Car News

No doubt – HAMANN knows how to refine luxury cars. And with the tuning programme for the V8 Vantage of the English luxury brand Aston Martin, the Laupheim-based company once again confirms its supremacy as a manufacturer of sport accessories and thrilling body design. Optimised aerodynamics in perfect quality 'Form follows function' – in this spirit, HAMANN perfectly co-ordinates the individual components of the aerodynamics kit with each other. The result is an impressive styling with an optimised airflow over the car silhouette and an additional output for increased bend speed. The bow of the Aston Martin can be optionally equipped with a spoiler lip for the original front or enhanced with an entire front skirt. Between the front and rear side, the striking HAMANN side skirt attachments render an integrated design and give the Vantage a lowered and more stretched look. In order to reduce the lifting forces at the back axle, HAMANN technicians developed a shapely spoiler which can be fitted on the rear lid and enhanced with a matching three-part rear diffuser. The latter optically extends the side skirts downwards and skilfully enhances the two end pipes of the HAMANN sport exhaust system. Basically, the customer can choose from two materials for the body components. HAMANN produces its entire aerodynamics programme in fibre glass or optionally in matt carbon. Sportive and elegant – the new light alloy wheel EDITION RACE One of the technical highlights in the tuning programme is the new three-part HAMANN light alloy wheel named EDITION RACE. The forged wheel combines both sportiness as well as elegance. The black varnished rim star and the titanium bolting emphasise the dynamism of the wheel, the highly-polished rim flange on the other hand renders a noble appearance. HAMANN offers the wheel/tyre combination measuring 9,0Jx21 inches with 245/30ZR21 tyres at the front and 10,5Jx21 rims with tyres measuring 295/25ZR21 at the back for 8,540 €. The new aluminium wheels are accentuated with special chassis springs which lower the centre of gravity of the V8 Vantage by 30 mm at the front axle and by 20 mm at the rear axle. At the same time, this enhances the handling of this sports car. HAMANN exhaust components: a successful symbiosis of sound and performance Especially for the V8 Vantage, the Swabian engineers developed sport catalysers and sport end mufflers. The components made of stainless steel render an impressive sound setting and emphasise the sportive value of the HAMANN-makeover. At the same time they breathe an additional 20 hp more performance into the British noble car and this mainly enhances its agility. Stylish interior Produced in the traditional style of Aston Martin which is reflected in comfort, luxury and sportiness in the interior, HAMANN Motorsport offers discreet interior applications. Thus, the noble aluminium pedal set including a foot rest and the car mat set made of threaded pearl velours set sportive trends. If desired, customers can also opt for a handmade complete leather equipment which meets the exclusive demands of Aston Martin drivers.

The Aston Martin Vantage N24 is a hand-built racing car, prepared to a bespoke specification by Aston Martin Racing. Aston Martin Asia Cup (AMAC), the series starts in 2008 and will consist of 12 races throughout the Asia Pacific region including China, Japan, Malaysia and Singapore. Each race will feature a grid of 18 Aston Martin Vantage N24s, a 4.3 litre race-developed evolution of the V8 Vantage which has been proven in endurance and sprint races in Europe and the Middle East. The AMAC will include a variety of 30 minute sprint races and longer endurance races, some of which will support Formula One events in the region. The series will provide a stable, well-regulated racing environment with competitive racing in equal equipment provided by the series' organisers. Competitors will be able to ‘arrive and drive' thanks to a comprehensive service package which includes: engineers and technicians, logistical support, hospitality and accommodation, race entry, and a comprehensive spare parts package. Drivers may be able to enter with their own teams, subject to approval by the series organisers. Dr Ulrich Bez, Chief Executive Officer, Aston Martin said: 'When we announced plans to build the Vantage N24 for customers in 2006 we were very confident it would make a great choice for a one-make series. I am delighted that we are able to announce the Aston Martin Asia Cup for 2008, it will help greatly in communicating our brand values, performance, and product durability in this exciting new market.' The Vantage N24 is built to international FIA GT4 regulations by Aston Martin Racing in the UK, who will also provide technical support for the series. The car has a V8 engine producing 410 bhp and weighs just 1350 kg. The 18 AMAC cars have the latest automated manual Sportshift transmission, for fast precise gear shifts, and all the cars are equipped with roll cages, safety fuel tanks, race seats and harnesses, and fire extinguisher systems. The cars will be serviced at the Aston Martin Beijing service facility at the city's Goldenport race circuit. Aston Martin Beijing will be offering a special factory collection option, which will see customers receive expert instruction on the Goldenport track and an opportunity to drive a Vantage N24. The AMAC series director is Ian Ross Geekie. Ian brings a wealth of motorsport experience as a series organiser, team manager and race driver in the Asia Pacific region. Ian has previously worked with several premium automotive marques within Asia, setting up a number of successful and high profile racing championships. In addition to prize money and trophies, the overall winner of the AMAC series will be awarded a sponsored drive in a Vantage N24 in the FIA GT4 series in 2009.

The 2008 Aston Martin V8 Vantage N400 is a gorgeous car. It is seen by car experts as an even more charged version of the previous V8 Vantage that was released by Aston Martin. The car has even more power and is available as both a coupe and a roadster. The Aston Martins are very popular and are loved for both their engines as well as their sleek looks. The Vantage N400 is a special edition vehicle that is as gorgeous and as it is powerful. History of Aston Martin Aston Martin is a British vehicle manufacturer that is cantered in Gaydon, Warwickshire, England. It was started by Robert Bamford and Lionel Martin in 1913. The two men had partnered to sell cars made by Singer in 1912. The two men decided to make their own cars and named their model the Aston Martin after Martin's love of the hill climb races at Aston Hill (which is near Aston Clinton). The first Aston Martin ever produced was a four cylinder Coventry-simplex engine that was on the chassis of an Isotta Fraschini from 1908. The car was made before they managed to acquire manufacturing premises in Kensington at Henniker Place (this happened in 1915). Unfortunately mass production of their cars could not start as soon as the partner's had hoped because of the outbreak of the first World War, which is when Martin joined the Royal Army Service Corps and they sold all of their machinery to the Sopwith Aviation Company. The company was re-founded and revitalized after the war ended when the company received financing from Count Louis Zborowski. Bramford left the company in 1920 but not until they had designed a new car. Over the course of the car's history, Aston Martins have been made to compete in the French Grand Prix (1922); they have set world endurance and speed records at Brooklands. The company has failed two times, once in 1924 and in 1925 with a factory closing taking place in 1926. The company was finally bought by some very rich investors, Lady Charnwood among them, and it was renamed Aston Martin Motors. The company headquarters were moved to Feltham and in 1929 the Aston Martin International racer car was a huge success. In 2007, the company was purchased by David Richards, who is the Prodrive chairman. It is still co-owned by Ford (a development that happened in 1994). The company has also recently opened dealers in Europe and China. Now the company has dealers in 28 countries.

N24 racing car. Originally conceived as a GT4 car, it gradually evolved into a potential GT2 contender, which was the only GT class Aston Martin did not cater for at the time. Early testing at Goodwood showed potential and the GT2 Vantage was officially announced in January of 2008. Customers now had their choice of GT1 (DBR9), GT2 (V8 Vantage), GT3 (DBRS) and GT4 (N24) Aston Martins. While developing the car, the engineers had considerable more room for modifications than with the N24 Vantage, which was virtually stock. What remained unchanged was the advanced bonded aluminum chassis. The double wishbone suspension was also lifted off the road car but the geometry was changed to accommodate for the wider tires. The standard aluminum body, with the exception of the roof, was replaced with lighter and more durable carbon fiber panels. The road car's 4.3 liter V8 engine was increased in size slightly to just under 4.5 liter. This was done to get an intake-restrictor size that best suited the characteristics of the engine. Interestingly Ferrari actually sliced displacement off their F430 V8 engine for the same reason. Although no official figures have been released, we expect the restricted V8 to produce around 480 bhp. The dry-sump competition engine was mated to a six-speed sequential gearbox that was mounted in unit with the differential. Two principles customers were found for the new Aston Martin racing car. In Europe the car would be raced by James Watt Automotive, while Drayson Racing would take one stateside for the American Le Mans Series. Awaiting the arrival of their new car, Drayson campaigned their DBRS9 in the ALMS' opening rounds. The first public appearance of the GT2 Vantage came at the Le Mans Series test at Paul Ricard. The car was clearly still under development but the test gave Aston Martin the opportunity to test the waters against real opposition. The same prototype car was entered in the season opening Catalunya 1000 km race but it was withdrawn after the morning warm-up with engine problems. Later that month the first production car was delivered to Drayson in time for the high profile Long Beach ALMS race. It was considerably off the pace but did manage to reach the finish. The team put on a valiant effort the remainder of the season but continued to struggle to match the competition for pace and reliability. Back in Europe, the prototype made an appearance in the FIA GT test at Spa but did not take part in the 24 Hours later in the month. James Watt Automotive finally took delivery of their V8 Vantage in September and campaigned it in the Le Mans Series season finale at Silverstone. It completed the race in 33rd overall and 8th in class. In October the prototype was raced in two FIA GT races. Facing little opposition, the car won the G2 class at both occasions. Although James Watt Automotive announced a two car entry for the Le Mans Series, Drayson was the only team to race the V8 Vantage in 2009. On the schedule are the Le Mans Series and the major long distance events. The season kicked off at Sebring where the GT2 machine was noticeably quicker but again suffered an engine failure. Back in Europe the team's second V8 Vantage performed better securing an 8th and 6th in class. The next race will the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The Aston Martin V8 Vantage is a supreme example of modern automotive design, a hand-crafted sports car that offers exceptional performance, outstanding agility and everyday usability. At the heart of every great sports car is a great engine, and the V8 Vantage Coupe and Roadster are powered by Aston Martin’s 313 kW (420 bhp) 4.7-litre V8, developed for both flexibility and outright performance. The V8 also sounds spectacular and is capable of propelling the car to a maximum speed of 290 km/h (180 mph). Just look at the thing!" That's about the only selling line the 2008 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will ever need. If you've seen a V8 Vantage on the road, you know what we're talking about. Few other cars look this, well, sexy. Thankfully, this baby Aston has impressive talent lurking beneath its gorgeous face. It all starts with Aston Martin's aluminum "VH" platform that also underpins the DB9 and DBS. This intricate assembly of aluminum extrusions, steel and magnesium castings and composite body panels are all bonded together with advance adhesives for light weight and exceptional rigidity. There are other desirable attributes as well, including a rear-mounted transaxle for enhanced weight distribution (49:51, says Aston) and a dry-sump lubrication system for the car's V8 engine. That engine is a 4.3-liter V8 producing 380 horsepower and 302 pound-feet of torque. This is good enough to propel the nearly 3,500-pound Vantage coupe from zero to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. While this acceleration time is certainly quick, it's not exactly record-breaking -- line up against a BMW M3 and you're in real danger of embarrassment. An Audi R8 and Porsche 911 -- the Aston's principal competitors -- will likewise leave it in their German dust. A glimmer of hope comes in the form of 2008's new N400 trim level. Said to commemorate the company's success with its N24 race car at Germany's Nürburgring racetrack, this more sharply focused V8 Vantage comes with 20 more hp, firmer suspension tuning, lightweight wheels and exterior and interior trim changes. Even in N400 form, this Aston Martin doesn't make much sense from a bang-for-the-buck standpoint. Considering the 911 Carrera S is about $30,000 less, the fiscally conscious should also view the Aston with a very suspicious eye. But there's more to the V8 Vantage than just numbers. In terms of exclusivity, style and character, the V8 Vantage delivers in a big way -- particularly the sexy roadster -- to a degree that no austere German automobile could ever hope to match. And from that standpoint, the V8 Vantage will never disappoint.

Aston Martin unveiled the most eagerly anticipated car of the year the new DBS at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance on August 16th 2007, where the company took a starring role as the featured marque. Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ulrich Bez, said: "The DBS is the ultimate expression of Aston Martin's engineering and technical ability. It offers pure performance without compromise.



The Aston Martin DBS delivers the complete driving experience and bridges the gap between our road and track cars - the Aston Martin DB9 and Aston Martin DBR9." Equally at home on a twisting mountain circuit as on the open road, the DBS is a true thoroughbred. The DBS is a 6.0-litre V12 powered, race-bred, two-seater shaped by the aerodynamic demands of high performance, with an exquisite interior that marries beautifully hand-finished materials with the very latest in performance technology. A combination of elegant design, innovative manufacturing processes, race-derived materials and components and Aston Martin's unrivalled hand-build expertise makes the Aston Martin DBS luxury sports car without equal. Every line, crease and curve conveys the enormous potential of the DBS, a seductive blend of refinement and raw power, provided by the hand-built V12 producing 380kW (510bhp/517PS), a top speed of 191mph (302km/h) and a 0-62mph (0-100km/h) time of 4.3 seconds. The DBS will be built at Aston Martin's global headquarters at Gaydon, near Warwickshire in the UK, joining the current Aston Martin line-up. This now comprises the elegant DB9, the agile Aston Martin V8 Vantage Coupe and the critically acclaimed Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster.



DBS: Performance The need for high-performance stability, handling ability and low kerb weight defined the DBS's form and construction. Accordingly, the DBS becomes the first production Aston Martin to make extensive use of ultra-light carbon-fibre body panels. High levels of performance and control are delivered by the combination of inherent light weight, near-perfect weight distribution, a supremely powerful and flexible V12 engine, and a performance-honed six-speed transmission, together with new carbon ceramic brakes and an adaptive damper controlled suspension system. At the heart of the DBS is a 6.0-litre V12 engine. The DBR9 and DBRS9 race cars are powered by an enhanced version of this same V12, tuned to produce in excess of 600bhp. The shared powerplant continues the strong link between Aston Martin's road and race cars, just as the six-cylinder engine used in the DBR1 also powered the Aston Martin DB4, DB5 and DB6 in the 1950s and 60s. As with all current Aston Martins, the engine is hand-assembled at Aston Martin's dedicated engine facility in Cologne, Germany. The classic 6.0-litre V12 features a number of power-increasing enhancements. These include a 'by-pass' engine air intake port that opens above 5500rpm to allow more air into the engine, and re-profiled air inlet ports that further improve airflow into the combustion chamber. Combined with a compression ratio of 10.9:1, the result of these enhancements is prodigious power and torque: the Aston Martin DBS delivers 380 kW (510 bhp/517 PS) at 6500 rpm. The 3.71:1 final-drive ratio ensures that the additional power is usable, enhancing in-gear acceleration in particular.



A lightweight, rigid structure is the design engineer's ultimate goal, and achieving the right balance between strength and mass is crucial. Like the DB9 and its sibling DBR9 and DBRS9 race cars, the DBS uses Aston Martin's class-leading all-alloy VH (Vertical Horizontal) architecture, a lightweight bonded aluminium structure that provides outstanding strength and rigidity. Aston Martin's engineers have also employed advanced materials and processes to further reduce weight and increase the DBS's performance and dynamics. Carbon-fibre panels are used for the boot enclosure, boot lid, door opening surrounds, front wings and bonnet, giving a saving of some 30kg over more conventional materials without any reduction in strength. "There are no restrictions on form or shape in using carbon-fibre," says Marek Reichman, Aston Martin's Design Director, "and the material allowed us to wrap bodywork around the 20" wheels and maintain the precise relationship between the wheel and the bodywork." Each panel has been carefully sculpted to direct the airflow around the car, into the engine and to help cool the braking system. The carbon-fibre elements are produced using advanced manufacturing techniques developed from the aerospace and motorsport industries. The new panel-making procedure also delivers an industry-best surface finish, thanks to a patented 'Surface Veil' process.



The application of a 200 micron layer of epoxy and glass to the panel delivers a class-A surface that is in line with Aston Martin's tradition of high-quality finishes. Inside the car, the weave patterns on the exposed carbon-fibre elements have been carefully selected to present the most harmonious surfaces. DBS: Control As with the DB9 and DBR race cars, the DBS benefits from the inherent characteristics of the VH architecture. The VH underframe consists of pressed, extruded and cast aluminium components, bonded together to create an immensely strong underlying structure. This structure means that weight is kept to a minimum, with the front-mid mounted engine and rear-mid mounted transaxle ensuring a near perfect weight distribution: 85% of the car's weight is positioned within its wheelbase. The DBS's polar moment of inertia is therefore very low, producing a car with natural agility, a strong, stable platform for the V12's high power output and an exhilarating driving experience. To take full advantage of its extremely precise and rigid platform, the Aston Martin DBS employs a new and sophisticated Adaptive Damping System (ADS) which uses two separate valves to set the dampers to five different positions, allowing instant adjustment of the car's ride and handling characteristics. The ADS automatically alters the suspension settings to ensure the driver has high levels of control at all times, with the ability to respond instantly to different driving conditions. The dampers can be 'softer', with a corresponding improvement in ride quality, or 'firm', providing improved body control for more spirited driving. The damper settings are determined by an electronic control unit which takes sensor readings from the car's systems, including throttle position, brake position, steering wheel rotation and vehicle speed. This data establishes the prevailing driving conditions and the demands the driver is making on the car.



The Aston Martin DBS's Adaptive Damping System perfectly captures the car's sporting character, ensuring that stiffer dampers are available for better handling and control when the car is being driven enthusiastically, without compromising ride comfort during 'normal' driving conditions. A designated 'Track' mode automatically sets all dampers to their firmest positions, making it ideal for circuit driving. The DBS is fitted with Pirelli P-Zero tyres that have been developed especially for the car, along with new 20" lightweight alloy wheels. The DBS also has a revised Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system, designed to help maintain maximum traction in challenging driving conditions. In default operation, the DSC is automatically on. Select and press the button for two seconds and DSC 'Track' mode is engaged, raising the threshold at which the system intervenes to allow the experienced driver to explore the car's limits. Hold the button for four seconds and DSC is disengaged entirely. The car's braking system features another innovation, the first time Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) brakes have been used on a road-going Aston Martin. The end result is shorter stopping distances with excellent resistance to fade in even the most demanding driving conditions. CCM brakes are also some 12.5kg lighter than a conventional system, reducing the weight of the car overall and, in particular, the unsprung weight and rotational masses, further enhancing the performance of the suspension. DBS: Design The DBS is manufactured using the finest materials, with a combination of hand-finishing and pioneering high-technology processes. From the exceptional quality of the design and finish to the advanced production techniques employed to save weight and create strength, the DBS is both a technological masterpiece and a powerful visual and tactile experience, inside and out. The DBS is the culmination of the DB bloodline, a synthesis of race-bred technology and road-going practicality that can be traced back to the iconic Aston Martin DB2, DB3S and DB4 GT, and is continued today with the DBR9 and DBRS9 race cars.



The DBS's powerful, flowing form fuses the visual language of the DBR9 GT1 race car with the innate elegance of the DB series. Lower and tauter than other Aston Martin production models, the DBS has subtly flared wheel arches accommodating standard 20" diameter wheels and tyres. These provide excellent stability and grip, while giving the car a muscular and athletic stance that evokes the DBR9 and DBRS9. The design process involved continuous revision and honing of the Aston Martin DBS's surfaces, ensuring that the shapes and forms represent perfectly the car's inherent power, while never diluting the fundamental proportions that are the essence of every Aston Martin. The external detailing reflects the power and dynamic abilities of the DBS, with revised inlets and enlarged grilles that deliver more air into the engine and increase its cooling capacity. Subtle design details include a new five-bar design for the polished alloy main grille, as well as two additional vents in the enlarged power bulge on the carbon-fibre bonnet.



These vents are entirely functional, improving engine performance and efficiency, yet also communicating the increased power output of the uprated V12 engine. The DBS's aerodynamic enhancements are shaped by Aston Martin's racing experience. A carbon-fibre splitter and a new front bumper design help channel airflow around the car's wider bodywork. The aerodynamics team worked hand in hand with the modelling team to ensure that the forms and surfaces of DBS were sculpted for inherent stability at high speeds. The widened front and rear track improve handling and give the car a more muscular character. To accommodate this additional width, the surfaces of the wings have been sculpted and re-shaped with harder lines, which also serve to emphasise the car's strength and power. The lowered ride height is accentuated by the enhanced side sills, carefully profiled to improve aerodynamic performance and reduce drag along the flanks. The iconic Aston Martin side strake, a design feature of every DB car since the DB4, has been redesigned for the DBS, incorporating a side repeater formed by a bank of LEDs. Improved aerodynamics shape the rear of the DBS, where the more prominent boot spoiler is carefully incorporated into the carbon-fibre boot lid. A horizontal chrome finisher is set into the lid to accentuate the wide track of the new car. The car's flat undertray helps to improve the aerodynamics of the underbody surface and culminates in a new carbon-fibre rear diffuser, another feature carried over from the race cars. This device creates an area of low pressure beneath the rear of the car, reducing lift and improving high-speed stability without the need for large, unsightly external spoilers.



The new one-piece diffuser also incorporates the DBS's large and distinctive twin exhaust tailpipes. The interior of the Aston Martin DBS represents the epitome of Aston Martin's commitment to using materials honestly, without disguise or embellishment. Lightweight materials are used throughout to save weight; door pulls are made from carbon-fibre, for example, and the carpet has been woven with lighter fibres to save valuable kilograms. Special semi-aniline leather is used throughout the cabin, saving weight as well as giving a soft feel and distinctive aroma. The DBS features unique primary controls, including a new steering wheel profile with a twin-stitched detail marker that indicates the 'on-centre' position. The gear knob is fashioned from polished alloy to echo the metallic finishes on the new centre console. The instrument cluster is designed with white numerals on a dark graphite background for excellent legibility. The twin-stitch pattern runs through the interior as a signature device; the alignment of both stitch lines is testament to Aston Martin's ongoing tradition of exceptional craftsmanship. As an option the DBS may be equipped with specially developed lightweight seats (outside North America). These feature a carbon-fibre and Kevlar® composite structure and are manufactured by a supplier to the motorsport and aviation industries before being returned to Aston Martin's Gaydon factory for hand-trimming.



The structure is created by sandwiching a layer of Kevlar® between two layers of carbon-fibre with the outer finish left exposed on the seat backs, lacquered to create a durable and attractive finish. The combination of Kevlar® and carbon-fibre provides crucial weight saving by allowing the structure of the seat to be incredibly slim: between 2.5mm and 3mm. Overall, the trimmed seat provides a weight saving of 20kg.



The lightweight seats are a fixed structure, but can be adjusted for rake as well as sliding fore and aft. The DBS start sequence blends tradition with high technology and a touch of theatre. The ignition ECU (Emotion Control Unit) has evolved into a machined and highly tactile polished sapphire ECU, incorporating a stainless steel inner case. Resembling a fine wristwatch or a piece of contemporary sculptural jewellery, this sapphire ECU epitomises the spirit of the DBS. To operate the car, the sapphire ECU is inserted into a special docking station in Aston Martin's signature dashboard-mounted sapphire starter button, and glows red to indicate when the car is ready to start. The engine is fired by pressing the ECU flush with the surface of the starter button. After pressing to stop the engine, the ECU automatically motors out of the dashboard for removal. The start sequence of the DBS is augmented by an all-new centre console design with a cast metal surround, crisp typography and new graphics.