Aston Martin Announces New Vantage GT4 Racer for 2011

It's only been a year since Aston Martin launched its Vantage GT4 racing car, but the British maker has already prepared an updated model for the 2011 season. The revised Vantage GT4 is said to be inspired from the firm's V12 Vantage road car, giving it enhanced aerodynamics and increased downforce, while it also features a number of other improvements.

The 2011 GT4 is closely based on the V8 Vantage road car, with which it is shares the same aluminium chassis, base engine and suspension designs.

The aerodynamic changes up front that include a new splitter, help increase downforce and direct cooling air to the brakes and radiator. At the back, Aston Martin added the V12's larger boot 'flip'. The 2011 car also gets a new carbon fibre diffuser and rear underfloor, which according to Aston Martin, create an area of low pressure under the rear of the GT4, thus increasing downforce while also channeling more air through a new rear-mounted high capacity transmission oil cooler.


Along with the aero upgrades and engine tweaks, Aston Martin is also offering as a first the option of a race-developed Bosch ABS and traction control system that has been specifically calibrated by Bosch Motorsport for the Vantage GT4.

The company said that along with its own one-make series, the Aston Martin GT4 Challenge of Great Britain, the new Vantage GT4 will also be eligible for the European GT4 Cup and all other series with a GT4 class.

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Aston Martin Quietly Unwraps Rapide Luxe Special Edition

What's better than a sleek Aston Martin Rapide? No, not some German competitor, but the Rapide Luxe, a special edition version of the British sports saloon that quietly appeared on the automaker's official website.

Those expecting more power or even better handling are going to be disappointed, as the Rapide Luxe is all about trim and styling offering extra color options, new wheel designs, added standard content and a bespoke six-piece luggage set.

Customers can choose from a range of colors including the Concours Blue and Quantum Silver. The car rides on 20-inch alloys, just like the standard Rapide, but the wheels wrapped around in Bridgestone Potenza's feature a different, 20-spoke design with a polished finish.

Inside, the grain leather that covers almost everything can also be specified in colors from the Fast Track or Contemporary range, matching it to the exterior tones or even creating an interesting contrast. Other visual improvements include unique Rapide Luxe sill plates, main control switches with glass face and a secondary glass key.

Ventilated front and rear seats come as standard, alongside the Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) system that features two 6.5-inch LCD screens, integrated into the back of front seat headrests and "optimally positioned at eye level".

The six-piece luggage set, made of course from the finest leather, can be ordered in the same Fast Track or Contemporary range of colors and consists of a small, two medium and a large hold-all, a beauty case and a garment bag.

Nothing has changed under the hood, so the 6.0-liter V12 continues to deliver 477 hp and 600 Nm (443 lb-ft) of torque allowing the Rapide Luxe to hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 296 km/h or 184 mph.

For details on pricing, buyers will have to contact their local Aston Martin dealer.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Aston Martin , Via: Autoblog.nl

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Aston Martin Cygnet makes its global debut... in Harrods window

Ah, Harrods. Not only is it the swankiest and largest department store in the world, but starting from today and running through December 11, it will also be home to Aston Martin's new luxury city car, the Cygnet. The British firm's polished up Toyota iQ is making its global debut at the renowned shopping center in London occupying a prominent position in the store's Brompton Road window display.

The British automaker has not yet released technical specifications on the Cygnet, but it is believed that the three-meter long (117.5-in.) mini will keep the iQs 1.33-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with 98-horsepower, hooked up to a 6-speed manual or an optional CVT.

The controversial mini with the Aston Martin badge will be assembled at the company's Gaydon headquarters in Warwickshire with regular production and sales to start in early 2011. However, the company statedthat the order books for the Cygnet have already opened, with existing Aston Martin owners believed to be given a priority at launch.

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VIDEO: Aston Martin Releases V8 Vantage N420 Promo

The N420 (see here) is another motorsport-inspired V8 Vantage. It's a successor to the 2007 N400 and it has been created to celebrate Aston Martin's achievements in the Nürburgring 24-hour race. Now, the British maker has released the first promotional video featuring its latest special edition sports car.

Borrowing the 4.7-liter engine from the stock V8 Vantage, the N420 is quicker due to the fact that it's 27 kg (60 lbs) lighter. Engineers achieved this by using carbon fiber components.

The handling has been also improved, as Aston Martin decided to offer the Sports Pack as part of the standard equipment. The package includes revised springs, dampers and anti-roll bars.

Inside, the most capable Vantage comes with updated instruments, leather or Alcantara steering wheel, lightweight racing seats and special N420 sill plaques. Prices in the UK start from £96,995, about US $155,638 or €112,277 at today's exchange rates.

By Csaba Daradics

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No Mr. Bond, I expect you to buy: 007’s DB5 fetches US$4.6 Million at auction

Well, it's done. The world's most famous Aston Martin was sold last week for a whopping £2,912,000 (US$4,608,500) by RM Auctions of London. The price includes a £30,000 tailored suit by Gieves & Hawkes of Savile Row (who dressed Sean Connery from Dr No to Diamonds are Forever) and a 7 night stay for 10 guests at Ian Fleming's former estate in Jamaica, valued at £40,000.

The new owner is an American business man by the name of Harry Yeaggy, who plans to put the car on public display in Ohio. Don't feel too sorry for the Aston's seller and only other ex-factory owner, Philadelphia radio broadcaster Jerry Lee, though. He's got a good return on his original investment of $12,000 in 1969 (equal to around US$71,400 in today's money, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics), all of which will be going to his self-named charity.

The 1964 Aston Martin DB5 should need no introduction. It was driven by Sean Connery's James Bond in Goldfinger and Thunderball and is probably one of the most iconic cars to ever grace the silver screen. This particular example comes with the trademark Silver Birch exterior and dark grey (not black) interior trim and a 282 bhp (210 kw) 4.0 L inline six mated to a 5sp manual transmission.

It was originally the Road Car, used for chase scenes and beauty shots, with no gadgets fitted. When you see James Bond chasing Tilly Masterson's white Ford Mustang along Swiss mountain roads in Goldfinger, it's this car you see. It has done just 30,000 miles (48,280 km), mostly from its pre-production touring days.

After Thunderball, Aston Martin asked that the Road Car be fitted with the full complement of gadgets so that it could go on tour with two special-built Press Car siblings. It has all the Ken Adams / John Stears Q Branch mods you would expect including revolving numberplates, machine guns behind the indicators and the concealed ejector seat button in the gear knob.

Jerry Lee bought the Road Car direct from Aston Martin in the late '60s, placing it in a purpose-built, climate-controlled room where it spent the next forty-one years. It only left to make a handful of public appearances, the last of which was in 1992.

Before the sale, RM's own Auto Restoration Shop returned the car to roadworthy condition, a process which included a full engine service, clutch work, rebuilding of the brakes and a new exhaust - all done to factory specifications.

Apart from the suit (which has thread made of solid gold, would you believe) and the hotel stay, there's the usual plethora of memorabilia - some of which is collectible and/or autographed - including period photographs, a copy of the original bill of sale and a certificate of authenticity from the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust.

So there you have it. One very special car, sold for a very special price. Harry Yeaggy is one lucky (former?) millionaire.

By Tristan Hankins

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