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<generator>Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/</generator><item><title><![CDATA[Elite LMV-R brings the heat to Aston Martin]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/05/elite-lmv-r-brings-the-heat-to-aston-martin/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/05/elite-lmv-r-brings-the-heat-to-aston-martin/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/05/elite-lmv-r-brings-the-heat-to-aston-martin/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/aftermarket/" rel="tag">Aftermarket</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/" rel="tag">Coupe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/aston-martin/" rel="tag">Aston Martin</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/elite-aston-martin-vantage-lvm-r/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/vantage_lvmr.jpg" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><small style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">The Elite LMV/R -- Click above for high-res image gallery</small><br /></div>
<br />The <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/14/aston-martin-racing-reveals-new-vantage-gt4-to-replace-n24/">Aston Martin Vantage GT4</a> might be worthy on the track, but what if you want a lightened, hardened Vantage for the street, &agrave; la Lamborghini's Gallardo Superleggera and Ferrari's F430 Scuderia? Then you have Elite to thank for this, the LMV/R. The car is lightened with the use of carbon fiber body panels and interior kit, widened with bespoke fenders, and given a Galpin Motorsports-esque wheel and tuning treatement.<br /><br />They don't get any extra power, however. If it's any consolation, there will only be thirty of them - but each one will cost a fortune: $173,000 <span style="font-style: italic;">plus</span> the cost of a Vantage. You can read all about the Florida-built car after the jump, and check it out in the gallery of high-res photos below.<br /><br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/elite-aston-martin-vantage-lvm-r/low/">Elite Aston Martin Vantage LVM/R</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/elite-aston-martin-vantage-lvm-r/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/01_amv8_lvmr_elite_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/elite-aston-martin-vantage-lvm-r/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/02_amv8_lvmr_elite_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/elite-aston-martin-vantage-lvm-r/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/03_amv8_lvmr_elite_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />[Source: <a href="http://www.prostores.exotica-motorsports.com/stores/cart.php?target=product&amp;product_id=1685&amp;category_id=196">Exotica Motorsports</a>]<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/05/elite-lmv-r-brings-the-heat-to-aston-martin/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Elite LMV-R brings the heat to Aston Martin</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/05/elite-lmv-r-brings-the-heat-to-aston-martin/">Elite LMV-R brings the heat to Aston Martin</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 13:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.prostores.exotica-motorsports.com/stores/cart.php?target=product&amp;product_id=1685&amp;category_id=196>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/05/elite-lmv-r-brings-the-heat-to-aston-martin/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19119185/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/05/elite-lmv-r-brings-the-heat-to-aston-martin/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>aftermarket</category><category>aston martin v8 vantage</category><category>aston martin vantage</category><category>AstonMartinV8Vantage</category><category>AstonMartinVantage</category><category>coupe</category><category>elite lmvr</category><category>EliteLmvr</category><category>performance</category><category>tuner</category><category>v8 vantage</category><category>V8Vantage</category><category>vantage</category><category>vantage elite lmvr</category><category>VantageEliteLmvr</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jonathon Ramsey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 05 Aug 2009 13:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[BREAKING: <i>Top Gear</i> not dead [w/VIDEO]]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/04/breaking-i-top-gear-i-not-dead-w-video/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/04/breaking-i-top-gear-i-not-dead-w-video/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/04/breaking-i-top-gear-i-not-dead-w-video/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/" rel="tag">Coupe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/etc/" rel="tag">Etc.</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/videos/" rel="tag">Videos</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/aston-martin/" rel="tag">Aston Martin</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/uk/" rel="tag">UK</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/celebrities/" rel="tag">Celebrities</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/04/breaking-i-top-gear-i-not-dead/"><img hspace="4" border="1" vspace="4" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/jezza-aston-vantage-v12-630.jpg" alt="" /></a><br />
<div align="center"><small style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Jeremy Clarkson waxes euphoric about the Aston Martin V12 Vantage - <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/04/breaking-i-top-gear-i-not-dead/">Click above</a> to watch the video</small></div>
<br />
Internet rumors are a funny thing. Back during the last presidential campaign, 10% of voters polled thought Barack Obama was a Muslim... until his campaign staffers came out and denied he was a Muslim. Then 14% of us thought he was a Muslim. And you can see the same thing happening with another bout of "<em>Top Gear</em> is dead!" rumormongering. Seriously folks, the <em>"TG</em> is dead" gossip that accompanies the end of every single season is getting just as old as "Will Brett Favre come out of retirement?" Both have surpassed the point of story and are now borderline ritual. Actually, it's looking like this year, Favre's staying on the farm down in Mississippi. Which makes the <em>Top Gear</em> rumors even more annoying.<br />
<br />
The last segment of the last episode of Season 13 showed an uncharacteristically toned down Clarkson waxing extra-poetic about the Aston Martin V12 Vantage and how he fears that because of environmental worries, the busted global economy and the particularly British "War On Speed," that the days of the supercar are finished. As a result, he seems a bit sad. So sad, in fact, that many around the globe (and especially those at their keyboards) started in with the inevitable, "<em>Top Gear</em> is dead" refrain. Well, that and James May might have been seen crossing a street not wearing any shoes. But guess what? Everyone's favorite car show is coming back for a 14th season.<br />
<br />
According to both <a href="http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/2569646/Jeremy-Clarkson-Top-Gear-will-return.html"><em>The Sun</em></a> and some website called <a href="http://transmission.blogs.topgear.com/2009/08/03/the-end-of-top-gear/"><em>Top Gear</em></a>, Jezza, Hammond and May are going no where. Says Clarkson, "I can assure everyone I'll be back in November doing <em>Top Gear</em>. We're filming the next series and already have several things in the can. I couldn't think of anything I'd want to do more." So you heard it here first - <em>Top Gear</em> Season 14 starts in November. Amazing what a bit of research can do, no? <br />
<br />
Speaking of which - we unearthed Clarkson's <a href="http://www.topgear.com/us/features/more/driven-hard-aston-martin-v12-vantage/">actual review</a> of the V12 Vantage. And much unlike the three sentences he said about the car for the now infamous segment, Jeremy didn't like Aston Martin very much at all. See, Jeremy thinks that the real top Aston is the DBS. But it costs $269,000. Now, the V12 Vantage goes for $209,000, but is the new car 99% of the DBS for $60,000 less? Says Jezza, "I was pondering this earlier on today while blasting down a sun-flickered Cotswold road in my wife's 4.7-liter V8 Vantage convertible. And then the obvious answer hit me: The car I'd buy is the one I was in." Indeed. For those interested parties, the notorious video is posted <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/04/breaking-i-top-gear-i-not-dead/">after the jump</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/aston-martin-v12-vantage/low/">Aston Martin V12 Vantage</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/aston-martin-v12-vantage/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/05_astonv12vantage_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/aston-martin-v12-vantage/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/01_astonv12vantage_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/aston-martin-v12-vantage/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/02_astonv12vantage_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/aston-martin-v12-vantage/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/03_astonv12vantage_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/aston-martin-v12-vantage/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/04_astonv12vantage_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />
[Sources: <a href="http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/2569646/Jeremy-Clarkson-Top-Gear-will-return.html">The Sun</a>; <a href="http://transmission.blogs.topgear.com/2009/08/03/the-end-of-top-gear/">Top Gear</a>]<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/04/breaking-i-top-gear-i-not-dead-w-video/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>BREAKING: <i>Top Gear</i> not dead [w/VIDEO]</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/04/breaking-i-top-gear-i-not-dead-w-video/">BREAKING: <i>Top Gear</i> not dead [w/VIDEO]</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 13:28:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/04/breaking-i-top-gear-i-not-dead-w-video/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19118841/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/04/breaking-i-top-gear-i-not-dead-w-video/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>Aston Martin</category><category>Aston Martin DBS</category><category>Aston Martin V12 Vantage</category><category>Aston Marting Vantage</category><category>AstonMartin</category><category>AstonMartinDbs</category><category>AstonMartingVantage</category><category>AstonMartinV12Vantage</category><category>BBC</category><category>Brett Favre</category><category>BrettFavre</category><category>James May</category><category>JamesMay</category><category>Jeremy Clarkson</category><category>JeremyClarkson</category><category>Jezza</category><category>Richard Hammond</category><category>RichardHammond</category><category>Top Gear</category><category>TopGear</category><category>V12 Vantage</category><category>V12Vantage</category><category>Vantage</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jonny Lieberman]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 04 Aug 2009 13:28:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Aston Martin taking on the NÃ¼rburgring 24-Hour enduro in V12 Vantage]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/24/aston-martin-taking-on-the-nurburgring-24-hour-enduro-in-v12-van/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/24/aston-martin-taking-on-the-nurburgring-24-hour-enduro-in-v12-van/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/24/aston-martin-taking-on-the-nurburgring-24-hour-enduro-in-v12-van/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/motorsports/" rel="tag">Motorsports</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/aston-martin/" rel="tag">Aston Martin</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/aston-maritn-v12-vantage-nurburgring-24-hour-race/1516428/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/04/57530ast-580op.jpg" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><small>Aston Martin V12 Vantage - Click above for a high-res image</small></span><br /></div>
<br />Aston Martin is returning to the grid for the 37th ADAC N&uuml;rburgring 24-hour race, and joining "Rose" - the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/19/iron-man-aston-martin-v8-vantage-completes-nurburgring-24-in-pr/">yellow V8 Vantage</a> that's clocked over 20,000 miles on the track and campaigned in every enduro since 2006 - will be Aston's latest model, the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/05/geneva-2009-aston-martin-v12-vantage/">V12 Vantage</a>.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />This will be AM's fourth consecutive campaign at the N&uuml;rburgring, 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 <a href="http://adac.24h-rennen.de/en.html">ADAC website</a> and Aston's press release below the fold.<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/24/aston-martin-taking-on-the-nurburgring-24-hour-enduro-in-v12-van/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Aston Martin taking on the NÃ¼rburgring 24-Hour enduro in V12 Vantage</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/24/aston-martin-taking-on-the-nurburgring-24-hour-enduro-in-v12-van/">Aston Martin taking on the NÃ¼rburgring 24-Hour enduro in V12 Vantage</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 16:28:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/24/aston-martin-taking-on-the-nurburgring-24-hour-enduro-in-v12-van/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1527328/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/24/aston-martin-taking-on-the-nurburgring-24-hour-enduro-in-v12-van/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>24 hour</category><category>24-hour</category><category>24Hour</category><category>37th ADAC Nurburgring 24-hour race</category><category>37thAdacNurburgring24-hourRace</category><category>aston martin</category><category>aston martin v12 vantage</category><category>AstonMartin</category><category>AstonMartinV12Vantage</category><category>nurburgring</category><category>v12</category><category>v12 vantage</category><category>V12Vantage</category><category>vantage</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Damon Lavrinc]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2009 16:28:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Geneva Preview: Aston Martin V12 Vantage revealed]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/03/geneva-preview-aston-martin-v12-vantage-revealed/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/03/geneva-preview-aston-martin-v12-vantage-revealed/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/03/geneva-preview-aston-martin-v12-vantage-revealed/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/geneva-motor-show/" rel="tag">Geneva Motor Show</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/supercars/" rel="tag">Supercars</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/aston-martin/" rel="tag">Aston Martin</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/aston-martin-v12-vantage/1334301/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/02/56921ast_580op.jpg" alt="" /></a><br />
<div align="center"><em><strong><small>Click above for a high-res gallery of the Aston Martin V12 Vantage</small></strong></em><br /></div>
<br />The Aston Martin V12 Vantage has arrived and yes, you want one. Evolving the styling and engineering exercise <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/11/breaking-aston-martin-shoehorns-v12-into-vantage-rs/">Aston unveiled in 2007</a> and set for a <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/GenevaMotorShow/">Geneva Motor Show</a> debut, the blokes Gaydon claim the V12 Vantage is the most driver-focused sports car the automaker has ever produced.<br /><br />Power is provided by a 6.0-liter V12 putting out 510 hp at 6,500 rpm and 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 5,750 rpm. The Vantage's new-found grunt is sent through a carbon fiber driveshaft to a rear-mounted six-speed manual gearbox. The transmission benefits from an oil cooler and a new rear diffuser helps cool the standard limited slip differential. Aston claims a 0-60 time of 4.1 seconds and top speed of 190 mph.<br /><br />Independent double wishbones are mounted fore and aft, while six-piston calipers squeeze 398mm (15.67-inch) carbon ceramic discs in front and four-piston units clamp down on 360 mm (14.17-inch) ceramic rotors in the rear. The front wheels measure 19x9-inches and the rears 19x11-inches, each wrapped in Pirelli P Zero Corsa rubber sized 255/35 and 295/30, respectively.<br /><br />Inside, carbon fiber door pulls join a host of standard features, while lightweight, carbon-kevlar seats, personalized sill plates and a premium audio system are optional.<br /><br />The V12 Vantage features spring rates 80% stiffer in front and 45% stiffer in the rear, allowing the coupe to hit up to 1.3 lateral gs. The V12 mill weighs almost 200 pounds more than the V8, but after the Aston got done tweaking the Vantage, the overall increase was a paltry 110 pounds. Pricing hasn't been announced, but expect each of the 1,000 V12 Vantages Aston plans to produce to fetch a princely sum.<em> All the details are available in the press release below the fold.</em><br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/aston-martin-v12-vantage/low/">Aston Martin V12 Vantage</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/aston-martin-v12-vantage/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/05_astonv12vantage_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/aston-martin-v12-vantage/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/01_astonv12vantage_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/aston-martin-v12-vantage/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/02_astonv12vantage_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/aston-martin-v12-vantage/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/03_astonv12vantage_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/aston-martin-v12-vantage/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/04_astonv12vantage_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/03/geneva-preview-aston-martin-v12-vantage-revealed/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Geneva Preview: Aston Martin V12 Vantage revealed</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/03/geneva-preview-aston-martin-v12-vantage-revealed/">Geneva Preview: Aston Martin V12 Vantage revealed</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Tue, 03 Feb 2009 20:17:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/03/geneva-preview-aston-martin-v12-vantage-revealed/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1449455/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/03/geneva-preview-aston-martin-v12-vantage-revealed/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>aston</category><category>aston martin</category><category>aston martin v12 vantage</category><category>AstonMartin</category><category>AstonMartinV12Vantage</category><category>breaking</category><category>geneva</category><category>geneva 2009</category><category>geneva motor show</category><category>Geneva2009</category><category>GenevaMotorShow</category><category>martin</category><category>v12</category><category>vantage</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Damon Lavrinc]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2009 20:17:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Aston Martin to move further upmarket?]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/21/aston-martin-to-move-further-upmarket/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/21/aston-martin-to-move-further-upmarket/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/21/aston-martin-to-move-further-upmarket/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/" rel="tag">Coupe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/supercars/" rel="tag">Supercars</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/aston-martin/" rel="tag">Aston Martin</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/first-drive-2009-aston-martin-v8-vantage/933554/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt=""  src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/15_astonmartin_v8_vant_fd_opt.jpg" /></a><br />
<div align="center"><em><strong><small>Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage</small></strong></em><br /></div>
<br />Such is the logic of luxury economics: charge tens of thousands of dollars more for the same product, sell fewer of them and boost the balance sheet and your brand's long-term viability. That is what Aston Martin's considering for the next phase of its business plan, which runs from roughly 2011 to 2019 and will see the launch of DB9 and Vantage successors, the Rapide, and the renewed <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/10/aston-martins-lagonda-s-class-fighter-coming-in-2012/">Lagonda</a> brand.<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/29/first-drive-2009-aston-martin-v8-vantage/">Vantage</a> and DB9 are big sellers for Aston, but the company might be unsure of how to sustain the momentum. One option is to move the price of the $113,000 Vantage closer to the $171,000 DB9, and move that latter car closer to the $265,000 DBS, sell fewer of them but make more money. The DB9 does strike us as a (relative) bargain - it's cheaper than a Bentley GT -- but pricing the Vantage closer to the DB9 would seem to wreck its business case as a 911 fighter. Another option could be to replace the Vantage or DB9 with a mid-engined sports car, which could be drool-worthy and well worth the price bump... but perhaps un-Aston-like.<br /><br />AutoWeek also appears to report that the One-77 <em>isn't</em> sold out, writing "Although Aston has said that it would make a maximum of 77 cars, insiders privately say the market is closer to 25." We don't know how that could be, unless a bunch of the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/14/aston-martin-one-77-already-sold-out-and-then-some/">100 people who applied to buy</a> the car were just kidding... <br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/first-drive-2009-aston-martin-v8-vantage/low/">First Drive: 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/first-drive-2009-aston-martin-v8-vantage/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/07/01_astonmartin_v8_vant_fd_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/first-drive-2009-aston-martin-v8-vantage/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/07/02_astonmartin_v8_vant_fd_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/first-drive-2009-aston-martin-v8-vantage/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/07/03_astonmartin_v8_vant_fd_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/first-drive-2009-aston-martin-v8-vantage/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/07/04_astonmartin_v8_vant_fd_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/first-drive-2009-aston-martin-v8-vantage/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/07/05_astonmartin_v8_vant_fd_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />[Source: <a href="http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081020/FREE/810179994/1023/CARNEWS">AutoWeek</a>]<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/21/aston-martin-to-move-further-upmarket/">Aston Martin to move further upmarket?</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Tue, 21 Oct 2008 17:29:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081020/FREE/810179994/1023/CARNEWS>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/21/aston-martin-to-move-further-upmarket/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1348595/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/21/aston-martin-to-move-further-upmarket/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>aston martin</category><category>aston martin db9</category><category>aston martin lagonda</category><category>aston martin rapide</category><category>aston martin v8 vantage</category><category>AstonMartin</category><category>AstonMartinDb9</category><category>AstonMartinLagonda</category><category>AstonMartinRapide</category><category>AstonMartinV8Vantage</category><category>coupes</category><category>db9</category><category>future plans</category><category>future product</category><category>FuturePlans</category><category>FutureProduct</category><category>lagonda</category><category>rapide</category><category>sports cars</category><category>SportsCars</category><category>supercars</category><category>v8 vantage</category><category>V8Vantage</category><category>vantage</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jonathon Ramsey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 21 Oct 2008 17:29:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Aston Martin upgrades the V8 Vantage for 2009]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/23/aston-martin-upgrades-the-v8-vantage-for-2009/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/23/aston-martin-upgrades-the-v8-vantage-for-2009/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/23/aston-martin-upgrades-the-v8-vantage-for-2009/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/" rel="tag">Coupe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/aston-martin/" rel="tag">Aston Martin</a></p><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/aston-martin-v8-vantage/657969/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/05/v8vantage2009.jpg" alt="" /></a><br /><em>Click above for a high resolution gallery of the V8 Vantage</em></p>
<p>Not one to settle, Aston Martin is giving its V8 Vantage a host of upgrades for 2009 highlighted by a larger V8 engine with more power. Originally displacing 4.3 liters, the V8 has been bored and stroked to 4.7 liters for an 11% increase in power to 420 bhp and a 15% increase in torque to 347 lb-ft. Despite these changes, fuel economy has been improved by 13%. Both optional transmissions have been upgraded as well, with the 6-speed manual getting a modified clutch and flywheel, and the Sportshift automatic has been programmed to provide smoother shifts. The suspension has been slightly revised with slightly stiffer spring rates, improved steering geometry, and stiffer bushings in the front suspension to improve handling. The interior has been revamped with a new center console finished in graphite silver as well as an ECU that replaces the standard key. Thankfully the Vantage's beautiful lines have remained untouched, although new 19-inch wheels are available. </p>
<p>Full details on the 2009 upgrades to the V8 Vantage can be found in the press release after the jump.</p>
<p><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/aston-martin-v8-vantage/low/">Aston Martin V8 Vantage</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/aston-martin-v8-vantage/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/12/56626ast_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/aston-martin-v8-vantage/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/02/action41_46456a44-942d-4888-a300-f80473dbb2d3_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/aston-martin-v8-vantage/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/02/static11_cdb49a00-7861-43b6-82b1-b3984a927f51_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/aston-martin-v8-vantage/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/02/v8_vantage_action09_587b6ae3-ad66-4559-a5f8-92fdb200d2b8_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/aston-martin-v8-vantage/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/02/v8_vantage_static01_6102c41e-c2a2-47b4-8f02-352f28d76fe1_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />[Source: Aston Martin]</p><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/23/aston-martin-upgrades-the-v8-vantage-for-2009/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Aston Martin upgrades the V8 Vantage for 2009</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/23/aston-martin-upgrades-the-v8-vantage-for-2009/">Aston Martin upgrades the V8 Vantage for 2009</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Fri, 23 May 2008 10:33:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/23/aston-martin-upgrades-the-v8-vantage-for-2009/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1202949/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/23/aston-martin-upgrades-the-v8-vantage-for-2009/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>2009</category><category>2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage</category><category>2009 Aston Martin Vantage</category><category>2009AstonMartinV8Vantage</category><category>2009AstonMartinVantage</category><category>Aston Martin</category><category>Aston Martin V8 Vantage</category><category>Aston Martin Vantage</category><category>AstonMartin</category><category>AstonMartinV8Vantage</category><category>AstonMartinVantage</category><category>V8</category><category>Vantage</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Drew Phillips]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 23 May 2008 10:33:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Pics Aplenty: Aston Martin Racing Vantage GT2]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/28/aston-martin-racing-vantage-gt2-unveiled/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/28/aston-martin-racing-vantage-gt2-unveiled/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/28/aston-martin-racing-vantage-gt2-unveiled/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/motorsports/" rel="tag">Motorsports</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/" rel="tag">Coupe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/aston-martin/" rel="tag">Aston Martin</a></p><em><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/aston-martin-vantage-gt2/724680/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/03/amvantagegt2_metal_03_lo.jpg" alt="" /></a><br />Click image for a hi-res gallery of the Vantage GT2</em><br /><br /><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/aston-martin-vantage-gt2/724984/"><img width="250" vspace="4" hspace="4" height="167" border="1" align="right" alt="Aston Martin Vantage GT2" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/03/zamvantagegt2_blackl_12vlo.jpg" /></a>The flexfuel-compatible <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/04/aston-martin-racing-releases-sketch-of-vantage-gt2/">Aston Martin Vantage GT2</a> that we first reported on back in January has finally been captured in the photo studio. Not surprisingly, it's a looker. After all, the Vantage is a car that activates the pheromones in many a gearhead. Making it Le Mans Series-worthy just piles on the awesome. The car makes its competition debut for James Watt Automotive on April 5 in the European Le Mans series at Barcelona, and it's also good to go for ALMS if any teams decide to take the plunge. Without further ado, have a look for yourself. We like the subtle Gulf colors -- who knew orange lipstick could be so pretty? If baby blue and orange doesn't do it for you, check out the menacing black car that participated in the Paul Ricard test session with the rest of the Aston racers. The phrase, "It's all good" applies here. <br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/aston-martin-vantage-gt2/low/">Aston Martin Vantage GT2</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/aston-martin-vantage-gt2/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/03/amvantagegt2_metal_01_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/aston-martin-vantage-gt2/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/03/amvantagegt2_metal_02_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/aston-martin-vantage-gt2/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/03/amvantagegt2_metal_03_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/aston-martin-vantage-gt2/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/03/amvantagegt2_metal_04_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/aston-martin-vantage-gt2/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/03/zamvantagegt2_blackl_12_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />[Source: Aston Martin Racing]<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/28/aston-martin-racing-vantage-gt2-unveiled/">Pics Aplenty: Aston Martin Racing Vantage GT2</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Fri, 28 Mar 2008 19:56:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/28/aston-martin-racing-vantage-gt2-unveiled/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1152005/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/28/aston-martin-racing-vantage-gt2-unveiled/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>aston martin racing</category><category>aston martin vantage GT2</category><category>AstonMartinRacing</category><category>AstonMartinVantageGt2</category><category>breaking</category><category>vantage</category><category>vantage gt2</category><category>VantageGt2</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Alex Nunez]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 28 Mar 2008 19:56:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[BREAKING: Aston Martin shoehorns V12 into Vantage RS]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/11/breaking-aston-martin-shoehorns-v12-into-vantage-rs/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/11/breaking-aston-martin-shoehorns-v12-into-vantage-rs/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/11/breaking-aston-martin-shoehorns-v12-into-vantage-rs/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/conceptcars/" rel="tag">Concept Cars</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/supercars/" rel="tag">Supercars</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/aston-martin/" rel="tag">Aston Martin</a></p><strong>UPDATE:</strong> <em>New <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/aston-martin-v12-vantage-rs-concept/">high-res gallery of images</a> added</em><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/aston-martin-v12-vantage-rs-concept/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/12/v12-vantagers.jpg" /></a>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="float: left; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 7px;"> <script> var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/autos/Aston_Martin_shoehorns_V12_into_its_Vantage_Pure_Porn'; </script> <script src="http://digg.com/api/diggthis.js"></script></span>Good keeps getting better over at Aston Martin, who never seem to tire of making their sports cars faster and faster. The latest in the speed wars from their new headquarters in Gaydon is this adrenaline-dripping special-edition V12 Vantage RS.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/aston-martin-v12-vantage-rs-concept/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="right" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/12/v12-vantagers-int1.jpg" /></a>Into what could very well prove to be the fastest, hottest Aston Martin yet, the newly independent British automaker has dropped the V12 reactor not from the recently demised Vanquish, nofrom the road-going DB9 or <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/11/0james-bond-keeps-his-aston-martin-dbs/">Bond-tastic DBS</a> derivative, but from the DBRS9 race car. With somewhere in the neighborhood of 600 horsepower (!) pushing 3500 lbs, the V12 Vantage RS is anticipated to clock a 0-60 time in the 3's on its way to a 200-mph top speed. Performance target: Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano. That's highly ambitious, considering that the Fiorano is widely acclaimed as one of the most competent supercars on the planet, but with that kind of juice in such a brilliant package as the Vantage's, it might not be so far-fetched.</p>
<p>At the time of writing, <em>AutoWeek</em> was the only source carrying the information, and we hope to have more details soon on the special Vantage which was unveiled earlier today on the occasion of the company's new <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/11/aston-martin-building-new-design-center/">design center</a>. Although it was launched as a concept, sources suggest it could very well find its way into limited production and slot into the Aston Martin line-up above the current flagship DBS. We certainly hope so.</p>
<p>[Source: AutoWeek]</p>
<p><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/aston-martin-v12-vantage-rs-concept/low/">Aston Martin V12 Vantage RS Concept</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/aston-martin-v12-vantage-rs-concept/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/12/_mb-am-17468_4f766d4a-5292-4de7-bb56-740f5dca4ffd_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/aston-martin-v12-vantage-rs-concept/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/12/_mb-am17293_39bde09d-6142-44a4-a51b-737552a1565d_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/aston-martin-v12-vantage-rs-concept/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/12/_mb_am-17345_27fefb1f-b580-4962-a933-2ad035f58a4b_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/aston-martin-v12-vantage-rs-concept/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/12/_mb_am-17353_c095e99d-8974-4c7d-9453-b99a327e39c4_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/aston-martin-v12-vantage-rs-concept/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/12/_mb_am-17373_154d2ddb-d9a3-443b-a47b-4fe6a2a0fdf5_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br /></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/11/breaking-aston-martin-shoehorns-v12-into-vantage-rs/">BREAKING: Aston Martin shoehorns V12 into Vantage RS</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Tue, 11 Dec 2007 11:22:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071211/FREE/71211004/1506/FREE&amp;rssfeed=rss01>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/11/breaking-aston-martin-shoehorns-v12-into-vantage-rs/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1060039/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/11/breaking-aston-martin-shoehorns-v12-into-vantage-rs/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>aston martin</category><category>AstonMartin</category><category>breaking</category><category>concept</category><category>debut</category><category>edition</category><category>gaydon</category><category>launch</category><category>limited</category><category>special</category><category>v12 vantage rs</category><category>V12VantageRs</category><category>vantage</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Noah Joseph]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 11 Dec 2007 11:22:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Aston Martin &amp; Prodrive working on V8 Vantage GT2]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/16/aston-martin-and-prodrive-working-on-v8-vantage-gt2/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/16/aston-martin-and-prodrive-working-on-v8-vantage-gt2/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/16/aston-martin-and-prodrive-working-on-v8-vantage-gt2/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/motorsports/" rel="tag">Motorsports</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/aston-martin/" rel="tag">Aston Martin</a></p><a href="http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071114/FREE/71114009/1566/FREE&amp;rssfeed=rss01"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/aston-dbr9-dbrs9-n24.jpg" /></a><br /><br />When will it be enough? "Never" could very well be the answer for David Richards, the head of racing freelancers Prodrive and chairman of Aston Martin. The two companies under his thumb have been collaborating on the campaigning of Aston Martin racing cars in a growing number of endurance sports car competition classes in recent years. The DBR9, DBRS9 and Vantage N24 have been ripping it up in the FIA GT1, GT3 and GT4 classes, but as you may have noticed, the Aston Martin racing program lacks a car to enter in the GT2 level. Prodrive and Aston are planning to plug that hole and strive for an eclipsing domination of sports car racing with a GT2 racer based on the V8 Vantage.<br /><br />A mule is currently undergoing testing, having run laps around the MIRA test track in England, up the hill at Goodwood, and was set for more work this week at a Michelin tire test in Spain. That most recent test session, according to Prodrive's Aston racing program, will give them a better idea about the project's future.<br /><br />The prospect of another Aston Martin hopped up on steroids and storming the track has got us watering at the mouth, so watch this space for more news.<br /><br />[Source: AutoWeek]<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/16/aston-martin-and-prodrive-working-on-v8-vantage-gt2/">Aston Martin &amp; Prodrive working on V8 Vantage GT2</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Fri, 16 Nov 2007 13:33:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071114/FREE/71114009/1566/FREE&amp;rssfeed=rss01>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/16/aston-martin-and-prodrive-working-on-v8-vantage-gt2/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1039958/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/16/aston-martin-and-prodrive-working-on-v8-vantage-gt2/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>aston</category><category>gt</category><category>gt2</category><category>le mans</category><category>LeMans</category><category>martin</category><category>racing</category><category>test</category><category>v8</category><category>vantage</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Noah Joseph]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 16 Nov 2007 13:33:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Frankfurt 2007: Waiting for our inheritance, Part 1 - Aston Martin Vantage N400]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/11/frankfurt-2007-waiting-for-our-inheritance-part-1-aston-mart/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/11/frankfurt-2007-waiting-for-our-inheritance-part-1-aston-mart/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/11/frankfurt-2007-waiting-for-our-inheritance-part-1-aston-mart/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/frankfurt-auto-show/" rel="tag">Frankfurt Motor Show</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/motorsports/" rel="tag">Motorsports</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/aston-martin/" rel="tag">Aston Martin</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/aston-martin-n400-v8-vantage/394011/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/n400_1_450_op.jpg" /></a><br /><em>Click the image above for more high-res, desktop-ready pics of the N400 Vantage.</em><br /><br /><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/aston-martin-n400-v8-vantage/394031/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="right" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/n400_2_250_op.jpg" /></a>Our lottery ticket fantasy garage just got a bit bigger. Aston Martin unveiled the N400 version of its V8 Vantage, a road-going tribute to its time around the 'Ring in 2006. Like every other Aston product, it will be built by hand in Gaydon, but this particular Vantage comes packing a modified 4.3-liter V8 producing 400 HP at 7,500 RPM, an addition 20 HP over the base model. Those extra ponies are freed up by the extensive use of lightened materials within the engine, including the crankshaft, conrods and pistons, along with a free flowing exhaust system and air filters.<br /><br />We've got a host of pics below for your viewing enjoyment, and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/07/frankfurt-preview-aston-martin-v8-vantage-n400-and-db9-lm/">click here</a> to view Aston's original press release.<br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/aston-martin-n400-v8-vantage/low/">Aston Martin N400 V8 Vantage</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/aston-martin-n400-v8-vantage/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/am_n400_hi_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/aston-martin-n400-v8-vantage/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/content_allsites_images_amav8v102_roadster_300dpi_a9e6c981-ed9c-45bd-9d72-b5fa8de52b5a_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/aston-martin-n400-v8-vantage/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/content_allsites_images_amv8v095_300dpi_282e511b-7a69-4c71-9134-a3b3cc169050_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/aston-martin-n400-v8-vantage/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/content_allsites_images_amv8v096_300dpi_40e582c9-df3b-49ab-a271-1d7497be43aa_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/aston-martin-n400-v8-vantage/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/n400roadster---4_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/11/frankfurt-2007-waiting-for-our-inheritance-part-1-aston-mart/">Frankfurt 2007: Waiting for our inheritance, Part 1 - Aston Martin Vantage N400</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Tue, 11 Sep 2007 16:55:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/11/frankfurt-2007-waiting-for-our-inheritance-part-1-aston-mart/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/986942/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/11/frankfurt-2007-waiting-for-our-inheritance-part-1-aston-mart/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>aston</category><category>aston martin</category><category>aston martin n400 v8 vantage</category><category>aston martin v8 vantage</category><category>AstonMartin</category><category>AstonMartinN400V8Vantage</category><category>AstonMartinV8Vantage</category><category>frankfurt</category><category>martin</category><category>n400</category><category>v8</category><category>vantage</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Damon Lavrinc]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 11 Sep 2007 16:55:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Spy Shots: Upgraded Aston Martin V8 Vantage]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/31/spy-shots-upgraded-aston-martin-v8-vantage/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/31/spy-shots-upgraded-aston-martin-v8-vantage/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/31/spy-shots-upgraded-aston-martin-v8-vantage/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/frankfurt-auto-show/" rel="tag">Frankfurt Motor Show</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/spyphotos/" rel="tag">Spy Photos</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/" rel="tag">Coupe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/" rel="tag">Europe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/aston-martin/" rel="tag">Aston Martin</a></p><a href="http://blogs.edmunds.com/Straightline/3300"><img width="200" vspace="4" hspace="4" height="174" border="1" align="right" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/08/aston_vantage_rs01.jpg" /></a>Less than a month after the launch of the new DBS, images of a similarly-prepped V8 Vantage have surfaced ahead of a likely unveiling at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Changes to the car include new clear-lens taillights, beefier brake discs with uprated calipers and some aero upgrades including a rear diffuser. The car hasn't been officially announced by Aston Martin but early reports suggest it'll be called the Vantage V8 RS.<br /><br />The car will basically be a tamer version of the road-legal but stripped-out N24 club-racer, so expect some power mods under the hood such as breathing and ECU upgrades to deliver improved response from the gas pedal. Though it's hard to tell from these spy shots, the interior should have plenty of carbon-fiber and aluminum elements adding to the race car feel.<br /><br />Earlier reports suggested that Aston Martin is planning to present two new race-inspired cars at the Frankfurt show in addition to the new DBS, so with this new Vantage V8 model revealed we wonder what else it has up its sleeves.<br /><br />[Source: Straightline]<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/31/spy-shots-upgraded-aston-martin-v8-vantage/">Spy Shots: Upgraded Aston Martin V8 Vantage</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Fri, 31 Aug 2007 11:04:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://blogs.edmunds.com/Straightline/3300>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/31/spy-shots-upgraded-aston-martin-v8-vantage/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/977902/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/31/spy-shots-upgraded-aston-martin-v8-vantage/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>v8 vantage</category><category>v8 vantage rs</category><category>V8Vantage</category><category>V8VantageRs</category><category>vantage</category><category>vantage v8 rs</category><category>VantageV8Rs</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Siddharth Raja]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 31 Aug 2007 11:04:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Aston Martin "Project 30,000" car will drive from Tokyo to London]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/23/aston-martin-project-30-000-car-will-drive-from-tokyo-to-londo/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/23/aston-martin-project-30-000-car-will-drive-from-tokyo-to-londo/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/23/aston-martin-project-30-000-car-will-drive-from-tokyo-to-londo/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/" rel="tag">Coupe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/etc/" rel="tag">Etc.</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/aston-martin/" rel="tag">Aston Martin</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/aston-martin-vantage-asian-highway-endurance-run/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/05/astonasiadrive002-lo.jpg" alt="" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Click images for gallery</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/aston-martin-vantage-asian-highway-endurance-run/250542/"><img width="250" vspace="4" hspace="4" height="200" border="1" align="right" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/05/astonasiadrive001-lo.jpg" alt="roof map" /></a>Last year, Aston Martin employees shuttled in and out of Germany as they worked to put 30,000 miles on a Vantage in 30 days. Now comes word that Aston is placing the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/18/aston-martin-shows-off-endurance-with-project-30-000/">"Project 30,000"</a> car in the hands of school teacher Richard Meredith and travel specialist Phil Colley, who will drive it from Tokyo to London using the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asian_Highway_Network#Route_log">Asian Highway</a>. <br /><br />The six-week journey is being run in collaboration with the UN and is intended to promote road safety in Asia while raising money for charity at the same time. The car now has over 100,000 miles on its odo and is liveried with a map of the Asian Highway route on its roof and sports the make Roads Safe logo and URL on its bodywork. The only modifications made for it in preparation for the trip are a slightly raised suspension, reinforced sump guard and full spare.<br /><br />If you think that driving to any point on the European or Asian mainland from Tokyo sounds like pretty a neat trick, you're not alone. We looked at the Wikipedia entry on the highway, however, and it confirmed that the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AH1">AH1</a> portion uses a ferry line running between Fukuoka, Japan and Pusan, South Korea. While driving through 15 countries sounds like it could be rough, doing it in an Aston seems much more palatable. <br /><br />More details in the press release after the jump.<br /><br />[Source: Aston Martin]<br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/aston-martin-vantage-asian-highway-endurance-run/low/">Aston Martin Vantage - Asian Highway Endurance Run</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/aston-martin-vantage-asian-highway-endurance-run/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/05/astonasiadrive001_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/aston-martin-vantage-asian-highway-endurance-run/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/05/astonasiadrive002_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/23/aston-martin-project-30-000-car-will-drive-from-tokyo-to-londo/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Aston Martin "Project 30,000" car will drive from Tokyo to London</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/23/aston-martin-project-30-000-car-will-drive-from-tokyo-to-londo/">Aston Martin "Project 30,000" car will drive from Tokyo to London</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Wed, 23 May 2007 08:23:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/23/aston-martin-project-30-000-car-will-drive-from-tokyo-to-londo/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/901961/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/23/aston-martin-project-30-000-car-will-drive-from-tokyo-to-londo/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>asia-pacific highway</category><category>Asia-pacificHighway</category><category>asian highway</category><category>AsianHighway</category><category>v8 vantage</category><category>V8Vantage</category><category>vantage</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Alex Nunez]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 23 May 2007 08:23:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Aston Martin to have big presence at Nürburgring 24 Hours]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/26/aston-martin-to-have-big-presence-at-nurburgring-24/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/26/aston-martin-to-have-big-presence-at-nurburgring-24/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/26/aston-martin-to-have-big-presence-at-nurburgring-24/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/marketing-advertising/" rel="tag">Marketing/Advertising</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/aston-martin/" rel="tag">Aston Martin</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/04/vantage24.jpg" /><br /><br />Remember last year when Aston Martin completed the N&uuml;rburgring 24 Hours with pretty much a showroom stock V8 Vantage driven by the company's CEO, Ulrich Bez, and three other professional drivers? They finished 24th overall out of a field of 220 entrants, most of which were pure race cars. Well, Bez decided at that time to let customers in on the fun. He greenlighted a similar package for customer Vantages soon after and, true to his word, released the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/10/specing-aston-martins-v8-vantage-n24/">N24 spec V8 Vantage</a>. The N24 is 550 lbs. lighter than the standard Vantage and packs an extra 30 hp, as well. We surmised that the V8 Vantage N24 would make an excellent track day car for club racers, as well as being a capable racer for various series. Well, the lucky souls who have taken AM up on the offer and plunked down the $152,350 entry fee were recently given a special treat.<br /><br />On April 24, they were taken to the Nordschleife to see what the cars can do. Besides having a lot of fun, they were also made privy to a bit of motorsports news from Aston Martin. Aston Martin will enter two N24 cars at the N&uuml;rburgring 24 Hours, where they'll be joined by a customer N24 team and a specially developed DBRS9, run by Phoenix Racing and Aston Martin Austria. Bez will again be one of the drivers for AM and will be joined by Chris Porritt (Aston Martin Vehicle Dynamics Manager), Wolfgang Schuhbauer (Aston Martin Development Engineer) and Horst von Saurma (Editor of Sport Auto). One big change this year is that the N24 will feature Aston Martin's new Sportshift transmission. That should make lapping the Green Hell a little easier with some 60 gearshifts per lap.<br /> <br />Follow the jump for the full release.<br /><br />[Source: Aston Martin]<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/26/aston-martin-to-have-big-presence-at-nurburgring-24/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Aston Martin to have big presence at Nürburgring 24 Hours</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/26/aston-martin-to-have-big-presence-at-nurburgring-24/">Aston Martin to have big presence at Nürburgring 24 Hours</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Thu, 26 Apr 2007 16:28:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/26/aston-martin-to-have-big-presence-at-nurburgring-24/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/882242/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/26/aston-martin-to-have-big-presence-at-nurburgring-24/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>NÃ¼rburgring 24</category><category>NÃ¼rburgring24</category><category>Nordschleife</category><category>V8 Vantage N24</category><category>V8VantageN24</category><category>Vantage</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Frank Filipponio]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 26 Apr 2007 16:28:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Aston Martin previews DBS and V8 Roadster for VIPs]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/23/aston-martin-previews-dbs-and-v8-roadster-for-vips/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/23/aston-martin-previews-dbs-and-v8-roadster-for-vips/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/23/aston-martin-previews-dbs-and-v8-roadster-for-vips/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/convertibles/" rel="tag">Convertible</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/" rel="tag">Coupe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/marketing-advertising/" rel="tag">Marketing/Advertising</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/aston-martin/" rel="tag">Aston Martin</a></p><p><a href="http://www.forbesautos.com/news/headlines/2006/october/fadc102006-aston.html"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/10/v8vantageroadster-sp.jpg" alt="" id="vimage_1" /></a></p>
<p>Ahead of their official unveilings, Aston Martin North America gave sneak-peeks at two upcoming models during a special event for 300 clients and dealers. The two models were the V8 Vantage Roadster and the DBS, and fortunately there were a handful of press invited to the event as well. Neither model, to be fair, is an all-new car. The Roadster is essentially a V8 Vantage coupe with the roof chopped off, and the DBS is a DB9 with more aggressive body panels. And we've previously brought you images of both cars.</p>
<p>The V8 Roadster on display featured a special paintjob that Aston Martin says is like looking at a fire, as the hue changes with the angle and the lighting conditions. The DBS on display was in full 007 trim, as the new model makes its debut in a few weeks in the James Bond film <em>Casino Royale</em>. This one had a host of switches and buttons inside that the production version obviously won't have, especially the pistol cut-out in the glove-box. </p>
<p><em>Follow the link for Forbes' images from the event.</em></p>
<p>[Source: Forbes Autos]</p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/23/aston-martin-previews-dbs-and-v8-roadster-for-vips/">Aston Martin previews DBS and V8 Roadster for VIPs</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Mon, 23 Oct 2006 17:34:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.forbesautos.com/news/headlines/2006/october/fadc102006-aston.html>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/23/aston-martin-previews-dbs-and-v8-roadster-for-vips/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/689574/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/23/aston-martin-previews-dbs-and-v8-roadster-for-vips/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>aston</category><category>convertible</category><category>db9</category><category>dbs</category><category>debut</category><category>event</category><category>martin</category><category>peek</category><category>roadster</category><category>sneak</category><category>unveil</category><category>v8</category><category>vantage</category><category>vip</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Noah Joseph]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 23 Oct 2006 17:34:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Aston Martin and Prodrive develop the Rally GT]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/02/aston-martin-and-prodrive-develop-the-rally-gt/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/02/aston-martin-and-prodrive-develop-the-rally-gt/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/02/aston-martin-and-prodrive-develop-the-rally-gt/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/motorsports/" rel="tag">Motorsports</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/aston-martin/" rel="tag">Aston Martin</a></p><a href="http://stadium.weblogsinc.com/autoblog/hirezpics/amr_rallygt_01.jpg"><img width="450" vspace="4" hspace="4" height="253" border="1" align="top" alt="Aston Martin Rally GT" id="vimage_1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/10/amr_rallygt_01.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Click to enlarge</span><br /><br />Independent (and deep-pocketed) rally racing teams have a new machine available to them thanks to the people at Aston Martin and Prodrive. The Aston Martin Rally GT is being touted as the world's most exclusive rally car, and why not? It's not as if rally-prepped Vantages are a common sight. <br /><br />Developed by Aston Martin Racing, the partnership between the famed British marque and the motorsports gurus at Prodrive, the Rally GT is derived from the production V8 Vantage. It uses the road car's chassis and transmission as well as a retuned version of the Vantage's 4.3-liter V8. Prodrive adds a rollcage of its own design to the structure and replaces the shocks and springs with equipment more suited to the demands of rallying. Teams can also elect to have the stock gearbox replaced by one designed specifically for the Rally GT. <br /><br />The Rally GT's development process included real racing, as you'd expect. It placed second in its class (17th overall) at the 2006 <a href="http://Lyon-Charbonnières">Lyon-Charbonni&egrave;res Rally</a>, with <a href="http://www.swrt.com/">Subaru World Rally Team</a> co-drivers St&eacute;phane Sarrazin and St&eacute;phane Pr&eacute;vot behind the wheel ( the pair are SWRT's asphalt specialists). Sarrazin is also one of the co-drivers of the <a href="http://www.astonmartinracing.com/ENG/teams/dbr9teams/astonmartinracing">#009 Aston Martin DBR9</a> familiar to anyone who follows Le Mans and the American Le Mans Series. <br /><br />(Photos, press release, tech specs after the jump)<br /><br />[Source: Prodrive]<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/02/aston-martin-and-prodrive-develop-the-rally-gt/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Aston Martin and Prodrive develop the Rally GT</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/02/aston-martin-and-prodrive-develop-the-rally-gt/">Aston Martin and Prodrive develop the Rally GT</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Mon, 02 Oct 2006 14:57:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.prodrive.com/p_releases.html?id=59>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/02/aston-martin-and-prodrive-develop-the-rally-gt/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/678127/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/02/aston-martin-and-prodrive-develop-the-rally-gt/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>aston martin racing</category><category>aston martin rally car</category><category>aston martin rally gt</category><category>AstonMartinRacing</category><category>AstonMartinRallyCar</category><category>AstonMartinRallyGt</category><category>Lyon to Charbonnieres</category><category>Lyon To Charbonnieres 2006</category><category>Lyon To Charbonnieres rally</category><category>Lyon-Charbonnieres</category><category>Lyon-Charbonnieres 2006</category><category>Lyon-Charbonnieres rally</category><category>Lyon-charbonnieres2006</category><category>Lyon-charbonnieresRally</category><category>LyonToCharbonnieres</category><category>LyonToCharbonnieres2006</category><category>LyonToCharbonnieresRally</category><category>prevot</category><category>prodrive</category><category>rally gt</category><category>RallyGt</category><category>sarrazin</category><category>stephane prevot</category><category>stephane sarrazin</category><category>StephanePrevot</category><category>StephaneSarrazin</category><category>vantage</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Alex Nunez]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 02 Oct 2006 14:57:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Spy Shots: Aston-Martin V8 Volanté]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/15/spy-shots-aston-martin-v8-volant/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/15/spy-shots-aston-martin-v8-volant/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/15/spy-shots-aston-martin-v8-volant/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/spyphotos/" rel="tag">Spy Photos</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/convertibles/" rel="tag">Convertible</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/aston-martin/" rel="tag">Aston Martin</a></p><p><a href="http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/202768/aston_martin_v8_roadster.html"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="right" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/09/v8volante.jpg" alt="" id="vimage_1" /></a></p>
<p>Aston Martin is expected to take the wraps of its newest convertible model at the LA Motor Show in November, but spy photographers are managing to snap a few early. These images show what appears to be a production-ready model without body-cladding or camouflage of any sort. </p>
<p>Comparing the car in the image with its successful tin-roof counterpart, Aston seems to have done an exceptional job crafting a convertible roof that maintains the car's sleek, muscular lines. Aside from the folding cloth roof, all other mechanicals are expected to carry over from the coupe on which it's based. The Vantage's 4.3-liter V8 should drive the roadster to sixty in about five seconds.</p>
<p>Based on Aston's traditional nomenclature, we could expect the drop-top to be labeled either "V8 Volant&eacute;" or "V8 Vantage Volant&eacute;", though others suggest "V8 Roadster" will be used instead. Meanwhile rearward visibility with the top up, through only a small rear window, is bound to be at a disadVantage.</p>
<p>[Source: Auto Express]</p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/15/spy-shots-aston-martin-v8-volant/">Spy Shots: Aston-Martin V8 Volanté</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Fri, 15 Sep 2006 11:33:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/202768/aston_martin_v8_roadster.html>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/15/spy-shots-aston-martin-v8-volant/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/669462/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/15/spy-shots-aston-martin-v8-volant/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>aston</category><category>aston martin</category><category>AstonMartin</category><category>cabrio</category><category>cabriolet</category><category>convertible</category><category>martin</category><category>roadster</category><category>shots</category><category>spy</category><category>spy shots</category><category>SpyShots</category><category>v8</category><category>vantage</category><category>volante</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Noah Joseph]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 15 Sep 2006 11:33:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Spy Shots: Aston Martin V8 Roadster]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/30/spy-shots-aston-martin-v8-roadster/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/30/spy-shots-aston-martin-v8-roadster/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/30/spy-shots-aston-martin-v8-roadster/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/spyphotos/" rel="tag">Spy Photos</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/convertibles/" rel="tag">Convertible</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/aston-martin/" rel="tag">Aston Martin</a></p><p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.autoblog.com/media/2006/06/11010_cdgrtomcqonxn.jpg" id="vimage_2" alt="" /><br /></p>
<p><br />Just in time for summer, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage is shedding its top on test runs throughout Great Britain. Expected to hit the market by the end of the year, the vert sports the same&nbsp;<!--StartFragment -->380-hp V8 mated to a six-speed manual found in the Vantage and,&nbsp;besides the soft top, doesn't differ all that much from the coupe. Word on the street is that the official name of the vehicle will be the Aston Martin V8 Roadster.</p>
<p>[Source: The Car Connection]</p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/30/spy-shots-aston-martin-v8-roadster/">Spy Shots: Aston Martin V8 Roadster</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Fri, 30 Jun 2006 13:31:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.thecarconnection.com/Auto_News/Daily_Edition/Daily_Edition_Jun_30_2006.S173.A10589.html>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/30/spy-shots-aston-martin-v8-roadster/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/638524/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/30/spy-shots-aston-martin-v8-roadster/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>aston martin</category><category>AstonMartin</category><category>v8 roadster</category><category>V8Roadster</category><category>vantage</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Erin Mays]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 30 Jun 2006 13:31:00 EST</pubDate></item></channel></rss>