Mercedes Benz Slk 230 Kompressor Highlights & Features

Mercedes Benz Slk 230 Kompressor Highlights & Features

2005 Aston Martin Dbr9 cars specification and performance reviews

2005 Aston Martin Dbr9 cars specification and performance reviews

2005 Aston Martin Dbr9 cars specification and performance reviews

2005 Aston Martin Dbr9 cars specification and performance reviews

Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster

Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster

Aston Martin V8 Vantage - originally launched to widespread critical acclaim at the Geneva Motor Show in 2005 - is to receive significant technical enhancements, reaffirming the car's position as one of the world's most desirable and exhilarating sports cars.

While the universally distinctive and award-winning shape of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage is retained, the car benefits from a number of technical changes which include significantly up-rated engine performance from a new 4.7 litre power unit in both Coupe and Roadster variants. Other changes include revised dynamics to take full advantage of increased power and torque availability, improved Sportshift™ transmission software and a new sports suspension option.

The 4.7 litre V8 engine has a power output of 420bhp (an 11% increase on the previous 4.3 litre unit) and delivers peak torque of 470Nm (15% increase), providing the Aston Martin V8 Vantage with new reserves of mid-range performance, an improved 0-60mph time of 4.7 seconds and top speed of 180mph (288kph). Combined European fuel economy and CO2 emissions are also improved by 13% (Sportshift™).

Inside, the changes include a new centre console and revised switchgear and the introduction of an ECU replacing the previous V8 Vantage key. Externally, the acclaimed Aston Martin V8 Vantage design appearance is enhanced with a range of new standard and optional 19'' alloy wheels.

Engine
Improvements in performance have been achieved through a number of carefully developed changes to Aston Martin's acclaimed V8 engine.

The cylinder bore and stroke has been increased from 89mm to 91mm and 86mm to 91mm respectively, giving a total displacement of 4735cc.

The increase in cylinder bore is facilitated by a move to cylinder liners that are pressed into the pre-machined aluminium alloy block, allowing a thinner liner than was possible with the cast-in design of the 4.3 litre engine.

The new forged steel crankshaft provides the 91mm stroke and incorporates new holes in the counter weights for reduced rotating mass and improved inter-bay breathing. New forged steel con-rods and cast aluminium pistons complete the capacity-related changes.

Other key changes include efficiency improvements to the dry sump lubrication system, including a new sump casting with oil pick-up points moved from the front and rear to the sides of the sump. The cylinder heads are modified with a new intake port and an inlet valve size increase from 34.9mm to 35.9mm. The intake manifold has been modified to match the new port to optimise air flow.

Transmission
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage transmissions have also undergone changes to improve performance and to handle the increased levels of power and torque. Both the standard manual stick-shift gearbox and the optional Sportshift transmission benefit from a modified clutch and flywheel, reducing clutch pedal efforts and delivering a 0.5kg weight saving, reducing the rotating masses within the powertrain, and hence increasing engine responsiveness.

Aston Martin's Sportshift transmission has undergone a series of specific changes to broaden the capabilities of the gearbox to offer customers enhanced comfort and convenience with sporting capabilities. Changes include a revised control strategy, allowing the transmission, rather than the engine, to dictate how best the engine torque should be deployed to optimise performance and deliver power smoothly and consistently.

'Dual Throttle Map' software is also featured. When 'Comfort' mode is selected the engine reacts in a smoother more progressive manner to driver throttle inputs and in the default 'Sports' mode the throttle mapping is more aggressive, delivering a more dynamic and sporting feel.

Sportshift now also has the capability to take inputs from the steering wheel enabling the current gear to be held when the car is negotiating a corner and hill descent detection, allowing a low gear to be held, maximising the effects of engine braking.

Suspension
A series of improvements are introduced to the Aston Martin V8 Vantage chassis and suspension setup to deliver improved body control and low speed ride quality; enabling the driver to take full advantage of the increased performance potential.

A number of the improved components originally introduced on the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster are now carried over to the Coupe, including revised upper damper mountings and bump stops. Additionally, the front spring rates are stiffened by 11% at the front and 5% at the rear.

Steering geometry is also modified to improve steering feel, while the front lower suspension arm compliance bushes are stiffened by 22% to provide enhanced steering response and handling.

The Aston Martin V8 Vantage also now benefits from Bilstein dampers as standard; these low-friction dampers provide improved levels of dynamic capabilities and further improve ride quality.

Design & Optional Equipment
Introduced as an option for both Coupe and Roadster variants is a new Sports Pack which comprises forged lightweight alloy wheels aiding a lower unsprung mass, re-tuned Bilstein dampers with improved dynamic response, up-rated springs and a revised rear anti-roll bar (Coupe only). The Sports Pack is intended to offer greater agility, high speed body control and precision feel for the most enthusiastic of drivers.

Though the award-winning exterior design of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage remains largely unchanged, a new 20-spoke 19'' alloy wheel is introduced as standard, with either diamond turned silver or graphite finishes available as options, affording customers maximum choice. Alternatively, as part of the Sports Pack option, a 5-spoke lightweight aluminium wheel will be provided.

In the cabin, a new centre console constructed from die cast zinc alloy with a graphite silver finish is introduced along with a new ECU - first seen on the Aston Martin DBS in 2007. The ECU - constructed from glass, polished stainless steel and polycarbonate - replaces the key used previously for the Aston Martin V8 Vantage. The revised car also includes a new Hard Disk Drive (HDD) Navigation System offering faster route processing, additional features and improved graphics. Full ipod/MP3 integration is retained as standard equipment.

First shown as a concept car at the 2003 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Aston Martin AMV8 Concept caused a worldwide sensation as it allowed Aston Martin to enter a new sector of the premium sports car market with a genuine alternative to other cars on offer. Deliveries of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Coupe to customers began in late 2005, joined by a convertible sibling in 2007 when the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster was launched. The car is hand built at Aston Martin's Headquarters at Gaydon, Warwickshire, UK and to date more than 10,000 have been delivered to customers around the world.

Performance
* Max speed: 180mph (290 km/h)
* Acceleration: 0-60mph 4.7 seconds
* 0-100km/h (62mph) 4.8 seconds
* Max power: 313kW (420bhp) @ 7000 rpm
* Max torque: 470 Nm (346 lb.ft) @ 5750 rpm

Aston Martin abuse, somebody call a cop!

Photographed by long time reader Mika while in Santa Monica in 2008... Thanks Mika!

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Volare The Aston Martin Sports Car Concept is an eco-friendly

Aston Martin Volare is an eco-friendly

The Aston Martin Volare is a proposal for a next-generation Aston Martin supercar which features an environmentally friendly drivetrain. Aston Martin, like all other supercar manufacturers, faces a dilemma over the next decade; How to dramatically reduce the carbon footprint of their vehicles while also maintaining performance levels which are equal, or superior, to past models.

 

Volare The Aston Martin Sports Car Concept

The Aston Martin Volare is a design study of a two-seater sportscar that combines the typical styling cues of the brand with a fuel-cell powertrain and an interior characterized by the use of eco-friendly materials. The author is Coventry graduate James Trim. The two-seater Aston Martin Volare Concept features a high-power fuel cell stack, located between the front seats, a rear mounted battery pack, and a co-axial electric motor at the front. To aid the Volare’s weight distribution, the two hydrogen storage tanks have been positioned directly above the car’s rear axle. The Aston Martin Volare concept was a vehicle developed by James Trim during his final year at Coventry University studying Automotive Design. He is currently looking for placement opportunities.

Volare The Aston Martin Sports Car Concept 

Speaking about the exterior design of the concept, James Trim explains, "The underlying aim when designing the Volare was to combine present day technologies with the profile of a car that would be instantaneously recognisable as that of an Aston Martin."

Trim said of the design; “Aesthetically the vehicle sharpens up the familiar Aston Martin proportions, with much crisper shoulders and a noticeable ‘floating’ rear deck. The solid front grille was inspired by the older V8 Vantage, while the flexible front fenders can alter their shape to reveal daytime running lights or full headlamps.”

Volare The Aston Martin Sports Car Concept 

The interior uses eco-friendly leather. The materials used in the tanning process are derived from sustainable, farm bred, Mimosa trees. The natural extract from the trees is used to produce the chemicals necessary for farming leather.

This results in an enironmentally-friendly natural process, producing breathable and highly flexible hides. The center console is made from recycled aluminium. The emerging binnacle and Bang & Olufsen twin lens speakers add a touch of theatre to the cabin. "The principle concern being confronted by Aston Martin is the harmful impact their cars are having on the environment. With this in mind, the Aston Martin Volare retains the fantastic sound and outright performance customary with that of a gasoline equivalent.

Volare The Aston Martin Sports Car Concept  

Side from the eco-friendly drivetrain, another dictating factor in the Volare’s design was the desire to create a car which was instantly recognizable as an Aston Martin. It was important that the styling was influenced more by the heritage of the brand, rather than the source of power. On the Volare concept all the hallmarks of Aston Martin are instantly apparent, sleek profile, short front and rear overhangs, trademark grille, powerful rear arches and uncluttered lines.

Aston Martin Releases Carbon Black Versions of the V12 Vantage and DBS

Rather than unveil another Toyota in Aston Martin digs, Aston Martin has released limited-edition versions of the V12 Vantage and DBS. The Carbon Black V12 Vantage and DBS are painted in a Carbon Black metallic paint especially formulated with a subtle metallic twist to create a deep rich patina. Each car requires 50 man-hours of paint time.
Inside the seats are made from carbon fiber and Kevlar saving 17 kg over the standard seat. The seats are covered in Obsidian Black leather with silver stitching and the dashboard and center console trims are finished in piano black.
The Carbon Black Editions of the V12 Vantage and DBS are expected to cost 5% more than the regular versions.

Aston Martin Releases the First Official Photos of the Cygnet

It's not a joke. Aston Martin has taken a Toyota iQ and modified it to create the Cygnet.
To create the Cygnet concept, Aston Martin took the familiar styling cues from the other Aston Martin models like the DBS and upcoming Rapide and applied them to Toyota's tiny iQ. For now the car remains purely a concept, but Aston Martin hopes to have a production version ready for European customers in 2010.

2020 Aston Martin Twenty Twenty Sports Car concept designed by Giorgetto and Fabrizio Giugiaro of ItalDesign (2001)

2020 Aston Martin Twenty Twenty Sports Car concept

Geneva is one of the world's great auto shows, if for no other reason than it's the place where Italy's design houses and coachbuilders -carrozzerie- annually roll out their latest concept cars. This year, Aston Martin previewed the production version its voluptuous Vanquish (covered elsewhere in this issue). But that wasn't the only Aston on the show floor. The Aston Martin Twenty Twenty concept from 2001 was designed by Giorgetto and Fabrizio Giugiaro of ItalDesign.

2020 Aston Martin Twenty Twenty Sports Car concept

The fully-functioning concept car was intended as a vision for a convertible Aston Martin sports car for the year 2020. Italdesign sprung this amazing car on the unsuspecting visitors to the 2001 Geneva Salon L'Auto. This startling car, based on an early production DB7 Vantage, has a body shape made of exposed extruded aluminium structural elements; body panels made from plastic and carbon fibre are fitted onto it. Thankfully Aston Martin’s current styling trend is headed in a completely different direction to the Twenty Twenty concept.
The brushed aluminium highlighting lines which adorn the Aston Martin Twenty Twenty are an original design feature. However their overuse (especially around the front) gives the concept an unusual, almost comical appearance from some angles. The grille surround almost looks like lipstick.

2020 Aston Martin Twenty Twenty Sports Car concept

The Twenty Twenty is powered by front mounted, uprated version of the 6 litre V12 from the DB7 Vantage, said to produce 500bhp - visible through a grilled fairing on the bonnet. Initially it appears to be a strict 2 seater, although the rear bulkhead can be removed to provide seating for two children. The rear of the Aston Martin Twenty Twenty (from the doors back) is more appealing with more conservative use of bare aluminium. The soft top is stored in its own special housing that can be slotted into position between the roll-bar and the windscreen, 'Targa' fashion. Notice the fantastic door hinges - derived from the classic Aston wing vent, are both decorative and functional elements.

2020 Aston Martin Twenty Twenty Sports Car concept

Giorgetto Giugiaro and Aston Martin previously co-operated in 1961, when Carrozzeria Bertone worked on the two-seater DB4GT Jet coupe prototype. And like the original 'Jet' car, the 2020 is destined to remain unique. Aston Martin are believed to have thought the 2020 'interesting', but no plans were ever made even for limited production. As the Twenty Twenty isn't an official Aston Martin design project, don't look for any sort of production version. What about the name? Simple: It's the term commonly used to describe perfect vision. And the Giugiaros clearly have good eyes.

2020 Aston Martin Twenty Twenty Sports Car concept

In March 2004, I received an e-mail claiming the 2020 was for sale, but I have been unable to find any reference to this anywhere. But the car was seen for the first time in the UK at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, June 2005.

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2010 Aston Martin One-77 Front View

2010 Aston Martin One-77 Car Wallpaper

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