Autoblog

Autoblog Podcast #156

Dan Roth — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:40:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Podcasts, Etc., Aston Martin, Audi, Chrysler, Dodge, Volkswagen

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

Editor Chris Paukert has apparently been bitten by the podcasting bug, and he once again joins Shunk and Roth for Episode #156 of the Autoblog Podcast. We dive right in to reminiscence about the recently finished Los Angeles Auto Show. Moving on from there, we talk about Audi's new A7 Sportback and its extreme gorgeousness, as well as the new A8 and all its massive awesomeness. Speaking of awesomeness, Shunk thinks that the $199,950 Aston Martin Rapide is one very attractive four-place supercar. Going to the other end of the spectrum, rumors about Volkswagen's upcoming Jetta replacement gets some head scratches from us before we moved on to prognosticating about a unibody Dodge Dakota replacement. We wrap up a chewy hour-and-forty-five minutes by addressing some of your questions and calling it a night.

Don't forget to check out our colleagues at Joystiq and Engadget, and let us know what you think of our podcast by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #156

Autoblog Podcast #156 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Aston Martin Rapide to start at $199,950 in the U.S.

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Aston Martin

Aston Martin Rapide - Click above for high-res image gallery

A couple of days after announcing U.K. pricing for the the new Rapide, Aston Martin has now also priced the North American version of its slinky four-door. When Aston starts deliveries of its newest model next spring, U.S. customers will have to pony up a minimum of $199,950. Aston Martin dealers will doubtless provide clients with the opportunity to substantially elevate that price tag via costly personalization options. After all, when you're dropping that kind of coin, you don't want to see yourself coming and going all the time.

The Rapide will be the first Aston Martin produced outside of Great Britain once cars start rolling off the line in Graz, Austria. The special factory was set up in cooperation with Magna Steyr prior to the global financial collapse, back when the Gaydon factory that makes the other Astons was running at full capacity. In these post-meltdown days, the decision about where to produce the car may have been very different. If you have the means, your local dealer is taking orders now. Official press release available after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Aston Martin Rapide

[Source: Aston Martin]

Continue reading Aston Martin Rapide to start at $199,950 in the U.S.

Aston Martin Rapide to start at $199,950 in the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Dec 2009 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Aston Martin Rapide priced from £139,950 in the UK

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Performance, Aston Martin, UK, Luxury

Aston Martin Rapide - Click above for high-res image gallery

Aston Martin has finally hung a price tag on its long-awaited four door, the Rapide, in its U.K. home market. As you might reasonably expect, it won't come cheap, starting at £139,950 or about $233,000 USD. Given pricing disparities between international markets, that's not necessarily an indication of what the Rapide will command Stateside, but we note that the Rapide costs nearly twice what Porsche asks for its base Panamera - and over £40K ($66k USD) more than even the impossibly quick Panamera Turbo. Though the cars weren't exactly designed as competitors, there's little doubt that the two four-passenger sloping-roof models will be cross-shopped by interested parties, along with other quick luxocrats like the Maserati Quattroporte and Bentley Continental Flying Spur.

For that £139,950 price tag, though, buyers will be getting a largely handmade and finely-crafted automobile powered by a 470-horsepower V12 engine. For what it's worth, that's 30 horses less than the Panamera Turbo, but it's wrapped in less divisive sheetmetal and it'll undoubtedly be far more exclusive.

Initial Rapide deliveries in Great Britain are expected to begin in the spring of 2010, but if you're interested in having an example of your very own, you'd best queue up now. Check out the updated gallery with new high-res images of the 2011 Aston Martin Rapide below, and the official press release is after the jump.

[Source: Aston Martin]

Continue reading Aston Martin Rapide priced from £139,950 in the UK

Aston Martin Rapide priced from £139,950 in the UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

LA 2009: Galpin Motors makes up for Aston Martin no-show, brings the whole lineup

Drew Phillips — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:32:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Performance, Aston Martin

Galpin Aston Martin at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show - Click above for a high-res image gallery

It's been a meager LA Auto Show this year for exotic cars. Many didn't even show up, including Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Bentley. Aston Martin wasn't on the list as well, but to our surprise their full line of cars was on display. Apparently Galpin Motors decided to pick up the slack and brought a decent selection of the inventory from the Van Nuys, CA showroom. We generally don't think of Aston Martin when we hear about Galpin, but the world's largest Ford dealer also has an impressive showroom for the British marque. In fact, it's where we were able to get up close and personal with the Aston Martin One-77.

Beau Boeckmann, Vice President of Galpin Motors, told us that they considered the show important enough for their Aston Martin sales to make the investment. This makes us wonder how the absence of Ferrari, Lamborghini and the like will impact local dealers. If so, we can see many following Galpin's lead and bringing cars next year like many of the regional shows. Only time will tell, but we can't imagine the exotic car manufacturers staying away from the auto show in one of their most important markets for too long.

Gallery: LA 2009: Galpin Aston Martin

LA 2009: Galpin Motors makes up for Aston Martin no-show, brings the whole lineup originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rare Aston Martin DB4 GT Lightweight going to highest bidder at RM's Arizona auction

Drew Phillips — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:24:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Auctions, Aston Martin

1963 Aston Martin DB4 GT Lightweight - Click above for a high-res image gallery

With just 75 built between 1959 and 1963, the Aston Martin DB4 GT is a rare breed. Of those, a mere six are the coveted lightweight models that cut weight by using aluminum components (instead of steel) and delete items like the radio, speakers, and heater. It's not very often that one comes up for sale, but this January, RM Auctions will be offering a pristine example at their sale in Scottsdale.

The car going up for auction is chassis #0175/L, the last DB4 GT Lightweight built. It underwent a total restoration in the mid-Nineties where it received upgrades like Dunlop racing tires, Dayton wire wheels, and a four-point roll bar. The car wasn't competitively raced in the Sixties, but several owners have competed with the car in various vintage races at tracks like Lime Rock Park and Laguna Seca.

Sound like your kind of car? RM estimates you'll need anywhere from $950,000-$1,000,000 to take this ruby beauty home. If you don't have that kind of cash, then you'll have to settle for the press release after the jump and the high-res gallery below.

Gallery: 1963 Aston Martin DB4 GT Lightweight

[Source: RM Auctions]

Continue reading Rare Aston Martin DB4 GT Lightweight going to highest bidder at RM's Arizona auction

Rare Aston Martin DB4 GT Lightweight going to highest bidder at RM's Arizona auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Review: 2009 Aston Martin DB9 Volante makes getting away with it half all the fun

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Aston Martin, Reviews, Luxury

2009 Aston Martin DB9 Volante - Click above for high-res image gallery

Let's say a clandestine organization asked you, for your country, to "take care of" an enemy of the state at tonight's performance of Tosca at The Met. And let's say this organization gave you the choice of any Aston Martin in which to conduct the evening. Which Aston would you choose? If you said the DBS, we hope you've arranged bail. You're getting caught. Quickly.

Despite its impressiveness, the DBS is just a little over the top. Driving it says to the world, "I'm rich (or I have rich backers), I'm sociopathic (or at least self-centered), and I kill people (or I've had them killed)." There's no denying this. Attempt to pull off your mission at the opera and you'll be fingered before the body hits the ground. "It was the guy in the suit and the DBS," the rattled, blood-spattered socialites will tell the authorities just before you're whisked off to a damp, underground bunker in a country created by the breakup of the USSR.

The better choice? The 2009 Aston Martin DB9 - even the Volante. It's got just enough gentleman to remove you from suspicion, but the faintest hint of evil to make fearsome things happen when needed. We had it for a weekend, yet despite the urge and a twitchy trigger finger we never got the chance to test out our "cleaning" abilities.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Aston Martin DB9 Volante

Continue reading Review: 2009 Aston Martin DB9 Volante makes getting away with it ~~half~~ all the fun

Review: 2009 Aston Martin DB9 Volante makes getting away with it ~~half~~ all the fun originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Pics Aplenty: Aston Martin Rapide is ready for its close-up

Noah Joseph — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Aston Martin, Luxury

Aston Martin Rapide - Click above for high-res image gallery

It isn't every day that Aston Martin comes out with a new car. And this isn't one of them, because the production version of the Rapide four-door saloon came out over a month ago already. But considering that the British sportscar-maker got by - just fine, thank you very much - on what essentially boiled down to a two-car line-up for several years, we'll gladly run with it a little longer. Because there are few cars on the road that are as sumptuously crafted or lustily styled as an Aston. And this is their first sedan in decades. So take a deep breath, poor yourself a dry martini, click on the thumbnails below, and take a stroll through the mega gallery of high-resolution images that Aston has released purely for your viewing enjoyment. We particularly like this one, which shows the high-dollar super saloon being used as an actual family car.

Gallery: Aston Martin Rapide

[Source: Aston Martin]

Pics Aplenty: Aston Martin Rapide is ready for its close-up originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ex-Tesla/Harley-Davidson exec Michael van der Sande resurfaces at Aston Martin

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Aston Martin, Luxury

It didn't take Michael van der Sande long to land a new gig after leaving his last posting at Tesla Motors. In August, van der Sande left Tesla after only nine months as senior vice-president of sales and marketing for the electric car maker. The sales executive who spent 12 years at Harley-Davidson (much of it running its European operations) will now be responsible for growing Aston Martin's global sales.

Aston has announced that van der Sande, 44, will occupy the new position of chief commercial officer. Mr. van der Sande will report directly to CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez and oversee all commercial aspects of the company from its headquarters in Gaydon.

Like most other brands, Aston Martin has been struggling with the flagging world economy and one of its Middle East investors is reportedly short of cash. Hopefully, the launch of the new four-door Rapide will help van der Sande and his team right the luxury marque's ship in 2010. To learn more about van der Sande and his appointment, check out the official press release after the jump.

[Source: Aston Martin]

Continue reading Ex-Tesla/Harley-Davidson exec Michael van der Sande resurfaces at Aston Martin

Ex-Tesla/Harley-Davidson exec Michael van der Sande resurfaces at Aston Martin originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Aston Martin Cygnet (nee Toyota iQ) to hit European city streets next year?

Noah Joseph — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Aston Martin, UK

Aston Martin Cygnet Concept - Click above to enlarge

Most of us would be willing to kill for the opportunity to have an Aston Martin as our daily commuter. (Then again, most of us here at Autoblog are writers and don't commute much of anywhere). But the British purveyor of luxury GTs figures some of its customers - those based in major European metropolitan centers like London and Paris, for example - could use something a little more compact for driving into the city. Hence the Cygnet, which as you may recall is essentially a Toyota iQ with some Aston touches.

News of the car's development broke a few months ago, but the latest reports now indicate that the Aston-badged city car could begin shipping as early as next year. Although no mechanical changes are expected to take place, the pre-assembled units are expected to be shopped to AM's plant in Gaydon, England, where the company will give the citycar its own unique interior, slap on an Aston grille and the requisite badging and raise the price up to $32,000 - about twice the price Toyota fetches for a stock iQ.

Whether Aston's customers bite remains to be seen, but for our part, we still want to see one of these face off against the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari for the exotic supermini crown.

[Source: Automotive News - subs req'd]

Aston Martin Cygnet (nee Toyota iQ) to hit European city streets next year? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: Aston Martin releases new Rapide video chronicling development

Chris Shunk — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Videos, Aston Martin

Aston Martin Rapide - Click above to watch the video after the jump

After seeing the production Aston Martin Rapide at the Frankfurt Motor Show last month, we're pretty sure it's one of the most attractive sedans ever produced. And now that we've seen the sleek looking sedan in motion, we're 100 percent sure the Rapide is a winner.

Aston Martin has released a simply stunning video of the Rapide in various stages of development, from the skid pad to the Nurburgring, kicking off with a 50 second montage with just enough Rapide to keep us interested, then another 30 seconds in the garage. From there, the Rapide heads over to Germany for some hot-lapping, then the video crescendos at the Stelvio Pass in northern Italy for some powertrain development. Hit the jump to view the video for yourself, you'll be happy you took the three minutes out of your day.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Aston Martin Rapide

Continue reading VIDEO: Aston Martin releases new Rapide video chronicling development

VIDEO: Aston Martin releases new Rapide video chronicling development originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Aston Martin in jeopardy as parent company Investment Dar in financial turmoil

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Aston Martin, Earnings/Financials, Luxury

Is Aston Martin on the brink of insolvency? Britain's Guardian is reporting that the Kuwaiti fund that owns half of Aston is having trouble refinancing the debt it's incurred during the recent global economic crisis. It hasn't help that the fund failed to report its 2008 financial records on time and subsequently had trading halted on its shares. All isn't doom and gloom, however. Kuwait's Investment Dar says that it recently inked a deal that will at least buy it some time in working out a new plan to get out of its mess, but oil prices just aren't what they used to be, and money is hard to come by - even for wealth funds.

When Ford sold Aston Martin in March of 2007, times were better for the consortium that bought David Brown's legacy. Along with ex-racer Dave Richards, banker John Singers and Adeem Investment, Investment Dar bought the Bond-ride firm for $925m (£480m). Fast forward to late 2008 and Investment Dar was itself trying to borrow $1B (£630m) to refinance debt, and iteven defaulted on a $100m Islamic bond in April. So, the Dar finds itself in a position of having to keep its creditors at bay while it seeks to right the ship. The agreement they've reached now is known as a standstill agreement. That means creditors won't make any new individual claims for a while. The arrangement will continue until the end of the year and hopefully Aston Martin will survive the financial storm.

[Source: The Guardian]

REPORT: Aston Martin in jeopardy as parent company Investment Dar in financial turmoil originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Aston Martin to develop all-new LMP1 car for 2011

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Aston Martin

Lola-Aston Martin LMP1 - click above for high-res image gallery

For its current Le Mans prototype racing program, Aston Martin has teamed up with veteran chassis builder Lola to create a car powered by a race-ready version of its production V12. But the current 6.0-liter twelve-cylinder won't be allowed under the new Automobile Club de l'Ouest prototype rules that go into effect for 2011, so a new powerplant will be required.

To that end, AutoWeek is reporting that Aston Martin chairman Dave Richards has revealed that the British firm has begun work on a successor - and this time, the work is being done in-house, with the new car slated to be powered by an all-new bespoke race engine. Details are slim, however, with Richards only confirming that the engine will be powered by gasoline.

Work on the new car has been ongoing for more than two months. However, the team opted not to run the new chassis in 2010 because the gas-diesel equivalency rules are still unfavorable. Richards has also confirmed that financing for the new car has already been lined up.

Gallery: Lola-Aston-Martin LMP1

[Source: AutoWeek]

REPORT: Aston Martin to develop all-new LMP1 car for 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Aston Martin Rapide shows off its pretty self on Facebook

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Sedan, Performance, Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Aston Martin, Luxury

Aston Martin Rapide - click above image for hi-res gallery

First of all, does Aston Martin really need a Facebook page? Really? Is the brand actually helped by comments like this, "Aston Martins...the most sexy sports car ever manufactured;)sooo sexy even sexier in red!" We're guessing no. Then again, Aston's relentless pursuit of James Bond marketing hoopla (remember, in Fleming's books, 007 typically drove Bentleys) does show that they like their cars in the public eye. Plus, social networking is the new ~~black~~ PR. And unlike a certain Honda, it seems that most Facebookers like the way that Aston Martins look.

Case in point: Aston has just dropped eleven pics of the long-anticipated four-door Rapide onto its Facebook profile. Granted, these are the same production pics we got with the press materials in Frankfurt, but still. Now they're on Facebook, which we guess is the natural progression of things. Also, any of you find anything about the pictures a little off-putting? Like how the family in them just ain't that British looking? In fact, they appear kinda more like a Scandinavian dream. Something's just... off. Thanks to Christopher for the tip!

[Source: Facebook]

Aston Martin Rapide shows off its pretty self on Facebook originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Aston Martin V12 Vantage bound for U.S.?

Chris Shunk — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Aston Martin

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

For our money, there are few vehicles in the world more beautiful than the Aston Martin Vantage. And when we scribble out our lottery list, the limited edition 510 hp 6.0L V12 variant is always near the top. Unfortunately, Aston announced early on that none of the 1,000 DB9-powered Vantages would be imported into the U.S. Pity. But according to Car and Driver, our prayers may have been answered.

Aston CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez told the buff book that the V12 Vantage would be available in the US after all, and that the ultra exclusive GT specialists could keep the 12-pot variants coming past the 1,000 unit mark. That's great news for the people that can appreciate (and afford) the best cars money can buy. And if the V12 Vantage goes on sale in the States, that means there's a chance we'll get to drive one.

Gallery: Aston Martin V12 Vantage

[Source: Car and Driver]

REPORT: Aston Martin V12 Vantage bound for U.S.? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Frankfurt 2009: Mansory Cyrus is what carbon fiber was made for

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:41:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Performance, Aston Martin, Luxury

Mansory Cyrus -- Click above for high-res image gallery

When Mansory wants to give it to us good, they know how. This is the Mansory Cyrus (Khouresh Mansory told us that Cyrus was the first king of Iran), and - even though every other colleague here disagrees with us - we feel it the best use of carbon fiber we've seen since we've been here. The car is DB9-based and has been redone in aerospace, pre-preg carbon fiber, and gets 28 extra horses.

Well, all except the rear fenders because they couldn't shape the carbon fiber accordingly, so the carbon fiber -- extended in width by two inches from the original car - is glued to the standard panels with adhesive bought from Lamborghini. Otherwise it's all CF. No, the roof scoop isn't functional - but beauty makes no promises to functionality. You can also get the DBS done up thusly, and although we don't know what that car is called, we hope it's Xerxes. The Cyrus will run you €380,000 on top of a DB9. We won't call it money well spent... but we'd spend it.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Mansory Cyrus - Aston Martin DB9

Frankfurt 2009: Mansory Cyrus is what carbon fiber was made for originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Frankfurt 2009: Aston Martin Rapide comes good - finally

Noah Joseph — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Sedan, Aston Martin, Design/Style, Luxury

Aston Martin Rapide - Click above for high-res image gallery

Aston Martin doesn't have a great track record with four-doors. After acquiring Lagonda in 1948, the legendary David Brown took the DB4 - which bore his initials - and turned it into the Lagonda Rapide. Only 55 examples were ever made. A decade and a half later, the first name came back as the oddball Aston Martin Lagonda, of which just 645 examples were produced over its fifteen-year production run. The Lagonda SUV concept which debuted at the last Geneva show was lambasted so widely that it was pulled after the first press day and hasn't been seen since.

Aston chairman David Richards, for one, is keen to leave that unfortunate record in the past. The Lagonda initiative has reportedly been shelved indefinitely, but if the Rapide sells as good as it looks, they just might succeed in reversing that particular fortune.

The production version of the concept unveiled at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show certainly has the looks department locked down. A few concessions have been made in the three-year run to production readiness, including bigger side-view mirrors and a less tapered roofline to offer more interior space - especially for the rear passengers. But those few details - which promise to make the car more usable and, dare we say, practical - hardly detract from the car's beauty. But don't take our word for it. Check it out for yourself in the gallery of live shots below and the press shots in the gallery below that, along with the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Aston Martin Rapide

Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: Aston Martin Rapide comes good - finally

Frankfurt 2009: Aston Martin Rapide comes good - finally originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Aston Martin creates special edition Robb Report V8 Vantage

Noah Joseph — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:32:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Aston Martin

Robb Report Limited Edition Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster - Click above for image gallery

There's no shortage of people deeply enamored with the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster. The folks at the Robb Report evidently agree, and included it in their "Best of the Best" list. But they didn't stop there: the luxury lifestyle magazine has teamed up with Aston to create a special edition of the British roadster, and they're only building seven of them.

The Robb Report Limited Edition V8 Vantage Roadster is characterized by its black-on-black-on-black color scheme: black exterior paint, black fabric roof and black interior upholstery (complemented by, you guessed it, black veneer trim). The 420-horsepower 4.3-liter V8 carries over unchanged, as does the rest of the vehicle, save for the number plates - which start at #001 and culminate in a very Aston-like #007 - and the $153,000 price tag, which comes in nearly twenty-three grand over list. Nobody said exclusivity came cheap.

Gallery: Robb Report Limited Edition Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster

[Source: Robb Report]

Aston Martin creates special edition Robb Report V8 Vantage originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

European design students team up to dream up future Aston Martins [w/VIDEO]

Noah Joseph — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Europe, Videos, Aston Martin, Design/Style

Aston Martin 2025 Libido: Amore e Psiche design study - Click above for high-res image gallery

Were you impressed by the Aston Martin Volare design study? Then you should get a load of this: Turin's European Design Institute (known by its Italian initials IED) tasked its third-year graduate design students with imagining what Astons will look like in the year 2025. The students went to Aston's headquarters in Gaydon, England, met with the company's designers, then headed back to Turin where they came up with eight original concepts.

The only restriction the instructors gave their students in their brief was that they had to use technologies that would be emerging onto the scene in the next five years. Otherwise, the sky was the limit, and the students came up with some intriguing and captivating designs. The IED pupils named their projects Luxury Cocoon Concept, Libido: Amore e Psiche, Gotha Concept, Pt220609, Symbiosis, Aston Martin Vestige, Aston Martin Sattva and Elate, and you can check them all out in the gallery below and in the videos posted after the jump.

Gallery: IED Turin Aston Martin 2025 Project

[Source: IED via eurocarblog]

Continue reading European design students team up to dream up future Aston Martins [w/VIDEO]

European design students team up to dream up future Aston Martins [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Design student pens Aston Martin Volare concept, complete with AWD and hydrogen fuel cell

Noah Joseph — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Aston Martin, UK, Electric

Aston Martin Volare concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

While driving the Aston Martin V12 Vantage, Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson lamented that with tightening environmental regulations, this may be as good as it ever gets. If he's right, Aston's going to have to look elsewhere for fresh ideas on how to bring the high-performance GT into the green age, and they might want to have a chat with James Trim. The 23-year-old designer penned this concept car, called the Aston Martin Volare, as his latest project. And needless to say, it looks fantastic.

Blending the aggressive lines of the One-77 with the taut stance of the Vantage, the Volare has a smooth design all its own. But it's what's underneath that could be the most important: electric motors driving all four wheels and supplied by a hydrogen fuel cell stack. Trim's portfolio also includes some convincing Audi, BMW and Jaguar designs, but the Aston could be his most convincing yet.

Gallery: Aston Martin Volare design by James Trim

[Source: James Trim via AutoTrader]

Design student pens Aston Martin Volare concept, complete with AWD and hydrogen fuel cell originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: Hear the angels sing: revving the Aston Martin One-77

Jonny Lieberman — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Aston Martin, UK, Luxury

Aston Martin One-77 - Click above image to hear the video

On Friday we brought you our gushing reaction to the $1.8 million Aston Martin One-77. We were able to stick our snouts over, under and inside the vehicle and it's simply bonkers. Bonkers in the very best way possible. Just a reminder -- the carbon fiber frame also doubles as a feeder for the intake plenums. Ridiculous. Almost as cool: the way the 7.3-liter V12 rockets up its rev range. It's something you simply have to hear to understand. Luckily, we found some video of the reveal party that includes the sound and the fury. After the jump, fast forward to about the 5:00 mark. trust us, you won't believe your ears. There's also a second video, so you can check out some more 360-degree shots of the ultimate Aston.

Gallery: Aston Martin One-77 at Galpin Motors

[Source: Motorator.com]

Continue reading VIDEO: Hear the angels sing: revving the Aston Martin One-77

VIDEO: Hear the angels sing: revving the Aston Martin One-77 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 Aug 2009 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments