With its Le Mans racing program soon to be bolstered by GT2 and LMP1 entries, and with sales of its ever-so-desirable GTs ever increasing, Aston Martin is preparing to add the four-door Rapide to its production line-up. And if this spy shot is any indication, things seem to be moving along nicely.
Aston was anticipated to decide by year's end where the Rapide would be built. Although the company just moved to a new facility in Gaydon, the automaker was reportedly in discussions with a number of smaller contractors - including Pininfarina, Karmann, Magna-Steyr and Valmet - over potentially outsourcing the Rapide's manufacturing. As we already know, these private coachbuilders are all in dire need of the contract.
Confirmation that Aston would build the Rapide was one of the first things its new owners did after acquiring the company from Ford, and we're looking forward to seeing the production version in the flesh after seeing this spy shot.
(Via Autoblog.)
Mustang-based Aston Vanquishes other replicas
Click on the images to view in high resolution
In our day-to-day, we come across a fair number of replicars. Some are especially convincing, while others are just plain bonkers. Far more so than the Miata-based AMX07 we brought you back in 2006, this Aston Martin V12 Vanquish replica could have had us fooled.
Made by Ontario, Canada-based Exclusive Motor Cars, this Aston replica is based on a previous-gen Ford Mustang. Ten companies are then involved in the transformation -- stretching the wheelbase, widening the track and lowering the ride height with suspension mods; crafting, painting and fitting the 34 composite body panels; custom upholstering the interior and fitting interior trim pieces; and mounting all the extra details from the headlights to the badges.
Gallery: Exclusive Aston Martin Vanquish replica
(Via Autoblog.)
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 Nϋrburgring 24-hour races.
The V8 Vantage N400 commemorates Aston Martin's achievements at the Nϋrburgring where the company enjoyed success in the gruelling ADAC 24-hour race with the V8 Vantage N24 production race car. Aston Martin develops and tests all of its road cars extensively on the Nϋrburgring Nordschleife circuit and the Vantage N400 recently broke the eight minute benchmark around the legendary 14-mile circuit.
The Vantage N400 includes a number of technical improvements as well as enhancements to the car's standard range of renowned colour and trim specifications. These include a power upgrade to Aston Martin's 4.3 litre V8 engine, lifting peak power to 400bhp and peak torque to 420Nm. The car also comes equipped with a new Sports Pack which offers subtly different driving dynamics tailored to enthusiasts who seek even more responsive handling. The Sports Pack comprises a unique lightweight graphite-finished aluminium wheel with diamond turning, up-rated springs and dampers and a new rear anti-roll bar (for the Coupe). The Vantage N400 also includes a number of exterior design changes, including a revised side sill design, Magnum Silver bonnet and side strake meshes, clear rear lamp lenses and a bright finish grille.
Interior enhancements include perforated black leather seats, micro-spin alloy facia trim and a unique numbered sill plaque. The Vantage N400 will be available in three new exterior colours; Bergwerk Black, Lightning Silver or Karussell Orange, with either Sportshift automated manual or conventional manual transmission and in either Coupe or Roadster forms. Additionally, the Vantage N400 comes equipped with a range of normally optional equipment, including Satellite Navigation, 700W Aston Martin Premium Audio System, Bluetooth telephone preparation, HID headlamps, cruise control and memory/heated seats.
The DB9 LM celebrates Aston Martin's GT1 class victory in the Le Mans 24-hour endurance classic in June with the DBR9 - a race car derived from the 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 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.
Pricing details for both cars will be confirmed at the Frankfurt motor show.
Aston Martin DB9 tuning by Mansory
We couldn’t let this go by without writing about it because these are two of our favorites companies, Aston Martin and Mansory. The German tuner (responsable for some really cool programs 1 2 3 4) created a tuning program for the Aston Martin DB9, both the Coupe and Cabrio versions. The body kit features new front spoiler with daytime running lights, integrated fog lights and a matching lower grille insert, side skirts with carbon-lined rear intakes, new carbon fiber rear diffuser, plus chrome exhaust tips, aluminum trim, and matching carbon taillight covers.
Handling and performance were improved by using new Brembo brake package (405mm discs and six-piston callipers up front and four-piston callipers in the rear), new lightweight forged 20 inch aluminum wheels, new anodized aluminum air intakes and a suspension lowering kit with sport performance springs.
For the interior, the best materials were used, like maple wood, carbon-fiber and Alcantara. Check out more photos after the jump.
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(Via Auto Unleashed.)
Aston Martin launches E85-ready GT2 race Vantage
Aston Martin is not a brand that's ever been associated with fuel efficiency or alternative fuels. However, at the Autosport International Show in Birmingham England next week, they will unveil their latest race car based on their 'entry level' Vantage model. The GT2 class Vantage will come delivered ready to run on E85. More racing series are starting to allow the use of ethanol as an alternative to gasoline. All the non-diesel cars in the American Le Mans Series ran E10 in 2007 and several of them are expected to run E85 or E100 in 2008. ALMS officials will be making an announcement about 2008 fuel plans at the Detroit Auto Show which we will be covering here.
[Source: Aston Martin]
PRESS RELEASE:
Aston Martin Racing reveals Vantage GT2
Aston Martin Racing has revealed the first impressions of its new GT2 racing car.
Known as the Vantage GT2, the new car is based on the V8 engined Aston Martin Vantage road car. The new car will mean Aston Martin is the only manufacturer to offer cars in every GT racing category: GT1 - DBR9; GT2 - Vantage GT2; GT3 - DBRS9; GT4 - Vantage N24.
For the first time, Aston Martin Racing is designing this car to run on either standard race fuel or E85 bio-ethanol (where regulations allow). In 2007, Aston Martin Racing successfully converted a standard DBRS9 to run on E85.
Robin Brundle, Aston Martin Racing's new managing director, said: 'The new Vantage GT2 completes our product portfolio for 2008 with competitive cars now available in every category. Thanks to our experience with the DBRS9, we have been able to develop a bio-ethanol fuelled version, which will be eligible to compete in an increasing number of series now accommodating this greener fuel, including the American Le Mans Series.'
Aston Martin chairman, David Richards, will be announcing Aston Martin Racing's 2008 plans at the Autosport International show on Thursday 10 January at 10.45 am.
(Via AutoblogGreen.)
One of the most British brands of automobile in history may cease to be entirely British. The Financial Times is reporting that Aston Martin is nearing a decision that would have a builder outside the U.K. assemble the company's next model for the first time in history.
According to the Financial Times, the Aston Martin Rapide may be built by either Italian design and engineering firm Pinin-farina, Karmann group, based in Germany, Austria's Magna, and Magna of Finland. Magna builds the Boxster for Porsche. Aston Martin is considering bids from all four companies to assemble their new four-door saloon.
This decision by Aston Martin has been in the works for months, states the Financial Times. The thought process appears to have little to do with the sale of the luxury automaker by Ford to Kuwaiti investors.
Aston Martin, which turned 93-years-old this year, typically builds at their Gaydon headquarters in Warwickshire. However, with a surprising upturn over the last ten years in Aston Martin purchases, building at Gaydon is apparently at capacity.
The Aston Martin Rapide is expected for delivery in late 2009.
Prodrive has launched a range of parts for the Aston Martin V8 Vantage, which improves the car’s performance and enhances its driving dynamics. The range includes: a performance pack for the engine; new driver-adjustable suspension; unique forged wheels; and a discreet aero package.
Prodrive has tuned the 4.3 litre V8 engine to raise peak power from 283 kW (380 bhp) to 317 kW (425 bhp), as well as increasing peak torque from 410 Nm (302 lbft) to 440 Nm (325 lbft). This reduces the car’s 0-100 km/h time from 5.0 secs to 4.7 secs (est) and increases the top speed by 13 km/h to 293 km/h (est). A new throttle map, combined with the increase in torque, also make the engine more responsive throughout the rev range.
Prodrive has worked with suspension specialists, Bilstein and Eibach, to develop new driver-adjustable suspension. A switch in the cockpit allows the driver to choose between normal and sports mode. The normal mode has been designed to enhance the V8 Vantage’s existing ride and handling characteristics, while the firmer sports mode delivers an even more focussed driving experience on the road or for track use.
The engine performance pack has a modified exhaust system with a low back pressure sports catalyst and a driver-controlled switch to manually override the V8 Vantage’s exhaust valve. This gives the option of a quiet mode, where the valve is permanently closed; auto, where the valve operates as it does on the standard car; and sport mode, where the valve is permanently open (where conditions allow).
The V8 Vantage’s aerodynamics have been analysed in the windtunnel to develop an aero package to reduce high speed lift. The result is discreet Prodrive designed and manufactured carbon composite front lip and trunk spoilers, which are in keeping with the Vantage’s classic styling. Together, these reduce lift by 45 per cent, improving both high speed stability and grip.
Prodrive runs the Aston Martin Racing team in partnership with Aston Martin. It has used its experience of designing and developing DB9 and V8 Vantage-based race and rally cars to help create this range of performance enhancements for the road car. It has also carried through the unique design of the wheels used on the Aston Martin DBR9 GT1 racing car to special 14 spoke 19” forged wheels made by Prodrive Japan for the V8 Vantage. These come complete with Pirelli P-Zero tyres, which have been selected to match the new suspension and optimise the ride and handling.
“The V8 Vantage is already one of the world’s best sports cars,” said Roland Cherry, Prodrive performance products director. “Our aim was to develop a range of parts which enhanced the car’s performance but, most importantly, did not compromise the inherent Aston Martin driving characteristics or styling. I think we have achieved this with a range of parts owners can specify as a package or individually.”
The range of parts and prices will be available from early 2007.
Suspension partner, Eibach, has an Aston Martin V8 Vantage with the full range of parts fitted on display on its stand at the Essen Motor Show.
Source - Aston Martin
Independent rally teams will soon be able to compete in the world's most exclusive rally car, the Aston Martin Rally GT. The new car has been developed by Aston Martin Racing, a partnership between Prodrive and Aston Martin. The Rally GT is based on the Aston Martin V8 Vantage, but extensively re-engineered by Prodrive. The motorsport specialist has combined its experience of running the Aston Martin DBR9s in international sports car racing with more than 20 years of rallying experience, to create this new car. As part of its development programme, the Rally GT has already competed in three French Rally Championship events, coming second in the Series GT class on its debut at the Lyon to Charbonniers Rally.As with the DBR9, the Rally GT uses a standard road car chassis which is fitted with a Prodrive-designed roll cage for safety and increased torsional rigidity. The engine is closely based on the all alloy road car 4.3 litre V8 unit but has been tuned to make it more flexible and responsive for the demands of rallying.The suspension on the Rally GT carries over the road car's wishbones, but has new competition Eibach springs and three-way adjustable EXE-TC dampers. The standard road car transmission is kept on the rally car, but this can be upgraded to a six-speed, close ratio dog engagement gearbox, developed specifically for the Rally GT.A limited number of Rally GTs will be produced by Aston Martin Racing and the first cars will be available at the end of 2006.
Aston Martin
Independent rally teams will soon be able to compete in the world’s most exclusive rally car, the Aston Martin Rally GT. The new car has been developed by Aston Martin Racing, a partnership between Prodrive and Aston Martin. The Rally GT is based on the Aston Martin V8 Vantage, but extensively re-engineered by Prodrive. The motorsport specialist has combined its experience of running the Aston Martin DBR9s in international sports car racing with more than 20 years of rallying experience, to create this new car. As part of its development programme, the Rally GT has already competed in three French Rally Championship events, coming second in the Series GT class on its debut at the Lyon to Charbonniers Rally.As with the DBR9, the Rally GT uses a standard road car chassis which is fitted with a Prodrive-designed roll cage for 
Dodge Viper SRT10 Mopar Concept CoupeFeaturing Parts from
Four-door, high performance coupé
The Aston Martin Rapide concept is a four-door, high performance coupé of remarkable grace and poise. Based on Aston Martin's unique VH (Vertical/Horizontal) architecture, the Rapide combines the company's commitment to power, beauty and soul with space and practicality for every eventuality. It stands for stylistic excellence, market innovation and flexible manufacturing. The Rapide is the epitome of Aston Martin’s low-volume, high-technology approach, the synergy of modern methods and materials with traditional skills to create a new form of craftsmanship for the 21st century.
While the Rapide retains Aston Martin's inherent design characteristics the additional length and extra doors build upon the DB9’s taut, poised stance, generating a natural, even flow and a dynamic sensation that's conveyed even when the Rapide is standing still. “In terms of elegance the Rapide is adding value to the DB9’s undisputed elegance and subtle understatement,” says Dr Ulrich Bez, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Aston Martin. “Our cars must look beautiful from all angles, and the four-door is very well balanced.” Practicality and power are the Rapide's signature qualities, but above all it is recognisably an Aston Martin, a testament to the strength of the marque's design language. The Rapide's four-door body provides greater access to the extended architecture, making it a performance car for every occasion. “The proportions must be perfect,” says Dr Bez, “if we couldn’t achieve this then we wouldn’t have made the car.”
Architecture
Underpinning the Rapide concept is Aston Martin's VH architecture, developed to offer exceptional manufacturing flexibility. This high-strength, low-mass architecture forms the backbone of the current generation of Aston Martins, spearheaded by the DB9 Coupé and flanked by the DB9 Volante and the Vantage.
The extruded aluminium construction of the VH architecture can be modified in both length and width, providing a myriad of packaging options, and the chemically-bonded structure (using glues derived from aircraft manufacture) is mated with bodywork that mixes aluminum and composite materials. The architecture’s flexibility is further demonstrated by its use in the _ DBR9 racing car, where it is combined with carbon-fibre composite body panels to produce a modern race car of rare beauty.
Aston Martin’s traditional hand-finishing, craft skills and attention to detail operate side by side on the ultra-modern production line at Gaydon in Warwickshire. The VH architecture is at the heart of this manufacturing operation, its modular structure providing such inherent rigidity that it has given the company’s designers and engineers the same levels of freedom as their predecessors, 50 years before. In today’s marketplace, even low volume manufacturers like Aston Martin are governed by strict legislation and the need to balance power, weight distribution, handling and safety. Utilising the VH architecture as the foundation for the new Rapide concept, Aston Martin has illustrated how their current range might be expanded, a four-door coupé that complements the formidable DB9 2+2, DB9 Volante and the compact and muscular Vantage.
Design Ethos: Exterior
The visual language of Aston Martin is highly distinctive. Across a range of three cars, the company's design team, led by Design Director Marek Reichman, fulfils Aston Martin’s core values – power, beauty and soul – with bodywork that is taut, poised and muscular. “The brand is about the driving experience,” says Reichman, explaining how the concept is intended to provide everything customers have to come to expect from an Aston Martin, and more. “We wanted to make the most beautiful four-door car in the world,” he says, as he traces the Rapide’s development from a series of exploratory sketches in the Summer of 2005 to the finished, fully-functioning prototype. In the process, Reichman and his team explored the way the Rapide might be used, where and when it would be driven, even who would be driving. The four-door body was a natural way of providing access to the Rapide’s increased interior space, part of Aston Martin's commitment to design usability. “If there’s a space then you should also offer accessibility, otherwise you’re not being honest,” explains Dr. Bez.
Reichman describes the 'beautiful harmony' of the line that runs through the Rapide's bodywork, giving the car the appearance of motion even while stationary, an athlete in flight, rather than crouched and coiled upon the starting blocks. “It’s not a wedge, it’s graceful and flowing,” he explains, “we decided to let the lines flow right through the body to the tail, which ends very beautifully. In silhouette, the Rapide shares the same sinuous line as its two-door siblings, although when compared with the poised stance of the Vantage with its sprinter-like forward thrust, the Rapide is a long distance runner.” Reichman believes that proportion is fundamental to how a car is perceived. “There are forms that appear at ease and forms that _ appear tense and uncomfortable,” he says, “we wanted to make everything on the Rapide work in harmony.” Achieving this required the intuitive skills of Aston Martin’s modeling team, who work with both raw clay models and advanced computer modelling. “We put character and feeling into the surface,” says Reichman. “Our designers and modellers work with a sculptural language here at Aston Martin - the play of light on the surface are incredibly important to us.” Full-scale models are viewed in daylight and dusk conditions, for example, to ensure that the dramatic surface forms remain an integral element of each and every Aston Martin. Reichman believes that technology like the VH architecture allows him “to keep the form language and soul of the product.”
The Rapide represents the pinnacle of Aston Martin's design ethos, a formal language developed through the carefully balanced combination of elegance and aggression. In silhouette, three-quarters view and from both the front and rear, the Rapide is instantly recognisable as an Aston Martin, regardless of whether it is wearing the famous winged badge (still faithfully rendered in pewter and enamel on every model). The soft curves of the flank kick up into muscular haunches above the rear wheel arches, with the roofline staying low, true to the distinctive Aston Martin silhouette. The Rapide also features the metal side strakes, another signature feature, while the doors feature Aston Martin's unique 'swan wing' design, opening upwards at a 12-degree angle away from the kerb to provide greater access. The rear doors cut unexpectedly deep into the flank below the C-pillar, increasing the width of the opening to improve access. At 5m long, the Rapide is 30cm longer than a DB9, and only 140kg heavier. “Aston Martin should always be about the proportions,” Reichman says. “Although the Rapide is slightly taller than the DB9, the proportion of the section is the same, allowing the flowing lines to encase a spacious passenger compartment.”
Design Ethos: Interior
The Rapide continues Aston Martin’s reputation for highly-tailored, individual cockpits. The trademark glass starter button is a small element of theatre that is also beautiful and tactile, the perfect first point of contact with the car. Providing sporty accommodation for four passengers in such a low and beautiful coupé presents a formidable packaging challenge.
Sitting low to the ground, just four centimetres higher than a DB9, the interior is an exquisite leather-swathed package, with custom-embossed shagreen hide specially sourced for the Rapide . “It’s very cosseting,” admits Reichman, “it’s about creating a personal experience of the journey.” Like a set of exquisite hand-tooled luggage, the interior is compact yet also surprisingly spacious, with great attention to detail, like the extensive map and accessory storage and the mood lighting that maximises the feeling of volume.
Aston Martin has always been about truth to materials: wood is valued for its structural properties and appearance, as are aluminium, glass and leather, while carbon fibre is utilized for its strength and weight-saving abilities and not just a showy finish. A transparent polycarbonate roof brings an increased sense of spatial awareness, opening up the passengers' vistas beyond the driver’s focus on the road ahead. This ultra-light transparent material is a first for the company. The Rapide has dual climate zones, and the luxuriously appointed rear seats come with their own DVD screens and controls for the audio system and environmental system.
The dashboard is very driver-focused, the three passengers can also be as engaged and involved in the journey. For example, the satellite navigation system is fully accessible to all passengers, with a handheld Bluetooth unit that allows rear seat passengers to add their input to the route ahead. It’s this level of involvement that characterises the Aston Martin experience, and it is vital that both driver and passengers can share it.
The generous rear luggage compartment is accessed via a hatchback, a practical feature shared with the Vantage and the pioneering DB2/4 of 1952. In addition, each rear seat folds down individually, allowing for myriad interior options, be it three players plus three sets of golf clubs, or four people and their skis, which slot neatly above the central console. To give the concept a real sense of occasion, the feeling that every journey ends in an event, the interiors team have incorporated a chiller cabinet in the boot, perfectly shaped to hold a single Magnum of Jacquesson champagne, along with four elegant flutes.
The clock is an integral part of the Rapide's elegant dashboard. For this element, Aston Martin turned to their existing partners Jaeger-LeCoultre, world leaders in fine timekeeping and original manufacturers of dials in Aston Martins as far back as the 1929 1.5 Litre First Series. The Swiss watchmaker, which dates back to 1833, also created the exclusive AMVOX collection of understated gentlemen's timepieces. Aston Martin's engineers and designers collaborated with Jaeger-LeCoultre on the design of the Rapide concept's timekeeper, which takes on the characteristic traits of the AMVOX watches. The 270 degree sweep of numerals, dark grey dial with circular brushed surface, hands, numerals and raised sapphire crystal combine to make a beautifully refined object at the heart of the car, a series of sophisticated volumes created by the layers of the dials.
Tradition
Aston Martin has always acknowledged the need for elegant, high-speed touring sports cars. The four-door, four-seater saloon displayed at the 1927 Olympia Motor Show began a long tradition of cars that combined elegance, style and power with usability. The Olympia car was a closed-body tourer that sported long, flowing lines for the era, tapering to a luggage trunk and mounted on a tubular frame. The car was also low to the ground, purposeful and sporting. Four years later another four-door saloon was exhibited, with an aluminium-panelled body by Bertelli, finely engineered, detailed and upholstered throughout, with intriguing touches like the roof-mounted opening glass panel above the rear passenger compartment.
Experimentation and innovation continued. The 'Atom' project began in 1939 as a response to materials shortages, packaging design and post-war needs. A four-door saloon, the Atom was built around a steel tube chassis, upon which the bodywork was mounted. The strictly geometrical bodywork drew upon the new science of streamlining, and the car was smaller and lighter than what had gone before, with an innovative chassis design that ensured the company retained its image as a technical ground-breaker. In the decades following the war, the David Brown-era cars created the quintessential image of the grand tourer, two-door fourseaters that remain icons of car design. Beneath the supremely elegant skins there were yet more technological firsts, like the strong chassis-and-tube 'Superleggera' construction of the early DB series. In the 1970s and 80s, Aston Martin was uniquely positioned to accommodate almost any customer request, and four-door variants of the V8 and Virage models were built for a select number of discerning customers.
The Journey
Every journey in an Aston Martin is an occasion, proving that the most enjoyable way of getting between two points isn't always a straight line. The Vanquish S, DB9 Coupé, DB9 Volante and Vantage are all designed to sharpen the senses, extracting every grain of texture from the road surface, with high levels of driver feedback and involvement. Yet when conditions preclude making progress or spirited driving, an Aston Martin adopts a relaxing, restrained character, with the massive reserves of torque and power combining with the uniquely cosseting interior to envelop the driver and their passengers in the Aston Martin experience.
The Rapide continues this tradition - a fast, cross-country machine that excels in any driving conditions. The Aston Martin customer doesn’t need to have their choice dissected in minute detail: these are cars which appeal primarily to the heart, strong emotional design that is also subtle and discrete. The Rapide is a uniquely personal machine, its interior representing the _ very best of the company’s immensely skilled workforce, demonstrating how each Aston Martin is still tailored to a customer’s precise requirements. It also represents the high degree of personalisation offered by ultra-modern production facilities and a model line-up underpinned by a flexible architecture - a new model that could broaden the range to cater for every requirement.
Like all Aston Martins, the Rapide is a superlative performer. Powered by the V12 engine from the DB9 but uprated to 480 brake horsepower mated to a ZF Touchtronic gearbox, the car has performance equivalent to the DB9, although the gearing has been adjusted to suit the longer wheelbase and more refined ride. Carbon brakes and callipers, a first for Aston Martin, give the Rapide immense stability and stopping power. “A sports car is not simply characterised by the number of doors,” says Dr Bez, “so a four door car can still have the looks and performance of a sports car and the Rapide is certainly true to its name, providing an unrivalled way of taking four adults on a long-distance journey along any type of road.”
The Rapide is serious about the business of driving, a chassis that is equally at home amongst winding back roads, mountain passes or high-speed carriageways. It has the expertise to devour trans-continental distances while leaving the driver feeling fresh and alert, however far or fast. The rich exhaust note is intended to be heard echoing off the sheer rock walls of the Alps, the steering demands to be taken to the switchbacks of Austria's Grossglockner Pass, while the engine begs to be opened up along a stretch of German Autobahn. Although the power delivery is unrelenting, this is also a car designed for every day use, with ample space for a golfing weekend for three in Scotland , a lengthy trans-American journey or even a trip to a Bordeaux vineyard, with space to bring back 20 bottles of wine. You can sweep up to a hotel, restaurant or première and the four doors allow your passengers to enter and exit with style.
An Aston Martin is about elegance, power and innovation, a bespoke form constructed to high standards that provide the model definition of 21 st century design and engineering execution.
The Rapide is a seminal evocation of Aston Martin's recent history, proof positive that the high performance four-door automobile need not imitate the conservative three-box saloon; it can be a car of extreme elegance and beauty. A sporting coupé with real heritage, the Rapide is a practical choice that expresses the pure emotion and passion that underpins the Aston Martin marque, its rich heritage and design DNA.
Aston Martin begins the 21 st century with almost limitless potential. As one of the strongest and most recognisable brands in automotive history, the company now has the products, technology, production facilities and distribution network to offer unparalleled choice in this market segment, able to move rapidly from prototyping to concept to production. The company's fast-expanding global dealership network continues to revolutionise the highperformance sales environment, with a series of crisp, contemporary showrooms that highlight the very best in modern architecture and design, making them the perfect backdrop for the product.
Prodrive, one of the world’s leading motorsport companies will display to the public for the first time a stunning range of products for the Aston Martin V8 Vantage at Autosport International which takes place at the NEC Birmingham on January 11-14. Banbury-based Prodrive, which for more than 20 years has been running race and rally programmes for some of biggest names in motorsport, will have a huge presence at the four-day motorsport extravaganza with emphasis on carrying through its motorsport sport technology onto road car projects.
The V8 Vantage package, announced on November 30, will improve the car’s performance and enhance its driving dynamics and includes a performance pack for the engine; new driver-adjustable suspension; unique forged wheels; and a discreet aero package. The 4.3 litre V8 engine has been tuned to raise peak power to 425bhp, which reduces the car’s 0-100 km/h time from 5.0 seconds to 4.7 seconds (est.) and increases the top speed by 13 km/h to 293 km/h (est.).
A new throttle map, combined with the increase in torque, also make the engine more responsive throughout the rev range. Prodrive has worked with suspension specialists, Bilstein and Eibach, to develop new driver-adjustable suspension. A switch in the cockpit allows the driver to choose between normal and sports mode. The normal mode has been designed to enhance the V8 Vantage’s existing ride and handling characteristics; while the firmer sports mode delivers an even more focused driving experience on the road or for track use.
Aston Martin has confirmed details of its N24 race car, based on the critically acclaimed V8 Vantage road car, which will be showcased at the Autosport International Show this week. The Vantage N24 is based on a standard European specification production V8 Vantage, with modifications undertaken to prepare the car for the competitive racing environment.
At the 2006 British Motor Show, Aston Martin Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ulrich Bez, announced that the company would build a limited production run of cars based on the V8 Vantage that completed the Nürburgring 24-hour endurance race that June. The near standard V8 Vantage finished 24th overall out of 220 starters, completing some 130 laps of the 15.77 mile circuit – in a field of mostly specialised race-homologated entrants.
The Nürburgring 24-hour race not only gives its name to the V8 Vantage N24, but provided a conclusive demonstration of its abilities; a near standard car capable of tackling the demands of one of the world's most arduous racing circuits. The Vantage N24 subsequently went on to finish eighth overall in the inaugural 24-hour race of Bahrain in December 2006, again competing with highly modified race cars. During the course of the race, the Vantage N24 covered over 2600km, needing only fuel, brake pads and tyres.
With the formation of Aston Martin Racing in 2004, the company made a long awaited and successful return to international sports car racing firstly with the GT1 DBR9 in 2005 followed by the GT3 DBRS9 in 2006. However, the company also has a long history of racing near standard cars both at national and at international level. The Vantage N24 builds on this tradition - a factory built car proven and ready to race.
The Vantage N24 will be fastidiously hand built in a dedicated facility within Aston Martin’s Gaydon headquarters. The level of detail and finish conforms to Aston Martin’s exacting standards, fusing hand craftsmanship with advanced technology. The build of the first customer cars will commence in the coming weeks.
The Vantage N24’s engine is modified to enhance throttle response and performance; including the crankshaft, conrods and pistons being lightened and balanced, the cylinder heads re-profiled to optimise compression ratio and gas flow and the engine management system is calibrated for race use. The N24 also benefits from a free flow exhaust system and improved air filters. The standard V8 dry sump lubrication system is retained helping prevent oil surges during extreme cornering. The result is 410bhp (305KW) at 7500rpm – a 30bhp increase over the standard car. The N24 is available with a 6-speed manual transmission only. A Valeo twin plate cerametalic racing clutch and lightweight flywheel complete the powertrain specification.
At 1330kg the Vantage N24 weighs in at 250kg lighter than the standard car. The interior trim of the standard car is removed apart from the facia moulding which is re-trimmed in Alcantara. The console and door casings are replaced by new lightweight mouldings. The air-conditioning system is removed as are the airbags. The interior features a full high strength steel roll cage and Recaro Pole Position competition shell (a passenger seat and safety harness is an optional extra). A suede-trimmed steering wheel with a quick release mechanism is also fitted as standard. The Vantage N24’s safety features are completed with a Schroth six-point safety harness with a push button release and Lifeline Zero 360 gas extinguisher system.
The Vantage N24's underframe and body has also been discreetly modified to save weight and increase trackside practicality. Tapping plates have been included to accommodate the use of pneumatic jacks, and motor sport towing eyes are attached to the chassis. The side and rear windows have been replaced with clear polycarbonate, with a sliding opening on the driver's side. The bonnet and tail latches are now quick release items.
The V8 Vantage’s acclaimed suspension has required only minor adjustments to optimise it for track use. These include larger diameter front and rear anti-roll bars and adjustable ride height aluminium dampers, as well as single rate flat ground springs with separate helper springs. The front subframe has been modified for extra camber and castor, while Speedline cast magnesium front and rear wheels are standard, along with high performance Yokohama AO48 tyres.
The brakes have been up-rated with Pagid RS 29 race pads. As further endorsement of the standard V8 Vantage’s abilities, the active safety systems are directly carried over to the Vantage N24 including dynamic stability control, traction control, ABS and electronic brakeforce distribution, providing reassurance and control in slippery conditions.
The Vantage N24 provides an ideal base for a wide variety of Motorsport uses and is ideal for club racing amongst other categories. As supplied it is eligible for series such as the VLN Endurance Championship at the Nürburgring, the Britcar endurance series, the Dutch Supercar Challenge, the Australian GT Championship and the European Endurance Championship. In addition, the Vantage N24 is also potentially eligible for the proposed European GT4 series, the Grand-Am Cup and SCCA Touring Car Class in the USA1.
The Vantage N24 is on sale now with prices starting at £78,720 plus local taxes and delivery. The customer version of the N24 will make its public debut at the Autosport International Show at the Birmingham NEC from 11th January, as a guest car on tyre partner, Yokohama’s, stand.
Aston Martin V8 Vantage N24 Specification
The specification is based on a standard production, European specification (left hand drive), V8 Vantage with the following modifications:
Body
- FIA approved full roll cage in 40mm x 1.5mm 15CDV6 high strength steel
- Preparation for pneumatic jacks incorporating tapping plates
- Motor sport towing eyes
- Plastic side & rear windows – with slide opening on driver’s side
- Re-styled side sill with exposed carbon fibre rib
- Quick release bonnet/tail safety latching with hinges retained
- Lightweight aluminium side strakes
Engine & Transmission
- Cylinder heads; re-profiled and smoothed inlet and exhaust ports and optimised compression ratio
- Crankshaft, conrods, pistons and flywheel lightened and balanced to race standards
- ITG cylindrical foam air filters
- Reduced cell density primary catalysts
- Revised engine calibration (97 RON fuel)
- EGR & secondary air system removed
- Simplified oil breather system with catch tank
- Weight reduced rear muffler without by-pass valves
- Air conditioning system and compressor removed
- FIA approved ATL bag type fuel tank with twin fuel pumps -100L capacity. Filling point built into the right hand C-post with facility to accept a quick fill 'dry break' arrangement
- Standard 6-speed manual transmission – fitted with breather catch tank Valeo twin plate cerametallic clutch (215mm) with lightweight flywheel
Underframe
- Single rate, flat ground, 2.5” ID. Eibach springs with separate helper springs.
- Stiffened diameter front and rear anti-roll bars
- Dynamic Suspensions adjustable ride height aluminium dampers
- Front subframe modified for extra camber and castor
Wheels & Tyres
- Speedline 10” X 18” ET45mm cast magnesium front wheels
- Speedline 11” X 18” ET48mm cast magnesium rear wheels
- Yokohama A048 tyres
- Standard radial-mounted 4 piston monobloc calipers fitted with high performance Pagid RS 29 race pads
Electrical
- Reduced weight and optimised route wiring harness
- Optima gel battery
- Battery cut off relay
- New switch panel mounted in centre console (includes; re-settable circuit breakers for each fuel pump, extinguisher button, battery cut-off button, heater controls, mirror switch and toggle switches for fog lights, hazard lights, traction control and heated front screen.
- Panel graphics illuminated by ‘electroluminescent’ film
- Original V8 Vantage instrument pack
- All other standard production ancillary electrical systems removed
Interior
- Recaro Pole Position competition shell seat with Aston Martin wings logo
- Schroth 6 point safety harness – push button release
- FIA compliant Lifeline Zero 360 plumbed in extinguisher system (gas) – 4 engine bay and 2 interior nozzles
- Raised driver’s footrest
- New simple door casings moulded in ‘Twintex’ for weight saving and compatibility with roll cage
- Weight reduced facia, trimmed in Alcantara
- Shortened one piece carbon fibre centre console
- Quick release suede trimmed steering wheel.
- All other standard production trim and air bags removed
Options
-
Passenger seat and safety harness
Dimensions & Performance
| Length:
| 4380mm (172.5 in) | Height: | 1210mm (47.5 in) |
| Width:
| 1865mm (73.5 in) (exc. Mirrors) 2025mm (80 in) (inc. Mirrors) | Wheelbase: | 2600mm (102.5 in) |
| Front Track:
| 1580mm (62.2 in) | Rear Track: | 1590mm (62.6 in) |
| Kerb Weight (less fuel): | 1330kg | Fuel Tank Capacity: | 100 litres |
| Maximum Power: | 410bhp (305kW) | Maximum Torque: | 313lb.ft (425Nm) |
Light-weight Baby Aston
When these photos first hit the web a few days ago, a conclusion was jumped to that this might be the US spec V8 Vantage (otherwise known as the baby Aston Martin). But Autogespot.nl has done some digging around and realised that this might just be the Aston Martin V8 Vantage RS. It turns out that the RS was announced in December 2005 for late 2007 but it seems that it has drifted slowly from our minds, especially now with the release of the DBS at Pebble Beach.
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage RS is a light-weight (1270kg) version of the V8 Vantage but with more power. The RS weighs 150kg less than the standard Vantage while putting out an additional 40hp (totalling at 420hp). Aston Martin seems to be keen to compete more vigorously with the Porsche GT3 and Audi R8.
