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2013 Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster Official Details

Thursday, July 12th, 2012

Aston Martin

Aston Martin is lifting the lid on an extreme new sports car with the global debut of the V12 Vantage Roadster.

The new sports car, available as a limited edition in selected markets worldwide, immediately becomes the most potent example of the open-top Vantage range and mixes the breath-taking power of Aston Martin’s naturally aspirated 6.0-litre V12 engine with the established thrills of Vantage Roadster driving for what is an unforgettable sports car experience.

The V12 Vantage Roadster’s 6.0-litre engine, mated as in the Coupe to a six-speed manual gearbox, generates 517 PS at 6,500 rpm and a muscular 570 Nm of torque at 5,750 rpm. It has been intelligently packaged into the Vantage Roadster’s compact form to fully exploit the sports-orientated model’s ample natural agility.

The naturally-aspirated V12 provides high levels of power and torque yet it delivers a flexible, refined driving experience illuminated with the potential for truly electrifying performance. The 0-62 mph sprint is dispatched in just 4.5 seconds* while this most potent Aston Martin Roadster is capable of 190 mph*.

While the Roadster naturally shares much of the technical and specification features of the V12 Vantage Coupe, some elements are redesigned to take account of the Roadster’s neat packaging and engaging dynamics.

The V12 Vantage Roadster features a redesigned rear boot lid and lower front air intake to maintain a level of dynamic performance that’s fully in keeping with the V12 Coupe, while there are also a number of unique chassis revisions. These include a modified rear damper set-up, front and rear damper valve tuning and a new rear spring design.

These changes, in conjunction with Aston Martin’s use of Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres, ensure the sports car delivers dramatic straight-line performance as well as outstanding handling.
Styled to be as beautiful as it is potent, the new Roadster boasts a number of eye-catching additions that underline its sporty characteristics. Carbon fibre side strakes; a carbon fibre front splitter and rear diffuser; carbon fibre mirror caps and carbon fibre rear lamp infills – plus the new forged alloy wheel design – should leave the sports car cognoscenti in no doubt that this is a truly exclusive Aston Martin.

At the rear, the boot lid on the V12 Vantage Roadster incorporates a more pronounced ‘flip’ to reduce rear lift and improve stability at high speeds. The V12′s diffuser houses a large, centre-mounted oil cooler and two large tail-pipe finishers.

As with the front splitter, the carbon fibre rear diffuser is hand-made to ensure the direction and consistency of the weave and ensure the best possible finish.

Inside, there are other distinguishing features that make the new car stand out from its illustrious siblings in the sought-after Aston Martin V8 Vantage and V12 Vantage line-up. Subtle additions such as the use of glass switches in the lower centre stack elevate yet further the luxurious ambience in the V12 Vantage Roadster cabin.

While for those seeking the ultimate in V12 Vantage Roadster personalisation, a package of interior trim comprising carbon fibre facia and carbon fibre gearshift surround is available.
Unique to the V12 Vantage and new V12 Vantage Roadster is the engine’s “Sport” mode button, which enables the driver to select between two different powertrain modes.

Normal mode is the default from start-up and provides not only a more relaxed throttle response but also a quieter, more refined exhaust note. This creates a more progressive throttle response, suited to ‘everyday’ situations such as when driving in heavy traffic.
Sport mode, meanwhile, is designed for use in more dynamic driving situations where sharper responses are required. It has a number of tangible effects on the powertrain including a sharper throttle response, with the engine delivering more torque during the early stages of throttle pedal travel. Exhaust system bypass valves are also kept open for longer to create a particularly sporty exhaust note.

Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer Dr Ulrich Bez said: “The V12 Vantage models are, first and foremost, driver’s cars – inviting and fully rewarding the driver’s full involvement.
“The addition to our range of this exceptional new Roadster allows the driver and passenger to experience full ‘sensory overload’ thanks to its outstanding performance.”
He added: “I believe no other car in this class offers the combination of the V12 Vantage Roadster’s prestige, six-speed manual gearbox and the unique enjoyment that driving a high performance convertible can deliver.”

Available to order in selected markets now, the new Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster is priced at £150,000 RRP in the UK.
Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster specification
Body
Two-door, two-seat layout
VH bonded aluminium structure
Aluminium, magnesium alloy, composite and steel body
Extruded aluminium door side impact beams
High Intensity Discharge headlamps (dipped beam)
Halogen projector headlamps (main beam)
LED rear lamps
Engine
All-alloy quad overhead cam 48 valve 5,935cc V12
Compression ratio 10.7:1
Front mid-mounted engine, rear-wheel drive
Fully-catalysed stainless steel exhaust system with active bypass valves
517 PS at 6,500 rpm
570 Nm at 5,750 rpm
0-62 mph (100 km/h): 4.5 seconds***
Maximum speed: 190 mph*** (305 km/h***)
Transmission
Rear mid-mounted six-speed manual gearbox
Alloy torque tube with carbon fibre prop shaft
Limited-slip differential
Final drive ratio 3.71:1
Steering
Rack and pinion
Column tilt and reach adjustment
Suspension
Front: Independent double wishbone incorporating anti-dive geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube dampers
Rear: Independent double wishbones with anti-squat and anti-lift geometry, dual-rate coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube dampers
Wheels and tyres
Front: 9J x 19” Pirelli P Zero Corsa 255/35 ZR19
Rear: 11J x 19” Pirelli P Zero Corsa 295/30 ZR19
Tyre repair kit
Brakes
Front: Ventilated carbon ceramic discs – 398 mm diameter with six-piston calipers
Rear: Ventilated carbon ceramic discs – 360 mm diameter with four-piston calipers
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Track mode
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
Traction Control
Dimensions
Length:
4,382 mm
Wheelbase:
2,600 mm
Width:
2,022 mm (including door mirrors)
Fuel tank capacity:
80 litres (17.6 Imp gallons)
Height:
1,256 mm
Weight:
1,760 kg***
Standard equipment
Glass switches
Carbon fibre door pulls
Leather trimmed steering wheel
Memory seats and exterior mirrors (three positions)
Sports seats with 10-way electric adjustment, including height, tilt and lumbar adjustment
Dual Stage Driver and Passenger Front Airbags
Side Airbags (Sports seats only)
Heated rear screen
Automatic temperature control
Trip computer
Cruise control
Hard Disk Drive (HDD) satellite navigation system*
Bluetooth telephone preparation*
Powerfold exterior mirrors
Rain-sensing wipers
Rear parking sensors
Automatic headlamps
Auto-dimming interior rear view mirror
Tyre pressure monitoring*
Alarm and immobiliser
Remote-control central door locking
Battery disconnect switch
Tracking device (UK only)
160W Aston Martin Audio System
MP3 player connectivity
Optional equipment
Carbon Fibre Interior Pack (comprising carbon fibre facia and gearshift surround)
Lightweight seats with six-way adjustment, including front and rear height adjust (does not include side airbags or passenger airbag cut-off switch)
700W Aston Martin Premium Audio System with Dolby®Pro Logic II®
Bang & Olufsen BeoSound 1000W Audio System
Black Bang & Olufsen speaker grilles and acoustic lens towers
Black finish grille
Bright finish grille
Black exhaust tailpipes
Black bonnet and side strake meshes
Personalised sill plaques
Garage door opener (Europe only)
Tracking device**
First aid kit
Ashtray and cigar lighter
Boot-mounted umbrella
Front parking sensors
Reversing camera
Heated seats (Sports seats only)
ISOFIX and fixed-height passenger seat (Sports seat only)
Battery conditioner

: 2013 Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster

: Aston Martin

: Aston Martin

2013 Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster

Aston Martin

Tags: 2013 Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster, Official Details
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2012 Aston Martin V12 Zagato Production Form Official Revealed

Thursday, February 9th, 2012

Aston Martin V12 Zagato

THE NEW ASTON MARTIN V12 ZAGATO
Production V12 Zagato set for European debut at Geneva Salon International 2012
Created using materials, processes and technology pioneered on the One-77
Body panels blend hand-formed aluminium with high-tech carbon fibre
Production to commence Q3 2012, first deliveries Q4 2012
Strictly limited to a maximum of 150 cars
On sale now priced at £330,000 (plus local taxes)
9 February 2012, Gaydon: With the final design signed-off and engineering development work progressing apace, Aston Martin today reveals the first images of the new V12 Zagato (road car) scheduled for production later this year.
The V12 Zagato is the pinnacle of the Vantage range. It is also the latest expression of a successful creative collaboration that has given rise to a series of striking GT cars over the last half-century, the original and most iconic of which being the DB4GT Zagato. Not only does this masterpiece rank amongst the most desirable, collectable and valuable cars in history, its 50th anniversary provided the inspiration for the V12 Zagato.
Though commemorating a great Aston Martin of the past the V12 Zagato could be no mere pastiche of the original. Instead the project was seen as the perfect opportunity to take Aston Martin’s ethos of technology and tradition to a new and exciting level. To this end the V12 Zagato combines the modern ideas, materials, processes and technology pioneered on One-77, while remaining true to the purity and craftsmanship of its illustrious forebear.
For Aston Martin’s CEO, Dr Ulrich Bez, the V12 Zagato is “a celebration of both Aston Martin’s heritage and its future”. He continues: “Our relationship with Zagato stretches back more than 50 years. Together in that time we have created a series of very special cars. The first – the DB4GT Zagato – is a true icon: fast, beautiful and incredibly desirable. In the V12 Zagato I believe we have captured the spirit of that car and combined it with a confident twist of modernity to give it a character all of its own.”
Initial design concepts for the V12 Zagato were explored in early 2010. Inspired by Zagato’s bold and individual styling signatures Aston Martin’s Director of Design, Marek Reichman, and his Gaydon-based design team relished the challenge of shaping the V12 Zagato, creating a car that pushes the boundaries of Aston Martin’s design language, yet pays tribute to the DB4GT Zagato. Demonstrating Aston Martin’s ability to rapidly bring ideas to fruition the Zagato programme quickly gained momentum, the design team working hand-in-hand with engineers and artisans to complete the build of a pair of concept cars in the spring of 2011.
May 2011 saw the V12 Zagato make its world debut at the prestigious Villa d’Este concours. Entered in the Concept Cars and Prototypes class, the V12 Zagato wowed the judges and the crowd, taking first place against impressive opposition. In June the Villa d’Este winner – along with the second prototype car – made the V12 Zagato’s world racing debut at the gruelling 24 hour endurance race held at the Nürburgring. Both cars completed the ultimate durability test, continuing Aston Martin’s 100 per cent finishing record in this notoriously tough race.
After an overwhelmingly positive response from customers, the decision was made in July 2011 to build a strictly limited run of V12 Zagatos. Since then, Aston Martin’s design team has worked to refine the sports car’s detailing and aerodynamic performance while staying faithful to the original design concept. At the same time engineers based at Gaydon have been putting prototypes through the company’s rigorous development programme to ensure the V12 Zagato performs as well as it looks.
Every Aston Martin is a unique combination of advanced materials, technology and time-honoured craftsmanship. The V12 Zagato takes this philosophy to a level previously seen in the company’s exquisite One-77 supercar, which completes its build run this year. Built at Aston Martin’s global headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire, production of the V12 Zagato will be strictly limited to no more than 150 cars.
Creating each V12 Zagato is a painstaking process that takes approximately 2,000 man-hours to complete. Just like the One-77, the V12 Zagato is constructed from a combination of hand crafted aluminium and carbon fibre. The bonnet, signature ‘double-bubble’ roof and doors are hand-crafted aluminium, while the front and rear fenders, door sills and boot lid surround are made from carbon fibre.
The finished body is then painted in the same dedicated area as the One-77. Four unique colours have been created for the V12 Zagato: Scintilla Silver, Alloro Green, Alba Blue and Diavolo Red. The painting process alone takes some 100 hours to complete and is followed by the marriage of the body and the drivetrain within the sports car production area. From there the V12 Zagato is transferred to the standalone facility originally built to house One-77 production, where the build is completed.
This serene, laboratory-like space is perfectly suited to the task of creating special cars such as the V12 Zagato. It is here that time is lavished upon the fitment and installation of an array of bespoke components, including the side glass and the distinctive rear window, which features a curved surface that continues the sculptural lines of the ‘double-bubble’ roof. All the exterior brightwork around the windows has a contemporary black finish to compliment the exposed carbon fibre components. Fitment of the hand-crafted interior and upholstery is also completed in this dedicated build area.
Like all Aston Martins when viewed as a whole the V12 Zagato is an artful composition of powerful lines and compelling proportions, but when viewed up close it reveals sophisticated, sculptural surfaces and jewel-like details. The exposed elements of carbon fibre on the front splitter, A-pillars, rear lamp pods, diffuser, door mirror cases and rear wing all display the same perfectly symmetrical weave and smooth resin finish. Likewise the bold new grille is formed in a unique three-dimensional composite material mesh that echoes Zagato’s famous ‘Z’ moniker.
More delights are found inside. Seven Bridge of Weir hides – in semi-aniline finish to offer durability while preserving the natural texture of the leather – are used to trim the V12 Zagato’s interior. Hand-stitched quilting of a unique design creates a flowing pattern that evokes a dynamic sense of movement across the seats and headlining, while ‘Z’ embroidery in the headrests and rear parcel shelf add a further flourish. Satin-finish carbon fibre on the dashboard and centre stack is perfectly complimented by piano black accents and satin black rotary switchgear. Carbon fibre sill plaques with ‘V12 Zagato’ inlaid metal script provide a distinctive finishing touch.
A work of art built by skilled craftsmen to be driven and enjoyed by the world’s most discerning car collectors, the V12 Zagato is a fitting tribute to its illustrious ancestor. On-sale now priced at £330,000 (plus local taxes) the production specification V12 Zagato will be showcased at the Geneva Salon International in March 2012. First deliveries are scheduled for Autumn 2012.

: Aston Martin V12 Zagato

: 2012 Aston Martin V12 Zagato

: Aston Martin V12 Zagato

2012 Aston Martin V12 Zagato

Aston Martin V12 Zagato

Tags: 2012 Aston Martin V12 Zagato Production, Form, Official, Revealed
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Kahn Aston Martin DB9 Volante Ferrari Bianco white breaks cover

Thursday, October 20th, 2011

2012 Aston Martin DB9

In hard-top form, the Ferrari Bianco white Project Kahn DB9 Aston Martin Volante is sublime, an irresistible mix of style, elegance, majesty, tradition, comfort and practicality that James Bond himself would be proud off, especially with the unique number plate attached!

Afzal Kahn insists the Aston Martin DB9 was not designed to be a boy’s toy. It was designed, says the principal British designer, “to be comfortable, elegant and a powerful long-distance vehicle.”

The chassis on which the Kahn Volante also takes much of the credit – It’s a mixture of extruded, stamped and die-cast aluminum, bonded together into an extremely light yet rigid superstructure. The shape, is beautifully proportioned and – unlike many convertible cars – looks the part whether the hood is up or down. The hood itself is a fully retractable soft top affair that folds down in 17 seconds, making it entirely possible to stow it when waiting at traffic lights without the risk of being embarrassingly caught half way through the process.

The Kahn Aston Martin Volante’s silky styling package consists of a Kahn Sports exhaust, Sports lowered suspension, red calipers and privacy glass. Of course on smooth roads all is well, a 6.0-litre V12 engine, six-speed ZF automatic with paddle shift, rear wheel drive, electrically-retracting soft-top, an entertainment system that can easily compete with the wind noise and, best of all, the delicacy and razor-sharp engineering ensures it’s certainly an interesting vehicle to drive.

The interior offers a sense of occasion unmatched at this point with beautifully finished dials, lustrous black leather in cream stitching, secondary hide in cream and pearl grey interior detailing. However, should you require an interior to match your exact specification, Afzal Kahn and his team will be more than happy to oblige.

Furthermore, our unique 20” RSV Kahn lightweight wheels, in matt pearl grey, exemplify what A. Kahn Design is all about: creating something that is both unique but refined enough to both complement and enhance each and every vehicle.