2003 Aston Martin V12 Vanquish - James Bond car in "Die Another Day"

Auto Car |  2003 Aston Martin V12 Vanquish - James Bond car in "Die Another Day"  | A grand tourer 2003 Aston Martin V12 Vanquish go to worldwide recognition as the official 007 James Bond car in the movie ‘Die Another Day'. In 2007 the Vanquish was taken out of production. The Aston Martin DBS V12 temporarily replaced it at the top of Aston's lineup, pending the 2010 replacement. The Aston Martin Vanquish was designed by Ian Callum and was manufactured by Aston Martin. Introduced in 2001 the Vanquish was Aston Martin's flagship vehicle.

2003 Aston Martin V12 Vanquish was designed at Ford Research in the U.S. was the V12 engine in the Vanquish. The Vanquish's V12 engine shares some of the components and design elements with the 3.0 L Duratec 30 V6. The engine even shares the same bore and stroke dimensions and for this reason many people incorrectly dismiss the V12 as just ‘two Duratecs linked together'. It is correct though that the AM V12 shares components with the ‘Duratec' engine design. The standard Vanquish's 6.0-liter V12 produced 460 hp and 400 lb/ft of torque.

2003 Aston Martin V12 Vanquish Mechanical Specs
Engine & Performance, Base engine size: 5.9 L, Cam type: Double overhead cam (DOHC), Cylinders: V12
Valves: 48, Torque: 400 ft-lbs. @ 5500 rpm, Horsepower: 460 hp @ 6800 rpm, Base engine type: gas
DriveTrain
Drive type: rear wheel drive, Transmission: 6-speed automated manual, Rear limited slip differential
Suspension
Double wishbone front suspension, Double wishbone rear suspension, Four-wheel independent suspension
Fuel
Fuel type: gas, Fuel type: premium unleaded (required), Fuel tank capacity: 21.13 gal, Range in miles, (cty/hwy): 232.43/380.34 mi.,EPA mileage est. (cty/hwy): 11/18 mpg

Aston Martin DB9 Volante

Auto Car | Aston Martin DB9 Volante | Aston Martin introduced a revised version of the company's critically acclaimed Aston Martin DB9 at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, which includes significant enhancements to standard specification. These changes include a revised version of Aston Martin's 6.0 litre V12 engine to deliver improved power and torque. Peak power of 470bhp (350kW) - increased by 20bhp (30Nm) - is now reached at 6,000rpm, resulting in a power to weight ratio of 267bhp per tonne (199kW/tonne) - an increase of 11bhp per tonne over the existing Aston Martin DB9.

Peak torque of 600Nm is delivered at 5,000rpm, providing even more accessible power for the driver, as well a greater performance feel overall. Accordingly, top speed is now 190mph (306km/h) and the benchmark 0-60mph time improves by 0.3 seconds for the Touchtronic transmission - which benefits from a new valve box and integrated transmission controls to achieve quicker gear shifts - to 4.6 seconds and by 0.1 seconds to 4.6 seconds for the manual gearbox.

The latest Aston Martin DB9 also incorporates a series of chassis developments for both the Coupe and Aston Martin DB9 Volante derivates. Bilstein dampers are introduced in addition to revised upper suspension arms and retuned suspension bushes to deliver improved ride quality; aiding greater refinement in the Aston Martin DB9 Volante and an enhanced sporting feel in the Coupe. The Aston Martin DB9 Volante also benefits from revisions to the front shear panel which increases torsional rigidity by 10%, further improving refinement.

The Aston Martin DB9 manages to combine all facets of style, quality and usability of a traditional Aston Martin without relying on retrospective detail or design. Accordingly, styling changes to the revised Aston Martin DB9 are subtle, reflecting the car's timeless design and understated elegance.

Exterior styling changes include the introduction of a new standard 19'' 10-spoke alloy wheel, new door mirrors and a revised anodised aluminium five-bar grille. In the cabin changes include a new centre console constructed from die cast zinc with a painted iridium silver finish and the introduction of a new Emotion Control Unit (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 DB9.

The innovative Aston Martin DB9 introduced an exciting new era for Aston Martin. The 2+2 sports car set new standards in its class due to its astonishing combination of technology, agility and design. The car marked the beginning of a new era for Aston Martin and became the first car to be hand-made at the company's state-of-the-art facility in Gaydon, Warwickshire.

Sales of the Aston Martin DB9 started in spring 2004, and to date, more than 10,000 examples have been produced and delivered to customers around the world - surpassing the Aston Martin DB7 as the most successful Aston Martin of all time.

Deliveries of the updated Aston Martin DB9 begin during quarter two 2008, with prices from £113,950 for the Aston Martin DB9 Coupe and £122,950 for the Aston Martin DB9 Volante.

Source: netcarshow.com

Aston Martin V8 Vantage N420 Roadster

Auto Car | Aston Martin V8 Vantage N420 Roadster  | Successor to the special edition V8 Vantage N400 of 2007, the 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 Aston Martin V8 Vantage 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. Driven by a team of employees, including Aston Martin's CEO, Dr Ulrich Bez, the V8 Vantage - named 'Rose' by the team - finished 4th in class and 24th overall from a field of more than 200 specialised racing cars.

Since then Aston Martin has returned every year to compete in this gruelling endurance race, scoring a string of class victories and podiums with road-registered V8 and V12 Vantages and most recently the new four-door Rapide. Not only has this racing success spawned a burgeoning V8 Vantage GT4 customer programme run by Aston Martin Racing, but lessons learned in racing at the Nürburgring has led to aerodynamic and other performance developments being fed back into Aston Martin's road cars.

A generous standard specification and some unique options ensure the special edition Aston Martin V8 Vantage is both exclusive and distinctive, while also offering a 27kg weight saving - achieved through the application of carbon fibre - over the standard V8 Vantage.

On the outside, wider sills combine perfectly with a carbon fibre splitter, side strakes and diffuser, while bold 10-spoke diamond turned alloy wheels complete with gloss black finish, black mesh vents and 'Graphitic' tailpipe finishers complete the co-ordinated look.

Inside the Aston Martin V8 Vantage offers an Iridium interior package, with graphite instruments, leather or Alcantara® steering wheel, special N420 sill plaques and lightweight carbon fibre seats, complete with 'Race Track' stitching as in the V12 Vantage. Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control and Park Distance Control are also standard.

Cementing the Aston Martin V8 Vantage's credentials as a special edition V8 Vantage tailored for the most discerning and enthusiastic drivers, it is fitted with the normally optional Sports Pack. This package combines revised springs, dampers and anti-roll bars for even more responsive and dynamic handling, while retaining the V8 Vantage's renowned poise, balance and long distance ability. Finally, a new sports exhaust system delivers a suitably rousing soundtrack.

A further distinctive feature is the availability of a new range of optional Aston Martin 'Race Collection' paint schemes. Pairing bold body colours with contrasting hues for the cant rails and radiator grille surround, they celebrate the marque's racing heritage. All of the company's successful N24 Vantage racers are celebrated, with 'Rose' yellow, 'Kermit' green and 'Elwood' blue all featuring in the collection along with traditional Aston Martin Racing green. The white and black car shown in the accompanying images wears the equally striking 'Asia Cup' livery. Aston Martin V8 Vantage N420 prices start from £96,995.

Source: netcarshow.com

Aston Martin Super Sport Limited Edition

Auto Car | Aston Martin Super Sport Limited Edition  | A few years ago, Aston Martin was busy creating an extremely special edition vehicle called the One-77 supercar. Fast forward to this year, and Aston Martin is at work again creating another special supercar that will be produced in an even more limited supply than the One-77. This time, they have enlisted the help of Star Electric Cars France to produce the Aston Martin Super Sport Limited Edition. The new model will be limited to only 8 units, each priced to € 7,500,000 (around $9,600,000 at the current exchange rates).

The Aston Martin Super Sport Limited Edition will be powered by a twin-turbocharged 5.4 liter V8 engine producing up to 950bhp. The engine is mated to a a six-speed manual transaxle, fully synchronized with an integral, torque-sensing, helical limited-slip differential.

This special edition will be offered with carbon fiber bodywork and Brembo or AP carbon ceramic brakes. The interior will be covered in leather, alcantara, and carbon fiber with Recaro seats topping it off.

Each of the eight units will be be painted in a different exterior paint with each color only being used once. This little detail certainly explains the limited number and extravagant price tag.

(www.topspeed.com)

Aston Martin V12 Vanquish

Auto Car | Aston Martin V12 Vanquish | Made popular by appearing in movies like James Bond or Lara Croft, the Aston Martin Vanquish was the manufacturer’s flagship vehicle. It was designed by Ian Callum and was officially introduced on the market in 2001, in New York. It is the biggest technological investment of the British automaker.

It was designed after the “Project Vantage” concept car and remained unchanged until 2005, when the Aston Martin Vanquish S was launched, which had new wheels and more power. It was sold alongside with the original Vanquish and in 2006 it managed stand-alone sales. Approximately 1500 Aston Martins v12 Vanquish and Aston Martins v12 Vanquish S have been sold since the first launch in 2001. The production stopped in July 2007, moment celebrated by the introduction of the Vanquish Ultimate Edition. This was the only one sold with manual-transmission. Many criticized the Aston Martin Vanquish’s automatic gearbox, especially acclaimed Jeremy Clarkson, from “Top Gear”. This change was estimated at £13,250.

The Vanquish has a V12 engine of 6.0 l that generates 460 horsepower and 400 feet-pound torque. It has 6 speed semi-automatic transmission, with gear that changes under 250 milliseconds. It reaches 100km/hour under 5 seconds, using electronic throttle control and has a top speed of 300km/hour. The body structure is made of aluminum and carbon fiber and composite materials. Superior electronic developments allow the transmission to run automatically for sport modes or difficult weather condition, running on 19-inch wheels. The V12 engine was designed at the Ford Company in USA and shares certain components with the 3.0 l Duratec 30 V6

The body structure is made of aluminum and carbon fiber and composite materials. Despite the innovative epoxy bonding, the Aston Martin V12 Vanquish is a heavy sport car, reaching 2 tons.

The Aston Martin v12 Vanquish sports coupe comes in both a two-passenger version and a 2+2 model, but the backseat won’t actually fit in adults, but rather light cargo or medium luggage. Inside the surfaces are polished in aluminum and the seats are tailored with Connolly leather.

The interior received noticeably bad reviews, concerning the quality of the materials used in relation to the price of $220 000. Testers have also criticized the cooling system deficiencies that rise in cases of hot weather and continued activity. The greatest criticism came regarding the shift gear that fell short of functioning correctly. On a high speed circuit and especially on hills, the gearbox failed to select third gear and later on failed again, but this time with all gears. As a result in 2007 the ultimate edition Aston Martin v12 Vanquish came equipped with a fully manual transmission, to the applause of the reviewers.

The improved version, the Aston Martin v12 Vanquish S, is the fastest non-racing Aston Martin an bettered the power to 520 horsepower and 426 feet pound of torque.

Specification

Make: Aston Martin
Model: V-12 Vanquish-S
Year: 2006
Country of Origin: England
Type: Supercar
Class: A
Engine: V-12, Naturally Aspirated, 5,935CC, Gasoline
Horsepower: 460 BHP @ 6,500 RPM
Tourque: 400 LB FT @ 5,000 RPM
Redline: 7,000 RPM
Brakes: Vented Steel Discs with 6 Pot Calipers on front, 4 pot calipers on rear
Wheels: 20 Inch Aluminium alloy all round
Handedness: Right
Dials: All Analouque
Readout: MPH
Transmission: 6 Speed Paddle Shift
Driveline: F/R Front Engined, Rear Wheel Drive
0-60: 4.5 Seconds
Top Speed: 201 MPH

(supercartrends.com)

Cars used in the Bond movie Quantum of Solace and Casino Royale

Auto Car | Aston Martin DBS V12 | The Aston Martin DBS returns in Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace as a completely new car. Originally introduced to Bond audiences as Lazenby's classic roadster in the movie On Her Majesty's Secret Service, the 1969 version of the DBS is probably most famous for two things: 1) not having any gadgets, and 2) not having any gadgets (such as a bulletproof windscreen...poor Tracy). Like it's older counterpart, the 2006 DBS is relatively stripped down (by Bond's standards, of course). Aside from a medical station for the 2006 model, the only other enhancement to speak of is an extra large glovebox, which is shared by both the 2006 model and it's predecessor.

The DBS V12 is an upgraded, limited production version of the standard Aston Martin DB9 series. In the words of Aston Martin CEO Ulrich Bez, the DBS is intended to be a more luxurious, usable and refined counterpart to the Porsche 911 GT3. And according to chief designer Marek Reichman, the DBS is perfect for Bond because "it is just like him; like a boxer in a Hugo Boss suit, classy and elegant, but also muscular and dangerous."

The Aston Martin DBS replaces the Vanquish V12 as the new flagship of the marque. The GT is powered by a 6.0 liter V12 engine producing 510 horsepower at 6,500rpm and 569Nm of torque at 5,750rpm. It also had carbon ceramic disc brakes, which is a first for a road-going Aston Martin.

Everyone probably looked forward to seeing this in action the most. It’s expected really, since the DBS is pure Aston Martin design language, which is possibly the sexiest of all with all the right curves and lines in all the right places. Plus the DBS was also first revealed to the public in Casino Royale (though they were actually reskinned DB9s), and only made a public physical appearance a year later at Pebble Beach 2007.

The vehicles in the Bond movie is probably a deal with Ford, so I suspect the Aston Martin DBS got KO-ed so early because Aston Martin is no longer part of the Ford group. The movie opens with a car chase scene with plenty of flying bullets, and Bond in the DBS is being chased by delicious-looking Alfa 159s. The 159s end up getting wrecked of course, that’s not even a spoiler as it’s so predictable.

Specification

Make: Aston Martin
Model: DBS-12 Coupe
Year: 2007
Country of Origin: England
Type: Supercar
Class: B
Engine: V-12, Naturally Aspirated, 5,935 CC, Gasoline
Horsepower: 510 BHP @ 6,500 RPM
Tourque: 420 LB FT@ 5,750 RPM
Redline: 7,000 RPM
Brakes: Vented Steel Discs with 6 Pot Calipers on front, 4 pot calipers on rear
Wheels: 20 Inch Aluminium alloy all round
Handedness: Right
Dials: All Analouque (Read counter Clockwwise) with back up Digital Speed Readout in Tach
Readout: Both MPH
Transmission: 6 Speed H Pattern Manual
Driveline: F/R Front Engine, Rear Wheel Drive
0-60: 4.1 Seconds
Top Speed: 191 MPH

(.jamesbondwiki.com)

2010 Aston Martin Rapide

Auto Car | 2010 Aston Martin Rapide  | The first sighting of Aston Martin’s hotly anticipated Rapide—the company’s first four-door since the quirky, boxy Lagonda—was on neither public roads nor an auto-show stand but rather sliding around on a frozen lake somewhere in Scandinavia. Our hardy and presumably well-insulated spy photographers somehow found it and its creators having a pretty dandy time testing its capabilities in slippery conditions.

Virtually undisguised save for some tape around the head- and taillamps, this prototype appears to be little changed from the saucy Rapide concept that took our breath away at the 2006 New York auto show (the prototype is practically the same color, even).

That car was essentially a DB9 with an extra foot between the axles to make room for the additional doors and more capacious rear-seating area, along with some special show-car touches such as a glass roof and glitzy lights that don’t appear to be making it to production.

What we do see, however, are what appear to be the same gorgeous 20-inch wheels found on the new DBS, a hatch-style tailgate, and some absolutely flawless proportions bound to make the upcoming Porsche Panamera look like a rolling cucumber by comparison.

The Rapide concept was powered by the same 480-hp V-12 found under the hood of the DB9, but we expect the production Rapide to have upward of 500 ponies. We also expect the price to be astronomical when it bows next year as a 2010 model

Specification

Make: Aston Martin
Model: Rapide
Year: 2010
Type: Super Saloon
Class: B
Engine: V-12, Naturally Aspirated, 5,935 CC, Gasoline
Horsepower: 470 BHP @ 6,000 RPM
Tourque: 443 LB FT @ 5,000 RPM
Redline: 7,000 RPM
Brakes: Vented Steel Discs with 6 Pot Calipers on front, 4 pot calipers on rear
Wheels: 20 Inch Aluminium alloy all round
Handedness: Right
Dials: all analouque (read counter clockwise) with Digital speed back up in tach
Readout: Both MPH
Transmission: 6 Speed Paddle Shift
Driveline: F/R Front Engined, Rear Wheel Drive
0-60: 5.0 Seconds
top Speed: 184 MPH

( astonmartinfanclub.blogspot.com )

Aston Martin DB9

Auto Car | Aston Martin DB9 | The Aston Martin DB9 is a thoroughbred sports car with GT levels of comfort and refinement. Combining Aston Martin’s unique character with an uncompromising design philosophy, the DB9 was borne out of a synthesis of traditional craftsmanship, high-tech manufacturing, modern components and use of the finest materials.

The DB9 is both a full-blooded sports car and a hugely capable grand tourer. Whether in Coupe or Volante form, it offers a supreme combination of driver involvement, character, luxury and refinement.

The future of Aston Martin is epitomised by the all-new DB9, a 2+2 seater sports car that sets new standards in its class due to its astonishing combination of agility, V12 power, smoothness, beautiful design and hand craftsmanship.

Using a radical new aluminium-bonded body frame, the DB9 is one of the most sophisticated and technically advanced sports cars in the world. It is powered by the latest version of Aston Martin's 6.0-litre V12, producing 450bhp and a top speed of 186mph. Yet the DB9 is significant well beyond being a class-leading sports car. It is the beginning of a new era for Aston Martin. It is the first car to be hand-made at Aston Martin's new state-of-the-art facility in Gaydon, Warwickshire, where all future Aston Martin models will be developed and built.

'Gaydon is the future of Aston Martin,' says Dr Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin. It combines cutting-edge high technology with hand-craftsmanship and tradition. It is probably the best facility of its type in the world, and the perfect showcase for how to design and build innovative sports and GT cars for the 21st Century. All cars built at Gaydon will be based on Aston Martin's new VH [Vertical Horizontal] platform. It's the first time in our history that we have had a totally flexible yet dedicated Aston Martin platform. The DB9 is the first car to use it making it the most important Aston Martin ever.

The engine is developed from the V12 used in the Vanquish. The advanced quad-cam 48-valve engine has been designed by Aston Martin engineers in partnership with Ford's RVT (Research and Vehicle Technology), and is unique to Aston Martin.

The crankshaft is new, as are the camshafts, inlet and exhaust manifolds, the lubrication system and engine management. The result is more low-down torque and a more seamless power delivery. Maximum power is 450bhp and maximum torque 420lb ft. Even more impressive, 80 percent of that maximum torque is available at only 1500rpm.

Comparing the Vanquish's engine to that of the DB9, Fitzsimons comments: The Vanquish offers more ultimate performance, the DB9 has more torque over a wider rev range, says Fitzsimons.

In the new DB9, the V12 - which is a significant 11.8kgs (26lb) lighter than the Vanquish V12 - has been fitted as far back and as low as possible, to assist agility and handling. This helps the DB9 achieve its perfect 50:50 weight distribution.

( www.supercars.net )