Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Aston Martin One-77 closes in on being fastest car in marque's history, breaks 220 mph]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/aston-martin-one-77-closes-in-on-being-fastest-car-in-marques-h/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/aston-martin-one-77-closes-in-on-being-fastest-car-in-marques-h/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/aston-martin-one-77-closes-in-on-being-fastest-car-in-marques-h/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Aston Martin One-77 development mule - click above for high-res image gallery

Move over Jaguar XJ220. At 217 mph, your top end is just too slow. Hell, move over Batmobile. Why? The Aston Martin One-77, Britain's most expensive car ever, is now nearly its fastest. If not for the pesky, eternal problem of the McLaren F1 and its 241 mph top end, the One-77 would be the fastest production car in the history of Old Blighty. As it stands, or in this case flies, a One-77 has just crested 220 mph.

Can the latest and no question greatest from Aston Martin go even faster? Probably, as AM was quick to point out, that the 220 mph velocity was achieved in "dry, but windy conditions." Never forget the amount of power this 7.3-liter V12 beastie makes - between 700 and 740 horsepower, and around 553 lb-ft of torque. For the sake of national pride, the McLaren F1 produced "just" 627 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. Obviously, the 2,514 pound F1 is much lighter than the 3,308 pound One-77, however, which actually makes 220 mph run all the more impressive.

0-60 mph? Quarter mile? Lateral acceleration? We don't know yet, but we do know that Aston Martin will keep us up to date as soon as all that information gets logged. For its part, the matte gray beauty you see above is at a "top secret proving ground in southern Europe" where its being flogged about in anticipation of the One-77's mid-2010 release. If not for the £1.25 million price tag (just shy of $2M Yankee bucks), we'd be losing sleep. Full press release after the jump.


Gallery: Aston Martin One-77 220 mph


[Source: Aston Martin]

Continue reading Aston Martin One-77 closes in on being fastest car in marque's history, breaks 220 mph

Aston Martin One-77 closes in on being fastest car in marque's history, breaks 220 mph originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1-772011 Aston Martin 0ne-772011AstonMartin0ne-77astonAston MartinAston Martin One-77AstonMartinAstonMartinOne-77jaguar XJ220JaguarXj220McLaren F1MclarenF1One-77speed recordSpeedRecordTue, 22 Dec 2009 10:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Aston Martin shows off completed Cygnet, Euro sales in 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/16/aston-martin-shows-off-the-completed-cygnet-euro-sales-in-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/16/aston-martin-shows-off-the-completed-cygnet-euro-sales-in-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/16/aston-martin-shows-off-the-completed-cygnet-euro-sales-in-2010/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

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

Earlier this year, we saw photos of Aston Martin designers working on a clay-covered Toyota iQ in the studio and applying typical Aston styling cues to it. Creating a leather clad urban commuter car struck us as a dubious proposition for an upscale brand like Aston Martin, but nevertheless the Cygnet is now complete and Aston has released a fresh batch of photos.

While the Aston Martin face is well suited to the extended nose of a DBS or Rapide, we think it looks more than a bit overwrought on the front of the tiny Toyota. On the inside, virtually all of the available surfaces have been covered in red and black premium leather. For the time being, the Cygnet is a concept only, but Aston says it hopes to have it in production in 2010 for European and UK customers. There's no word yet on price, but in the meantime, you can check out our high-res gallery below and brief press release after the jump.


Gallery: Aston Martin Cygnet


[Source: Aston Martin]

Continue reading Aston Martin shows off completed Cygnet, Euro sales in 2010

Aston Martin shows off completed Cygnet, Euro sales in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 Aston Martin2011 Aston Martin Cygnet2011AstonMartin2011AstonMartinCygnetastonaston martinAston Martin CygnetAston Martin Cygnet conceptAstonMartinAstonMartinCygnetAstonMartinCygnetConceptCygnetmicrocarSmart fortwoSmartFortwotoyotatoyota iqToyotaIqWed, 16 Dec 2009 09:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Aston Martin updates the V8 Vantage for 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/11/aston-martin-updates-the-v8-vantage-for-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/11/aston-martin-updates-the-v8-vantage-for-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/11/aston-martin-updates-the-v8-vantage-for-2010/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Aston Martin V8 Vantage - Click above for high-res image gallery

Reports from the British Isles and a new batch of images from the manufacturer indicate that Aston Martin has quietly prepared a few minor revisions for its entry-level V8 Vantage for the 2010 model year.

Among those changes are clear tail lamps (like those on the V12 version), side sills borrowed from the N400 edition and "magnum silver" mesh for the hood and side vents. There will also be some new optional equipment, including the ten-spoke, 19-inch forged, diamond-turned alloys pictured on the car above, carbon-Kevlar seats that trim 17kg off the curb weight, and a 1000-watt Bang & Olufsen stereo.

Along with the mild visual upgrades and the new optional equipment, Aston has cut the V8 engine's carbon emissions, the manual-equipped model dropping from 328 g/km to 315 g/km, and the Sportshift model dropping to 300 g/km. The changes are applied equally to the coupe and Roadster, with order books reportedly open now with deliveries beginning early in the new year. Check out the updated model in our high-resolution image gallery below.


Gallery: 2010 Aston Martin V8 Vantage


[Source: Aston Martin via CAR magazine]

Aston Martin updates the V8 Vantage for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 aston martin v8 vantage2010 aston v8 vantage2010 v8 vantage2010 vantage2010AstonMartinV8Vantage2010AstonV8Vantage2010V8Vantage2010Vantageastonaston martinaston martin v8aston martin v8 vantageaston v8 vantageAstonMartinAstonMartinV8AstonMartinV8VantageAstonV8Vantagebang olufsenBangOlufsenBOFri, 11 Dec 2009 12:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Pics Aplenty: Aston Martin revisits much derided Lagonda Concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/pics-aplenty-aston-martin-revisits-the-lagonda-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/pics-aplenty-aston-martin-revisits-the-lagonda-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/pics-aplenty-aston-martin-revisits-the-lagonda-concept/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


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

Aston Martin is used to success. Its road cars are some of the most coveted in all of auto-dom, and its race cars have mastered Le Mans like Yo-Yo Ma has the cello. This year's planned rebirth of Lagonda, however, didn't go as well.

The oddball crossover concept that debuted at Geneva earlier this year was received with such ire that the company yanked it after the first day, before the public could ever see it... save through our camera lenses. So you can imagine the surprise when the Lagonda Concept popped up again on the Aston Martin media website, complete with a new batch of photos.

We've placed said photos of the Mercedes GL-based concept in the gallery below - complete with some very strange interior trim - for your browsing "pleasure," if you can call it that. But we can't help but wonder what Gaydon's up to.


Gallery: Lagonda Concept


Gallery: Geneva 2009: Aston Martin Lagonda Concept


[Source: Aston Martin via eGMCarTech]

Pics Aplenty: Aston Martin revisits much derided Lagonda Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 Aston martin2009AstonMartinastonaston martinaston martin lagondaaston martin lagonda conceptaston martin lagonda crossoveraston martin lagonda suvAstonMartinAstonMartinLagondaAstonMartinLagondaConceptAstonMartinLagondaCrossoverAstonMartinLagondaSuvlagondalagonda conceptLagondaConceptThu, 10 Dec 2009 14:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Jaeger-LeCoultre pays tribute to Aston Martin Racing with exclusive chronograph]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/jaeger-lecoultre-pays-tribute-to-aston-martin-racing-with-exclus/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/jaeger-lecoultre-pays-tribute-to-aston-martin-racing-with-exclus/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/jaeger-lecoultre-pays-tribute-to-aston-martin-racing-with-exclus/#commentsFiled under:


Jaeger-LeCoultre AMVOX2 Chronograph Racing Paris - Click above for high-res image gallery

We love us a nice Aston Martin here at Autoblog. But if the British purveyor of the grandest of grand touring cars has a counterpart in the watchmaking industry, it's surely Jaeger-LeCoultre. Good thing the two of them just signed a three-year renewal of their partnership, then.

The collaboration between these two esteemed marques has resulted in some of the most lust-worthy wrist-machines known to man, not the least of which is the AMVOX2 Chronograph. Its innovative design actually incorporates a transponder to open and close the doors on an Aston sports car. Plus it's just one of the slickest looking timepieces we've seen yet.

While JLC has to date only produced wristwatches to compliment Aston's road cars, the Swiss watchmaker has just come out with the AMVOX2 Chronograph Racing, in tribute to Aston's considerable motorsport prowess on the streets of Le Mans. The 280-piece, 41-jewel 751E manufacture movement - only 5.65 millimeters thick - is housed in a PVD-coated titanium case and held to the wrist by a perforated and top-stitched calfskin strap.

It is, to our eye, one of the most beautiful machines - of any kind - to carry the Aston Martin name, but while the series has bred numerous editions, only 24 examples of this particular one will be made available exclusively at JLC's boutique on Place Vendôme in Paris. So we'll just have to content ourselves with the press release after the jump and images in the gallery below.


Gallery: Jaeger-LeCoultre AMVOX2 Chronograph Racing Paris


[Source: Jaeger-LeCoultre]

Continue reading Jaeger-LeCoultre pays tribute to Aston Martin Racing with exclusive chronograph

Jaeger-LeCoultre pays tribute to Aston Martin Racing with exclusive chronograph originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amvoxamvox 2Amvox2astonaston martinAstonMartinjaeger le coultrejaeger-lecoultreJaeger-LeCoultre AMVOX2Jaeger-LeCoultre AMVOX2 ChronographJaeger-LeCoultre AMVOX2 Chronograph Racing ParisJaeger-lecoultreAmvox2Jaeger-lecoultreAmvox2ChronographJaeger-lecoultreAmvox2ChronographRacingParisJaegerLeCoultrejlcThu, 10 Dec 2009 08:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Aston Martin Rapide to start at $199,950 in the U.S.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/aston-martin-rapide-to-cost-199-950-in-the-us/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/aston-martin-rapide-to-cost-199-950-in-the-us/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/aston-martin-rapide-to-cost-199-950-in-the-us/#commentsFiled under: ,


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]]>astonaston martinaston martin rapideaston martin rapide priceAstonMartinAstonMartinRapideAstonMartinRapidePricerapiderapide priceRapidePriceSun, 06 Dec 2009 19:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Aston Martin Rapide priced from £139,950 in the UK]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/aston-martin-rapide-priced-from-139-950-in-the-uk/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/aston-martin-rapide-priced-from-139-950-in-the-uk/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/aston-martin-rapide-priced-from-139-950-in-the-uk/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


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]]>2011 Aston Martin2011 Aston Martin Rapide2011 Rapide2011AstonMartin2011AstonMartinRapide2011RapideAMAstonaston martinaston martin rapideaston martin rapide priceAstonMartinAstonMartinRapideAstonMartinRapidePriceRapiderapide priceRapidePricerapidweaverFri, 04 Dec 2009 14:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Pics Aplenty: Aston Martin Rapide is ready for its close-up]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/pics-aplenty-aston-martin-rapide-is-ready-for-its-close-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/pics-aplenty-aston-martin-rapide-is-ready-for-its-close-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/pics-aplenty-aston-martin-rapide-is-ready-for-its-close-up/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


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]]>astonaston martinaston martin rapideaston rapideAstonMartinAstonMartinRapideAstonRapidepics aplentyPicsAplentyrapideTue, 03 Nov 2009 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Aston Martin Cygnet (nee Toyota iQ) to hit European city streets next year?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/07/aston-martin-cygnet-nee-toyota-iq-to-hit-european-city-streets/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/07/aston-martin-cygnet-nee-toyota-iq-to-hit-european-city-streets/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/07/aston-martin-cygnet-nee-toyota-iq-to-hit-european-city-streets/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


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]]>astonaston cygnetaston martinaston martin cygnetAstonCygnetAstonMartinAstonMartinCygnetcygnetiqToyotatoyota iqToyotaIqWed, 07 Oct 2009 16:29:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Aston Martin in jeopardy as parent company Investment Dar in financial turmoil]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/29/report-aston-martin-in-jeopardy-as-parent-company-investment-da/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/29/report-aston-martin-in-jeopardy-as-parent-company-investment-da/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/29/report-aston-martin-in-jeopardy-as-parent-company-investment-da/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



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]]>astonaston martinAstonMartininvestment darInvestmentDarKuwaiti Investment DarKuwaitiInvestmentDarTue, 29 Sep 2009 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Aston Martin to develop all-new LMP1 car for 2011]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/report-aston-martin-to-develop-all-new-lmp1-car-for-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/report-aston-martin-to-develop-all-new-lmp1-car-for-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/report-aston-martin-to-develop-all-new-lmp1-car-for-2011/#commentsFiled under: ,

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]]>astonaston martinaston martin lmp1AstonMartinAstonMartinLmp1dave richardsDaveRichardsfalsele mansle mans prototypeLeMansLeMansPrototypelmp1lolalola aston martinlola aston martin lmp1LolaAstonMartinLolaAstonMartinLmp1Fri, 25 Sep 2009 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Frankfurt 2009: Aston Martin Rapide comes good - finally]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/frankfurt-2009-aston-martin-rapide-comes-good-finally/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/frankfurt-2009-aston-martin-rapide-comes-good-finally/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/frankfurt-2009-aston-martin-rapide-comes-good-finally/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


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]]>2009 frankfurt2009 frankfurt auto show2009 frankfurt motor show2009Frankfurt2009FrankfurtAutoShow2009FrankfurtMotorShowastonaston martinaston martin rapideAstonMartinAstonMartinRapidefrankfurtfrankfurt 2009frankfurt auto showfrankfurt motor showFrankfurt2009FrankfurtAutoShowFrankfurtMotorShowTue, 15 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Aston Martin creates special edition Robb Report V8 Vantage]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/09/black-issues-aston-martin-creates-special-edition-robb-report-v/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/09/black-issues-aston-martin-creates-special-edition-robb-report-v/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/09/black-issues-aston-martin-creates-special-edition-robb-report-v/#commentsFiled under: ,


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

134921_468x550134922_468x550134923_468x550

[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.

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

It may be too soon to say, but word has it that Aston Martin is working on an even more extreme version of its lightweight DBS super-GT. Rumors have been circulating around the Nurburgring, where Aston Martin has been seen testing new aerodynamic elements for the current Bondmobile of choice, fueling speculation that a more focused package could be on the way, potentially comprising a revised suspension, an updated body kit and some mild performance enhancements.

For reference, it's worth noting that after the Vanquish - the effective predecessor to the DBS - was on the market for three years, Aston Martin released the upgraded Vanquish S. The faster version upped the 5.9-liter V12's output from 460 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque to 520 and 425, dropping the 0-60 sprint from 4.4 seconds down to four flat while increasing the top end from 196 to 204 mph. Improved aero and bigger brakes were also part of the package, and if Aston follows the same route with the rumored DBS upgrade, we could have a real bahn-stormer on our hands.


Gallery: 2008 Aston Martin DBS


[Source: PistonHeads]

From the Ringside Rumormill: Aston Martin working on upgraded DBS? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Aston Martin has grown accustomed to success. Since the DB7, its sports cars have only gotten better, while on the track the British automaker continues to rack up trophies. The Lagonda SUV concept which the company unveiled this past March in Geneva, however, was another story. The awkwardly-shaped crossover got a cold reception at its unveiling, and Aston pulled it off the show stand before the public even got there. Now reports indicate that the entire project has been put on hold.

Chief executive Ulrich Bez reportedly proclaims that the decision to axe the Lagonda venture was purely financial. And in this economic climate, that's a reasonable claim. But other sources suggest that the automotive media's reaction to the concept dictated its demise. Will Aston give it another shot? Aston Martin Lagonda chairman David Richards reportedly wants to get a new concept on the stands before the end of the year. We wouldn't be surprised if he gets his way.


Gallery: Geneva 2009: Aston Martin Lagonda Concept


[Source: Inside Line]

REPORT: Aston Martin puts the Lagonda on hold originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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With Ferrari raking in cash hand over fist from Prancing Horse-branded merchandise, it was only a matter of time before its rivals began to catch on. And catch on they have, with several exotic automakers simultaneously cashing in on their image and promoting it with their own lines of branded merchandise. Stuttgart knows the game with its longstanding Porsche Design division, Molsheim has launched its own Bugatti Collection, and now Aston Martin has joined the fold in opening its first dedicated merchandise store. And where did they open it? At the Nürburgring - where else?

Opening its doors around the same time and in the same Grand Ring Boulevard location as the new Ferrari Store (coincidence? we think not), the first Aston Martin Store stocks an assortment of items from the Aston Martin Collection, including clothing and accessories for men, women and children, gifts, models and more. The store's grand opening was highlighted by the first production example of the One-77 rolling down the street from Aston's 'Ring-side test center. If you're not planning on heading down to the Nürburgring anytime soon, well... you should. But you can always stop by Aston's online shop and pick out your wares there. Details in the press release after the jump.


Gallery: Aston Martin Store Nurburgring


[Source: Aston Martin]

Continue reading Aston Martin joins the party, opens first merchandise store at the Nürburgring

Aston Martin joins the party, opens first merchandise store at the Nürburgring originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Jul 2009 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rizk Auto recreation 1957 Aston Martin DBR2 - Click above for high-res image gallery

They don't build 'em like they used to, they build 'em better. But, it could be argued, they don't style 'em like they used to. A handful of purists have taken the best from both worlds, recreating classic automotive shapes using modern technology. The results - like the Creative Sport Speciale, Gullwing-America 300SL Panamerica and Huet Brothers Special - have always fascinated us, and here's the latest: a recreation of the famous 1957 Aston Martin DBR2 racer, built with the latest methods by Rizk Auto of Phoenix, Arizona.

The RA DBR2 is built around a state-of-the-art carbon-fiber tub and aluminum honeycomb monocoque chassis that weighs a feather-like 100 kgs (220 lbs), overlaid with carbon-fiber body panels lined with Nomex. Sound space-age enough for a classic roadster? How about some Aerogel, a NASA-developed heat insulator being used in a roadgoing automobile for the first time. Each example is built to order, and customers can specify their choice of powertrain options between Jaguar-derived inline-six and V12 engines or a Corvette LS3 V8. The original Aston DBR2 chalked up a handful of victories in its day - if Rizk Auto had put it together, maybe it would have won even more. Details in the press release after the jump and high-res image gallery below.


Gallery: Rizk Auto recreation 1957 Aston Martin DBR2


[Source: Rizk Auto]

Continue reading Best of Both Worlds: Rizk Auto recreation 1957 Aston Martin DBR2

Best of Both Worlds: Rizk Auto recreation 1957 Aston Martin DBR2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

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

[Source: Auto Express]

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

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

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

[Source: WCF]

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

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

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

[Sources: Aston Martin and Octane]

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

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

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