Spy Shots: Aston Martin One-77 spotted on the ‘Ring for the first time, wears new color for the occasion

Yeah, yeah. We know the Aston Martin One-77 has already shown its hips to the world, but our crack team of spy photographers have managed to lay their lenses on one of the super-exclusive Astons bumping around the Nurburgring. Even better, the megacar is dipped in a new color that we’ve yet to see. The deep metallic bronze paint is drop dead gorgeous, even on what appears to be nothing more than a pre-production engineering mule.

The One-77 is built to be an exercise in what Aston Martin can accomplish when cost and exclusivity are no barrier. With a 7.3-liter V12 under the hood producing a proletariat-crushing 700 horsepower, the coupe exists in a world detached from reality. That’s just fine, though, because Aston Martin is only building 77 of the cars, and with each coming in at a staggering $1.8 million, the people who can afford it aren’t of this world anyway.

French electric golf cart company planning $9.5M Aston Martin supercar

Yes, the past couple of months have been a little heavy on the supercar-dreamed-up-by-inside-dude’s-keister news, but this one is simply too compelling to pass up. A company called Star Electric Cars France is the European subsidiary of Star Electric Cars U.S. They make golf carts that look like Hummers and Rolls-Royces and the like, and the French firm also sells electric bikes and skateboards and a fascinating contraption called the Snow Rider.

The company also claims to “design unique cars built for presidents, kings and princes around the world,” and this would have to be one of them. Called the Aston Martin Super Sport, it’s a coachbuilt, mid-engined Aston powered by a 5.4-liter, twin-turbo V8 putting out up to 950 horsepower. The bespoke bodywork is carbon fiber and sports scissor doors, an alcantara-coated interior and Recaro buckets. Naturally, production is… up in the air.

Aston Martin Cygnet: First Official Photos of Toyota iQ-Based Mini, Goes on Sale in 2010

As strange as it may sound, this is Aston Martin’s new premium mini car, the Toyota iQ-based Cygnet. The British supercar maker had previewed the Cygnet earlier this year with a clay-covered prototype, but these are the first official photos of the production-ready concept model.

The Cygnet looks like the iQ because that’s what it is; a retrimmed Toyota. Aston Martin’s designers essentially took numerous design cues from their sports cars like the trademark grille and air-vents and applied them on the small Toyota without making any other changes on the car’s shape.

Unique styling features on the outside are limited to the pop-up handles, reshaped front and rear bumpers, specific head and tail lamps, and newly designed multispoke alloy wheels.

The same goes for the Cygnet’s cabin which has been adorned with premium materials and different trim, but other than that, it retains the iQ’s basic architecture and design.

Aston Martin chose not to release any information on the car’s hardware, but it is believed that the iQ’s 1.33-liter petrol engine will be carried over to the Cygnet.

The firm’s plan is to initially sell the Cygnet to current and future Aston Martin owners with a general release to follow at a later date.

Aston Martin said that it will continue to develop the Cygnet, but expects to have the car into production and on sale in the UK and Europe before the end of 2010.

Even though the Cygnet is nothing more than a more premium Toyota with DB9 styling cues, the mini will get an Aston Martin price tag, estimated to be somewhere around £20,000 or about $32,000 – €22,000 at today’s exchange rates.

New Photos of Aston Martin Lagonda Crossover Concept, What's Up with the Retro Seat Cushions?

We know that most of you would rather forget about Aston Martin’s conceptual nightmare endeavor to revive the Lagonda nameplate with the aptly named Concept at the 2009 Geneva Show Concept, but new images of the luxury crossover have popped up on the automaker’s site. Q67JA9WA82WC

Well, to be completely frank, the reason why we chose to share these pictures with you are those laughable cushions seen on the independent rear seats that take us back a few decades. Oddly enough, Aston Martin’s home decorators skipped on the fuzzy dice…

The four-seater Lagonda Concept is based on the mechanicals of the Mercedes GL-Class with power coming from a V12 engine – apparently the same one found in the DB9. Aston Martin has not made any new announcements concerning the future of the Concept crossover.

Aston Martin DB9 Volante Tricked Out by Wheelsandmore

Now here’s an elegant tuning proposal for the Aston Martin DB9 Volante, courtesy of the German firm, Wheelsandmore. The tuner’s program for the drop-top Aston Martin includes styling and performance upgrades both for the suspension and V12 powerhouse. On the outside, the DB9 Volante gains a tasteful and non-intrusive bodykit comprising of front and rear aprons, side skirts and a boot lid spoiler.

The convertible’s looks are complemented by a set of 20-inch Kahn RS-V alloy wheels shod in Dunlop Sport Maxx tires size 255/35 at the front and 285/30 at the back.

Under the bonnet, Wheelsandmore reprogrammed the 6.0-liter V12 engine’s ECU and installed a sportier stainless-steel exhaust system with electronically controlled flaps, thus raising output from 470HP and 600Nm, to 536HP and 650Nm

A H&R sport suspension system that lowers the car’s ride height by 25mm completes the package.

Aston Martin Rapide Sports Saloon Wallpaper Galore: 60 High-Res Photos Plus Detailed Specs

The Brits sure took their time but Aston Martin has finally dropped a comprehensive image gallery and detailed specs of its new high performance Rapide sports sedan onto the web. A similar but much better looking proposal to the Porsche Panamera, the Rapide was introduced in production form at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September and is expected to reach dealerships early next year.

For the time being, the somewhat cramped four seater with the 301 liters of boot capacity will be offered exclusively with Aston Martin’s hand-built 6.0-litre V12 engine that produces 477-horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 600 Nm (443 lb-ft) of peak torque at 5,000 rpm.

A specifically tuned six-speed Touchtronic 2 automatic transmission that allows the driver to change gear automatically or manually through the steering column-mounted magnesium paddles sends power to the rear wheels.

According to Aston Martin’s claims, the Rapide can accelerate from standstill to 60mph in 5.1 seconds (0-100 km/h: 5.3 seconds) and reach an estimated maximum speed of 188 mph or 303 km/h.

Aston Martin Rapide Specifications

Body

Four door body style with 4 individual seats
Extruded bonded aluminium VH body 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
Front mid-mounted engine, rear-wheel drive
Fully catalysed stainless steel exhaust system with active bypass valves
Compression ratio 10.9:1
Max Power 350 kW (470 bhp / 477 PS) at 6000 rpm
Max Torque 600 Nm (443 lb ft) at 5000 rpm
Acceleration 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds; 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 5.3 seconds (predicted)
Max Speed 188 mph (303 km/h) (predicted)
Transmission

Rear mid-mounted ‘Touchtronic 2′ six-speed gearbox with electronic shift-by-wire control 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, 3.0 turns lock-to-lock
Column tilt and reach adjustment
Wheels & Tyres

20″ alloy wheels
Front Bridgestone Potenza 245/40 R20
Rear Bridgestone Potenza 295/35 R20
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)
Brakes

Front Dual cast brake discs 390mm diameter with six piston calipers
Rear Dual cast brake discs 360mm diameter with four piston calipers
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
Traction Control
Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
Positive Torque Control (PTC)
Electronic Park Brake (EPB)
Dimensions

Length 5019 mm (197.6″)
Width (including mirrors) 2140 mm (84.3″)
Height 1360 mm (53.5″)
Fuel Capacity 90.5 litres
Kerb Weight 1950 kg (target) (4299 lb)
Interior

Full grain leather interior
Walnut facia trim
Iridium Silver centre console outer finish and Graphite inner finish
Auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror
Auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror with garage door opener (USA and Canada only) *1
Electrically operated front seats
Memory front seats and exterior mirrors (three positions)
Dual stage driver and passenger front airbags
Front occupant side airbags
Head protection airbags for front and rear occupants
Heated front and rear seats
Heated rear screen
Automatic front and rear temperature control
Organic Electroluminescent (OEL) displays
LED map lamps and ambient lighting
Trip computer
Cruise control
Hard Disk Drive (HDD) satellite navigation system *1,2
Bluetooth telephone preparation *1
Satellite radio system (USA only)
Powerfold exterior mirrors
Front and rear parking sensors
Tyre pressure monitoring *1
Alarm and immobiliser
Remote-control central door locking and boot release
Battery conditioner
Tracking device (UK only) *3
Boot mounted umbrella
In Car Entertainment

1000W Bang & Olufsen BeoSound audio system with ICEpower® technology
Integrated Apple iPod® connector *4
USB connector with Windows Media Audio (WMA) and MP3 audio file compatibility
3.5 mm auxiliary input socket
Options

Cooled front and rear seats
Twin screen rear seat entertainment system with 6-disc DVD player, auxiliary input, wireless headphones and remote control
Alternative facia trim finishes – Mahogany, Piano Black, Bamboo, Tamo Ash, Double Apex Alloy, Nexus Alloy
Matching wood door trim
Colour-keyed steering wheel
Second glass key
Magnum silver rear lamp infills
Delete model badging
Delete protective tape
20″ alloy wheels with graphite finish
20″ alloy wheels with polished finish
Alternative brake calliper finish – black, red, silver
Personalised sill plaques
Auto dimming interior rear view mirror with garage door opener (Europe only)
Alarm upgrade (volumetric and tilt sensor)
Tracking device *1,3
First aid kit
Ashtray and Cigar Lighter

Aston Martin Rapide: 477HP V12 Sports Saloon Makes World Debut at Frankfurt Show

Almost four years after its introduction as a concept model at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show, the Rapide was finally revealed in production form in Frankfurt. First deliveries of Aston Martin’s first series production four-door saloon will commence early in 2010 with detailed pricing expected to be announced later in the year. The Rapide, which has stayed true to the prototype model, will be offered exclusively with Aston Martin’s hand built 6.0-liter V12 engine that makes 477HP at 6,000 rpm and 600Nm (443 lbft) of peak torque at 5000 rpm.

All that grunt is delivered to the rear wheels through a specially tuned version of Aston’s six-speed ‘Touchtronic 2′ automatic transmission that allows the driver to change gear automatically or manually via the steering column-mounted magnesium paddles.

The British firm has yet to release performance figures, but drivers should expect a 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint time of a little over 5,0 seconds.

“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,” said Chief Executive, Dr. Ulrich Bez.

“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.”

The Rapide features four ‘swan wing’ doors that open slightly upwards revealing the saloon’s 2+2 seating layout. The boot capacity is 301-liters which is roughly the same size as the luggage compartment of the Ford Fiesta (…). Not that we’re expecting many to do so, but the Rapide’s rear seats fold flat at the touch of a button to create a flat loading space, thus increasing the luggage compartment to 750-liters.

The Rapide will be the first car in Aston Martin’s history to be built outside of Britain as production will be carried out by Magna Steyr at the firm’s Austrian plant in Graz.

Aston Martin to Race New V12 Vantage at 24h of Nurburgring

For the fourth consecutive year, Aston Martin will take part at the Nurburgring 24-hour endurance race which begins on May 23. This time, the British automaker will participate with a near-standard V12 Vantage featuring only essential safety modifications, reduced weight, Pirelli slick tires and re-tuned suspension with no additional aerodynamic enhancements. There are no changes under the hood with the Vantage retaining the stock 6.0-litre V12 engine that produces 517HP and 570 Nm or 420 lb/ft of torque.

Aston Martin’s team of drivers will include the company’s boss Dr Ulrich Bez who will be driving in his fourth consecutive 24-hour race, as well as representatives from the automaker’s engineering department.

“This is the final engineering durability test for the V12 Vantage programme, said Dr Ulrich Bez. “We will be subjecting the car to the toughest assessment yet under public scrutiny as we successfully did with the Vantage N24 programme,” he added.

Aston Martin Rapide: New Photo and Details on Production Model

With the development of the Rapide moving into its final stages, Aston Martin decided to released one more photo and more importantly, new details on its Porsche Panamera rivaling sports sedan. On course for a public debut at the Frankfurt Show in September with the first customer cars planned to be delivered in early 2010, the production model differs only in a few minor details compared to the Rapide Concept that was shown at the Detroit Auto Show in 2006.

In its latest press release, the British maker revealed that the much anticipated Rapide will be powered by a version of Aston Martin’s 6.0-liter V12 engine producing 470bhp and 600Nm of torque. Power will be driven to the rear wheels through Aston Martin’s paddle-operated six-speed Touchtronic automatic transmission. While performance figures have yet to be revealed, the British marque claims that early indications are that the four-seater sports sedan will offer ‘class-leading performance and dynamics.’

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. In 2010 there will be an Aston Martin for every type of sports car customer regardless of the demands of their lifestyle. The Rapide is the most versatile, bringing a new benchmark of luxury and refinement to both driver and passenger.”

“Rapide will exceed expectations to deliver elegance and practicality in a form that will allow driving enjoyment and comfort beyond anything that exists today,” added Dr Ulrich Bez, “The Rapide will exist in a class all of its own, a true Aston Martin with the high performance and dynamic excellence that defines the brand, and a luxurious sporting grand tourer without equal.”

The production version of the Rapide will be the first car in Aston Martin’s history to be built out of Britain as production will be carried out by Magna Steyr at the firm’s Austrian plant in Graz.

Aston Martin Rapide: High-Resolution Photos of Production Model

As many of you petrol-heads may remember, late last year and in early 2009, various British magazines published an array of photos depicting the production version of Aston Martin’s highly anticipated Rapide sports sedan. Well, we happened to find official, high-resolution versions of those images and so here we are to share them with you.

When compared to the Rapid concept study that was unveiled three years ago at the 2006 Detroit motorshow, the photos / CGIs of the production model reveal that Aston Martin hasn’t altered the sports sedan’s basic design in any way.

In fact, the only visible changes concern a few minor styling tweaks such as the stronger crease that runs from the front wing vent through both doors, the retouched rear bumper, the more production-like exterior mirrors and the new front apron that does away with the secondary air intakes.

Power for the Rapide is said to be provided by a 6.0-liter V12 engine developing somewhere around 500HP. Tempting, but when will we actually see Aston Martin’s 10x-better looking Porsche Panamera rival hitting the streets? According to earlier statements from Aston Martin’s execs, the Rapide should be revealed in production form in late 2009, most likely at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, with sales commencing in early 2010.

Aston Martin Revives Lagonda with a controversial Concept in Geneva

Marking the Lagonda brand’s 100th anniversary, Aston Martin announced the return of the marque in Geneva with the unveiling of a new concept study that is bound to cause controversy and spur conversations over its styling. In what could be seen as some as futuristic, high-end of the London cab (…), the four-door, four-wheel drive crossover is based on the underpinnings of the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class SUV and is powered by a V12 engine.

“The Lagonda is the luxury car of the future,” said Aston Martin Lagonda Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez, “a combination of total usability, a new form and innovative new technology and materials.”

Aston Martin did not reveal any specific details on the Lagonda Concept but it did note that the revival of the brand with this vehicle will help the company expand its presence from 30 countries into more than 100 worldwide including Russia and emerging markets in the Middle East, South America, India and China.

Furthermore, Aston Martin said that the revival of the Lagonda brand will allow the exploration of alternative powertrain solutions including flexfuel, low emission diesel and hybrid systems. Lagonda/

“An Aston Martin is an authentic, pure sports car,” said Dr Ulrich Bez, “but Lagonda is something else, a new brand that will reach into new markets. Lagonda will create a new kind of customer relationship, instilling the spirit of travel, adventure and style into a single, formidable package. An Aston Martin demands to be driven. A Lagonda demands a destination.”

Aston Martin One-77 with 7.3-liter V12 Breaks Cover in Geneva

Showcasing its engineering and design expertise, Aston Martin lifted the covers off the One 77 at the Geneva Show today. The full size model previews the production model that will be built in a limited number of 77 units. Believe it or not, Aston Martin says that when it began developing its most exclusive supercar, it took a good look at the cars of the DTM racing series.

“We wanted to create something that wows you as much when you see what’s under the skin as the exterior styling itself,” said Chris Porritt, One-77 Programme Manager. “We started by identifying the most technologically exciting front-engined, rear-wheel drive cars in the world: those from the DTM race series. We then applied the principles and technology that feature heavily in their design and translated it to a road car application.”

The One 77 structural core is a lightweight yet extremely rigid carbon fibre monocoque which was conceived and designed at Aston Martin’s Gaydon HQ, and built in partnership with Multimatic (MTC).

Aston Martin’s enginners fitted the One 77 with a double wishbone suspension and fully adjustable dampers featuring Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve (DSSV) technology, a world-first for a road car application according to the British firm. These special valves are state-of-the-art even at the highest levels of motorsport,

Underneath its elongated bonnet, the One 77 gets a naturally aspirated 7.3-liter V12 engine derived from the 6.0-litre V12s fitted to the DBS, DB9 and new V12 Vantage models. Aston Martin projects that it will deliver over 700HP offering the car a projected top speed in excess of 200mph (321 km/h), with a 0-60mph (96km/h) time in approximately 3.5 sec.

Aston Martin DBS Volante with 510HP V12 Breaks Cover ahead of Geneva

Aston Martin’s V12-powered rag-top DBS has received a premature online unveiling. To be officially introduced in Geneva, the new 2+2 seater DBS Volante features a fabric top that neatly tucks away behind a sculpted tonneau cover at the touch of a button in 14 seconds. Power is provided by Aston Martin’s all alloy 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 510-horsepower and 570 Nm (420 lb ft) of torque for a top speed of 191 mph (307 km/h) and a 0-100 km/h (62mph) time of 4.3 secs.

In standard specification, the DBS Volante comes with a rear-mounted six-speed manual gearbox, while for those that don’t mind having a less engaging driving experience, the British firm also offers an automatic six-speed ‘Touchtronic’ option.

To keep the car’s weight down (Aston announces a weight of 1,810kg or 3,990 lbs), the DBS Volante is offered with carbon ceramic brakes as standard while the bonnet, front wings and boot lid are all made from carbon fibre.

The DBS Volante will be built at Aston Martin’s global headquarters at Gaydon, Warwickshire with the first examples expected to be delivered during the third quarter of the year. Prices will be announced at the Geneva Auto Salon.

DBS Volante Specification

Body

Two-door convertible body style with 2+2 seating

Bonded aluminium VH structure

Aluminium, magnesium alloy and carbon-fibre composite body

Extruded aluminium door side-impact beams

High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps (main beam)

LED rear lamps and side repeaters

Engine

All-alloy, quad overhead camshaft, 48-valve, 5935 cc V12

Compression ratio 10.9:1

Front-mid mounted engine, rear-wheel drive

Fully catalysed stainless steel exhaust system with active bypass valves

Max power: 380 kW (510 bhp / 517 PS) at 6500 rpm

Max torque: 570 Nm (420 lb.ft) at 5750 rpm

Acceleration: 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.3 seconds

Max speed: 307 km/h (191 mph)

Transmission

Rear-mid mounted, six-speed manual gearbox. Rear-mid mounted ‘Touchtronic 2′ six-speed gearbox with electronic shift-by-wire control system

Alloy torque tube with carbon fibre propeller shaft

Limited-slip differential

Final-drive ratio 3.71:1 (manual) 3.46:1 (Touchtronic)

Wheels and Tyres

Front: 8.5” x 20” Pirelli P Zero 245/35

Rear: 11” x 20” Pirelli P Zero 295/30

Steering

Rack and pinion, Servotronic speed-sensitive power-assisted steering, 3.0 turns lock-to-lock

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 Track mode

Brakes

Front: Ventilated carbon ceramic discs, 398 mm diameter with six-piston callipers

Rear: Ventilated carbon ceramic discs, 360 mm diameter with four-piston callipers

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Track mode

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)

Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)

Traction control

Dimensions

Length:

4721 mm (185.9”)

Wheelbase:

2740 mm (107.9”)

Width:

1905 mm (75”) (exc. Mirrors)

2060 mm (81.1”) (inc. Mirrors)

Fuel tank capacity:

78 litres (17.2 Imp.galls, 20.5 US galls)

Height:

1280 mm (50.4”)

Weight:

1810 kg

Interior

Full grain leather interior

Matrix alloy facia trim and Iridium Silver centre console surround

Carbon fibre door trims and door pulls

Auto-dimming rear-view mirror & garage door opener (USA & Canada only)

Sports seats with electric adjustment

Memory seats & exterior mirrors (three positions)

Dual-stage driver/passenger front airbags

Side airbags

Heated seats

Heated rear screen

Automatic temperature control

Organic Electroluminescent (OEL) displays

Trip computer

LED map lights

Cruise control

Hard Disk Drive (HDD) satellite navigation system1,2

Bluetooth telephone preparation1

Powerfold exterior mirrors

Front and rear parking sensors

Tyre-pressure monitoring1

Alarm and immobiliser

Remote-control central door locking and boot release

Wind deflector

Battery disconnect switch

Battery conditioner1

Tracking device3 (UK only)

Boot-mounted umbrella

Lamy pen and pen holder (Touchtronic only)

In-Car Entertainment

Bang & Olufsen BeoSound DBS sound system

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

Options

20” 20-spoke alloy wheels with graphite finish

20″ 10-spoke diamond-turned alloy wheels

20″ 10-spoke diamond-turned alloy wheels with graphite finish

Satellite radio system (USA only)

Piano Black facia trim and centre console surround

Personalised sill plaques

Auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror1

Auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror with garage door opener (Europe only)

Alarm upgrade (volumetric and tilt sensor)

Tracking device1,3

First-aid kit

Ashtray and cigar lighter

Aston Martin V12 Vantage 510HP Revealed Ahead of Geneva Show

Described by Aston Martin as “the most potent production sports car in the marque’s 95-year history,” the V12 Vantage is essentially the production version of the 2007 V12 Vantage RS concept car and it will be officially revealed at the Geneva Motorshow on 3rd March. Based on the V8 Vantage, the V12 Vantage features a naturally aspirated 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 510HP (517 PS), and 570 Nm (420 lb ft) of torque. Exclusively available with a six-speed manual transmission, the rear-wheel-drive British sportscar has a top speed of 190 mph (305 km/h) and 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time of 4.2 seconds.

Unique to the V12 Vantage is a ‘Sport’ button which allows the driver to choose between two powertrain modes, the default ‘normal’ that provides a more progressive throttle response for everyday use, and the Sport’ mode that delivers a sharper throttle response together with a sportier exhaust note.

In order to accommodate a wider wheel and tire combination for improved grip and traction, Aston Martin’s engineer’s modified the Vantage’s rear suspension that now features a more compact dual-rate spring design. The ride height of the V12 Vantage has also been lowered by 15 mm, while the spring rates have been stiffened by 45% and the anti-roll bars are 15% (front) and 75% (rear) stiffer than the standard car.

The coupe sits on a set of lightweight 10-spoke 19″ alloy wheels shed with wider Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires that have been specifically designed for the V12 Vantage enabling it to generate the highest cornering forces of any Aston Martin – up to a peak of 1.3g according to the company.

Stopping power is provided by the standard Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) brakes with 398 mm discs at the front and 360 mm at the rear while the brake callipers feature six pistons at the front, four at the rear and have a larger brake pad area compared to the V8 Vantage. The CCM brakes are said to be some 12.5 kg (28 pounds) lighter than conventional brakes.

The V12 Vantage stands out from its less powerful V8 sibling thanks to the aerodynamic add-ons and cooling aids such as the bonnet louvres, the new side sills derived from the N24 race car, the more pronounced boot ‘flip” and the new rear carbon fibre diffuser.

Complementing the exterior changes, the V12 Vantage’s interior features a revised instrument cluster with clearer dials, carbon fibre door handles as well as additional light weight materials in the form of Alcantara that are used throughout the cabin.

Production of the V12 Vantage will be limited to between just 300-500 examples per year with deliveries expected to commence during quarter three 2009. For those interested, prices are to be confirmed at the Geneva motor show.

Aston Martin V12 Vantage: Specification

Body: 

Two door, two seat coupe body

Bonded aluminium structure

Aluminium, magnesium alloy, composite and steel body

Extruded aluminium door side impact beams

High Intensity Discharge Headlamps (dipped beam)

Halogen projector headlamps (main beam)

LED rear lamps

Engine: 

All alloy quad overhead cam 48 valve 5935cc V12

Compression ratio 10.9:1

Front mid-mounted engine, rear wheel drive

Fully catalysed stainless steel exhaust system with active bypass valves

Maximum Power

510 bhp (380 kW / 517 PS) at 6500 rpm

Maximum Torque

570 Nm (420 lb.ft) at 5750 rpm

Acceleration

0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.2 seconds

0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds

Maximum Speed

190 mph (305 km/h)

Fuel Economy

Urban 11.64 mpg 24.26 l/100km

Extra Urban 24.05 mpg 11.74 l/100km

Combined 17.28 mpg 16.35 l/100km

CO2 388 g/km

Transmission: 

Rear mid-mounted six speed manual gearbox. Alloy torque tube with carbon fibre propeller shaft

Limited slip differential

Final Drive Ratio 3.71:1

Steering: 

Rack and pinion

Column tilt and reach adjustment

Suspension: 

Front: Independent double wishbone incorporating anti-dive geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube dampers

Rear: Independent double wishbones with anti-squat and anti-lift geometry, dual-rate coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube dampers

Wheels 

Front: 9″ x 19″

Rear: 11″ x 19″

Tyres: 

Front: Pirelli P Zero Corsa 255/35 ZR19

Rear: Pirelli P Zero Corsa 295/30 ZR19

Brakes: 

Front: Ventilated Carbon Ceramic discs 398 mm diameter with six piston callipers

Rear: Ventilated Carbon Ceramic discs 360 mm diameter with four piston callipers

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Track mode

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)

Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)

Traction Control

Length: 4380 mm (172.5″)

Width: 1865 mm (73.5″) (excluding door mirrors)

2025 mm (80″) (including door mirrors)

Height: 1241 mm (49″)

Wheelbase: 2600 mm (107.9″)

Fuel tank capacity: 80 litres (17.6 Imp. Gal. / 21.1 US Gal)

Weight: 1680 kgs (3704 lb)

Interior: 

Carbon fibre door pulls

Memory seats and exterior mirrors (3 positions)

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 rear screen

Automatic temperature control

Organic Electroluminescent (OEL) displays

Trip computer

Cruise control

Hard Disk Drive (HDD) satellite navigation system*

Bluetooth telephone preparation*

Powerfold exterior mirrors

Rear parking sensors

Auto dimming interior rear view mirror

Tyre pressure monitoring*

Alarm and immobiliser

Remote-control central door locking and boot release

Battery disconnect switch

Tracking device (UK only)

In Car Entertainment

160W Aston Martin Audio System

MP3 player connectivity

Options

Lightweight seats with 6 way adjustment, including front and rear height adjust. (Does not include side airbags or Passenger Airbag Cut-Off Switch)

700W Aston Martin Premium Audio System with Dolby® Pro Logic II®

Piano Black facia trim

Graphite Alloy facia trim

Personalised sill plaques

Garage door opener (Europe only)

Tracking device**

First aid kit

Ashtray and cigar lighter

Boot mounted umbrella

Front parking sensors

Heated seats (Sports seats only)

ISOFIX and fixed-height passenger seat (Sports seat only)

Battery conditioner