Showing posts with label aston. Show all posts
Showing posts with label aston. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
2015 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Roadster
Aston Martin is opening up a new world of exhilarating driving excitement with the announcement of the hotly anticipated V12 Vantage S Roadster.
When it arrives in markets around the world later this year the new sports car will become the luxury British marque’s most potent, fastest and fastest-accelerating series production roadster to date and follows in the broad tyre tracks of the V12 Vantage S Coupe that was launched to worldwide acclaim in 2013.
Providing the most visceral yet engaging open-top experience in Aston Martin’s current range, the new V12 Vantage S Roadster delivers characteristic sporting agility underpinned by an enviable sports ‘soundtrack’ generated by its naturally aspirated V12 engine and expertly-tuned sports exhaust.
Equipped with the latest 565 bhp (573 PS) Aston Martin AM28 6.0-litre V12 engine, featuring state-of-the-art Bosch engine management, the car is capable of reaching 201 mph and sprinting from rest to 60 mph in only 3.9 seconds (0-100km/h 4.1 seconds).
Peak and low rev torque is delivered in abundance. With 620 Nm available at 5,750 rpm the V12 Vantage S Roadster is not to be found wanting in this vital department. Crucially, too, low rev torque – measured from just 1,000 rpm – starts at a colossal 510 Nm. Together, these statistics demonstrate the Aston Martin engineers’ ability to create a ‘flatter’, yet ‘fatter’, torque curve which supports exceptional driveability and strong pick-up through the gears.
Aston Martin Director of Design, Marek Reichman, said: “The V12 Vantage S Roadster is the mechanical embodiment of our company’s exceptional spirit.
“Beautiful, powerful and spirited it is as spectacular to listen to as it is to look at. The new roadster is truly a treat for the senses with, underlying all this, the capacity to deliver one of the most dynamic, exciting and stirring driving experiences in our current range.
“I’m sure the V12 Vantage S Roadster will appeal to luxury sports car enthusiasts worldwide who want to add a truly exceptional new model to their garage.”
Race car technology
As with its coupe sibling, race car technology runs right through the DNA of the V12 Vantage S Roadster with, for instance, CNC machined combustion chambers and hollow camshafts just two examples of track technology feeding through to the road.
Another clear example is the new car’s Sportshift™ III 7-speed transmission. Engineered to exploit the full sporting potential of the V12 engine, the latest generation Sportshift™ III hydraulically actuated automated manual transmission provides motorsport-style paddle shift changes for optimum performance delivery. The unit, which replaces the six-speed manual gearbox found in the previous V12 Vantage Roadster, is also appreciably lighter – saving 20 kg versus its forebear.
This race-derived and motorsport-proven technology – used routinely in Aston Martin Racing’s race-winning Vantage GT4, GT3 and GTE competition cars – provides for great driver control with only milliseconds of torque interruption and delivers precise and swift gear changes.
The Sportshift™ III transaxle, developed in conjunction with transmission experts Oerlikon Graziano, joins an extensive array of new sport and track-focused developments that ensure the V12 Vantage S Roadster is fully equipped to exploit the huge performance potential of its 6.0-litre naturally aspirated engine.
The use of three-stage adaptive damping, allied to three-stage DSC and two-stage ABS, allows the driver to more precisely tailor the car’s dynamic character. ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Track’ modes provide a broad swathe of dynamic performance that can be tuned to better suit the driver’s requirements. The system also governs the level of power steering assistance offered.
Working alongside the extended chassis capabilities is a ‘Sport’ mode, controlled via a button on the centre console, that alters throttle response, gearshift speed and timing, and exhaust note to, once again, tune the character of the car to the driver’s requirements.
Optimum braking performance is delivered via the specially-created carbon ceramic discs all round, with near-identical brakes appearing on the brand’s ultimate GT, the Vanquish. Meanwhile a whole new lightweight exhaust system – derived from that of Aston Martin’s most expensive and exclusive production model, the One-77 hypercar – is wonderfully sonorous.
The ZF Servotronic power assisted steering offers a quick, slick, 15:1 ratio and, linked to the adaptive damping button, provides two-mode steering assistance designed to best match the ‘Sport’ or ‘Normal’ settings generated by the Adaptive Damping System.
Pure power, beautifully presented
As Aston Martin’s most overtly sporting convertible, with an even more dynamic character than the luxurious Vanquish Volante ultimate GT or refined DB9 Volante, the V12 Vantage S Roadster has been styled to reflect is position as the flagship convertible in the Vantage family.
In keeping with the V12 Vantage S Coupe, the Roadster replaces the famous aluminium vanes in the Aston Martin grille – with a carbon fibre arrangement that also includes sporty black or titanium silver mesh. Created to maximise airflow to the V12 engine, the new grille is inspired by both the remarkable CC100 Speedster Concept and the Vantage race cars.
Other distinguishing features of the V12 Vantage S Roadster include the option of lightweight forged alloy ten-spoke wheels.
The new Roadster retains the same compact proportions of its predecessor while features such as the pronounced bonnet louvres, optional bold graphics (painted carbon front grille, front grille lipstick and tailgate panel) as well as the exterior carbon pack and flared wheel arches underscore its sporting abilities.
Inside, as out, the new car has been styled to reflect its powerful nature. New-style seat trim and door trims, with Sport and carbon fibre lightweight seat options – present V12 Vantage S Roadster buyers with an exciting array of choices.
The optional Interior Carbon Pack, which adds carbon fibre to the car’s facia and door pulls, plus the availability for the first time in a V12 Vantage S Roadster of black pedals, further enhances personalisation options for those in search of a truly bespoke sports car.
Q by Aston Martin
Meanwhile, For V12 Vantage S Roadster, the company is introducing a Q by Aston Martin Collection which comprises bespoke features that are entirely in keeping with the character of the car.
For V12 Vantage S Roadster this includes a palette of bold exterior and interior colours; body coloured carbon bonnet louvres; a red tint or satin finish to the carbon fibre elements on the exterior and interior of the car; a full carbon fibre centre console, black anodised and machined rotary controls and a steering wheel with a leather on-centre stripe in the chosen interior accent colour.
Marek Reichman added: “The new V12 Vantage S Roadster not only looks the part, but has been engineered and built to showcase the ethos of Aston Martin: power, beauty and soul.
“We believe that it is a truly exceptional sports car, with the capacity to set pulses racing just by its sound alone. The authentic appeal of its style, performance, quality and craftsmanship ensure its stands head and shoulders above others in its sector and delivers that most precious of experiences – fun – in abundance!”
Source:Aston Martin Press
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
2015 Aston Martin DB9 Carbon Edition
The Aston Martin DB9 family grows at Geneva with the arrival of the DB9 Carbon Black and Carbon White special editions.
Style and visual drama are the special editions hallmarks as they perfectly emphasise the timeless GT’s sporting nature.
The new Carbon Black accentuates the 183 mph DB9’s 6.0-litre V12 potential through a strong dark theme underpinned by a unique combination of lightweight carbon fibre features. Meanwhile, the contemporary Carbon White special edition creates a dramatic visual effect with the carbon fibre and dark elements contrasting strongly against the Stratus White paint and accented caliper colour.
Striking exterior additions for both Carbon Black and Carbon White editions include carbon fibre side strakes and black window surrounds reinforcing the powerful visual themes.
Inside, a strong black styling theme with a choice of accent colours in line with the caliper shade showcases carbon fibre details and new black hardware. Bespoke sill plaques with the Carbon Black or Carbon White logo, communicate the cars’ rarity, too.
Of course the styling changes don’t alter the DB9’s inherent grand touring capabilities, qualities that make it the world’s most admired and desired GT.
Today’s DB9 features the modern AM11 V12 engine which uses ‘Gen4’ VH architecture and hardware, tuned to suit the character of a classic GT. The result is an engine with effortless torque of up to 620 Nm and peak power of 517 PS.
Prices for the special edition DB9 Carbon Black and Carbon White models are available on application at any of Aston Martin’s 147 dealers.
Aston Martin Design Director Marek Reichman explained: “The classic DB9 Carbon Black and daring DB9 Carbon White special editions give this timeless GT a fresh and highly desirable new appearance.
“Meanwhile, the exciting details that define N430 should leave no one in any doubt about the car’s motorsport roots. Bold graphic treatments and the option of vivid colour combinations conjure up clear visual echoes of the race circuit.”
Aston Martin can be found at stand number 5253 in Hall 5 at this year’s Geneva International Motor Show, once again taking place at the Palexpo complex. The marque will be showcasing eight cars at this year’s show, with examples of the new V8 Vantage N430 and DB9 Carbon Black sitting alongside other current models including the Rapide S four-door sports car and new Vanquish Volante.
Source:Aston Martin Press Release
Monday, April 27, 2015
2015 Aston Martin Vanquish
Aston Martin is today revealing details of a raft of important enhancements to two of the brand’s most popular and successful sports cars: the Vanquish, Vanquish Volante, ultimate GT and Rapide S four-door, four-seat, sports car.
With the arrival of 15 Model Year (15MY) cars in markets around the world over the next few months, the luxury British brand is offering not only considerably enhanced performance and much-improved fuel economy and emissions, but also an even more honed, precise and responsive driving experience.
With the debut of the new Touchtronic III eight-speed automatic gearbox in both Vanquish and Rapide S – the first time that this state-of-the-art gearbox has been incorporated into a transaxle layout – Aston Martin is improving every major area of the cars’ performance and fuel economy. The brand’s engineers have worked meticulously with technical partner, ZF, to develop the eight-speed technology and integrate it perfectly into the latest generation of the iconic and much-imitated Aston Martin VH architecture.
The 0-60 mph times for both the Vanquish and Rapide S are reduced in 15MY cars: The Vanquish drops from 4.1 seconds to just 3.6 seconds (3.8 seconds 0-100 km/h) and the Rapide S is capable of the same sprint in only 4.2 seconds (4.4 seconds 0-100 km/h) – also down by a full half second from its previous figure of 4.7 seconds. These impressive gains not only ensure the cars’ exceptional competitiveness in their respective sectors, but also confirm Vanquish as the quickest accelerating series production Aston Martin in the company’s 101-year history.
Changes to gear and final drive ratios allow the cars to be not only quicker but also more frugal, with reduced emissions too. In both sports cars the CO2 figure drops by an average of ten per cent – down to 298 g/km for Vanquish and 300 g/km for Rapide S – while economy is boosted to 31 mpg, on average an 11% improvement, on the EU’s extra urban cycle for both the Vanquish and the Rapide S under the same stringent test conditions.
Combined with a revised final drive, the ratio changes also mean both cars are, for the first time, now capable of top speeds of 200 mph or above.
A reduction in exhaust gas back pressure as a result of ratio adjustment and other changes also benefits peak power, which rises by up to three bhp to a peak of 568 bhp (576 PS) in Vanquish, and two bhp, 552 bhp (560 PS), in Rapide S. Peak torque is up by 10 Nm, too, to 630 Nm at 5,500 rpm in all the cars.
The new eight-speed Touchtronic III automatic gearbox is not only three per cent lighter than its predecessor, it is also packaged more efficiently occupying precisely the same space within the car yet adding two further ratios over the outgoing transmission.
Touchtronic III delivers exceptional shift speed and moves between ratios as quick as 130 milliseconds – far quicker than even the most accomplished racing driver is capable of – while better gearbox efficiency allows more power and torque to be transmitted to the road more of the time.
Ian Minards, Product Development Director at Aston Martin, explained: “We have a long and successful technical partnership with ZF and so it was a natural step for us to adapt and integrate their world class 8HP transmission in to our transaxle layout.”
“This has been a detailed piece of work involving careful consideration of many technical parameters including gear ratios, software integration and shifting strategies. This has delivered a significant step change in both vehicle performance and economy whilst preserving the unique Aston Martin V12 driving experience.”
Gearbox software changes make for a truly comprehensive selection of available driving features such as ‘Drive’ and ‘Drive Sport’ modes along with ‘Paddle Shift’ and ‘Paddle Shift Sport’ options for more engaging, sporting, shift control.
Optimal, multi-ratio downshifts are available by pulling and holding the down shift paddle, allowing for the car to select the lowest available gear when under braking. Adaptive Drive Recognition (ADR), meanwhile, tailors shift points to the individual driver’s style. Thus a more spirited driver in standard ‘Drive’ mode will rapidly adapt to enjoy a shift map more akin to the settings found in ‘Drive Sport’. As the programming is reset during each key cycle – when the car is locked and unlocked – the perceived ‘changes’ to the car’s nature are similarly reset.
Engine management upgrade
Away from the gearbox, 15MY Aston Martin Vanquish and Rapide S models benefit from the addition of the latest Bosch Engine Management System. The new system, which delivers more precise engine control and seamlessly communicates with the new gearbox, receives its first application in an Aston Martin that combines the AM29 V12 engine and an automatic gearbox.
Meanwhile other electronic and engineering changes have taken place in 15MY cars to deliver a consistent GT character by perfectly aligning the chassis with improvements in powertrain performance and accessibility. For instance, a revised torque tube reduces transmission noise transfer into the passenger compartment while revised DSC sees the retuned stability system optimised for the new gearbox. A revised steering ECU delivers an even more crisp and precise steering response.
Uprated dampers on the new Vanquish – 15% stiffer at the front and a full 35% stiffer at the rear – improve the dynamic characteristic of the car in line with its significantly enhanced performance. Rapide S, meanwhile, gets uprated larger front brakes. Both cars also benefit from a retuned brake booster and amended rear suspension bushes that are now 20% stiffer than before.
There are also subtle but important styling enhancements, both inside and outside the cars, that add extra visual appeal for 15MY Vanquish and Rapide S.
Outside there’s the arrival of new ten-spoke forged alloy wheel designs, available in a variety of finishes, that not only enhance the cars’ looks but save almost seven kilos in weight versus the standard wheel. There are also new paint colour options including, for the first time on Vanquish and Rapide S, the availability of the special paint colour Diavalo Red, previously limited to the breath-taking V12 Zagato.
Inside, the cars get new leather trim colour options including the contemporary blue-black Dark Knight, and bold Fandango Pink. Rapide S also gains the exciting option of a new Duotone leather seat finish in Sahara Tan and Vibrant Red, as well as a range of new headlining options that mix quilting with the finest leathers or Alcantara.
Director of Design Marek Reichman explained: “More bold and dynamic interior and exterior treatments are the perfect offering for customers of the latest models.
“It is, of course, possible to add more colour to our cars while maintaining Aston Martin’s reputation for elegance and beauty, and I’m very happy to see this enhanced and extended colour palette offered to our loyal customers around the world.”
The global market introduction of 15MY sports cars begins in Q3 of 2014, with more details on market-specific pricing and options available in due course.
Source:Aston Martin Press
2015 Aston Martin Vantage GT12
So radical and so extreme was none before: The new Aston Martin Vantage GT12 is the strongest and most uncompromising Vantage of all time and is a direct derivation from the GT3 race car even more power from a V12 engine and significantly less weight contribute. road for pure driving pleasure. But to enjoy a few car enthusiasts will come: The 2015 Aston Martin Vantage GT12 is limited to only 100 pieces worldwide.
Originally, the new Street Racer on the basis of race cars, the GT3 racing class should be named Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3. But Porsche claims the abbreviation "GT3" for street-legal vehicles as a trademark for himself and forbade the use of Aston Martin. To go a protracted legal dispute out of the way, the new sports car in Aston Martin Vantage GT12 was renamed and it refers to the V12 engine. Also, the Aston Martin race cars will in future bear the name "GT12".
For the propulsion of the Aston Martin Vantage GT12 a twelve-cylinder engine with 6.0 liters of displacement, the whopping 600 hp and 625 Nm maximum torque at 5,500 rev / min ensures generated. This power meets on a vehicle, the weight is 100 kg below the Aston Martin V12 Vantage. Consequence: only 1565 kg curb weight for the new sports car. Thus equipped, to accelerate the Vantage GT12 in just 3.7 seconds from 0 to 100 km / h, and achieve a top speed of 297 km / h. Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a 7-speed sports automatic shift circuit.
Both inside and has the Aston Martin Vantage GT12 technical features that come directly from racing. These include numerous carbon trim inside and a racetrack optimized aerodynamics package. The latter includes a large rear wing and a distinctive front splitter, which provide a much higher output and thereby provide an improved grip level and stability at high speeds.
For this is the Aston Martin Vantage GT12 deeper and wider on the road than any of his siblings. Front and rear track was widened, leading to reduced lateral loads and thus to a more stable handling in bends. The 9.5 x 19 inch, black satin aluminum wheels on the front axle equipped Aston Martin with 265er tires. Rear enter counterparts in 11.5 x 19 inches with 325er - rubber used.
For the delay ventilated if necessary carbon-ceramic brake discs provide with a diameter of 389 mm and 6-piston calipers Brembo front of the house. Rear sets Aston Martin on 360-millimeter discs and 4-piston calipers.
The British made a commitment to save as much weight. The measures include, for example, standard front wing, hood and door trims in carbon, a lithium-ion battery from racing and optionally a carbon roof and weight-reduced rear and rear side windows made of polycarbonate. The massive rear diffuser is also made of carbon fiber.
Other highlights are the black headlamp bezel and LED tail lights in clear glass with black trim. The interior also fall on the new center console in carbon, the sensitive control panel and inspired by motor racing carbon sport seats with Alcantara upholstery.
Under the body contain numerous customized upgrades in addition to the V12 engine. To pass the intake manifold - as did the lightweight torsion - Magnesium and have a new geometry. The exhaust system with central tailpipes made entirely of titanium.
Photo Credit: © Aston Martin
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| 2015 Aston Martin Vantage GT12 |
Originally, the new Street Racer on the basis of race cars, the GT3 racing class should be named Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3. But Porsche claims the abbreviation "GT3" for street-legal vehicles as a trademark for himself and forbade the use of Aston Martin. To go a protracted legal dispute out of the way, the new sports car in Aston Martin Vantage GT12 was renamed and it refers to the V12 engine. Also, the Aston Martin race cars will in future bear the name "GT12".
For the propulsion of the Aston Martin Vantage GT12 a twelve-cylinder engine with 6.0 liters of displacement, the whopping 600 hp and 625 Nm maximum torque at 5,500 rev / min ensures generated. This power meets on a vehicle, the weight is 100 kg below the Aston Martin V12 Vantage. Consequence: only 1565 kg curb weight for the new sports car. Thus equipped, to accelerate the Vantage GT12 in just 3.7 seconds from 0 to 100 km / h, and achieve a top speed of 297 km / h. Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a 7-speed sports automatic shift circuit.
Both inside and has the Aston Martin Vantage GT12 technical features that come directly from racing. These include numerous carbon trim inside and a racetrack optimized aerodynamics package. The latter includes a large rear wing and a distinctive front splitter, which provide a much higher output and thereby provide an improved grip level and stability at high speeds.
For this is the Aston Martin Vantage GT12 deeper and wider on the road than any of his siblings. Front and rear track was widened, leading to reduced lateral loads and thus to a more stable handling in bends. The 9.5 x 19 inch, black satin aluminum wheels on the front axle equipped Aston Martin with 265er tires. Rear enter counterparts in 11.5 x 19 inches with 325er - rubber used.
For the delay ventilated if necessary carbon-ceramic brake discs provide with a diameter of 389 mm and 6-piston calipers Brembo front of the house. Rear sets Aston Martin on 360-millimeter discs and 4-piston calipers.
The British made a commitment to save as much weight. The measures include, for example, standard front wing, hood and door trims in carbon, a lithium-ion battery from racing and optionally a carbon roof and weight-reduced rear and rear side windows made of polycarbonate. The massive rear diffuser is also made of carbon fiber.
Other highlights are the black headlamp bezel and LED tail lights in clear glass with black trim. The interior also fall on the new center console in carbon, the sensitive control panel and inspired by motor racing carbon sport seats with Alcantara upholstery.
Under the body contain numerous customized upgrades in addition to the V12 engine. To pass the intake manifold - as did the lightweight torsion - Magnesium and have a new geometry. The exhaust system with central tailpipes made entirely of titanium.
Photo Credit: © Aston Martin
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