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[From the Ringside Rumormill: Aston Martin working on upgraded DBS?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/11/from-the-ringside-rumormill-aston-martin-working-on-upgraded-db/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/11/from-the-ringside-rumormill-aston-martin-working-on-upgraded-db/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/11/from-the-ringside-rumormill-aston-martin-working-on-upgraded-db/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


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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Click above for a high-res gallery of the Aston Martin DBS Volante

Thanks to the embargo-breaking crew at World Car Fans, we can finally give up the details on the 2009 Aston Martin DBS Volante. The drop-top version of Bond's uber-Aston features a fabric roof that can be retracted in 14 seconds at speeds up to 30 mph and supposedly looks just as good with the top up as the top down. Motivation is provided by the same 6.0-liter V12 found in the standard DBS, putting out 510 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque to a rear-mounted six-speed manual or "Touchtronic" sequential gearbox. The run to 62 mph is dispatched in a scant 4.3 seconds on its way to a top speed of 191 mph. Aston says it was able to keep the weight down (the DBS Volante tips the scales at 3,990 pounds) through the use of a lightweight roof mechanism, along with a carbon fiber hood, front splitter and trunk lid. The standard carbon ceramic brakes - pulled directly from the fixed-roof DBS - reduce unsprung weight at all four corners and provide the neck-punishing stopping power you'd expect. We'll get our first look of the DBS Volante at the Geneva Motor Show next week, but in the meantime, get all the details in the press release below the fold.

Gallery: Aston Martin DBS Volante

Continue reading Geneva Preview: Aston Martin DBS Volante the ultimate in alfresco 12-cylinder motoring

Geneva Preview: Aston Martin DBS Volante the ultimate in alfresco 12-cylinder motoring originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 aston martin dbs volante2009AstonMartinDbsVolanteaston martinAston Martin DBS Convertibleaston martin dbs volanteAstonMartinAstonMartinDbsConvertibleAstonMartinDbsVolantedbsgenevageneva 2009geneva motor showGeneva2009GenevaMotorShowvolanteTue, 24 Feb 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Q-Car: Autoblog drives James Bond's DBS from <em>Quantum of Solace</em>]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/04/q-car-autoblog-drives-james-bonds-dbs-from-em-quantum-of-sola/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/04/q-car-autoblog-drives-james-bonds-dbs-from-em-quantum-of-sola/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/04/q-car-autoblog-drives-james-bonds-dbs-from-em-quantum-of-sola/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for high-res image gallery of the Quantum of Solace DBS

Your English-manor-garden variety Aston Martin DBS has 510 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. The 6.0-liter V12 that powers it will pull the coupe to 60 in 4.3 seconds. It costs $305,000, and it is a special car. But we drove one that was even more special. We drove one of the Aston Martins that was in Quantum of Solace, driven by the man who plays The Man. We didn't even have to break into some supermax-like vault-within-a-vault to get to it. Aston Martin delivered it to us for a day of spy play, yet that didn't make the experience any less thrilling. Follow the jump for the story.


Gallery: Aston Martin DBS from Quantum of Solace


Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Q-Car: Autoblog drives James Bond's DBS from Quantum of Solace

Q-Car: Autoblog drives James Bond's DBS from Quantum of Solace originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for high-res gallery of the 2008 Aston Martin DBS

Aston Martin has a whole slew of new flagships on the way. The One-77 supercar has yet to be fully revealed, the Rapide four-door is in the pipeline, and the V12 Vantage is undergoing testing. But before any of those hit the market, Aston Martin is preparing to unveil a convertible variant of its current top-of-the-line model, the DBS. However reports suggest that the niche automaker is still undecided as to what name the drop-top Bond-mobile will carry.

Traditionally convertible Astons - four-seaters, particularly - have carried the Volante nameplate, as the DB9 currently wears, while the open-top version of the two-seat V8 Vantage carries the sportier Roadster nameplate. The DBS is based on the DB9 but does away with the rear seats (unless the customer asks nicely), leaving it somewhere in the middle, and leaving Richards, Bez and company scratching their heads. Have any suggestions for the Aston Martin management? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

Gallery: Aston Martin DBS Volante - spy shots


[Source: AutoTelegraaf via eGMCarTech]

Aston Martin debating DBS convertible nomenclature originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Oct 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We have to admit, when we heard the next Bond film was going to be called "Quantum of Solace," we kind of scrunched our faces a little bit. Still, Casino Royale was so good that we figured we'd give it the old innocent-until-proven-guilty treatment. Well, now we've seen the trailer, and it looks so bloody good we're all verklempt. We clapped at the end. And then we watched it again.

There's so much action in the trailer that we don't know how there's going to be room for story unless it's as long as Ben Hur, but right now we don't much care. There's only a brief glimpse of the DBS in the trailer at the very end, but whatever it's doing it looks suitably Bond-ish. We'll even admit that the 2-minute clip is good enough to forgive wrecking this Aston DBS, this Alfa, and another Aston DBS during filming. Now you'll have to excuse us while we go watch the trailer a third time. Come on, November 7. Check out the Quantum of Solace trailer for yourself after the jump.

[Source: Moviefone]

Continue reading Quantum of Solace trailer shows little bit of Aston, lot of movie

Quantum of Solace trailer shows little bit of Aston, lot of movie originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for a high-res gallery of the Aston Martin DBS.

According to Autocar, the lucky few that have put a deposit down on the new Aston Martin DBS will have to wait an additional three-months to get behind the wheel of the body-kitted Bond car. The problem apparently stems from suppliers who aren't able to deliver Aston with the one-off parts necessary to complete the DBS. As such, coupes are sitting unfinished at Aston's plant, but sources within the automaker say that they're willing to hold off on deliveries to ensure that all the parts are top-notch. Unfortunately, we doubt that some of the bespoke bits can be salvaged from one of the vehicles that's already been delivered.

Gallery: 2008 Aston Martin DBS


[Source: Autocar via Winding Road]

Aston Martin DBS owners have to wait a bit longer to be Bond originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Apr 2008 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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At 6:30 this morning, a stunt driver shooting a scene for the upcoming James Bond flick, Quantum of Solace, lost control of an Aston Martin DBS while filming a chase scene and plunged into Lake Garda in Italy. The film's executive producer, Anthony Waye, said that the scene was being shot in the pouring rain, and although the DBS didn't survive it's unplanned excursion into the water, the driver sustained only minor injuries and was released from the hospital earlier this afternoon. MI6 declined to comment on the incident, but a spokesperson for the agency remarked that the submersible kit for the Aston was under development. Too little, too late Q.

Thanks for the tip MaTTia.

Gallery: 2008 Aston Martin DBS


[Source: Reuters.it - translated]

Bond stunt driver takes plunge into lake in Aston Martin DBS originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 Apr 2008 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click the image above for a gallery of high-res shots of the Aston Matrtin DBS Volante.

Somewhere in the Swedish boonies there's a stunning burgundy mule testing its wares in the snow: the Aston Martin DBS convertible. Differing from its hardtopped sibling in only its roofline and side window profile, rear seat passengers will need all the champagne they can swill to forget about how little headroom they have. The roofless version of Bond's chariot will get to 100 KPH in just over four seconds, and will run you something like $300,000 in the States, and probably the same amount in euros.

UPDATE: Daylight pictures added to gallery.

Gallery: Aston Martin DBS Volante - spy shots

Spy shots: Aston Martin DBS Volante originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Jan 2008 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click image for DBS photo gallery

Ever since Ford sold Aston Martin earlier this year, there was speculation as to whether the marque would provide James Bond's company car again when the 22nd installment of the movie series hits theaters next November. Speculation over. Aston Martin announced today that its flagship DBS would return to play the hero car alongside Daniel Craig as 007 in the still-untitled film (Bond 22 is the working title). Since Ford still has one flick left on the three-picture deal it signed with the producers, we expect to see cars from the Oval populating the screen as well. In any case, we're glad that Bond's keeping his wheels. They suit him.

[Source: Aston Martin]

Gallery: 2008 Aston Martin DBS

Continue reading James Bond keeps his Aston Martin DBS

James Bond keeps his Aston Martin DBS originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Dec 2007 08:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click image for our Aston Martin DBS hi-res gallery

When the good ship Lotto comes into port for us, one of the items very high on the shopping list is the Aston Martin DBS, which adds a dash of toughness to the slinky lines of the DB9 and generally causes the car-aware to trip over their tongues. Thanks to some recent updates over on Aston Martin's media site, we now know what color we're ordering ours in after Yolanda Vega pulls that crucial sixth matching number out of the lottery contraption. The color is Racing Green -- specifically, Aston Martin Racing Green. This is the same shade developed by DuPont for Prodrive's Le Mans-winning Aston Martin Racing DBR9, and with those dark gray wheels, all that's missing is the yellow or orange "lipstick" around the radiator grille for maximum effect. Incidentally, the other colors announced for the DBS are Lightning Silver, Infa Red, and Casino Royale (heh). For good measure, we'd also snag a Velocity Yellow Corvette Z06 to bolster the GT1 wing of the mythical Autoblog Super Garage. Yeah, we tend to daydream a bit on Fridays.

[Source: Aston Martin via EGMCarTech]

Gallery: 2008 Aston Martin DBS

Thanks DuPont: Aston Martin DBS now available in Racing Green originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Nov 2007 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Top Gear has laid hands on the new hotness that is the Aston Martin DBS, and after watching Jeremy Clarkson take us on an eight-minute tour of the car and what it can do, we desperately want to win the lottery. In his review, he literally places it head-to-head against the DB9 (prettier and less costly) and the Vanquish S (faster in a drag race), and for a time, you almost think he's disappointed in James Bond's latest company car. But as the segment concludes, he has an epiphany of sorts, explaining that its the best car he's driven this year and detailing what makes it special. Then the Stig takes the wheel and does his thing. What's the final verdict? Where does it rank against the other exotica that's lapped the Top Gear test course? We won't give it away, other than to say that it keeps some pretty heady company on that ranking board. Follow the jump and check out the video for yourselves.

[Source: YouTube]

Gallery: 2008 Aston Martin DBS

Continue reading Top Gear flogs the Aston Martin DBS

Top Gear flogs the Aston Martin DBS originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Nov 2007 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click image to view the high-res version, the DBS gallery

The Aston Martin DBS is one exclusive, expensive ride, with only 500 copies of the $250,000 car scheduled to be made each year. To up the exclusivity factor while also giving deep-pocketed DBS owners the ability to play James Bond, Swiss watchmaker Jaeger LeCoultre has designed a very exclusive chronograph strictly for DBS owners. The AMVOX2 chronograph has over 400 parts and costs an absolutely stunning $34,500. The timepiece, which is limited to 999 grade 5 titanium editions and 300 more exclusive Rose Gold wrist jewels, can actually open your DBS for you. Spending $35k on a good looking watch so you don't have to carry a key fob seems drastic to us poor folk, but when you've got money to burn, it's nice to pony up for items that are at least functional.

While the exclusive chronograph is an impressive piece of Swiss engineering, the best part of the equation is that the watch will likely never lose its value, and owners will undoubtedly be rewarded handsomely if they ever try to sell their prized bauble. Funny thing about a watch with 400 parts: when an autommaker over-engineers a part with too many components, it leads to more recalls and lower resale value. In a Swiss watch, a bunch of fancy parts makes it worth 1,000 Casios.

[Source: Auto News (subscription req'd)]

Gallery: 2008 Aston Martin DBS

Own an Aston Martin DBS, get a watch... for another $34,500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Sep 2007 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click the image above for more hi-res pics

Neither Daniel Craig nor his latest avatar made an appearance at the Frankfurt Auto Show, but that's all right. If we had a choice of meeting Bond or his car in person, we'd have to go with the car. And there it was, the DBS, "the ultimate luxury sports car," lurking in Aston's area. Beneath the sculpted, vented snout are twelve cylinders that snarl out 510 HP and 420 lb-ft. Power gets from motor to road via two pairs of 20-inch wheels, and you'll get from 0-60 in 4.3 seconds, all the way to a leisurely 191 mph. Which is just fast enough to enjoy a Vesper Lynd before you've really got to start concentrating on the road. The question with the DBS isn't "Are you man enough?", but rather "Are you gentleman enough?" All yours for $265,000. Plus tax, of course.

For full specs on the DBS go here. And be sure to check out the gallery of hi-res pics.

Gallery: 2008 Aston Martin DBS

Frankfurt 2007: Aston Martin DBS is the new House of Lords originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Sep 2007 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston Martin had one of the worst displays at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show, stuffed into the corner of the Ford section with precisely zero pizazz. Since Aston's new owners want to make a good impression, it looks like they're planning on kicking off the 2007-2008 auto show season with a big bang at Frankfurt. We've already told you about the fire-breathing new DBS, but the Prodrive crew is also planning on unveiling road-going versions of the V8 Vantage and the Bond-mobile. Judging by the already impressive 510 HP V12 DBS due in Q1 2008, the special edition could be a real threat to the GT3.

Aston Martin may only make 8,000 cars per year, but the British supercar maker sure seems to be in the news a lot lately. We'll keep you posted on the Aston Martin's offerings and any other unveilings from the show floor in Frankfurt at the end of September.

[Source: Auto Express]

Aston Martin has bigger plans for Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Aug 2007 08:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Although we did our best to get around to all of the events up in Monterey last week, the fates sometimes conspired against us. Bear with us then as we play a bit of catch-up this week and share some pics of the unveilings and debuts you may have missed. Here we show off a few shots of the more track-like DBS from Aston Martin. Finished in a bluish silver or silvery light blue depending on your vantage point (Ha ha, vantage), we're still a bit conflicted about this newest top rung Aston. While the recently retired Vanquish was all brutal muscle with some semblance of elegance still there, this DBS looks a bit tuner-like, and although it looks like it might be comfortable at a track-day event, it loses some of the fluidity of design that has been the hallmark of recent Aston Martin design. We'll reserve judgment until after one spends some time in the AB garage (fingers crossed!). There are plenty of media pics available by clicking here and some additional pricing details that slipped directly from the horse's mouth available by clicking here.

Gallery: Pebble Beach Week 2007: Aston Martin DBS debut

Pebble Beach Week 2007: Aston Martin DBS brings Bond to the commoner man originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Aug 2007 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2008 Aston Martin DBSOur friend Lou Ann Hammond of Carlist was among the small cadre of early-rising journos who ventured out to Pebble Beach's 18th green on Thursday morning to see Dr. Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin, formally introduce the DBS (video here). Now, while pricing on the sumptuous supercar apparently wasn't supposed to be announced until the Frankfurt show in September, an enthused Dr. Bez went ahead and told those gathered, "this is a car which will cost, in America, $265,000."

So there you have it. Now, please excuse us while we go check last night's lottery numbers.

[Source: Carlist]

Gallery: 2008 Aston Martin DBS

Dr. Bez spills the beans, announces DBS pricing originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 Aug 2007 09:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>$265,000dbsdbs pricedbs pricingDbsPriceDbsPricingdr. ulrich bezDr.UlrichBezpebble beachPebbleBeachulrich bezUlrichBezSun, 19 Aug 2007 09:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Aston Martin DBS: Full info, mega gallery!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/17/aston-martin-dbs-full-info-mega-gallery/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/17/aston-martin-dbs-full-info-mega-gallery/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/17/aston-martin-dbs-full-info-mega-gallery/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2008 Aston Martin DBS
Click image for updated gallery with 45 hi-res photos

Yesterday's post on the Pebble Beach debut of the production Aston Martin DBS clearly got everyone's juices flowing, and today we're happy to follow up with Aston Martin's full press release (it's pasted after the jump) and an eye popping gallery of presskit photos that feature everything from the car and its detailing to film-noirish shots of models sporting lifestyle accessories from the Aston Martin Collection.

Aston Martin DBS production consoleIn case you missed yesterday's initial post, the DBS is touted by Aston Martin as being the "ultimate luxury sports car," combining sex-on-wheels styling with lightweight construction and monstrous V12 power (510 horses, 420 lb-ft of torque). Aston made extensive use of carbon fiber for the car's bodywork, and we learned today that the same weight-saving mentality went into the passenger cabin as well. Lighter rug fibers, semi-aniline leather, and even minor details like carbon fiber door pulls all conspire to minimize weight without sacrificing luxury. Judging from the photos, the gorgeous cabin is not wanting for the latter. Cars outside North America can also be ordered with optional carbon fiber and Kevlar composite seats.

Aston Martin DBS ignition ECU (Emotion Control Unit)Other niceties include a 700 watt Dolby Pro Logic II sound system, hard drive-based navigaion, Bluetooth integration, MP3 connectivity and the interesting-sounding ignition ECU (Emotion Control Unit), which is fancy talk for the DBS' bejeweled keyfob. The slot for it is in the Engine Start button itself, and when inserted, the button glows red. The driver simply presses the ECU flush to fire the engine, which, incidentally, we desperately want to hear in person.

Follow the jump for the full release and specs on the DBS, and make sure you check out the new photo gallery we've added below.

[Source: Aston Martin]

Gallery: 2008 Aston Martin DBS

Continue reading Aston Martin DBS: Full info, mega gallery!

Aston Martin DBS: Full info, mega gallery! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Aug 2007 11:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click image for gallery

The Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, already the backdrop for the introductions of another special-edition Lexus SC 430 (yawn) and the production Infiniti EX (better), is also the venue for an automobile debut more in keeping with the spectacular vehicles that will be displayed this weekend. That car is the Aston Martin DBS, and yes, Virginia, it is ten kinds of awesome.

Due in the first quarter of '08, the latest Bondmobile receives a 510-horsepower/420 lb-ft version of the DB9's 6-liter V12. The only way to harness that power is through a 6-speed manual, and on top of everything else, the DBS, at 3,736 lbs, is 143 pounds lighter than a comparable DB9 coupe with the same transmission. 0-62 mph arrives in a scant 4.3 seconds, and the car keeps going up to 191 mph. Carbon ceramic brakes provide the stopping power, and a 5-setting Adaptive Damping System helps keep the 20-inch Pirelli-wrapped wheels glued to the tarmac. We'll add an update for you once we receive Aston Martin's full press release and vehicle specs.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Gallery: 2008 Aston Martin DBS

Be careful, 007: Aston Martin shows off production DBS originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Aug 2007 11:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008 aston martin dbs2008 DBS2008AstonMartinDbs2008DbsbreakingDBSpebble beachPebbleBeachThu, 16 Aug 2007 11:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Top 7 for 007: Rating Bond's rides]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/17/top-7-for-007-rating-bonds-rides/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/17/top-7-for-007-rating-bonds-rides/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/17/top-7-for-007-rating-bonds-rides/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Some were better than others, but the Bond flicks get us going back to the theater every time. There's just something irreplicably stylish and enchanting about the entire series, and 007's rides make up a big part of that allure... at least for hopeless car nuts like us. But just like the acting and storyline vary with each production, so does the coolness of Bond's cars. So where does each one rank? Just prior to the launch of the latest installment with Daniel Craig in Casino Royale, the pundits at Cars.com convened two specialists to rank the top 7 of 007's cars.

Earning top honors was the classic '64 Aston Martin DB5 from Goldfinger (which we also got to see in its cameo encore appearance in Casino Royale), ahead of the '75 Lotus Esprit featured in The Spy Who Loved Me. Surprisingly, the '97 BMW 750iL from Tomorrow Never Dies started from the second row, out-qualifying the '85 Aston Martin Volante from The Living Daylights, the 1930's Bentley Mark IV (From Russia With Love), the 2002 Aston Martin Vanquish (Die Another Day), and the '99 BMW Z8 (The World is Not Enough). The experts also gave honorable mention to the markedly more affordable '61 Sunbeam Alpine from Dr. No.

For our part, we'd certainly have placed the Vanquish ahead of the 7-Series, and ahead of the '85 Volante, but the real question is where the specially-made Aston Martin DBS would slot into the list. (And for that matter, what will Bond drive in the next episode?)

[Source: Cars.com]

Top 7 for 007: Rating Bond's rides originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Jul 2007 22:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>007astonbondclassicdb5dbsjamesmartinranktopTue, 17 Jul 2007 22:08:00 EST<![CDATA[David Richards talks about Aston Martin's future]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/28/david-richards-talks-about-aston-martins-future/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/28/david-richards-talks-about-aston-martins-future/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/28/david-richards-talks-about-aston-martins-future/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Now that Ford is no longer in control of Aston Martin, AutoCar had a chat with new AM Chairman David Richards about the future of the no-longer-as-exclusive, but still very expensive British car maker. Richards made clear that Ulrich Bez is still very much in charge of day to day operations at Aston, and he represents the owners and helps plot strategy. The company that produced only a few hundred cars a year as recently as fifteen years ago is now closing in on five figure annual sales.

To help achieve that, a replacement for the Vanquish that's based on the DBS (above) that appeared in the last James Bond movie will be in production soon. Likewise, the four-door Rapide should be ready by 2009. The DB in Aston's model names stood for former owner David Brown, who rescued the company in the 1950s. Apparently Richards is not keen on the idea of changing the nomenclature to reflect his own initials, so future models will still be named for Mr. Brown.

[Source: AutoCar]

David Richards talks about Aston Martin's future originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Mar 2007 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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