Car News

Aston Martin unveiled the most eagerly anticipated car of the year the new Aston Martin 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 Aston Martin 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 Aston Martin 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 a luxury sports car without equal. Every line, crease and curve conveys the enormous potential of the Aston Martin 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 Aston Martin 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. Aston Martin DBS: Performance The need for high-performance stability, handling ability and low kerb weight defined the DBS's form and construction. Accordingly, the Aston Martin 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.

Aston Martin unveiled the most eagerly anticipated car of the year the 2008 DBS at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance on August 16th 2007, where the company took a starring role as the featured marque.



DBS is the ultimate expression of Aston Martin's engineering and technical ability. It offers pure performance without compromise. The DBS delivers the complete driving experience and bridges the gap between our road and track cars - the DB9 and DBR9.



Body

• Two-door coupe body style with 2+0 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, 5935cc 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: 380kW (510bhp/517 PS) at 6500rpm


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


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


• Max speed: 302 km/h (191mph)

Brakes

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


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


• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Track mode


• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)


• Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)


• Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)


• Traction control

Two Aston Martin DBR9s will look to emulate Gulf's first victory at the 24 hour race 40 years on. Alain Dujean, Gulf Oil vice president international, said: 'This is arguably the most important year ever for Gulf in motorsport. The famous Gulf racing colours first tasted victory at Le Mans in 1968, so 2008 already had great significance for us, but for Gulf to have joined up with Aston Martin Racing for this year is fantastic – the coming together of two great automotive names, for what I hope will be a long and fruitful partnership.' David Richards, chairman of Aston Martin, said: 'Endurance racing is engrained in the heritage of both Gulf and Aston Martin and we have also both been intrinsically linked through Le Mans for many decades. It was perhaps destined that, in the year we defend our GT1 title and Gulf celebrates the 40th anniversary of its win, we would finally race together at La Sarthe.' The two Aston Martin DBR9s for 2008 will be entered as numbers 007 and 009.

Aston Martin is not only showing the DBS for the first time in Europe at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week but will also showcase two new special editions – the Aston Martin DB9 LM and the V8 Vantage N400. Both special editions draw inspiration from the company's recent achievements at Le Mans and the N?rburgring 24-hour races. The Aston Martin DB9 LM celebrates Aston Martin's GT1 class victory in the Le Mans 24-hour endurance classic in June with the Aston Martin DBR9 - a race car derived from the Aston Martin DB9. This special edition car, available in Coupe form only with Touchtronic transmission, includes a unique Sarthe Silver exterior paint finish, meshes and rear crossbar finished in Magnum Silver and red brake calipers. Inside, the Aston Martin DB9 LM is fitted with handcrafted black leather finish, perforated leather inserts, unique 'Tertre Rouge' facia trim and numbered sill plaque. The car is also equipped with the normally optional DB9 Sports Pack as standard, with colour keyed and diamond turned alloy wheels.

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. 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.

The fastest production model ever to be built by Aston Martin made its world debut at the Paris Motor Show on September 23, 2004. With a maximum speed in excess of 200mph (320 km/h) and a 6.0 litre V12 engine developing 520 horsepower, the Vanquish S has been designed to deliver even greater performance, complemented by subtle suspension and steering changes and a number of interior and external style revisions. The Vanquish S has received subtle but effective changes to complement its elegant muscular body. The famous Aston Martin grille has a new rounded and more open appearance for better cooling, and an aerodynamic splitter improves high-speed stability. At the rear, a redesigned boot lid featuring a new high mounted stop lamp reduces lift and improves balance and stability, helping to achieve an impressive Cd figure of 0.32. These differences on the Vanquish S not only improve the appearance but also enhance performance. All the exterior body panels are constructed from aluminium with each individual panel hand tailored to the central structure to ensure a perfect panel fit. Every carefully detailed feature provides graphic evidence of the painstaking craftsmanship and quality, which is invested in its construction at Aston Martin?s Newport Pagnell site in Buckinghamshire. Revised steering geometry provides a 20% quicker response, allowing the driver to apply a reduced input for required steering response. This enables the driver to be more precise with inputs - especially on winding roads - and more accurate feedback from the chassis. The Sports Dynamics suspension, steering and braking package is now standard on the Vanquish S. This includes stiffer springs and dampers and shorter steering arms. The brakes have been upgraded to incorporate larger six piston calipers and larger grooved and ventilated front discs. The rear discs are 2mm wider for improved heat dissipation. The use of floating discs ensures the driver has consistent pedal feel under heavy braking whilst a new brake pedal assembly reduces travel and enhances pedal feel. Further development of Aston Martin?s low emissions, all alloy, quad-overhead camshaft, 48 valve, 6.0-litre V12 engine has generated an increase in power from 460 bhp to 520 bhp and torque is boosted to 425 lb ft (577 Nm). Engine enhancements include new cylinder heads with fully machined inlet ports and combustion chambers to improve airflow, revised engine mapping and new fuel injectors. The overall interior design is a subtle blend of traditional, classic and modern materials with Bridge of Weir leather upholstery matched to contemporary metal interior fittings and finishes. A number of detailed improvements have been made to the interior of the Vanquish S to enhance the enhance the overall appeal.

Aston Martin will unveil one of the most eagerly anticipated convertibles of the year when the V8 Vantage Roadster is revealed at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show on Wednesday 29th November. Aston Martin Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ulrich Bez said: 'The V8 Vantage Roadster is a pure sports car, a car that heightens the senses and provides a dynamically thrilling driving experience. 'The Vantage Roadster adds to the unbeatable thrill of open air motoring and by combining engineering excellence, technological innovation and physical perfection, will ensure every journey is one to remember.' Perfectly proportioned, with a low purposeful stance, the Vantage Roadster is uncompromisingly modern yet also incorporates classic Aston Martin design cues. The elegant lines are fused with traditional craftsmanship and striking 21st century style, with an interior hand-trimmed and finished in the finest quality genuine materials. The Vantage Roadster 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 flagship Vanquish S, the elegant DB9 and the agile V8 Vantage Coupe.