Aston Martin Archives

Aston Martin has taken the wraps off the road version of the Aston Martin V12 Zagato race car, which will debut next month in Frankfurt.

Aston Martin is only planning on producing 150 units of the V12 Zagato, which is based on the V12 Vantage. The mostly handmade V12 Zagato is powered by Aston Martin's 6.0L V12 engine that packs 510 horsepower and 420 lb-ft. of torque.

The first units are expected to be delivered next summer with a starting price at £330,000.

Aston Martin has unveiled the V12 Vantage GT3 race car, which is the successor to the DBRS9.

The V12 Vantage GT3 race car is powered by a modified version of Aston Martin's 6.0L V12 engine. It packs 600 horsepower and is mated to a Xtrac 6-speed sequential transmission with semi-automatic paddle shifters.

The V12 Vantage GT3 will be eligible for numerous race series around the world including the FIA GT3 Championship, ADAC Masters, Nürburgring VLN, Blancpain Endurance Series, British GT, Belcar and Open GT among others.

The official testing of the V12 Vantage GT3 will start in October with the first deliveries starting early next year. The starting price has been set at £298,000.

Aston Martin has confirmed production of the Aston Martin V12 Zagato, but it looks like only 150 will be produced.

AutoWeek.nl is reporting that Aston Martin is only going to produce 150 units of the V12 Zagato with a price tag set at £330,000 or 364,000 Euros. That's unfortunately out of reach for most us, but we can dream...

At 364,000 Euros, the V12 Zagato is over two times as expensive as the V12 Vantage in which it's based on. It's almost double the price of the DBS. Just in case you're wondering, 364,000 Euros converts to around $500,000.

Aston Martin has confirmed that the Aston Martin V12 Zagato will enter production. Aston Martin's website states, "Only a strictly limited run of road going cars will be built."

Aston Martin's website also lists the Zagato in its model line-up.

The Aston Martin V12 Zagato is the result of a partnership between Aston Martin and Zagato, which dates back 50 years. The V12 Zagato features a handcrafted aluminum body and is powered by a 510 horsepower 6.0L V12 engine.

Expect an official press release soon.

It's being reported that Aston Martin has secured the funding it needs for its next-generation of sports cars that are expected to debut in 2015.

Engineers are already hard at work on the new models, which have been conceptualized and will replace the DB9, Vantage and Rapide models. Funding was finalized last week when Aston Martin announced that a £304 million bond was fully subscribed by global investors.

Aston Martin is reportedly seeking a new partner for its new platform that will replace the VH-platform in which the DB9, Vantage and Rapide are based on. It's being reported that Aston Martin is currently in talks with Mercedes-Benz about the platform that is the basis for the Mercedes-Benz SLS and SL models.

This weekend kicks off the Nürburgring 24-hour endurance race and Aston Martin is headed to the race with its V12 Zagato.

Aston Martin is going to be be competing with a pair of V12 Zagatos that are nicknamed "Zag." The first red Zagato will be driven by Aston Martin CEO, Dr. Ulrich Bez, Nurburgring Test Centre Director, Wolfgang Schuhbauer and automotive journalists Horst von Saurma and Matthew Marsh.

The second, green Zagato will be driven by One-77 Chief Engineer Chris Porritt, sports car driver Oliver Mathai, amateur racer Peter Cate, and automotive journalist Richard Meaden.

Check out the video after the jump.

Aston Martin has teamed up with French fashion label, colette to create a limited edition Cygnet of just 14 units, dubbed the "Cygnet & colette."

The limited edition Cygnet comes in a Lightning Silver color with colette blue detailing, a brown leather interior and diamond turned wheels.

"The colette car is the first of the exclusive 'Cygnet &' collaborations," said Aston Martin Director of Design, Marek Reichman. "These cars will give Aston Martin a relevant platform to reach out to new customers in urban areas."

Pricing starts at €48,995.

Aston Martin is going to cut production of its Rapide sedan, due to lower than expected sales. Aston Martin is going to lower production to just 25 cars per day to better match the demand for the Rapide. Some sources claim that production could drop as low as 10 cars per day, even though Aston Martin is denying those rumors.

Aston Martin is only going to produce 1,250 Rapides per year, which is just over half of the 2,000 units that were originally planned. Obviously the luxury car market hasn't completely recovered from the financial meltdown in 2008. Aston Martin's sales are still only at about half of what they were before 2008.

This past weekend Aston Martin took the wraps off the beautiful Aston Martin V12 Zagato. Here's a video of the Aston Martin V12 Zagato revving its engine at its debut in Lake Como, Italy. Enjoy the sound of that 6.0L V12!

Happy Friday! Here's your first look at the new Aston Martin V12 Zagato, which is having its world debut at the Villa D'Este Concours.

The Aston Martin V12 Zagato is the result of a renewed partnership between Aston Martin and Zagato, which goes back 50 years. The V12 Zagato concept draws inspiration from past models like the DB4GT Zagato, V8 Vantage Zagato and DB7 Zagato.

Dr Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin said: "The Zagato design language is a perfect complement to our design and engineering expertise. After 50 years of the two companies being associated with each other the partnership has produced some of the world's most iconic cars."

"Of course, fifty years ago Italian design houses were widely seen as leading the way with new designs but now and supported by our independency, Aston Martin has its own in-house design ability so this new venture with Zagato is more collaborative than it perhaps would have been in the past."

The V12 Zagato has a handcrafted aluminum body and is powered by the same 6.0L V12 engine as the V12 Vantage with 510 horsepower and 420 lb-ft. of torque.

The racing debut of the V12 Zagato will take place at the Nürburgring on May 28th.

Aston Martin and Italian design house Zagato have announced a new collaboration in the 50th anniversary year of the iconic DB4GT Zagato. The first result of the partnership will be shown off at the Villa D'Este Concours on May 21st 2011.

Dr. Ulrich Bez, Chief Executive said: "The DNA of both Aston Martin and Zagato has combined successfully to make some of the world's most desirable collector cars in the past and in this special anniversary year of the DB4GT Zagato it is appropriate to explore a modern collaboration.

"Now is the right time for a new Aston Martin Zagato and in combining our design intelligence I think we can create something fitting of the iconic DB4GT Zagato that has gone before and since established itself as one of the most famous Aston Martins of all time."

The initial concept is slated to debut this month with a production model coming in 2012. The first partnership between Aston Martin and Zagato came to fruition in 1961 after Aston Martin sought to remove even more weight from the very special DB4GT.

Aston Martin's CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez has announced that he will auction off his Aston Martin Rapide sedan at this year's annual Bonhams auction at Newport Pagnell and all proceeds will go to charities providing aid to victims of the recent earthquakes and Tsunami in Japan.

Dr Ulrich Bez said: "Nobody could have failed to be moved by the recent events in Japan and we at Aston Martin are no exception. After many years presence in the market and closer ties being forged with the Japanese automotive business in recent projects, we have many friends in the region and we wanted to do something to help."

"The Bonhams Aston Martin Auction seems the perfect platform to encourage the extended Aston Martin family to support this cause, so we have decided to auction my Rapide which I have used in my role as Chief Executive to represent Aston Martin at numerous events in both UK and Europe. I hope this superb car will raise a substantial amount to help make a difference."

Aston Martin Racing has announced that the new Vantage GT3 race car, which is based on the V12 Vantage road car will be ready for competition in 2012. The Vantage GT3 will effectively replace the DBRS9 that launched in 2006 at Le Mans.

The Vantage GT3 will be powered by a lightweight dry-sumped 6.0 litre V12 engine mated to a race semi-automatic paddle shift Xtrac gearbox and the latest race-developed ABS and traction control systems. Aston Martin hasn't finalized the exact specifications, but has set a target weight of 1250kg (2,755 pounds) and horsepower around 600.

The first car will be completed this July.

Still scratching your head wondering why Aston Martin decided to rebadge the Toyota iQ minicar, to create the Aston Martin Cygnet? Most of us are... But it looks like Project Kahn is currently working on a modification kit for the mini Aston Martin.

Project Kahn has released a single photo of a modified Cygnet. Project Kahn is in the middle of developing new kits for the Cygnet and is holding brainstorming sessions about it.

Aston Martin has officially unveiled the 202 Virage and Virage Volante, which are based on the brand's VH architecture. The Virage and Virage Volante are going to slot in between the DB9 and DBS in the Aston Martin lineup.

Since the Virage sits in between the DB9 and DBS it is the perfect balance of the two. The car remains understated and luxurious like the DB9, but has more power and increased performance. It's powered by a 6.0L V12 engine that puts out 490 horsepower and 420 lb-ft. of torque and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The Virage and Virage Volante are going to be officially unveiled in Geneva next week, but the models are already on sale. Pricing will be announced at the show.

The Aston Martin Vantage is a beautiful car that many of us would love to have in our garage. Now Aston Martin has released an even more powerful version of the V8 Vantage that is even hotter.

The Aston Martin V8 Vantage S is powered by the same 4.7L V8, but now puts out 430 horsepower and 361 lb-ft. of torque. The engine is mated to a newseven-speed Sportshift™ II transmission.

"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."

The Vantage S gets a quickened steering rack ratio, larger diameter front disc brakes with new six-piston front brake calipers, new springs and dampers, and wider rear wheels. On the outside the Vantage S gets a new lower front bumper with a larger air intake. The splitter combined with the extended deck lid 'flip' also work to increase down force at speed.

Aston Martin has released the pricing details for its Cygnet city car, which is based on the Toyota iQ. Aston Martin has also announced that the Cygnet will be available in two special launch edition models.

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 Launch Edition White is 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. The 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.

Both Cygnet Launch Editions also come with a bespoke Bill Amberg five-piece luggage set, especially designed for and tailored to Cygnet.

Production of the Cygnet will kick off in April with prices start from £30,995 in Europe.

Aston Martin is only going to produce 77 units of the One-77 and Aston Martin has reportedly already sold 60 of the limited edition supercars. With a price tag of $1.87 million, the Aston Martin is not having a hard time finding buyers for the 750-hp coupe.

What's interesting is that most buyers are also opting for the Toyota IQ-based Aston Martin Cygnet, in the same color as their One-77. Aston Martin claims that most One-77 owners have already committed to buying the Cygnet or have shown serious interest in the small car. When you're already paying almost $2 million for the One-77, why not just get everything...

Aston Martin Racing has launched a new Vantage GT4 for 2011. The Vantage GT4 is based on the V8 Vantage and is powered by a remapped 4.7 liter engine.

For 2011 the Vantage GT4 gets a new splitter that increases downforce at the front of the car, as well as channeling cooling air to the brakes and radiator. Outback the GT4 gets the V12 Vantage's larger boot 'flip', which works together with a new carbon fiber diffuser and rear underfloor to create an area of low pressure under the rear of the car, to increase downforce. For the first time buyers can choose a race-developed Bosch ABS and traction control system.

Aston Martin Racing has built and sold more than 80 Vantage GT4s in the last two years.

Aston Martin has unveiled a refreshed DB9 for the 2011 model year. Although its been around for seven years now, it hardly looks its age. The front of the DB9 gets a new front bumper with a re-shaped lower intake and a new bright finish grille. Other changes include 20-spoke alloy wheels, clear rear taillights and inside there is an optional Double Apex alloy finish.

Under the hood the DB9 is still powered by the same 470-hp 6.0L V12 engine that can be mated to either a six-speed 'Touchtronic' paddle-shift automatic or a six-speed H-pattern manual transmission. It has a top speed of 190 mph and reaches 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds. A new adaptive damping system is now standard as well.

Production of the revised 2011 Aston Martin DB9 has already started and deliveries are expected to start next month.

Aston Martin has finally announced the pricing for the V12 Vantage that will be going on sale in the US later this year. If you're one of the lucky ones expect to pay at least $179,995.

The V12 Vantage is powered by a 6.0L V12 that puts out 510-hp and 420 lb-ft. of torque. It reaches 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds and has a top speed of 190 mph.

If you want even more the V12 Vantage Carbon Black model starts at $194,995.

Aston Martin has announced plans to bring the V12 Vantage to the US, which is good news especially if you can actually afford it.

The V12 Vantage is powered by a 6.0L V12 engine that puts out 510-hp and 420 lb-ft. of torque. It reaches 0-62 mph in 4.2 seconds and has a top speed of 190 mph.

Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ulrich Bez said: "This is the ultimate performance interpretation of the Vantage range, combining our most agile model with our most powerful engine. It represents the definitive Aston Martin driving experience; providing spectacular performance to ensure a dynamically thrilling drive in a highly exclusive package."

Aston Martin is also going to release limited Carbon Black special edition, which is painted iCarbon Black metallic paint with a subtle metallic twist to create a deep rich patina; painstakingly created through a hand painting process taking 50 man hours. The iconic Aston Martin side strake has been fashioned from real carbon fibre backed by a black mesh and complimented with gloss black 10 spoke diamond turned alloy wheels. A bright finished grille and front parking sensors (normally an option) complete the exterior detailing. Inside, owners will be greeted to swathes of Obsidian Black leather highlighted with a contrast silver coarse stitch.

If you're lucky enough to afford this beauty you can put your order in now. Deliveries are expected to start in the fourth quarter of 2010.

The awesome Aston Martin One-77 was recently caught driving around in London.

The One-77 is powered by a 7.3L V12 that puts out more than 700-hp. It reaches 0-60mph in 3.5 seconds and has a top speed over 200 mph. Only 77 units are going to be produced. Unfortunately the car is out of the price range for most since it's going for $2 million bucks.

Aston Martin is going to compete in the 38th ADAC Nürburgring 24-hour race with the new four-door Rapide. The Rapide will be near-standard near-standard specification apart from mandatory changes required to compete, such as the interior trim removed to reduce weight, a re-tuned suspension and the addition of slick tires designed for track use.

The Rapide will be joined by the V12 Vantage, which is also only slightly modified for racing.

The race starts on May 15th.

Aston Martin officially unveiled the Cygnet Concept at the Geneva Motor Show. If it looks somewhat familiar to you, it's because the Cygnet is the result of a partnership with Toyota. The Cygnet is actually a Toyota iQ minicar that has been heavily modified by Aston Martin.

"Many of our customers have a need for a small car for urban and city use," said Aston Martin Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez. "The Cygnet Concept brings intelligence, innovation and artistry to the small car market. The Cygnet Concept represents the natural choice for those customers looking for a premium commuter car. Our past, our future and our backbone will always remain sports cars, but the Cygnet Concept will support this by offering our customers a greater degree of freedom in the urban context."

The Cygnet is expected to enter production at the end of this year or early next year.

For the most part badge engineering is pretty lame and rarely is it entirely successful. Well Aston Martin is moving forward with its rebadged Toyota iQ, the Cygnet. Were all used to Aston Martin's beautiful super cars with pricing that many of us could only hope to achieve one day, well the Cygnet is priced many thousands less than anything in Aston martin's current lineup, something that is sure to piss off many Aston Martin owners.

When Aston Martin unveiled the Cygnet concept car many of us thought it was a joke, but sadly it's not and the automaker plans on introducing the rebadged Toyota sometime in 2010.

Ulrich Bez, chief executive of Aston Martin descibed the Cygnet as "This concept is akin to an exclusive tender for a luxury yacht." Pricing is expected to be around £20,000 (about $35,000). But just in case some of you thought it would be cool to own it, you better also have another Aston Martin your garage. The Cygnet is only available to current Aston Martin owners. It's also not expected to come to the U.S.

Aston Martin has announced that the One-77 has surpassed expectations by breaking the 200 mph mark. In fact it actually reached 220 mph moving it closer to setting an all-time record for Aston Martin. Aston Martin is going to continue testing it into the new year.

The One-77 is powered by a 7.3-liter V12 with over 700 horsepower mated to a six-speed transmission. Aston Martin expects deliveries of the 77 units to start in mid-2010.

Rather than unveil another Toyota in Aston Martin digs (see Cygnet), Aston Martin has released limited-edition versions of the V12 Vantage and DBS. The Carbon Black V12 Vantage and DBS are painted in a Carbon Black metallic paint especially formulated with a subtle metallic twist to create a deep rich patina. Each car requires 50 man-hours of paint time.

Inside the seats are made from carbon fiber and Kevlar saving 17 kg over the standard seat. The seats are covered in Obsidian Black leather with silver stitching and the dashboard and center console trims are finished in piano black.

The Carbon Black Editions of the V12 Vantage and DBS are expected to cost 5% more than the regular versions.

It's not a joke. Aston Martin has taken a Toyota iQ and modified it to create the Cygnet.

To create the Cygnet concept, Aston Martin took the familiar styling cues from the other Aston Martin models like the DBS and upcoming Rapide and applied them to Toyota's tiny iQ. For now the car remains purely a concept, but Aston Martin hopes to have a production version ready for European customers in 2010.

Aston Martin has announced the starting price for the 2011 Rapide four-door, which will hit dealerships next spring.

The 2011 Rapide has a starting price of $199,950. It will be the first sports car to be hand-built at the Aston Martin Rapide Plant in Graz, Austria. Aston Martin is predicting that about 2,000 Rapides will be produced in its first year.

Although Aston Martin originally stated that the V12 powered Vantage would not make it to the US, Aston Martin CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez has stated otherwise.

Bez recently told Car and Driver, that although Aston Martin originally planned on only producing 1,000 units over its one-year life span, more could be produced. Additionally the car is going to officially come to the US as well.

The Aston Martin V12 Vantage is powered by a 510-hp 6.2L V12. It reaches 0-62 mph in 4.2 seconds and has a top speed of 190 mph.

Aston Martin's first ever four-door sports sedan is upon us and it is quite sexy...much sexier than the Porsche Panamera. The Aston Martin Rapide takes the current styling of the Aston Martin coupes and apply is it to a four-door design. The concept version of the Rapide was unveiled at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show and the production version remains true to the concept.

The Rapide is powered by a 470-hp 6.0L V12 engine that is mated to a six-speed Touchtronic 2 automatic transmission.

Chief Executive, Dr. Ulrich Bez said: "Rapide is the culmination of the Aston Martin range of sports cars, a car that seals the revival of a truly admired marque. There is now an Aston Martin for every taste and for every use.

"With Rapide, the entire family can enjoy their Aston Martin together in unison, in an invigorating yet comfortable environment, sitting low, with plenty of visibility from every seat and with new levels of comfort, refinement and entertainment."

A CAR Online reader (Simon Gregg) spotted the upcoming Aston Martin Rapide testing in the UK sans camouflage. The production version of the Rapide is expected to be unveiled this fall at the Frankfurt Motor Show and go on sale in early 2010.

The Rapide is expected to be powered by the automaker's 6.0L V12 with approximately with 470 hp and 443 lb-ft. ot torque.

Aston Martin has officially uncovered the upcoming four-door Rapide with the release of a single side image.

From the single photo, its apparent that the production version remains very close to the original show car that first appeared in 2006. One noteworthy design element is what Aston Martin refers to as "swan wing" doors. The two rear doors rise upwards and outwards as they swing open.

Aston Martin Chief Executive, Dr. Ulrich Bez said: “The Rapide will be the most elegant four-door sports car in the world. It completes the Aston Martin range conveying our established attributes of Power, Beauty and Soul.

When the Rapide is finally released it will be powered by 470 horsepower 6.0L V12 engine that is mated to a Touchtronic transmission that sends the power to the rear wheels.

Aston Martin is going to officially unveil the One-77 at the Geneva Motor Show. The One-77 is a showcase of Aston Martin style and performance.

The One-77 is powered by a 7.3L naturally-aspirated V12 engine with upwards of 700 horsepower. The engine is mated to a six-speed transmission that is controlled via column mounted paddle shifters. It also features Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires (255/35 ZR20 front, 335/30 ZR20 rear) that were developed specifically for the One-77.

Aston Martin expects a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds and a top speed over 200 mph.

Aston Martin is set to unveil a new V12 powered Vantage at the Geneva Motor Show next month.

The V12 Vantage is powered by a 6.0L V12 engine that puts out 510 horsepower and 420 lb-ft. of torque. It reaches 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds and has a top speed of 190 mph.

Aston Martin only plans on producing 1,000 units with deliveries beginning in the third quarter of 2009.

Pricing will be announced at the show.

Leaked photos of the upcoming Aston Martin One-77 supercar have leaked onto the web.

Once production begins Aston Martin's newest flagship will go for around £1.2 million (roughly $2 million) and production will be limited to 77 units. Surprisingly Aston Martin has already received 100 orders for the car, which means the car is already sold out.

The One-77 will be powered by a 7.3L V12 engine with more than 700 horsepower, which will propel the car up to speeds over 200 mph with a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds. The engine will be mated to a rear-mounted transmission. Left and right hand drive versions will also be available.

Aston Martin has released the first image of the limited edition One-77, Aston's newest flagship.

In addition to unveiling the changes to the 2009 Vantage, the automaker has also unveiled the changes to the beautiful 2009 DB9.

Aston Martin has announced the changes to the Vantage for the 2009 model year.