent company reportedly defaults on $100M Islamic bond

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 12 May 2009 16:40:00 EST

Filed under: Aston Martin, Earnings/Financials

Investment Dar, the Kuwaiti firm that owns part of Aston Martin, has reportedly defaulted on payment for a $100 million Islamic bond that was due on April 27. In the process, Bloomberg says it has become the first Persian Gulf company to default on an Islamic bond.

In December of last year, Dar was considering selling a 20- to 30% stake in Aston Martin in order "to profit financially or technically" it said at the time. It was also trying to refinance its short-term debt, attempting to tap banks for 200 to 300 million Kuwati dinars ($691 million-$1 billion U.S.), the upper end of which being more than Dar paid for its share of Aston Martin in the first place.

According to Bloomberg, Dar remains open to selling peripheral assets to shore up its position and it is working with Credit Suisse to restructure. The investment firm has another big Islamic bond maturing in September, and even though the Kuwaiti government is working with national banks to assist them in the downturn, Dar probably doesn't want to be seen setting a pattern of stumbling. Thanks for the tip, Bo!

[Source: Bloomberg]

Shaken, Not Stirred: Aston parent company reportedly defaults on $100M Islamic bond originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 May 2009 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Protestors to picket Bonhams Aston Martin factory auction this weekend

Noah Joseph — Fri, 08 May 2009 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Auction Action, Aston Martin

While RM Auction is still gearing up for the Leggenae e Passione event at the Ferrari factory in Maranello, rival auction house Bonhams is returning to the Aston Martin Works Service at the old factory in Newport Pagnell for its tenth annual auction of historic Aston Martin and Lagonda automobiles and automobilia. To date, the yearly event has generated a whopping £14 million in sales, and with good reason: The auction always features a tempting array of classic British sportscars and such, and this year will be no different. There will be a 1961 Aston Martin DB4 Series III fetching an estimated £100k ($150k), a 1970 DB6 Vantage Volante worth a projected £350k ($530k) and more. One element this year's auction will have that didn't feature in years past, however, are protesters.

Seriously? At a classic car sale? The enthusiasts will be demonstrating against the proposed construction of a Tesco chain supermarket on the site of the old Aston factory there, which they regard as an historically significant site. Aston Martin Lagonda Limited moved its manufacturing facilities to Gaydon in nearby Warwickshire and stopped assembling new Astons at Newport Pagnell when the last Vanquish rolled off the line there in July 2007. Since then, the site has remained home to the Works Service that maintains and restores old Astons and Lagondas, but prestigious as it is, there's only so much space a classics garage needs. Some 2,000 letters of protest against the construction of the supermarket have been sent to date, but the most enthusiastic among the outraged are set to gather at the site this weekend and put on a little show for some of the company's best customers in the hope that the site may be preserved with more dignity than the frozen food section that's planned instead. For more information on what's in store for this year's auction, follow the jump to the full press release.

[Sources: Aston Martin and Octane]

Continue reading Protestors to picket Bonhams Aston Martin factory auction this weekend

Protestors to picket Bonhams Aston Martin factory auction this weekend originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 May 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Autoblog Podcast #125

Dan Roth — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 18:55:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Government/Legal, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Aston Martin, Chevrolet, Chrysler, LLC., Ford, GM, Opinion/Editorial

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

We're up to a buck and a quarter, and Episode #125 of the Autoblog Podcast is nearly a half-hour of value. Chris, Sam, and Dan jump in and cover a slew of recent topics. To start, Sam recounts his recent drive in a Cruze-based Volt mule. We turn our attention to Ford's stupid mileage tricks with a Fusion Hybrid before moving on to the honoring of Aston Martin's One77 at the Villa D'Este Concorso D'Eleganza. Of course, a big ol' whack of time is taken up by talk about industry happenings, both at GM and Chrysler, before we wrap up by answering some excellent questions from listeners. Hang in there for the full show, and as always, drop us a line at podcast at autoblog dot com, and don't forget our Twitter feed

Follow the jump to subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, add the show to your RSS aggregator... or listen to it right now!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #125

Autoblog Podcast #125 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

First completed Aston Martin One-77 wins Concorso d'Eleganza Design Award

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars, Aston Martin

Aston Martin One-77 - Click above for new images in our high-res gallery

Aston Martin finally took the wraps off the first completed One-77 this past weekend at the Concorso d'Eleganza on the shores of Lake Como and came away with the top design prize at the event. Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez was on hand to show off the car that we saw in skeletal form at the Geneva Motor Show in March. While the aesthetics of this new Aston have drawn decidedly mixed reviews, there is no doubt that it is a striking machine. The huge grille flanked by large air scoops is a departure from the classically beautiful Astons of the last 15 years and even goes well beyond the DBS. However, when considered in the context of its functionality, the appearance makes much more sense. Check out new high-res images released by Aston Martin today of the first completed One-77 in the gallery below.

Gallery: Aston Martin One-77

[Source: Aston Martin]

Continue reading First completed Aston Martin One-77 wins Concorso d'Eleganza Design Award

First completed Aston Martin One-77 wins Concorso d'Eleganza Design Award originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Aston Martin unveils the first completed One-77 in Italy

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 19:40:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars, Aston Martin

Prominently featured on the Aston Martin stand on the first day of this year's Geneva Motor show was the rolling chassis of the very first One-77 prototype. By day two it had been be removed and replaced by the unfortunate Lagonda concept. The chassis had to be returned to the UK so that the bodywork and interior could be added. This week, the finished car had its coming out party on the shores of Italy's Lake Como, home to the rich and famous.

The exterior was no surprise since we had already seen the styling buck and renderings, but this was the first time the finished interior had been shown. No doubt purchasers of the 77 examples will all have the opportunity to customize the finish, materials and color combinations before Aston Martin begins deliveries late this year. Hopefully, our friends at Aston Martin will give us the opportunity to take one for a spin before they're all gone. Thanks to Jayho for the tip!

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Aston Martin One-77 in depth

[Source: OmniAuto]

Aston Martin unveils the first completed One-77 in Italy originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 25 Apr 2009 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Aston Martin taking on the Nürburgring 24-Hour enduro in V12 Vantage

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Aston Martin

Aston Martin V12 Vantage - Click above for a high-res image

Aston Martin is returning to the grid for the 37th ADAC Nürburgring 24-hour race, and joining "Rose" - the yellow V8 Vantage that's clocked over 20,000 miles on the track and campaigned in every enduro since 2006 - will be Aston's latest model, the V12 Vantage.

According to Aston, the Nordschleife-bound V12 didn't need much in the way of modifications to make it ready for race day. The Vantage underwent a weight reduction program primarily comprised of ditching its luxurious interior in favor of a full roll cage and the required safety equipment, along with a re-tuned suspension and Pirelli P Zero Circuit Racing slicks. Otherwise, the 510-hp V12 powerplant remains unchanged and the bodywork is the same as the production model due to go on sale later this year.

This will be AM's fourth consecutive campaign at the Nürburgring, and joining some of the company's engineering team behind the wheel will be Aston Martin's CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez. The race gets underway on May 23, and if you want more information about the race, you can check out the ADAC website and Aston's press release below the fold.

Continue reading Aston Martin taking on the Nürburgring 24-Hour enduro in V12 Vantage

Aston Martin taking on the Nürburgring 24-Hour enduro in V12 Vantage originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Formula Shuffle: Lola, Aston Martin reportedly considering F1 entries; Mercedes to leave?

Noah Joseph — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 09:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Aston Martin, Mercedes-Benz

A string of reports over the past couple of days are emerging to paint a picture of a potentially huge reshuffle of the Formula One grid and the players involved as early as next season. The FIA and the teams are planning another round of regulation changes to further curb costs in F1, but while that might entice some, for others it could be too little too late.

First up to bat is Mercedes-Benz, which owns 40% of the McLaren team and supplies engines to both it and to Force India. Officials admit that in the current economic climate, the German automaker may have to shut down its F1 program, although remaining in the sport solely as an engine supplier (in other words, severing its remaining ties with McLaren) remains an option.

Meanwhile, several potential new teams are reportedly lining up at the turnstiles at the promise of a more cost-effective formula for next year. One key player is Aston Martin, which is pursuing overall victory in the LMP1 class of Le Mans racing this year after achieving dominance of the GT classes over years past. The company, and more specifically its racing team, is run by David Richards, who once headed Honda's F1 team and has been keen to get back into F1 despite previous assertions that he would not be rushing Aston Martin onto the grid. In the meantime, Lola has announced that it is starting development on its own F1 chassis with an eye towards returning to the grid next season. The British manufacturer competed in F1 during the Sixties under various banners before aborting an attempt to return in 1997. Although Lola makes the chassis which Aston Martin is running in the Le Mans Series this year, so far reports are not suggesting that the two could team up for a joint grand prix venture.

The reduced budgets promised for next year could entice some GP2 teams to move up to F1 as well, however by this point in the season the FIA would usually have announced the regulations for next season so that teams could begin development of their cars for next year.

[Source: F1-Live | Image: Toshifumi Kitamura/AFP/Getty]

Formula Shuffle: Lola, Aston Martin reportedly considering F1 entries; Mercedes to leave? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Apr 2009 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Aston Martin Rapide nears production, first official image released

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 12:33:00 EST

Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Aston Martin

Aston Martin Rapide - Click above to enlarge

The Aston Martin Rapide edges ever closer to production as a new image has just been released by the now-independent automaker. As was obvious from all the spy photos seen over this past year, Aston has retained much of the 2006 concept's original look. However, there are some details that have changed. Judging from this image, it appears that the sedan's shoulder now has a sharper crease than the original. A convex ridge now extends back from the front fender vents into the leading edge of the back doors.

One of the most obvious competitors to the Rapide is the new Porsche Panamera, and while the two cars share much in concept, they have diverged greatly in styling. Porsche went for function over form, ensuring that adult-sized rear passengers can fit comfortably and see out of the car. The sweeping greenhouse of the Aston looks like it might leave a tighter, more claustrophobic rear compartment. Also, Porsche calls the Panamera a gran turismo while Aston calls the Rapide a four-door sports car, an appellation far more fitting here than on a Nissan Maxima.

The 470-hp V12-powered Rapide will be built at a Magna Steyr factory in Graz, Austria starting late in 2009. Check out Aston Martin's press release after the jump.

[Source: Aston Martin]

Continue reading Aston Martin Rapide nears production, first official image released

Aston Martin Rapide nears production, first official image released originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Apr 2009 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Aston Martin LMP1 debuts at Le Mans Series season-opener in Catalunya [SPOILER ALERT]

Noah Joseph — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Aston Martin

European Le Mans Series, Catalunya 2009 - Click above for image gallery

Ambition is good. Ambition backed by competence is better. Aston Martin Racing would appear to have both.

Since landing on the endurance racing scene in 2005 with a victory in its first race, the competition arm of the venerable British sportscar-maker has become an indomitable force, taking victory in the GT1 category at Le Mans two years in a row and expanding into every other GT class along the way. But AMR wasn't satisfied with class wins, so for this year, David Richards and company took aim at the diesel-burning big boys from Audi and Peugeot by entering the Le Mans Prototype Class with a DBR9-powered Lola chassis in partnership with Charouz Racing Systems. The Gulf-liveried Astons were unveiled less than a month ago, but made their racing debut this past weekend in Spain at the 1000 km of Catalunya, the season-opener to the European Le Mans Series. Follow the jump to read how it all unfolded.

Gallery: European Le Mans Series - Catalunya 2009

Continue reading Aston Martin LMP1 debuts at Le Mans Series season-opener in Catalunya [SPOILER ALERT]

Aston Martin LMP1 debuts at Le Mans Series season-opener in Catalunya [SPOILER ALERT] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Production Lagonda may not be a crossover after all?

Noah Joseph — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: SUVs, Geneva Motor Show, Crossovers/CUVs, Aston Martin, Rumormill

Aston Martin Lagonda Concept - Click above for high-res gallery

When Aston Martin took the veil off its Lagonda concept last month in Geneva, some were surprised to find a crossover-utility vehicle sitting in front of them. So you might be forgiven for assuming that when the reborn Lagonda eventually comes to market, it would take the same form. Especially since reports have already surfaced on the platform it will use. But according to new reports, the serial Lagonda will be anything but.

With the production model not expected to hit the market until 2012, Aston's got enough time on its hands to start over, which may not be such a bad idea considering the decidedly chilly reception the crossover concept was treated to at its Geneva Motor Show debut. A second concept Lagonda is tipped to be in the works, likely in sedan form, so stay tuned.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Aston Martin Lagonda Concept

[Source: Autotelegraaf via Motor Authority]

Production Lagonda may not be a crossover after all? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments