In terms of coolness, Aston Martin’s are ice cold, baby. You have proper classics like the DB5 and the DB4GT Zagato and modern classics like the Vanquish and DBS. The less said about the Cygnet the better. So now there’s a new kid on the block, the Virage, for those who want something a little faster than the DB9 but not quite as fast as the DBS.So that’s that, then? Well, no quite. You see, it’s getting to the stage where you need a trainspotters guide to tell one Aston model from another. They’re great cars, though without a tape measure and an eye for subtle differences in head- and taillights and body vents, they’re very similar looking. Too similar, one might say. Enter two Polish industrial design students, Norbert Adamowicz and Łukasz Kadula, whose take on Aston Martin is something completely different yet strikingly traditional. The DBX is a sharp edged, mid-engined two seater targeted towards younger customers. The two 21yo students say it extends the design language introduced on the awesome limited edition One-77. photosRead more In
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Aston Martin has decided to further complicate its range with the presentation of yet another pair of cars that are virtually indistinguishable from the brand's other models (insert Cygnet joke here) - at least for the untrained eye. This time, Aston Martin has resurrected the Virage name for a new coupe and cabriolet that sit between the DBS and DB9. According to the company, the Virage "capitalises on the technology from the DBS and unites it with the comfort and refinement found in the DB9 and Rapide".The Virage Coupe and the soft-top Volante are both powered by the company's familiar 6.0-liter V12 engine. Given that the same poweplant produces 477HP and 443 lb-ft in the DB9 and 517HP and 420 lb-ft in the DBS, it's only natural that the Virage's V12 would fit in between in terms of output delivering 497HP and 420 lb-ft of peak torque.The V12 is matched to a six-speed Touchtronic II automatic transmission mounted on the transaxle. Aston Martin says the 0-100 km/h (62mph) sprint comes in 4.6 seconds while the Virage can continue up to a top speed of 299 km/h (188 mph). In comparison, the numbers for the 477HP DB9 are 4.8" and 306 km/h (190 mph), and for the 510HP DBS, 4.3" and 307 km/h (191mph), respectively. The Virage features a new Adaptive Damping System (ADS) with a specific tune, as well as a Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system with bespoke settings, and standard Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) brakes.On the outside, the Virage sports a new aluminium metal front grille with five horizontal vanes that's inspired by the One-77, along with a redesigned front bumper, a fresh interpretation of Aston's side strake with six LEDs on the front wings, different side sills and a re-profiled rear bumper. Inside, the two Virage models come with a full leather interior complete with colored piping and several standard features such as cruise control, satellite navigation, Bluetooth telephone preparation and a 700W Aston Martin Premium Audio System with Dolby Pro Logic II and full iPod integrationIn coupe form, the Virage will be available as a 2+2 or a strictly two seater as an option, the latter providing a rear parcel shelf, while also reducing weight.The Virage will receive its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show next week and go on sale shortly after. photos
Aston Martin has announced a new addition to its Vantage family in the form of the more driver-focused V8 Vantage S, which is available in both coupe and roadster body styles. The new S models borrow certain styling cues from the V12 Vantage and also come with increased power, a new transmission and a tweaked chassis. “The Vantage S epitomizes every attribute of the V8 Vantage and pushes the driver experience beyond what we have offered before”, says Dr. Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin, “It combines dynamic exhilaration with all the charming finesse, beauty and practicality already associated with the Vantage range”.The Vantage S' 4.7-liter V8 engine has been further honed to deliver 430HP and 490 Nm (361 lb-ft) of peak torque, representing an increase of 10HP and 20 Nm respectively. The V8 is coupled to a new 7-speed Sportshift II gearbox, which has shorter gear ratios and is 20% quicker than the V8 Vantage’s standard 6-speed Sporshift. In “Sport” mode, drivers can benefit from even quicker gear changes, accompanied by a more aggressive throttle response.Other performance upgrades include a revised steering rack ratio, larger front brakes, new springs and dampers and wider rear wheels. Bridgestone supplies the special tires which, according to Aston Martin, optimize road holding and enhance the dynamic feel.Finally, the Vantage S has a unique exhaust note, thanks to a new exhaust muffler and bypass valve map.Besides being a performer, the Vantage S is also a looker. The front of the car features a new bumper with a splitter and larger air intake, wider side sills and a redesigned rear bumper, accompanied by 19-inch “V” spoke alloys as standard. A 10-spoke lightweight forged design is offered as an option.The V8 Vantage S is available for order now.photos Read more In
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