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Aston Martin Cygnet production to start in 2011

admin — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 15:25:28 +0000

It’s not every day that Aston Martin give the go ahead for production of anything other than a supercar but times change and Aston Martin intend to change with them. To this end, Aston Martin present the Cygnet which debuted in March as a concept car has just been given the green flag to begin production in 2011.

The Cygnet is being billed as a compact luxury vehicle designed with city-driving in mind. Aston Martin’s CEO, Dr Ulrich Bez notes that “Our customers need a small car for urban and city use, and they want the right tools for the right job, to downsize creatively without compromising intelligence, artistry and personality.” Aston Martin mention that because of its size, at 3m long, the Cygnet is able to slot into small parking spaces, find gaps in traffic and like most compact cars, maintain impressive fuel efficiency all the while keeping CO2 emissions to a minimum.

Time will tell just how well the Cygnet will be able to compete with other compact cars currently in the market and what exactly Aston Martin mean by “Luxury”, a term not always associated with compact cars. The other obvious issue is the cost of the Cygnet, if Aston Martin add in too many luxuries and the cost climbs, they will have missed the point of a compact car, but time will tell and Aston Martin are not new in the car game, so it is likely they will get it right.

I can’t imagine James Bond will be trading in his DB9 for a Cygnet any time soon but I think it will slot in perfectly into the compact car market.

Source: Aston Martin

The new Aston martin V8 Vantage N420

admin — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 13:51:55 +0000

Released as a special edition, the Aston Martin N420 Vantage was designed with motor-sport in mind and the companies experiences on the Nurburgring 24 hour race. Back in 2006 Aston Martin entered the race with a near-standard and road-worthy V8 Vantage to compete against full on racing cars and has continued to enter ever since with notable success. And it has been from this race experience that Aston Martin have turned to for the design and inspiration of the V8 Vantage N420.

How is it different from the previous V8 Vantage though? For starters it is 27kg lighter, thanks mostly to the use of carbon fibre. On the exterior there are now wider sills, a carbon fibre splitter, side strakes and difusser, gloss black wheels and black-mesh vents to complete the look. On the interior there are graphite instruments, a leather or Alcantara steering wheel and carbon fibre seats.

The V8 Vantage N420 comes with the sports pack as standard, including: revised springs, anti roll bars, dampers and a sports exhaust system. The engine is based on the previous N400 special edition, with a 4.7 liter ,420bhp and is capable of 180mph.

Aston Martin have begun production and will start sending out deliveries in August with an estimated price tag of 96,995 pounds.

Source: Aston Martin

Video of the new Aston Martin V12 Vantage released

admin — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 11:11:45 +0000

Rapide: Pure Aston Martin

admin — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 09:06:21 +0000

The World’s Most Elegant Four-Door Sports Car

Aston Martin has unveiled today one of the most eagerly awaited cars of 2009 at the 63rd Frankfurt Motorshow. The elegant Rapide, functional yet luxurious, provides space for up to four adults combined with an engaging driving experience synonymous with all Aston Martins.

As the marque’s first production four-door sports car, Rapide encapsulates core values of Power, Beauty and Soul; four ‘swan wing’ doors provide access to cosseting sports seats both front and rear bestowing occupants with ample accommodation. A 301 litre luggage compartment affords generous space for belongings for all four passengers whether they be sports bags or indeed, sets of skis, creating an Aston Martin which can be enjoyed on any occasion, anytime, anywhere.

Rapide’s rear environment has been intelligently packaged to create a space where passengers feel a part of the driving experience with clear views to the front and sides. Comfort and support is supplied in the form of two hand trimmed individual seats and a personal face-level heating and air conditioning system. Aiding the practicalities of everyday use, the luggage compartment features a movable bulkhead to permit access from the rear cabin while the rear seats fold flat at the touch of a button to create a flat loading space increasing the luggage compartment from 301 litres to 750 litres.

At the heart of every Aston Martin lies an evocative engine providing effortless power and torque: Rapide features a hand-built 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 470 bhp (477 PS / 350 kW) with peak power being delivered at 6000 rpm and 600 Nm (443 lbft) peak torque at 5000 rpm. A specifically tuned six-speed Touchtronic 2 automatic transmission features as standard, allowing the driver to change gear automatically or manually via the steering column-mounted magnesium paddles.

First deliveries of the Rapide will commence early in 2010 and will be available globally through Aston Martin’s 125 strong dealership network. Pricing will be confirmed at the Frankfurt Show.

Source: Aston Martin