Aston Martin To Build Outside U.K.

One of the most British brands of automobile in history may cease to be entirely British. The Financial Times is reporting that Aston Martin is nearing a decision that would have a builder outside the U.K. assemble the company's next model for the first time in history.

According to the Financial Times, the Aston Martin Rapide may be built by either Italian design and engineering firm Pinin-farina, Karmann group, based in Germany, Austria's Magna, and Magna of Finland. Magna builds the Boxster for Porsche. Aston Martin is considering bids from all four companies to assemble their new four-door saloon.

This decision by Aston Martin has been in the works for months, states the Financial Times. The thought process appears to have little to do with the sale of the luxury automaker by Ford to Kuwaiti investors.

Aston Martin, which turned 93-years-old this year, typically builds at their Gaydon headquarters in Warwickshire. However, with a surprising upturn over the last ten years in Aston Martin purchases, building at Gaydon is apparently at capacity.

The Aston Martin Rapide is expected for delivery in late 2009.

Aston Martin V8 Vantage by Prodrive

Prodrive has launched a range of parts for the Aston Martin V8 Vantage, which improves the car’s performance and enhances its driving dynamics. The range includes: a performance pack for the engine; new driver-adjustable suspension; unique forged wheels; and a discreet aero package.

Prodrive has tuned the 4.3 litre V8 engine to raise peak power from 283 kW (380 bhp) to 317 kW (425 bhp), as well as increasing peak torque from 410 Nm (302 lbft) to 440 Nm (325 lbft). This reduces the car’s 0-100 km/h time from 5.0 secs to 4.7 secs (est) and increases the top speed by 13 km/h to 293 km/h (est). A new throttle map, combined with the increase in torque, also make the engine more responsive throughout the rev range.

Prodrive has worked with suspension specialists, Bilstein and Eibach, to develop new driver-adjustable suspension. A switch in the cockpit allows the driver to choose between normal and sports mode. The normal mode has been designed to enhance the V8 Vantage’s existing ride and handling characteristics, while the firmer sports mode delivers an even more focussed driving experience on the road or for track use.

The engine performance pack has a modified exhaust system with a low back pressure sports catalyst and a driver-controlled switch to manually override the V8 Vantage’s exhaust valve. This gives the option of a quiet mode, where the valve is permanently closed; auto, where the valve operates as it does on the standard car; and sport mode, where the valve is permanently open (where conditions allow).

The V8 Vantage’s aerodynamics have been analysed in the windtunnel to develop an aero package to reduce high speed lift. The result is discreet Prodrive designed and manufactured carbon composite front lip and trunk spoilers, which are in keeping with the Vantage’s classic styling. Together, these reduce lift by 45 per cent, improving both high speed stability and grip.

Prodrive runs the Aston Martin Racing team in partnership with Aston Martin. It has used its experience of designing and developing DB9 and V8 Vantage-based race and rally cars to help create this range of performance enhancements for the road car. It has also carried through the unique design of the wheels used on the Aston Martin DBR9 GT1 racing car to special 14 spoke 19” forged wheels made by Prodrive Japan for the V8 Vantage. These come complete with Pirelli P-Zero tyres, which have been selected to match the new suspension and optimise the ride and handling.

“The V8 Vantage is already one of the world’s best sports cars,” said Roland Cherry, Prodrive performance products director. “Our aim was to develop a range of parts which enhanced the car’s performance but, most importantly, did not compromise the inherent Aston Martin driving characteristics or styling. I think we have achieved this with a range of parts owners can specify as a package or individually.”

The range of parts and prices will be available from early 2007.

Suspension partner, Eibach, has an Aston Martin V8 Vantage with the full range of parts fitted on display on its stand at the Essen Motor Show.

Prodrive Aston Martin V8 Vantage

Prodrive, one of the world’s leading motorsport companies will display to the public for the first time a stunning range of products for the Aston Martin V8 Vantage at Autosport International which takes place at the NEC Birmingham on January 11-14. Banbury-based Prodrive, which for more than 20 years has been running race and rally programmes for some of biggest names in motorsport, will have a huge presence at the four-day motorsport extravaganza with emphasis on carrying through its motorsport sport technology onto road car projects.

The V8 Vantage package, announced on November 30, will improve the car’s performance and enhance its driving dynamics and includes a performance pack for the engine; new driver-adjustable suspension; unique forged wheels; and a discreet aero package. The 4.3 litre V8 engine has been tuned to raise peak power to 425bhp, which reduces the car’s 0-100 km/h time from 5.0 seconds to 4.7 seconds (est.) and increases the top speed by 13 km/h to 293 km/h (est.).

A new throttle map, combined with the increase in torque, also make the engine more responsive throughout the rev range. Prodrive has worked with suspension specialists, Bilstein and Eibach, to develop new driver-adjustable suspension. A switch in the cockpit allows the driver to choose between normal and sports mode. The normal mode has been designed to enhance the V8 Vantage’s existing ride and handling characteristics; while the firmer sports mode delivers an even more focused driving experience on the road or for track use.

Aston Martin N24 V8 Vantage

Aston Martin has confirmed details of its N24 race car, based on the critically acclaimed V8 Vantage road car, which will be showcased at the Autosport International Show this week. The Vantage N24 is based on a standard European specification production V8 Vantage, with modifications undertaken to prepare the car for the competitive racing environment.

At the 2006 British Motor Show, Aston Martin Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ulrich Bez, announced that the company would build a limited production run of cars based on the V8 Vantage that completed the Nürburgring 24-hour endurance race that June. The near standard V8 Vantage finished 24^th overall out of 220 starters, completing some 130 laps of the 15.77 mile circuit – in a field of mostly specialised race-homologated entrants.

The Nürburgring 24-hour race not only gives its name to the V8 Vantage N24, but provided a conclusive demonstration of its abilities; a near standard car capable of tackling the demands of one of the world's most arduous racing circuits. The Vantage N24 subsequently went on to finish eighth overall in the inaugural 24-hour race of Bahrain in December 2006, again competing with highly modified race cars. During the course of the race, the Vantage N24 covered over 2600km, needing only fuel, brake pads and tyres.

With the formation of Aston Martin Racing in 2004, the company made a long awaited and successful return to international sports car racing firstly with the GT1 DBR9 in 2005 followed by the GT3 DBRS9 in 2006. However, the company also has a long history of racing near standard cars both at national and at international level. The Vantage N24 builds on this tradition - a factory built car proven and ready to race.

The Vantage N24 will be fastidiously hand built in a dedicated facility within Aston Martin’s Gaydon headquarters. The level of detail and finish conforms to Aston Martin’s exacting standards, fusing hand craftsmanship with advanced technology. The build of the first customer cars will commence in the coming weeks.

The Vantage N24’s engine is modified to enhance throttle response and performance; including the crankshaft, conrods and pistons being lightened and balanced, the cylinder heads re-profiled to optimise compression ratio and gas flow and the engine management system is calibrated for race use. The N24 also benefits from a free flow exhaust system and improved air filters. The standard V8 dry sump lubrication system is retained helping prevent oil surges during extreme cornering. The result is 410bhp (305KW) at 7500rpm – a 30bhp increase over the standard car. The N24 is available with a 6-speed manual transmission only. A Valeo twin plate cerametalic racing clutch and lightweight flywheel complete the powertrain specification.

At 1330kg the Vantage N24 weighs in at 250kg lighter than the standard car. The interior trim of the standard car is removed apart from the facia moulding which is re-trimmed in Alcantara. The console and door casings are replaced by new lightweight mouldings. The air-conditioning system is removed as are the airbags. The interior features a full high strength steel roll cage and Recaro Pole Position competition shell (a passenger seat and safety harness is an optional extra). A suede-trimmed steering wheel with a quick release mechanism is also fitted as standard. The Vantage N24’s safety features are completed with a Schroth six-point safety harness with a push button release and Lifeline Zero 360 gas extinguisher system.

The Vantage N24's underframe and body has also been discreetly modified to save weight and increase trackside practicality. Tapping plates have been included to accommodate the use of pneumatic jacks, and motor sport towing eyes are attached to the chassis. The side and rear windows have been replaced with clear polycarbonate, with a sliding opening on the driver's side. The bonnet and tail latches are now quick release items.

The V8 Vantage’s acclaimed suspension has required only minor adjustments to optimise it for track use. These include larger diameter front and rear anti-roll bars and adjustable ride height aluminium dampers, as well as single rate flat ground springs with separate helper springs. The front subframe has been modified for extra camber and castor, while Speedline cast magnesium front and rear wheels are standard, along with high performance Yokohama AO48 tyres.

The brakes have been up-rated with Pagid RS 29 race pads. As further endorsement of the standard V8 Vantage’s abilities, the active safety systems are directly carried over to the Vantage N24 including dynamic stability control, traction control, ABS and electronic brakeforce distribution, providing reassurance and control in slippery conditions.

The Vantage N24 provides an ideal base for a wide variety of Motorsport uses and is ideal for club racing amongst other categories. As supplied it is eligible for series such as the VLN Endurance Championship at the Nürburgring, the Britcar endurance series, the Dutch Supercar Challenge, the Australian GT Championship and the European Endurance Championship. In addition, the Vantage N24 is also potentially eligible for the proposed European GT4 series, the Grand-Am Cup and SCCA Touring Car Class in the USA¹.

The Vantage N24 is on sale now with prices starting at £78,720 plus local taxes and delivery. The customer version of the N24 will make its public debut at the Autosport International Show at the Birmingham NEC from 11^th January, as a guest car on tyre partner, Yokohama’s, stand.

Aston Martin V8 Vantage N24 Specification

The specification is based on a standard production, European specification (left hand drive), V8 Vantage with the following modifications:

Body

• FIA approved full roll cage in 40mm x 1.5mm 15CDV6 high strength steel
• Preparation for pneumatic jacks incorporating tapping plates
• Motor sport towing eyes
• Plastic side & rear windows – with slide opening on driver’s side
• Re-styled side sill with exposed carbon fibre rib
• Quick release bonnet/tail safety latching with hinges retained
• Lightweight aluminium side strakes

Engine & Transmission

• Cylinder heads; re-profiled and smoothed inlet and exhaust ports and optimised compression ratio
• Crankshaft, conrods, pistons and flywheel lightened and balanced to race standards
• ITG cylindrical foam air filters
• Reduced cell density primary catalysts
• Revised engine calibration (97 RON fuel)
• EGR & secondary air system removed
• Simplified oil breather system with catch tank
• Weight reduced rear muffler without by-pass valves
• Air conditioning system and compressor removed
• FIA approved ATL bag type fuel tank with twin fuel pumps -100L capacity. Filling point built into the right hand C-post with facility to accept a quick fill 'dry break' arrangement
• Standard 6-speed manual transmission – fitted with breather catch tank Valeo twin plate cerametallic clutch (215mm) with lightweight flywheel

Underframe

• Single rate, flat ground, 2.5” ID. Eibach springs with separate helper springs.
• Stiffened diameter front and rear anti-roll bars
• Dynamic Suspensions adjustable ride height aluminium dampers
• Front subframe modified for extra camber and castor

Wheels & Tyres

• Speedline 10” X 18” ET45mm cast magnesium front wheels
• Speedline 11” X 18” ET48mm cast magnesium rear wheels
• Yokohama A048 tyres
• Standard radial-mounted 4 piston monobloc calipers fitted with high performance Pagid RS 29 race pads

Electrical

• Reduced weight and optimised route wiring harness
• Optima gel battery
• Battery cut off relay
• New switch panel mounted in centre console (includes; re-settable circuit breakers for each fuel pump, extinguisher button, battery cut-off button, heater controls, mirror switch and toggle switches for fog lights, hazard lights, traction control and heated front screen.
• Panel graphics illuminated by ‘electroluminescent’ film
• Original V8 Vantage instrument pack
• All other standard production ancillary electrical systems removed

Interior

• Recaro Pole Position competition shell seat with Aston Martin wings logo
• Schroth 6 point safety harness – push button release
• FIA compliant Lifeline Zero 360 plumbed in extinguisher system (gas) – 4 engine bay and 2 interior nozzles
• Raised driver’s footrest
• New simple door casings moulded in ‘Twintex’ for weight saving and compatibility with roll cage
• Weight reduced facia, trimmed in Alcantara
• Shortened one piece carbon fibre centre console
• Quick release suede trimmed steering wheel.
• All other standard production trim and air bags removed

Options

• Passenger seat and safety harness

Dimensions & Performance

Length:	4380mm (172.5 in)	Height:	1210mm (47.5 in)
Width:	1865mm (73.5 in) (exc. Mirrors) 2025mm (80 in) (inc. Mirrors)	Wheelbase:	2600mm (102.5 in)
Front Track:	1580mm (62.2 in)	Rear Track:	1590mm (62.6 in)
Kerb Weight (less fuel):	1330kg	Fuel Tank Capacity:	100 litres
Maximum Power:	410bhp (305kW)	Maximum Torque:	313lb.ft (425Nm)

Aston Martin V8 Vantage RS

Light-weight Baby Aston

When these photos first hit the web a few days ago, a conclusion was jumped to that this might be the US spec V8 Vantage (otherwise known as the baby Aston Martin). But Autogespot.nl has done some digging around and realised that this might just be the Aston Martin V8 Vantage RS. It turns out that the RS was announced in December 2005 for late 2007 but it seems that it has drifted slowly from our minds, especially now with the release of the DBS at Pebble Beach.

The Aston Martin V8 Vantage RS is a light-weight (1270kg) version of the V8 Vantage but with more power. The RS weighs 150kg less than the standard Vantage while putting out an additional 40hp (totalling at 420hp). Aston Martin seems to be keen to compete more vigorously with the Porsche GT3 and Audi R8.

Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster

The US is now the biggest market for Aston Martin, so it has come as no surprise that the Los Angeles Motor Show 2006 was chosen to launch the Roadster version of the popular V8 Vantage. After a recent visit to the West Coast of the USA, I would imagine that a convertible Aston can be driven most if not all year round with the roof lowered.

On first view, I think the Vantage Roadster has turned out just as we expected. Strangely, it was first glimpsed in the background shot of the AM design studio on a DVD available for short time in the UK in late 2003 from the British store, Marks & Spencer. Even then the twin leather covered 'humps' on the hard roof cover (not dissimilar to those seen on the DB-AR1) have made it to production. The roof, a triple layered fabric type folds down totally flat; it can even be raised or lowered without manual assistance in 18 seconds at speeds of upto 30 mph, neat trick!

The rigidity of the Roadster has been enhanced by the use of slightly thicker gauge aluminium within the platform and strengthening webs within the sills. This has only added a tiny 70kg over the closed car. Whilst the stiffness of the Vantage is believed to be 27,000 Newton Meters per degree, the roadster has a very commendable 21,000. In comparison, the DB9 Volante is, I understand 15,500.

Production begin in the second quarter of 2007 with a UK price of �47 for the manual, slightly more than �00 dearer than the coupe. Without doubt, demand for the roadster has been strong; thus I expect that anyone who has waited to see the car before placing an order will have a considerable delay before taking delivery.

	V8 Vantage	V8 Roadster
Length	4380 mm	4380 mm
Width	1865 mm	1865 mm
Height	1255 mm	1265 mm
Wheelbase	2600 mm	2600 mm
Power	380 bhp @ 7000 rpm	380 bhp @ 7000 rpm
Weight	1630 kg	1710 kg
Top Speed	175 mph	175mph
0-60mph	4.9 seconds	4.9 seconds

Aston Martin V8 Vantage 2007

(c)Picture from New Car