The New Aston Martin V8 Vantage S.

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The Aston Martin Vantage range comes of age with the new Aston Martin V8 Vantage S characterised by a host of new driver-focussed features all designed to push the honed dynamics of the standard Vantage to a new benchmark level.

Aston Martin's own 4.7 litre V8 engine has been engineered to deliver peak power of 430 bhp (436 PS / 321 kW) at 7300 rpm and torque of 490 Nm (361 lb.ft) at 5000 rpm and is coupled with a new ground-up developed Sportshift™ II transmission specifically designed for the Aston Martin V8 Vantage S with seven short ratio gears to deliver the most engaging and intense driver involvement.

"The Vantage S epitomises every attribute of the V8 Vantage and pushes the driver experience beyond what we have offered before," says Dr. Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin, "It combines dynamic exhilaration with all the charming finesse, beauty and practicality already associated with the Vantage range."

Dynamic revisions are central to the Aston Martin V8 Vantage S, with a quickened steering rack ratio of 15:1 compared to 17:1 on the standard car and a larger diameter front brake disc with new six-piston front brake calipers. New springs and dampers, and wider rear wheels also contribute to chassis revisions. A new dynamic stability control (DSC) system specifically tuned to the Vantage S along with a new brake module providing features such as Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA) which provides assistance in emergency braking situations, and Hill Start Assist (HSA). Bespoke tyres have been developed with Bridgestone to optimise road holding enhancing dynamic feel.

At the core of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage S is the new seven speed Sportshift™ II automated manual transmission, offered as standard and delivers exceedingly rapid gear changes, twenty per cent quicker than Sportshift™. The extra gear permits shorter well-spaced ratios taking advantage of the optimum torque, which combined with a shorter final drive ratio of 4.182:1 delivers quicker acceleration and an enhanced sporting feel. The inherent benefits of a single clutch system reduces complexity and significant weight over a dual clutch solution. Sportshift™ II allows the driver to take an increased level of control, modulating the throttle pedal to achieve the desired type of gear change. In addition, the Vantage S features a 'Sport' button which quickens the gear changes and gives the driver a more aggressive throttle response while also opening the exhaust bypass valves across most of the engine speed range perfectly characterising the 'S' variant.

As with every Aston Martin, the Vantage S benefits from its own unique sound with a new exhaust muffler and bypass valve map, creating a very distinctive and highly vocal exhaust note.

The Aston Martin V8 Vantage S is instantly recognisable as a true Aston Martin, characterised by its purposeful stance conveying its agility and performance capability. From the front, a new lower front bumper finished in perfectly-aligned carbon fibre houses a larger air intake feeding the engine and front brakes. The splitter combined with the extended deck lid 'flip' work in harmony to provide increased down force at speed. New 19 inch 'V' spoke wheel styles are available as standard, while an optional 10-spoke lightweight forged wheel option, reduces unsprung mass further. A new rear bumper and side sills optically widen the car.

Bridging the gap between road car and race car, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage S is heavily influenced by the 2011 Vantage GT4 race car. The GT4 takes advantage of the Vantage's immensely rigid bonded aluminium chassis, providing the ideal platform for a race car. Minor racing safety modifications including an FIA approved roll cage and racing 'bag' petrol tank along with weight saving measures are made to the standard road car to convert it into a class winning race car. In 2010, it won its class at the Dubai 24 Hours following this up with further endurance race wins at the Nürburgring 24 Hours, Silverstone 24 Hours and Spa 24 Hours. It also won its first major international championship victory in the European GT4 Cup.

Source: Aston Martin

Fastest and most agile Vantage ever - The New Aston Martin V12 Vantage

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Fastest and most agile Vantage ever; ultimate performance interpretation of the Vantage range

• Purposeful, striking and functional styling signalling performance capabilities

• Everyday usability associated with a modern Aston Martin

• Race-derived technology used throughout

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Aston Martin presented the most potent production sports car in the marque's 95-year history at the Geneva motor show on 3 March. Based on the hugely successful V8 Vantage, the V12 Vantage will feature a 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 510 bhp (380 kW / 517 PS), and 570 Nm (420 lb ft) of torque with a top speed of 190 mph (305 km/h) and 0-62 mph (0-100 kp/h) time of 4.2 seconds.

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The latest incarnation of the Vantage family has been designed to provide a unique character, appealing to different driver tastes and complementing the other models in the current Aston Martin line-up.

The original V12 Vantage concept was unveiled to guests at the opening of the Aston Martin Design Studio in December 2007. Continuing the marque's impressive record of bringing concepts through to production, Aston Martin engineers have brought the V12 Vantage to market in an incredible 12 months.

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Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ulrich Bez said: “This is the ultimate performance interpretation of the Vantage range, combining our most agile model with our most powerful engine. It represents the definitive driving package; providing spectacular performance to ensure a dynamically thrilling and everyday useable driving experience.

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“The V12 Vantage has a unique character, one unlike our other cars. This will appeal to different people with different tastes, allowing more people to enjoy the Aston Martin experience.

“This also illustrates one of Aston Martin's key strengths – the ability to act quickly and turn concepts and ideas into reality.”

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Designed for the focused driver, every component of the V12 Vantage has been honed with pure driving enjoyment in mind. Benefitting from race-developed materials and components, and featuring lightweight carbon fibre; performance and agility have been tuned to perfection.

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Visually enticing, the V12 Vantage expresses its performance potential through its purposeful stance created by enhanced aerodynamic and cooling aids optically widening the car, while retaining traditional understated Aston Martin design. Equally inviting, the cosseting interior permits the driver to extract maximum performance ability from the car while also enjoying customary levels of Aston Martin comfort on longer journeys. High levels of power and torque are available at all engine speeds making the V12 Vantage responsive and tractable in any driving situation.

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The V12 Vantage will be built at Aston Martin's global headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire joining the DBS, DB9 and V8 Vantage model lines which are built in the state-of-the-art production facility combining hi-tech manufacturing processes with traditional hand-craftsmanship. Production will be limited up to 1,000 examples over the life span of the car, making the V12 Vantage a truly exclusive driver's car.

Source: Aston Martin Press Release

The Aston Martin DBS Volante - DBS's already-established benchmark sports car characteristics with all the thrills of open-air motoring.

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Aston Martin DBS Volante makes its debut at the 2009 Geneva Auto Salon. Completing the Aston Martin DBS line-up, l afforthe new Volante wild customers the combination of the DBS's already-established benchmark sports car characteristics with all the thrills of open-air motoring.

Broadening the DBS's character, the Aston Martin DBS Volante will appeal to drivers who wish to combine the excitement of driving a finely-tuned sports car with the invigorating feeling of being open to the elements. This juxtaposition of ultimate performance and openness stirs the senses on any drive whether an exhilarating jaunt on favoured roads or cruising on lengthy journeys. 'Volante', meaning 'moving with light rapidity', perfectly defines the performance potential and the dynamic characteristics of the Aston Martin DBS Volante.

Featuring a motorised retractable fabric roof, the DBS's beautiful profile is preserved whether up or down. When the roof is closed, it provides a warm comfortable ambience and when open, it neatly disappears behind the new tonneau cover at the touch of a button.

Aston Martin's Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ulrich Bez said: "The Aston Martin DBS Volante delivers the utmost relaxed driving experience with the hood up or down. It combines engineering excellence with design perfection.

"The Aston Martin DBS Volante offers a subtle mix of power and performance. Adding to this, the fine craftsmanship - it is an unparalleled ownership and driving experience."

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Conceived as a Volante from the outset, Aston Martin engineers opted for a fabric hood to closely follow the silhouette of the DBS coupe and due to its lightweight properties, minimise overall weight gain. Fully retractable in only 14 seconds and at up to speeds of 30 mph (48 km/h), the roof will automatically stow under the newly sculpted tonneau, maintaining the Aston Martin DBS Volante's perfect form - hood up or down.

Power is provided by Aston Martin's hand-built all alloy 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 510 bhp (380 kW / 517 PS), and 570 Nm (420 lb ft) of torque with a top speed of 191 mph (307 km/h) and 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time of 4.3 seconds. The nature of the V12, and in particular the torque available at all engine speeds, serves to provide effortless driving in all situations.

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Aston Martin's 16th convertible in 95 years, the Aston Martin DBS Volante draws on the marque's extensive experience in designing iconic 'Volantes' and is a 2+2 featuring two occasional rear seats, ideal for young people or extra luggage. In standard specification, the DBS has a rear-mounted six-speed manual gearbox, while an automatic six-speed 'Touchtronic' option is also available. As with the coupe, the Volante is offered with carbon ceramic brakes as standard providing exceptional stopping power. Benefitting from materials derived from the motorsport and aerospace industries, the bonnet, front wings and boot lid are made from carbon fibre all helping to reduce weight.

The Aston Martin DBS Volante also comes with Bang & Olufsen's renowned 'BeoSound DBS' in-car entertainment system, featuring 13 speakers as standard equipment. The BeoSound DBS has been expertly tuned by Bang & Olufsen's Tonmeisters and Aston Martin's acoustic engineers specifically for the Volante resulting in a system that senses when the roof has been retracted and adjusts the sound stage to compensate for extra wind noise, providing an unrivalled automotive audio experience.

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Design

Although the DBS was originally conceived as a two-seater sports GT, the potential for a Volante version was always in the minds of the design team. Holding a purposeful stance, the muscular shapes and forms of the DBS have been retained exuding confidence.

Aston Martin's 16th convertible, learning taken from the engineering of previous soft-top cars has resulted in the Aston Martin DBS Volante possessing Aston Martin's quietest and most refined roof system to date. When raised, the fabric roof is insulated with a layer of Thinsulate® material relieving cabin noise and protecting the inhabitants from the elements. The hydraulic pump has been cocooned in a noise and vibration enclosure reducing noise when raising and lowering the hood.

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The newly choreographed hood has resulted in an opening time of only 14 seconds due to a new five-piston hydraulic pump. The roof effortlessly stows below the newly-sculpted tonneau cover which has been redesigned to enhance the muscular attributes of the Aston Martin DBS Volante. Housing the Roll-Over-Protection-System (ROPS) which deploys two roll bars in the event of the car rolling over, the rear humps lead your eye to the new carbon fibre deck lid which has been re-styled for the Aston Martin DBS Volante. Particular to the DBS, a line flows from the leading edge of the bonnet past the elegantly sloped windscreen flowing into the carbon fibre deck lid and to the rear boot 'flip'.

As with the DBS Coupe, the bonnet, front wings and boot lid are formed from carbon fibre. Preventing the weave protruding the paint finish, Aston Martin employs a patented 'surface veil' technology applying a 200 micron thick layer of epoxy glue to the carbon fibre, before the application of seven layers of paint producing a class A level of finish.

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The interior of the DBS represents the epitome of Aston Martin's commitment to using materials honestly, without disguise or embellishment. Lightweight materials are used throughout to save weight; door pulls are made from carbon fibre, for example, and the carpet has been woven with lighter fibres to save valuable kilograms.

The Volante features 2+2 seating as standard. The beautifully leather trimmed rear seats are ideal for younger persons or extra luggage making the Aston Martin DBS Volante a practical everyday sports car.

Delivered as standard with Bang & Olufsen's BeoSound DBS audio system and seamlessly integrated into the Aston Martin DBS Volante's bespoke interior, the system provides the driver and passengers with an unrivalled audio experience. Consisting of 13 individual speakers and Bang & Olufsen's unique Digital Signal Processing system, the system transforms the Aston Martin DBS Volante into an acoustically sophisticated venue, capable of conveying subtle and striking musical dynamics from every source. The BeoSound DBS has been specifically revised for the Aston Martin DBS Volante and senses when the roof is up or retracted and adjusts the sound stage to compensate for wind noise and change in acoustics.

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The Bang & Olufsen BeoSound DBS system has been developed exclusively for Aston Martin. The system is acoustically and physically matched to the Aston Martin DBS Volante, with a design that follows the inherent quality and material honesty of the Aston Martin interior. The loudspeaker grilles are finished with smoothly contoured aluminium so as to integrate seamlessly with the fluid lines and curves of the cabin. When the system is turned on, the twin acoustic lens speakers emerge silently and swiftly, adding a touch of theatre and technological panache that is the perfect complement to the Aston Martin DBS Volante.

As with the coupe, the Volante affords customers the prospect of specifying the optional 10-spoke 20" forged aluminium lightweight wheel with diamond-turned surface - available in either silver or graphite finishes. With an overall unsprung mass reduction of 8 kg, the option aids enhanced handling, improved acceleration, and braking performance.

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Performance

The need for high-performance stability, handling ability and low kerb weight defined the DBS's form and construction. The Aston Martin DBS Volante is powered by the same 6.0-litre V12 engine at the heart of the DBS which was launched in 2007. Producing 510 bhp (517 PS / 380 kW), peak power is delivered at 6500 rpm and the 570 Nm (420 lb ft) of torque is delivered at 5750 rpm. Tractable at any time, the DBS possesses a 'flat' torque curve providing 85% of the torque from 1500 rpm.

The 3.71:1 (manual) and 3.46:1 (Touchtronic) final drive ratio assures that all the Aston Martin DBS Volante's power is useable, while also enhancing in-gear acceleration.

Adding to the sonorous V12 enhances the aural soundtrack. Special by-pass valves in the exhaust allow a quieter exhaust note at low speeds; at 4000 rpm these open to reduce the pressure in the exhaust system, raising the power output as well as generating a rousing aural accompaniment.

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The Aston Martin DBS Volante is available as standard with a rear-mounted 6-speed manual gearbox with gear ratios optimised to extract the very best from the 6.0-litre engine. Providing customers with even greater personalisation capabilities, a 'Touchtronic' 6- speed automatic featuring a torque converter is also available as an option.

Derived from the same ZF transaxle unit that was developed for the Aston Martin DB9, the system has been substantially re-engineered to accommodate the power and performance characteristics of the DBS.

System functionality is consistent with that on the DB9, with 'Park', 'Reverse', 'Neutral' and 'Drive' modes selected via facia mounted controls.

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When in 'Drive' mode, pulling either of the leather-trimmed magnesium alloy paddles mounted on the steering column will activate Touchtronic mode, enabling the driver to control gear shifts via the paddles. Touchtronic mode is also accessible directly on engine start-up. Alternatively, the 'Drive' mode can be selected at any time by pressing the 'D' control on the centre console, engaging a fully automatic mode which will select the most appropriate gear for the speed and driving conditions automatically.

The system also includes a 'Sport' mode - activated by a button on the centre console - which engages a more aggressive gear shift strategy as gear changes feel sharper and more forceful, engine speed matching on downshifts is more aggressive and in full automatic mode, upshifts occur at higher speeds. The Sport setting also incorporates a more responsive throttle map to match the high-performance characteristics of the Aston Martin DBS Volante.

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Control

Contributing to the class-leading levels of rigidity, the VH-platform (Vertical - Horizontal) upon which all Aston Martins are founded, ensures a dynamically accomplished convertible translating into an exciting and communicative chassis. The VH architecture is a bonded aluminium structure that provides outstanding strength and rigidity. In comparison to its coupe sibling, the Volante retains 75% of the rigidity equating to 20kNm per degree. This has been achieved by rigidly mounting the rear sub frame and optimising the front and rear shear panels. Working together these components contribute to more than 20% of the total torsional rigidity.

Augmenting the Aston Martin DBS Volante's supreme handling characteristics is the near perfect weight distribution - achieved by mounting the 6-speed gearbox at the rear placing 85% of the weight between the front and rear axle.

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To take full advantage of its extremely precise and rigid platform, the DBS employs a sophisticated Adaptive Damping System (ADS) which is specifically tuned for the Aston Martin DBS Volante maximising ride comfort. It uses two separate valves to set the dampers to five different positions, allowing instant adjustment of the car's ride and handling characteristics. The ADS automatically alters the suspension settings to ensure the driver has high levels of control at all times, with the ability to respond instantly to different driving conditions. The dampers can be 'softer', with a corresponding improvement in ride quality, or 'firm', providing improved body control for more spirited driving.

The damper settings are determined by an electronic control unit which takes sensor readings from the car's systems, including throttle position, brake position, steering wheel rotation and vehicle speed. This data establishes the prevailing driving conditions and the demands the driver is making on the car.

The Aston Martin DBS Volante's Adaptive Damping System perfectly captures the car's sporting character, ensuring that stiffer dampers are available for better handling and control when the car is being driven enthusiastically, without compromising ride comfort during 'normal' driving conditions. A designated 'Track' mode automatically sets all dampers to their firmest positions, making it ideal for circuit driving. The DBS Volante is fitted with Pirelli P-Zero tyres that have been developed especially for the car.

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The Aston Martin DBS Volante also has a revised Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system specifically tuned to the Volante to help maintain maximum traction in challenging driving conditions. In default operation, the DSC is automatically on. Select and press the button for two seconds and DSC 'Track' mode is engaged, raising the threshold at which the system intervenes to allow the experienced driver to explore the car's limits. Hold the button for four seconds and DSC is disengaged entirely.

Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) brakes are featured as standard. Providing shorter stopping distances with excellent resistance to fade in even the most demanding driving conditions, the CCM brakes are some 12.5 kg lighter than a conventional system. This results in reducing the overall weight of the car and, in particular, the unsprung weight and rotational masses, further enhancing the Aston Martin DBS Volante's dynamics.

Technical Specification

Body

Two-door convertible body style with 2+2 seating

Bonded aluminium VH structure

Aluminium, magnesium alloy and carbon-fibre composite body

Extruded aluminium door side-impact beams

High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps (main beam)

LED rear lamps and side repeaters

Engine

All-alloy, quad overhead camshaft, 48-valve, 5935 cc V12

Compression ratio 10.9:1

Front-mid mounted engine, rear-wheel drive

Fully catalysed stainless steel exhaust system with active bypass valves

Max power: 380 kW (510 bhp / 517 PS) @ 6500 rpm

Max torque: 570 Nm (420 lb.ft) @ 5750 rpm

Performance

Acceleration: 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.3 seconds

Max speed: 307 km/h (191 mph)

Transmission

Rear-mid mounted, six-speed manual gearbox. Rear-mid mounted 'Touchtronic 2' six-speed gearbox with electronic shift-by-wire control system

Alloy torque tube with carbon fibre propeller shaft

Limited-slip differential

Final-drive ratio 3.71:1 (manual) 3.46:1 (Touchtronic)

Wheels and Tyres

Front: 8.5" x 20" Pirelli P Zero 245/35

Rear: 11" x 20" Pirelli P Zero 295/30

Steering

Rack and pinion, Servotronic speed-sensitive power-assisted steering, 3.0 turns lock-to-lock

Column tilt and reach adjustment

Suspension

Front: Independent double wishbone incorporating anti-dive geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube adaptive dampers

Rear: Independent double wishbones with anti-squat and anti-lift geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube adaptive dampers

Adaptive Damping System (ADS) with Track mode

Brakes

Front: Ventilated carbon ceramic discs, 398 mm diameter with six-piston callipers

Rear: Ventilated carbon ceramic discs, 360 mm diameter with four-piston callipers

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Track mode

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)

Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)

Traction control

Dimensions

Length: 4721 mm (185.9")

Wheelbase: 2740 mm (107.9")

Width:

1905 mm (75") (exc. Mirrors)

2060 mm (81.1") (inc. Mirrors)

Fuel tank capacity: 78 litres (17.2 Imp.galls, 20.5 US galls)

Height: 1280 mm (50.4")

Weight: 1810 kg

Equipement

Interior

Full grain leather interior

Matrix alloy facia trim and Iridium Silver centre console surround

Carbon fibre door trims and door pulls

Auto-dimming rear-view mirror & garage door opener ( USA & Canada only)

Sports seats with electric adjustment

Memory seats & exterior mirrors (three positions)

Dual-stage driver/passenger front airbags

Side airbags

Heated seats

Heated rear screen

Automatic temperature control

Organic Electroluminescent (OEL) displays

Trip computer

LED map lights

Cruise control

Hard Disk Drive (HDD) satellite navigation system

Bluetooth telephone preparation

Powerfold exterior mirrors

Front and rear parking sensors

Tyre-pressure monitoring

Alarm and immobiliser

Remote-control central door locking and boot release

Wind deflector

Battery disconnect switch

Battery conditioner

Tracking device ( UK only)

Boot-mounted umbrella

Lamy pen and pen holder (Touchtronic only)

In-Car Entertainment

Bang & Olufsen BeoSound DBS sound system

Integrated Apple iPod® connector

USB connector with Waveform Audio Format (WAF), Windows Media Player (WMA) and MPEG (MP3) audio file compatibility

3.5 mm auxiliary input socket

Options

20" 20-spoke alloy wheels with graphite finish

20" 10-spoke diamond-turned alloy wheels

20" 10-spoke diamond-turned alloy wheels with graphite finish

Satellite radio system ( USA only)

Piano Black facia trim and centre console surround

Personalised sill plaques

Auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror

Auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror with garage door opener ( Europe only)

Alarm upgrade (volumetric and tilt sensor)

Tracking device

First-aid kit

Ashtray and cigar lighter

Source: Aston Martin Press Release

Aston Martin "Cygnet" Concept

Toyota's revolutionary iQ platform is about to reset traditional thinking, with plans that the world's

smallest four-seater will serve as the basis for a new luxury commuter car to be exclusively built for and

sold to Aston Martin owners. Toyota Motor Europe (TME) today announced that the new "Cygnet" would

pair Aston Martin's trademark design flair with the Toyota iQ's highly compact and low-CO2 city driving

package. The commuter car will be tailored specifically to customer requirements at Aston Martin's

global headquarters in Gaydon, the United Kingdom.

'It's a great compliment that the Toyota iQ has been hand-picked by one of the world's most prestigious sports

car brands, a company with whom we also share a strong friendship. This collaboration represents a natural

pairing of strategies: a small yet spacious package, perfect for the city driver, finished off with Aston Martin's

iconic design language,' said Tadashi Arashima, CEO and President of TME. 'The Cygnet is a good choice for

the Aston Martin owner looking for that second or third car, which is luxurious and eco-conscious,' he added.

Although radically different in size and customer base, Aston Martin and Toyota are united in their corporate

philosophies of delivering superior quality, engineering excellence and innovative technology. The collaboration

is also fortunate to benefit from a strong relationship underlined by a passion for cars.

The Toyota iQ is considered a breakthrough in intelligent design. Less than three metres in length, its flexible

package can accommodate up to four people, providing owners with a new dimension of versatility. Featuring a

range of design innovations – such as its flat under-floor fuel tank and asymmetric dashboard – the iQ is

positioned as the "no compromise choice" with CO2 emissions starting as low as 99 g/km. It also offers

outstanding levels of passive and active safety equipment resulting in a Euro NCAP 5-star rating.

Despite tough market conditions for the automotive industry, the Toyota iQ has proved appealing to a wide

variety of city drivers with a taste for style, driving performance and low CO2. The Toyota iQ made its European

sales debut in January 2009. It continues to perform in line with expectation, with over 25,000 units sold to-date.

The planned collaboration with Aston Martin is a timely endorsement of the iQ's superior packaging. The

announcement marks a critical step in Toyota's longer-term planning to expand the 'iQ world' – that is, to bring

new versions of the Toyota iQ to market globally and expand the company's eco-friendly line-up.

Source: Aston Martin

ASTON MARTIN READY FOR NÜRBURGRING CHALLENGE

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Nürburgring, 21 May 2009. Six Aston Martins will be amongst the 180 entrants in the Nürburgring 24 hour race – one of the toughest endurance tests in motorsport – spearheaded by a factory entered version of the British marque's new V12 Vantage.

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The V12 Vantage, in near-standard specification, will be driven by Aston Martin Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez (DE), Chris Porritt (GB), Oliver Mathai (DE) and Richard Meaden (GB). Premiered at the Geneva Auto Salon in early March, the V12 Vantage is the ultimate incarnation of the Vantage range featuring a 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 510 bhp (517 PS) and 570 Nm (420 lb ft) of torque. With just minor modifications, the standard car is able to compete in this most demanding of endurance races.

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Joining Aston Martin's latest model, driven by Wolfgang Schuhbauer (DE), Shinichi Katsura (J) and Horst von Saurma (DE), will be 'Rose', the yellow V8 Vantage N24 and now endurance veteran that first entered the race in 2006. Rose provided the original inspiration behind the N24/GT4 racing programme and returns to the Nordschleife having now clocked up a staggering four consecutive 24-hour race finishes including a class victory in last year's Nürburgring 24 hour race.

Aston Martin will also be supporting a Vantage N24 entry for a customer team headed by the company's Austrian dealer, Richard Karner.

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Aston Martin Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez said: "For me, this race is still the ultimate endurance challenge for any car and it is right that we subject our new V12 Vantage to this extraordinary test.

"This race is also a great occasion in Europe with support from thousands of enthusiasts and I am delighted that so many customer teams are able to join us. Of course, we hope that we can all finish the race but also have some fun too."

The first of two qualifying sessions begin this evening (Thursday) before concluding on Friday morning before the 37th ADAC Nürburgring 24 hour race begins at 4pm local time (3pm GMT) on 23 May 2009.

Source: Aston-Martin

ASTON MARTIN IS BACK TO THE RACE WITH NEW V12 VANTAGE

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Aston Martin will return to the starting grid of Germany’s Nordschleife for its fourth consecutive year of the Nurburgring 24-hour endurance challenge, which kicks off on May 23rd. The carmaker will be using its latest super-sports car, the all-new V12 Vantage coupe, which will be kept in near-standard specification for the event.

Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show Last Month, the V12 Vantage runs Aston Martin’s familiar 6.0L V12 engine producing 510hp (380kW) and 420lb-ft (570Nm) of torque. Its 0 - 62mph time is 4.2 seconds and the top speed is 190mph (305km/h).

ASTON MARTIN RETURNS TO NÜRBURGRING 24-HOUR RACE WITH NEW V12 VANTAGE

Gaydon, Warwickshire 24 April 2009 . Aston Martin will return to the starting grid of the legendary Nordschleife for the fourth consecutive year at the 37th ADAC Nürburgring 24-hour race on 23/24 May 2009 with the new V12 Vantage. Joining the marque's latest model will be ‘Rose', the yellow V8 Vantage that was first entered into the race in 2006.

Headlining this year's factory effort and aiming to repeat Aston Martin's untarnished record of finishing the 24-hour race, will be the marque's new V12 Vantage in near-standard specification driven by Aston Martin Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez and representatives from the company's engineering team. Premiered at the Geneva Auto Salon in early March, the V12 Vantage is the ultimate incarnation of the Vantage range featuring a 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 510 bhp (517 PS) and 570 Nm (420 lb ft) of torque. With just minor modifications, the standard car is being readied to compete in the most demanding of endurance races.

Dr Ulrich Bez who will be driving in his fourth consecutive 24-hour race, said: “This is the final engineering durability test for the V12 Vantage programme. We will be subjecting the car to the toughest assessment yet under public scrutiny as we successfully did with the Vantage N24 programme.

“We already have a proven track record at the Nürburgring racing our road cars with limited modification and in 2009 we also celebrate our 50-year anniversary of winning the ADAC Nürburgring 1000 km with a DBR1.”

The V12 Vantage race car will be close to production standardwith only essential safety modifications, reduced weight and re-tuned suspension with no additional aerodynamic enhancements. Production tyre partner Pirelli has specially selected      P Zero Circuit Racing slick tyres to enhance performance, ensuring consistency and to provide a tangible performance link to the V12 Vantage road car.

Aston Martin is expecting a number of customer teams to join the V12 Vantage on the starting grid. ‘Rose', the yellow V8 Vantage and original inspiration behind the N24/GT4 programme will also be making a return to the Nordschleife having now clocked up four 24-hour race finishes and more than 20,000 endurance miles.

Aston Martin's Head of Motorsport, David King said: “The Vantage N24/GT4 programme has been a huge success to date. Since its inception in 2006, no standard N24 from the factory or customer team has failed to finish a 24-hour endurance race in 13 starts around the world – a remarkable testament to the durability of the Vantage.”

The 37th ADAC Nürburgring 24 hour race will take place on 23/24 May 2009. 

Source: Aston-Martin

Aston Martin LMP1

Paul Ricard. Following weeks of intense preparation Aston Martin Racing ran its new LMP1 cars for the first time at the Le Mans Series test held at the Paul Ricard Circuit in France on 8/9 March.

Car numbers 007 and 009 resplendent in their Gulf Oil International orange and blue livery took to the French circuit on Sunday morning. All six of the team's drivers, Jan Charouz (CZ), Tomas Enge (CZ), Stefan Mücke (DE), Harold Primat (CH), Miguel Ramos (PT) and Darren Turner (GB) got an opportunity to test the new cars.

Members of the public were granted access to the Paul Ricard Test Track for the first time in 10 years and 3,500 spectators arrived on Sunday to view the on-track action from the newly installed grandstands. In total 28 of the 50 cars that will compete in the Le Mans Series took part in the official test with the Aston Martins taking centre stage.

The team was encouraged by the performance and reliability over the course of the test and encountered no significant issues despite the cars having barely turned a wheel prior to the start of the test.

The team suffered a setback on the afternoon of day one when the 007 car suffered an accident with Czech driver Tomas Enge at the wheel. Although the car sustained heavy damage, Enge walked away uninjured from the accident.

Also taking part in the test was Official Partner Team of Aston Martin Racing - Drayson Racing with their No. 87 Aston Martin Vantage GT2. Drivers Paul Drayson and Jonny Cocker used the test to benchmark the off-season improvements the team has made to the V8-powered machine. The results were encouraging as the Vantage GT2 performed well on its new Michelin tyres.

The Le Mans Series consists of five 1,000km races, the first of which is the 1,000km of Catalunya which will take place on 5 April at the Circuit de Catalunya near Barcelona , Spain . The other races take place at Spa in Belgium , at the new Algarve circuit in Portugal and at the Nürburgring in Germany where Aston Martin has its Test Centre facility. The series finale takes place on the team's home turf of Silverstone in the UK .

In addition to the Le Mans Series, Aston Martin Racing will compete in the Le Mans 24 hour race which takes place on 13/14 June 2009.

source : Aston Martin Press