The new Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 specifications

Aston Martin confirms today the specification of the 2012 Vantage GT3 race car. As the natural successor to the enormously successful DBRS9, the new Vantage GT3 will offer customers the latest in race-car technology to ensure the Vantage GT3 has the credentials to compete with the most recent new product offerings from other manufacturers.



The Vantage GT3 features a modified version of Aston Martin’s production 6.0 litre V12 engine found in the marque’s highly acclaimed sports cars. The dry-sumped engine is expected to produce 600 bhp with 700 Nm of torque and its position has been optimised further to improve weight balance. A carbon fibre propshaft mates the engine to a Xtrac 6 speed sequential transmission with semi-automatic paddle shift gear change.







The Vantage GT3 benefits from Aston Martin’s V/H architecture philosophy, the modular chassis uses aerospace bonding techniques to create a light and immensely stiff aluminium and composite structure which not only aids handling on Aston Martin’s road cars but is also an ideal base for competitive race cars.



Most dramatic of all, are the new aerodynamics, contributing to a muscular and purposeful stance while maintaining the overall beauty of the V12 Vantage. The shorter wheel base and lower engine position over its predecessor will contribute to enhanced handling and performance. The new car will also provide enhanced driveability with the latest race-developed ABS and Traction Control systems which are fitted to the V12 Vantage GT3 as standard.



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



Aston Martin remains the only manufacturer to offer a race car for every GT class firmly cementing it as a global forerunner in race car production. The new Vantage GT3 is being developed to replicate and indeed surpass the superb track record of the DBRS9.



Aston Martin has sold 24 DBRS9s and customer teams have accumulated many race podiums and victories over the past six years including 2009 Winner Teams Championship, and Winner Manufacturers Championship for Hexis Racing and as recently as a 2011 GT Open race win at Spa for Villois Racing.



Testing of the new car will commence in October, where the Vantage GT3 will undergo a comprehensive sign-off durability test including a 10,000 km test programme. Deliveries of the first cars will commence in early 2012. Prices start from £298,000.



The V12 Vantage road car was launched in 2009 and is the fastest and most agile Vantage ever; it is the ultimate performance interpretation of the Vantage range. Featuring the marque’s 6.0 litre V12 engine producing 510 bhp, it combines muscular power with purposeful, striking and functional styling hinting at its performance capabilities. The V12 Vantage fuses race-derived technology with the everyday usability associated with a modern Aston Martin.





V12 Vantage GT3 Specification



Engine

- Lightweight V12

- Dry sump oil system

- Engine repositioned to optimise weight distribution

- Target power 600 bhp

- Target torque 700 Nm



Transmission

- Xtrac 6 speed sequential transmission

- Racing clutch

- Limited slip ramp/plate differential

- Easily accessible drop gears

- Semi-automatic paddle shift gear change

- Carbon fibre propshaft



Chassis

- Lightweight aluminium chassis

- Steel roll cage to FIA safety standards

- High speed pneumatic jack system



Steering

- Hydraulic power assisted steering

- Quick release steering wheel



Suspension

- Double wishbone suspension arms front and rear with uniball bearings

- 2-way adjustable dampers front and rear

- Optimsed geometry for lower race ride height



Fuel system

- 110 litre fuel cell to FIA safety standards

- Twin quick release couplings

- Fuel cell location optimised for performance and safety (behind the driver’s seat, inside the safety roll cage)



Brakes

- 6 pot front calipers

- Ventilated front brake disc

- 4 pot rear caliper

- Ventilated rear brake disc

- Floor mounted pedal box

- Manually adjustable front/rear brake bias

- Adjustable motorsport ABS



Wheels

- 12.5" x 18" front

- 13" x 18" rear



Tyres

- Front 30/68-18

- Rear 31/71-18



Cockpit

- Steering wheel mounted controls

- Driver display / data logger / shift lights / beacon

- 6-point safety harness

- Adjustable steering position

- Adjustable seat position

- Adjustable pedal box position

- Light weight battery

- Carbon fibre dash

- Fire extinguisher system



Aerodynamics

- Front splitter

- Adjustable full width carbon fibre rear wing



- Aerodynamically optimised bumpers, fenders and sills



Weight

- Target dry weight 1250kg



| Aston Martin

Aston Martin One-77 and V12 Zagato set for debut in Monterey

Aston Martin has confirmed the American debut of both the One-77 and V12 Zagato, as the world renowned British automotive brand plans a series of exclusive celebratory events around the famed automotive week in Monterey, California, from 17-21 August.



Aston Martin will commence the celebrations on the evening of Wednesday 17 August at McCall’s Motorworks Revival where the V12 Zagato will make its American debut. A truly bespoke and exclusive sports car, the V12 Zagato matches modern day technology with traditional craftsmanship.







The new Aston Martin V12 Zagato was originally unveiled as a concept car at the prestigious Villa D’Este Concours in Italy earlier this year, where the car won the award for Design in the Concepts and Prototypes class. Just weeks later the V12 Zagato went on to prove its durability with successful completion of the gruelling 39th ADAC Nürburgring 24 Hour race in Germany. Last month, following overwhelmingly encouraging interest from customers, the company confirmed a strictly limited production run of the V12 Zagato will commence in summer 2012.



As well as attendance at Quail: A Motorports Gathering and the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Aston Martin will host guests from The Aston Martin Estate. This exquisite private venue, situated high above Carmel with panoramic views across the Monterey Bay, will provide the perfect backdrop for showcasing the ultimate Aston Martin; the One-77.





The One-77 epitomises everything Aston Martin; modern technology fused with traditional hand-craftsmanship and painstaking attention to detail. As a culmination of all the marque’s know-how, the One-77 delivers effortless beauty guaranteed to stir the senses with performance potential eclipsing any previous Aston Martin.



This grand estate will also serve as the location for a myriad of exclusive events including private viewings of the V12 Zagato and dynamic test drives in Aston Martin’s award-winning line-up of handcrafted high performance sports cars.





“Guests will be given the rare opportunity to test drive our latest model range, including the new Virage and Vantage S, as well as the four-door Rapide” commented Julian Jenkins, Vice President Aston Martin the Americas. "We are very excited about the program this year including the debut of the V12 Zagato, and we look forward to welcoming current owners, new customers and automotive enthusiasts to share our celebrations at The Aston Martin Estate.”



In addition to fine hospitality and exhilarating driving experiences, visitors will have the opportunity to interact with various partners including Emanuel Andrén, Far Niente, FlexJet, Lugano Diamonds, Louis Roederer, Thermal Motorsports Track & Club, Vizio, Worth Magazine and Zino Platinum Cigars.



The Aston Martin Estate will be open 18-20 August between 10:00am and 4:00pm daily.



| Aston Martin

Aston Martin with the new Cygnets into the fifth annual Eco-Rally

Aston Martin enters two new Cygnets into the fifth annual Bridgestone Eco-Rally this weekend. In the marque’s debut appearance at the event, the Cygnets will cement their place as the ultimate city cars, a tailor-fit solution for urban driving.

The Bridgestone Eco-Rally will allow spectators and enthusiasts a chance to see the Cygnets as they pass from the heart of Oxford to central London. The rally showcases the world’s best eco-friendly vehicles in association with ‘Start’, an initiative inspired by HRH The Prince of Wales to celebrate eco-friendly living.

Hand-crafted for the city with the highest quality materials and attention to detail, Cygnet is bespoke, exclusive, and offers a degree of choice not previously available in a small package, coupled with carbon emissions of just 116 g/km and fuel economy of 56.5 mpg.



One of the Cygnets entering the event will be dressed in Seychelles Blue, the paint colour of the Aston Martin DB6 Mark II Volante recently driven by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on their wedding day. Aside from the two formal entries, a third Cygnet will also be supporting the event in eye-catching ‘Flouro Orange’, the hallmark of London-based designer Tom Dixon.

Driven by Aston Martin Racing regular, Darren Turner and David King, Aston Martin’s Director of Special Projects and Motorsport, the two Cygnets will be on the extended route from Exeter College, Oxford to The Mall, London.

Darren Turner is looking forward to the prospect of driving the Cygnet at the weekend: “I have been a fan of Cygnet from the start. It’s a great city car, easy to manoeuvreand park and a lot of fun to drive.”


David King said: “To drive Cygnet in a busy city is to experience a car ideally suited to its environment. Cygnet is tiny, with impressively low emissions but with all the style and craftsmanship of the finest luxury cars.”

“I’m looking forward to demonstrating Cygnet on the Bridgestone Eco-Rally, maybe it’s my one and only chance to beat Darren Turner!”

The rally begins on Broad Street, Oxford at 10:00 and concludes at 14:30 on the 31st July.



| Aston Martin

Sir Stirling Moss and his newly purchased Aston Martin Cygnet

At the prestigious Royal Automobile Club last night, international motorsport legend, Sir Stirling Moss took delivery of his newly purchased Aston Martin Cygnet; a surprise birthday present for wife, Lady Moss.

One of the closest teams in motorsport for many years, Sir Stirling and Lady Moss planned a private celebratory dinner on the eve of her birthday at the Royal Automobile Club in its clubhouse the century old, ‘palace on Pall Mall’ in London. On arrival they were met with the sight of the new Aston Martin Cygnet on display in the magnificent central rotunda – the culmination of six months planning and ‘secret’ correspondence between Sir Stirling and Aston Martin to plan a surprise birthday present for Lady Moss.



Sir Stirling Moss said: “My greatest partner in everything that I do, Susie is an amazing person and frankly the best wife a man could have. Since seeing a pre-production Cygnet in January I knew that it was the perfect car for Susie; a proper little piece of British luxury and perfect for our life in town.”

Hand-crafted at Aston Martin’s headquarters in Gaydon, taking 150 hours to complete, the Aston Martin Cygnet shares much in terms of design and craftsmanship with the company’s sports cars. Elegant and distinctive, individual and practical, the Aston Martin Cygnet is the ultimate Tailor-Fit solution for city living. Launched in May 2011 with first customer orders arriving at European dealers now, Cygnet is hand-crafted for the city and like every Aston Martin it can be uniquely personalised to suit individual taste and style, bringing a new level of luxury and bespoke capability to city cars.


Specifications for Lady Moss’s car include Sir Stirling’s choice of Aston Martin Racing Green, harking back to the company’s sports cars that Sir Stirling raced in the 1950s, as the paint colour. This iconic exterior has been complemented by a simple and elegant interior hand crafted in Obsidian Black leather with a contrasting coarse silver stitch, forming a typically understated combination.

Adding to the occasion and its ongoing theme of long standing relationships with the marque, the Cygnet has been supplied through HWM Aston Martin, based in Walton-on- Thames, who were appointed as an official Aston Martin dealer in 1951. The longest serving of the company’s global network of 134 dealers, HWM Aston Martin was started 60 years ago by fellow Aston Martin Works Driver George Abecassis who actually gave Sir Stirling his first Grand Prix drives in 1951/52 in HWM-built cars.

Sir Stirling’s own driving career with Aston Martin saw him drive a number of the company’s racing cars including the famous DB3S and DBR1 models with great success. This culminated in being part of the factory team that in 1959 secured the company the World Sportscar Championship following victories in the DBR1 at such prestigious races as the Le Mans 24-hour.




| Aston Martin

Aston Martin V12 Zagato, to production

Aston Martin confirms production of a strictly limited number of the new V12 Zagato following its successful unveilings. After winning the award for Design in the Concepts and Prototypes class at the prestigious Villa D’ Este Concours and then going on to prove its durability with the successful completion of the gruelling 39th ADAC Nürburgring 24 Hour race, Aston Martin confirms that there is overwhelmingly encouraging interest from customers to confirm production of the V12 Zagato.

Based on the acclaimed V12 Vantage and sporting a beautifully handcrafted aluminium and carbon fibre body, the V12 Zagato will be produced in very limited numbers for discerning customers. Orders are now being taken on a strictly first come first served basis and production is expected to commence during summer 2012 at Aston Martin’s global headquarters at Gaydon, Warwickshire.

Gallery: Aston Martin Zagato V12

Of the V12 Zagato, Aston Martin’s Chief Executive Dr. Ulrich Bez, said: “Such style, exclusivity and fastidious craftsmanship ensures it will be one of the most highly coveted models in Aston Martin’s 98-year history. A fabulous celebration of the iconic DB4GT Zagato, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, the V12 Zagato is the perfect inspiration for the next 50 years of Aston Martin.”

In honour of the performance and racing heritage of previous collaborations, the first two V12 Zagatos were developed as endurance race cars from the start and went into their track debut just a week after being shown to the public for the first time on the shores of Lake Como, Italy at the Villa D’Este Concours.

Entering the new V12 Zagatos in this year’s Nürburgring 24 Hour on 25th/26th June extended the company’s racing philosophy at the famous circuit. For five years Aston Martin has signed-off its new products by entering a car which is as close to the road car as possible and subjecting it to the toughest 24 hour test on what best simulates the extremities of public roads. This year went a step further by testing two cars at their prototype stage; combining forces to successfully cover more than 230 laps and over 3,700 miles in the 24 hour race at what Sir Jackie Stewart famously called ‘The Green Hell’.

Since opening in 2003, 13 new major production car Aston Martins have been developed and successfully brought to production at Gaydon, demonstrating the company’s ability to engineer and bring to reality cars in a shortened period of time. Design work on the V12 Zagato began in mid-2010 with initial engineering following in January 2011.

True to both Aston Martin and Zagato, the V12 Zagato is the pinnacle of a special and exclusive offering which matches its long standing heritage with the technology and craftsmanship of today.

Marek Reichman, Aston Martin’s Director of Design said: "The V12 Zagato is an elegant yet brutal design which reflects the great balance between race performance and pure Aston Martin style.

“The original DB4GT Zagato was a true icon, powerful and graceful; the new design is a true representation of the spirit of DB4GT Zagato. The muscular organic forms define the thoroughbred nature of the car’s racing credentials."

Featuring a handcrafted aluminium and carbon fibre body, the V12 Zagato delivers a beautiful and muscular design not possible using pre-formed panel techniques. Using the influences and skill of nearly 100 years of heritage in the craft, every aluminium panel was formed using an English wheel and traditionally crafted body bucks. Iconic Zagato design cues include the double bubble roof created in this case from five separate pieces illustrating further the intensity of craftsmanship involved in the construction of the V12 Zagato.

Designed for the focused driver, the V12 Zagato has been honed with pure driving enjoyment in mind. The V12 Zagato combines Aston Martin’s most dynamic bonded aluminium platform with the power of the 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 510 bhp (380 kW / 517 PS), and 570 Nm (420 lb ft) of torque.

The strictly limited Aston Martin V12 Zagato is on sale now, priced at £330,000 GBP (exc. local taxes) with first deliveries expected from the second half of 2012.

| Aston Martin | Images

2011 Aston Martin Vantage cars wallpapers gallery and preview

2011 Aston Martin Vantage cars wallpapers gallery and preview

2011 Aston Martin Vantage cars wallpapers gallery and preview

2011 Aston Martin Vantage cars wallpapers gallery and preview

El jefe de Aston Martin subastará su Rapide por Japón

Aston Martin Chief Executive Dr. Ulrich Bez is to auction his company Rapide at this year’s annual Bonhams auction at Newport Pagnell, with all proceeds to go to charities providing aid to victims of the recent earthquakes and Tsunami in Japan. In support of the initiative, Bonhams has also committed to waiver its commission on this lot.

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


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

Since it’s unveiling in production form at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2009 the Aston Martin Rapide has been widely acclaimed as the world’s most elegant four-door sports car. Functional yet luxurious it provides space for up to four adults but with the engaging driving experience synonymous with all Aston Martins. Quickly established as a firm favourite with customers and critics alike, the Aston Martin Rapide, recently affirmed its position as one of the most beautiful cars on sale today after being voted 2011 World Car Design of the Year at the New York International Auto Show by a jury of 66 international journalists.

Chassis number ‘F00039’ is a UK specification, right hand drive Aston Martin Rapide built in late 2009 for the exclusive business use of Dr Ulrich Bez, Aston Martin's Chief Executive Officer since 2000. This luxuriously specified car is finished in Concours Blue Paint, with an Obsidian Black leather interior stitched in Falcon Grey, and black carpets. The fascia is trimmed in walnut veneer. The Rapide also has heated and cooled front and rear seats, an integrated garage door opener and the rear seat entertainment system incorporating a twin-screen DVD system and infrared headphones.

The 2011 Bonhams Aston Martin Auction opens from 9am on Saturday 21st May at Aston Martin Works Service in Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire.

| Aston Martin

James Bond's Casino Royal Movie Trailer gives us a glimpse of 007's Aston Martin DBRS 9

I know for fact that like me, most you out there disagree with the choice of Daniel Craig for the role of 007. But I think we better stay calm till we see the Casino Royal movie that comes out on theatres across the world on November 17. Leaving aside Daniel, there's another star in the movie worth mentioning and it's no other than Aston Martin's DBRS 9 -although we only get a glimpse of it in the trailer.

Making things more interesting is the fact that Aston Martin has plans to produce a limited series edition of 007's DBRS 9. If getting curious, no, it won't have hidden automatic guns and as intriguing as it sounds -if you're married, theres no plans for putting on the ejecting co-driver seats... via: Autoblog.com

James Bond Aston Martin DBS Revealed

Aston Martin has unveiled the new DBS which will be driven by James Bond, the legendary British secret agent, in the next 007 film, “CASINO ROYALE”, to be produced by Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli for EON Productions.

In true Bond style, specific details of the new DBS remain “top secret”, although Aston Martin Design Director, Marek Reichman, said: “This car encapsulates a link between our elegant DB9 road car and the powerful DBR9 race car. It signals an evolutionary development of Aston Martin’s world renowned style and elegance.

“While hinting at our future design direction, the DBS also has very clear links with our heritage – it is instantly recognisable as an Aston Martin.”

Aston Martin Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ulrich Bez added: “The DBS continues our proud and lengthy association with James Bond.

“The DBS is not of the understated elegance of a DB9, nor the youthful agility of the V8 Vantage. It is explosive power in a black tie and has its own unique character which will equal that of James Bond.”

Starring Daniel Craig as James Bond, “CASINO ROYALE” is scheduled for release in November, 2006.