In my personal opinion, this is the best car ever made: The Aston Martin DB9.
The Aston Martin Vanquish V12 (gray) and Vanquish S (red).
The Vanquish was unveiled at the 2001 Geneva Motor Show and was produced from June 2001 to September 2004 with the later Vanquish S being produced from September 2004 to July 2007. Its rise to recognition by the wider public came after being featured as the official James Bond car in the film “Die Another Day”. The Vanquish was succeeded by the DBS.
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The Aston Martin Vantage V8 and V12.
The V8 and V12 Vantages are a series of hand built sports cars from the British manufacturer Aston Martin. Aston Martin has previously used the “Vantage” name on high performance variants of their existing GT models, notably on the Virage-based car of the 1990s. The modern car, in contrast, is the leanest and most agile car in Aston’s lineup. As such, it is intended as a more focused model to reach out to potential buyers of cars such as the Porsche 911 as well as the exotic sports and GT cars with which Aston Martins traditionally compete.
In May 2008, Aston Martin announced new technological updates for the Vantage, which included changes to the engine, transmission, suspension and appearance. New cylinder liners that are now pressed into the aluminium block instead of the original cast-in variants allow a thinner liner, which in turn allows a larger capacity of 4.7 L. The cylinder bore and stroke has been increased from 89 mm (3.5 in) to 91 mm (3.6 in) and 86 mm (3.4 in) to 91 mm (3.6 in) respectively, giving a total displacement of 4735 cc. The dry sump lubrication system was also modified.
The “Sportshift” semi-automatic transmission benefited from a software update, while a lightened flywheel was introduced for both the manual and the Sportshift. Aston Martin also stiffened the suspension and now uses Bilstein dampers. An optional Sports Pack is being offered with stiffer springs, tighter handling, and all-new 5-spoke alloy wheels. Sportshift-equipped models also receive a new dual throttle-mapping update which allows the driver to choose from the default Sport mode, or Comfort mode, which gives more comfortable shifts and throttle input for drivability.
New wheels are also part of the update including a 20-spoke alloy wheel and a new 5-spoke aluminium wheel for the Sport Pack. The interior has been changed slightly, using an updated console similar to the Aston Martin DBS and the new DB9.
The update provides the Vantage with 420 bhp (310 kW) (an 11% increase) and delivers peak torque of 470 N·m (350 lb·ft) (a 15% increase), providing the car with additional reserves of mid-range performance and an even higher top speed. Combined European fuel economy and CO2 emissions are also improved by 13% (Sportshift).
(Source: bit.ly)
The Aston Martin Virage V12.
In February 2011 it was revealed that a new Aston Martin Virage would be launched at the Geneva Motor Show. The Virage will sit between the more basic DB9 and the flagship DBS in Aston Martin’s line-up and will come with a 2 seat or 2+2 seating configuration. Virage’s hand-assembled 6.0 litre V12 engine will deliver 490 bhp and torque of 570 Nm. It will be capable of doing 0 to 100 km/h in less than 5 seconds. The new Virage will be available in two versions: Coupé or Volante (convertible).
(Source: bit.ly)
The ASton Martin DB9.
The Aston Martin DB9 is a GT sports car launched by Aston Martin in 2004, is this the first model to be built at Aston Martin’s Gaydon facility in Warwickshire, England. The moniker “DB” stems from the initials of David Brown, the owner of Aston Martin for a significant part of its history. The DB9, which was designed by Ian Callum and finished by his successor, Henrik Fisker, superseded the now-discontinued Aston Martin DB7 (also by Callum) which started production in 1994.
In 2008, Aston Martin decided to do a facelift to the DB9. Changes include a more powerful engine, re-designed interior and some minor exterior modifications. Exterior modifications include a new front grille, re-designed mirrors which look closer to the DBS supercar made by the same company and all-new wheel designs available for the customers to choose from. Customers also can now select clear tail lights for their DB9, much like the ones in the DBS.
Changes have been made to the engine as well which now produces 20 PS (15 kW; 20 hp) more (470 PS) and 600 N·m (440 lb·ft) through an increased compression ratio in the rethought cylinder heads. The Touchtronic gearbox has been modified as well to make faster and smoother changes. This was possible with the use of a new hydraulic control box. The new gearbox is also said to make parking easier than before. New Bilstein suspension was also added to the car which improved ride quality and handling characteristics.
Interior modifications include a re-designed center console which is identical to the one from the DBS supercar and thicker glass to reduce noise in the cabin.
In 2011, Aston Martin will give the DB9 another minor facelift, changing the front fascia, headlights, taillights, door sills, and wheels. The 2011 DB9 also gets Aston Martin’s Adaptive Damping System as standard equipment (previously an option.)
(Source: bit.ly)
The Aston Martin DBS V12.
The modern Aston Martin DBS is a high performance GT sports car version of the DB9 from the UK manufacturer Aston Martin. Aston has used the DBS name once before on their 1967–72 grand tourer coupe. The modern car replaces the 2004Vanquish S as the flagship of the marque.
It was officially unveiled at the 2007 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on 16 August 2007, which featured a brand new exterior colour, a graphite grey with a blue tint which has been dubbed “Casino Ice”. Delivery began on 2008 Q1.
The car is built in Gaydon, Warwickshire. Its engine is built at the Aston Martin engine plant in Cologne, Germany.
Overview specifications:
- Engine: 5.9 Litre 48-valve V12
- Transmission: 6-Speed Manual (optional 6-Speed Automatic)
- Drivetrain: RWD (Rear Wheel Drive)
- Curb Weight: 1,695 kg (3,740 lb)
- City Fuel Economy: 12 mpg-US (20 L/100 km; 14 mpg-imp)
- Highway Fuel Economy: 18 mpg-US (13 L/100 km; 22 mpg-imp)
- Horsepower: 510 hp (380 kW; 517 PS) at 6500 rpm
- Torque: 420 lb·ft (569 N·m) at 5750 rpmWheelbase: 107.9 in (2,741 mm)
- Length: 185.9 in (4,722 mm)Width: 75.0 in (1,905 mm)
- Height: 50.4 in (1,280 mm)
(Source: bit.ly)
The Aston Martin DB5.
The Aston Martin DB5 is a luxury grand tourer that was made by Aston Martin. Released in 1963, it was an evolution of the final series of DB4. The DB series was named honouring David Brown (the head of Aston Martin from 1947–1972).
Producing 282 bhp (210 kW), which propelled the car to 145 mph (233 km/h), this engine, available on the Vantage (high powered) version of the DB4 since March 1962, became the standard Aston Martin power unit with the launch in September 1963 of the DB5.
Standard equipment on the DB5 included reclining seats, wool pile carpets, electric windows, twin fuel tanks, chrome wire wheels, oil cooler, magnesium-alloy body built to superleggera patent technique, full leather trim in the cabin and even a fire extinguisher. All models had 4 seats and 2 doors.
Standard coupe:
- Engine: 3,995 cc (243.8 cu in) Inline-6
- Power: 282 bhp (210 kW) at 5500 rpm
- Torque: 288 lb·ft (390 N·m) at 3850 rpm
- Weight: 1,502 kg (3,310 lb)
- Top Speed: 145 mph (233 km/h)
- 0–60 mph (97 km/h) Acceleration: 7.1 s
(Source: bit.ly)
