Autoblog

Aston Martin loves women, women love Aston Martin

Chris Shunk — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Aston Martin, Luxury

If Aston Martin wants to make a sexy commercial, there probably doesn't need to be that much thought involved. All the ultra luxury brand needs to arouse the typical auto enthusiast is a collage of shots of the company's Vantage, Rapide or DB9.

That didn't stop Aston Martin from stocking its latest video creation with women, however, but it's not what you think. Hit the jump to watch Aston's 87-second-long featurette, which is titled "Aston Martin Loves Women. Women love Aston Martin."

The spot illustrates that women don't need a mini skirt to be featured in an exotic luxury car commercial, and that you don't have to be a guy to appreciate automotive beauty. And while the DBS rolling through the majestic twisties is a real looker, it's the sound bites that really get us going. Aston Martin may love women, and women may love Aston right back, but men are rather fond of 'em, too.

Continue reading Aston Martin loves women, women love Aston Martin

Aston Martin loves women, women love Aston Martin originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Forza 4 Endangered Species trailer features Jeremy Clarkson

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 14:56:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Aston Martin, Toys/Games, Celebrities

"What you are about to see is a fantasy. It has no place in the real world."

That's how the latest trailer for Forza Motorsport 4 begins, and when a video game trailer needs that kind of warning, you know things are about to get good.

And then Jeremy Clarkson's voiceover begins, telling us all that we're an endangered species. We, in this case, are those who consider themselves to be automotive enthusiasts. And there's video to back up this assertion, as a man (in the back seat of an economy car, no less) sits in traffic seemingly on his way to work (All it's missing is REM's "Everybody Hurts" - Ed).

Fear not, petrolheads. Soon, a waiting Aston Martin DB9 is fired up, tires squeal and smoke and our protagonist finds himself wildly escaping the confines of the city and its traffic. But wait. What's that? Uh oh, the local constabulary has caught on to our man's actions, and they aren't pleased. He's trapped. Again.

The moral of the story? Get your kicks where it's legal: in your living room, on your xBox 360, playing Forza 4. Thanks, Jeremy, for the friendly reminder. Check out the video for yourself after the break, where you'll also find an accompanying press release.

In related news, Turn 10 has announced that the Forza 4 demo is available to xBox Live Gold members beginning today. Enjoy!

Continue reading Forza 4 Endangered Species trailer features Jeremy Clarkson

Forza 4 Endangered Species trailer features Jeremy Clarkson originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston Martin to launch updated DBS late next year

Noah Joseph — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 17:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Aston Martin, Luxury

2008 Aston Martin DBS - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Aston Martin DBS has only been on the market now for five years, but the DB9 on which it's based has been around for eight. That's a fairly long life-cycle for any car, but it seems the DB9/DBS will have to soldier on a bit longer. Its replacement - based on new architecture - isn't due to arrive until 2015 at the earliest. In the meantime, Aston is planning a fairly comprehensive facelift for the DB9 family.

The changes are tipped to arrive first on the higher-end DBS before trickling down to the rest of the family. Design touches are expected to be borrowed from the One-77 supercar, bringing the influence of the company's design boss Marek Reichman to overshadow that of his predecessor, Ian Callum, now at Jaguar.

Among those touches are expected to be a new fascia that, surprisingly, ditches the company's trademark shape in favor of a new single grille opening, coupled with hood vents and sharper lines all around.

A refreshed interior is also expected, as is an upgraded engine with about 20 more horsepower to draw on from the 5.9-liter V12, up to 530 hp in DBS trim. Expect the revised DBS to arrive sometime late next year, with the new DB9 to follow shortly thereafter.

Aston Martin to launch updated DBS late next year originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jul 2011 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston Martin finishes year with trio of DB9 specials

Noah Joseph — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 11:29:00 EST

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

Aston Martin DB9 Carbon Black and Morning Frost editions - Click above for high-res image gallery

It doesn't take much to crank out a new special edition every once in a while, but Aston Martin has proven itself particularly adept at it. Over the course of the 2010 calendar year, the British automaker has offered up the V12 Vantage and DBS Carbon Black, V8 Vantage N420 and DBS UB2010 (commemorating Dr. Ulrich Bez's ten years at the head of the company). But before the year draws to a close, Gaydon has not one, not two, but three new special editions.

The latest special Astons are based on the DB9 - packing the usual 470-hp 6.0-liter V12 mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox - and are available around the world in either coupe or Volante convertible body-styles. All three feature unique paint jobs, special 19-inch wheels, piano black veneers in the cabin and custom door-sill plates announcing the edition's name.

The DB9 Morning Frost differentiates itself with pearlescent white paint, silver brake calipers, and metallic bronze leather interior, while the DB9 Carbon Black (like the Vantage and DBS editions of the same) and the Quantum Silver editions - the former in black and the latter in the same shade of silver portrayed in the latest Bond movies - also get a sports exhaust, leather roof lining and glass switchgear. You can read more about 'em in the press release after the jump, accompanied by the high-resolution images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Aston Martin DB9 Morning Frost, Carbon Black and Quantum Silver editions

[Source: Aston Martin]

Continue reading Aston Martin finishes year with trio of DB9 specials

Aston Martin finishes year with trio of DB9 specials originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Dec 2010 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jaeger-LeCoultre unlocks the Aston Martin DB9 with new AMVOX2 Transponder

Noah Joseph — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Technology, Aston Martin

Jaeger-LeCoultre AMVOX2 DB9 Transponder - Click above for high-res image

Getting into your car is getting slicker all the time. Remember when you used to have to physically put your key in the door to get inside? Most undignified. Keyless entry remotes were followed by automatic proximity transmitters that unlock the doors for you when you walk up to the car. But even that requires a superfluous keychain dongle. Swiss watchmaker Jaeger-LeCoultre has the answer, but only if you happen to drive an Aston Martin. And have nearly $25k to spare.

Following the transponder wristwatches unveiled for the DBS and Rapide, JLC has now announced the AMVOX2 DB9 Transponder. It features a touch-sensitive sapphire crystal face: touch the glass where it says "open" and it unlocks the doors. Press where it says "close" and it locks 'em. Press both at the same time and the doors stay locked, but it will help you find your car by turning on the headlamps. Nice trick, all enabled by a micro-transmitter built in to the titanium timepiece. Details in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Aston Martin]

Continue reading Jaeger-LeCoultre unlocks the Aston Martin DB9 with new AMVOX2 Transponder

Jaeger-LeCoultre unlocks the Aston Martin DB9 with new AMVOX2 Transponder originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Nov 2010 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston Martin recalls 2007-2008 V8 Vantage, DBS, DB9 models over suspension fear

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Recalls, Aston Martin, Luxury

2008 Aston Martin DBS - Click above for high-res image gallery

The National Highway Traffic Safety Adminstration has issued a recall for select Aston Martins. If you own a V8 Vantage, DB9 or DBS produced during the 2007 and 2008 model years, you should head on in to your local dealership. A cam bolt in the front bottom suspension arm could crack, allowing the lower control arm to move about in ways it shouldn't.

As always, dealers will replace the bolt free of charge. The recall is scheduled to begin on or before October 18th, 2010 and is said to potentially affect 1,090 vehicles.

Gallery: 2008 Aston Martin DBS

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading Aston Martin recalls 2007-2008 V8 Vantage, DBS, DB9 models over suspension fear

Aston Martin recalls 2007-2008 V8 Vantage, DBS, DB9 models over suspension fear originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Oct 2010 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: Aston Martin refreshes the DB9

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 11:30:00 EST

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

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.

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Report: Aston Martin to debut revised DB9, Vantage in 2013/14

Noah Joseph — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Aston Martin

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.

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Spy Shots: Aston Martin DB9/DBS nip/tuck spotted swirling 'round the 'Ring

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 18 May 2010 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Aston Martin, Luxury

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

A refreshed version of either the Aston Martin DB9 or DBS has been spotting working out at the Nurburgring, likely in preparation for a debut in Paris this September. Up front the lower fascia has been reshaped with a single wider lower opening while a pair of DBS-style air extractors are added to the hood. Both of those point to a bump in output, likely in the range of 10-20 horsepower although it could be considerably more if Aston Martin decides to add something like direct injection to the 6.0-liter V12.

Obviously, it's too early to speculate about gearbox changes, but since Aston Martin has indicated that it will be working with Daimler on some future projects, we wouldn't be surprised to see the SL63's multi-clutch-transmission supplant the hydraulically actuated manual.

At the back the DB9/DBS gets clear taillamp lenses, a taller lip spoiler and a big diffuser to help keep the rear wheels stuck to the pavement at elevated speeds. Undoubtedly, there will also be interior upgrades with some new woods and hides and perhaps a better telematics system of some sort.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 Aston Martin DB9

Spy Shots: Aston Martin DB9/DBS nip/tuck spotted swirling 'round the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 May 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Survey: Aston Martin DB9 is UK's favorite car of last 25 years

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 18:33:00 EST

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

It's just six years old, but Britons have lived with it long enough to declare the Aston Martin DB9 their favorite car of the past 25 years. Great Britain's drivers were asked to choose their favorite car from a list of 30 rides going back to 1985 and fully ten percent of them chose Aston's middle-child coupe, said to be "synonymous with James Bond" even though he never drove one. Germany rounded out the podium spots with the Volkswagen Golf at number two, and the (Anglo-~~Saxon~~German) Mini at number three.

You can follow the jump for the press release on the survey. Or you can have a look at the DB9 Volante in the high-res gallery below and see if you can figure out why its hardtop sibling took home the trophy.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Aston Martin DB9 Volante

[Source: Direct Line]

Continue reading Survey: Aston Martin DB9 is UK's favorite car of last 25 years

Survey: Aston Martin DB9 is UK's favorite car of last 25 years originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 18 Apr 2010 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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, New Car 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.

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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.

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Aston Martin to move further upmarket?

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Supercars, Aston Martin

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage

Such is the logic of luxury economics: charge tens of thousands of dollars more for the same product, sell fewer of them and boost the balance sheet and your brand's long-term viability. That is what Aston Martin's considering for the next phase of its business plan, which runs from roughly 2011 to 2019 and will see the launch of DB9 and Vantage successors, the Rapide, and the renewed Lagonda brand.

The Vantage and DB9 are big sellers for Aston, but the company might be unsure of how to sustain the momentum. One option is to move the price of the $113,000 Vantage closer to the $171,000 DB9, and move that latter car closer to the $265,000 DBS, sell fewer of them but make more money. The DB9 does strike us as a (relative) bargain - it's cheaper than a Bentley GT -- but pricing the Vantage closer to the DB9 would seem to wreck its business case as a 911 fighter. Another option could be to replace the Vantage or DB9 with a mid-engined sports car, which could be drool-worthy and well worth the price bump... but perhaps un-Aston-like.

AutoWeek also appears to report that the One-77 isn't sold out, writing "Although Aston has said that it would make a maximum of 77 cars, insiders privately say the market is closer to 25." We don't know how that could be, unless a bunch of the 100 people who applied to buy the car were just kidding...

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage

[Source: AutoWeek]

Aston Martin to move further upmarket? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Oct 2008 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston Martin DB9 to get Caparo brakes

Noah Joseph — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 09:57:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Technology, Supercars, Aston Martin

Click pics for high-res gallery of the Aston Martin DB9 and Caparo T1

It's been a while since we heard anything about the Caparo T1 supercar. One of the most extreme applications of the "F1 for the road" theme, the project originally began independently under the name Freestream before being acquired by component manufacturer Caparo as a rolling demonstration of the latest in automotive technology. Part of that tech is now finding its way into another British sportscar: the Aston Martin DB9.

Reports now indicate that Aston Martin will be upgrading the brakes on its V12 sportscar with units developed for the Caparo T1. In the place of the 355mm front discs currently employed will be a set of 378mm discs, gripped by four-pot calipers each machined from a solid piece of cast aluminum. The new stoppers, developed by the 18-man team at Caparo AP Braking, promise to deliver a 24% reduction in fade while reducing peak temperatures by 18% in return for 30% less pedal force required. Interesting that Aston Martin decided to outsource a new set of brakes for the DB9 instead of adopting the carbon-ceramic units from the top-of-the-line DBS.

We've added some new high-resolution images of the DB9 and Caparo T1 to the galleries below. Check 'em out:

Gallery: Aston Martin DB9

Gallery: Caparo T1

[Source: PistonHeads]

Aston Martin DB9 to get Caparo brakes originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Jul 2008 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Updated Aston Martin V8 Vantage with more power coming to Geneva

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Aston Martin, UK

Click above for more desktop wallpaper-perfect photos of the V8 Vantage

The Aston Martin V8 Vantage continues to build on its advantages -- exclusivity, hand-stitching, and that winged badge -- to make it a full-bodied competitor to that other marque from Stuttgart. According to Car magazine, the Vantage will get some engineering tweaks and its engine capacity will grow by almost half a liter, to 4733-cc. A year ago Aston merely fiddled with the ECU on the N400 and found 20 extra horses. We hope an even more plump double digit number comes with this kind of growth in displacement. The cabin is also expected to receive a polish, with things like the Ford key -- and perhaps the Volvo switches -- being kicked out of the old boy club. A face-lifted range of DB9s is also expected. All of these changes leads us to our one request for Aston, please be careful with what is already perfection. We've selected the most choice high-res images of the V8 Vantage from Aston Martin's media website and assembled them in a gallery below. Enjoy and don't drool on your keyboard.

Gallery: Aston Martin V8 Vantage

Gallery: Aston Martin N400 V8 Vantage

[Source: Car]

Updated Aston Martin V8 Vantage with more power coming to Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Feb 2008 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mansory package for Aston DB9 is all show, no extra go

Noah Joseph — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 20:04:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Convertible, Performance, Aston Martin

Click on above to view our 29-image high-resolution gallery

When Mansory hit us with its modified Aston Martin V8 Vantage, we bemoaned the lack of any serious performance upgrades. Unfortunately, although it's more visually pleasing than its stab at the Vanquish, Mansory's take on the DB9 adopts the same meatless approach.

The only real performance upgrade is in the rolling stock: 20-inch forged alloys hide 405mm discs clamped by six-piston calipers up front and four-piston calipers around back, hooked up to a lowered suspension. Wheels, brakes and suspension ain't nothin', but otherwise it's all poseur. There's a new front end with integrated lighting, side skirts and a carbon fiber rear diffuser with chrome exhaust tips. Inside Mansory has decked the interior out in maple, carbon fiber, Alcantara and available aluminum pedals.

The package is available for both the DB9 coupe as well as the DB9 Volante, so if you can't wait for the DBS roadster and aren't that interested in the increased performance anyway, your new clubbing accessory has arrived.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Gallery: Mansory Aston Martin DB9

Mansory package for Aston DB9 is all show, no extra go originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jan 2008 20:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2007: Awaiting our inheritance, Part Deux - Aston Martin DB9 LM

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Motorsports, Performance, Aston Martin

Click the image above for a gallery of high-res images of the DB9 LM.

It's obvious that Aston Martin's new owners are proud of the marque's racing heritage, particularly its recent outings in both the Nürburgring and LeMans 24-hour enduros. Like the N400, the DB9 LM is a tribute to Aston's victories, but this time, it's for an outright class win in the Le Mans race this past June. More a showpiece rather than an outright racer, the LM gets a revised exterior that includes a Sarthe Silver paint job, new mesh treatments in the front grille, and red calipers. On the inside, the Tertre Rough trim may be a bit much to discerning eyes, but we're sure it'll find favor with the nouveau riche. However, the individually numbered sill plaques and LeMans-track badging bring things back to class and let all who enter understand that they're sitting in something special.

There are more pics for you viewing enjoyment below, so click on.

Gallery: Aston Martin DB9 LM

Frankfurt 2007: Awaiting our inheritance, Part Deux - Aston Martin DB9 LM originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt Preview: Aston Martin V8 Vantage N400 and DB9 LM

Alex Nunez — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 08:29:00 EST

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

Click image to enlarge

In addition to the European debut of the DBS, Aston Martin will use Frankfurt to introduce the V8 Vantage N400 and the DB9 LM special editions that pay homage to the marque's track exploits. While we'll have to wait to see what they look like in the metal, Aston has provided a pair of sketches that show us what to expect.

The N400 (above) is a celebration of Aston Martin and the Nürburgring, and its nomenclature breaks down quite simply. "N" is for -- you guessed it -- Nürburgring, where Aston Martin has contested the V8 Vantage N24 in the annual 24-hour endurance race held on the track. It's also where the automaker puts under-development road cars through their paces and where the N400 has recorded a sub-8-minute lap time. The "400" refers to the car's power. Its pumped-up 4.3L V8 produces 400 horses and 309 lb-ft of torque. The extra power (the standard car makes 380 hp/302 lb-ft) is further augmented by the standard Sports Pack, which adds a number of dynamic and visual enhancements to the car.

Continue reading Frankfurt Preview: Aston Martin V8 Vantage N400 and DB9 LM

Frankfurt Preview: Aston Martin V8 Vantage N400 and DB9 LM originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Sep 2007 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What does Henrik Fisker roll on?

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 11:04:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket

Too many trips to SEMA have left us immune to the shiny detritus that populates the pages of some of our favorite mags, but when Henrik Fisker, the man who penned the BMW Z8 and the Aston Martin DB9, gets into the wheel business, we take notice.

Beyond his newest coachbuilding projects, Fisker has released two new wheels, designed to fit within the arches of several BMW and Mercedes-Benz vehicles. The ten-spoke FL10 has a bit more of a competitive aura, while the FT5 gets away with the right amount of style and substance. Both are available in gunmetal or titanium finishes, with prices starting around $1,500. But if you ask nice and are willing to exercise your Black Card, they'll customize your wheels with the paint scheme of your choosing.

You can see if you can purchase Fisker's wheels for your own whip by following this link to their website.

[Source: InsideLine]

What does Henrik Fisker roll on? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jun 2007 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hotter Aston Martin DB9 takes to the ring

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 07:54:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Supercars, Aston Martin

It looks like a more athletic edition of the Aston Martin DB9 may be hitting the streets soon. The 450 HP 6.0L V-12 reportedly remains under the hood, backed up a six-speed manual gearbox. Aerodynamic changes inspired by the DBRS9 racer and the upcoming DBS flagship show up in the front corners and the huge rear diffuser. The increased down-force will be accompanied by suspension changes and lighter body panels that will help the British GT get around corners faster and stop shorter. Additionally, a more driver orientated interior is expected to supplant the luxury setup of the current production DB9.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Hotter Aston Martin DB9 takes to the ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Apr 2007 07:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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