Aston Martin automaker will reveal their latest V12 Zagato at the Kuwait Concours d’ Elegance on February 15th.

The V12 Zagato is currently on sale and pricing starts at £330,000. Production will be limited to 150 units and first deliveries are scheduled for later this year.

Check out the press release for additional information and full performance data on Aston Martin V12 Zagato.

Aston Martin V12 Zagato Gallery:

Press Release

Aston Martin Racing has recently reveal their latest V12 Vantage GT3 racer. Speed-up with 6.0 liter V12 unit on the Vantage GT3 will be tuned to deliver 600 bhp (442 kW / 608 PS) and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque.

Prices for the V12 Vantage GT3 start at £298,000 (€341,000).

Check out the press release for additional information and full performance data on Aston Martin Racing V12 Vantage GT3 racer.

V12 Vantage GT3 racer Gallery:

Press Release

Aston Martin British luxury brand has recently reveal their four-door sport coupe – Rapide.

Check out the press release for additional information and full performance data on Aston Martin Rapide.

Aston Martin Rapide Gallery:

Press Release:

ASTON MARTIN RAPIDE PRODUCTION

Gaydon, 7 June, 2011 – Aston Martin today confirms that production of the four-door sports car; Rapide will move to the company’s Gaydon headquarters in Warwickshire, UK in the second half of 2012.

In 2008, due to constraints at Gaydon and after conclusion of a six-month feasibility study, Aston Martin appointed Magna Steyr as a partner to produce the car at its facilities in Austria. A dedicated facility – AMRP – at Magna Steyr’s facilities was then established with pre-production of the Rapide starting in Q4 2009 before the car reached full production in 2010. Since then Aston Martin and Magna Steyr have enjoyed a very positive working relationship with production of the Rapide reaching benchmark quality standards and the car proving a strong success with customers and critics alike.

Aston Martin Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez said: “In 2008 we had facility restrictions at Gaydon which indicated that production of Rapide at Gaydon would likely compromise production of our other cars. We were not prepared to do this.

“Now, three years on things are very different – Gaydon is more established, more flexible and more efficient. While our overall volume has not changed significantly, we now produce a far richer model mix – eight model lines (plus five variants) compared to three model lines (plus two variants) in 2008 – so Rapide production is now possible.

“I would like to place on record our gratitude to Magna Steyr and their team of dedicated employees who have become part of the Aston Martin family in the last few years and met all our requirements and expectations.”

Work on readying Aston Martin’s Gaydon headquarters for Rapide will begin immediately with a view to production commencing in the second half of 2012.

Aston Martin has recently rolled-out their latest  Virage at Geneva.  The latest Aston Martin Virage offers customer greater choice of individual sports car characters yet with the same consistent Aston Martin DNA.

Check out the press release for additional information and full performance data on Aston Martin Virage.

Aston Martin Virage Gallery:

Press Release:

The New Aston Martin Virage

The highest levels of refinement and dynamic control yet, resulting from seven years of VH architecture evolution

The new Virage offers customer greater choice of individual sports car characters yet with the same consistent Aston Martin DNA

Virage and Virage Volante complete the Aston Martin sporting GT line-up sitting between DBS and DB9

Set for world debut at the Geneva Motor Show on 1 March, 2011

Gaydon, 23 February 2011. Aston Martin introduces the new Virage – supremely elegant and powerful, yet juxtaposed as an understated sports car. The marque can now provide customers with a class-leading range, all with different characters, yet with the same unique Aston Martin soul and luxury.

Beautiful, dynamic and prestigious, the Virage combines outright sports car performance with luxury, comfort and refinement. The front mid-mounted V12 engine’s torque delivery provides outstanding performance, coupled with the car’s inherent agility and perfect weight distribution delivering the ideal balance between outright sports car performance and trademark sporting luxury exemplified by modern Aston Martins.

Aston Martin CEO, Dr Ulrich Bez said: “100 years of automotive history has demonstrated that evolution delivers the best solutions in time.

“So it is with Virage; it is the next level of evolution in our VH architecture strategy and it does everything with the perfection that you would expect today. It is the perfect balance of opposites.”

The Virage sits between the enduringly elegant DB9 and overtly sporting DBS, providing customers with a car that remains luxurious and understated but delivers increased performance and crucially performance that is always accessible for effortless driving.

Aston Martin’s revered hand-built 6.0 litre V12 engine produces 490 bhp (365 kW/497 PS) and 570 nM (420 lb. Ft) of torque and through its carbon fibre prop shaft, is mated to a six-speed Touchtronic II automatic transmission mounted on the transaxle contributing to perfect 50:50 weight balance.

The Virage’s dynamics have been tuned to deliver an engaging yet more refined driving experience, where the driver can extract the maximum performance from the car with greater ease. A newly developed Adaptive Damping System (ADS) intelligently ‘reads’ the road to provide optimum road holding, adapting to different conditions. The system now selects up to five different stiffness settings within normal mode, and a further five stiffer settings within sport mode.

Aiding driver control, a ‘Sport’ button on the facia allows the driver to select a sharper throttle response and faster gear changes while also holding the gears without automatically shifting up at the revolution limiter.

Virage will be delivered with Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) brakes as standard – bucking the trend in this market – offering progressive and tremendous stopping power. Powerful, resistant to fade and much lighter than conventional cast-iron discs, the CCM braking system means that not only is the overall vehicle weight reduced, but the weight saving at each wheel means that a better balance between ride comfort and handling can be struck. Lower rotational mass also provides improved acceleration.

Virage capitalises on the technology from the DBS and unites it with the comfort and refinement found in the DB9 and Rapide. Aston Martin’s own bonded aluminium ‘VH’ architecture that forms the backbone of the marque’s sports cars, takes inspiration from the aerospace industry where weight reduction is the ultimate goal. Strong yet light, the inherent properties of modular aluminium lend themselves perfectly to an extremely rigid and versatile platform which allows the production of a Virage coupe and Volante.

The Virage sits low and wide asserting the power which lies beneath; single bi-xenon headlamps follow the lines of the car’s flanks to give a more crisp and modern look from the front. A new aluminium metal front grille, inspired by the One-77, features five horizontal vanes which are chamfered creating an aerofoil profile. The new front bumper is pure and relieves the car of any visual complexities, contributing to the overall simplicity of design. The front wings distinguish the Virage from its stable mates housing a new modern interpretation of the Aston Martin iconic side strake housing six LEDs elegantly forming the side repeater. Virage’s side sills carry the simplicity of the front bumper through to the rear diffuser which houses a body-coloured blade accentuating the width of the car.

As drivers and passengers open the signature swan wing doors, they are greeted by the aroma of seven hides of the finest Bridge of Weir leather expertly hand stitched by craftsmen. Inspiration has been taken from luxury leather goods to produce a pinstripe welt which flows down either side of the facia and along the seat and door, drawing your eye through the car. Each Virage will have 70 man hours of expert craftsmanship lavished on the interior alone to create the famous sophisticated Aston Martin interior. In all, over 200 man hours will be spent handcrafting the Virage at Aston Martin’s global headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire, England as it becomes the tenth major production car to be built there in the space of less than eight years.

Simplicity runs throughout the car with the new fully integrated Satellite Navigation system that has been developed in conjunction with Garmin. The new system simplifies operation through the existing four-way joystick mounted on the facia. A new 6.5 inch high resolution display uses the latest graphics and maps to visually and aurally guide the driver to their destination.

Standard equipment includes heated seats (Sports seats only), cruise control, satellite navigation, Bluetooth telephone preparation and the powerful 700W Aston Martin Premium Audio System with Dolby® Pro Logic II® and full iPod® integration.

The Virage and Virage Volante are on sale now, available from Aston Martin’s global dealership network spanning 132 dealerships in 41 countries. Pricing for the new Virage will be confirmed at the Geneva Motor Show where it will be joined by two further new cars; the V8 Vantage S and the new Tailor-Fit Cygnet city car, all of which will be brought to production in the UK by Aston Martin in 2011.

- Ends -

Notes to editors:

What’s in a name?

viragem. (French Noun)

bend, turn, curve
change, shift (in orientation)
Aston Martin’s use of nomenclature beginning with a ‘V’ dates back to the optional ‘Vantage’ engine on the 1950s DB2. So when the DP2034 (an internal design project number) had to be found a name in 1985, the hunt began for an evocative word to carry on this tradition. The call went out to the factory’s craftsmen, its customers and to the Aston Martin Owners Club, ending in the collation of hundreds of suggestions. Eventually the then Chairman, Victor Gauntlett, and his Directors chose Virage to be the moniker of an all new car destined to open a new chapter in the company’s history.

For further information and images please use the contact details below or alternatively visit: www.astonmartinmedia.com.

Global Media Contacts:
Janette Green, Director, Brand Communications
Tel: +44 (0)1926 644 444 Mobile: +44 (0)7766 471555

Matthew Clarke, Corporate & Product Communications Manager
Tel: +44 (0)1926 644854 Mobile: +44 (0)7764 386358

Melanie Johnson, Lifestyle Communications Manager
Tel: +44 (0) 1926 692641 Mobile: +44 (0) 7585 906938

Kim Palmer, Press Officer, Product & Motorsport
Tel: +44 (0)1926 644253 Mobile: +44 (0)7825 863880

Kevin Watters, Press Officer, Corporate
Tel: +44 (0)1926 644850 Mobile: +44 (0)7764 386683

Laura Biss, Press Officer, New Media
Tel: +44 (0)1926 644852 Mobile: +44 (0)7969 467114

Mark Gauntlett, Heritage Communications
Tel: +44 (0)1926 644853 Mobile: +44 (0)7875 522786

Continental Europe Media Contact:
Manuela Höhne, Brand Communications Manager, Europe
Tel: +49 (0)69 770 752 009 Mobile: +49 (0)172 668 4038

Tammy Haines, Brand Communications Executive, Europe
Tel: +49 (0)69 77075 2005 Mobile +49 (0)160 969 59241

The Americas Media Contact:
Sarah Durose, Brand Communications Manager
Tel: +1 949 379 3107 Mobile: +1 949 632 8277

Aston Martin Social Media Platforms:

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www.twitter.com/astonmartin

Specification

Body:
Two door coupe or convertible body style with 2+2 seating
Bonded aluminium structure
Aluminium, magnesium alloy and composite body
Extruded aluminium door side impact beams
Single Bi-Xenon Headlamps with integrated LED side lights and direction indicators
LED rear lamps and side·repeaters

Engine:
All alloy quad overhead cam 48 valve 5935cc V12. Compression ratio 10.97:1
Front mid-mounted engine, rear wheel drive
Fully catalysed stainless steel exhaust system with active bypass valves

Maximum Power
490 bhp (365 kW / 497 PS) at 6500 rpm

Maximum Torque
570 Nm (420 lb.ft) at 5750 rpm

Acceleration
0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.6 seconds

Maximum Speed
186 mph (299 km/h)

Transmission:
Rear mid-mounted Touchtronic 2 six speed automatic gearbox with electronic shift by wire system. Alloy torque tube with carbon fibre propeller shaft. Limited slip differential. Final Drive Ratio 3.46:1

Steering:
Rack and pinion, Servotronic speed-sensitive power-assisted steering
Column tilt and reach adjustment

Suspension:
Front: Independent double wishbone incorporating anti-dive geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube adaptive dampers
Rear: Independent double wishbones with anti- squat and anti-lift geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube adaptive dampers
Adaptive Damping System (ADS) with Sport mode Aston Martin Internal Use Only

Wheels
Front: 8.5″ x 20″
Rear: 11″ x 20″

Tyres:
Front: Pirelli P Zero 245/35
Rear: Pirelli P Zero 295/30

Brakes:
Front: Ventilated Carbon Ceramic discs 398mm diameter with six piston calipers
Rear: Ventilated Carbon Ceramic discs 360mm diameter with four piston calipers
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Track mode
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
Traction Control

Dimensions

Length 4703 mm (185.2″)
Width 1904 mm (75.0″) excluding mirrors
2061 mm (81.1″) including mirrors
Height Coupe 1282 mm (50.5″)
Height Volante 1289 mm (50.7″)
Wheelbase 2740 mm (107.9″)
Front track 1586 mm (62.4″)
Rear track 1581 mm (62.2″)
Turning circle 11.6 m (38 ft) (kerb to kerb)
Boot capacity Coupe 184l (6.5 cu ft)
Boot capacity Volante 152l (5.4 cu ft)
Fuel capacity 78 litres (17.15 UK gal/20.6 US gal)
Weight – Coupe 1785 kg (3935 lb)
Weight – Volante 1890 kg (4166 lb)
Interior:
Walnut facia trim and Iridium Silver centre console finish
Memory seats and exterior mirrors (3 positions)
Auto dimming rear view mirror and garage door opener (USA and Canada only)
Sports seats with 10 way electric adjustment, including height, tilt and lumbar adjustment
Dual Stage Driver and Passenger Front Airbags
Side Airbags (Sports seats only
Heated seats (Sports seats only)
Heated rear screen
Automatic temperature control
Organic Electroluminescent (OEL) displays
Trip computer
Cruise control Aston Martin Internal Use Only
Satellite navigation system*+
Bluetooth telephone preparation*
Powerfold exterior mirrors
Front and rear parking sensors
Tyre pressure monitoring*
Alarm and immobiliser
Remote-control central door locking and boot release
Battery disconnect switch
Tracking device (UK only)
Boot mounted umbrella

In Car Entertainment
700W Aston Martin Premium Audio System with Dolby®Pro Logic II®
Integrated Apple iPod connector
USB connector with Waveform Audio Format (WAF), Windows Media Player (WMA) and MPEG (MP3) audio file compatibility
3.5 mm auxiliary input socket
Satellite Radio system (USA only)

Exterior Options
20″ 5 Spoke Alloy Wheels with Diamond Turned and Graphite finish
20″ 10 Spoke Alloy Wheels with Liquid Silver finish
20″ 10 Spoke Alloy Wheels with Silver Painted and Diamond Turned finish
20″ 10 Spoke Alloy Wheels with Graphite Painted and Diamond Turned finish
20″ 10 Spoke Alloy Wheels with Satin Black Painted and Diamond Turned finish
“Titanium” finish bonnet, sidestrake meshes
Bonnet Louvres with “Titanium”finish side strake meshes

Interior Options
2+0 seating (Coupe only)
Lightweight seats with 6 way adjustment. (Must be ordered in conjunction with 2+0 seating configuration. Does not include side airbags, or heated seats feature. Not available in USA or Canada)
Piano Black facia trim
Mahogany facia trim
Bamboo facia trim
Tamo Ash facia trim
Double Apex alloy facia trim
Nexus alloy facia trim
Matching wood door cappings (not available with alloy facias or B&O BeoSound audio system option)
Personalised sill plaques
Auto dimming interior rear view mirror
Auto dimming interior rear view mirror with garage door opener (Europe only)
Alarm upgrade (volumetric and tilt sensor) Aston Martin Internal Use Only
Tracking device**
First aid kit
Ashtray and Cigar Lighter

In Car Entertainment Options
1000W Bang & Olufsen BeoSound audio system with ICEpower technology

*Not available in all markets
+Includes Traffic Messaging Channel (TMC) in Continental Europe
**Complies with UK Thatcham Category 5 requirements. Excludes subscription. Standard in UK
*** Excludes subscription

Performance

Sitting at the heart of any Aston Martin sports car is an evocative engine and no more so in the new Virage which adopts the famous hand-built 6.0 litre V12 which is assembled in Aston Martin’s bespoke engine plant in Köln, Germany. Aston Martin technicians spend in excess of 20 hours building and testing every engine before sending it to Gaydon where it is mounted as far back in the Virage as possible to contribute to its perfect 50:50 weight balance.

The Virage engine produces 490 bhp (365 kW/497 PS) and 570 nM (420 lb. Ft) of torque and is identified from other V12s in the family with a black plenum. The plenum houses a new ‘five pillar design’ increasing the rigidity of the manifold delivering an improved sound quality. The V12 has been designed to deliver over 85% of Virage’s peak torque at only 1,500 rpm providing for instant and crucially, real-world useable traction.

Aston Martin Product Development Director, Ian Minards explains: “The new Virage represents another landmark Aston Martin in the sporting GT class, combining luxury with performance. Our Engineering team has sought to balance the elements of contemporary design, strong performance credentials and driving fluidity. We have focused on the major building blocks of automotive performance and control, as well as the intricate details of operation, comfort and craftsmanship.”

The Touchtronic II transmission features as standard, and contributes to Virage’s refined power delivery making gear changes tangible yet effortless. Engineered in conjunction with ZF, the six-speed automatic has optimally placed ratios to remain quiet on motorway stretches and deliver an engaging response when driving spiritedly. Controlled through finely polished glass switches depicting P, R, N, D on the facia, the driver can engage automatic mode, and the intelligent control system will decide precisely the right time to change gear in order to achieve the smoothest ratio move and the optimum fuel economy.

In addition, the driver has the option of pulling either of the magnesium leather clad paddles to engage manual mode. Mounted on the steering column so that the driver can always easily locate either up or down, the manual mode gives the driver complete control.

Virage features a Sport button on the facia which when depressed will create a heightened driving experience through faster gear changes and the system will override the automatic change-up so the driver is able to hold the gear on the revolution limiter.

Control

The new Virage features a new Adaptive Damping System (ADS) which has been tuned to suit the particular character of Aston Martin’s latest sporting GT. Each damper has five individual computer controlled stiffness settings. This allows the Virage to ‘read’ the road via strategically placed sensors around the car, constantly adjusting the ride at each corner. Using yaw, accelerometer, steering wheel, throttle and brake (ABS) sensors, the intelligent system can take into account the demands the driver is making of the car at any given time. The Adaptive Damping Electronic Control Unit (ECU) uses these measurements to determine the most appropriate damper settings required at any given time, becoming stiffer for better handling and control during dynamic driving, and becoming softer for greater ride comfort during ‘normal’ driving conditions.

Increasing driver control further, the glass ADS button on the facia allows the driver to override the system to push the dampers into a firmer range of settings. As the button is depressed, for the initial five seconds, all damper settings are set to their firmest providing the driver a tangible difference. After five seconds the system reverts to the optimum setting within the firmer range resulting in a more focussed but comfortable driving experience.

Virage is delivered to customers with Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) brakes as standard – bucking the trend in this market. Critically acclaimed to provide the ultimate in progressive stopping power, the CCM discs take advantage of six piston callipers at the front and four at the rear. Giving the driver tangible control when braking, they are much more resistant to fade than conventional cast iron discs and at 12.5 kg lighter than a conventional system they contribute to a lower unsprung mass aiding ride comfort and handling.

The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system has been specifically tuned for the Virage. A three-stage DSC system allows the driver to tailor the level of electronic intervention according to the type of driving. In default mode, the system is set to ‘on’ which will limit any tyre slip in difficult conditions, and provide the maximum amount of security possible without being intrusive. Holding the DSC button for four seconds will engage ‘Track Mode’ which delays the electronic intervention further, creating a safe yet purer experience. Depressing the button for a further five seconds will disengage the system completely.

Using knowledge learned from the V8 Vantage Roadster and DBS Volante, the new Virage Volante features a solidly-mounted rear subframe as well as front and rear shear panels which deliver high levels of rigidity. This means that the Virage Volante retains its sporting dynamic characteristics, uncompromised by the open roof. For the first time on an Aston Martin the Virage coupe also uses a shear panel at the rear of the car, again to enhance strength and rigidity.

The fully integrated Aston Martin standard satellite navigation system has been completely revised for the Virage benefiting from a new system developed in conjunction with Garmin which is operated using the existing joystick and facia buttons. Features include clearer graphics, improved pictorial junction views and safety camera data. The new system maintains its integrated look, out of view beneath the real wood facia, rising seamlessly from the centre console at the touch of a button. Control through the aluminium four-way joystick prevents unattractive finger marks on the screen which impede clear vision.

Design, Refinement and Comfort

The new Virage was designed at Aston Martin’s dedicated design studio at its global headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire, England. As an independent company, Aston Martin can take an initial sketch, through to a full size clay model, then to a prototype and ultimately into production all on one site. It allows the marque to be agile and reactive customer trends and demands.

Virage will be built in the same production facility as the DBS and DB9 and will be Aston Martin’s tenth major new model to go into production at the UK site since Gaydon was opened.

Marek Reichman, Design Director at Aston Martin said: “The new Virage moves Aston Martin’s design language evolution into a new contemporary phase. We have sculpted a new face which sharpens and refines the Virage whilst still being instantly recognisable as a pure Aston Martin sports car. The whole car looks as if it was precision machined from a single billet of aluminium emphasising the attention to detail and exquisite surface language. At Aston Martin we pride ourselves on beautifully honed surfaces created by skilled craftsmen.”

Reichman continues: “The Virage will always delight, from picking up the glass and polished aluminium ECU key, walking up and admiring its stunning form, and tacitly appreciating the treatment of all the other senses through the finish of the materials. It makes every journey an event.

“The Virage doesn’t wear its identity on its sleeve, it doesn’t shout ‘look at me’, rather calmly hints at its potential, through pure lines and a low elegant stance.”

New single lens bi-xenon lights lie beneath a new front headlamp which houses a side light ‘bar’ dissipating LED light giving the Virage an individual yet subtle visual on the road.

New 20″ wheels add to the sense of proportion with a five spoke twin-prong design as standard and a 10-spoke forged diamond turned wheel as an option. Customers are also afforded the option of coordinating their brake callipers with their exterior paint colour with black, grey, red and yellow now being offered.

The Aston Martin engineering team sought to create a sports car that offers customers the highest levels of refinement yet combined with the increased power and control desired by customers. To this ends extra sound insulation has been applied to the front and rear bulkheads to create a relaxed ambiance when cruising. The Virage Volante features an extra layer of ThinsulateTM material in the fabric hood making the Volante feel like a coupe when the hood is up. Each Virage features seven hides of the finest leather sourced from Scandinavia with each interior taking in excess of 70 man hours to hand craft. It is this attention to detail which creates one of the finest and opulent moving interiors in existence today. As the driver or passenger opens the swan wing doors – which open up and out at 12 degrees to prevent any scrapes on nearby kerbs – they are greeted to pinstriped leather seams which are hand stitched by one seamstress just to be sure of a consistency throughout the car. The 10-way adjustable sports seats are sculpted to provide maximum support and comfort while the two-stage heated seats instantly shake the chill on a frosty morning. The option of an alternative lightweight seat arrangement is available with the 2+0 layout on the coupe.

Contributing to the feeling of luxury, finely polished glass buttons adorn the facia inviting the driver to select their desired setup or control. Aston Martin’s design team have stayed true to the ethos of using material honestly where facias are real hand finished and polished woods, dials are milled aluminium, and leathers retain their patina and aroma years into their life.

In coupe form, Virage is available as a 2+2 or a 2+0 as an option, the latter providing a rear parcel shelf ideal for soft bags, while also reducing weight.

Aston Martin has recently rolled-out their latest V8 Vantage S. The Aston Martin V8 Vantage S features a unique appearance with a carbon fiber front splitter, a larger air intake, a new rear bumper, and a carbon fiber diffuser.

Check out the press release for additional information and full performance data on Aston Martin V8 Vantage S.

Aston Martin V8 Vantage S Gallery:

Press Release:

The New Aston Martin V8 Vantage S

• The driver-focussed V8 Vantage featuring enhanced dynamics
• Increase in power and torque to 430 bhp and 490 Nm
• New ground-up developed seven speed SportshiftTM II transmission
• Dramatic V12 Vantage-inspired looks available as coupe and Roadster
• Compelling package of agility, balance, engagement and everyday practicality

Gaydon, 25 January 2011. The Aston Martin Vantage range comes of age with the new V8 Vantage S characterised by a host of new driver-focussed features all designed to push the honed dynamics of the standard Vantage to a new benchmark level.

Aston Martin’s own 4.7 litre V8 engine has been engineered to deliver peak power of 430 bhp (436 PS / 321 kW) at 7300 rpm and torque of 490 Nm (361 lb.ft) at 5000 rpm and is coupled with a new ground-up developed SportshiftTM II transmission specifically designed for the Vantage S with seven short ratio gears to deliver the most engaging and intense driver involvement.

“The Vantage S epitomises every attribute of the V8 Vantage and pushes the driver experience beyond what we have offered before,” says Dr. Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin, “It combines dynamic exhilaration with all the charming finesse, beauty and practicality already associated with the Vantage range.”

Dynamic revisions are central to the Vantage S, with a quickened steering rack ratio of 15:1 compared to 17:1 on the standard car and a larger diameter front brake disc with new six-piston front brake calipers. New springs and dampers, and wider rear wheels also contribute to chassis revisions. A new dynamic stability control (DSC) system specifically tuned to the Vantage S along with a new brake module providing features such as Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA) which provides assistance in emergency braking situations, and Hill Start Assist (HSA). Bespoke tyres have been developed with Bridgestone to optimise road holding enhancing dynamic feel.

At the core of the Vantage S is the new seven speed SportshiftTM II automated manual transmission, offered as standard and delivers exceedingly rapid gear changes, twenty per cent quicker than SportshiftTM. The extra gear permits shorter well-spaced ratios taking advantage of the optimum torque, which combined with a shorter final drive ratio of 4.182:1 delivers quicker acceleration and an enhanced sporting feel. The inherent benefits of a single clutch system reduces complexity and significant weight over a dual clutch solution. SportshiftTM II allows the driver to take an increased level of control, modulating the throttle pedal to achieve the desired type of gear change. In addition, the Vantage S features a ‘Sport’ button which quickens the gear changes and gives the driver a more aggressive throttle response while also opening the exhaust bypass valves across most of the engine speed range perfectly characterising the ‘S’ variant.

As with every Aston Martin, the Vantage S benefits from its own unique sound with a new exhaust muffler and bypass valve map, creating a very distinctive and highly vocal exhaust note.

The Vantage S is instantly recognisable as a true Aston Martin, characterised by its purposeful stance conveying its agility and performance capability. From the front, a new lower front bumper finished in perfectly-aligned carbon fibre houses a larger air intake feeding the engine and front brakes. The splitter combined with the extended deck lid ‘flip’ work in harmony to provide increased down force at speed. New 19 inch ‘V’ spoke wheel styles are available as standard, while an optional 10-spoke lightweight forged wheel option, reduces unsprung mass further. A new rear bumper and side sills optically widen the car.

Bridging the gap between road car and race car, the Vantage S is heavily influenced by the 2011 Vantage GT4 race car. The GT4 takes advantage of the Vantage’s immensely rigid bonded aluminium chassis, providing the ideal platform for a race car. Minor racing safety modifications including an FIA approved roll cage and racing ‘bag’ petrol tank along with weight saving measures are made to the standard road car to convert it into a class winning race car. In 2010, it won its class at the Dubai 24 Hours following this up with further endurance race wins at the Nürburgring 24 Hours, Silverstone 24 Hours and Spa 24 Hours. It also won its first major international championship victory in the European GT4 Cup.

The Vantage S is available to order now from Aston Martin’s global dealership network.

Aston Martin has recently rolled-out their ultimate city car – Aston Martin Cygnet. The Cygnet will be launched in April with a base price of £30,995 (€36,560 / $49,340). The Cygnet will be restricted to Europe, but the company is “actively working on expanding market availability” for 2012.

Check out the press release for additional information and full performance data on Aston Martin Cygnet.

Aston Martin Cygnet  Gallery:

Press Release:

Aston Martin Cygnet Launch Editions; White and Black

• Aston Martin confirms launch details for new Cygnet city car
• Two special launch editions to commence production of city car at company’s Gaydon headquarters in the UK
• An Aston Martin Tailor-Fit solution for the city offering luxury and individuality

Gaydon, 20 January 2011: Aston Martin announces the arrival of the ultimate city car, a Tailor-Fit solution for urban driving in the contemporary metropolis, with two strictly limited Cygnet launch editions.

To celebrate the commencement of production, the new Aston Martin Cygnet will be available in two special launch edition models, each exemplifying the highly bespoke nature of this unique car. The two Cygnet Launch Edition models; White and Black, are available with either standard manual or optional CVT automated transmission and each will be produced for a strictly limited time.

Cygnet is a bespoke luxury commuter car, designed to take you into the heart of the city, with ultra-compact packaging and low-emission engine technology. These efficiencies are paired with the manufacturing and craft skill that is closely associated with Aston Martin.

Craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail characterise each Cygnet, and the extremely high levels of interior finish are exemplified by the choice of materials and colours on these two unique models.

Cygnet Launch Edition White brings together a serene exterior; finished in Snow White paint with a mix of silver mesh, chrome brightwork and White Diamond turned alloy wheels. The interior of the White edition features seats hand trimmed in Pearl white leather with perforated Alcantara inserts, complemented by satin chrome. On the exterior, Aston Martin’s attention to detail is exemplified with the iconic wings badge appearing in matching white.

In contrast, Cygnet Launch Edition Black features Magic Black metallic paint with a specially developed deep sea green effect, offset by matt black louvers and chrome brightwork. Inside, the seats and dash are finished in pure black full grain leather, perforated in a specially-developed diamond pattern. Dark chrome accents adorn the cabin, while the wings badges are rendered in black throughout.

Both Cygnet Launch Editions also come with a bespoke Bill Amberg five-piece luggage set, especially designed for and tailored to Cygnet. Available in a contemporary combination of black leather with technical fabric, the set comprises glove box bag, removable door pocket bag, holdall, garment bag and a collapsible tote bag.

Cygnet Background

Cygnet has generated a huge level of interest amongst both existing Aston Martin owners and customers new to the brand. High tech, compact and built to the same exacting standards and levels as Aston Martin’s acclaimed range of sports cars, Cygnet has already become the perfect addition to a V8 Vantage, DB9, Rapide, DBS or the forthcoming One-77 as the ultimate means of metropolitan transport.

Cygnet benefits from highly sophisticated active and passive safety technology to protect driver, passengers and pedestrians, with a range of breakthrough features rarely seen in small cars. Cygnet delivers everything the city driver needs, from essential equipment like ABS, nine airbags, stability control, electronic brake assist and retractable door mirrors to a luxurious interior specification, including keyless entry and start, heated seats, and satellite navigation, all packed into a car that is just three metres long.

Despite its compact but neatly-proportioned form, Cygnet is clearly recognisable as an
Aston Martin. The marque’s characteristic design language, including signature details such as the metal grille, elongated side strake and inverted rear lights, establish a distinguished, solid form with strong road presence.

Cygnet is the eighth major production car Aston Martin has introduced at its state-of-the art Gaydon facility since 2004, and is assembled in a new dedicated facility by the same skilled local workforce of technicians and craftspeople that create Aston Martin’s award-winning range of sports cars. Cygnet demonstrates Aston Martin’s ongoing commitment to British manufacturing, supported by a strong local supplier network providing the finest materials and components. As a result, Cygnet’s build quality matches its discrete styling, the richly detailed interior and exterior forming a visual and tactile delight.

The Aston Martin Cygnet is a car without compromise, as dedicated to urban functionalism as its sporting siblings are to driver involvement, dynamics and long-distance comfort. With space for up to four adults, Cygnet is light, compact, safe, efficient and highly manoeuvrable.

Launch Edition White and Launch Edition Black epitomise Cygnet’s qualities; craft and skill in a luxurious but compact package, with heart, soul and personality Tailor-Fit for the modern city.

Cygnet production commences in April 2011 and is initially on sale now through Aston Martin’s European dealership network, with the company actively working on expanding market availability by 2012. Prices start from £30,995.

Aston Martin has recently rolled-out their three latest DB9 special editions. The Aston Martin DB9 models features the cabin boasts metallic bronze leather, unique sill plates, and Piano Black trim.

Check out the press release for additional information and full performance data on Three latest Aston Martin DB9 special editions.

Three latest Aston Martin DB9 Gallery:

Press Release:

ASTON MARTIN CELEBRATES 2010 – ‘THE YEAR OF THE SPECIALS’

Gaydon, 22 December 2010. In 2010, Aston Martin celebrated its product line-up demonstrating its ability to react quickly to customer demands and to create tailor-fit sports cars. Aston Martin is agile as a small volume manufacturer and this year has created: V12 Vantage Carbon Black, DBS Carbon Black, DBS UB2010, V8 Vantage N420 and now new DB9 offerings will cater for individual tastes across the world.

This attention to individual tailoring began in February when production of the Carbon Black editions began, followed in March with a Works Tailored commission made by Aston Martin to celebrate CEO, Dr. Ulrich Bez’s tenth anniversary at the helm of the marque in creating 40 limited edition UB-2010 DBSs. The unique specification includes metallic leather with a woven leather seat insert. The car bears the signature of Dr. Bez, who is personally signing-off each example.

In July, Aston Martin announced the V8 Vantage N420 limited edition; a race inspired version of the V8 Vantage celebrating the marque’s close links with the famous Nürburgring Nordschleife where the development of all Aston Martins takes place, and where each year, multiple Vantage entries compete at the Nürburgring 24 hour race.

The new DB9 editions offer three juxtaposed options; the Morning Frost luxury specification gives the DB9 an extra sense of sophistication resplendent in a pearlescent white exterior with a befitting metallic bronze leather interior. In contrast, the two menacing sport specifications take advantage of the special edition Carbon Black paint and Quantum Silver made famous by the DBS featured in the last James Bond movie, Quantum of Solace. The exterior finishes perfectly compliment the Obsidian Black interior along with a highly polished Piano Black centre console and interior door handles.

Both the DB9 Carbon Black and Quantum Silver also feature the six-speed Touchtronic II automatic transmission, a re-mapped sports exhaust providing an even more evocative sound when driving spiritedly and unique 19″ 10 spoke forged gloss black painted diamond-turned wheels. Black grilles, graphite tail pipes, perforated seat inners, semi-aniline leather roof lining, coarse silver stitching and real polished glass switchgear complete the sport specification.

The DB9 Morning Frost also benefits from the Touchtronic II transmission mounted on the transaxle giving the car perfect 50:50 weight balance. 19″ 10 spoke silver diamond-turned wheels, silver brake calipers, magnum silver grilles, and metallic bronze leather headlining with perforated seat inners along with Piano Black centre console and door grabs create a sophisticated ambiance.

The three editions are bestowed with a unique laser etched sill plaque depicting the famous wings insignia along with “Morning Frost”, “Carbon Black” or “Quantum Silver.”

These special editions are available to order now from Aston Martin’s global dealership network.