Aston Martin’s One-77 supercar has moved closer to setting a new all-time record for the British marque in initial high speed testing after surpassing all predictions and breaking the 350 km/h mark.

The One-77 is currently undergoing a stringent development process ahead of planned launch in 2010 with high speed testing taking place at a top secret proving ground in southern Europe. In a series of test runs completed last week, the One-77 exceeded original expectations and recorded a 354.86 km/h top speed in dry but windy conditions, under the guidance of the Aston Martin engineering team.

Press Release (Click to expand)

 

Adapted from DeiselStation

The Cygnet has landed! Before now all we had to go on was one image of a clay styling model, but these are the first full images, revealing Aston’s IQ-based baby in all its glory.

It’s the model that has confounded car fans the world over – but here is proof that the British firm is going ahead with its most ambitious project yet.

Using the Toyota IQ as a starting point, Aston plan to ship the Japanese cars over to the UK before adding the radical styling changes, inside and out, that you can see here. At the front that classic Aston grille, but minituarised has been grafted on, alongside V12 Vantage-style bonnet vents and the famous Aston Martin badge.

The trademark side gills, gorgeous 16-spoke 16-inch alloys and boomerang style lights finish off the exterior enhancements. But it’s inside the cabin where Aston has really rung the changes.

An almost limitless range of bespoke materials will be available to trim the cabin, along with every gadget you’d expect to find in a modern luxury car. An iPod dock in the centre of the dash, built-in sat-nav and leather on almost every surface can clearly be seen in the photo.

Engine options will be limited to the larger 73 kW 1,3-litre engine from the IQ, meaning performance won’t be on a par with other cars in Aston’s range but that’s mising the point – the idea behind this car is to reduce average CO2 emissions across the line-up.

Work on the concept is ongoing and will continue into 2010 when it will become a production reality, initially available only to Aston Martin customers in the UK and Europe, for a price of around £20 000.

 

Adapted from AutoExpress

Few will ever contest the exclusivity of owning an Aston Martin. Any Aston Martin will do, but it doesn’t get any better than the supercars in the line-up, being the DBS and V12 Vantage.

But if you reckon there are a few too many of these models around, then I suspect you’ll be more than pleased with the Carbon Black Special Editions, which the company has just announced.

If you choose either of these models, expect bespoke Carbon Black metallic paint with a subtle metallic twist for a rich patina finish.

But this is no ordinary paint job. Each car will require an incredible 50 man-hours of hand painting with stringent quality control to ensure a perfect finish.

The traditional Aston Martin side strake is finished in proper carbon fibre, backed by black mesh along with a set of superb gloss black 10-spoke diamond turned alloy wheels.

It’s all about black inside the car too with Obsidian Black leather with contrasting sliver course stitch – hand stitched of course by craftspeople at Aston Martin headquarters in England.

Special lightweight seats made from carbon fibre and Kevlar replace the standard sports seats, saving a significant 17 kilograms per seat.

Continuing with the all-black theme, the facia, centre stack and centre console are trimmed Piano black along with anodised black tread plates and carbon sill plaques.

Audio in the V12 Vantage is a 700w premium system, which we rate as the best standard fit in car audio system we have heard in 2009, while the DBS is fitted the incomparable Bang & Olufsen Beosound DBS system as standard kit.

Order the Carbon Black Edition V12 Vantage then you will have the opportunity to experience Aston Martin’s Performance Driving Course (UK and Europe only) free of charge, which should be hugely rewarding for any owner.

 

Adapted from CarAdvice

Well known performance exhausts manufactures, Quicksilver and Tubi Style, are now represented in South Africa by Race Sound.

Race Sound is the brainchild of Reinhart Schwendinger, ex-marketing manager for Ferrari and Maserati South Africa. Schwendinger says, ‘After more than a year of planning, and with two top brands secured, Race Sound is now ready to deliver exhausts that make sports cars sound the way they should.’

Italian exhaust manufacturer Tubi Style, is based in the town of Maranello and located next door to the prestigeous Ferrari factory. Tubi Style have their heritage in Formula 1 and began producing their first exhaust systems in 1987. More than 20 years later, the company continues to manufacture exhaust systems for exclusive sports car brands, including Aston Martin, Bentley, Bugatti, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati and Porsche. In addition, Tubi Style also cater for two wheeled exotica with their HPE (High Performance Exhaust) exhausts for Ducati, Benelli, Buel and BMW motorcycles.

Quicksilver Exhausts originate from Surrey, England. A location admittedly not as emotive as Maranello, but one that houses the Quicksilver factory where more 30 years of manufacturing experience come together to produce exhaust systems for the world’s finest cars. Quicksilver stainless-steel exhausts are manufactured by craftsmen in order to ensure the original performance, appearance and sound, and are also backed by a superior 25 year anti-corrosion guarantee.

With almost 50 years of specialist exhaust manufacturing experience between the brands, Race Sound is able to offer performance stainless-steel exhaust systems for the finest classic, prestige and exotic sports cars on South Africa’s roads.

The company’s performance exhaust range caters for both petrol and diesel versions of; Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Audi, Austin, Bentley, BMW, Ferrari, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Maserati, Porsche as well as; Ford, Daimler, Hummer, Landrover/Range Rover, Lotus, Mercedes, MG, Mini, Morgon Morris and Rolls Royce.

UPDATE:  Race Sound is now an agent for Einsenmann exhaust systems. Eisenmann is widely recognised as one of the top exhaust manufacturers in the world. Proof of the German exhaust manufacturers quality is the fact that Eisenmann are the OEM suppliers for Porsche, AMG Mercedes, Brabus, Reiger Tunnig, Lumma Tuning, G-Power and others. Every Eisenmann exhaust is built to your individual preferences – for example, tip sizes, styles and preferred sound level (choosing from either; Factory Sport, Road Sport or Race levels). So if you’re looking for a high-quality exhaust system for your pride and joy, get in touch with Reinhart at Race Sound and find out what is available for your car from the likes of Tubi Style, Quicksilver, HPE or Einsenmann.

 

It’s finally here! Aston Martin has at last unveiled the production version of its brand-new four-door sports car, the Rapide, at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Looking virtually identical to the Rapide concept, which debuted at the 2006 North American International Auto Show, the production model blends sexy styling with five-door practicality. Exterior highlights include bi-xenon headlamps (with integrated LED sidelights and direction indicators), clear LED taillights, hidden door handles and 20-inch alloy wheels outfitted with Bridgestone Potenza tires.

Inside, the hatchback boasts a luxurious cabin with leather upholstery, walnut trim, and iridium silver accents. Other features include a rear center console, automatic climate control, individual seating for four (with heat), organic electroluminescent (OEL) instrument displays, and LED interior lighting. In the tech department, the Rapide has a GPS navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 1000 Watt Bang & Olufsen BeoSound audio system with iPod and USB connections. While the Rapide only has a 301-litre luggage capacity, it can be expanded to 750-litres by touching a button that lowers the rear seats.

Power comes from Aston Martin’s 6,0-litre V12 engine which produces 350 kW and 600 N.m of torque. Backed up by a six-speed Touchtronic 2 transmission (with steering column-mounted magnesium paddles), the Rapide accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 5.3 before hitting an estimated top speed of 303 km/h.

Measuring 5 019 mm long and 1 360 mm high, the Rapide uses a modified version of Aston Martin’s aluminum V/H platform. With an independent double wishbone suspension (with coil springs, anti-roll bars and monotube adaptive dampers), the car should offer a premium ride quality while remaining sporty.

According to CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez, the “Rapide is the culmination of the Aston Martin range of sports cars, a car that seals the revival of a truly admired marque. There is now an Aston Martin for every taste and for every use.” He continued, “With (the) Rapide, the entire family can enjoy their Aston Martin together in unison, in an invigorating yet comfortable environment, sitting low, with plenty of visibility from every seat and with new levels of comfort, refinement and entertainment.”

 

Adapted from WorldCarFans

The International Motor Show, or Frankfurt Motor Show, is the world’s largest motor show. It is held every two years in Frankfurt, Germany and this year, from 17 – 27 of September, the 63rd exhibition takes place.

The 2010 Volkswagen R20 Golf, Mini Coupe Concept, Fiat Punto Evo, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and brand new Bugatti Bordeaux car are just a few of the top cars making up Frankfurt’s stellar line-up. But are any of them good enough to make it into our Top 10 cars hitting the showroom floor?

Join us as we run through ten cars you should take note of at the 2009 International Motor Show.

(Click to reveal...)

Adapted from Orange

Scuderia, Stradale and Superleggera watch out! There is a new competitor in the super tuned sports car marketplace: the new Aston Martin LMV/R which stands for Le Mans Vantage Racer. The special edition factory hot rod is limited to only 30 units, the new LMV/R will be built by custom order at a specialty shop in Florida and then shipped back to the customer’s dealership of choice. The Le Mans inspired Vantage will be priced at US$194 000 plus the cost of the Aston Martin.

So, how is it that an Aston Martin LMV/R comes to life? Start off with a stock Vantage, then add a set of matte black 20 inch wheels, lowering springs, new front bumper with mesh screens and carbon fibre canards, a carbon fibre front splitter, bonnet, wide front fenders, side skirts, wide body panels for the rear quarters, trunk lid with visible carbon rear wing, rear bumper with integrated carbon fibre diffuser and finished off with a pair of matte black stripes. Then prepare to get greasy by changing out the standard stoppers for a big brake kit, sport exhaust complete with high flow cats and tuned headers. Afterwards they dress up the engine bay with a few carbon fibre accessories followed by an ECU upgrade. The interior is then fully recovered in Alcantara, dressed up with a carbon fibre interior kit and a numbered plaque to authenticate the LMV/R.

Press Release (Click to expand)

Adapted from TopSpeed

A British company is offering a supercar driving experience to any youngster who can see over the steering wheel without a booster seat.

For about US$135, 6th Gear’s Teen Track Attack program gives kids track time in sweet rides like the Lamborghini Gallardo, Ferrari 360 Spyder, Aston Martin DB9 and Audi R8 — just so long as they’re at least 4 feet 10 inches tall. The kids, whose parents are waaaay cooler than ours ever were, get 10 to 15 minutes on a coned-out circuit. For an extra $30, 6th Gear offers a ‘Hot Lap’ with an instructor giving the grinning kid ‘a thrilling high speed passenger ride which is sure to keep them smiling,’ says the company web site. If Mom and Dad are brave enough, they can watch it all from a nearby spectator area.

We’re all a little old for the Teen Track Attack, but when we heard about it our first instinct was to beg our parents to let us go.

Already offering track days for those with legal drivers licenses since 2006, 6th Gear started giving the keys to kids after witnessing a rival company let kids drive Peugeot 206s. 6th Gear says it ‘had to go one better’ and fitted one of their cars with dual controls and ‘an instructor (and insurance company) with nerves of steel.’

We’re especially impressed by their advertising technique: parking a supercar in the middle of a mall and having salespeople hawk gift vouchers to parents whose kids have glued themselves to the windows of an R8. Gift vouchers are also available online, though we suspect those folks who got upset about the kid driving in that ‘A Boy’s Dream’ Corvette ad from a few years ago won’t be among those purchasing them.

Adapted from Wired

The annual Knysna Motor Show, hosted by the Garden Route Motor Club, took place on Saturday 2 May. The event has been rained out on a few occasions over the years but this year the weather played along and visitors enjoyed a day among some famous and interesting motoring marques.

Names such as Triumph, Austin Healy, BMW, Porsche, Jaguar, Aston Martin, Ford and MG were all on display, showcasing many decades of motoring heritage.

Around 120 cars were on display with almost a third being the much-loved MG. Over 30 MG’s represented six different models from 1947 onwards and attracted many a visitor for a closer look.

Club representatives reported one of the best attendance figures in past years, which is great as all proceeds from the event go to the Knysna Hospice and other charitable organisations in the Garden Route area.