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Elite LMV-R brings the heat to Aston Martin

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Aston Martin

The Elite LMV/R -- Click above for high-res image gallery

The Aston Martin Vantage GT4 might be worthy on the track, but what if you want a lightened, hardened Vantage for the street, à la Lamborghini's Gallardo Superleggera and Ferrari's F430 Scuderia? Then you have Elite to thank for this, the LMV/R. The car is lightened with the use of carbon fiber body panels and interior kit, widened with bespoke fenders, and given a Galpin Motorsports-esque wheel and tuning treatement.

They don't get any extra power, however. If it's any consolation, there will only be thirty of them - but each one will cost a fortune: $173,000 plus the cost of a Vantage. You can read all about the Florida-built car after the jump, and check it out in the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: Elite Aston Martin Vantage LVM/R

[Source: Exotica Motorsports]

Continue reading Elite LMV-R brings the heat to Aston Martin

Elite LMV-R brings the heat to Aston Martin originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston to field half-dozen V12 Vantage racers at Nürburgring 24

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 23 May 2009 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Aston Martin

Click above for a high-res gallery of the V12 Vantage preparing for the Nürburgring 24-hour race

It started with one lone V8 Vantage, dubbed the N24, that ran the Nürburgring 24-hour race in 2006. Last year, that first racer, a yellow car dubbed "Rose," won class honors in the race. This year, it will be joined by five more Vantages, one of them being the 510 horsepower V12 Vantage introduced in Geneva earlier this year.

Only three of the six cars will be factory efforts. The slightly modified V12 Vantage will be piloted by Aston CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez and three co-drivers, and "Rose" will be driven by another team of three. Privateer entrants will be headed by Richard Kramer, an Austrian Aston dealer whose Vantage N24 is being supported by the factory.

You can read the full press release after the jump, and check out live action from the weekend's qualifying and race at the ADAC site.

Gallery: Aston Martin V12 Vantage at the Ring

[Source: Aston Martin]

Continue reading Aston to field half-dozen V12 Vantage racers at Nürburgring 24

Aston to field half-dozen V12 Vantage racers at Nürburgring 24 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 23 May 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston Martin to move further upmarket?

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

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Supercars, Aston Martin

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

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

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

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

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage

[Source: AutoWeek]

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

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First Drive: 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 12:57:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Aston Martin, First Drive

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

2003 BMW M5.
2005 Lotus Elise.
2008 Aston Martin V8 Vantage.

What do these three vehicles have in common? They all occupy a space in my dream garage. Sure, I could've added a few more fantasy slots for a Ferrari 250 GTO, a Land Rover 90 and everything in between, but the Bimmer, the Lotus and the Aston exemplify all I've ever wanted on four wheels: a powerful sedan, a competent track tool, and an elegant coupe. No matter the occasion, I'm covered.

But there's a problem. While I've spent a fair amount of time in and around the Elise and M5, I've never had the opportunity to drive the Vantage. The Aston holds a spot on my lottery list on looks alone, so I arrived in San Francisco with a fair amount of trepidation. Will the V8 Vantage be everything I've dreamt about or will it be the automotive equivalent of meeting my hero?

It's finally time to find out.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
Continue reading First Drive: 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
First Drive: 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Jul 2008 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Premier4509 limited edition body kit for Aston Martin V8 Vantage

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:28:00 EST

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

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Premier4509's V8 Vantage.

Veilside's luxury and exotics arm has already released body kits for the Lamborghini Murcielago and Bentley Continental GT, and now Premier4509 has turned its attention to the Aston Martin V8 Vantage. Any attempt to improve upon the stunning sheet metal of the Vantage is a risky affair, but Premier4509 seems to have balanced a bit of bling with some measure of restraint. The kit includes a new front bumper, side skirts, rear bumper and spoiler that ties in nicely with the shapely lines of the coupe, and the forged, three-piece wheels compliment the aggressive body kit, but will surely compromise the Vantage's already stiff ride.

All the pieces are made up of fiber reinforced plastic and optional carbon fiber accessories will be made available, along with new exhaust tips. Sale will begin in the first quarter of next year and will be limited to 300 units, each with their own numbered serial plate.

Gallery: Premier4509 Aston Martin V8 Vantage

[Source: Premier4509]
Continue reading Premier4509 limited edition body kit for Aston Martin V8 Vantage
Premier4509 limited edition body kit for Aston Martin V8 Vantage originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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LA 2007: Aston Martin N400 Roadster just as orange as coupe

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 14:42:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Performance, Aston Martin

Click for all of the fresh-squeezed orange zestiness

Well, we saw it in person here in LA, and the Aston Martin N400 Roadster we told you about a few days ago is just as orange as the coupe.

Gallery: Aston Martin N400 V8 Vantage
LA 2007: Aston Martin N400 Roadster just as orange as coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Nov 2007 14:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Mansory adds flavor, little else to the Aston Martin Vantage V8

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 14:27:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Performance, Aston Martin

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

Tuners normally try to find a balance between appearance and performance modifications, but in the case of Mansory, they've relied on the former at the expense of the latter. Starting with the achingly handsome Aston Martin V8 Vantage is a good jumping off point, and when you slap 20-inch black wheels on an eye-grabbing yellow version, you've got our attention. But aside from Mansory-badged six-piston Brembos up front and four pistons in the rear, sport springs and a two-tier exhaust, motivation does quite match the mods.

Instead, Mansory's equipped the Vantage with plenty of carbon fiber bits, from the burgundy engine details, including a radiator shroud and sway bar, to the side mirrors and taillights. Inside, a new steering wheel is fitted, covered in Alcantara and leather, while Mansory stitches its name into the floor mats and emblazons it into the doorsills.

The new diffuser, side skirts, revised front fascia and spoiler, all scream performance, but without some serious engine and suspension tweaking, the Mansory AM Vantage remains a pretty poseur among performance players.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Gallery: Mansory Aston Martin V8 Vantage
Mansory adds flavor, little else to the Aston Martin Vantage V8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Oct 2007 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Frankfurt Preview: Aston Martin V8 Vantage N400 and DB9 LM

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

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

Click image to enlarge

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

The N400 (above) is a celebration of Aston Martin and the Nürburgring, and its nomenclature breaks down quite simply. "N" is for -- you guessed it -- Nürburgring, where Aston Martin has contested the V8 Vantage N24 in the annual 24-hour endurance race held on the track. It's also where the automaker puts under-development road cars through their paces and where the N400 has recorded a sub-8-minute lap time. The "400" refers to the car's power. Its pumped-up 4.3L V8 produces 400 horses and 309 lb-ft of torque. The extra power (the standard car makes 380 hp/302 lb-ft) is further augmented by the standard Sports Pack, which adds a number of dynamic and visual enhancements to the car.
Continue reading Frankfurt Preview: Aston Martin V8 Vantage N400 and DB9 LM
Frankfurt Preview: Aston Martin V8 Vantage N400 and DB9 LM originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Sep 2007 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Spy Shots: Upgraded Aston Martin V8 Vantage

Siddharth Raja — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 11:04:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Aston Martin
Less than a month after the launch of the new DBS, images of a similarly-prepped V8 Vantage have surfaced ahead of a likely unveiling at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Changes to the car include new clear-lens taillights, beefier brake discs with uprated calipers and some aero upgrades including a rear diffuser. The car hasn't been officially announced by Aston Martin but early reports suggest it'll be called the Vantage V8 RS.

The car will basically be a tamer version of the road-legal but stripped-out N24 club-racer, so expect some power mods under the hood such as breathing and ECU upgrades to deliver improved response from the gas pedal. Though it's hard to tell from these spy shots, the interior should have plenty of carbon-fiber and aluminum elements adding to the race car feel.

Earlier reports suggested that Aston Martin is planning to present two new race-inspired cars at the Frankfurt show in addition to the new DBS, so with this new Vantage V8 model revealed we wonder what else it has up its sleeves.

[Source: Straightline]
Spy Shots: Upgraded Aston Martin V8 Vantage originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Aug 2007 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Aston Martin has bigger plans for Frankfurt

Chris Shunk — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 08:34:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Supercars, Aston Martin

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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Aston Martin "Project 30,000" car will drive from Tokyo to London

Alex Nunez — Wed, 23 May 2007 08:23:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Aston Martin

Click images for gallery

Last year, Aston Martin employees shuttled in and out of Germany as they worked to put 30,000 miles on a Vantage in 30 days. Now comes word that Aston is placing the "Project 30,000" car in the hands of school teacher Richard Meredith and travel specialist Phil Colley, who will drive it from Tokyo to London using the Asian Highway.

The six-week journey is being run in collaboration with the UN and is intended to promote road safety in Asia while raising money for charity at the same time. The car now has over 100,000 miles on its odo and is liveried with a map of the Asian Highway route on its roof and sports the make Roads Safe logo and URL on its bodywork. The only modifications made for it in preparation for the trip are a slightly raised suspension, reinforced sump guard and full spare.

If you think that driving to any point on the European or Asian mainland from Tokyo sounds like pretty a neat trick, you're not alone. We looked at the Wikipedia entry on the highway, however, and it confirmed that the AH1 portion uses a ferry line running between Fukuoka, Japan and Pusan, South Korea. While driving through 15 countries sounds like it could be rough, doing it in an Aston seems much more palatable.

More details in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Aston Martin]
Gallery: Aston Martin Vantage - Asian Highway Endurance Run
Continue reading Aston Martin "Project 30,000" car will drive from Tokyo to London
Aston Martin "Project 30,000" car will drive from Tokyo to London originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 May 2007 08:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Prodrive performance parts for the Aston Martin V8 Vantage

Alex Nunez — Fri, 01 Dec 2006 09:12:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Europe, Aston Martin

Click to enlarge

The Aston Martin V8 Vantage may well be the most desirable machine you can spend your hard-earned money on. Sure, you can find cars that are faster and more expensive, but none of them are the sex on wheels that the 8-cylinder Aston is. Did we just say that there are cars that perform better? Yep. But Prodrive, who knows a thing or two about making fast Aston Martins, has come to the table with a range of performance upgrades that can be added to the "baby" Aston.

The company's new performance pack jacks power up from 380 horses to 425, and torque has been raised by 25 lb-ft to 325. This shaves .3 seconds of the car's 0-60 sprint (now 4.7 sec). Top speed is now 182 mph, but honestly, the Aston is probably as fun to drive at 18 miles per hour, since it's easier to observe the wagging tongues around you that way. Prodrive's upgraded exhaust incorporates an exhaust valve override that lets the driver choose 3 different exhaust modes: Quiet (valve is always closed), Auto (valve functions normally), and Sport (valve is always open).

They didn't stop with the engine and exhaust, either. Follow the jump for the rest of the details, as well as another photo and the official press release.

[Source: Prodrive]
Continue reading Prodrive performance parts for the Aston Martin V8 Vantage
Prodrive performance parts for the Aston Martin V8 Vantage originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Dec 2006 09:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Officially Official: Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster revealed at last

Alex Nunez — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertible, Performance, Europe, Aston Martin

Click to enlarge

Late last month, VIPs got a sneak peek, and today Aston Martin officially pulled the wraps off its new V8 Vantage Roadster for the rest of us to enjoy. The subject of innumerable spy photos and fanboy drooling, the beautiful baby Aston's looks are made even better when its triple-layer top is neatly stowed under its hard tonneau. Should the weather should become less than perfect, raising it back up is an 18-second operation that can be done on the fly as long as you don't exceed 30 mph.

And when the roof's closed, there's no need to worry about the car's looks. The AM designers and engineers have worked it so that the soft top's roofline apes that of the Vantage coupe. When it's dropped, a pair of leather "speed humps" that match the car's interior color add visual interest to the rear deck. The rest of what you see is pure V8 Vantage -- the muscular stance, the slick taillamps, the wheels -- they're all here, blessedly unchanged. Some things shouldn't be messed with, and the car's appearance didn't need to be doctored up to give the roadster some additional presence. The simple act of lowering the roof achieves that goal.

The convertible was developed at the same time as the coupe, and as such it shares the fixed-roof car's rigid structure. The 380-horsepower all-alloy V8 pulls the 3769 lb. roadster to 60mph in 4.9 seconds and tops out at 175. Buyers get to choose between a traditional 6-speed manual or Aston Martin's paddle-operated Sportshift transmission. Want one? You've got to wait until Q2 2007, and be prepared to pay a substantial premium over the coupe's $110,000 starting price.

Beauty, competent performance, and the cachet that comes with the Aston Martin name align once again in the form of the V8 Vantage Roadster, an object of desire that will quickly find its way into the sun-drenched fantasies of dreamers ... and the garages of the ones with the means to make them come true.

(Press release, technical specifications, photo gallery all after the jump)

[Source: Aston Martin]
Continue reading Officially Official: Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster revealed at last
Officially Official: Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster revealed at last originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Nov 2006 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Prodrive takes on the Aston Martin V8 Vantage

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 20 Oct 2006 11:32:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Aston Martin

Prodrive's involvement in the World Rally Championship and touring car racing is well known, and their aftermarket products are world-renowned. Since they've had a hand in working on Aston Martins on the circuit, the natural progression is to transfer that knowledge onto the street.

Pistonheads is reporting that Prodrive is currently developing and getting ready to launch a number of products for the Aston Martin V8 Vantage. The details are scarce, but the usual tricks are on their way in the form of both aerodynamic and power enhancements.

In stock form, the V8 Vantage produces 380 BHP and through a retuned ECU, larger cats and the addition of free-flowing exhaust, Prodrive expects to increase power output to over 400 BHP. According to the article, the newly developed exhaust hardware will give the Vantage a more "throaty exhaust note." Considering how downright loud the unmodified version is, we're looking forward to hearing some audio of the metallic symphony that will ensue.

With the exterior, expect to see the addition of both front and rear diffusers, along with a rear spoiler, which Prodrive expects to make significantly positive changes to the handling characteristics of the coupe. Naturally, the suspension won't be left untouched, as the Vantage will benefit from an electronically controlled damper setup. Wheels, tires and other aesthetic adornments are also expected.

Aston Martin set out to challenge the Porsche 911 when it released the V8 Vantage. By most accounts, that didn't happen. But with these modifications soon to be available through Prodrive, that goal may become more attainable.

[Source: Pistonheads]
Prodrive takes on the Aston Martin V8 Vantage originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Oct 2006 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Investors looking to make bid on Aston Martin

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 20 Oct 2006 07:48:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Aston Martin

The idea of Ford selling off Aston Martin still strikes some as odd. The luxury marque has turned a corner over the past few years and has now become a successful jewel in the crown of FoMoCo. Regardless, the Blue Oval has made overtures that Aston may be up for sale, but as is the case with both Jaguar and Land Rover, one minute they're open to offers and the next they're not.

If the storied British automaker does find its way into the open market, a pair of Europe's most wealthy investors is gearing up to make a bid. Bernard Arnault, the French equivalent of Bill Gates, who made his money in luxury goods, is teaming up with Belgian investor Albert Frère, to form an investment group that could make a move to purchase Aston Martin. They have their eyes on several different ventures, but A.M. is on the top of their list.

With vehicles on the way, including the drop-top Vantage and four-door Rapide, sales at their highest level and a steady upward trajectory, it seems a shame for Ford to even consider such a sale. However, Ford's goal of becoming a svelte, adaptable automaker will be a great deal easier without excess brands hanging around their neck. Either way, it's safe to assume that Aston is poised to have an even brighter future in the years ahead.

[Source: Motor Authority]
Investors looking to make bid on Aston Martin originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Oct 2006 07:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Aston V8 Vantage gets flappy paddles

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 22 Sep 2006 07:51:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Technology, Paris Motor Show, Aston Martin

According to AutoExpress' sources, Aston Martin will be debuting a six-speed, automated, manual gearbox for its V8 Vantage at the Paris Motor Show. The clutchless setup allows for quick up/down shifts, via steering wheel-mounted paddles, and also a fully automatic mode for sedate cruising.

The new transmission will be similar to the one offered in the baby Aston's elder, the Vanquish, which may be a blessing/curse. Early on, most reported that the big-V's manu-matic was lurchy and difficult to drive with any measure of smoothness. According to Aston, a software update was released to cure those ills.

Aston Martin also plans on releasing details about a partnership with the world-renowned seat maker, Recaro, which will furnish both the DB9 and Vantage with new, more bolstered and adjustable thrones. 'Cause when you drop that kind of coin on a GT, you gotta be comfy, right?

You can find a pic of the Vantage's interior after the jump, with a large (read: awkward) mobile phone/sunglass/trinket holder where the shifter used to reside.

[Source: AutoExpress]
Continue reading Aston V8 Vantage gets flappy paddles
Aston V8 Vantage gets flappy paddles originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Sep 2006 07:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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