The Aston Martin Vantage range continues to evolve with a comprehensive array of improvements to the Aston Martin V8 Vantage aimed at enhancing the dynamic feel, style and competitive pricing of the marque's entry-level sports car. The Aston Martin V8 Vantage also comes with tyres that are 10mm wider than the outgoing model.
Aston Martin’s entry-level V8 Vantage and its Roadster sibling have been updated for the latest model year, bringing with them fresh new styling, more power, and a host of additional features.
The latest updates to the base V8 Vantage are the most comprehensive since 2008.
Further enhancements center on the V8 Vantage’s chassis, which also gets a few items from the Vantage S. Quicker steering, bigger brakes and wider tires have all been fitted to further enhance the V8 Vantage’s dynamics.
The V8 Vantage also comes with tires that are 10 mm wider than the outgoing model.
The standard six-speed manual transmission remains, but the optional six-speed Sportshift automated manual transmission has now been replaced with a seven-speed Sportshift II.
Aston Martin has released an interesting piece about the company’s relationship with Zagato – a collaboration that goes back 50 years creating some of the most extraordinary collectible sports cars.
“All the Aston Martins designed by Zagato were created in a very limited series,” Aston Martin said in a statement. Check out more news on the Aston Martin V12 Zagato.
The 2012 Aston Martin V12 Zagato will debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in March.
Hit the jump to see a list of Aston and Zagato collaborations.
DB4 GT Zagato (1960). V8 Vantage Zagato (1985), V8 Volante Zagato (1986). Both models were designed and produced by Zagato in the historical factory in Milano.
DB7 V12 Zagato (2002), DB-AR1 (2003). Zagato designed, engineered and manufactured in Italy 99 body-in-whites of each model, whereas assembly and trimming were made by Aston Martin directly in England.
V12 Zagato (2011). As well as for the DB7 Zagato and DB-AR1, the assembly and trimming are entrusted to the Aston Martin staff in Gaydon.
To reflect its enhanced performance the Aston Martin V8 Vantage has received a number of styling changes inspired by the Vantage S and N400 limited edition. Racing is in Aston Martin's DNA and the Vantage is at the forefront of Aston Martin's motorsport activity.
The Vantage first went racing in 2006, when Aston Martin's CEO Dr Ulrich Bez and members of the company's engineering department took a near-standard Aston Martin V8 Vantage to the gruelling Nürburgring 24 hour race. For 2012 Aston Martin Racing is stepping up a gear with the new V12 Vantage focused race car.
Combining iconic styling, thrilling performance, true craftsmanship and exclusivity the revitalised Vantage range boasts unprecedented breadth and appeal. The revised Aston Martin V8 Vantage together with the rest of the range is available to order now from Aston Martin's global dealer network.
The Aston Martin DBS Carbon Edition is offered with a carbon fiber front fascia, while both models feature a carbon weave following the form of the dashboard, leather quilted headliner and carbon covered magnesium alloy paddles for the Toutchtronic II automatic gearbox.
Flame Orange and Ceramic Grey join the existing Carbon Black color for the new release.
Carbon fiber fascia on the dashboard finishes the unique touches.
Following on from the success of the DBS Carbon Black, introduced in 2009, the 2011 Aston Martin DBS Carbon Edition will be available in two new colours including Flame Orange and Ceramic Grey together with the existing Carbon Black.
The Aston Martin DBS Carbon Edition features 10-spoke gloss black diamond turned wheels with a reversed diamond turned or full gloss black finish as an option. The interior of a Aston Martin DBS Carbon Edition will take in excess of 70 man hours to hand stitch and finish.
On the Aston Martin DBS Carbon Edition coupe, the headlining is quilted in leather providing a luxurious envelope to the cabin.
It might seem strange to describe a $110,000 car as "entry level," but that's exactly what the 2010 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is.
Current Aston Martin V8 Vantage The 2010 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is available in two body styles: hatchback coupe and roadster with power cloth soft top. Standard items include 19-inch wheels, xenon headlights, a 10-way-adjustable power sport driver seat, automatic climate control, a navigation system, a six-CD changer, auxiliary audio jack and iPod interface. For those wanting more, the limited-edition 510-hp V12 Vantage is available.
Inside, the Vantage has an overall look that's nearly identical to every other Aston Martin. The Vantage's interior is smaller, however, with only two seats. In reviews of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage, we've found that it is indeed a true sports car.
Used Aston Martin V8 Vantage Models The 2010 Aston Martin V8 Vantage debuted for the 2006 model year. Prior to '08, V8 Vantages lacked steering-wheel audio controls, an auxiliary audio jack and console-mounted cupholders and featured a body-mounted antenna (versus glass-embedded).
Most DBS center-console switchgear is now made of glass. The 2011 Aston Martin DBS is a modified version of the sexy Aston Martin DB9, and while the DBS and DB9 are certainly similar in appearance, a longer look will reveal the DBS's bulging fenders, additional air vents and more chiseled fascia.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2011 Aston Martin DBS is available in coupe and convertible (DBS Volante) body styles. Two seats are standard, although you can have the standard rear parcel shelves replaced by two tiny seats as an option.
Standard equipment includes 20-inch wheels, an electronically adjustable suspension, carbon-ceramic brakes, xenon headlights, front and rear parking sensors, automatic power-folding outside mirrors, cruise control, an eight-way power driver seat with memory functions, a four-way power passenger seat, leather/faux suede upholstery, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth, a hard-drive-based navigation system and a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen surround-sound audio system with an in-dash six-CD changer, an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod interface. Major options include different wheel designs, upgraded performance tires, a suede-trimmed steering wheel and satellite radio. The 2011 Aston Martin DBS is powered by a 6.0-liter V12 that produces 510 hp and 420 pound-feet of torque.
Safety The 2011 Aston Martin DBS comes with a fair amount of safety equipment for an exotic sports car. Subtle carbon-fiber trim lines areas of the doors, while tasteful alloy trim and optional piano-black trim (a must-have) adorn the center console.
Driving Impressions The 2011 Aston Martin DBS is surprisingly easy to drive. If you want a balance between grand touring comfort and hard-core driving histrionics, the DBS is it.
For 2011, the Aston Martin DB9 gets a very mild refresh to the front and rear styling -- you'll need side-by-side photos to tell the difference. In the here and now, the 2011 Aston Martin DB9 has more to worry about than its place in a future museum. The DB9 brings to the table the same lightweight yet structurally rigid all-aluminum platform that underpins every Aston Martin. We give the 2011 Aston Martin DB9 our whole-hearted enthusiastic endorsement, but with a significant caveat -- there are a lot of wonderful cars available for the same or less money than the DB9.
The 2011 Aston Martin DB9 is an exotic GT available in two body styles: coupe and Volante convertible.
The Volante adds a wind deflector.
Options include front parking sensors and a Bang & Olufsen surround-sound audio system. The rear-wheel-drive DB9 is powered by a 5.9-liter V12 that produces 470 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, while a six-speed automatic with shift paddles on the steering wheel is available. Aston Martin estimates that the DB9 will go from zero to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds regardless of transmission. The 2011 Aston Martin DB9 comes with antilock brakes with brake assist, traction and stability control, front side airbags (which protect head and torso) and rear parking sensors. Front parking sensors are optional.
The cabin's decent outward visibility makes the DB9 less onerous to drive than some other exotics.
Driving Impressions The 2011 Aston Martin DB9 is striking in the ease with which it drives down the road. The DB9 has always been exhilarating to drive, changing direction easily and responding smartly to steering and braking inputs, but now the Sport setting of the two-mode active suspension gives the car a dimension of ultra-high performance, making the discontinued Sport Suspension package unnecessary.
