2014 Aston Martin Vanquish

Burying the late, great DBS and resuscitating the Vanquish name is no small task for Aston Martin. Armed with a nearly $300,000 asking price, the new 2014 Vanquish demands equal doses of sexy-yet-discreet styling and forward thinking hardware to uphold its desirability in the current exotic car landscape.

Introducing the 2014 Aston Martin Vanquish

Does the new flagship succeed in stoking the embers of desire? A recent drive on rambling English roads offered some insight into the Vanquish's ability to stoke our champagne-fueled dreams.

Inspired by Seventy-Seven Bespoke Hypercars, Inside and Out

Trickle down styling usually works in the realm of four-wheeled exotica, and Aston Martin's new Vanquish exhibits some of the tight radius curves and hunkered down poise inherited from its ultra-rare predecessor, the One-77. But the new $279,995 flagship also gains a thorough mechanical reworking that helps answer to detractors who claim the British brand is all show and no go: while an extruded aluminum tub remains at its core, the Vanquish adds carbon weave structures to the nose and tail for further weight savings and 25 percent more torsional rigidity, as well as carbon fiber skin all around. Official avoirdupois has yet to be announced, but the Vanquish's curb weight is estimated in the region of 3,750 lbs, nearly 100 lbs less than its DBS predecessor.

2014 aston martin vanquish Sx-Z

2014 Aston Martin Vanquish FD Opt

Introducing the 2014 Aston Martin Vanquish

2014 Aston Martin Vanquish

The new 5.9 liter V-12 sits lower and lighter, churning more power (565 hp, 457 lb-ft compared to the old mill's 510 hp) while claiming greater fuel efficiency, thanks in part to the incorporation of variable valve timing. Connecting the powerplant to the 6-speed automated manual rear transaxle is a carbon fiber prop shaft surrounded by an alloy torque tube. Aston claims that 60 mph arrives in 4.1 seconds, and that the Vanquish tops out at 183 mph.

Inside the cabin, a new interior treatment reveals One-77-inspired stitch patterns and details like a haptic touch surface on the center stack. The cockpit has been expanded for less of a cocooning effect, while the "boot" offers 60 percent more space.

2014 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S

Aston Martin is taking sports car performance to extremes with the announcement of the new Aston Martin V12 Vantage S.

The new car replaces the outgoing V12 Vantage in markets around the world and, with the exception of the One-77 hypercar, arrives as the fastest road-going Aston Martin yet offered.

2014 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S

2014 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S

Providing the most visceral yet engaging sports car experience in the British luxury car maker's current range, the new Aston Martin V12 Vantage S delivers exceptional sporting agility underpinned by admirable long distance refinement.

Equipped with the new 573 PS Aston Martin AM28 6.0-litre V12 engine, featuring latest generation Bosch engine management, the car is capable of reaching 205 mph.

2014 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S

Peak and low rev torque improves appreciably, too. With 620 Nm available at 5,750 rpm - up from 570 Nm previously - the Aston Martin V12 Vantage S is not to be found wanting. Crucially, too, low rev torque - measured at just 1,000 rpm - leaps from 440 Nm to 510 Nm. This serves to both flatten and fatten the torque curve, thereby significantly improving driveability.

Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer Dr Ulrich Bez said: "The new V12 Vantage S is, simply, pure Aston Martin. It is extreme in its nature yet truly timeless in its design language. Learning from our successes on the track feeds the development of this type of car and I'm proud to launch such an exciting sports car in this, our centenary year."

Race car technology runs right through the DNA of the Aston Martin V12 Vantage S with, for instance, CNC machined combustion chambers and hollow cam shafts just two examples of track technology feeding through to the road.

2014 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S

Another clear example is the new car's new gearbox. The Sportshift™ III AMT (automated manual transmission) is a major development of the automated manual gearbox that appears in the current V8 Vantage S.

Designed and engineered to exploit the full sporting potential of the V12 engine, the new Sportshift™ III hydraulically actuated automated manual transmission provides motorsport-style paddle shift changes for optimum performance delivery and efficiency. The unit is also appreciably lighter than the outgoing six-speed manual gearbox - saving 25 kg.

2014 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S

This race-derived and motorsport proven technology - used routinely in Aston Martin Racing's race-winning Vantage GT4, GT3 and GTE competition cars - provides for great driver control with only milliseconds of torque interruption and delivers precise and swift gear changes.

The Sportshift™ III transaxle, from transmission experts Oerlikon Graziano, joins an extensive array of new sport- and track-focused developments that ensure the Aston Martin V12 Vantage S is fully equipped to exploit the huge performance potential of its 6.0-litre naturally aspirated AM28 engine.

The debut of three-stage adaptive damping - another 'first' for the Vantage family - allows the driver to more precisely tailor the car's dynamic character. 'Normal', 'Sport' and 'Track' modes provide a broad swathe of dynamic performance that can be tuned to better suit the driver's requirements. The system also governs the level of power steering assistance offered.

Working alongside the extended adaptive damping system is a 'Sport' mode, controlled via a button on the centre console, that alters throttle response, gearshift speed and timing, and exhaust note to, once again, tune the character of the car to the driver's requirements.

A whole new exhaust system - derived from that of the One-77 hypercar, no less - is lighter, smaller and, crucially, even more sonorous than that of the outgoing car.

The ZF Servotronic power assisted steering is new, too. With a quicker 15:1 ratio, it is linked to the adaptive damping button and offers two-mode steering assistance designed to best match the 'Sport' or 'Normal' settings generated by the Adaptive Damping System.

2013 Aston Martin CC100 Speedster Concept

Aston Martin is celebrating its centenary in world-class style with the debut of the exceptional Aston Martin CC100 Speedster Concept.
Created as a stunning celebration of the great British brand's 100 years of sports car excellence the one-off CC100 looks both to the past and the DBR1 - Aston Martin's greatest sporting triumph on the track - and to the future with its teasing glimpses of potential future design direction.

2013 Aston Martin CC100 Speedster concept front view

The 6.0-litre V12-powered concept car made its world debut by completing a lap of the famous Nordschleife at Germany's ADAC Zurich 24 Hours of Nürburgring race. It is lapping the circuit together with the 1000km race-winning 1959 DBR1 with British racing legend Sir Stirling Moss at the wheel. It is the most tangible expression yet of the brand's year-long 2013 centenary celebrations.

2013 Aston Martin CC100 Speedster concept front three quarters view

Viewed by tens of thousands of lucky spectators in Germany, the radical speedster is being driven today by Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez. He said: "CC100 is the epitome of everything that is great about Aston Martin. It represents our fantastic sporting heritage, our exceptional design capability, our superb engineering know-how and, above all, our adventurous spirit!

"I have nicknamed it 'DBR100' because of its affinity to the great 1959 race-winning cars and, of course, our 100-year anniversary in 2013.

2013 Aston Martin CC100 Speedster concept side view

"But this car is more, even, than a simple 'birthday present' to ourselves: it shows that the soul of Aston Martin - the thing that differentiates us from all the other car makers out there - is as powerful as ever and I very much hope that everyone who catches a glimpse of it at the Nürburgring today enjoys seeing it."

Designed and constructed in fewer than six months at Aston Martin's global headquarters in Gaydon, working with key supplier Multimatic Inc, under the leadership of Special Projects and Motorsport Director David King, the finished look of the two-seater CC100 is the work of Design Director Marek Reichman working alongside the brand's Chief Exterior Designer Miles Nurnberger.

2013 Aston Martin CC100 Speedster concept rear three quarters view

Miles explained: "The brief was very simple, yet enormously testing: create something that reflects the 100 years of Aston Martin heritage and signals the future of the brand.

"The idea of an iconic speedster concept that nods to the Le Mans − and Nürburgring - winning cars of 1959 soon came, and we have had complete freedom to shape this car."

Marek Reichman said: "I'm extremely proud of the entire team at Gaydon for creating this remarkable sports car concept in such a short time.

"The need to create a truly fitting tribute to 100 years of the Aston Martin brand has brought out the creativity and talent that makes Aston Martin such an exceptional luxury sports car maker."

Measuring almost four and a half metres nose to tail, and more than two metres wide (including mirrors) the Speedster Concept body is a classic example of the almost infinitely flexible nature of Aston Martin's trademark Vertical Horizontal engineering philosophy.

With a body and interior crafted from carbon fibre, tooled and provided by low volume specialists Multimatic, the Aston Martin CC100 utilises the latest generation AM11 naturally aspirated V12 gasoline engine mated to a six-speed hydraulically actuated automated sequential manual transmission. Controlled via steering column-mounted paddle shifts the lightweight 'box delivers truly sporting changes perfectly suited to the Speedster's track-focused nature.

The drivetrain will power the Aston Martin CC100 from rest to 62 mph in a little over four seconds, while the top speed is limited to 180 mph.

Dr Bez added: "The future of Aston Martin is, very clearly, more exciting now than perhaps at any time in its history and I'm looking forward to seeing the excitement and anticipation that CC100 creates among Aston Martin owners and enthusiasts worldwide."

Aston Martin Vanquish Centenary Edition Shines in Geneva

The 2013 Geneva International Motor Show was the venue chosen by Aston Martin to show off a limited edition model of their new Vanquish. Called the Centenary Edition, it has been made to celebrate the British sports car builder's 100th birthday. And just in case you were wondering, the number of examples to ever be built is limited to just 100 units.

So, what sets it apart from the regular Vanquish? Well, its main standout feature is the two-tone graduated paint scheme – the top part of the silver car's bonnet is black (or very dark grey) and it looks like a visual continuation of the black roof. However, the darker part does not simply stop somewhere, as it blends seamlessly with the car's base color the further down the bonnet you go.

The car's badging is also special, and each piece is made out of solid silver.

Step inside its plush interior features swathes of black leather stitched with contrasting silver thread – similar to what you'd find on the One-77 supercar. Finishing off unique interior features are the embroidered headrests and special metallic scuff plates not found on any other model.

The lucky hundred who will be able to afford this car will also be treated to a gift box which includes useful Aston Martin-branded accessories – we found the inclusion of a "silver polishing cloth" which will "help owners ensure the silver centenary wings badges and sill plaques on their car keep their lustre.”

IED's Alfa Romeo Gloria is a Concept for a Sporty Looking Sedan

As far as static concept cars go, there is only one thing they have to do, and do well: look good and attract attention, in order to consolidate a particular brand's image.

One such example is the Instituto Europeo Di Design or IED-designed Alfa Romeo Gloria Concept, which was revealed today at the Geneva Motor Show. It shows a possible future styling direction for a sleek sedan with coupe-inspired lines.

It was designed by a group of 20 students for their thesis project in order to receive their Master of Arts in Transportation Design degree.

Now, while not directly designed by Alfa Romeo, the Italian automaker did participate in its creation, possibly with their own agenda of previewing a proposed four-door model. The official press blurb states that the concept was designed to accommodate turbocharged V6 and V8 engines, undoubtedly referring to those found under the bonnet of the new Maserati Quattroporte. If so, then all-wheel drive is most likely also in the books.

If this is a preview for a future model, the 4.7-meter long concept is a glimpse at what a possible rear-wheel drive mid-size Alfa could look like.

In addition, the car has apparently been design to be an appealing prospect mainly for the Asian and North American markets, where Alfa plans to build on its image as being a premium manufacturer of sporty cars, with the irresistible allure of Italian style.

New Rapide S Takes Center Stage at Aston Martin's Geneva Motor Show Stand

Don’t let the “S” designation fool you: the Rapide S, which made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show, is not a sportier version of Aston Martin’s sole four-door model but its revamped replacement.

The jury is still out on that pedestrian-friendly, huge one-piece grille (the rest of the bodywork is mostly the same) but under the skin Aston’s engineers have done a lot of work.

The 5.9-liter V12 now sports 550HP (565PS) and 620 Nm (457 lb-ft) of torque compared to the outgoing model’s 470HP and 600 Nm respectively. The 17 percent more powerful AM11 unit has gained dual camshaft timing, hollow cam shafts, knock sensing and fully CNC machined combustion chambers and has been placed 19 mm lower in the chassis.

Thus, the Rapide S is 0.3 seconds faster to the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint, which is dispatched in 4.9 seconds, and its top speed exceeds 305 km/h (190 mph). At the same time, despite being more powerful, it cuts CO2 emissions from 355 to 332 g/km.

The VH platform may be 10 years old now, having debuted in the 2003 DB9, but constant updates by Aston Martin mean that it's now in its fourth generation. The new Gen4 VH architecture forms the basis of the revamped saloon, which is also fitted with a new dynamic stability control system and the ADS adaptive damping with three modes (Normal, Sport and Track) calibrated especially for the Rapide S.

2013 Geneva Motor Show

If we are nearing the end of February, then it must be time for the Geneva Auto Show that takes place each year in March. This is the 83rd time that automakers will gather in the Swiss city to display their latest models; the Palexpo center will open its gates on March 5 for the press and two days later for the public and will last until March 17.

In spite of all the fuss about “green” transportation, the 2013 Geneva Auto Show’s most anticipated new models are sports cars.

First and foremost, there’s the Alfa Romeo 4C – a two-seater, rear-wheel drive coupe with a carbon fiber chassis that heralds the Italian manufacturer’s new era and its long-anticipated return to the U.S. market.

Then there’s the Formula 1 duel that has been taken to the streets: Ferrari will unveil the Enzo successor, code-named F150, and rival McLaren, the production version of the P1. Interestingly, both hypercars will be powered by hybrid powertrains and despite putting out in excess of 900-horses, they promise ultra-low CO2 emissions.

Other sports car that will make their premiere in Geneva are the open-top versions of the brand-new Corvette Stingray and the Toyota GT 86 (Scion FR-S in the U.S.), the Aston Martin Rapide S and Vantage SP10 and, of course, a special Lamborghini to celebrate the Sant’ Agata-based company’s 50th anniversary.

Naturally, the show won’t be only about sports cars: BMW will launch the 3-Series GT, China's Qoros its 3 Sedan, Volvo its updated range and the VW Group the electrified Audi A3 and VW Golf models.

That’s far from a full description of the cars that will debut at the 2013 Geneva Auto Show, but you can scroll down and view the provisional list in detail.

Bertone Revisits Aston Martin Vanquish Jet 2 for the Geneva Moto Show

Next up on Bertone's Geneva Motor Show menu after the announcement on the one-off shooting brake-style Rapid Jet 2+2 is an updated version of the Italian design house's 2004 Vanquish Jet 2 concept car.

Bertone says it used the running gear and 210mm (8.2 inches) longer platform of the original 2004 study, dressing it up in a newer body with styling elements from the latest Vanquish coupe, while also adding a second pair of seats at the back.

In a press statement, the coachbuilder said the new Aston Martin Vanquish Jet 2 was created for the company's president, Lilli Bertone.

"The exposed model in Geneva was especially set up for the president of the Company, Mrs Lilli Bertone, with trimmings personalized by Foglizzo Leather (a prestigious Italian Brand founded in 1921) and special paint," said Bertone.

More details on both cars are to be released at the Swiss show next week.

Wheels-And-More for New Aston Martin Vanquish Coupe

Would you be happy with the new Aston Martin Vanquish just like it comes out of the factory? We thought so; but if the answer to that question happens to be negative, then one of the many options that will soon become available on the market is a tune up from German brand "Wheelsandmore".

The tuner avoided making many changes to the exterior, limiting its touch to a pin stripe that runs across the body and wheels, lots of them to be precise.

True to its name, Wheelsandmore offers a wide selection of rims, in terms of styling, colors, sizes and even materials, with available options including 20" and 21" regular wheels, three-piece forged rims and customized carbon fiber wheels.

A software upgrade and a sports exhaust system will add an extra 40PS and 90Nm of torque to AM's stock 5.9-liter V12 engine, lifting total output to 613PS (605hp) and peak torque to 710Nm (524 lb-ft).

The company's current offerings are rounded out by a sports suspension kit.

Articles Source : Carscoop

2014 Aston Martin Vanquish graces Jay Leno's Garage

Jay Leno always seems to lay his hands on some of the best cars – new or old – that have ever been created, so you'd think there aren't many new models that can impress the comic any more. Well after watching the latest installment of Jay Leno's Garage, the collector car king has had some time in newly updated 2014 Aston Martin Vanquish, and if we're not mistaken, he's downright giddy about it.

2014 Aston Martin Vanquish

2014 Aston Martin Vanquish

2014 Aston Martin Vanquish

2014 Aston Martin Vanquish

2014 Aston Martin Vanquish

2014 Aston Martin Vanquish

2014 Aston Martin Vanquish

Leno spent a week with the Vanquish, and during his video walkaround, he has almost nothing negative to say about the British coupe, labeling it the "perfect combination" of sports car and a grand touring car, even defending it against very different cars like the Porsche Carrera GT and the Ford Shelby GT500. Starting at almost $300,000 and having a powerful V12 under its long, carbon-fiber hood, Leno notes the Vanquish is sophisticated, astounding him with how well-balanced it is between performance and comfort. Oddly enough, the only thing Leno didn't like about this particular car was its bright blue color, which is probably only a shade or two brighter than Leno's own denim outfit.

Scroll down to watch Leno give his opinion about the Vanquish and then have some real fun taking it for a spin.

2013 Aston Martin Vantage SP10

Aston Martin is launching a very special edition V8 Vantage S in Continental Europe that takes its inspiration from the brand's numerous successes on the race track.

Inspired by its successful motorsport activities in the GT4 racing series - particularly in the VLN endurance championship at the Nürburgring - the new car is a road model that has been engineered in the style of the luxury sports car maker's GT4 racers.

2013 Aston Martin Vantage SP10

2013 Aston Martin Vantage SP10

2013 Aston Martin Vantage SP10

2013 Aston Martin Vantage SP10

With 436 PS and a top speed of 305 km/h, Aston Martin has named the new special edition model Vantage SP10. The inspiration behind it is its namesake class SP10 in the VLN series, in which GT4 racing cars compete at the Nürburgring.

The Aston Martin Vantage SP10 is offered in a bespoke specification that reflects its close affinity with the racing car.

Jeffrey L. Scott, Managing Director of Aston Martin Lagonda of Europe: "Aston Martin has a long and successful tradition in motorsport. Since in the GT4 class the technical similarities between racing cars and their road model cousins are extremely pronounced, many of our customers see their own Aston Martin as a way to identify with our motorsport activities, or they actively participate as 'gentlemen drivers'.

"With the new Vantage SP10 we are now offering a V8 Vantage S with a special motorsport and race track flair - at a competitive price point."

Impressive performance and, for the first time, manual six-speed transmission

Technically, the Vantage SP10 is almost identical to the V8 Vantage S but with the addition, for the first time, of a six-speed manual transmission.

Since its market launch in 2011, the V8 Vantage S has developed into a popular model for Aston Martin customers, a model that places an even greater emphasis on sportiness. With its 4.7-litre V8 engine, which produces 436 PS and 490 Nm on the road, the V8 Vantage S manages 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 305 km/h. This sportiness is enhanced by its striking appearance, which took inspiration from the V12 Vantage, and the sensational sound from the engine, which comes thanks to the sports exhaust with active bypass valves which was specifically developed for this model.

The Aston Martin Vantage SP10 is the first V8 Vantage S to feature a six-speed manual transmission. This manual gearbox is offered as standard and, as with the V8 Vantage, will impress those who enjoy pure sports car driving.

Alternatively, customers can choose the optional Sportshift™ II automated manual seven-speed transmission that was developed for the introduction of the V8 Vantage S. This transmission allows for gear changes that are around 20% quicker than the previous transmission, which worked with six gears. This additional gear brings about shorter transmission ratios and optimum gear shifting. And the result: faster acceleration and a more sporty driving experience.

With the V8 Vantage S, Aston Martin has further closed the gap between road cars and racing cars. Like its role model, the Vantage GT4 racing car, it has an extremely rigid aluminium chassis - the ideal platform for a racing car but also the perfect basis for a sporty road car.

Impressive performance, dynamic driving characteristics and superb handling transform the V8 Vantage S, and thus the Vantage SP10, into a sports car that delivers a true 'fun factor' for enthusiast drivers of all kinds.

Design inspired by motorsport

The Aston Martin Vantage SP10 has a purposeful appearance that showcases its agility and performance and transfers the visual dynamics from motorsport to the road.

Both the Coupé and the Roadster are available in Ceramic Grey Metallic. The convertible top of the Roadster is Titan Grey. Its 19-inch cast alloy rims with V-shaped spokes in a diamond turn finish and painted in high-gloss black, and the black brake callipers, emphasise the muscular look of the car. The special paint on the rims is offered exclusively for the special Vantage SP10 model.

Other visual and functional details from the world of motorsport include the front splitter and the carbon rear diffuser - both come as part of the Vantage SP10 standard equipment, along with the clear rear lamps.

Black is the dominant colour in the vehicle interior. Entirely in line with its motorsport pedigree, the Coupé features characteristic Vantage S seat and backrest covers and a sports steering wheel in Black Alcantara.

The silver stitching offers a strong contrast. And the interior is rounded off by a roof liner in Black Alcantara. In contrast to the Coupé, the Roadster features black leather seat and backrest covers and a black leather steering wheel, also with silver stitching.

Both versions are equipped with a centre console in Piano Black. The instrument panel is trimmed entirely with leather and embellished with silver stitching.

Extensive combinations of features for more luxury and practicality

Like the V8 Vantage S, the Vantage SP10 is more than just a distinctive sports model. Thanks to its features, it will prove itself to be outstanding in everyday use.

Electrically operated seats, satellite navigation, cruise control and Bluetooth telephone preparation are just a few examples of the luxurious list of standard equipment that makes the Vantage SP10 a pleasant companion for everyday life. And with the 750W Premium Audio Sound System which is even part of the standard equipment in the Vantage SP10, music lovers can also make the most of this car.

The high-fidelity sound can be enhanced further by choosing the 1000W Bang & Olufsen BeoSound Audio System as an optional extra. This and other additional equipment features, such as a reversing camera, sports suspension (on the Coupé only) or lightweight carbon seats, guarantee even higher levels of comfort and luxury.

One particularly distinctive feature of this special model is a badge on the engine block that features the inscription "Aston Martin Vantage SP10" and which, of course, comes as standard.

Articles Source : Netcarshow