Hamann Does the Aston Martin V8 Vantage

The Swabian tuners over at Hamann have developed a new sport package for the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Coupe and Roadster models that includes an aerodynamic kit and various mechanical upgrades. Customers can choose between fiberglass and optionally, matt carbon materials for the body components that comprise a two-piece front spoiler, side skirts, a three-part rear diffuser and a boot lid spoiler. Hamann also offers a functional roof scoop, but unless you’re going for a boy-racer look, we wouldn’t advise it. -Continued

The aero kit is accentuated by a new set of 21-inch three-piece alloy wheels with 245/30ZR21 tires at the front and 295/25ZR21 tires at the back along with a sport suspension that lowers the center of gravity of the V8 Vantage by 30 mm at the front axle and by 20 mm at the rear axle.

For those that would like to match the upgraded looks with more power under the hood, the German tuning firm has retuned the ECU giving the outgoing 2008 Vantage’s 4.3-liter V8 a 23 HP boost to 408 HP and the 2009 model’s 4.7-liter V8 a 30 HP increase to 450 HP. Hamann says that it has also developed new sports exhaust system that adds an extra 20 HP to the overall output of the 2009 model.

Via: Motorpasion

Aston Martin’s Nurburgring Test Center Opens up for Business

Initially unveiled in May, Aston Martin’s new test center at the Nurburgring track circuit is now fully operational as a base for development and durability testing of prototype models and for customer events, the automaker announced today. Furthermore, Aston Martin said that it is extending its relationship with the iconic German circuit by taking on a new display showroom and VIP business lounge in the new Nürburgring trackside development due for completion in June 2009. -Continued

"The Nürburgring has played an important part in the development of our cars in recent years and of course we have a fine racing pedigree here too. We are therefore extremely pleased to be able to demonstrate our bond with the Nürburgring even more clearly by extending our involvement,” commented Aston Martin’s Chief Executive Officer Dr Ulrich Bez.

Aston Martin DBS Receives Bespoke Bang & Olufsen Audio System

In collaboration with high-end audio manufacturer Bang & Olufsen, Aston Martin has introduced a new bespoke sound system for its flagship model, the V12-powered DBS. Developed exclusively for Aston Martin, the ‘BeoSound DBS’ audio system consists of Bang & Olufsen’s Digital Signal Processing (DSP) system and 13 individual speakers including five tweeters, five-mid-range speakers and three woofers. -Continued

Even though most of us would be more than content with the growling tunes of the DBS’ 6.0-liter V12 engine that develops 517 PS, Aston Martin and Bang & Olufsen promise that the new sound system will provide an “unrivalled audio experience” to the driver and passenger of the DBS.

Aston Martin Revives ‘Lagonda’ Brand, first Concept Car due in 2009

About a year after Aston Martin was sold by Ford to a consortium comprised of David Richards from Prodrive, John Sinders, Investment Dar and Adeem Investment Co., and the British sports carmaker announced its plans to relaunch the Lagonda marque. The famous nameplate will be used on a series of exclusive luxury cars, the first of which we’ll see in the form of a concept model in 2009, the year that Lagonda celebrates its 100th birthday. The concept car will lead to a production version that is slated to enter global markets in 2012. -Continued

Here’s what Aston Martin’s Chief Executive Officer Dr Ulrich Bez had to say about the revival of the Lagonda marquee:

“After my eight years with Aston Martin, four with profitability, and 16 months of independence, it’s time to think about a longer term future. Aston Martin is an honest, authentic brand which builds the most beautiful sportscars combining modern technology with craftsmanship.”

“Next year we will launch the four door Rapide sportscar, and this will be followed by the project ‘one 77’, the most spectacular Aston Martin ever. Aston Martins are currently available in 32 countries but we will remain limited in our market penetration by the pure character of our cars - sportscars.”

“We have now investigated and concluded that the revival of the Lagonda brand would allow us to develop cars which can have a different character than a sportscar, and therefore offer a perfect synergy. Lagonda will use a unique design language as Aston Martin does. We will take elements of DNA from the past but will be very future orientated as we are with Aston Martin. With Lagonda offering exclusive, luxurious and truly versatile products with high quality and usability and suitable for both existing and emerging markets, I believe we can be present in more than 100 countries in the world. “

“In 2009 Lagonda is about to celebrate its 100th birthday and in its centenary year we are confident that we will show the first concept of a car which could be in the market in 2012,” he confirmed.

Aston Martin Introduces a Transponder Watch for DBS Owners

James Bond’s gadgetry has final caught up with reality as Aston Martin announced that in conjunction with its watch partner Jaeger LeCoultre, it has developed the first watch with the ability to control access into a luxury sports car. The AMVOX2 DBS Transponder watch, which will be showcased for the first time at the Paris Motor Show, was crafted exclusively for owners of the Aston Martin DBS.

The watch incorporates a miniature transmitter system serving to lock and unlock the DBS. As the driver comes close to the sports car, all he need do is press the OPEN position on the watch glass (between 8 and 9 o’clock) in order to activate the door opening system, whereas doing the same thing on the CLOSE position between 3 and 4 o’clock will close the vehicle. -Continued

According to Aston Martin, the transponder module weighs just a few grams and is less than half the size of the same system incorporated inside the DBS key. As you’d expect, for safety reasons, only Aston Martin dealerships will be able to authorise the timepiece to ‘read’ and communicate with a specific DBS.

Aston Martin One-77 with 7.0-liter V12

Aston Martin is developing an all-new and ultra-exclusive supercar that bears the codename One-77. The British marque intends to build a mere 77 examples of the supercar that will be based on carbon fibre chassis with a handcrafted aluminium body. Power will come from a massive 7.0-liter V12 engine. The Aston Martin One-77 is expected to be launched in 2009 with a price tag that’s said to be in the £1 million range.

Aston Martin Presents “Tailor” Made V8 Vantage Coupe

Who said that only Lamborghini gets the designer treatment? So does Aston Martin that teamed up with design house Kilgour of Savile Row to present a haute couture bespoke V8 Vantage Coupe at Kilgour’s first-ever fashion show in Paris. The one-off V8 Vantage was finished in a unique Morning Frost Satin paint, while the coupe’s interior was influenced by Kilgour’s latest collection and finished in Kilgour Midnight Blue, with the seat-inserts adorned with a polka-dot effect. Unfortunately, Aston Martin did not provide any pictures of the polka-dot cabin…

2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Gets a Power Boost

Don’t attempt to detect any differences on the 2009 V8 Vantage exterior, because with the exception of new standard and optional 19'' alloy wheels, there aren’t any. Most changes are under the skin and they concern a new 4.7-liter V8 engine. In particular, Aston Martin has fitted the V8 Vantage with a larger displacement 4.7-liter engine (previous 4.3-liters) that develops 420 Hp (+11%) and a maximum torque of 347lbs-ft (+15%).

Other updates include revised dynamics, improved Sportshift transmission software and a new sports suspension option. According to Aston Martin, the V8 Vantage features an improved 0-60mph (96km/h) time of 4.7 seconds and top speed of 180mph (288km/h). Combined European fuel economy and CO2 emissions are also improved by 13% with the Sportshift semi-auto transmission. -Continued

Inside, the only changes include a new centre console and revised switchgear along with the introduction of an ECU replacing the previous V8 Vantage key.

Commenting on the new car, Aston Martin’s CEO, Dr Ulrich Bez said: "Continued development and evolution of our unique VH (Vertical-Horizontal) architecture has brought even higher levels of refinement and dynamic performance to our whole range. With the new 4.7 litre engine and associated changes we have taken the V8 Vantage to new levels of performance to produce an even more desirable sports car.”