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 and Lotus each issue recalls]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/14/aston-martin-and-lotus-each-issue-recalls/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/14/aston-martin-and-lotus-each-issue-recalls/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/14/aston-martin-and-lotus-each-issue-recalls/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Aston Martin V12 Vantage

A pair of head-turning high performance cars are catching some attention off a different kind, in the form of safety recalls. Aston Martin and Lotus have issued recalls for the V12 Vantage Coupe and Evora, respectively.

Aston Martin's affects 169 examples of the 2009-2012 V12 Vantage Coupe. It concerns the tire-pressure monitoring system, and is less a malfunction than it is a compliance issue. The TPMS does not alert the driver until the front tire is more than 25 percent below the recommended cold tire pressure. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 138 states that the alarm must sound when tire pressure is "equal to or less than either the pressure 25 percent below" the recommended cold inflation pressure. To address the issue, Aston Martin will notify owners and reprogram the software, free of charge.

As for Lotus, 80 supercharged Evoras have been recalled, all built between February and September, 2011. The problem involves an engine-mounted oil feed pipe, which could rupture, causing loss of engine oil or a possible fire if the oil sprays onto a hot engine.

Lotus will notify owners and repair the problem, free of charge. NHTSA invites anyone who owns these affected vehicles to contact its safety hotline or go on its website for additional information. To find out more about these recalls, refer to the press release posted below.

Continue reading Aston Martin and Lotus each issue recalls

Aston Martin and Lotus each issue recalls originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 14 Oct 2012 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aston martinaston martin recallaston martin v12 vantageevoralotuslotus evoralotus recallrecallv12 vantagevantageSun, 14 Oct 2012 16:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20347568/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/14/aston-martin-and-lotus-each-issue-recalls/20347568/article-detail.xml 20347568 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/2011-aston-martin-v12-vantage-review_thumbnail.jpeg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/2011-aston-martin-v12-vantage-review.jpeg <![CDATA[Aston Martin makes V12 Vantage Roadster official]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/11/aston-martin-makes-v12-vantage-roadster-official/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/11/aston-martin-makes-v12-vantage-roadster-official/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/11/aston-martin-makes-v12-vantage-roadster-official/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013 Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster - white - front three-quarter view

Here it is in all of its open air glory: The 2013 Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster.

Aston Martin has just released official photos and specs for its all-new roadster that will have limited availability around the world. It is powered by Aston's 6.0-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine that cranks out 510-horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The English firm promises a 0-to-62 mph time of 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 190 mph.

Compared to the V12 Vantage Coupe, the roadster has a redesigned rear decklid, which includes a new "flip" to provide high-speed stability and lower front intakes. It also arrives with chassis changes and a modified damper setup with unique valves and redesigned rear springs. Oh, and it's a convertible.

Aston uses carbon fiber all around the body and will offer an optional interior package with additional carbon fiber pieces.

The roadster comes with a starting price of ₤150,000 - that's $233,340 to you, Yankee. Scroll down to view the press release.

Continue reading Aston Martin makes V12 Vantage Roadster official

Aston Martin makes V12 Vantage Roadster official originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 aston martin v12 vantageastonaston martinaston martin v12 vantagev12v12 vantagevantageWed, 11 Jul 2012 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20275885/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/11/aston-martin-makes-v12-vantage-roadster-official/20275885/article-detail.xml 20275885 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/aston-martin-v12-vantage-roadster-01_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/aston-martin-v12-vantage-roadster-01.jpg <![CDATA[Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster revealed early]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/03/aston-martin-v12-vantage-roadster-revealed-early/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/03/aston-martin-v12-vantage-roadster-revealed-early/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/03/aston-martin-v12-vantage-roadster-revealed-early/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster

Well, it's about time. Just like how the Aston Martin V8 Vantage coupe became the V12 Vantage coupe, a similar treatment is now being done to the company's smallest droptop. And thanks to the magic of the Interwebs, a smattering of details and photos of this, the V12 Vantage Roadster, have leaked out early.

Just like the coupe, the roadster will be powered by Aston's infamous 6.0-liter V12, good for 510 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, all of which will be sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. According to reports, the roadster has been given a revised rear decklid spoiler, a redesigned front air gurney and enhancements to the suspension in order to make it just as dynamically pleasing as its hardtop kin.

Other V12 Roadster-specific changes include a healthy dose of carbon fiber on the mirror caps, center stack and gearshift surround, as well as blacked-out elements to the exterior, newly designed wheels and glass switches inside the cabin. Only 101 of the twelve-cylinder roadsters are reportedly being made (at least, that's what the leaked photo of the sill plaque tells us), with the cars likely going on sale in the not-too-distant future. Stay tuned for more details.

Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster revealed early originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Jul 2012 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 aston martin v12 vantage roadsteraston martinv12 vantagev12 vantage roadstervantageTue, 03 Jul 2012 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20270981/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/03/aston-martin-v12-vantage-roadster-revealed-early/20270981/article-detail.xml 20270981 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/01-aston-martin-v12-vantage-roadster-leaked628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/01-aston-martin-v12-vantage-roadster-leaked628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Aston Martin V12 Zagato is the Red Baron of coupes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/06/aston-martin-v12-zagato-geneva-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/06/aston-martin-v12-zagato-geneva-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/06/aston-martin-v12-zagato-geneva-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Aston Martin showed off a few photos of the production version of the V12 Zagato last month, and then a video recently. If you're one of the no-more-than 150 customers who manages to take one home, then here are detailed views of what you can expect. The rear end is particularly striking, even with a wing that's the least stylized object on the entire car.

The £330,000 aluminum and carbon fiber coupe hides 510 horsepower and production tricks borrowed from the One-77. Deliveries will begin toward the end of this year, but you can explore its glory now in the gallery of high-res photos from the Geneva Motor Show floor.

Continue reading Aston Martin V12 Zagato is the Red Baron of coupes

Aston Martin V12 Zagato is the Red Baron of coupes originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aston martinaston martin v12 zagatogenevageneva 2012geneva motor showv12 vantagev12 zagatovantagevantage v12zagatoTue, 06 Mar 2012 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20186648/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/06/aston-martin-v12-zagato-geneva-2012/20186648/article-detail.xml 20186648 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/aston-martin-v12-zagato-geneva_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/aston-martin-v12-zagato-geneva.jpg <![CDATA[Aston Martin releases first footage of V12 Zagato]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/05/aston-martin-releases-first-footage-of-v12-zagato/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/05/aston-martin-releases-first-footage-of-v12-zagato/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/05/aston-martin-releases-first-footage-of-v12-zagato/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Aston Martin has never had a problem making its cars look and sound glorious. A contributing hand from Zagato has only made the pointy end of its capabilities that much sharper. The V12 Zagato, built with a slew of extra man-hours on top of a V12 Vantage, will deliver 510 horsepower of twelve-cylinder, limited-edition happiness to 150 buyers.

We'll see the production version of the V12 Zagato on the Geneva Motor Show floor, but you can check it out in motion in the video after the jump.

Continue reading Aston Martin releases first footage of V12 Zagato

Aston Martin releases first footage of V12 Zagato originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Mar 2012 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aston martinaston martin zagatogenevageneva 2012geneva motor showv12 vantagev12 zagatovideosyoutubezagatoMon, 05 Mar 2012 12:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20185790/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/05/aston-martin-releases-first-footage-of-v12-zagato/20185790/article-detail.xml 20185790 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/zagatovideo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/zagatovideo.jpg <![CDATA[Aston Martin debuts production V12 Zagato]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/aston-martin-debuts-production-v12-zagato/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/aston-martin-debuts-production-v12-zagato/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/aston-martin-debuts-production-v12-zagato/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Aston Martin V12 Zagato

Aston Martin has pulled back the sheets on the first images of its production V12 Zagato. The road car is headed for an official debut at this year's Geneva Motor Show in March.

Following in the tradition of the automaker's ultra exclusive One-77, the V12 Zagato will take more than 2,000 man-hours to manufacture thanks to hand-hewn body panels, including the hood, roof and doors. Not surprisingly, Aston Martin has committed to building just 150 examples. The V12 Zagato will also make extensive use of carbon fiber, with the front and rear fenders, trunk lid and door sills all constructed from the composite.

Aston Martin created four new colors especially for the V12 Zagato, and paint alone takes 100 hours to complete. Indoors, it takes a full seven hides to cover the cabin in hand-stitched, quilted leather.

The V12 Zagato effectively rides on the same underpinnings as the V12 Vantage, which means buyers can look forward to a 6.0-liter V12 engine with 510 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque, while a six-speed manual transmission puts the power to the ground. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Aston Martin debuts production V12 Zagato

Aston Martin debuts production V12 Zagato originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 geneva motor showaston martinaston martin v12 zagatogenevageneva 2012geneva motor showv12v12 vantagev12 zagatovantagezagatoThu, 09 Feb 2012 10:10:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20168047/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/09/aston-martin-debuts-production-v12-zagato/20168047/article-detail.xml 20168047 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/zagato-front-3-4-mid-low-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/zagato-front-3-4-mid-low-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster coming to Geneva]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/16/aston-martin-v12-vantage-roadster-coming-to-geneva/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/16/aston-martin-v12-vantage-roadster-coming-to-geneva/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/16/aston-martin-v12-vantage-roadster-coming-to-geneva/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Aston Martin V12 Vantage

It's amazing what a company like Aston Martin can do with what essentially amounts to two product families. Discounting the Toyota-built Cygnet and the exclusive One-77, the company's entire line-up is based around either the Vantage or the DB9. While the latter has also spawned the Virage, the DBS and the Rapide, Aston has also done a lot with the former. There's the V8 Vantage, the Vantage S, the V12 Vantage and even the exotic V12 Zagato - not to mention countless racing versions.

And then there's the convertibles. Aston offers open-top versions of just about all of these (save, once again, the Cygnet, One-77 and Rapide). All that's been missing is a V12 Vantage Roadster, and now word has it that Aston's got that one in the pipeline for the near future, too.

The formula is pretty simple: taking the mechanical bits from the V12 Vantage coupe and fit the folding fabric roof mechanism from the V8 Vantage Roadster and presto! an open-top twelve-cylinder roadster. And with 510 horsepower on tap, it should make for one heck of a wild ride. We're told to expect it's arrival as soon as the Geneva Motor Show this coming March, so stay tuned.

Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster coming to Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 geneva motor showaston martingenevageneva motor showv12 vantagev12 vantage roadstervantageFri, 16 Dec 2011 10:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20128671/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/16/aston-martin-v12-vantage-roadster-coming-to-geneva/20128671/article-detail.xml 20128671 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/69astonv12vantage_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/69astonv12vantage.jpg <![CDATA[Aston Martin gets to work on new V12 Vantage GT3]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/25/aston-martin-gets-to-work-on-new-v12-vantage-gt3/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/25/aston-martin-gets-to-work-on-new-v12-vantage-gt3/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/25/aston-martin-gets-to-work-on-new-v12-vantage-gt3/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3

It seems to us like Aston Martin never tires of rolling out ever hotter renditions of its Vantage sports coupe. As if the original V8 Vantage weren't enticing enough, Aston then shoehorned a V12 under the hood. Zagato then rebodied what we already thought was one of the shapeliest beasts on the market. And the improvements just keep on rumbling in. But then there's the racing versions. Oh, the racing versions!

The N24 showed us what it meant to take beauty to the beast that is the Nürburgring. Then came the GT4 racing model, followed by the even hotter GT2. The category in-between used to be tended to by the DBRS9, but now Aston's opted to replace it with yet another competition version of the Vantage.

First teased back in April, Aston revealed further photos and details of the V12 Vantage GT3 in August, and the British marque has now commenced track testing of its latest racing machine. Packing a 6.0-liter V12 with more than 600 horsepower and enough wings and ducting to make a fighter jet blush, the new Vantage GT3 has already covered a thousand kilometers of shakedown running while gearing up to take on series like the FIA GT3 championships, the Blancpain Endurance Series and the VLN Nürburgring series.

Like what you see? There's a fresh pair of images we've added to our gallery, and a whole mess of specifications in the press release after the jump, so check 'em out and start dreaming of racing glory.

Continue reading Aston Martin gets to work on new V12 Vantage GT3

Aston Martin gets to work on new V12 Vantage GT3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Nov 2011 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aston martinaston martin v12 vantage gt3aston martin vantage gt3nurburgringv12v12 vantagev12 vantage gt3vantageFri, 25 Nov 2011 14:25:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20113489/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/25/aston-martin-gets-to-work-on-new-v12-vantage-gt3/20113489/article-detail.xml 20113489 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/aston-gt3web_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/aston-gt3web.jpg <![CDATA[Aston Martin shows off new Vantage GT3 racer]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/24/aston-martin-shows-off-new-vantage-gt3-racer/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/24/aston-martin-shows-off-new-vantage-gt3-racer/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/24/aston-martin-shows-off-new-vantage-gt3-racer/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3

Recent endurance races have seen Aston Martin fielding cars at every level of competition, and the British sportscar manufacturer isn't about to give up its strategy of proliferation.

The proof? A few months back, we brought you word that Aston was planning on replacing its DBRS9 with a new Vantage-based racer for the GT3 category to slot in between the GT2 and GT4-spec Vantages. And here it is.

Based on the V12 Vantage road car, the Vantage GT3 packs a dry-sump 6.0-liter V12 with 600 horsepower mated via carbon-fiber propshaft to an Xtrac six-speed sequential transmission, equipped with competition-spec ABS and traction control for those wet laps around the Nordschleife.

Of course, the VLN Nürburgring series isn't the only championship for which the new Vantage GT3 is eligible, designed as it has been from the outset to race in the FIA GT3 Championship, ADAC Masters, Blancpain Endurance Series and others.

Deliveries are scheduled to commence early next year with a price tag of £298,000 - $489,000 USD by today's rates. Even if you haven't got that kind of cash on hand, you can check out Aston's latest in the press release after the jump and the high-res image gallery.

Continue reading Aston Martin shows off new Vantage GT3 racer

Aston Martin shows off new Vantage GT3 racer originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Aug 2011 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>astonaston martinaston martin racingaston martin v12 vantageaston martin v12 vantage gt3aston martin vantage gt3gt3v12 vantagevantagevantage gt3Wed, 24 Aug 2011 11:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20025504/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/24/aston-martin-shows-off-new-vantage-gt3-racer/20025504/article-detail.xml 20025504 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/vantage-gt3-web2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/vantage-gt3-web2.jpg <![CDATA[HBH sketches out one-off Aston-based supercar]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/10/hbh-sketches-out-one-off-aston-based-supercar/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/10/hbh-sketches-out-one-off-aston-based-supercar/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/10/hbh-sketches-out-one-off-aston-based-supercar/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Sketches of the HBH supercar based on the V12 Vantage - Click above for high-res image gallery

HBH stands for Hermann, Brandt, Hartwig, the surnames of three Danes who have had hands in cars like the Kleeman GTK, Sondergard kit car and Zenvo ST-1. The partnership specializes in assisting other companies develop projects, but now HBH has one of its own: build a one-off, mid-engined concept based on the Aston Martin V12 Vantage.

It has no name yet, but it does have sketches. The rendering released last month, looking much like a Noble, is a touch more refined, a bit less bulldog than the newly unveiled chalked-out version, and we think we like the latter better. Speaking of bulldogs, Torben Hartvig mentioned the 1979 Aston Martin Bulldog concept when talking about a precedent for changing the engine layout of the V12 Vantage, and said that with the HBH car they want "to create a car that has the Le Mans racing pedigree but at the same time, from a styling viewpoint, is in complete harmony with Aston Martin's design heritage."

In addition to the new location, the 6.0-liter, 510-horsepower V12 will be supplemented by two superchargers of HBH design. That could be good for somewhere around 700 horses, enough to take the V12 Vantage from Roman candle to Bunker Buster. Only one car is slated to be made, but if (rich) people begin lining up, we image that number could grow. A little.

HBH sketches out one-off Aston-based supercar originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 10 Jul 2011 15:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aston martin v12 vantagehbhv12 vantageSun, 10 Jul 2011 15:13:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19987255/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/10/hbh-sketches-out-one-off-aston-based-supercar/19987255/article-detail.xml 19987255 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/hbhastonsupercar2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/hbhastonsupercar2.jpg <![CDATA[Danish firm HRH planning mid-engined Aston Martin supercar]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/23/danish-firm-hrh-planning-mid-engined-aston-martin-supercar/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/23/danish-firm-hrh-planning-mid-engined-aston-martin-supercar/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/23/danish-firm-hrh-planning-mid-engined-aston-martin-supercar/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

HRH Aston Martin V12
HRH Aston Martin V12 - Click above for high-res image

Zagato, it turns out, isn't the only coachbuilder working on a supercar based on an Aston Martin: a Danish outfit called HBH is reportedly planning to build model based on the V12 Vantage as well, but theirs will be a unique mid-engine design.

The company takes its name from its founders: Jesper Hermann, Christian Brandt and Torben Hartvig. Between them, they've worked on such small-run supercar projects as the Kleeman GTK, Zenvo ST1 and the Sondergard prototype.

Drawing inspiration from the 1979 Aston Martin Bulldog concept and from Lola's Aston-powered LMP1 racer and the in-house AMR-One that followed, HBH is reportedly working Aston's 6.0-liter V12 into a bespoke chassis.

So far HRH has only released the teaser image above, which we've lightened for a better view. The project is slated to be built as a solitary example for a single customer, who will retain the rights to the design as well as any prospect of its future production. In other words, if they find the right customer, they'll build him one, but a further production run could be in the cards as well.

Danish firm HRH planning mid-engined Aston Martin supercar originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 May 2011 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aston martinaston martin v12aston martin v12 vantagehrhv12 vantagevantageMon, 23 May 2011 15:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19947248/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/23/danish-firm-hrh-planning-mid-engined-aston-martin-supercar/19947248/article-detail.xml 19947248 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/hbhastonmartinv12web630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/hbhastonmartinv12web630.jpg <![CDATA[Aston Martin adds V12 Vantage to Performance Driving Course [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/10/aston-martin-adds-v12-vantage-to-performance-driving-course-w-v/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/10/aston-martin-adds-v12-vantage-to-performance-driving-course-w-v/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/10/aston-martin-adds-v12-vantage-to-performance-driving-course-w-v/#commentsFiled under: , ,

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

Aston Martin wants you to push its cars to the limit - at least, after you've signed some waivers and paid $2,500. If that's the case, you're probably at Aston Martin's Performance Driving Course located at the Ford Proving Grounds in Romeo, Michigan. The fleet of cars at your disposal includes the V8 Vantage, DB9, Rapide and DBS, and now Aston Martin has added its new V12 Vantage to the driving school's list of exotic motorcars you can hoon for a nominal fee.

Click past the jump to read the full press release, and to watch a film that will make you want to remove $2,500 from your savings account posthaste.

Continue reading Aston Martin adds V12 Vantage to Performance Driving Course [w/video]

Aston Martin adds V12 Vantage to Performance Driving Course [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 May 2011 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aston martinaston martin performance driving courseaston martin v12 vantagemichigan proving groundsperformance driving coursev12 vantagevideoTue, 10 May 2011 19:25:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19935534/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/10/aston-martin-adds-v12-vantage-to-performance-driving-course-w-v/19935534/article-detail.xml 19935534 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/21-2011-aston-martin-v12-vantage_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/21-2011-aston-martin-v12-vantage.jpg <![CDATA[Aston Martin launching new V12 Vantage GT3 to replace DBRS9]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/13/aston-martin-launching-new-v12-vantage-gt3-to-replace-dbrs9/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/13/aston-martin-launching-new-v12-vantage-gt3-to-replace-dbrs9/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/13/aston-martin-launching-new-v12-vantage-gt3-to-replace-dbrs9/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Aston Martin Vantage GT3
Aston Martin Vantage GT3 - Click above for high-res image

It used to be that Aston Martin race cars were staggered: the GT1 and GT3 cars were based on the DB9, while the GT2 and GT4 machines were based on the Vantage. But that was before the V12 Vantage came into the production lineup, and before the company veered into top-tier LMP1 racing. And while the DBRS9 is still competitive in the GT3 class, Aston has opted to replace it with a new car based on the V12 Vantage.

The new Vantage GT3 packs a competition version of the dry-sump 6.0-liter V12 from the road car, mated to an Xtrac paddle-shift gearbox and race-honed ABS and traction control. Although exact specifications have yet to be finalized, Aston hopes to get the engine up to 600 horsepower and weight down to 1250 kg (2,755 pounds) by the time the car makes its debut in July, with ten customer cars set to be completed by the start of next season to gradually replace the 26 examples of the DBRS9 built to date. Press release after the jump.

[Source: Aston Martin]

Continue reading Aston Martin launching new V12 Vantage GT3 to replace DBRS9

Aston Martin launching new V12 Vantage GT3 to replace DBRS9 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Apr 2011 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aston martinaston martin racingaston martin v12 vantageaston martin v12 vantage gt3aston martin vantage gt3gt3v12 vantagevantagevantage gt3Wed, 13 Apr 2011 11:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19911674/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/13/aston-martin-launching-new-v12-vantage-gt3-to-replace-dbrs9/19911674/article-detail.xml 19911674 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/web630-vantagegt3-rend_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/web630-vantagegt3-rend.jpg <![CDATA[First Drive: 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/05/2011-aston-martin-v12-vantage-first-drive-review-road-test/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/05/2011-aston-martin-v12-vantage-first-drive-review-road-test/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/05/2011-aston-martin-v12-vantage-first-drive-review-road-test/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Automaker's Most Powerful Engine Meets Its Smallest Platform

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

Sketched drawings of imaginary sports cars covered my notebook as an elementary school pupil. Assembled in the ether of a daydream, each penciled design came from an imagination unrestrained by reality, with nary a concession to things like outward visibility, bumper heights or ground clearance. Engines were huge, tires were wide and bodywork was unbelievably sleek. It didn't matter that none of the drawings represented real cars. From my naive perspective, I could bring the world's coolest cars to life in two-dimensional black and white.

Thirty years later, I find myself sitting in the driver's seat of a 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage. To a car guy, this artful amalgamate of aluminum, magnesium, carbon fiber, leather, rubber and glass represents pure sensory overload. As a jaded automotive journalist, I'm supposed to maintain a poker face when presented with such an objet d'art. Plainly, I am struggling today.

Continue reading...


Gallery: 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage: First Drive

2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage

Photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage

First Drive: 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 aston martin v12 vantage2011+aston+martin2011astonmartinaston martinaston+martin+v12+vantageaston+martin+vantage+v12astonmartinv12vantageastonmartinvantagev12Bang OlufsenBO Audiofeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivev12 vantagevantageWed, 05 Jan 2011 11:56:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19787017/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/01/05/2011-aston-martin-v12-vantage-first-drive-review-road-test/19787017/article-detail.xml 19787017 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/lead-2011-aston-martin-v12-vantage_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/lead-2011-aston-martin-v12-vantage.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Aston Martin LMP1 and V12 Vantage sing 12-cylinder love songs to each other]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/24/video-aston-martin-lmp1-and-v12-vantage-sing-12-cylinder-love-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/24/video-aston-martin-lmp1-and-v12-vantage-sing-12-cylinder-love-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/24/video-aston-martin-lmp1-and-v12-vantage-sing-12-cylinder-love-s/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Aston Martin V12 Vantage meets the LMP1 racer
Aston Martin's V12 Vantage meets the Gulf LMP1 racecar - Click above to watch video after the jump

Aston Martin may offer a car with eight cylinders, but the automaker's heart truly lies within those machines powered by 12. The Vantage was recently given a full injection of awesome when the folks in Gaydon decided a power upgrade was in order. The V12 Vantage is loud and proud thanks to its 6.0-liter V12 that churns out 510 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. That same 6.0-liter unit can be found in the DB9, Rapide, DBS and even the ultra-exotic One-77, and it's also the mill that powers Lola-Aston Martin B09/60, better known as the Aston Martin DBR1-2 LMP1 racecar.

The 510 hp in the V12 Vantage is certainly impressive, but the DBR1-2's power output is raised to around 650 hp for racing duty. That 140-hp advantage is stretched much further when you factor in the weight difference between the two cars - the V12 Vantage weighs 3,700 pounds and the DBR1-2 tips the scales at just 2,000 pounds.

Still, these two Astons pump fuel through similar hearts, and the automaker put together a short video clip that shows the two coming together on a rain-slicked country road. Hop the jump to see the V12 Vantage meet the DBR1-2 LMP1 racecar.

[Source: Aston Martin via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Aston Martin LMP1 and V12 Vantage sing 12-cylinder love songs to each other

Video: Aston Martin LMP1 and V12 Vantage sing 12-cylinder love songs to each other originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Dec 2010 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aston martindbr1-2lmp1v12 vantagevideovideosFri, 24 Dec 2010 12:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19775854/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/12/24/video-aston-martin-lmp1-and-v12-vantage-sing-12-cylinder-love-s/19775854/article-detail.xml 19775854 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/aston-martin-v12-vantage-and-lmp1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/aston-martin-v12-vantage-and-lmp1.jpg <![CDATA[Video: 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage drops by Jay Leno's Garage]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/25/video-2011-aston-martin-v12-vantage-drops-by-jay-lenos-garage/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/25/video-2011-aston-martin-v12-vantage-drops-by-jay-lenos-garage/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/25/video-2011-aston-martin-v12-vantage-drops-by-jay-lenos-garage/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Jay Leno Aston Martin V12 Vantage
Jay Leno spends time with the 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage - Click above to watch video after the jump

The 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage sits up near the top of the 'ole Autoblog must-drive car list. While we wait for the day that someone hands us a crystal 'Emotion Control Unit' to fire one up, we can sit back and live vicariously through Jay Leno. Mr. Leno recently got to spend some time with the British sports coupe and was kind enough to capture his experience on camera.

Leno remarks that the V12 Vantage is "almost the perfect combination of hardcore track sports car and GT car." To prove that, he turns the camera over to his tame racing driver, Justin Bell, who brings the car to Willow Springs and puts it through its paces. Check out Jay, Justin and the 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage in the video after the jump.


Gallery: 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage


[Source: Jay Leno's Garage]

Continue reading Video: 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage drops by Jay Leno's Garage

Video: 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage drops by Jay Leno's Garage originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Oct 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 Aston Martin2011 aston martin v12 vantageaston martinaston martin v12 vantagejay lenojustin bellv-12V12v12 vantagevideowillow springsMon, 25 Oct 2010 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19688316/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/10/25/video-2011-aston-martin-v12-vantage-drops-by-jay-lenos-garage/19688316/article-detail.xml 19688316 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/leno-vantage_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/leno-vantage.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Aston Martin V12 Vantage rocks our world]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/04/video-aston-martin-v12-vantage-rocks-our-world/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/04/video-aston-martin-v12-vantage-rocks-our-world/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/04/video-aston-martin-v12-vantage-rocks-our-world/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

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[2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage priced at $179,995]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/01/2011-aston-martin-v12-vantage-priced-at-179-995/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/01/2011-aston-martin-v12-vantage-priced-at-179-995/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/01/2011-aston-martin-v12-vantage-priced-at-179-995/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 aston martin v12 vantage2011 aston martin v12 vantage price2011 aston martin v12 vantage pricing2011AstonMartinV12Vantage2011AstonMartinV12VantagePrice2011AstonMartinV12VantagePricingaston martinaston martin v12 vantageAstonMartinAstonMartinV12Vantagecarbon blackCarbonBlackmsrppricepricingretailv12 vantageV12VantageTue, 01 Jun 2010 18:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19499271/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/01/2011-aston-martin-v12-vantage-priced-at-179-995/19499271/article-detail.xml 19499271 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/01-am-v12-vantage-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/01-am-v12-vantage-630op.jpg <![CDATA[Aston Martin announces plans to sell V12 Vantage in the U.S.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/07/aston-martin-announces-plan-to-sell-v12-vantage-in-the-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/07/aston-martin-announces-plan-to-sell-v12-vantage-in-the-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/07/aston-martin-announces-plan-to-sell-v12-vantage-in-the-u-s/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


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

Aston Martin has finally answering your prayers... assuming that you, like us, have been offering up daily supplications asking that the crew from Graydon to send over its V12 Vantage to those of us living in the good ol' United States of America.

Specs? Here goes: 6.0-liter V12 engine producing 510 horsepower, and 420 pound-feet of torque with a top speed of 190 mph and a 0-62 mph time of 4.2 seconds. Not bad. But Aston is also claiming that its newly muscled Vantage is also "our most agile model with our most powerful engine," adding that it "represents the definitive Aston Martin driving experience."

According to the automaker, some subtle changes were necessary to the structure of the car in order for it to meet North and South American regulations. In addition to these enhancements, Aston has also announced that it will be adding a new Carbon Black version of the V12 Vantage exclusively for the American market.

Included in the dark and sinister makeover will be "a bespoke Carbon Black metallic paint with a subtle metallic twist to create a deep rich patina; painstakingly created through a hand painting process taking 50 man hours." Further, the side strake will be fashioned from carbon fiber, wheels will be gloss black 10-spoke diamond-turned alloys and a bright finished grille will be featured up front.

Inside, you'll see plenty of Obsidian Black leather highlighted with contrasting hand stitching in silver. Piano black interior trim will join black tread plates and unique sill plaques, and a 700w Premium Audio System will be standard equipment. Ordering begins right about now and initial deliveries are slated for fourth quarter of 2010. Want to know more? Check out our high-res image gallery below and then hit the jump for the press release.


Gallery: Aston Martin V12 Vantage


[Source: Aston Martin]

Continue reading Aston Martin announces plans to sell V12 Vantage in the U.S.

Aston Martin announces plans to sell V12 Vantage in the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 May 2010 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aston martinAston Martin V12aston martin v12 vantageaston martin v12 vantage united statesAstonMartinAstonMartinV12AstonMartinV12VantageAstonMartinV12VantageUnitedStatesv12 vantageV12Vantagevantage v12VantageV12VantageV8Fri, 07 May 2010 15:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19469273/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/05/07/aston-martin-announces-plan-to-sell-v12-vantage-in-the-u-s/19469273/article-detail.xml 19469273 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/v12-vantage-carbonblack_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/v12-vantage-carbonblack.jpg <![CDATA[Spy Shots: Facelifted 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/21/spy-shots-facelifted-2011-aston-martin-v8-vantage-roadster/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/21/spy-shots-facelifted-2011-aston-martin-v8-vantage-roadster/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/21/spy-shots-facelifted-2011-aston-martin-v8-vantage-roadster/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Or is that a V12 Vantage? Looking at the pics of this Aston Martin test car snapped by our crack team of spies, it's tough to say if we're looking at a refreshed V8-powered Vantage Roadster, or what might in fact be a V12 Vantage Roadster. Either way, we dig the new wheels.

If you tiptoe through the gallery, you're sure to notice what's new. Namely, and aside from the gray carbon-look wheels, a carbon fiber front splitter and a rear carbon fiber diffuser. Whatever the engine, the Aston Martin Vantage has been one of the flat out sexiest cars available since it debuted in 2005 - but that doesn't mean it's not getting long in the tooth. So Aston very well might be performing a mild mid-cycle refresh of their baby coupe and convertible by grafting on the ground effects from the 510 horsepower V12 Vantage.

Or, alternatively, and hey-why-not, this could in fact be an all new V12 Vantage Roadster. All that's missing from the V12 coupe is the wildly louvered/scalloped hood. We already know how good the 4.7-liter V8 sounds when the Vantage's top is dropped. We can hardly imagine how breathtaking the big 6.0-liter V12 would sound crammed into the Vantage's teeny engine bay while the wind whistles through our hair. Whatever this test mule turns out to be, we'll keep you posted.


Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster

Spy Shots: Facelifted 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Apr 2010 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 Astin Martin V8 Vantage2011 Astin Martin V8 Vantage Roadster2011 Astin Martin V8 Vantage Spy Photos2011 Astin Martin V8 Vantage Spy Shots2011AstinMartinV8Vantage2011AstinMartinV8VantageRoadster2011AstinMartinV8VantageSpyPhotos2011AstinMartinV8VantageSpyShotsAstin Martin V8 VantageAstin Martin V8 Vantage RoadsterAstin Martin V8 Vantage Spy PhotosAstin Martin V8 Vantage Spy ShotsAstinMartinV8VantageAstinMartinV8VantageRoadsterAstinMartinV8VantageSpyPhotosAstinMartinV8VantageSpyShotsAston MartinAstonMartinSpy PhotoSpy PhotosSpy ShotsSpyPhotoSpyPhotosSpyShotsV12 VantageV12 Vantage RoadsterV12VantageV12VantageRoadsterWed, 21 Apr 2010 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19448829/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/21/spy-shots-facelifted-2011-aston-martin-v8-vantage-roadster/19448829/article-detail.xml 19448829 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/v8mule_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/v8mule.jpg -1 2