24hcar: Aston

Showing posts with label Aston. Show all posts

Aston Martin DB9 And Vantage Upgrades For 2013-2014

Posted by Mr Dung Monday, June 14, 2010

Aston Martin will revamp their DB9 and Vantage for 2013/2014. The facelift models will have the same dimensions, however they will boast a few cosmetic and fuel efficiency changes.

“We’re not going to start from scratch again when we already have experience with excellent cutting-edge technology,” said an Aston source.

There will be new body styling and new interior trim. The final design has not yet been decided but reports state that the DB9 will use styling cues from the One-77.

Following cosmetic enhancements, Aston would like to lower the overall weight of the two vehicles.

Engine upgrades for the 2013/2014 project include V12 and V8 motors with better fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, opposed to better performance.

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Xenatec Shows Off its "Dream Cars": Bentley SUV, BMW 6-Series Sedan and More

Posted by Mr Dung Sunday, May 23, 2010

[Xenatecgroup]

Now that their limited production Maybach 57S Coupe has made the rounds, here are some of the other proposals from Xenatec. Since the company's specialty is chassis modification (and the necessary body work thereafter), they've got some ideas for a lengthened (and shortened) "dream cars".
Have a look at the gallery below and see what tickles your fancy. The SUV limos are a bit much, but the rag-top conversions don't look too bad (especially the CLS and 300).

Other winners include the standard limo conversions (like the Flying Spur and 300C), while big-time no-no's include that ridiculous 7-Series with the bubble top and the extended R8 and Carrera.
For those of you who thought the Porsche TranSport pickup (next post) was interesting, have a look at what Xenatec would do with the Cayenne to create a sport truck. Still want a Porsche truck?

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VIDEO:Aston Martin Gauntlet Design Concept by Ugur Sahin

Posted by Mr Dung Tuesday, April 13, 2010

[Seriouswheel]

Turkish automotive designer Ugur Sahin has been hard at work in his office in the Netherlands. His latest creation is a rendered proposal called the Aston Martin Gauntlet.

The intent was "to design a car which is technically almost identical to the existing production Aston Martins while defining a design character that outmost respects the impressive history of the brand and combine the timeless lines of the past Aston Martins with the modern interpretation of the existing styling."

Here's how I see it: a car like the DB9, but with a coach-built look and feel.

Trying not to be too retro or futuristic, the look comes off as clean and really appealing to the eye. Key features include those sexy, organic headlights, a new take on Aston's wide-mouth grill (previewed on the One-77 hypercar), and - claimed to be cribbed from the DB3S - "high rear and front fenders".

Personal favorites include:

1) brake-heat extractor vents' lines flowing into the tail spoiler
2) mirrors emulating the sharp shape of the window surrounds
3) rear windscreen that's been molded to flow with the roof's lines (we've already seen it's possible with Peugeot's RCZ)
4) creased line down the side (in some pics) which makes the car look like it's wearing an opera mask.

And, last but not least, the artsy/design PR speak: "The name 'Gauntlet' refers to the way lines and surfaces overlap or complement each other, not literally but rather emotionally. This visually suggests the feel of wearing a protective armor which its full power and potential is in control of the driver."

Whatever guys, it looks great.

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Aston Martin DBS by Edo Competition

Posted by Mr Dung Monday, March 8, 2010

Apparently edo competition doesn't think 517 horsepower is enough to propel Aston Martin's DBS around. "Not quite enough," as they put it. To remedy the situation, edo did a number on the ECU and breathing situation.

For people new to the tuning concept, that means new air filters, high-flow catalytic converters, and a new remote controlled exhaust system. Result: 550 horsepower and 600 Nm / 442 lb-ft of torque (+30 Nm / 22 lb-ft).

"This is enough power to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.1 seconds and continue on to a top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph)." I'll bet it is.

About the RC exhaust:

"It comes with a programmable control system that monitors backpressure inside the exhaust and opens the 70 mm butterfly valves when a pre-determined level of backpressure is exceeded.

The unique advantage of this system is that it provides good torque at low engine speeds without sacrificing top end horsepower...The driver can adjust the sound of the DBS at any time using a remote control."

The wheels are 21 inches, and it obviously it comes with an adjustable sport suspension; nothing new there. What's new is the brakes.

Remember those 6-egg-omelet-sized brakes on Koenigsegg's Agera? 'edo competion' has taken it to a full dozen: 6-piston calipers clamping 405mm discs up front. That's 15.9 INCHES. 380mm discs - usually more than enough to use up front on megasuperhypercars - do stoppage out back with 6 more pistons each.

The car pictured here is just a corporate example of what edo can do to the DBS. Remember, the sky's the limit (rub fingers together to simulate having money).

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VIDEO:Aston Martin One-77 Testing

Posted by Mr Dung Sunday, March 7, 2010

In an attempt to steal some thunder while the Geneva Motor Show is on, Aston Martin has released a new video showcasing their One-77. The video was apparently shot at the same time as a previously-released photoshoot featuring their incredibly fast prototype.

During testing, the One-77 cleared a top speed just over 220mph, or almost 355 km/h. This speed is generated by a new 7.3-liter V12 engine from the company.

Once it enters production, the Aston Martin One-77 will use a carbon fiber monocoque body. Assembly of the two-seat coupe will be limited to just 77 units, with delivery set to begin this summer.

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Aston Martin's Commemorates Ulrich Bez's 10th Anniversary with DBS UB-2010 Special

Posted by Mr Dung Wednesday, March 3, 2010

[Carscoop]

Together with the presentation of the controversial Cygnet mini, Aston Martin also used the Geneva Salon to stage the world debut of a new bespoke service called 'Works Service Tailored' and the special edition DBS UB-2010 that was created to commemorate Dr. Ulrich Bez's 10th year as Chief Executive of the company.

The British firm said that its 'Works Service Tailored' "focuses on fashioning color and materials precisely to customer choice and specification, enabling owners to apply their own personal taste".

In the case of the commemorative DBS UB-2010 edition, Ulrich Bez was the one to call the 'personalization' shots. Each of the 40 examples (20 Coupes and 20 Volantes) feature a unique 'Azurite Black' paint finish, a metallic bronze leather with woven leather seat inserts and a 'Cryptic Titan' facia finish.

Furthermore, each car will bare 'UB-2010' sill plaques signed by Dr. Bez together with a final inspection plate after Dr. Bez has signed-off each of the 40 cars personally.

Prices for the special edition DBS model will be confirmed at a later date.

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VIDEO: Aston Martin goes Viral with Cygnet Mini

Posted by Mr Dung Sunday, January 3, 2010

To begin with, there's no official information about this short film, but unless someone managed to sneak into Aston Martin's headquarters in Gaydon, we have to assume that the British supercar maker and soon-to-become a re-badger of Japanese minis, created the viral video to ignite some online attention on its controversial Cygnet mini.

The Aston Martin-ized Toyota iQ is shown towards the end of the clip and after a minute or so of some guys practicing the French freestyle/urban sport of Parkour that involves negotiating obstacles using just the human body.

To gear heads like ourselves, this film makes as much sense as Aston Martin's decision to go ahead with the Cygnet project... Video after the break.

Via: Autoblog.com

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Aston Martin V8 Vantage 2010 MY Updates

Posted by Mr Dung Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Aston Martin is preparing to launch an updated V8 Vantage range for 2010. The beady-eyed spies at CAR UK caught a suspicious-looking blue model badged as a V8 but dressed in part like the V12 running around near the company's Gaydon, Warwickshire headquarters.

It turns out it was a 2010 MY test unit. Changes made include a magnum silver bonnet, new optional 10-spoke forged 19-inch alloy wheels with diamond turned and silver finish, and clear rear lights. The interior can be specified with new optional lightweight seats with kevlar and carbon fibre construction. Weight savings from these amount to 17kg (37 lbs). There is also an optional 1,000W B&O hi-fi system to suit every musical taste.

Through transmission ratio alterations and software remapping the 2010 V8 Vantage is said to emit an average of 315g/km in C02 gases, down from 328g/km. With the Sportshift gearbox that figure drops even further to 300g/km.

Orders are being accepted right now, with first deliveries only expected early next year. V8 Vantage Coupe prices will start at £83,191 (US$134,950) and at £91,021 (US$147,650) for the Roadster.

Via Carmagazine

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Aston Martin Confirms UK Pricing for Rapide Sports Sedan

Posted by Mr Dung Sunday, December 6, 2009

The new Aston Martin Rapide four-door sports saloon will go on sale in the UK in the first quarter of 2010 with prices starting from £139,950 (US$232,800 or €154,000 at today's exchange rates), the British automaker announced today. In comparison, the Rapide's closest rival, the 500-horsepower Porsche Panamera Turbo is priced at £95,258 in the UK.

The Rapide is powered by a 6.0-liter V12 engine that cranks out 477-horsepower and 600 Nm (443 lb-ft) of peak torque, and is connected to a six-speed Touchtronic 2 automatic transmission with steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters.

Aston Martin said that the Rapide's will come equipped with many standard features including a Bang & Olufsen Beosound audio system tailored specifically for the car, heated memory seats, dual cast brakes and Adaptive Damping System.

Customer deliveries will start at the beginning of the second quarter of 2010 with Aston Martin anticipating to produce around 2,000 units in the first year.

The Rapide is the firm's first sports car to be built outside the UK, as production will take place at the Magna Steyr factory in Graz, Austria. According to Aston Martin, each Rapide will take approximately 220 man hours to build.