Aston-Martin-V12-Zagato-2012

Aston Martin V12 Zagato 2012 in Frankfurt Auto Shows – Latest photos & priced of Aston Martin V12 Zagato 2012 Cars: Making their first appearance at a mainstream event in Frankfurt, are two Aston Martin V12 Zagato showcars, which we first laid eyes on at the Villa d’Este Concorso d’Eleganza in Italy back in May.

The British firm has already confirmed the limited production of the Zagato-penned model, which will go on sale in the summer of 2012. Only 150 cars will be built, each carrying a base price of £330,000 or approximately US$520,000, and that does not include local taxes…

Italian coachbuilder Zagato took over the design replacing the V12 Vantage’s bodywork with an impressive-styled aluminium and carbon fibre shell.

Power is provided by Aston Martin’s 6.0-litre V12 engine that churns out 517-horses and 570 Nm (420 lb ft) of torque.

The green colored car in the renderings below show what the final roadgoing model will look like when it enters production next year.

Photos Aston Martin V12 Zagato 2012:

Aston-Martin-V12-Zagato-2012

Aston Martin V12 Zagato 2012 at Frankfurt Show 2011 – Latest price & review of Aston Martin V12 Zagato 2012 Autos: Five decades after the launch of the legendary DB4GT Zagato, Aston Martin and Zagato collaborated to create a 21st century reincarnation of this automotive icon. The result was the new V12 Zagato, which will be displayed in road going form the Frankfurt Motor Show from September 13. The V12 Zagato is based on the V12 Vantage. It features an aluminum and carbon fiber body, is hand-assembled at Aston Martin’s Gaydon factory and is powered by a version of the British company’s 6.0-liter V12 with an output of 517HP and 570 Nm (420 lb/ft) of torque.

Of course the IAA isn’t the car’s first outing: the V12 Zagato was first presented in May at the Villa d’Este Concorso d’Eleganza in Italy. But that was just the beginning: the company decided to enter not one, but two concepts, nicknamed “Zig” and “Zag”, at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring endurance race, both taking the chequered flag after 230 laps and maintaining Aston’s perfect finishing record in this grueling test.

Since then the cars have returned to their original specifications although the “Zag”, unlike the “Zig”, features an interior very close to that of the production car.

Aston Martin said the V12 Zagato will be produced in limited numbers (no more than 150 units) from the summer of 2012 with a price tag of £330,000 ($537,395) excluding taxes.

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Aston-Martin-Scion-iQ-2012

Aston Martin Cygnet’s Scion iQ 2012 Priced from $15,995 US – Latest photo & priced of Aston Martin Scion iQ mini 2012: After making the motorshow rounds, it’s time for Toyota to start preparations for the U.S. launch of its new Scion iQ mini …

that will begin arriving at dealerships on the west coast in October, and the rest of the country in early 2012.

The Lilliputian four-seater model that is sold in Europe as a Toyota and let’s not forget, as an….Aston Martin as well, will carry a base sticker of $15,265. A $730 delivery, processing and handling (DPH) fee brings the total to $15,995.

The iQ’s most closest rival in the States is the Fiat 500 that retails for $15,500 in base trim, not including destination and handling.

Compared to the Italian model, the iQ is almost 20 inches shorter at 120.1-in. but is also 2 inches wider at 66.1-in.

The iQ features a 3+1 seating arrangement that allows one tiny adult to sit behind the front passenger and a child or small package behind the driver.

In the States, the three-door hatchback model is offered exclusively with a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 94-horsepower and 89 lb.-ft of peak torque, matched to a continuously variable transmission.

The Japanese company has packed the iQ with 11 standard airbags including the world’s first rear window airbag, as well as driver- and front-passenger airbags; driver- and front-passenger seat mounted side airbags; side curtain airbags; driver- and front-passenger knee airbags; and a Scion-first, driver- and front-passenger seat-cushion airbags.

Other standard features include antilock Brakes (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TRAC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Smart Stop Technology brake-override.

Photos Aston Martin Cygnet’s Scion iQ Mini 2012:

Aston-Martin-Cygnet-Collet-2011

Aston Martin Cygnet Collet 2011 with start priced from €48,995 – Latest photo & details Aston Martin Cygnet Collet 2011: The Cygnet is on its way to becoming a true Aston Martin, but not in the sense you might think.

We are referring to its price tag with the release of a new limited run special called “Cygnet & colette” that will set buyers back a whopping €48,995, equal to £43,800 and US$70,550!

That’s £18,000 or US$29,000 more than the entry-level Cygnet. This kind of money can buy you a Porsche Boxster in the UK and you would still have more than £7,000 left for spending! And all this for a car that is essentially a re-trimmed Toyota iQ…

As fashionistas may have already guessed by know, the limited edition Cygnet was created in collaboration with Parisian fashion and style boutique, colette.

On the outside, it features a Lightning Silver paint job with bespoke colette blue styling details including a race collection inspired front bumper and bonnet livery, mirror caps and diamond turned road wheels.

Inside, the Cygnet special gets a “Bitter Chocolate themed interior” with hand-trimmed leather and quilted details.

Other unique elements include:

• Stainless steel hand formed and engraved door handle badges
• ‘Cygnet & colette’ branded hand enamelled boot badging manufactured by Thomas Fattorini
• Quilted Alcantara sun visors to complement the quilted leather door and seat inserts
• Hand trimmed, quilted colette blue leather occasional cushions for the rear seats
• ‘Cygnet & colette’ branding on satellite navigation start up
• A unique ‘Cygnet & colette’ key ring machined from solid aluminium with blue enamelling

The British automaker said its Aston Martin Works Tailored division crafted the ‘Cygnet & colette’ and that more special editions are to follow.

“The colette car is the first of the exclusive ‘Cygnet &’ collaborations,” said Aston Martin Director of Design, Marek Reichman. “These cars will give Aston Martin a relevant platform to reach out to new customers in urban areas.”

Aston Martin plans to build only 14 examples of the ‘Cygnet & colette’ city car with first deliveries expected by the end of the year.

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Aston-Martin-V12-Zagato-2012

Aston Martin V12 Zagato 2012 – Latest photos and info Aston Martin V12 Zagato 2012 cars: Some companies really know how to celebrate. Take AstonMartin and Zagato, for example. The iconic British sports car maker and the legendary Italian coachbuilder will mark the 50th anniversary of their first collaboration with a brand new study.

To honor their first joint project, the 1961 DB4GT Zagato, the two companies developed the Aston Martin V12 Zagato, a race car study that will be unveiled on May 21 at the Villa D’Este Concorsod’Eleganza in Italy, where it will compete against the Ferrari Superamerica 45. But this elegant and dramatic coupe was not built for classy Concours d’Elegance events alone, as it will actually race at the Nurburgring 24 Hour event on June 25-26.

The car’s design draws inspiration from older classics such as the DB4GT Zagato, V8 Vantage Zagato and DB7 Zagato. Based on the high-performance V12 Vantage, the V12 Zagato features an impressively sculpted bodywork, combining Italian elegance with British force.

“The V12 Zagato is an elegant yet brutal design which reflects the great balance between race performance and pure Aston Martin style,” said Aston Martin director of design Marek Reichmann. “The original DB4GT Zagato was a true icon, powerful and graceful; the new design is a true representation of the spirit of DB4GT Zagato,” he added.

Work on the project started in 2010, with the aluminum body being hand-crafted, in true coachbuilder’s style. Each front wing alone contains seven separate pieces of aluminum, combined and hand-finished to obtain one flowing form. Elements like the traditional Zagato double bubble inclined roof, the dramatic air scoops in the front fenders, the recessed taillights and the sweptback rear end give the V12 Zagato an aggressive yet very distinctive look.

The endurance race car features a 6.0-liter V12 engine that produces 517 horsepower and 570 Nm (420 lb-ft) of torque, just like the V12 Vantage it’s based on. However, weight reduction measures make it faster than the roadgoing version. It should sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (96 mph) in under 4 seconds. Aston Martin will field two cars at the Nurburgring 24 hour race but the really good news is the company will build a limited edition version for the road as well.

“Matching the technology of the age with the traditional skills vital to deliver such a bespoke and exclusive sports car will lead to a strictly limited run of road going V12 Zagatos,” said Ulrich Bez, Aston Martin CEO.
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Aston-Martin-Virage-Coupe-DB9-DBS-2011

Aston Martin Virage Coupe DB9 and DBS 2011, Latest info of Aston Martin DB9 and DBS autos 2011: Aston Martin has decided to further complicate its range with the presentation of yet another pair of cars that are virtually indistinguishable from the brand’s other models (insert Cygnet joke here) – at least for the untrained eye.

This time, Aston Martin has resurrected the Virage name for a new coupe and cabriolet that sit between the DBS and DB9. According to the company, the Virage “capitalises on the technology from the DBS and unites it with the comfort and refinement found in the DB9 and Rapide”.

The Virage Coupe and the soft-top Volante are both powered by the company’s familiar 6.0-liter V12 engine. Given that the same poweplant produces 477HP and 443 lb-ft in the DB9 and 517HP and 420 lb-ft in the DBS, it’s only natural that the Virage’s V12 would fit in between in terms of output delivering 497HP and 420 lb-ft of peak torque.

The V12 is matched to a six-speed Touchtronic II automatic transmission mounted on the transaxle.

Aston Martin says the 0-100 km/h (62mph) sprint comes in 4.6 seconds while the Virage can continue up to a top speed of 299 km/h (188 mph). In comparison, the numbers for the 477HP DB9 are 4.8″ and 306 km/h (190 mph), and for the 510HP DBS, 4.3″ and 307 km/h (191mph), respectively.

The Virage features a new Adaptive Damping System (ADS) with a specific tune, as well as a Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system with bespoke settings, and standard Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) brakes.

On the outside, the Virage sports a new aluminium metal front grille with five horizontal vanes that’s inspired by the One-77, along with a redesigned front bumper, a fresh interpretation of Aston’s side strake with six LEDs on the front wings, different side sills and a re-profiled rear bumper.

Inside, the two Virage models come with a full leather interior complete with colored piping and several standard features such as cruise control, satellite navigation, Bluetooth telephone preparation and a 700W Aston Martin Premium Audio System with Dolby Pro Logic II and full iPod integration

In coupe form, the Virage will be available as a 2+2 or a strictly two seater as an option, the latter providing a rear parcel shelf, while also reducing weight.

The Virage will receive its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show next week and go on sale shortly after.

Aston Martin Virage Coupe DB9 and DBS 2011 Photos:

Aston-Martin-Vantage-GT4-Racer-Car-2011

Aston Martin Vantage GT4 Racer Car 2011: It’s only been a year since Aston Martin launched its Vantage GT4 racing car, but the British maker has already prepared an updated model for the 2011 season. The revised Vantage GT4 is said to be inspired from the firm’s V12 Vantage road car, giving it enhanced aerodynamics and increased downforce, while it also features a number of other improvements.

The 2011 GT4 is closely based on the V8 Vantage road car, with which it is shares the same aluminium chassis, base engine and suspension designs.

The aerodynamic changes up front that include a new splitter, help increase downforce and direct cooling air to the brakes and radiator. At the back, Aston Martin added the V12′s larger boot ‘flip’. The 2011 car also gets a new carbon fibre diffuser and rear underfloor, which according to Aston Martin, create an area of low pressure under the rear of the GT4, thus increasing downforce while also channeling more air through a new rear-mounted high capacity transmission oil cooler.

Along with the aero upgrades and engine tweaks, Aston Martin is also offering as a first the option of a race-developed Bosch ABS and traction control system that has been specifically calibrated by Bosch Motorsport for the Vantage GT4.

The company said that along with its own one-make series, the Aston Martin GT4 Challenge of Great Britain, the new Vantage GT4 will also be eligible for the European GT4 Cup and all other series with a GT4 class.

Photos of Aston Martin Vantage GT4 Racer:

Aston-Martin-V8-Vantage-N420

Aston Martin V8 Vantage N420: Aston Martin has slid the covers off a new motorsport-inspired special edition, the V8 Vantage N420 which is the successor to the special edition V8 Vantage N400 of 2007 and has been created to celebrate the brand’s racing achievements in the Nürburgring 24-hour race.

The N420 is based on the standard V8 Vantage and makes use of the same 4.7-litre V8 engine with 420-horsepower, but it features an upgraded sport suspension and unique styling cues while also offering a 27kg [60 pounds] weight saving achieved through the application of carbon fibre throughout the car.

Visually, the Vantage N420 is distinguished on the outside by the wider sills,10-spoke diamond turned alloy wheels in a glossy black finish, ‘Graphitic’ tailpipes, black mesh vents and carbon fibre splitter, side strakes and rear diffuser.

The sports car is also offered with new paint finishes with contrasting hues for the cant rails and radiator grille surround – all inspired from the N24 Vantage racers, including Rose’ yellow, ‘Kermit’ green and ‘Elwood’ blue as well as the traditional Aston Martin Racing green.

Inside, the special edition Aston gets an Iridium interior package that includes graphite instruments, leather or Alcantara steering wheel, special N420 sill plaques and lightweight carbon fibre seats, complete with ‘Race Track’ stitching. Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control and Park Distance Control are also standard.

The N420 comes with the otherwise optional Sports Pack as standard. The package encompasses revised springs, dampers and anti-roll bars, while the British sports carmaker also throws in a new sports exhaust system.

The V8 Vantage N420 is available as a Coupe or Roadster, and with a six-speed manual or optional Sportshift automated manual transmission. Production begins this month with deliveries commencing in August. Prices in the UK start from £96,995 (about US$146,900 or €117,200 at today’s exchange rates).

Latest photos of Aston Martin V8 Vantage N420

Aston-Martin-V12-Vantage-Auto

Aston Martin V12 Vantage Special Auto for North and South America: In response to what the famous British sports car maker describes as “unprecedented customer demand”, Aston Martin has decided to bring its V12 Vantage special to North and South American markets.

Even though prices are to be confirmed in the coming weeks, the V12 Vantage is available to order now with deliveries to the Americas expected to commence during the fourth quarter of the year.

Along with the standard version of the V12 Vantage, Aston Martin will also offer the strictly limited Carbon Black special edition that features a bespoke Carbon Black metallic paint, unique alloy wheels and special trim options.

Originally launched in 2009 at the Geneva Motor Show, the V12 Vantage is based on the V8 Vantage model. It is powered by a 6.0-liter V12 engine producing 510 bhp (380 kW / 517 PS), and 420 lb ft (570 Nm) of torque that propels the British sports car to 62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 190mph or 305km/h.

Latest photos of Aston Martin V12 Vantage Auto

Aston-Martin-Rapide-Sports-Sedan-Auto-2010

Aston Martin Rapide Sports Sedan Auto 2010: The new Aston Martin Rapide four-door sports saloon will go on sale in the UK in the first quarter of 2010 with prices starting from £139,950 (US$232,800 or €154,000 at today’s exchange rates), the British automaker announced today. In comparison, the Rapide’s closest rival, the 500-horsepower Porsche Panamera Turbo is priced at £95,258 in the UK.

The Rapide is powered by a 6.0-liter V12 engine that cranks out 477-horsepower and 600 Nm (443 lb-ft) of peak torque, and is connected to a six-speed Touchtronic 2 automatic transmission with steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters.

Aston Martin said that the Rapide’s will come equipped with many standard features including a Bang & Olufsen Beosound audio system tailored specifically for the car, heated memory seats, dual cast brakes and Adaptive Damping System.

Customer deliveries will start at the beginning of the second quarter of 2010 with Aston Martin anticipating to produce around 2,000 units in the first year.

The Rapide is the firm’s first sports car to be built outside the UK, as production will take place at the Magna Steyr factory in Graz, Austria. According to Aston Martin, each Rapide will take approximately 220 man hours to build.

Pictures of Aston Martin Rapide Sports Sedan Auto 2010

Aston-Martin-Rapide-477HP-V12-Sports-Auto

Aston Martin Rapide: 477HP V12 Sports Auto: 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.

Pics of Aston Martin Rapide: 477HP V12 Sports Auto at Frankfurt Show