Autoblog

Tiff Needell Track Battle: SLS AMG Roadster vs. DBS Volante

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 24 Jun 2012 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Videos, Aston Martin, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Here we have another EVO TV video that's a fine recipe for car-guy action: the 3,990-pound Aston Martin DBS Volante and its 510-horsepower 6.0-liter V12, the 3,661-pound Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster and its 571-horse 6.2-liter V8, one English track, Tiff Needell, and one million drops of rain. Mix, record, and voila.

Needell's mission was to see whether the English GT or German missile could lap the wet track more quickly. While the end result might not be surprising, how closely the two cars finished was. Watch Tiff go to work below.

Continue reading Tiff Needell Track Battle: SLS AMG Roadster vs. DBS Volante

Tiff Needell Track Battle: SLS AMG Roadster vs. DBS Volante originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 24 Jun 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Aston Martin DBS/DB9 successor caught at the Ring preparing for Villa d'Este debut

Noah Joseph — Thu, 24 May 2012 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Aston Martin, Misc. Auto Shows

As much as it pains us to say it, the current core range from Aston Martin has grown a little stale. But fret not: a new model is just around the corner.

Snapped undergoing testing at the Nürburgring in this latest batch of spy shots is what looks to be a new and nearly complete V12 GT from Gaydon. Code-named AM 310, it could be a successor to either the DB9 or DBS - or could carry a different nameplate altogether and replace them both.

While the engine and platform carry over as modified versions of the existing building blocks, sources anticipate just about everything else in the new sportscar will be new. The bodywork - styled as something of a blend between the current DBS and the top-of-the-line One-77 - is tipped to be made up almost entirely of aluminum and carbon fiber, reducing the weight for the 6.0-liter V12 engine - anticipated to come with a 55-horse boost over the current DBS for a solid 565 horsepower. That ought to be sufficient to propel the rakish coupe to highway speeds in under four seconds.

An even lighter version clothed entirely in carbon fiber is also said to be in the works, but we may not have to wait that long, as the AM 310 may debut as soon as this weekend at the prestigious and glamorous Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este.

Aston Martin DBS/DB9 successor caught at the Ring preparing for Villa d'Este debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 May 2012 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Aston Martin prices limited-edition DBS Ultimate

Noah Joseph — Sun, 13 May 2012 10:01:00 EST

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

If you want to get your hands on the Ultimate version of the Aston Martin DBS, you'd better act fast, and come with cash in hand.

The DBS Ultimate, as you may recall, is Gaydon's way of saying goodbye to what has been (notwithstanding the comings and goings of the One-77 and V12 Zagato) its mainstay flagship model for five years now. It's distinguished by such special touches as a painted rear decklid spoiler, carbon-fiber wing mirror caps, darkened grille, smoked taillamps, Zircotec-coated tail pipes, special badging, and a choice of yellow, black or red brake calipers.

Its interior has likewise been upgraded with red or silver diamond-quilted stitching on the leather seats and Alcantara headliner, and can be ordered in manual or automatic, coupe or Volante convertible, and in one of three colors: Carbon Black II, Quantum Silver or Silver Fox.

Aston has now confirmed that only 100 examples will be offered globally, on a purely first come, first served basis, with no specific allotments for individual markets. The order books are open now with production slated for early June, with American pricing pegged at $287,576 for the coupe and $302,576 for the Volante. Aston also released a fresh batch of images, which you can browse above.

Aston Martin prices limited-edition DBS Ultimate originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 May 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Aston Martin reveals DBS Ultimate online

Noah Joseph — Tue, 08 May 2012 19:27:00 EST

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

Typically when an automaker releases a new car, we see it in a press release (whether embargoed for later release or not) before it pops up on their public-domain website. But not this time.

The car in question is the Aston Martin DBS Ultimate, a vehicle whose arrival we were anticipating. Like the Ultimate edition of the Vanquish that came before it, the DBS Ultimate is a harbinger of the vehicle's departure from the catalog. A new model is expected to arrive in celebration of the company's centenary next year, but before it does, the last few customers will have the privilege of owning one of the few Ultimate editions of the DBS that will ever be produced.

We've yet to receive word on just how many those will be, or what they will cost, but we can tell you that each car will be individually numbered. They will also feature special badging, a painted rear deck-lid spoiler, carbon-fiber wing mirror caps, a darkened grille, smoked tail-lamps, Zircotec-coated tail pipes and a choice of yellow, black or red brake calipers.

The interior is decked out in diamond-quilted stitching on the leather seats and Alcantara headliner in either red or silver thread. Buyers will also be able to choose between three exterior paint finishes - Carbon Black II, Quantum Silver or Silver Fox - and order theirs in either coupe or Volante convertible body-styles and with either a manual or automatic transmission.

We'll have to wait for that press release to come out to bring you more information - particularly on pricing and availability - by which time they'll all likely to have been spoken for. But you can check it out now on the company's website or in the screen caps we've assembled for you in the gallery above.

Aston Martin reveals DBS Ultimate online originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 May 2012 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Aston Martin to offer Ultimate Edition before replacing the DBS

Noah Joseph — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 19:20:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Aston Martin

In the earlier part of the last decade, the king of the Aston Martin hill was a model called the Vanquish. More muscular than the DB7 it superseded, the Vanquish was offered first with a 450-horsepower V12, and then as the Vanquish S with 514 hp on tap. The flagship model from Newport Pagnell was replaced in 2007 by the DBS, but before it went the way of the proverbial dodo, Aston offered a final run of 40 examples called the Vanquish S Ultimate Edition. And now that its successor is itself due for replacement, sources expect Aston to offer a DBS Ultimate Edition, as well.

What separated the Vanquish S Ultimate Edition from its penultimate basis were a special black paint job, an enhanced interior and - most significantly - a conventional manual gearbox to replace the maligned sequential transmission in the regular model. What the DBS Ultimate Edition might comprise remains to be seen, but sources don't expect a manual gearbox to factor into the mix.

The Ultimate Edition, then, may boil down to something largely similar to the above-pictured Carbon Black edition that, like the Vanquish special, also featured a special black paint job and unique wheels, but little in the way of powertrain or suspension upgrades. Whatever the Ultimate Edition does encompass, though, is expected to cost nearly $300,000 and limited in production to just 100 units, of which only 30 are expected to make it to American dealerships.

Aston Martin to offer Ultimate Edition before replacing the DBS originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Aston Martin rolls out Dragon 88 special editions in Beijing

Noah Joseph — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, China, Aston Martin, Beijing Motor Show, Design/Style, Luxury

Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Jaguar and Land Rover all unveiled new special editions at the Beijing Motor Show, and Aston Martin wouldn't miss the opportunity to join in their company. Hence the Dragon 88 Limited Edition.

A special trim level available on the DBS Volante, Virage Coupe and V8 Vantage S, the Dragon 88 range is outfitted at the hands of the Q by Aston Martin division that tricked out the matte-violet Virage we saw in Geneva. The Dragon 88 celebrates the Year of the Dragon with such special touches as 24-carat gold badges, embroidered headrests, special interior trim, commemorative sill plates and a choice of three unique exterior colors.

As the name implies, only 88 examples will be offered, exclusively in China, at an as-yet undisclosed price. Since your chances of ever seeing one up close, then, remains rather slim, the high-res image gallery above (joined by the press release after the jump) is probably your best shot.

Continue reading Aston Martin rolls out Dragon 88 special editions in Beijing

Aston Martin rolls out Dragon 88 special editions in Beijing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Aston Martin unveils DBS Carbon models

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Aston Martin

Aston Martin's presence at the Frankfurt Motor Show is rather limited, but one of the models taking center stage is a new addition to the DBS family. It's called the DBS Carbon Edition, and it's a continuation of the Carbon Black that was introduced in 2009. Now, however, you have a few more options with regards to the exterior color of your spy mobile.

The Aston Martin DBS was available in all colors... literally all of them, meaning you could only get it in black. This time around your choices have expanded, and Aston Martin is offering the new DBS Carbon Edition in Flame Orange or Ceramic Grey. The original black variety is included as well.

On the outside of the Carbon Edition, carbon fiber is used on the fascia, along with the outside mirrors and carbon fiber dash. This process alone is one of the many reasons why the Aston Martin DBS Carbon Edition will set you back $287,576 for the coupe or $302,576 for the convertible, which Aston prefers to call the Volante. If you've got that kind of coin set aside, you can plunk it down and expect your exclusive Bond ride to arrive in the beginning of 2012.

Continue reading Aston Martin unveils DBS Carbon models

Aston Martin unveils DBS Carbon models originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Infographic: A history of James Bond's famous cars

Zach Bowman — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., UK, Celebrities

James Bond and Aston Martin go together like a tuxedo and a license to kill, but everyone's favorite international man of mystery has been behind the wheel of more than just British sports cars during his long and sordid career. The good people at CarBuzz have worked up a lengthy infographic detailing the long history of British Intelligence vehicles piloted by none other than 007. Bond has even held the keys to a Ford LTD on at least two occasions in what could only be a practical joke from Q. He's also helmed such classy rides as a Lincoln Mark VII and an Audi 200 Avant.

That was long before Pierce Brosnan sent a BMW Z8 to its grave or Daniel Craig skipped an Aston Martin DBS V12 off its roof. Of course, as the graphic points out, these are just the cars that 007 has driven over the years. The spy has also commanded a couple of tanks, at least one bus, six helicopters and 20 boats or submarines. Hit the jump to check out the full graphic for yourself.

Continue reading Infographic: A history of James Bond's famous cars

Infographic: A history of James Bond's famous cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Aug 2011 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: Latest Aston Martin DBS prototypes suggest Rapide influence

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 14:01:00 EST

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

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

The last time we spied the Aston Martin DBS, it was fitted with headlamps similar to those on the four-door Rapide. Now, though, a new DBS prototype has been spotted running the 'Ring, and in addition to a change of headlamps, other visual modifications are on hand, as well.

As opposed to the older prototypes, this latest DBS has a more sculpted lower front fascia which will likely be what we see on the final production model. We fully expect power to be sourced from the same 510-horsepower, 6.0-liter V12 as the current car (not that we're complaining). But will those Rapide-like headlamps find their way back onto the new car? We'll be keeping our eyes peeled.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Aston Martin DBS

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Latest Aston Martin DBS prototypes suggest Rapide influence originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: Aston Martin DBS gets a nip, a tuck and new headlamps

Zach Bowman — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 19:26:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Aston Martin, Design/Style, Luxury

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

Reunion for four of Bond's Astons planned at Stoke Park Club

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Aston Martin, Luxury

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

Video: Aston Martin V12 Vantage rocks our world

Zach Bowman — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 12:32:00 EST

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

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

Review: Aston Martin DBS Carbon Black devours suns, spits them out

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 03 May 2010 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Aston Martin, New Car Reviews, Luxury

2010 Aston Martin DBS Carbon Black - Click above for high-res image gallery

We'll admit right now that we have never been completely taken with the Aston Martin DBS. It wasn't that we didn't like it - on the contrary, it's every bit the fabulous car. It's just that we found the DBS slightly... too much, in the same way you could have too much pampering or too much caviar. Even as you're finding the words to decline the next round of Beluga you're thinking, "Wow, I can't believe I'm about to give this the stiffarm, but..." It's all about the fact that the DB9, to our eyes, is just right. The DB9 needs nothing added, and as fabulous as the DBS is, it marks the addition of that not-needed something.

Then the DBS Carbon Black came for a visit, so you can consider this our about-face: The DBS - or rather, this DBS - is our first choice in Astons, so much so that we'd only look at the others after driving this one into some shallow, oily grave.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Aston Martin DBS Carbon Black

Continue reading Review: Aston Martin DBS Carbon Black devours suns, spits them out

Review: Aston Martin DBS Carbon Black devours suns, spits them out originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 May 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Coming to a City Near You: Aston Martin DBS Carbon Black Edition

Noah Joseph — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:26:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Aston Martin, Luxury

Aston Martin DBS Carbon Black Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you've been waiting patiently - even not so patiently - to get your hands on the new Carbon Black edition of the Aston Martin DBS, you'll still have to wait until the summer to take delivery. Oh, and a trunk full of hundred-dollar bills. But if all you want is to catch a glimpse, we've got good news for you. Because no matter where you are in the continental United States, chances are there's a DBS Carbon coming to a city near you.

In a special demonstration organized by Aston's exclusive audio partner Bang & Olufsen - which furnishes the 13-speaker, 1000-watt sound system in the DBS - a pair of the special Carbon Black editions will be touring America. Along their route, they'll be hitting New York, Washington, Miami, Dallas, Chicago, San Francisco and LA. So unless you live in Oregon, you're covered.

If you do swing by a local Aston dealer when the Carbon Black editions are in town, you'll see a pair of DBS coupes with a special-process black flick paint and an interior with carbon-Kevlar seats covered in black leather with silver stitching, along with special wheels and badging.

Gallery: Aston Martin Carbon Black DBS and V12 Vantage

[Source: Inside Line]

Coming to a City Near You: Aston Martin DBS Carbon Black Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

From the Ringside Rumormill: Aston Martin working on upgraded DBS?

Noah Joseph — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Aston Martin, Rumormill

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Supercars, Aston Martin

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

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

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Supercars, Aston Martin, First Drives, Celebrities, Specialty

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

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments