About a year after Aston Martin was sold by Ford to a consortium comprised of David Richards from Prodrive, John Sinders, Investment Dar and Adeem Investment Co., and the British sports carmaker announced its plans to relaunch the Lagonda marque. The famous nameplate will be used on a series of exclusive luxury cars, the first of which we’ll see in the form of a concept model in 2009, the year that Lagonda celebrates its 100th birthday. The concept car will lead to a production version that is slated to enter global markets in 2012. -Continued

Here’s what Aston Martin’s Chief Executive Officer Dr Ulrich Bez had to say about the revival of the Lagonda marquee:

“After my eight years with Aston Martin, four with profitability, and 16 months of independence, it’s time to think about a longer term future. Aston Martin is an honest, authentic brand which builds the most beautiful sportscars combining modern technology with craftsmanship.”

“Next year we will launch the four door Rapide sportscar, and this will be followed by the project ‘one 77’, the most spectacular Aston Martin ever. Aston Martins are currently available in 32 countries but we will remain limited in our market penetration by the pure character of our cars - sportscars.”

“We have now investigated and concluded that the revival of the Lagonda brand would allow us to develop cars which can have a different character than a sportscar, and therefore offer a perfect synergy. Lagonda will use a unique design language as Aston Martin does. We will take elements of DNA from the past but will be very future orientated as we are with Aston Martin. With Lagonda offering exclusive, luxurious and truly versatile products with high quality and usability and suitable for both existing and emerging markets, I believe we can be present in more than 100 countries in the world. “

“In 2009 Lagonda is about to celebrate its 100th birthday and in its centenary year we are confident that we will show the first concept of a car which could be in the market in 2012,” he confirmed.

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James Bond’s gadgetry has final caught up with reality as Aston Martin announced that in conjunction with its watch partner Jaeger LeCoultre, it has developed the first watch with the ability to control access into a luxury sports car. The AMVOX2 DBS Transponder watch, which will be showcased for the first time at the Paris Motor Show, was crafted exclusively for owners of the Aston Martin DBS.

The watch incorporates a miniature transmitter system serving to lock and unlock the DBS. As the driver comes close to the sports car, all he need do is press the OPEN position on the watch glass (between 8 and 9 o’clock) in order to activate the door opening system, whereas doing the same thing on the CLOSE position between 3 and 4 o’clock will close the vehicle. -Continued

According to Aston Martin, the transponder module weighs just a few grams and is less than half the size of the same system incorporated inside the DBS key. As you’d expect, for safety reasons, only Aston Martin dealerships will be able to authorise the timepiece to ‘read’ and communicate with a specific DBS.

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Aston Martin is developing an all-new and ultra-exclusive supercar that bears the codename One-77. The British marque intends to build a mere 77 examples of the supercar that will be based on carbon fibre chassis with a handcrafted aluminium body. Power will come from a massive 7.0-liter V12 engine. The Aston Martin One-77 is expected to be launched in 2009 with a price tag that’s said to be in the £1 million range.

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Who said that only Lamborghini gets the designer treatment? So does Aston Martin that teamed up with design house Kilgour of Savile Row to present a haute couture bespoke V8 Vantage Coupe at Kilgour’s first-ever fashion show in Paris. The one-off V8 Vantage was finished in a unique Morning Frost Satin paint, while the coupe’s interior was influenced by Kilgour’s latest collection and finished in Kilgour Midnight Blue, with the seat-inserts adorned with a polka-dot effect. Unfortunately, Aston Martin did not provide any pictures of the polka-dot cabin…

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Don’t attempt to detect any differences on the 2009 V8 Vantage exterior, because with the exception of new standard and optional 19'' alloy wheels, there aren’t any. Most changes are under the skin and they concern a new 4.7-liter V8 engine. In particular, Aston Martin has fitted the V8 Vantage with a larger displacement 4.7-liter engine (previous 4.3-liters) that develops 420 Hp (+11%) and a maximum torque of 347lbs-ft (+15%).

Other updates include revised dynamics, improved Sportshift transmission software and a new sports suspension option. According to Aston Martin, the V8 Vantage features an improved 0-60mph (96km/h) time of 4.7 seconds and top speed of 180mph (288km/h). Combined European fuel economy and CO2 emissions are also improved by 13% with the Sportshift semi-auto transmission. -Continued

Inside, the only changes include a new centre console and revised switchgear along with the introduction of an ECU replacing the previous V8 Vantage key.

Commenting on the new car, Aston Martin’s CEO, Dr Ulrich Bez said: "Continued development and evolution of our unique VH (Vertical-Horizontal) architecture has brought even higher levels of refinement and dynamic performance to our whole range. With the new 4.7 litre engine and associated changes we have taken the V8 Vantage to new levels of performance to produce an even more desirable sports car.”

Via: Autoblog.com

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As much as we would have like to offer you the chance to drive a race-prepped Aston Martin Vantage N24 on-track, unfortunately its UK newspaper “The Sunday Times” that’s giving its readers this unique opportunity. Thanks to a partnership between Aston Martin, PalmerSport and The Sunday Times, the UK newspaper is running a competition from April until October offering two lucky readers per month the chance to demonstrate their driving skills in a Vantage N24, at PalmerSport’s Bedford Autodrome.

For those of you who don’t believe in “Lady Luck”, Aston Martin offers the option to pay for a timed session in one of the cars. Either way, each driver’s lap time will be entered into a ‘Hot Lap League’, with the ten fastest drivers being called back at the end of the year to compete in a final to decide who’s the fastest. The winner will enjoy a package of prizes, including the loan of an Aston Martin V8 Vantage for a month and full VIP hospitality for two people at the 2009 Le Mans 24-hour race.

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About a week before the new Vantage GT2 makes its race debut with James Watts Automotive at the first round of the Le Mans Series at Barcelona on 5 April, and Aston Martin decided to release the first official images of its latest racing car. The Vantage GT2, which has been designed to run on both standard and E85 bio-ethanol fuel, completes Aston Martin’s portfolio of GT cars in each of the four categories GT1, GT2, GT3, GT4.

Robin Brundle, Aston Martin Racing’s new managing director, said: “The new Vantage GT2 completes our product portfolio for 2008 with competitive cars now available in every category. Thanks to our experience with the DBRS9, we have been able to develop a bio-ethanol fuelled version, which will be eligible to compete in an increasing number of series now accommodating this greener fuel, including the American Le Mans Series.” -More pics after the jump

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In this latest episode of Fifth Gear TV Show, Tiff Needell takes the new Aston Martin DBS coupe that's powered by a hand-built, 518 HP V12 engine, for a spin to see how it goes. But that’s not all, as Tiff invited Adam Kirley, 007's stunt driver in the the latest James Bond film, Casino Royale, to find out who is the better driver in a series of challenges. Check out the 10-min long video after the jump to see who wins. -Continued

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British sports carmaker Aston Martin has announced plans to create a new engineering test centre at the famous Nϋrburgring race circuit in Germany. According to Aston, work is underway to convert an existing building at a prime location at Meuspath, adjacent to the Nordschleife circuit, and the facility is expected to be operational by the end of May this year. Aside form providing permanent base for the company's engineering and development team, the new centre will also allow opportunities for customer activities in the future. -Continued

Aston Martin’s CEO, Dr Ulrich Bez, commented: “When we open the Aston Martin Nϋrburgring Test Centre at the end of May this will be our second major new facility in less than 12 months since the company entered new ownership.

“The Nϋrburgring has played a vital part in improving the performance and durability of all modern Aston Martins. Our new test centre will allow us to further increase the performance of our cars and to share something of the unique Nordschleife experience with our customers.”

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Aston Martin’s first four-door model for generations has been caught on film barely masked during a fill-up at a gas station in Denmark. The stylish Rapide, which will compete head-on against Porsche's planned front engine, Panamera four-door coupe that is due in 2009, is based on the versatile VH architecture that underpins the current Aston Martin DB9 and Vantage models. Power is expected to come from Aston’s V8 and V12 units. -Continued

Via: Autoblog.it , Source: Omniauto

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British sports car maker Aston Martin will defend the GT1 title at the 2008 Le Mans race with two DBR9s dressed in the distinctive blue and orange livery of Gulf Oil. The two cars, which will be entered as numbers 007 and 009, will look to emulate Gulf’s first victory at the 24 hour race 40 years on.

Alain Dujean, Gulf Oil vice president international, said: “This is arguably the most important year ever for Gulf in motorsport. The famous Gulf racing colours first tasted victory at Le Mans in 1968, so 2008 already had great significance for us, but for Gulf to have joined up with Aston Martin Racing for this year is fantastic – the coming together of two great automotive names, for what I hope will be a long and fruitful partnership.” -Continued

David Richards, chairman of Aston Martin, said: “Endurance racing is engrained in the heritage of both Gulf and Aston Martin and we have also both been intrinsically linked through Le Mans for many decades. It was perhaps destined that, in the year we defend our GT1 title and Gulf celebrates the 40th anniversary of its win, we would finally race together at La Sarthe.”

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Be honest now; if someone didn’t tell you otherwise, would it ever cross your mind that the car you’re looking at the pictures is actually based on the fourth generation Ford Mustang, and in particular, the 2000 – 2003 model? It never passed our mind! The replica of the Aston Martin Vanquish V12 that stared in the James Bond movie, “Die Another Day”, is made by a Canadian company called Exclusive Motors.

Apart from the 34 piece composite body, Exclusive Motors stretches the Ford Mustang’s wheelbase and widens the cars tracks while the interior is fully rebuilt. The Canadian company is also working on a “Spy Package” that will be available shortly. The package adds a set of guns coming out of the hood, and rockets in the front grill for a more “007” style. -Details and imageafter the jump

Release From Exclusive Motors:

Philosophy Behind the Car

We as a company that makes specialty cars, wanted to create a new car that nobody else produced. We wanted to make a limited run, with a timeless look, that thirty years from now will still be considered good looking; Somewhat like the Cobra. We wanted great horse power, and great aftermarket upgrades. We wanted a car with all the options: power brakes, power windows, power steering, power driver seat, power locks, navigation, leather seats, you can even ask for a super charger that makes the car 0 to 60, as fast the original car.

We wanted to start with a great donor car, a car that would help us keep our prices down. We needed a car that would lend itself to its new styling. The car needed to be part of the Aston Martin family. The Ford 2000-2003 Mustang was perfect for this. This helps with the “Pinto Effect”, as explained on the Pricing page.

We took the Ford Mustang and lengthened the wheel base. This was done when we created the new suspension. At the same time, we widened the track, as well as lowered the car. With the use of KW Suspension components, we created a great driving grand touring car.

Now with using the Ford Mustang, what it also enabled us to do, was create a car that had very low and inexpensive maintenance, as well as low insurance costs. For example, the Aston Martin Vanquish runs very hot. Hot enough that Aston Martin requires the use of their own spark plugs. This can only be bought at Aston Martin for $60 each. And these are changed quite a few times. If you were driving across the United States, and got stuck in Montana off the highway, you might have a problem. Whereas the Ford Mustang, you can go into any parts store across the United States and get a spark plug.

Did you know that most cars that are bought new, within a period of five years, that 50%-80% depreciated is lost on a vehicle. That is a lot of money. Our car, five years from now, will still hold most of its current value, because of its uniqueness.

The Building Process

In this project, it was decided to have ten different companies build this car. What this did, was allow each company to add their unique talents and commitments. Allow us to show the different steps:

1 A company takes care of purchasing the right donor car. From background information, mileage, wear-and-tear, damage, correct paper work, and the right location.

2 The next company strips all the necessary parts, makes all the required chassis changes, installs all the suspension components, and does a full mechanical inspection.

3 A company here builds us grills, door handles, hinges, brackets, that are crafted and designed for our project.

4 In this step, two individual companies produce the 34 piece composite body. This is done in a hand lay-up and also a resin transfer method. All the best materials are used to allow us to put on such a beautiful paint job.

5 Even though part of the Ford Mustang door is used, a full door buildup is done.

6 This step is done by us. We take care of the assembly of the complete body. From headlights, grills, exhaust, and partial interior pieces. We make sure that the car has the right fit.

7 Another company then assembles the complete interior.

8 At this point the car is sent out to the paint shop. The car is then painted in a basecoat clear coat Glasurit paint. It is then hand sanded and polished to perfection. Also, a number of interior parts are painted.

9 The interior is then sent out to our master upholsterer, where it is finished in the right leathers and materials.

10 In this step, we have a unique company that makes hand made automotive glass. A little thicker glass and laminate gives us better sound quality inside the car.

11 This is the part we enjoy the most. Yes, the car has to be tested. At the point we are satisfied, the car is detailed, ready for delivery.

Link: Exclusive Motors

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Aston Martin Racing has revealed the first impressions of its new Vantage GT2 racing car that is based on the Aston Martin Vantage V8 road car. For the first time, Aston Martin Racing is designing this car to run on either standard race fuel or E85 bio-ethanol (where regulations allow). In 2007, Aston Martin Racing had converted a standard DBRS9 to run on E85. With the Vantage GT2 race car, the British firm will become the only manufacturer to offer cars in every GT racing category: GT1 – DBR9; GT2 – Vantage GT2; GT3 – DBRS9; GT4 – Vantage N24. -Continued after the jump

Robin Brundle, Aston Martin Racing’s new managing director, said: “The new Vantage GT2 completes our product portfolio for 2008 with competitive cars now available in every category. Thanks to our experience with the DBRS9, we have been able to develop a bio-ethanol fuelled version, which will be eligible to compete in an increasing number of series now accommodating this greener fuel, including the American Le Mans Series.”

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During the opening of Aston Martin’s first ever dedicated design centre in Gaydon, Warwickshire, on Tuesday 11 December, CEO Dr Ulrich Bez, surprised the audience with the unveiling of an all-new high-performance concept car based on the V8 Vantage Coupe; the V12 Vantage RS. In a nutshell, the concept features a 600 HP strong 6.0-liter V12 unit, a subtle aerodynamic bodykit while Aston’s engineers also reduced the V8 Vantage’s weight. -Continued after the jump

Specifically, the 600 HP 6.0 liter engine in the V12 Vantage RS concept features a dry sump lubrication system, tuned length exhaust manifolds, forged pistons and steel con-rods, revised lift and duration camshafts and modified cylinder heads. Peak power is achieved at 6,250rpm and peak torque of 690Nm is at 5,000rpm.

Despite the larger V12 engine, the Vantage concept’s kerb weight has been reduced to under 1,600 kg or 3,527 lbs. Among other things and in common with the recently launched DBS, the bonnet and trunk lid are moulded in carbon fiber while the concept also adopts motor sport-inspired carbon ceramic brake discs.

The result is a power-to-weight ratio of over 375 HP per ton. According to Aston Martin, the V12 Vantage RS concept is the fastest accelerating road car ever built by the company, capable of reaching 62mph (100km/h) from standstill in 4.0 seconds and 100mph (160km/h) in just 8.5 seconds.

In terms of styling, the concept features new bonnet louvres that extract air from the fully ducted cooling pack and a deployable rear spoiler that rises automatically at high speeds to increase rear down force. The front bumper also features cooling ducts for the carbon ceramic brakes and a carbon fiber splitter to balance down force.

Since the concept is closely based on the V8 Vantage coupe, Aston Martin could put the RS into a limited-run production sometime in 2008.

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British sportscar maker Aston Martin announced today that their new flagship model, the DBS, will once again be driven by James Bond (Daniel Craig) in the next 007 film that is scheduled for international theatrical release in November 2008. As most of you Bond fans remember, the DBS made its first public appearance in last year’s Casino Royale film. The new 007 movie will be produced by Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli for EON Productions, and directed by Marc Forster.

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For this year’s Essen Motor Show (Dec. 1 to 9), Loder1899 presented the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante. The Bavarian tuner’s bodykit consists of carbon fibre accessories (front-lip, rear diffuser and engine cover) combined with the newly created 20-inch alloy wheel Vertigo Viginti. To finish off the look, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante is also equipped with Loder1899´s 35mm lowering kit. -Continued after the jump

In terms of mechanical changes, there’s a sport exhaust system that includes a stainless steel sport catalytic converter. At 4000 rpm the flap control opens, which allows the engine to breathe out more effectively. Thanks to this optimized exhaust system power has increased from 385 hp to 425 hp.

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It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to understand that the rapidly growing Chinese auto market is a haven for luxury carmakers which makes you wonder why Aston Martin waited that long to do it. But anyway, better late than never. The Aston Martin Chinese franchise has been awarded to GruppeM, led by CEO Kenny Chen, who is said to have plenty of experience in the luxury sports car market in China.

The first new showroom which will also be the country’s flagship dealer space will be the Shanghai Aston Martin Retail Centre located in Shanghai’s Xin Tian Di District. There will also be an exclusive Aston Martin service facility located close to Hongqiao airport while in Beijing, a showroom for three cars will be located in the city’s Central Business District.The showroom will be accompanied by the Aston Martin Beijing Service Facility, located at the city’s Goldenport race circuit.

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According to internal documents seen by the Financial Times, it is almost certain that Aston Martin will build a new model outside the UK for the first time in the company’s 93-year history. FT reports that a person close to one of the potential partners said Aston Martin will most likely choose the winning company in the next few weeks. Among the companies included in Aston Martin’s list are Italy’s Pininfarina group; Magna of Austria; Germany’s Karmann group; and Valmet, a Finnish group which builds the Boxster for Porsche.

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Pardon my French, but I didn’t give a rat’s ass about the Aston Martin DB9 LM & V8 Vantage. Don’t get me wrong; individually speaking, they both look great. It’s just that I’m so sick and tired of seeing the same design-theme over and over again on every single Aston Martin the past few years (or is that decades?), that I couldn't care less. Many might disagree, but that’s my opinion. For details on both versions, click here

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Alongside the all-new DBS (check it out here), Aston Martin will show off two new special editions of the DB9 and V8 Vantage models at the Frankfurt Show next week. Both special edition models are inspired from the respective Le Mans and Nϋrburgring 24-hour race cars featuring unique design elements, and in the V8 Vantage N400’s case, engine and suspension upgrades. -Continued: Click Read More…” below

In particular, the V8 Vantage N400 draws its inspiration from the V8 Vantage N24 production race car that won its class in the Nurburgring 24 hour race. Compared to the standard V8 Vantage, the N400 receives a power upgrade, lifting the 4.3-litre V8’s output to 400 Hp and maximum torque to 420 Nm (from 380 Hp and 410 Nm respectively). In terms of handling, each V8 Vantage N400 comes equipped with a new sports suspension with up-rated springs and dampers and a new rear anti-roll bar.

Design-wise, the Vantage N400 features a revised side sill design, Magnum Silver bonnet and side strake meshes, clear rear lamp lenses and a bright finish grille on the outside and perforated black leather seats, alloy facia trim and a numbered sill plaque. The N400 will be offered in three new exterior colours; Bergwerk Black, Lightning Silver or Karussell Orange, with either Sportshift automated manual or conventional manual transmission and in either Coupe or Roadster forms.

On its behalf, the DB9 LM commemorates Aston’s GT1 class victory in the Le Mans 24-hour race in June. Available exclusively as a Coupe and only with Touchtronic transmission, the DB9 LM differentiates itself from the standard model thanks to the unique Sarthe Silver exterior paint finish, meshes and rear crossbar finished in Magnum Silver and red brake calipers. Inside the LM gets handcrafted black leather finish, perforated leather inserts, unique ‘Tertre Rouge’ facia trim and a numbered sill plaque. Finally, Aston also offers the normally optional DB9 Sports Pack as standard on the LM. Details and pricing for both models will be announced during the Frankfurt Show.

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