Aston Martin Cygnet confirmed for production

Aston Martin confirms that the Cygnet luxury city car -- originally shown as a concept car in March - is to go into production in 2011 at the company's Gaydon headquarters in Warwickshire. the Cygnet is based on the Toyota iQ city car but is given signature styling cues such as the gaping front grille, and alloy wheels, plus a high-luxury interior with details that match the automaker’s supercar range. The luxury city car is scheduled for production with sales to start in 2011, pricing and specification will be announced later this year, but it is likely that the Cygnet will only be sold to existing Aston customers.

The Aston Martin Cygnet will be powered by a 1.3 liter engine delivering a total of 97-hp with a top speed of 105 mph. An electric-only version with a 60-mile range will arrive in 2013.




Press Release

Aston Martin Cygnet Confirmed for ProductionInnovation, Luxury and Individuality

• Aston Martin Cygnet to become a production reality in 2011
• Designed and built at Aston Martin's Gaydon headquarters
• An Aston Martin tailor fit solution for the city offering luxury and individuality

Gaydon, 11 October 2010 - Aston Martin is pleased to confirm that the Cygnet luxury city car - originally shown as a concept car in March - is to go into production in 2011 at the company's Gaydon headquarters in Warwickshire.

The Aston Martin Cygnet is a city car that sets a new benchmark for compact luxury, building upon nearly a century of experience building high performance sports cars, luxurious long-range grand tourers, and extremely competitive racing machines.

Cygnet demonstrates Aston Martin's commitment to innovation and integrity.
"It is time to think differently. Aston Martin is honest and we don't make compromises" says Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez.

"Whatever we do, we do right. If we do performance, we do performance; we don't downsize or compromise our sports cars. The Cygnet needs to satisfy the demands of emissions and space. It is a car without compromise, just like every other Aston Martin.

"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."

Cygnet expresses a simple but fundamental idea: in the modern city, scale equates to speed and freedom. At just three metres long, the Cygnet gives the driver a new dimension of freedom, able to slot into gaps in traffic, exploit the smallest parking spaces, consume the least fuel and emit the lowest emissions, all while delivering exceptional levels of quality and comfort.

"Cygnet is small but luxurious, an Aston Martin tailor fit for the city," says Marek Reichman, Aston Martin's Director of Design. With an almost unlimited palette of materials, colours and textures, each hand-finished Cygnet will be truly unique, a personalised space within the city. "Luxury is not constrained by scale."

Cygnet is a product of Aston Martin's unrivalled experience in craft, technology and design. The future city will present a very different luxury brand landscape, as social change and legislation increases the division between urban and anti-urban product categories. With the Cygnet, Aston Martin will be at the forefront of these changes, ensuring the company's enduring brand image will continue to prosper in new market conditions.

Dr Ulrich Bez continues: "The Cygnet is designed to support our sports cars by providing a greater degree of freedom in the urban context; it is a very special car, a premium but compact package with heart, soul and personality."

The Cygnet, a tailor fit solution for the city, will help drive Aston Martin into the future. "This car is reality; Cygnet is the natural choice for those who want a premium, bespoke commuter car."

Further details on the Aston Martin Cygnet including pricing and specification will be announced later this year. The Cygnet will be the eighth major production car Aston Martin has introduced at its state-of-the art factory since 2004, offering further evidence of the company's ongoing commitment to British manufacturing, backed-up by a dedicated local workforce and supplier network.

2011 Aston Martin Sports Cars DB9

The Aston Martin company has revealed their new 2011 Aston Martin sport car DB9 with new styling and some engineering and equipment upgrades. 28 June 2010, Gaydon, Warwickshire: In the most significant programme of upgrades since its world debut in 2003, Aston Martin’s sport car DB9 range has received a complete package of styling, engineering and equipment enhancements. “Improving upon what many consider to be one of the most beautiful sports cars in the world is a delicate exercise,” says Aston Martin.

The Aston Martin designers gave new 2011 sport car DB9 subtle enhancements in appearance including a new front bumper, new grille, a reshaped lower intake that now features a hexagonal mesh, new headlight bezels, re-styled sills, silver brake calipers, 20-spoke diamond turned alloy wheels and clear rear light lenses.

Performance comes courtesy of Aston Martin’s sport car celebrated 6.0-litre V12 engine, which develops an unchanged 470bhp and 442lb ft of torque. Mated to a choice of six-speed ‘Touchtronic’ paddle-shift automatic or six-speed H-pattern manual transmissions, the DB9 offers an intoxicating blend of effortless pace and sporting character. A top speed of 190mph and the ability to hit 60mph in just 4.6sec seal its credentials as the definitive 2+2 Grand Tourer.

Ian Minards, Aston Martin’s Product Development Director said, “The DB9 was the first sport car built at Gaydon adopting the VH architecture. It has evolved every year since, with significant changes including a power upgrade and successive reductions in CO2 emissions. The latest package of improvements goes further than ever, highlighting the DB9’s qualities as a true sporting GT and underlining its role as the backbone car of our range.”

The Aston Martin DB9 sport car is available as either Coupe or Volante (convertible) with rear mid-mounted six-speed manual gearbox as standard or optional ‘Touchtronic 2’ six-speed automatic transmission. Production of the revised DB9 is already underway, with deliveries commencing in July. Prices start from £122,445 for the DB9 Coupe and £131,445 for the DB9 Volante.

 2011 Aston Martin Sports Cars DB9

2011 Aston Martin Sports Cars V8 Vantage N420

2011 Aston Martin released the special-edition sportscar back in 2007 to commemorate the success of its Vantage N24 racer at the Nürburgring. It packed 400 horsepower, a series of suspension tweaks and some special cosmetic touches.

The 2011 N420’s sportscar powertrain is the standard Vantage affair, coming with the standard 420 horsepower V-8 engine. Successor to the special edition V8 Vantage N400 of 2007, the 2011 Aston Martin sportscar V8 Vantage N420 is based upon the standard 4.7-litre, 420bhp, 180mph V8 Vantage and is available as a Coupe or Roadster, and with a six-speed manual or optional Sportshift automated manual transmission.

The 2011 Vantage N420 sportscar draws inspiration from the company's experiences at the Nürburgring 24-hour race. In the 2006 running of the annual Nürburgring endurance classic amongst a field of mostly motorsport homologated cars, Aston Martin entered a near-standard, road-registered V8 Vantage.

2011 Aston Martin sportscar used carbon fiber on various parts of the car to help drop the weight by 60 pounds, which while not a lot is still a step in the right direction. The suspension gets the Sports Package that upgrades the Vantage’s springs, shocks and anti-roll bars to give the car better road holding.

The 2011 N420 also features special 10-spoke alloy wheels finished in gloss black, black mesh grille inserts, a sport exhaust system, the Sports Pack suspension (which is merely optional on the regular Vantage) and a range of racing-inspired paint combinations. The N420 sportscar will be available as a coupe or a roadster with the choice of a manual or paddle-shift transmission.

The 2011 N420 sportscar will make its U.S. debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in August. Orders may be placed starting this month, with deliveries to begin in the fourth quarter of 2010. Pricing starts at $133,350 for the coupe and $146,350 for the Roadster, less than $10K more than their non-N420 counterparts.

Aston Martin DB9 updated

Aston Martin has published the first information about modernised super car DB9. Outwardly changes is not enough, though super car also has received a new front bumper, hardly other radiator enclosure, new tail lights. Besides, the car will differ other 20-inch wheel disks.

However another is more important. Aston Martin DB9 will be equipped henceforth with a new adaptive suspender which will appear in a base complete set. Also there will be a monitoring system behind pressure in tyre covers, other microphone for system Hands-Free and new "music" from Bang and Olufsen. Engine is same: V12 in volume 5,9 l, 477 h.p. and 600 Nm.

Preview: 2011 Aston Martin DB9

Aston Martin is set to start deliveries of its new DB9 model next month after the highly desirable car received its most significant upgrade since its world debut in 2003.

The exterior styling changes of the 2011 Aston Martin DB9
include a new front bumper, bright finish radiator grille and a reshaped lower intake. The can also comes with new headlight bezels and clear rear light lenses, new sills, silver brake calipers, 20-spoke alloy wheels.

There’s a new front bumper and the grill gets a bit of sparkle. The lower intake gets a re-shape and a bit of bright hexagonal mesh and there’s new headlight bexels. The sills get a re-shape, there’s new alloys, silver brake callipers and clear light lenses. And that’s it. As we said – new makeup, not a stretched and manic looking Florida facelift.

The Aston Martin DB9 is available as either Coupe or Volante (convertible) with rear mid-mounted six-speed manual gearbox as standard or optional ‘Touchtronic 2’ six-speed automatic transmission. Production of the revised DB9 is already underway, with deliveries commencing in July. Prices start from £122,445 for the DB9 Coupe and £131,445 for the DB9 Volante.




Press Release

In the most significant programme of upgrades since its world debut in 2003, Aston Martin DB9 range has received a complete package of styling, engineering and equipment enhancements.

As the most successful Aston Martin of all-time (an honour it shares with the V8 Vantage) the DB9 has established itself as the definitive grand tourer, thanks to an enduring combination of understated elegance, sporting character and genuine luxury.

For Dr Ulrich Bez, Aston Martin's Chief Executive, the Aston Martin DB9 remains a very special car: "The DB9 is the quintessential sporting grand tourer and offers an unrivalled combination of driver involvement, character, luxury and refinement. This car combines our unique Aston Martin character with an uncompromised design philosophy, craftsmanship and trademark Aston Martin performance ability."

This new package of improvements compliments these core qualities perfectly. Subtle styling changes freshen the Aston Martin DB9's appearance, with a new front bumper, bright finish radiator grille and a re-shaped lower intake featuring bright hexagonal mesh. New headlight bezels, re-styled sills, silver brake calipers, 20-spoke diamond turned alloy wheels and clear rear light lenses complete the external revisions.

Under the skin the Aston Martin DB9's passive damping system has been replaced by a new Adaptive Damping System (ADS), which offers enhanced ride comfort together with sharper handling when switched to Sport mode. The ADS system is offered as standard equipment across the Aston Martin DB9 range, encompassing both Coupe and Volante (convertible). A new tyre pressure monitoring system, a revised Bluetooth microphone system and the addition of a new Double Apex alloy finish trim and Bang & Olufsen hi-fi options broaden the Aston Martin DB9's specification.

Aston Martin's Product Development Director, Ian Minards, explains that it is all part of an ongoing commitment to continual improvement: "The Aston Martin DB9 was the first car built at Gaydon adopting the VH architecture. It has evolved every year since, with significant changes including a power upgrade and successive reductions in CO2 emissions. The latest package of improvements goes further than ever, highlighting the Aston Martin DB9's qualities as a true sporting GT and underlining its role as the backbone car of our range."

The Aston Martin DB9 is available as either Coupe or Volante (convertible) with rear mid-mounted six-speed manual gearbox as standard or optional 'Touchtronic 2' six-speed automatic transmission. Production of the revised Aston Martin DB9 is already underway, with deliveries commencing in July. Prices start from £122,445 for the Aston Martin DB9 Coupe and £131,445 for the Aston Martin DB9 Volante.

Background

The introduction of the DB9 marked the beginning of Aston Martin's 21st Century renaissance. The first new model to be built at Aston Martin's headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire, and the first to be built around Aston Martin's rigid, lightweight, bonded aluminium VH architecture; the Aston Martin DB9 was an immediate and unparalleled success, setting a new tone for Aston Martins of the future.

Since its launch in 2003 some 12,500 DB9s have been produced and delivered to customers in 34 countries. This establishes it as the most successful Aston Martin model of all-time (jointly with the V8 Vantage), surpassing total sales of the DB7. Current Aston Martin DB9 production volume is around 1,500 cars per year.

Engineering

Since the DB9's introduction Aston Martin has demonstrated the versatility of the VH architecture by developing the Vantage, DBS and Rapide model ranges. In the process Aston Martin's engineers have gained an increasingly detailed understanding of the VH platform, which in turn has led to the constant improvement and evolution of existing established models.

In this latest package of improvements for Aston Martin DB9, hardware changes focus on the chassis, featuring a standard Adaptive Damping System (ADS) which offers a system constantly evaluating the optimum damper condition, similar to that seen on the DBS and Rapide models. Controlled by a button on the centre console, the two-stage adaptive dampers can be switched between their default mode, which is optimised for ride comfort, and a firmer sport mode, which delivers tighter body control and a more responsive feel. Such is the success of the Aston Martin DB9's new damping system that the DB9 Sport Pack upgrade has now been discontinued. However a Sport design alloy wheel is available as an option.

Performance comes courtesy of Aston Martin's celebrated 6.0-litre V12 engine, which develops an unchanged 470bhp and 442lb ft of torque. Mated to a choice of six-speed 'Touchtronic' paddle-shift automatic or six-speed H-pattern manual transmissions, the Aston Martin DB9 offers an intoxicating blend of effortless pace and sporting character. A top speed of 190mph and the ability to hit 60mph in just 4.6sec seal its credentials as the definitive 2+2 Grand Tourer.

Design

Improving upon what many consider to be one of the most beautiful cars in the world is a delicate exercise. According to Aston Martin's Director of Design, Marek Reichman, subtlety and fine attention to detail is the key: "The beauty of an Aston Martin comes from harmonious proportions, a ground-hugging stance, taut surfacing and a complete and thorough attention to detail. The Aston Martin DB9 epitomises these qualities; it is beautiful but subtle - not attention seeking."

At the front a new bumper is the main change, with a re-shaped lower intake featuring hexagonal mesh to compliment the new bright finish radiator grille. New headlamp bezels complete the fresh nose treatment. In profile the Aston Martin DB9's sill has also been changed, with a more prominent 'hockey stick' curve ahead of the rear wheels. Marek Reichman explains: "The DB9 remains one of the world's most beautiful sports cars and is instantly recognisable as an Aston Martin; the changes we have introduced here modernise the Aston Martin DB9 to keep it at the forefront of automotive design."

Other changes include silver brake calipers, 20-spoke diamond turned alloy wheels as standard, together with new design option wheels and a bright finish grille. Clear rear light lenses are also standard. Inside Double Apex alloy finish is now added to the list of options, along with the exceptional BeoSound audio system from Bang & Olufsen.

Motorsport

Mirroring the Aston Martin DB9's road-going success, Aston Martin Racing's DBR9 and DBRS9 endurance racers have proved hugely successful on racetracks around the world. With a total of some 20 DBR9 and 30 DBRS9s built and delivered to customer teams around the world, Aston Martins have consistently scored victories in a host of national and international championships.

Since winning on its race debut, at Sebring in 2005, the DBR9 has been established as a constant and hugely competitive car in the GT1 category, scoring back-to-back class victories at the greatest 24-hour race of them all - Le Mans - in 2007 and 2008.

2010 edo Competition converts Aston Martin DB9 into a DBS

Engineers at tuning firm Edo Competition spent the last six months in their Ahlen, Germany, workshop developing a package that would turn a 2005 Aston Martin DB9 into an Aston Martin DBS.  Amongst the upgrades is a boost in engine output from 470 to 550 horsepower (350 to 410 kW).

Exterior modifications include a new carbon fiber front fascia, as well as a carbon rear diffuser.  The car uses a new bonnet, with extra venting, and has a wider, more squared stance.  It also appears as if the car is riding lower to the ground.  Behind the new wheels are a newly-designed set of brakes, with six-piston front, four-piston rear calipers and 405-millimeter front, 380-millimeter rear rotors.

The custom interior presented a unique challenge: The dashboard, center console, headliner, door panels and seats were refinished with utmost precision. The choice of materials and colors was left to the customer, who, in this case, opted for an Alcantara/leather interior with carbon fiber inserts and metal accents.

Bigger high performance brakes, uprated sport suspension and 20-inch DBS wheels are the last parts of this conversion kit. The thing is, we are not sure this package (along with the cost of the car) is actually cheaper than buying a factory-made DBS!




Press Release

edo tuning program Aston Martin DBS

Power boost to 550 hp includes:
Electronic voting of the control unit, sports air filter and new sports catalysts
As a completely manufactured in stainless steel sport exhaust system with throttle control.
All work will be monitored and adjusted on the Leistungspru?fstand.

Only a sports exhaust system with throttle control completely made of stainless steel

The volume of the exhaust system can be controlled by remote control.
By pressing a button are two volume levels (and Super Sound Series) adjustable.

edo competition Sport-brake system
VA: 405mm disc with six-piston monobloc caliper and sport brake pads,
Rear: 380mm disc with four-piston monobloc caliper and sport brake pads,
Steel braided brake line set.

Interior: Carbon shift gate
Interior: Carbon Shift Knob
Leather work custom made individually.

21 "Racing wheels, three-piece with artificially aged castings, hand polished Edelstahlflachaußenbett, 39 stainless steel screws. Tire size such as serial or optional front 255/30 ZR 21, rear 295/25 ZR 21 Continental

If desired, the rim-painted

Edo sport suspension with adjustable compression train-in High and low speed, adjustable height

Option: Sport spring set 30 mm lower than series

Aston Martin V12 Vantage promo video

Check out this cool Aston Martin V12 Vantage promo car video.

In response to unprecedented customer demand, Aston Martin has confirmed that the V12 Vantage the most potent production sports car in the marques 96-year history will be made available in North America from later this year.

Under the hood is a massive 6.0-liter V12 engine that produces 510 bhp (380 kW / 517 PS) and 570 Nm (420 lb ft) of torque. The company predicts a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time of just 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 190 mph (305 km/h).

For comparison Aston's more mainstream V8 Vantage is powered by a 4.7-liter V8 which produces 420bhp and 470Nm of torque, enabling the car to run from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and hit a top speed of 180mph (288km/h).

First Aston Martin Rapide rolls off production line

Aston Martin is celebrating a new era after its first four-door Rapide sports cars rolled off the production line, headed for 125 showrooms in 34 countries.

Unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the Rapide is Aston Martin's first four-door coupe since the Lagonda went out of production in 1989. It features sexy styling, bi-xenon headlights (with integrated LED sidelights and direction indicators), and clear LED taillights.

The elegant Rapide, functional yet luxurious, provides space for up to four adults combined with an engaging driving experience synonymous with all Aston Martins. A 301 litre luggage compartment affords generous space for belongings for all four passengers, creating an Aston Martin which can be enjoyed on any occasion, anytime, anywhere. At the heart of the Rapide lies an evocative engine providing effortless power and torque: 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 lb.ft) 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.

The base price for the Rapide is $199,950. Just 666 examples are coming to the United States.






Press Release

New Four-Door Sports Car Officially Joins British Marque's Product Line-Up

Gaydon, Warwickshire, 7 May 2010. A new chapter in Aston Martin's modern era has officially begun; with the first four-door Rapide sports cars leaving the Aston Martin Rapide Plant (AMRP) for delivery to eagerly awaiting customers.

Following a warm reception from customers and media observers alike, the Rapide is now set to reach customers and Aston Martin's 125 showrooms in 34 countries over the coming weeks.

First shown in 2006 in concept form at the Detroit Auto Show, the Rapide project received an immediate green light from Aston Martin's new shareholders in mid-2007 following the sale of the marque by the Ford Motor Company. In a little over two years, Aston Martin's dedicated design and engineering teams have delivered a new car from the ground up.

In parallel with making the Rapide a reality, Aston Martin and its specialist automotive partner, Magna Steyr created a state of the art facility to ensure the Aston Martin Rapide achieves the same exacting standards set by the marque's model line-up at Aston Martin's headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire. The result is a plant that combines the very latest technology with time-honoured craftsmanship.

From the preparation of Rapide's bonded aluminium body frame, to the painstaking six-stage painting process where nine coats of paint are applied making Aston Martin's paint finish the best in class, to the trim shop where highly-skilled craftspeople shape and stitch 10 of the finest leather hides to create the Rapide's magnificently upholstered interior, the AMRP is a centre of automotive excellence.

Unveiled in production form at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2009 to worldwide acclaim, the Aston Martin Rapide encapsulates the values of Aston Martin in a four-door sports car with unrivalled performance, extremely high levels of craftsmanship and exceptionally elegant design. The Rapide is a car to savour and share, an expressive sports grand tourer that extends the Aston Martin experience to an entire family, a group of colleagues or other performance enthusiasts. Beauty, power and practicality have never been presented so seductively.

The elegant Rapide, functional yet luxurious, provides space for up to four adults combined with an engaging driving experience synonymous with all Aston Martins. A 301 litre luggage compartment affords generous space for belongings for all four passengers, creating an Aston Martin which can be enjoyed on any occasion, anytime, anywhere. At the heart of the Rapide lies an evocative engine providing effortless power and torque: 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 lb.ft) 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.

The Rapide is on sale now via Aston Martin's global dealership network.