Autoblog

Aston Martin vanquishes Virage, unveils 2013 DB9

Alex Nunez — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Aston Martin, Luxury

As had been speculated, the brief run of the Aston Martin Virage is over with the arrival of the 2013 Aston Martin DB9, shown above. You'll recall that the Virage was introduced as a bridge between the previous DB9 and the now-defunct DBS.

Coupled with the arrival of the new range-topping Vanquish, the '13 DB9 eliminates the middle man, so to speak, merging the Virage's styling elements (as evidenced by the DB9's front fascia) with powertrain and chassis tweaks developed for the Vanquish. You will doubtless note that the DB9 looks like nearly every recent Aston Martin preceding it. We'd agree, while allowing that the familial look is a feature, not a bug. As before, it's offered as a coupe or convertible (Volante).

Power in the new DB9 comes from the latest version of Aston Martin's 6.0-liter V12, making 510 horsepower and 457 pound-feet of torque in this application. Those are increases of 40 hp and 14 lb-ft over the old DB9, as well as 20 hp and 37 lb-ft over the Virage. Carbon-ceramic brakes are standard, and the car boasts 50/50 distribution of its 3,935-pound curb weight. If you want to shift for yourself, you'll have to make do with the Touchtronic 2's paddles, as there's no traditional manual gearbox offered.

Inside, you'll find the same familiar instrument and control layout featured in the current Vantage and the outgoing DB9 and Virage models. A backup camera is now standard. The new DB9 does not receive the updated interior design that premiered in the 2013 Vanquish, so there's now a clear differentiation between the flagship and the "mainstream" V12 car in that respect.

If you want to order a new DB9, you may do so immediately. Pricing starts at $185,400 and it hits showrooms in November. For the full rundown, you can view the entire PR blast from Aston Martin below.

Continue reading Aston Martin vanquishes Virage, unveils 2013 DB9

Aston Martin vanquishes Virage, unveils 2013 DB9 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Sep 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston Martin Virage discontinued after short lifespan

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 14:16:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Aston Martin, Luxury

It's said that middle children have it worst, and that's certainly the case for the Aston Martin Virage: after only 18 months of life and little more than 1,000 units sent into the world, it's reportedly being sent to The Great Crusher in the Sky. Anointed as a stepping stone from the slightly softer, 470-horsepower DB9 to the rowdier 510-hp DBS, it looks like the 490-hp Virage simply can't make a case for itself in light of the evolution of the DB9.

Looked at from another angle, however, what we had in the Virage isn't really going away. Speculation is that the next DB9 will get a bump to 500 hp and some One-77 styling cues, which would effectively make it the Virage - in fact, spy shots have revealed a new DB9 that looks dead-on the Virage. On top of that, with Aston said to be moving away from DB[X] nomenclature to proper nouns, even the Virage name might be retained, so we ought not tip our 40s just yet.

Aston Martin Virage discontinued after short lifespan originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Sep 2012 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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2012 Aston Martin Virage

Alex Nunez — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 11:58:00 EST

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

We Bond With Gaydon's Gorgeous Tweener

"You need to get in touch with Steven Ewing right away," said the instant message. It was from Autoblog editor-in-chief John Neff, and since fleet manager Ewing was online, I pinged him. "Hey, are you available to grab an Aston Martin Virage for the weekend?" he asked. "There's one in New York."

Before answering, a flurry of thoughts raced through my head. Did I have plans this weekend? How much would I really get to drive the car? I don't usually go into the city on Fridays. Should I make the exception? Then I looked out my window, saw the Nissan Versa I was scheduled to drive that very same weekend and banged out a brief reply.

"Yeah, Steve. I can do that."

Continue reading 2012 Aston Martin Virage

2012 Aston Martin Virage originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2012 Aston Martin Virage

Michael Harley — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 11:58:00 EST

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

Uncovering The Real Mission Of Aston's New Coupe And Volante

2012 Aston Martin Virage - Click above for high-res image gallery

Few automakers sell sexy as well as Aston Martin.

Others may try, but competition demands they back up their stellar good looks with performance - oh, the burden. Take Ferrari and Lamborghini, the two Italians, as an example. Their sensual bodywork drops jaws at one hundred yards, but they also have to shoehorn in uber-powerful engines or else consumers will cry foul. Audi is another example. The German's luscious R8 was just that, but needed a V10 to truly stand proud. It seems that consumers simply won't tolerate sleek bodywork unless there's performance to substantiate it.

Yet, for some inexplicable reason, Aston Martin seems to have escaped the wrath. None of its models offer the most powerful engine in their class, or the best performance. We don't need to tell you that Astons aren't the best at anything. Well, except looking, smelling and feeling damn sexy.

Times are changing. Customers are demanding more substance behind the style, more bang for their buck and innovative, modern technology. Seeming to acknowledge that life is much more than a beauty contest, Aston Martin has introduced the all-new Virage Coupe and Virage Volante.

Continue reading First Drive: 2012 Aston Martin Virage...

Gallery: 2012 Aston Martin Virage: First Drive

Continue reading First Drive: 2012 Aston Martin Virage

First Drive: 2012 Aston Martin Virage originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2011: 2012 Aston Martin Virage is more of a good thing

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 15:03:00 EST

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

Aston Martin Virage - Click above for high-res image gallery

Truth be told, we didn't really see the need for a new Aston Martin to slot between the DB9 and DBS, but after getting the low-down on the new 2012 Virage, we're welcoming it with open arms. Based on the same VH architecture as the other cars in the English brand's lineup, the Virage uses Aston's wonderfully vocal 6.0-liter V12 to crank out 490 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. In the Virage, those dozen cylinders are stirred exclusively through the company's six-speed Touchtronic 2 paddle-shift transmission.

While the Virage's design isn't vastly different from anything else in the automaker's portfolio, it's definitely got some pizzaz. Much like the larger Rapide, we can't help but stare at this coupe for long periods of time - it's simply gorgeous. Need proof? Click through our high-res gallery below to see the Virage from all angles, then learn more in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Aston Martin Virage: Geneva 2011

Gallery: 2012 Aston Martin Virage Coupe

Continue reading Geneva 2011: 2012 Aston Martin Virage is more of a good thing

Geneva 2011: 2012 Aston Martin Virage is more of a good thing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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