Motor Authority - blog Category: Vantage

  • Aston Boss Bez Says V-12 Vantage Headed To U.S.

    Aston Boss Bez Says V-12 Vantage Headed To U.S. September 22nd, 2009 By Nelson Ireson's avatar Nelson Ireson, Author, September 22nd, 2009 Nelson Ireson 0 Comments

    Aston Boss Bez Says V-12 Vantage Headed To U.S.

    Finding a more attractive performance luxury tourer than the Aston Martin V-12 Vantage is a tough, if not impossible, task. Combining the raw brawn of a V-12 engine with the sleek form of the Vantage coupe makes for an undeniably exciting package. And now those of us on the American side of the Atlantic can find reason for hope: CEO Ulrich Bez says the company is gearing up for U.S. sale.

    Only 1,000 of the cars were supposed to be built, according to Aston's official website, and none of those cars were headed to North America, but Bez recently told press at the Frankfurt auto show that the car is indeed being homologated for U.S. sale.

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    Finding a more attractive performance luxury tourer than the Aston Martin V-12 Vantage is a tough, if not impossible, task. Combining the raw brawn of a V-12 engine with the sleek form of the Vantage coupe makes for an undeniably exciting package. And now those of us on the American side of the Atlantic can find reason for hope: CEO Ulrich Bez says the company is gearing up for U.S. sale. Only 1,000 of the cars were supposed to be built, according to Aston's official website, and none of those cars were headed to North America, but Bez recently told press at the Frankfurt auto show that the car is indeed being homologated for U.S. sale. That's great news to anyone who can appreciate the sonorous nature of an Aston-tuned V-12, or 510 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. Jetting from 0-62 mph in just 4.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 190 mph can be fun, too. Those with acute memories will recall our story from late June noting that U.S. sale hadn't been completely ruled out, thanks in part to the potential roadster version of the V-12 Vantage that may yet be in the works. There will still be a lot of work to be done homologating the V-12 version to U.S. safety standards, however, as much of the room previous reserved for crumple zones in the V-8 version is now occupied by the larger engine and related hardware. But that's not enough to stop Aston Martin, says Bez. And we're glad to hear it. Now go read up on our coverage of the 2010 Aston Martin V-12 Vantage so you're ready to rattle off all the stats when your buddy calls you up asking if he should buy one. [Car and Driver] Read More

  • Aston Martin Builds Limited Edition V8 Vantage Roadster For Robb Report

    Aston Martin Builds Limited Edition V8 Vantage Roadster For Robb Report September 9th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran's avatar Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, September 9th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 2 Comments

    Aston Martin Builds Limited Edition V8 Vantage Roadster For Robb Report

    When it comes to special edition luxury cars, the name Neiman Marcus usually rings a bell. However, this time ‘round, the guys at luxury lifestyle magazine Robb Report have managed to get their hands on a small run of custom Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadsters.

    As if the svelte roadster wasn’t special enough, Robb Report, in collaboration with Aston Martin, has seen fit to create a version of its airy two-seater that takes exclusivity to new heights. Created to mark the car’s strong performance in this year’s Best of the Best judging, only seven examples will be produced, each with a unique build plate starting from...

    When it comes to special edition luxury cars, the name Neiman Marcus usually rings a bell. However, this time ‘round, the guys at luxury lifestyle magazine Robb Report have managed to get their hands on a small run of custom Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadsters. As if the svelte roadster wasn’t special enough, Robb Report, in collaboration with Aston Martin, has seen fit to create a version of its airy two-seater that takes exclusivity to new heights. Created to mark the car’s strong performance in this year’s Best of the Best judging, only seven examples will be produced, each with a unique build plate starting from “001” and ending with the ultra-cool “007”. All seven cars will also feature a striking triple-black color scheme--body, roof, and interior--as well as some unique chrome and glossy black wood veneer trim elements. There’s also a three-spoke steering wheel borrowed from the V-12-powered DBS flagship and a bespoke luggage set designed exclusively for the Robb Report cars. Under the hood remains the 420 horsepower 4.7-liter V-8 engine from the standard Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster, which you can read about in our review by clicking here. Matched to a paddle-actuated six-speed automatic Sport Shift Transmission, the all-black roadster will hit 60 mph from rest in just 4.7 seconds and reach a top speed in excess of 180 mph. The Robb Report Limited Edition V8 Vantage Roadster is available for special order through Aston Martin dealers and is priced from $153,000. [Robb Report] Read More

  • Elite unveils hardcore, lightweight LMV/R Aston Martin Vantage

    Elite unveils hardcore, lightweight LMV/R Aston Martin Vantage August 4th, 2009 ByKenneth Hall Kenneth Hall, Author, August 4th, 2009 Kenneth Hall 4 Comments

    Elite unveils hardcore, lightweight LMV/R Aston Martin Vantage There's no shortage of customized or modified Aston Martins, Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Porsches, but few go as all-out toward pure, unadulterated speed as the Elite LMV/R. Comparing its creation to Lamborghini's Superleggera cars or Ferrari's Scuderia and Stradale offerings, the Elite LMV/R, based on Aston Martin's Vantage, promises real performance through extensive modification.

    Named for Aston's history at Le Mans (the LMV/R stands for Le Mans Vintage Racer), the car is clearly aspiring toward streetable trackworthiness. The main change is a complete carbon fiber body kit, including front and rear bumper covers, canards, splitter, side... There's no shortage of customized or modified Aston Martins, Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Porsches, but few go as all-out toward pure, unadulterated speed as the Elite LMV/R. Comparing its creation to Lamborghini's Superleggera cars or Ferrari's Scuderia and Stradale offerings, the Elite LMV/R, based on Aston Martin's Vantage, promises real performance through extensive modification. Named for Aston's history at Le Mans (the LMV/R stands for Le Mans Vintage Racer), the car is clearly aspiring toward streetable trackworthiness. The main change is a complete carbon fiber body kit, including front and rear bumper covers, canards, splitter, side skirts, 2in wider front and rear fenders, rear quarter panel extensions, trunk lid, rear wing and rear diffuser. That's a lot of carbon fiber - but it doesn't stop there. Inside the engine bay and cockpit there's a full carbon fiber appearance treatment as well. Alcantara upholstery gives a sporting appearance where carbon fiber isn't appropriate, and a serial numbered plaque marks each LMV/R as one of just 30 very special Aston Martins. Further performance enhancements are made with lowering springs, a big brake kit, revised exhaust system, and 20in wheels and tires to match the wider body kit. The LMV/R will be assembled in Florida at Elite's workshop, based on the 2010 Aston Martin Vantage. Pricing for the exclusive, hardcore Vantage starts at $173,000, though customization and additional options from Elite and Aston Martin can drive the package price higher. Cars can be purchased through Elite's exclusive distributor, Exotica Motorsports. Read More

  • Aston Martin releases new high-res shots of V12 Vantage in action

    Aston Martin releases new high-res shots of V12 Vantage in action July 10th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, July 10th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 2 Comments

    Aston Martin releases new high-res shots of V12 Vantage in action Aggressive carbon fiber louvres, a bold engine note and the sheer speed of the thing are all that's needed to distinguish the Aston Martin V12 Vantage from its V8 sister. These latest high-res photos help capture all that's changed, and all that's stayed the same, adding to the photos previously released with more detail and action shots.

    Output of the svelte 6.0L V12 is rated at to 510hp (380kW) and 420lb-ft (570Nm) of torque. This is enough to propel the car from 0-100km/h in just 4.2 seconds – 0.1 seconds quicker than the DBS – and allow it to reach a top speed of 305km/h. Drive is sent to the rear wheels via a six speed... Aggressive carbon fiber louvres, a bold engine note and the sheer speed of the thing are all that's needed to distinguish the Aston Martin V12 Vantage from its V8 sister. These latest high-res photos help capture all that's changed, and all that's stayed the same, adding to the photos previously released with more detail and action shots. Output of the svelte 6.0L V12 is rated at to 510hp (380kW) and 420lb-ft (570Nm) of torque. This is enough to propel the car from 0-100km/h in just 4.2 seconds – 0.1 seconds quicker than the DBS – and allow it to reach a top speed of 305km/h. Drive is sent to the rear wheels via a six speed manual gearbox. Designed for the focused driver, numerous components from the standard V8 Vantage were either replaced or enhanced for application in the V12 model. For example, engineers have added a new limited slip differential, a final drive ratio of 3.71:1, and an alloy torque tube with a lightweight carbon-fiber propeller shaft. Engine airflow is improved by an intake bypass that opens up at 5,500rpm, along with a revised induction system and re-profiled inlet ports. The shark-fin hood vents also help get heat from the high-strung powerplant out of the engine bay. The V12 unit is 220lb (100kg) heavier than the V8, but thanks to all the weight saving measures the car’s curb weight has only increased by 110lb (50kg) and checks in at 3,700lb (1,680kg). For full details on the V12 Vantage, check out our release story here.2010 Aston Martin V12 Vantage Read More

  • Report: Aston Martin V12 Vantage not ruled out for U.S.

    Report: Aston Martin V12 Vantage not ruled out for U.S. June 29th, 2009 ByRalph Hanson Ralph Hanson, Author, June 29th, 2009 Ralph Hanson 0 Comments

    Report: Aston Martin V12 Vantage not ruled out for U.S. Aggressive carbon fiber louvres, a bold engine note and the sheer speed of the thing are all that's needed to distinguish the Aston Martin V12 Vantage from its V8 sister, but sadly the super-coupe is only destined for showrooms outside the U.S. Why? Apparently the car’s low volumes, expected to be 1,000 units all up, means it’s too expensive to justify designing it to meet tough U.S. crash safety laws.

    However, according to MotorTrend, Aston Martin is yet to rule out the car for U.S. sale and with an open top Roadster on its way things may change. If demand is strong enough and the business case supports it, Aston Martin is... Aggressive carbon fiber louvres, a bold engine note and the sheer speed of the thing are all that's needed to distinguish the Aston Martin V12 Vantage from its V8 sister, but sadly the super-coupe is only destined for showrooms outside the U.S. Why? Apparently the car’s low volumes, expected to be 1,000 units all up, means it’s too expensive to justify designing it to meet tough U.S. crash safety laws. However, according to MotorTrend, Aston Martin is yet to rule out the car for U.S. sale and with an open top Roadster on its way things may change. If demand is strong enough and the business case supports it, Aston Martin is willing to sell the car in U.S. showrooms but how long that may take is still up in the air. One of the biggest hurdles is the front-end passenger safety of the car. Shoehorning the DBS’ 510hp (380kW) 6.0L V12 engine into the compact engine bay of the Vantage has eaten away at space usually reserved for crumple zones and pedestrian crash protection requirements. The car is also available exclusively with carbon-fiber shell seats and this apparently fails to meet U.S. safety regulations as well. For full details on the V12 Vantage, check out our release story here.2010 Aston Martin V12 Vantage2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster spy shots Read More

  • Driven: 2009 Aston Martin Vantage Roadster

    Driven: 2009 Aston Martin Vantage Roadster May 28th, 2009 By Marty Padgett Marty Padgett, Executive Editor, May 28th, 2009 Marty Padgett 2 Comments

    Driven: 2009 Aston Martin Vantage Roadster What do you do with a supercar on the traffic-clogged streets of Los Angeles when the valet tosses you the keys to a $152,465 2009 Aston Martin Vantage?

    Hint: the answer isn't "flee to Mexico" or "scratch off the VIN plate and park it at home until the insurance report's filed." The proper answer is push it as hard as you can, from canyon to coast, and flaunt it--show it off as much as possible to the Heidis and Spencers of the world who merely rent massively capable supercars like this for party weekends.

    Heading south into the deepest, darkest reaches of Orange County confirmed our first impressions of the Aston's suave looks. There's... What do you do with a supercar on the traffic-clogged streets of Los Angeles when the valet tosses you the keys to a $152,465 2009 Aston Martin Vantage? Hint: the answer isn't "flee to Mexico" or "scratch off the VIN plate and park it at home until the insurance report's filed." The proper answer is push it as hard as you can, from canyon to coast, and flaunt it--show it off as much as possible to the Heidis and Spencers of the world who merely rent massively capable supercars like this for party weekends. Heading south into the deepest, darkest reaches of Orange County confirmed our first impressions of the Aston's suave looks. There's not much on the road that resembles this finely drawn roadster, save for its own distant cousin, the Jaguar XKR. It's awesome to behold. If you sat a fourth-grade boy to draw a sportscar, then taught him how to use CAD/CAM (or let him teach you), you'd end up with a combination of the crisp lines and gently swelling curves of the Vantage. Striking as a coupe, it's ravishing as a roadster. And in the cabin, there's more of the intriguing mix of traditional and technical--Steinway-style piano black trim on our test car, graced with notes of aluminum and brushed metal and LED lighting. It doesn't quite thrill the way a Porsche 911 Turbo might, but the Aston Vantage has a swift, engaging driving feel all its own. The 4.7-liter V-8 underhood has been massaged up to 420 horsepower, and it cracks off 0-60 mph times in 4.7 seconds, the company says. It's hard to imagine a Nissan GT-R being a whole second and a half faster, but it is. The Aston feels more linear delivering its power, though, and the satisfaction of rear-drive playfulness is there even after suspension modifications last year. The one aspect we'd change as soon as possible lies in the automated manual transmission--a half-step behind today's finer dual-clutch gearboxes like those from Audi and Porsche. Engaging the transmission demands a tap on dash-mounted buttons and paddles control the shifts, which are smoother than the automated manual shifters we've sampled from BMW (which is making the switch to dual-clutch designs, too). Once you’re engaged, the Aston responds neurally: steering is sharp in either the Comfort or Sport modes, and it’s easy to make smooth transitions in corners and through lanes. Botts Dots feel like those Sharper Image personal-massage units when you select Sport mode, in the most comfortable sense. The Vantage is glued, and transitions in lanes and curves feel seamless. Braking is smooth and deep. Even so, this is like so many cars, best exercised on a privateer track and not the 101 barreling south toward San Diego. It’s a sumptuous life inside the Aston Vantage cabin. With either Coupe or Convertible, the stout bonded-aluminum body yields a good amount of passenger room for two—though luggage and in-car storage is minimal. Leather swaddles the interior, where foot room and head room are par for the class. Seat comfort is above the average, though the lumbar placement is a bit high. Trunk space is minimal—a couple of weekend bags are about its limit—and interior storage behind the seats could fit a few magazines or atlases at most. Cowl shake is minimal, but the rearview mirror vibrates along with the premium audio’s bass output. Stunning interior materials start with the heft of the console lid and the LED lighting on the glovebox button and contribute to a strong quality feel. Optional piano-black trim has the gloss of a Steinway, the chrome buttons are cool to the touch, gauges are trimmed in polished and textured metal, and available red stitching lends a hip, high-tech feel to the cabin that’s utterly modern. With a long list of standard features, the Aston Vantage leaves plenty of leeway for customization. The Roadster we tested sported a base price of $134,800 and paid a gas-guzzler tax of $1,700. The base Coupe is priced from $119,000. Standard features include power leather seating; a 160-watt audio system with a six-CD/MP3 player and integrated iPod connector and USB; and automatic climate control. Options on the test car included a Bluetooth kit that paired more quickly than any car we've tested; a navigation system that’s not easy to use with the controls provided; satellite radio; and memory and heated seats. A 700-watt audio system is available, though steering-wheel controls for it are not and would be a useful upgrade. With those options and custom trim, the Vantage tested here came to a total of $152,465. It's lush with panache and power. And even if the 2009 Aston Martin Vantage is not quite the performance equal of cheaper machines, the distinction hits with that word: cheaper. There's nothing in the Vantage that feels or behaves in a less civilized way, and for grand touring in California traffic or in any road less traveled, it's a pretty glorious way to go.2009 Aston Martin Vantage Read More

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