First Test: 2009 Aston Martin DBS Touchtronic

It's not unusual for Her Majesty's Secret Servant to employ the same car in more than one movie. The iconic DB5 appeared in "Goldfinger" and "Thunderball," so why not let 007 have another go at Aston's freshened flagship, the DBS, for "Quantum of Solace?" For 2009, the DBS offers the optional availability of a six-speed automatic transaxle, 2+2 seating, a new 20-inch wheel package, and a Bang & Olufsen audio system. The DBS shares its layout and architecture with the DB9, but is much sportier and differentiated enough to earn its own name. Available in coupe form only, its sinuous body is crafted of aluminum and carbon fiber. There's no change underhood: 510 horsepower still boils out the same 5.9-liter V-12 the model was launched with in late 2007. This is our first track test of a DBS, and it has the goods to honor the badge on its bonnet. With a 0-to-60 time of 4.2 seconds, grip at 0.96 g, a 60-to-0 stopping distance of 106 feet, it's the quickest, stickiest, and shortest-stopping Aston Martin we've ever tested. And it feels so good doing it. The engine whirs and warbles as only a V-12 can. There's a ton of grip and good body control, yet the ride harshness isn't over the top. The new trans isn't as responsive as the best dual-autoclutch units, but lets you be in command. In manual mode, there are no downshifts even when you floor it, and it will hold gears to redline (which unfortunately isn't marked on the tach). Fire up the new B&O audio package and speaker towers rise out of the dash, looking for all the world like props from a Ken Adam Bond set. The system's imaging, clarity, and transparency are impressive. The rest of the cabin is a study in leather, Alcantara, aluminum, French stitching, and satin-finished carbon fiber. It's too bad the key fob looks like it came out of a 10-year-old rental car. Aston Martin's DBS walks a smart line between GT and sports car and is an eminently desirable piece. The new color, by the way, is named Quantum Silver, after the movie of a similar name. [source:MotorTrend]

 

First Look: 2010 Porsche Panamera

For Porsche, the Porsche 911 has been both a blessing, and a curse. A blessing in that it has seems to have transcended the usual automotive evolutionary process; a curse in that the car still, in many ways, defines the entire company. Porsche has attempted to break the mold numerous times over the past three decades -- remember the 928, and the 924/944/968? But until the Boxster -- a clever product development by former R&D chief Horst Marchart that delivered two cars (the 996 edition 911 and the Boxster) -- Porsche remained in the thrall of the 911. Today, Porsche still fields a line-up of cars that is 75% rear-engined. Which makes the new Panamera -- a front engined, four door sports Porsche -- a bold move, despite the success of the Cayenne SUV. When it hits the market next year, the Panamera will be fighting a two-front battle against the Aston Martin Rapide from the north and more than likely Lamborghini Estoque from the south in a few years' time (though Lambo boss Stefan Winkelmann insists the car has yet to be given the green light). The four door sports car category is brand new, but already the field is getting crowded. You need to understand two important things about the Panamera's development. First, Porsche boss Wendelin Wiedeking, who's 6ft 2 in., insisted he had to be able to sit comfortably in the back seat. Second, it had to look like a Porsche. Those two facts drove the entire program -- and are the reason why the Panamera looks slightly awkward in profile. The top-end Panamera-variants will do battle with upper crust four-door coupes like the Aston Martin Rapide At 195.7 in., the Panamera is longer than a Cayenne by 6.9 inches and almost the exact same width at 76 inches to the Cayenne's 75.9. It's no SUV though, standing only 55.8 inches tall. Porsche hasn't released the Panamera's weight, but despite its dimensions, insiders insist extensive use of materials such as aluminum and magnesium mean the car will be among the lightest large four doors in the business. Performance will be impressive, thanks to a line up of direct injection engines derived from those used in the Cayenne SUV. Base engine will be a 300hp, 3.6-liter V-6. The volume selling version in the U.S. is expected to be the 400hp, 4.8-liter naturally aspirated V-8. Power junkies will be lining up for the V-8 Turbo, which will boast 500hp. Despite their outputs and performance, all the Panameras will be significantly more fuel efficient than similarly powered S-Class Mercedes or BMW 7 series sedans, insiders claim. [source:MotorTrend]

 

Aston Martin V12 Vantage RS Concept (2007)

You can download pictures(21 wallpapers) of this Aston Martin V12 Vantage Right here>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>DOWNLOAD PICTURES he Aston Martin V12 Vantage RS concept is based on critically acclaimed Aston Martin V8 Vantage coupe, but the company's design and engineering team have fully exploited the design flexibility of their unique VH architecture and the motor sport development of their 6.0 litre V12 engine to create a dramatic and production feasible concept car focussed on extreme performance and dynamics. In a speech to the assembled guests, Ulrich Bez said: "Over the last five years, we have established a reputation for presenting fully functional, feasible concept cars, and the Aston Martin V12 Vantage RS is no exception. We will listen with interest to feedback on this concept and, as ever, if there is sufficient demand then we will seriously consider a low volume production run in the near future with a price that will reflect the exclusivity of the car. "With our dedicated production facilities, our own engine plant, our own unique vehicle architecture and now a dedicated design studio, we have the ideal framework to bring new models such as this to market and to further establish Aston Martin as the ultimate independent luxury sports car company." Although the 600bhp power output of the Aston Martin V12 Vantage RS concept will be the focus of attention, just as significant is the level of weight reduction achieved by Aston Martin's engineering team. With a kerb weight of less than 1600kg, the RS concept underlines Aston Martin's continued commitment to intelligent use of materials and weight reduction as a means of achieving improved efficiency and performance. In common with the Aston Martin DBS, the bonnet and trunk lid are moulded in carbon fibre and the concept also adopts motor sport-inspired carbon ceramic brake discs. The subtly aggressive exterior appearance is driven by function. The dramatic bonnet louvres extract air from the fully ducted cooling pack and the trunk lid features a deployable spoiler that rises automatically at high speeds to increase rear down force. The front bumper features cooling ducts for the carbon ceramic brakes and a carbon fibre splitter to balance down force. Director of Design, Marek Reichman, commented: "Much of Aston Martin's recent success has come from the ability of our designers and engineers to work hand-in-hand to optimise form and function. Our new dedicated design centre will take this process to a new level and I am delighted that the Aston Martin V12 Vantage RS is the first car to stand on the turntable in the studio." The 600bhp 6.0 litre engine featured in the Aston Martin V12 Vantage RS concept has benefited directly from the race development of this acclaimed power unit. It features a dry sump lubrication system, tuned length exhaust manifolds, forged pistons and steel con-rods, revised lift and duration camshafts and modified cylinder heads. Peak power is achieved at 6250rpm and peak torque of 690Nm is at 5000rpm. With a power-to-weight ratio of over 375bhp per ton, the Aston Martin V12 Vantage RS concept is the fastest accelerating road car ever built by the company, capable of reaching 62mph (100km/h) from rest in 4.0 seconds and 100mph (160km/h) in just 8.5 seconds. The unveiling of the Aston Martin V12 Vantage RS concept concluded a remarkable year of new product announcements for the British manufacturer. In 12 months the company has launched two of the most eagerly anticipated sports cars of the year - the DBS and Aston Martin Vantage Roadster - and announced details of the DB9 LM and V8 Vantage N400 special editions which celebrate the company's racing successes at Le Mans and the Nϋrburgring. All of these models now join the award-winning V8 Vantage, Aston Martin DB9 and Aston Martin DB9 Volante models in production at the company's Gaydon headquarters.

 

World's fastest cars

Here is the list of the world's fastest cars & the time taken.. Bugatti Veyron 16.4 0-60mph in 2.5 secs 253 mph SSC Ultimate Aero 0-60mph in 2.7 secs 257 mph Gumpert Apollo 0-62mph in 3.0 secs 224 mph Koenigsegg CCX 0-60mph in 3.2 secs 250 mph McLaren F1 0-60mph in 3.2 secs 240 mph Saleen S7 Twin-Turbo 0-60mph in 3.2 secs 248 mph Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 0-60mph in 3.3 secs 213 mph Ferrari Enzo 0-60mph in 3.4 secs 217 mph Pagani Zonda F 0-60mph in 3.5 secs 215 mph Bristol Fighter T 0-62mph in 3.5 secs 225 mph Ferrari's 599 GTB Fiorano 0-62mph in 3.7 secs 205 mph Porsche Carrera GT 0-60mph in 3.9 secs 209 mph Jaguar XJ220 0-60mph in 4.0 secs 217 mph Aston Martin Vanquish S 0-62mph in 4.8 secs 200 mph

 

Sport Cars: Aston Martin Launches Vantage GT4 Racer

Aston Martin's Racing division has revealed the 2009 specification Vantage GT4 race car that's based on the firm's latest 4.7-liter V8 Vantage model. Set to replace the outgoing 4.3-liter Vantage N24, Aston Martin's new competition car has been built to FIA GT4 regulations and it targets professional and semi-professional drivers but also enthusiasts who wish to use it for track days and club racing. It is priced from 96,645 ($143,000 U.S. or 114,150) and is available to order now with delivery in January 2009. The GT4 makes use of the new Vantage's 4.7 litre V8 engine that has been upgraded with a free flow exhaust system and air filters and is matted to either a six speed manual, or a Sportshift transmission with paddle controls. Both versions have a Valeo twin-plate cerametallic racing clutch and lightweight flywheel to complete the powertrain specification. Aston Martin Vantage GT4 Racer Weighing in at 1,330 kg or 2,932 pounds, the GT4 is approximately 300 kg or 660 pounds lighter than the standard Vantage V8. Aston Martin Racing's engineers managed to achieve this through a range of weight reduction measures that include the elimination of the interior trim and the replacement of the console and door casings by new lightweight mouldings. Other changes in the interior concern the addition of a high-strength steel rollcage and Recaro competition seats. A suede-trimmed steering wheel with a quick release mechanism is also fitted as standard while the car's safety features are completed with a Sabelt sixpoint safety harness with a push-button release and Lifeline Zero 360 gas extinguisher system. Aston Martin Racing team performed only minor upgrades to the V8 Vantage road car's suspension. 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 is modified for extra camber and castor while the GT4 sits on cast magnesium front and rear wheels wrapped in high performance Yokohama A048-R tires. The brakes are uprated with Pagid RS 29 race pads. The road car's basic active safety systems including the dynamic stability control, traction control, ABS and electronic brakeforce distribution have been carried over to the Vantage GT4.

 

Aston Martin Racing reveals new Vantage GT4 to replace N24

Click above for high-res gallery of the Aston Martin Racing Vantage GT4 At the Dubai Autodrome this week, Aston Martin revealed the car that will replace the Vantage N24, which has raced successfully in the FIA GT4 class and endurance events like the 24 Hours of Nürburgring for the past two years. Named the Vantage GT4, the new racer will employ a racing version of the production car's 4.7L V8 in place of the N24's slightly smaller 4.3L V8. Other race-bred modifications include a free-flow exhaust system, dry sump lubrication and new engine management software calibrated for racing. The new GT4 is hand-built by Aston Martin and can be ordered by race teams from the factory with a six-speed manual transmission or Sportshift tranny with paddle shifters. The production car's interior gets gutted and replaced with a molding of the dash that's covered in Alcantara suede (which also covers the steering wheel), a steel roll cage and Recaro competition seats. The suspension has been beefed up for race duty and the wheels are now cast magnesium wrapped in Yokohama race rubber, but Aston has carried over all of the production car's active safety systems like stability control, traction control and ABS. If you're a gentleman racer, you can order the new Vantage GT4 from the factory for £96,645 and have it ready to race by this January. Gallery: Aston Martin Racing Vantage GT4 [Source: Aston Martin Racing] Continue reading Aston Martin Racing reveals new Vantage GT4 to replace N24

 

Mansory gobbles up Porsche tuning arm of Rinspeed

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Rinspeed LeMans It appears that German tuner Mansory isn't content doing outrageous things to Ferraris, Rolls-Royces, Mercedes, Bentleys and Aston Martins. They apparently want to do similar things to Porsches as well. To make things easier on themselves, they have decided to just purchase a firm that already does wondrous things to Zuffenhausen's finest. Mansory has purchased the Porsche-tuning arm of Rinspeed and renamed it Mansory (Switzerland) AG. The deal is a bit complex, but Rinspeed Inc. will continue to operate as a separate entity, and will continue to do additional automotive work in the future, and the Porsche-specific side of the business now belongs to Mansory. So while Mansory will now be able to offer cars like the "Rinspeed" X-Treme Cayenne, Le Mans 600, Imola and Indy 4S, Rinspeed will continue to build its wild and wacky show cars, like the Splash, eXasis, and sQuba. Got it? Good. Gallery: Mansory SLR and 599 GTB   Gallery: Rinspeed sQuba Concept   Gallery: Rinspeed eXasis   Gallery: Mansory Aston Martin DB9 [Source: 4WheelsNews]