Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Aston Martin tops iPhone as UK's "coolest" brand]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/02/aston-martin-tops-iphone-as-uks-coolest-brand/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/02/aston-martin-tops-iphone-as-uks-coolest-brand/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/02/aston-martin-tops-iphone-as-uks-coolest-brand/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Aston Martin

In a really good year, Aston Martin sells about 10,000 vehicles. That exclusivity is part of the brand's cachet, but exactly how much brand-name juice does Aston have? In the UK, apparently, more than any other.

The Superbrands Cool Brands survey by the UK-based Centre for Brand Analysis crowned Aston Martin as the coolest brand among the top 500 companies studied. 2,000 consumers and a panel of designers, editorial types and brand consultants gave the nod to Aston Martin after a tough battle against the likes of the iPhone, iPod, BlackBerry and Harley-Davidson. While Aston took the top spot overall, high tech companies like Google, Apple, YouTube and Nintendo dominate the list. The only other automakers making the cut are Ferrari at number nine and Mini at 16.

We love Aston Martin, but it's pretty clear that it benefited from some UK home-cooking here. After all, the BBC iPlayer made the top 20 in this survey...

[Source: Marketing Week]

Aston Martin tops iPhone as UK's "coolest" brand originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 02 Oct 2010 12:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aston brandingaston martinAstonBrandingAstonMartinbranding aston martinBrandingAstonMartinCentre for Brand AnalysisCentreForBrandAnalysisferrariminiSat, 02 Oct 2010 12:37:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19652168/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/10/02/aston-martin-tops-iphone-as-uks-coolest-brand/19652168/article-detail.xml 19652168 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/aston-logo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/aston-logo.jpg <![CDATA[David Brown's rusty old Aston sells for £200k at auction]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/18/david-browns-rusty-old-aston-sells-for-200k-at-auction/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/18/david-browns-rusty-old-aston-sells-for-200k-at-auction/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/18/david-browns-rusty-old-aston-sells-for-200k-at-auction/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

1958 Aston Martin DB2/4 MkIII Drophead
David Brown's 1958 Aston Martin DB2/4 MkIII Drophead - Click above for high-res images

How much would you pay for a rusty old car? A couple grand, if it had real potential? More? How about $319,000? That's how much one rusty old Aston Martin recently sold for at auction, and needless to say, it far exceeded pre-auction estimates.

Of course, this 1958 Aston Martin DB2/4 MkIII drophead is no ordinary old car. It belonged to the legendary David Brown himself, the former Aston boss whose initials still grace the company's GTs to this day. The car's been sitting under a tarp, hidden from the world for 30 years. Naturally it's not exactly in tip-top condition at this point, and it'll require a significant amount of work to be brought up to spec.

"A rolling restoration project" is how auctioneers Barons British Heritage called it. We'll call it a labor of love, and a mighty expensive one at that. Details in the press release after the jump.


Gallery: 1958 Aston Martin DB2/4 MkIII drophead, ex-David Brown


[Source: Barons]

Continue reading David Brown's rusty old Aston sells for £200k at auction

David Brown's rusty old Aston sells for £200k at auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 Sep 2010 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1958 Aston Martin DB241958 Aston Martin DB24 MkIII1958 Aston Martin DB24 MkIII Drophead1958AstonMartinDb241958AstonMartinDb24Mkiii1958AstonMartinDb24MkiiiDropheadastonaston martinAstonMartinbarn findBarnFindbaronsbarons british heritageBaronsBritishHeritagedavid brownDavidBrownSat, 18 Sep 2010 12:35:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19632618/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/18/david-browns-rusty-old-aston-sells-for-200k-at-auction/19632618/article-detail.xml 19632618 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/web630-090910bar_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/web630-090910bar.jpg <![CDATA[Spy Shots: 'Ring-bound Aston Martin One-77 begs the question - Who is Dirty Shirley?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/07/spy-shots-ring-bound-aston-martin-one-77-begs-the-question-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/07/spy-shots-ring-bound-aston-martin-one-77-begs-the-question-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/07/spy-shots-ring-bound-aston-martin-one-77-begs-the-question-w/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Dirty Shirley Aston Martin One-77
"Dirty Shirley" Aston Martin One-77 spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you're thinking, "This car looks familiar," it's because we've seen it before. The Aston Martin One-77 continues to tease us with its beauty, power and exclusivity, and our spies have caught the bronze test car out on the Nürburgring once again. This time, though, One-77 isn't its only name.

Whoever Dirty Shirley is, she should be honored to know that her name has been given to Aston's super-rare One-77. Even so, if this name is just Aston's way of getting closer to its prototypes, so be it, because honestly, we can't think of a more appropriate name.

For the sake of drooling, we'll remind you yet again that only 77 of these darlings will be made, packing a lordly 7.3-liter V12 good for over 700 horsepower. Top speed is somewhere north of 220 miles per hour, and the whole thing retails for a lofty $1.8 million. Stay dirty, Shirley.


Gallery: Dirty Shirley Aston Martin One-77


[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: 'Ring-bound Aston Martin One-77 begs the question - Who is Dirty Shirley? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 20:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>astonaston martinaston martin one-77aston martin one-77 testingAstonMartinAstonMartinOne-77AstonMartinOne-77Testingdirty shirleyDirtyShirleyNurburgringone-77spy photosspy picsspy shotsSpyPhotosSpyPicsSpyShotsTue, 07 Sep 2010 20:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19624250/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/07/spy-shots-ring-bound-aston-martin-one-77-begs-the-question-w/19624250/article-detail.xml 19624250 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/01-dirty-shirley-one-77-1283893814_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/01-dirty-shirley-one-77-1283893814.jpg <![CDATA[Lagonda crossover reportedly scrapped in favor of Rapide-based sedan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/06/lagonda-crossover-reportedly-scrapped-in-favor-of-rapide-based-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/06/lagonda-crossover-reportedly-scrapped-in-favor-of-rapide-based-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/06/lagonda-crossover-reportedly-scrapped-in-favor-of-rapide-based-s/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


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

Aston Martin Lagonda hasn't lacked for four-door models in its history, but its latest efforts have had us all scratching our heads in bewilderment. Instead of badging the Rapide as a Lagonda model, the four-door DB9 derivative came to market instead as an Aston. Meanwhile, the Lagonda badge was resurrected for an odd crossover concept that, let's just say, wasn't warmly received after its unveiling at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.

Subsequent reports indicated that the Lagonda concept - reportedly based on a Mercedes platform - was heading back to the drawing boards. The latest reports, however, indicate a different approach. Apparently the crossover has been canned entirely, but that doesn't mean the dormant half of Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd is going back to sleep.

In response to customer complaints that the Rapide was lacking in rear-seat legroom (and it is pretty cramped back there), AML is now reportedly preparing to enlarge the four-door coupe into a more accommodating form that will bear the Lagonda name in the crossover's stead. Sources place the sedan's arrival no sooner than four years from now, so your long-legged friends will have to wait a while longer before they can stretch out in the back of Gaydon's finest.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Aston Martin Rapide


Gallery: Geneva 2009: Aston Martin Lagonda Concept


[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Lagonda crossover reportedly scrapped in favor of Rapide-based sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Sep 2010 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>astonaston martinaston martin lagondaaston martin rapideaston rapideAstonMartinAstonMartinLagondaAstonMartinRapideAstonRapidelagonda rapideLagondaRapiderapideMon, 06 Sep 2010 18:25:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19621844/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/06/lagonda-crossover-reportedly-scrapped-in-favor-of-rapide-based-s/19621844/article-detail.xml 19621844 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/rapidereview_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/rapidereview.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Aston Martin Cygnet could come to the States]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/01/report-aston-martin-cygnet-could-come-to-the-states/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/01/report-aston-martin-cygnet-could-come-to-the-states/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/01/report-aston-martin-cygnet-could-come-to-the-states/#commentsFiled under: ,

Aston Martin Cygnet could come to the States
Aston Martin Cygnet - Click above for high-res image gallery

We aren't quite sure why the Aston Martin Cygnet exists. What was once an economical Toyota iQ is now a fuel-sipping Aston Martin (weird) with a lavish interior and a price tag that will make your heart skip a beat. We understand that vehicles like this work well in the congested, small-car-friendly cities of Europe, but it remains to be seen if microcars have a place here in the United States. The Smart ForTwo has proved to be a flop in the States, though we'll chalk most of that up to its unimpressive fuel economy and downright awful driving dynamics.

The U.S. is set to get a Scion-badged version of the Toyota iQ in early 2011, but a report from Automotive News states that Aston Martin could import its angry-looking Cygnet counterpart to our shores as early as 2012. It would share the same 1.3-liter gasoline powerplant as the Scion, though an electric-only version with a 60-mile range could arrive in 2013.

We'll wait until Aston Martin gives us the official word before we start jumping to any conclusions, but consider our outlook on a U.S.-spec Cygnet similar to that of a half-empty glass.


Gallery: Aston Martin Cygnet


[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Report: Aston Martin Cygnet could come to the States originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aston cygnetaston martinAston Martin CygnetAstonCygnetAstonMartinAstonMartinCygnetCygnetWed, 01 Sep 2010 13:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19617034/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/01/report-aston-martin-cygnet-could-come-to-the-states/19617034/article-detail.xml 19617034 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/02-amcygnet_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/02-amcygnet.jpg <![CDATA[Aston Martin design director gets custom Vantage GT4]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/11/aston-martin-design-director-gets-custom-vantage-gt4/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/11/aston-martin-design-director-gets-custom-vantage-gt4/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/11/aston-martin-design-director-gets-custom-vantage-gt4/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Marek Reichman's Aston Martin Vantage GT4 - Click above for high-res image gallery

And he's going racing with it. Marek Reichman, the design director for Aston Martin, will be hopping into the saddle of a Vantage GT4 for his first shot at the Aston Martin GT4 Challenge of Great Britain. Reichman has gone fender to fender before, though he typically keeps to vintage club racing. This will be the first time he's stepped up to the 90-minute big boy leagues of his company's one-make series. Reichman won't be doing it alone, though. Chris Porritt, the engineering manager for Aston Martin, will be sharing driving duties.

Porritt has helmed the mighty Vantage GT4 in the past, though most of his experience has been at the Nürburgring. We're thinking that if he can keep the car shiny side up around Green Hell, he should have no problem going toe to toe with the rest of the field. That doesn't mean that the competition is going to be a cakewalk for the team - so far this season, the Aston Martin GT4 Challenge has proven to be full of more than capable racers. The series is slated to kick off at Oulton Park on Saturday, August 21. Hit the jump for a peek at the press release.


Gallery: Aston Martin Design Director's Vantage GT4


[Source: Aston Martin]

Continue reading Aston Martin design director gets custom Vantage GT4

Aston Martin design director gets custom Vantage GT4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Aug 2010 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Aston MartinAston Martin GT4 ChallengeAston Martin Vantage GT4AstonMartinAstonMartinGt4ChallengeAstonMartinVantageGt4Chris PorrittChrisPorrittGT4Marek ReichmanMarekReichmanVantageVantage GT4VantageGt4Wed, 11 Aug 2010 14:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19589573/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/08/11/aston-martin-design-director-gets-custom-vantage-gt4/19589573/article-detail.xml 19589573 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/01-vantage-gt4-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/01-vantage-gt4-630.jpg <![CDATA[Rare Aston Martin DB5 convertible drives $5.6 Million in sales at Goodwood]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/08/rare-aston-martin-db5-convertible-drives-5-6-million-in-sales-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/08/rare-aston-martin-db5-convertible-drives-5-6-million-in-sales-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/08/rare-aston-martin-db5-convertible-drives-5-6-million-in-sales-a/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

1965 Aston Martin DB5 Vantage Convertible - Click above for high-res image gallery

Britain has produced more than its fair share of memorable classics, but arguably few as seductive as the classic Aston Martins of the 1960s. Introduced in 1963, the DB5 benefited from several generations of DB4 development, largely retaining the Touring bodywork but replacing the old 3.6-liter engine with a new 4.0-liter unit and several other advancements.

Over two years of production, over a thousand DB5s were built, the vast majority of coupes outselling the 12 Radford coachbuilt shooting brakes and the 23 convertibles. Of those few roadsters, only nine were outfitted with the more powerful Vantage engine, and one of them has just sold for a record £551,500 ($833k) at the Bonhams auction at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The example in question, with original "VDB 5" license plates, had three previous owners who saw it through two comprehensive restorations (one at the Aston Martin Works Service in 1992 and another at Aston Service Hamburg in 2004), and was displayed last year at Villa d'Este.

Along with the DB5 Vantage Convertible (the Volante name only coming into use on the subsequent DB6), Bonhams also auctioned off the 1937 Bentley featured in the Bond film "Never Say Never Again" for £221,500 ($335k), a rare Lister-Jaguar for £232,500 ($351k) and several more, totaling £3,707,687 ($5.6m) in sales. Details in the press release after the jump, with photos of the beautiful Aston in the gallery below.


Gallery: 1965 Aston Martin DB5 Vantage Convertible


[Source: Bonhams]

Continue reading Rare Aston Martin DB5 convertible drives $5.6 Million in sales at Goodwood

Rare Aston Martin DB5 convertible drives $5.6 Million in sales at Goodwood originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Jul 2010 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1965 Aston Martin DB5 Vantage Convertible1965AstonMartinDb5VantageConvertibleastonaston db5aston martinaston martin db5Aston Martin DB5 VantageAston Martin DB5 Vantage ConvertibleAstonDb5AstonMartinAstonMartinDb5AstonMartinDb5VantageAstonMartinDb5VantageConvertiblebonhamsdb5goodwoodgoodwood festival of speedGoodwoodFestivalOfSpeedThu, 08 Jul 2010 15:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19542231/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/08/rare-aston-martin-db5-convertible-drives-5-6-million-in-sales-a/19542231/article-detail.xml 19542231 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/web630-db5_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/web630-db5.jpg <![CDATA[Review: 2010 Aston Martin Rapide is a modern day Femme Fatale]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/08/2010-aston-martin-rapide-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/08/2010-aston-martin-rapide-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/08/2010-aston-martin-rapide-review/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2010 Aston Martin Rapide - Click above for high-res image gallery

Do you like noir? No, not the perfume, the literary and film genre. You know, hard-boiled crooks, wise-cracking private eyes, Los Angeles under cover of night and blondes so blonde they'll kill you dead. Those blondes are, of course, are better known as femme fatales, and in truth, the color of their hair doesn't really matter. Think Theda Bera, Rita Hayworth, Mary Astor, Barbara Stanwyck and Marlene Dietrich. And let's not forget the lovely Lana Turner - she's the one, in a case of life imitating art, with the daughter that killed Mickey Cohen's strongman/goon Johnny Stompanato. In other words, women so pretty you'd throw your life away just so they know you're throwing your life away.

Here's the free, online-encyclopedia definition of femme fatale in case you're still wondering: "An alluring and seductive woman whose charms ensnare her lovers in bonds of irresistible desire, often leading them into compromising, dangerous and deadly situations."

Let's state up front that the 2010 Aston Martin Rapide is not, to our knowledge, unsafe in any way, shape or form. But man, oh man, is it seductive enough to make us overlook every single bad thing about it. That, or walk into an uncovered manhole cover while staring at it. Anyhow, "irresistible desire" and "compromising situations" are this British superstar's raison d'etre. Philip Marlowe would eat his fedora just for a ride. Thankfully, we had to perform no such theatrics: Aston Martin simply let us borrow their car.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Aston Martin Rapide


Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2010 Aston Martin Rapide is a modern day Femme Fatale

Review: 2010 Aston Martin Rapide is a modern day Femme Fatale originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Jul 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Aston Martin Rapide2010 Rapide2010AstonMartinRapide2010RapideAston Martinaston martin rapide road testAston martin road testAstonMartinAstonMartinRapideRoadTestAstonMartinRoadTestfeaturedRapiderapide reviewrapide road testRapideReviewRapideRoadTestReviewreviewsThu, 08 Jul 2010 11:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19545416/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/08/2010-aston-martin-rapide-review/19545416/article-detail.xml 19545416 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/lead1amrapidereview2011_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/lead1amrapidereview2011.jpg <![CDATA[Aston Martin releases new N420 edition V8 Vantage]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/06/aston-martin-releases-new-n420-edition-v8-vantage/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/06/aston-martin-releases-new-n420-edition-v8-vantage/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/06/aston-martin-releases-new-n420-edition-v8-vantage/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage N420 - Click above for high-res image gallery

You remember the Vantage N400? Aston Martin released the special-edition sportscar back in 2007 to commemorate the success of its Vantage N24 racer at the Nürburgring. It packed 400 horsepower, a series of suspension tweaks and some special cosmetic touches. Unfortunately, Aston only produced 240 examples of the 'N', all of which have long since sold out. But now it's back. With a vengeance.

Whereas the previous N400 upgraded the stock 380 horsepower to 400, the new N420 - based on the current, post-2008 updated Vantage - carries over the stock 420-horse mill. Suspension upgrades come courtesy of the otherwise optional Sports Pack, here fitted as standard equipment, along with a special exhaust unique to the N420. A new front splitter, side skirts and diffuser are made of carbon fiber, unique wheels are fitted along with black mesh grille inserts, and 27 kilograms (60 pounds) have been trimmed from the curb weight. Upgrades have also been carried out to the interior, and buyers can choose from a range of "race collection" paint schemes.

Like its predecessor, the new Aston Martin V8 Vantage N420 will be sold in coupe or roadster format and available with either six-speed manual or Sportshift semi-automatic transmissions. Deliveries will begin next month in the UK, the £96,995 price tag (that's over $147,000 USD but includes the UK's hefty Value Added Tax) represents a £13,804 ($21k) premium over the base model, which sells in the UK for £83,191 (equivalent to $126k at today's exchange rates) and in the United States for $119,500. Details in the press release after the jump, high-res gallery below.


Gallery: 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage N420


[Source: Aston Martin]

Continue reading Aston Martin releases new N420 edition V8 Vantage

Aston Martin releases new N420 edition V8 Vantage originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 aston martin v8 vantage n4202011AstonMartinV8VantageN420astonaston martinaston martin v8 vantageaston martin v8 vantage n420aston v8 vantageaston vantageAstonMartinAstonMartinV8VantageAstonMartinV8VantageN420AstonV8VantageAstonVantagen420v8 vantagev8 vantage n420V8VantageV8VantageN420vantagevantage n420VantageN420Tue, 06 Jul 2010 11:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19542874/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/06/aston-martin-releases-new-n420-edition-v8-vantage/19542874/article-detail.xml 19542874 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/web630-n420_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/web630-n420.jpg <![CDATA[Spy Shots: Aston Martin One-77 spotted on the 'Ring for the first time, wears new color for the occasion]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/02/spy-shots-aston-martin-one-77-spotted-on-the-ring-for-the-firs/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/02/spy-shots-aston-martin-one-77-spotted-on-the-ring-for-the-firs/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/02/spy-shots-aston-martin-one-77-spotted-on-the-ring-for-the-firs/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Aston Martin One-77 at the Nurburgring - Click above for high-res image gallery

Yeah, yeah. We know the Aston Martin One-77 has already shown its hips to the world, but our crack team of spy photographers have managed to lay their lenses on one of the super-exclusive Astons bumping around the Nurburgring. Even better, the megacar is dipped in a new color that we've yet to see. The deep metallic bronze paint is drop dead gorgeous, even on what appears to be nothing more than a pre-production engineering mule.

The One-77 is built to be an exercise in what Aston Martin can accomplish when cost and exclusivity are no barrier. With a 7.3-liter V12 under the hood producing a proletariat-crushing 700 horsepower, the coupe exists in a world detached from reality. That's just fine, though, because Aston Martin is only building 77 of the cars, and with each coming in at a staggering $1.8 million, the people who can afford it aren't of this world anyway.


Gallery: Aston Martin One-77 at the Nurburgring

Spy Shots: Aston Martin One-77 spotted on the 'Ring for the first time, wears new color for the occasion originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Aston Martinaston martin one-77AstonMartinAstonMartinOne-77one-77Fri, 02 Jul 2010 19:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19539127/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/02/spy-shots-aston-martin-one-77-spotted-on-the-ring-for-the-firs/19539127/article-detail.xml 19539127 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/02-one77-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/02-one77-630.jpg <![CDATA[Officially Official: Aston Martin refreshes the DB9]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/28/officially-official-aston-martin-refreshes-the-db9/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/28/officially-official-aston-martin-refreshes-the-db9/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/28/officially-official-aston-martin-refreshes-the-db9/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2011 Aston Martin DB9 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Despite the fact that few people would actually argue that the Aston Martin DB9 really needed a nip and tuck, that's exactly what it's getting for 2011. Given how well the DB9 has held up over the last seven years, the changes have been kept pretty discreet. The lower front grille has been reshaped and new mesh inserts have been added, while the rocker panel crease now sweeps up into the rear wheel arches.

Mechanically, the DB9's 6.0-liter V12 powertrain has been carried over, as has its 470 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. The most significant upgrade for 2011 is the adoption of an adaptive damping system similar to the one already available on the DBS and Rapide. Thanks to the improved handling offered by the damping system, Aston has decided to drop the Sport Pack previously available on the DB9. Production of the upgraded models has already started and customers should be getting the new cars in the coming weeks.


Gallery: 2011 Aston Martin DB9


[Source: Aston Martin]

Continue reading Officially Official: Aston Martin refreshes the DB9

Officially Official: Aston Martin refreshes the DB9 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 Aston Martin2011 aston martin db92011 DB92011AstonMartin2011AstonMartinDb92011Db92011FordFiestaastonaston martinaston martin db9aston martin dbs volanteaston-martinAstonMartinAstonMartinDb9AstonMartinDbsVolanteDB9DB9 volanteDb9VolantevolanteMon, 28 Jun 2010 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19533569/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/28/officially-official-aston-martin-refreshes-the-db9/19533569/article-detail.xml 19533569 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/amdb90044f21e47c-d3ad-4d3f-80c8-eebd76b8a241-copy_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/amdb90044f21e47c-d3ad-4d3f-80c8-eebd76b8a241-copy.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Lotus to target Europe's best, evolve from lightweight to luxury]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/22/report-lotus-to-target-europes-best-evolve-from-lightweight-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/22/report-lotus-to-target-europes-best-evolve-from-lightweight-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/22/report-lotus-to-target-europes-best-evolve-from-lightweight-t/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Not the shape of Lotus things to come? - Click above for high-res image gallery

Yesterday Lotus did something rather... odd. The Malasian-owned British sports car maker sent the entire automotive world a high-res picture of Stonehenge and announced it represented the, "Dawn of a new era." We initially interpreted this to mean that the new Lotus Esprit would show up in Paris. We still think we're right about that part, but Lotus might have been letting a little bit more cat out of bag than they intended.

According to a report from Malaysia, Lotus owner Proton has hired a plethora of ex-Ferrari, Porsche and Aston Martin employees (including Frank Tuch, the former Director of Quality Management at Porsche) in hopes of transforming the brand away from Toyota-engined track day novelties (hello, Exige!) into a full-fledged Ferrari, Porsche and Aston Martin fighting luxury, high-performance brand. Of course that entails abandoning Colin Chapman's maxim, "Simplify, then add lightness," in favor of the German mandate to, "Complexify, then add steel." If you think the Italians are any better, realize that every new Ferrari ships with eighteen miles of wiring. But look on the bright side, the new cars (which will have some sort of hybrid-ness cooked in) could draw power from Chapman spinning his grave.

As we speculated yesterday, the new Esprit will need something resembling a V8 engine (at least) to not only fill the shoes of the old, long-loved Esprit, but also to compete with the world's best luxury/performance machers. Luckily for both Lotus and Lotus fans, engine-supplier Toyota has just such a motor in the form of the IS F's 416 horsepower, 371 pound-feet or torque 5.0-liter V8. Of course, if you want to play in the stratosphere with the likes of Ferrari, Porsche and/or Aston Martin these days, you're going to need at least 500 horsepower. But where would Lotus get an engine like that?

According to the report, the Lexus LFA's 552 hp, 9,000 rpm 4.8-liter V10 could be made available for Esprit duty, though it might be slightly detuned. Still, an aluminum and composite V10 is an aluminum and composite V10. While that might sound odd at first blush, Toyota (no doubt) spent a sick amount of yen coming up with the LFA's V10, but they're only building 500 (or so) LFAs. So why not recoup the pricey development costs elsewhere? Like say in a Lotus range-topper? The question then becomes: Does the world want a 500+ horsepower Lotus dolled up with enough electronic whizbangery to compete with Europe's finest? Only time and the marketplace will tell.


Gallery: Tokyo 2009: 2010 Lotus Exige Scura


[Source: Paul Tan]

Report: Lotus to target Europe's best, evolve from lightweight to luxury originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jun 2010 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Aston Martin DBS spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

Our spy photographers have been busy little bees lately. The crew recently managed to set their lenses on what appears to be the next Aston Martin DBS, complete with a pretty new face. From what we can tell, the company has refreshed the V12 heathen with all-new body work from the A pillars forward. The car now wears a revised fascia with thinner headlamps, and the hood appears to have a few new wrinkles as well. We're having a hard time telling if the front fenders have been significantly massaged or not, but chances are they've been modified somewhat to mate with those new LED-bespeckled lights.

From the rear, its clear Aston Martin has equipped the car with a redesigned diffuser, and the taillights have been redrawn as well. So, will the company supply buyers with any extra power to accompany the new suit of clothes on the DBS? It's possible, but not likely. Odds are the car will still pack the same burly 6.0-liter V12 with 510 horsepower. Which still sounds pretty good to us.


Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 Aston Martin DBS

Spy Shots: Aston Martin DBS gets a nip, a tuck and new headlamps originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112011 Aston Martin2011 Aston Martin DBS2011AstonMartin2011AstonMartinDbsAston MartinAston Martin DBSAstonMartinAstonMartinDbsDBSDBS Spy ShotsDbsSpyShotsSpy PhotosSpy ShotsSpyPhotosSpyShotsMon, 21 Jun 2010 19:26:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19524868/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/21/spy-shots-aston-martin-dbs-gets-a-nip-and-tuck-new-headlamps/19524868/article-detail.xml 19524868 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/dbs-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/dbs-630.jpg <![CDATA[EDO Competition converts five-year-old Aston Martin DB9 into DBS]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/19/edo-competition-converts-five-year-old-aston-martin-db9-into-dbs/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/19/edo-competition-converts-five-year-old-aston-martin-db9-into-dbs/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/19/edo-competition-converts-five-year-old-aston-martin-db9-into-dbs/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Edo Competition Aston Martin DB9/DBS - Click above for high-res image gallery

You'd think that someone who can afford to have their Aston Martin DB9 transformed into a DBS could probably afford to simply buy a new DBS. We can't really speak to the motivations of one Russian DB9 owner, but Edo Competition wasn't about to argue with a paying customer.

After the five-year old DB9 was brought to Edo for conversion, the tuner replaced the original metal body panels with the carbon fiber parts used on Aston's flagship DB. In addition to the external appearance, the interior of the car has been customized with a mix of leather, Alcantara, carbon fiber and metal.

The DB9's 5.9-liter V12 has also been upgraded from 470 horsepower to 550 hp, taking it beyond the 510 hp output of the factory-built DBS. A car that goes faster needs to be able to stop as well, so the binders have been enlarged, though Edo oddly stuck with steel brakes instead of upgrading them to carbon. No cost has been disclosed for the conversion, but we can't help but wonder whether the net expenditure was greater than the cost of a new car minus the trade-in.


Gallery: Edo Competition Aston Martin DB9/DBS


[Source: Edo Competition]

EDO Competition converts five-year-old Aston Martin DB9 into DBS originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 Jun 2010 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Following the introduction of the Rapide and One-77, and with the miniaturized Cygnet on its way, Aston Martin is turning its attention to its two core model lines. But rather than replace the existing DB9 and Vantage with all-new, ground-up redesigns, word from the UK is that Gaydon is planning thorough revisions of the existing models, including to their chassis and engines.

Both the DB9 and the Vantage are based on Aston's flexible VH platform, which will reportedly carry on for another generation. However Aston's aiming to cut weight by around 10 percent. Although the VH is made of aluminum, the vehicles based on the platform are heavier than they should be. A comprehensive re-engineering of the platform components, as well as the possible use of lightweight composite body panels, should help Aston trim the weight off the next-gen mode - expected to arrive around 2013/14 - thereby helping the company reach EU emissions targets.

The current DB9's V12 engine is also expected to carry on for another generation, although significant revisions are expected there as well. Technologies developed for the brand's racing program will be brought to bear for the road car, although it remains to be seen whether the potential benefits of incorporating direct injection will outweigh the costs involved.

Stylistically, both the DB9 and Vantage are expected to take their cues from the One-77, with a low, wide grille and strong character line running from the signature front-fender vent to the rear, albeit somewhat toned down for the volume models.

[Source: Autocar]

Report: Aston Martin to debut revised DB9, Vantage in 2013/14 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Jun 2010 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 aston db92013 aston martin db92013 aston martin v8 vantage2013 aston martin vantage2013 aston vantage2013AstonDb92013AstonMartinDb92013AstonMartinV8Vantage2013AstonMartinVantage2013AstonVantage2014 aston db92014 aston martin db92014 aston martin v8 vantage2014 aston martin vantage2014 aston vantage2014AstonDb92014AstonMartinDb92014AstonMartinV8Vantage2014AstonMartinVantage2014AstonVantageaston db9aston martinaston martin db9aston martin v8 vantageaston martin vantageaston v8 vantageaston vantageAstonMartinAstonMartinDb9AstonMartinV8VantageAstonMartinVantageAstonV8VantageAstonVantagedb9v8 vantageV8VantagevantageFri, 11 Jun 2010 08:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19510695/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/11/report-aston-martin-to-debut-revised-db9-vantage-in-2013-14/19510695/article-detail.xml 19510695 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/aston-wheel_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/aston-wheel.jpg <![CDATA[Reunion for four of Bond's Astons planned at Stoke Park Club]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/09/reunion-for-four-of-bonds-astons-planned-at-park-stoke-club/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/09/reunion-for-four-of-bonds-astons-planned-at-park-stoke-club/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/09/reunion-for-four-of-bonds-astons-planned-at-park-stoke-club/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Four of Agent 007's Aston Martins

Before the original Aston Martin DB5 Bond-mobile goes on the auction block this Fall, it and three other Astons from the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s will get together for a party in the UK. The DBS, Vanquish, and V8 Vantage Volante from Quantum of Solace, Die Another Day and The Living Daylights will be on hand for the Midsummer Classic at the Stoke Park Club.

The Stoke Park Club is hardly new to Agent 007, having been a setting in at least two Bond flicks among other lesser known films. The absence of the original DBS from 1969's On Her Majesty's Secret Service and the V8 Vantage coupe from The Living Daylights means this isn't quite a complete set, but it's close enough. Now we just need to bring together the Lotus Esprits and assorted BMWs from the middle years of Bond for a more complete retrospective.


Gallery: James Bond's 1964 Aston Martin DB5


Gallery: Aston Martin DBS from Quantum of Solace


Gallery: Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante


Gallery: Aston Martin Vanquish


[Source: MotoBullet]

Reunion for four of Bond's Astons planned at Stoke Park Club originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>astonaston martinaston martin dbs volanteAston Martin V8 Vantage RoadsterAston Martin Vanquish V12AstonMartinAstonMartinDbsVolanteAstonMartinV8VantageRoadsterAstonMartinVanquishV12bond astonbond aston martinbond aston martin reunionBondAstonBondAstonMartinBondAstonMartinReuniondbsdbs volanteDbsVolantejames bondJamesBondv8 vantagev8 vantage roadsterV8VantageV8VantageRoadsterWed, 09 Jun 2010 08:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19505898/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/09/reunion-for-four-of-bonds-astons-planned-at-park-stoke-club/19505898/article-detail.xml 19505898 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/bond-astons_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/bond-astons.jpg <![CDATA[Aston Martin looks set to flood Le Mans grids with new prototype]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/07/aston-martin-looks-set-to-flood-le-mans-grids-with-new-prototype/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/07/aston-martin-looks-set-to-flood-le-mans-grids-with-new-prototype/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/07/aston-martin-looks-set-to-flood-le-mans-grids-with-new-prototype/#commentsFiled under: , ,

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

Since returning to the sportscar racing scene in 2005, Aston Martin Racing has expanded its scope to cover every category of GT racing from the GT4-spec Vantage to the GT1-spec DBR9. But few were prepared for the full-on assault the British outfit launched last year in the top-tier, winner-takes-all LMP1 category.

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the last Aston Martin overall victory at Le Mans, the team shoehorned the V12 engine from the victorious DBR9 into an existing Lola chassis with support from veteran LMP1 campaigners Charouz Racing System. The Aston-powered Lolas emerged among the most successful gasoline-powered entries (behind the diesel-powered Audis and Peugeots). But that was only a stop-gap measure. This year's 24 Hours of Le Mans - set to kick off next weekend - is slated to be the last time Aston uses the Lola chassis before it launches its own.

Developed by Aston's racing partner Prodrive - directed by Aston chairman David Richards - the ground-up Le Mans prototype is set to take to the track next year. But Aston won't be keeping the fun all to itself. According to the latest reports, the factory works team will field two cars of its own, and sell an additional two cars to a privateer team next year and then another two in 2012. If Aston can find an edge against the longer-running diesels - this is an endurance race, after all - or if the series organizers find an effective way of equalizing the performance between the fuel types, a field of six Aston prototypes stand a good chance of topping the podium within the next couple of years.


Gallery: Lola-Aston-Martin LMP1


[Source: Autosport]

Aston Martin looks set to flood Le Mans grids with new prototype originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Jun 2010 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage - Click above to watch video after the jump

If you've felt an unexplained disturbance in the automotive force recently, it can probably be attributed to the scheduled arrival of the Aston Martin V12 Vantage on American shores. We've been lusting after this thing since it first cropped up as concept way back in 2007, and now the ridiculously wealth or the fantastically in debt can finally get their paws on the car here in the U.S. The recipe is simple - take the brawny, 510 horsepower 6.0-liter V12 from the DBS, cram it into the engine bay of the lithe Vantage, add louvers and call it a day. Sorta.

Aston Martin has taken it upon itself to prime the collective American pump for the V12 Vantage debut by releasing a quick teaser video. It's dipped in sweet, slow-motion glory shots of the car doing what it does best - sending tires to their smoky grave and conning otherworldly speed out of seemingly plebian strips of asphalt. There are even a few shots of the race-derived version loftily beating its way around the Nurburgring. We're in love. Hit the jump to see it for yourself.


Gallery: 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage


[Source: Aston Martin via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Aston Martin V12 Vantage rocks our world

Video: Aston Martin V12 Vantage rocks our world originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Jun 2010 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>6.0l v126.0lV12Aston MartinAston Martin V12 VantageAstonMartinAstonMartinV12VantageDBSV12 VantageV12VantageFri, 04 Jun 2010 12:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19502654/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/04/video-aston-martin-v12-vantage-rocks-our-world/19502654/article-detail.xml 19502654 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/v12-vantage-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/v12-vantage-630.jpg <![CDATA[James Bond's 1964 Aston Martin DB5 expected to top $5 Million at auction]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/02/james-bonds-1964-aston-martin-db5-expected-to-top-5-million-at/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/02/james-bonds-1964-aston-martin-db5-expected-to-top-5-million-at/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/02/james-bonds-1964-aston-martin-db5-expected-to-top-5-million-at/#commentsFiled under: , ,


James Bond's 1964 Aston Martin DB5 - Click above for high-res image mega gallery

The mantle of "world's most famous car" is a heavy one indeed. But if any single automobile ever created deserved the honorific, surely it's the 1964 Aston Martin DB5 used on-screen in the production of the iconic 007 films Goldfinger and Thunderball. And in case you were disappointed at having missed the opportunity to get your hands on one of the stunt cars, the real thing is now up for grabs in London, where RM and Sotheby's will be auctioning it off to the highest bidder.

The car in question was prepared by Aston Martin for use in the Bond films. After that it went back to the manufacturer, which then sold it to radio host and philanthropist Jerry Lee, who's been holding onto it for the past 40+ years. In pursuit of his charitable work, Lee is finally putting the car up for sale, with bids expecting to top $5 million when it goes under the hammer on October 27.

One of only two made and the only one still in existence, the custom DB5 comes packed with all the extras the Q-Branch installed for Bond's use, from the revolving license plates and tracking device to the oil slick dispenser and smoke screen. You can check out all the details in the press release after the jump, along with the 100+ high-resolution image gallery that very well might be the largest we've ever compiled. Oh, and do be careful, Bond.


Gallery: James Bond's 1964 Aston Martin DB5


[Source: RM Auctions]

Continue reading James Bond's 1964 Aston Martin DB5 expected to top $5 Million at auction

James Bond's 1964 Aston Martin DB5 expected to top $5 Million at auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jun 2010 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage Carbon Black - Click above for high-res image gallery

Aston Martin has finally put a U.S.-approved sticker onto the V12 Vantage, and if you're aching to get into the 510 horsepower coupe, you'll need to set aside $179,995 for the "base" model.

Included in the kit is the DB9-sourced V12 powerplant putting out the aforementioned 510 ponies and 420 pound-feet of torque, capable of scooting the svelte coupe to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 190 mph.

If the standard V12 Vantage is just too plebeian for your tastes, you can option up for the Carbon Black Edition - an exclusive trim for the States - which includes black metallic paint, carbon fiber accents, a reworked grille, 10-spoke black wheels and a host of interior appointments.

Pricing for the Carbon Black model comes in at a cool $194,995 (undercutting both the DB9 and DBS), and both prices include the $3,000 gas guzzler tax and $1,350 destination charge. If that's too rich for your blood, just enjoy the high-res pics in the gallery below.


Gallery: 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage

2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage priced at $179,995 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Jun 2010 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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