- Filed under: Coupes, Hybrids/Alternative, Sports/GTs, Etc., Green, Aston Martin, UK, Celebrities
Prince Charles is not new to the environmental debate. His blue, 38-year-old Aston Martin, however, has had nothing to do with being environmentally friendly. Until now. The car, a gift from the Queen on Charles' 21st birthday, has joined the growing fleet of cars that run on bioethanol, having been converted to run on surplus British wine.
The wine comes from an English vineyard in Wiltshire, and the EU limits how much wine a vineyard can produce, so the vineyard sells the overage to Green Fuels, which turns it into biofuels and supplies it to the Palace.
The Aston can go ten miles on a gallon of gas, which would equate to 45 bottles of wine to go the same distance. The wine, though, puts out 85-percent less CO2 and costs £1.10 per liter, which is slightly less than the cost of gas. However, Charles only goes 300 miles in the car every year, and it's not like he's worried about gas prices, so the car won't make a difference by itself -- but he's got his royal heart in the right place.
[Source: Daily Mail]
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- Filed under: Spy Photos, Supercars, Aston Martin
Aston Martin shocked the industry when it took the wraps off of the baby-blue V12 Vantage RS concept back in December. The idea was revolutionary yet stunningly simple at the same time: take the lowest car in the line-up and turn it into the highest. Would Aston build it? We all hoped so, and our hopes were vindicated with spy shots of test mules running developmental laps around the race track.
From the latest batch, it appears that all those louvers on the hood will remain - a necessity for cooling the 600-hp V12 that is sitting where a 380-hp V8 usually resides - but the rear wing seems to have been reduced, with a big carbon-fiber diffuser taking over the balance (literally) of the downforce requirements. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the test mule is also wearing the carbon-ceramic disc brakes from the current top-of-the-line DBS, while insiders expect the imminently desirable supercar to bear an equally breathtaking pricetag at double that of the base V8 version. Worth it? We're betting yes.
[Source: NextAutos]
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- Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Supercars, Aston Martin, Lifestyle, Celebrities
We have to admit, when we heard the next Bond film was going to be called "Quantum of Solace," we kind of scrunched our faces a little bit. Still, Casino Royale was so good that we figured we'd give it the old innocent-until-proven-guilty treatment. Well, now we've seen the trailer, and it looks so bloody good we're all verklempt. We clapped at the end. And then we watched it again.
There's so much action in the trailer that we don't know how there's going to be room for story unless it's as long as Ben Hur, but right now we don't much care. There's only a brief glimpse of the DBS in the trailer at the very end, but whatever it's doing it looks suitably Bond-ish. We'll even admit that the 2-minute clip is good enough to forgive wrecking this Aston DBS, this Alfa, and another Aston DBS during filming. Now you'll have to excuse us while we go watch the trailer a third time. Come on, November 7. Check out the Quantum of Solace trailer for yourself after the jump.
[Source: Moviefone]Continue reading Quantum of Solace trailer shows little bit of Aston, lot of movie
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- Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Aston Martin, Lifestyle
Click above for pair of high-res images showing the Kilgour Vantage V8
Supercars and high fashion go together like super models and getting high, so for its first ever fashion show in Paris, bespoke tailor Kilgour of Savile Row has presented its spring/summer collection alongside a bespoke Aston Martin V8 Vantage coupe. The haute couture Aston is dipped in a one-off Morning Forst Satin paint described as having the texture of fine silk, which would be quite a feat if true since metal usually feels nothing like fabric. The interior is also done up in Kilgour Midnight Blue with polka-dotted seat inserts. Apparently circles are Kilgour's trademark shape, hence the gaudy pattern on the seats. We don't understand high fashion very much, like why people care about apparel that's completely impractical and overpriced, but we suppose some could say the same thing about the cars we like. For instance, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage. Well, those people just don't understand.
Gallery: Aston Martin Kilgour Vantage V8
[Source: Aston Martin]Continue reading Aston Martin suits up a Kilgour V8 Vantage for Paris fashion show
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- Filed under: Aston Martin, Earnings/Financials
Since Ford sold it over a year ago, rumors have been flying around regarding a possible re-sale of Aston Martin by its current owners or a large purchase of shares by Mercedes-Benz. While all of these rumors have been denied, a public offering of the historic British brand has been mentioned in the past and is indeed likely. Aston's current chairman David Richards has again alluded to this option, saying that he'd like the company to go public sometime within the next three years. If you long for the opportunity to do your best James Bond impression in an Aston, but couldn't hope to afford one any time soon, perhaps a chance at owning a piece of the company itself would be a fair alternative.
An initial offering on the London Stock Exchange could net £500 million for expansion of the storied British marque. Anything that would allow Aston Martin to continue offering its range of drop-dead beautiful cars is fine by us.
[Source: AM Online]
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- Filed under: Etc., Aston Martin
Despite a couple of disastrous and debilitating setbacks, filming of the next Bond flick, the Quantum of Solace, is back, with production continuing in the mountains of Carrara, Italy. Unfortunately, these newest shots from the set are further proof that the writers and producers have absolutely no regard for the hotness that is the Aston Martin DBS. To their credit, the death of the DBS was deliberate, as 007 is chased through a rock quarry by a handful of villains piloting Alfa Romeos. The 15-minute scene will make up the pre-credit sequence that is the staple of any good Bond film (they're always our favorite), right before they cue the cheesy retro-pop and cut to blacked-out babes wielding heavy artillery.
Thanks for the tip, Miguel!
[Source: MI6]
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- Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Aston Martin
Click above for a high resolution gallery of the V8 Vantage
Not one to settle, Aston Martin is giving its V8 Vantage a host of upgrades for 2009 highlighted by a larger V8 engine with more power. Originally displacing 4.3 liters, the V8 has been bored and stroked to 4.7 liters for an 11% increase in power to 420 bhp and a 15% increase in torque to 347 lb-ft. Despite these changes, fuel economy has been improved by 13%. Both optional transmissions have been upgraded as well, with the 6-speed manual getting a modified clutch and flywheel, and the Sportshift automatic has been programmed to provide smoother shifts. The suspension has been slightly revised with slightly stiffer spring rates, improved steering geometry, and stiffer bushings in the front suspension to improve handling. The interior has been revamped with a new center console finished in graphite silver as well as an ECU that replaces the standard key. Thankfully the Vantage's beautiful lines have remained untouched, although new 19-inch wheels are available.
Full details on the 2009 upgrades to the V8 Vantage can be found in the press release after the jump.
[Source: Aston Martin]Continue reading Aston Martin upgrades the V8 Vantage for 2009
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- Filed under: Etc., Videos, Aston Martin, Dodge, Volkswagen, Ferrari
Click the image above for more classic movie car pics
It's no secret that we're passionate about cars, and we're pretty sure you feel the same way. We're also big fans of the silver screen, especially when a great car or truck is a big part of the plot. The movie mavens over at Rotten Tomatoes feel the same way, and they've compiled a list of the top 50 movie cars in the history of motion pictures.
The list is chock-full of classics from movies like Bullitt and Vanishing Point, but there are also a lot of hidden gems, like Pepe the Little Mule from Romancing the Stone, or the 1973 Ford Falcon XB GT Coupe from Mad Max. One omission that we would have like to have added was Gary's red Ferrari Mondial from Weird Science, but while we could argue forever which vehicle should rank where, we'd say this is a pretty darn good list. We've posted Rotten Tomatoes' top five movie cars after the jump and some of the classic movie cars in the gallery below, but it's definitely worth checking out the entire list. RT even added some great honorable mention vehicles, as well. Thanks for the tip, catgirlshyla!
[Source: Rotten Tomatoes]Continue reading Rotten Tomatoes rates top 50 movie cars
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- Filed under: Etc., Euro, Aston Martin
So you want to work for Prodrive/Aston Martin, but you don't quite have the qualifications to be a bodyshell fabricator or a chief engineer? Then perhaps you have what it takes to fill the position of estate manager for the chairman of the company. You won't need to know your way around a sheet of carbon fiber, but you will need to be able to manage the garden and domestic staff, have a good sense of humor, and "carry out occasional driving duties," among other things. For your dutiful service, your rewards will include a fully paid-for cottage on the property, a mobile phone, and a company car. But remember, Ford still owns part of Aston, so that car could be a Mondeo... but that wouldn't be too bad, would it, guv'nor? Thanks for the tip, sndkick!
[Source: Prodrive]
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- Filed under: Etc., Aston Martin, Alfa Romeo, Celebrities
Filming of the latest Bond flick, Quantum of Solace, has been put on hiatus after two stunt drivers were injured during filming. The crash apparently took place while performing a chase sequence where one driver in an Alfa Romeo crashed into a wall while chasing Bond's Aston Martin DBS along the Gardesana, a curvy road that lines Lake Garda. The man behind the wheel of the Alfa was flown to the hospital in a helicopter and is in serious condition, while his passenger sustained only minor injuries.
This news comes within days of the previous crash that put one of the DBSs used for filming into the same lake, and despite the fact that filming was about to be wrapped today, the set remains closed until an investigation takes place. Thanks to all who tipped in.
[Sources: CNN, MI6.co.uk]
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- Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Videos, Aston Martin
The typical 007 Aston looks phenomenal, goes incredibly fast, and has enough gadgets to single-handedly depose a hostile government. Unfortunately, not all of those attributes apply when it's raining, as Mr. Bond's Euro KITT ended up at the bottom of lake Garda in Italy after a chase scene on the set of Quantum of Solace went awry. We reported last week that the stunt driver involved in the crash was relatively unharmed, and after watching the Youtube footage of the destroyed DBS, we'd say it was a miracle worthy of the real James Bond. Hit the jump to view the post-mortem of a DBS that can't swim. And if you come across an unbelievable deal for an Aston on Ebay, you may want to run that vehicle history report. Thanks for the tip, Joe!
[Source: YouTube]
Continue reading VIDEO: Bond's DBS extracted from the drink
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- Filed under: Motorsports, Acura, Aston Martin, Audi, Chevrolet, Ford, Mazda, Porsche, Ferrari
Click above for high-res gallery of ALMS action from Long Beach
With Champ Car going the way of the dodo bird after this year's Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, it looks like the American Le Mans Series is poised to take over top billing at America's Monte Carlo. The street course around downtown Long Beach, California is quite a track, with a long tradition of motorsport excitement. Everything from Formula 1 to CART to Trans-Am have run here, but very few series can match the thrill of four different classes running into the dusk like the ALMS presents. This year's sophomore running of the Tequila Patrón American Le Mans Series at Long Beach showed exactly why the series deserves more support and coverage than it gets. Not only was the on-track action enthralling, but the huge crowds that Long Beach always attracts seemed to go ga-ga over the prototypes and GT cars wearing names like Porsche, Aston Martin, Corvette and Ferrari. In case you haven't seen the race yet, the results are after the jump. Don't let that stop you from clicking through the massive high-res gallery however.
All photos Copyright (C)2008 Frank Filipponio / Weblogs, Inc.
Continue reading ALMS at Long Beach
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- Filed under: Sports/GTs, Plants/Manufacturing, Aston Martin
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Aston Martin DBS.
According to Autocar, the lucky few that have put a deposit down on the new Aston Martin DBS will have to wait an additional three-months to get behind the wheel of the body-kitted Bond car. The problem apparently stems from suppliers who aren't able to deliver Aston with the one-off parts necessary to complete the DBS. As such, coupes are sitting unfinished at Aston's plant, but sources within the automaker say that they're willing to hold off on deliveries to ensure that all the parts are top-notch. Unfortunately, we doubt that some of the bespoke bits can be salvaged from one of the vehicles that's already been delivered.
[Source: Autocar via Winding Road]
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- Filed under: Etc., Aston Martin, Celebrities
At 6:30 this morning, a stunt driver shooting a scene for the upcoming James Bond flick, Quantum of Solace, lost control of an Aston Martin DBS while filming a chase scene and plunged into Lake Garda in Italy. The film's executive producer, Anthony Waye, said that the scene was being shot in the pouring rain, and although the DBS didn't survive it's unplanned excursion into the water, the driver sustained only minor injuries and was released from the hospital earlier this afternoon. MI6 declined to comment on the incident, but a spokesperson for the agency remarked that the submersible kit for the Aston was under development. Too little, too late Q.
Thanks for the tip MaTTia.
[Source: Reuters.it - translated]
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- Filed under: Tuners, Coupes, Videos, Aston Martin, Ford
Click above to view video after jump
For decades, the Ford Mustang has been a symbol of affordable performance. While the average GT will still run you less than $30,000, for many that is merely the starting point. Next is the booming Ford Mustang aftermarket business, where you can beef up every square inch of your ponycar. One item not commonly found in a Ford Racing catalog is an Aston Martin Vanquish V12 engine, but after hearing one in the engine bay of a beautiful blue stallion, we think that problem should be corrected.
Hit the jump to view video of a very well-modified Mustang that has the face of a GT500, the butt of a Saleen, and the heart of an Aston. If you thought the throaty V8 of a stock GT was music to your ears, the silky smooth symphony coming from the Vanquish V12 is better than Bach. The best part of the video comes about a minute in when the snugly-packed V12 reveals itself for the first time. Is it just us or is a real Mustang with an Aston motor a hundred times better than a 'Stang with a Vanquish body?
UPDATE: Video after the jump fixed.
[Source: Streetfire]Continue reading VIDEO: Mustang gets Aston Martin Vanquish V12
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Archive for the 'ASTON MARTIN' Category
Tuesday, March 13th, 2007
Aston Martin has announced two exciting developments for both new and existing customers of the company’s flagship Vanquish S.
Just 40 examples of a new Vanquish S Ultimate Edition will be handcrafted at the company’s Newport Pagnell production facility in Buckinghamshire. The model represents a luxurious and unique limited edition befitting the Vanquish S’s status as the ultimate Aston Martin and also celebrates the skilled craftsmanship of the team working at Newport Pagnell.
The Ultimate Edition will be available by special request to customers wishing to celebrate the last of a significant car in Aston Martin’s history. Initial feedback suggests the whole allocation of this special edition will be sold within weeks of launch.
The Ultimate Edition centres on changes to the Vanquish S’s renowned colour and trim. On the exterior, these changes include a unique ‘Ultimate Black’ – a striking new colour which will only be available with this car. Inside, the Vanquish S cabin is trimmed in a semi-aniline leather, with coarse stitching, leather headlining and black chrome finish interior fittings. Each car will also be fitted with personalised sill plaques denoting the limited edition number.
The Vanquish S Ultimate Edition retains all performance capabilities of the standard Vanquish S – and accordingly its position as the fastest ever production Aston Martin, capable of a top speed in excess of 200mph (321km/h). No additional charge will be made for the Ultimate Edition, available only with the 2+2 seating arrangement, priced at ?182,095.
For existing Vanquish customers, Aston Martin’s world renowned Works Service department are to offer a new transmission conversion for owners of the company’s flagship model, adding to their reputation for an unparalleled level of personalisation.
Serving as a further example of the depth of bespoke services available via Works Service, existing Vanquish owners will now be able to order a transmission conversion from the car’s existing Auto Shift Manual (ASM) system, to a conventional stick-shift manual.
Working in conjunction with the company’s Special Vehicles Operations team from Gaydon, Works Service has developed the system over the last 12 months, before previewing the conversion to selected Vanquish customers.
Kingsley Riding-Felce, Director, Customer Care and Works Service, said: “This project underlines our commitment to adapting to customer requests, whether they are for Aston Martins from the past or modern cars such as the Vanquish S.”
Since its launch in 2001, the Vanquish has been equipped with fingertip controlled, Formula 1-style paddles which enables almost imperceptible gear changes in under 250 milliseconds. Advanced electronics also permit the close ratio six speed manual transmission to be programmed to operate automatically.
Drivers with a preference for a conventional stick-shift transmission will now have the option of this new Works Service-only modification which is available to order immediately, with prices commencing from ?13,250 (+ VAT).
Established as a modern classic, the Vanquish’s muscular 2+2 epitomises Aston Martin’s core values of power, beauty and soul. It is the ultimate sports car for the discerning owner. Since its launch, the Vanquish has proved to be a huge success for Aston Martin with over 2000 cars delivered to customers around the world. In 2002 the Vanquish graced the screens of millions, starring alongside 007 in the James Bond film ‘Die Another Day.’
Located at Newport Pagnell in Buckinghamshire, Aston Martin Works Service offers a factory-backed workshop with the experience necessary to care for any Aston Martin or Lagonda with unparalleled skill and attention to detail. With more than 40 years experience, the Works Service team offers accident repair, servicing, maintenance and even full restoration capabilities to Aston Martin and Lagonda owners. In 2006 more than 2000 customers called upon Works Service expertise, a number which is expected to be surpassed again in 2007.
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Sport Cars, Automotive News, ASTON MARTIN | No Comments »
Monday, September 25th, 2006
Details info:
Type : coupe
Amount of the Doors : 2
The Place Seatings : 4
The Place Seatings 젪 4
Sizes and mass : Length x width x height, mm : 4745 x 1944 x 1330 : Wheel base, mm : 2611 : Mass, kgs : 1950 : Full mass, kgs : 2380 : Service load, kgs : 430
Type of the engine : gasoline
Preparation to air gas : forced
Design of the engine : V-৭? />͠䤳⠺ No
Amount cylinder : 8
Amount valve on cylinder : 4
Volume of the engine, sm3 : 5340
Maximum engine size, sq / ls : 261 / 355
Frequency of the rotation under maximum power about/mines : 6000
Maximum turning moment, Nm : 475
Frequency of the rotation under maximum turning moment about/mines : 3700
Class bad material : Euro2
Drive : back
Gearbox : automatic跥
Amount of the issues : 4
Front springs : spring
Back springs : spring
Front brake : disc
Back brake : disc
Buses : 255/50Z18Z
Buses back travell about :
Runaway before 100 km/ch, sec. : 0.0
Maximum velocity, km/ch : 240
Consuption fuel in town cycle, l/100 km : 0.0
Consuption fuel in country cycle, l/100 km : 0.0
Consuption fuel average, l/100 km : 0.0
Volume of the tank, l. : 105
Type fuel : Super
Posted in ASTON MARTIN | No Comments »
Monday, September 25th, 2006
Details info:
Type : coupe
Amount of the Doors : 2
The Place Seatings : 4
The Place Seatings . : 4
Sizes and mass : Length x width x height, mm : 4745 x 1944 x 1330 : Wheel base, mm : 2611 : Mass, kgs : 1920 : Full mass, kgs : 2425 : Service load, kgs : 505
Type of the engine : gasoline
Preparation to air gas : forced
Design of the engine : V-
: turbo
Amount cylinder : 8
Amount valve on cylinder : 4
Volume of the engine, sm3 : 5340
Maximum engine size, sq / ls : 410 / 558
Frequency of the rotation under maximum power about/mines : 6500
Maximum turning moment, Nm : 745
Frequency of the rotation under maximum turning moment about/mines : 4000
Class bad material : Euro2
Drive : back
Gearbox : manual
Amount of the issues : 6
Front springs : spring
Back springs : spring
Front brake : disc
Back brake : disc
Buses : 285/45R18Z
Buses back travell about :
Runaway before 100 km/ch, sec. : 4.6
Maximum velocity, km/ch : 302
Consuption fuel in town cycle, l/100 km : 0.0
Consuption fuel in country cycle, l/100 km : 0.0
Consuption fuel average, l/100 km : 0.0
Volume of the tank, l. : 105
Type fuel : Super
Posted in ASTON MARTIN | No Comments »
Monday, September 25th, 2006
Details info:
Type : coupe
Amount of the Doors : 2
The Place Seatings : 4
The Place Seatings . : 4
Sizes and mass : Length x width x height, mm : 4646 x 1830 x 1265 : Wheel base, mm : 2591 : Mass, kgs : 1650 : Full mass, kgs : 2000 : Service load, kgs : 350 : Volume of the luggage rack, l : 178
Type of the engine : gasoline
Preparation to air gas : forced
Design of the engine : order right
:
Amount cylinder : 6
Amount valve on cylinder : 4
Volume of the engine, sm3 : 3239
Maximum engine size, sq / ls : 244 / 332
Frequency of the rotation under maximum power about/mines : 6000
Maximum turning moment, Nm : 490
Frequency of the rotation under maximum turning moment about/mines : 3000
Class bad material : Euro2
Drive : back
Gearbox : automatic
Amount of the issues : 4
Front springs : spring
Back springs : spring
Front brake : disc
Back brake : disc
Buses : 245/40R18Z
Buses back travell about :
Runaway before 100 km/ch, sec. : 5.7
Maximum velocity, km/ch : 250
Consuption fuel in town cycle, l/100 km : 0.0
Consuption fuel in country cycle, l/100 km : 0.0
Consuption fuel average, l/100 km : 0.0
Volume of the tank, l. : 83
Type fuel : Super
Posted in ASTON MARTIN | No Comments »
Sunday, September 24th, 2006
Details info:
Type :
Amount of the Doors : 2
The Place Seatings : 4
The Place Seatings . : 4
Sizes and mass : Length x width x height, mm : 4631 x 1820 x 1268 : Wheel base, mm : 2591 : Mass, kgs : 1650 : Full mass, kgs : 2000 : Service load, kgs : 350 : Volume of the luggage rack, l : 178
Type of the engine : gasoline
Preparation to air gas : forced
Design of the engine : order right
:
Amount cylinder : 6
Amount valve on cylinder : 4
Volume of the engine, sm3 : 3239
Maximum engine size, sq / ls : 244 / 332
Frequency of the rotation under maximum power about/mines : 6000
Maximum turning moment, Nm : 490
Frequency of the rotation under maximum turning moment about/mines : 3000
Class bad material : Euro2
Drive : back
Gearbox : automatic
Amount of the issues : 4
Front springs : spring
Back springs : spring
Front brake : disc
Back brake : disc
Buses : 245/40R18Z
Buses back travell about :
Runaway before 100 km/ch, sec. : 5.7
Maximum velocity, km/ch : 250
Consuption fuel in town cycle, l/100 km : 0.0
Consuption fuel in country cycle, l/100 km : 0.0
Consuption fuel average, l/100 km : 0.0
Volume of the tank, l. : 83
Type fuel : Super
Posted in ASTON MARTIN | No Comments »
