Showing most expensive car 'Aston Martin' in the world for sale 20 million £

Aston Martin offered, and has been described as the most beautiful sports car produced by the company in of 99-year-old, for sale at amount staggering 20 million £ (1 t $ 36 million).

The sports car model ruled in 1957 over the old racetrack and still well-maintained handled by experts. This is the first time in many years that he had been selling.

The stylish car won the model DBR-1/2 endurance race for the 24 hours in'' Le Mans'' in 1959 where snatched victory led by legend motorists Stirling Moss on a track GoodWood.

The Aston Martin car offered for sale by talacrest company based in the city Ascot England south of the country. the company deals in rare Ferraris.

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Aston Martin V12 Zagato - Car Review

The Aston Martin V12 Advantage is among the most rare, most beautiful, and most preferred vehicles available in the U.S. But if you're one of the very few who discover Aston's little car with the big 6.0-liter 12-cylinder website too typical, too dull, and, with a beginning cost above $180,000, just too very accessible, Aston has another choice for you. Have you seen the new V12 Zagato? The new Aston Martin V12 Zagato is basically the same framework, with 510 power, 420 lb-ft of twisting, and a six-speed stick shift re-clothed for a restricted run of just 150 versions. In the Old Nation it's £330,000 (just shy of $500,000 U.S.) plus taxation. Aston Martin won't even be placing the new Zagato up for formal purchase over here, but maybe your individual impact can get around around the federalization procedure and slide one under the net. Why not?

 There's a lot of record behind Zagato-bodied Astons. In 1961, Zagato of Tuscany started to develop around 20 lightened, more streamlined systems for the Aston Martin DB4 GT. The vehicles provided Mercedes something to think about, and affected the 250GT SWB. Later, the DB4 GT Zagato became quite a suitable street device. With the future 50th birthday in thoughts, the Italian terminology close relatives company's present primary, Andrea Zagato, contacted Aston CEO Ulrich Bez at this year's Geneva vehicle display. Chair Bez decided to a cooperation, and instantly introduced style primary Marek Reichman into the discussion. Reichman informs MT, "We preferred to do something. But what was the DB4 GT Zagato? A compact rate. So the new car had to be a rate in its first version." Aston has a addiction of operating in the 24 time of the Nurburgring, a grindingly challenging occasion on the legendary Nordschleife. The new car was organized to get into this year's occasion, 50 decades after the unique DB4 GT Zagato first ran.


Reichman describes that the style procedure went to a competitors. Zagato's primary developer, Nori Harada, did a offer, and so did Reichman's group in the U.K. Both Andrea Zagato and Ulrich Bez elected for the English offer. "So this was all developed and developed at Aston Martin by the Aston Martin style group, but together with Andrea Zagato." It's worth noting the level to which this is a manufacturer venture, not an outside coachbuilder's no cost presentation. Reichman preferred it to use Zagato hints, but simultaneously become aspect of the style tale he's chiselling out for more popular Astons. As he places it: "Because [the Zagato] enjoys something legendary, we preferred something which would be similarly as legendary into the long run."

ASTON MARTIN V12 ZAGATO
Base price	$450,000 (MT est)
Vehicle layout	Front-engine, RWD, 2-pass, 2-door, coupe
Engine	5.9L/510-hp/420-lb-ft DOHC 48-valve V-12
Transmission	6-speed manual
0-62mph	4.2 seconds (mfr)
Curb weight (dist f/r)	3700 lb (mfr)
Wheelbase	107.9 in
Length x width x height	173.2 x 73.4 x 48.9 in (w: 79.6 w/mirrors)
EPA city/hwy fuel econ	N/A mpg
CO2 emissions	N/A
On sale in U.S.	Never

 You can see this in the outer lining area collections, which are more competitive than those of the contributor V12 Advantage. "We are using cleaner collections now," says Reichman. "That's the new Aston terminology. We're using collections -- not just features -- to explain the type." There's a powerful range operating over the top side bumpers, and an even more attribute one that arcs over the returning tires and operates into the taillamp groups. You can identify something identical on the One-77, and it focuses on the size of the 295/30 19 returning tires. The Zagato hints are even more apparent. Examine the large oral cavity, with a Z-pattern in the content. Below, the braking mechanism air consumption nose are in the same position as on the DB4. The double-bubble ceiling and visor-glazing summarize are similarly attribute. "The ceiling range is very sliced," says Reichman, "which is exactly what a vehicle is. The range factors to the returning haunch." Moving circular to the returning, the Zagato brandishes its spoiler like an axe killer. The car has very low move, Reichman statements, but that sloping ceiling is restricted to cause raise. The returning venturi and spoiler were updated on the vehicles, and the street device uses gadgets that are hardly less popular. Reichman says the running overall look of such products is in maintaining with the vehicle's roots at the race track. A deployable spoiler wouldn't be in the soul, he statements. Not sure that we believe the truth, because this is a street car. But it would be a task to times something as wide down within the end. The epidermis is mostly metal, glued to the metal framework of the platform car. But the top side bumpers are as well as fibre, and Aston is extremely pleased of a strategy it developed to include the two components, with their varying heat development prices. The cabin is mostly Aston conventional in style, but has new components, most amazingly a stunning wave-pattern sewing on the chairs and headliner. The calls are dark with bright marks, a endowed reversion to peace of thoughts after decades of silvery azure on bluish gold. Black anodized metal and silky smooth as well as fibre finish the late night complexity. Such a absurd cost tag, built-in exclusivity, and the factor that they're probably not going to be marketed in The united states indicates that few of us will ever sit within one, let alone generate the latest Aston Martin Zagato. Best then to just appreciate the images and the periodic performances at activities, beginning with the Kuwait Concourse in Feb and Geneva Show in Goal. And then let's indicate that the V12 Zagato's type doesn't just factor in reverse to Aston's record, but also to the varied brand's future. Especially the next creation of GTs due out for 2013 and beyond.

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aston martin BD9 - Car Review

Few vehicles can go with the category and desirability of the Aston Martin DB9. It's the organization's superior product: a quick, magnificent, front-engined, rear-wheel-drive vehicle that will take two individuals and their baggage to the Southern of Portugal at high-speed in overall relaxed and processing. Assessed on its own value, it's a jaw-dropping car, but as it was first presented in 2004, with the most latest renew arriving in 2008, the DB9 is starting to lag behind more up-to-date opponents like the Mercedes Florida, Bmw SL and BMW M6.
Our choice: 6.0 V12

Styling 

4.2
The forerunner to the Aston Martin DB9, the DB7, is often famous as one of the best-looking vehicles ever made. Both vehicles were developed by Ian Callum at the time when Jaguar and Aston Martin were both possessed by Honda. The only thing that dulls the benefit the DB9's conventional form is knowledge – the relax of the existing Aston variety is developed along identical collections, so it battles to take a position out any more. Style has always been an Aston Martin characteristic, and residents appreciate wonderful hand-stitched set cut, magnificent wooden board ling, plus higher than normal excellent fit and complete throughout.

Driving 

4.2
With a 470bhp V12 website offering the energy, the Aston Martin DB9 is a appropriately quick and fascinating huge tourer that is as satisfied capturing down a In in german autobahn at 150mph as it is interesting its car owner on a twisty English returning street. Recent up-dates have included flexible dampers to the mix, providing the DB9 a fantastic bargain between generate and managing. Another latest inclusion is the Touchtronic semi-automatic gear box – a wide enhancement over past confusing signals. Unfortunately, for those who choose a more pure generating encounter, this implies a conventional guide gear box is no more provided.

Reliability 

3.8
The DB9 was a big leap ahead over the Jaguar XJ-S-based DB7 with regards to balance, and revealed issues with the website, gear box or ancillaries are few and far between. And because it's been available for such a lengthy time, any teething issues will have been ironed out lengthy ago. This car doesn't get the European NCAP crash-test therapy due to being marketed in such little figures, but digital balance management, grip management, side-impact security and safety bags are all existing and appropriate, making it a rut to be in the very regrettable occasion of failing it.

Practicality 

2.5
If you want an Aston Martin that will fit family members members, go for the four-door Rapider. The DB9 is a huge tourer for two individuals, simply. Even kids will find the little returning chairs irritatingly little, and baggage area is fairly restricted, too, at only 186 liters. But if you can manage a DB9, then you can very probably also manage a more realistic car for the more ordinary projects in life. Headroom, legroom and storage space area for the car owner and traveler are all more than sufficient – they're the only individuals that issue with this car.

Running Costs 

1.5
A six-litre V12 website is never going to win any gas mileage competitions, and the DB9's stated determine is a naturally hopeless 17mpg. Stop-start techniques and incredibly innovative gearboxes are assisting Aston's high-performance competitors to store better performance than this – although, as always, operating price is hardly ever a significant issue for those with the method for buy vehicles in this category. Insurance and street tax are also very extreme, and the DB9 needs a assistance every 12 several weeks or 10,000 distance. And despite the vehicle's desirability, devaluation is also quite hefty.

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Aston Martin DBS Convertible - Car Review

Aston Martin launch this year it's fastest ever production convertible. Aston Martin's 16th convertible in 95 years, the DBS Volante. The Aston Martin DB9 was conceived and designed, from the outset, as both a Coupe and a convertible (Volante). This uncompromising approach is typical of the whole DB9 engineering philosophy. 

Aston Martin's newest convertible has drawn together 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 hood, which mirrors the lines of the DBS Coupe, lowers in just 14 seconds and can be activated at speeds of up to 30 mph at the touch of a button. 

The roof effortlessly stows below the newly-sculpted tonneau cover which has been redesigned to enhance the muscular attributes of the 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 fiber deck lid which has been re-styled for the DBS Volante. Despite the seemingly vintage design, expect thorough insulation to keep the Volante nearly as quiet as the standard hard top. 

It's nothing but the best for the DBS Volante. Benefitting from materials derived from the motorsport and aerospace industries, the bonnet, front wings and boot lid are made from carbon fiber all helping to reduce weight. The body is constructed around an alloy "tub" and uses carbon fiber and aluminum in its body structure. Standard equipment will included a paddle-shift manual gearbox with full automatic mode. The braking system uses carbon ceramic discs and the suspension is governed by Aston's Adaptive Damping system. 

Keeping the weight to a minimum has been a keen focus with the new Aston Martin DBS convertible and of course with low weight you can enjoy a much faster car. Aston says it was able to keep the weight down (the DBS Volante tips the scales at 3,990 pounds) through the use of a lightweight roof mechanism, along with a carbon fiber hood, front splitter and trunk lid. Aston Martin claims a 0-62 mph time of 4.2 seconds with a top speed of 190 mph. 

As with the coupe, the Aston Martin DBS Volante is offered with carbon ceramic brakes as standard providing exceptional stopping power. 

Aside from the fabric roof, the Aston Martin DBS Volante will be identical to its coupe brother. It will be powered by the same 6.0-liter V12 engine that delivers 510bhp at 6500rpm and a peak torque of 420 lb.ft at 5750rpm. It looks elegant and perfectly proportioned from every angle - with roof up or down DB9 is a thoroughbred sports car with GT levels of comfort and refinement. Its design philosophy is uncompromising and brings together everything that makes a sports car great with that unique Aston Martin character, borne out of craftsmanship and use of the finest quality materials. 

Truly great luxury sports cars are few and far between. In a world where innovation is all too often hampered by compromise, pure performance is a rarity available only to the genuinely discerning. For the first time you can say that Aston Martins not only have one of the glitziest badges in the business but also genuinely make some of the best-looking and best-driving cars in the world too - and much more reliable ones at that. 

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Aston Martin Cygnet - The Real Supermini Car

Famous for their range of iconic British sports cars, Aston Martin have been focusing on widening their market lately, firstly with the Rapide, a four door sports saloon and now with the micro sized Cygnet. The announcement raised a lot of eyebrows as the car is so far from the typical type of car that the car manufacturer sells. Aston Martins official line is that the Cygnet is a "luxury commuter car" which "sees the company's core values engage with a new environment". The actual reason for the Cygnet's existence is to help the company comply with European emission rules. The high efficiency of the new super mini helping to bring down the average emissions across the range. 

Announced in mid 2009, the first Cygnet's will start hitting the roads sometime in 2010. Despite its diminutive size the car certainly still has an Aston Martin price tag, expected to sell for around £30,000 ($50,000 USD). To retain exclusivity further still, the Cygnet will only be available to existing Aston Martin owners with annual production expected to be below 5000. 

Despite the high cost, the Cygnet is not a bespoke design and is actually based on the Toyota iQ - a low cost micro car which originally launched in 2008. Beneath the heavy modifications which give the Cygnet its signature Aston Martin looks, the car underpinnings of the initial models will share much with it's Toyota brother - even down to the engine which will be the stock Toyota 1.33 liter. The actual differences will be mainly cosmetic most obviously with the exterior which has sees new body panels and lights. The end result resembles a DB9 which has been squeezed from bumper to bonnet in a vice. The interior of the Cygnet has also seen a revamp and from the inside feels closer to a classic elegance than to the Toyota that the mini Aston is based upon. 

The Cygnet has received a very mixed response since its announcement and it remains to be seen how the car will fare once available. To expensive for the typical micro car owner and frankly, too embarrassing to be driven by existing Aston Martin owners. If the Cygnet really is purely an exercise in emission compliance then the reality is Aston Martin will be producing 5000 cars a year which will rarely leave the garage - not exactly the environmentally friendly result that the European Union were aiming for.

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Aston Martin DBS Luxury Supercar Review

At a mind boggling $265,000 the Aston Martin DBS is sure to inspire awe at the very least. When is comes to super exotic luxury sports cars, the Aston Martin DBS is in rare air. It racks up more then 500hp along with a whopping 429 ft lbs of torque. It tops out at over 191 mph without any modifications to its ECU or engine for that matter. It has styling that's years beyond the DB9. It is certainly a vehicle to take notice of.

The Aston Martin DBS was first brought before the general public in the feature motion picture Casino Royale. In the James Bond movie, the DBS depicted within the film is actually just a modified DB9 since the DBS super car was still in its developmental stage. Some may ask, "What is the big difference between a DB9 and a DBS?" There is quite a big difference indeed.

The Aston Martin DBS is built on the same platform as the Vanquish. The DBS weighs more then 400 lbs less then the DB9. Not only that is produces 60 Horsepower more. With composite ceramic brakes and F-1 style transmission, if you really take a close look, you will see that the DBS is a world apart from the DB9.

The DBS has been fitted with what Aston Martin calls an Adaptive Damping System. This system has five different settings to adjust the car's ride and handling characteristics somewhat similar to the I-drive feature found in BMW's M6. In the summer of 2008, the new Aston Martin DBS is sure to make a big splash in the sports car world.

I hope you enjoyed reading this article and look forward to your continued readership. When I'm not busy writing on things that interest me I retail clothing, accessories, and self help products.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1171196

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2008 Aston Martin DB9 LM - Car Review

When thinking of Aston Martin and their line of supreme cars, racing and supreme style come immediately to mind. Within a very short time, Aston Martin has made a niche in the racing market and wooed car fanatics around the world with their sleek beauty and above average handling. Topping the list as Britain's most iconic vehicle, it comes out ahead as the first choice for 'Ultimate Dream Cars' with UK drivers. Surprisingly enough, it beats out even Ferrari and Porsche models. In just 2 short years the Aston Martin models have obtained Ferrari-style exclusivity among buyers. These cars have topped the 'Coolest Brand' list for cars 2 years running. The Aston Martin has even made appearances in a couple of James Bond 007 movies.

Production of these fine cars have grown to more than 5,000 cars per year and many are waiting to see if the momentum will continue since Ford has sold Aston Martin to a private consortium led by Prodrive founder David Richards for more than $925 million.

Aston Martin has recently released the special edition 2008 DB9 LM at the Frankfurt motor show to commemorate Aston's recent achievements in the GT1 class at the 24 hours of Le Mans racing circuit this past June. The elegance and supreme vision of this fine machine is coveted throughout Britain and the world. Would Aston Martin remodel a new machine each time they win a race? No one is quite sure yet, but I am sure there won't be many complaints if they do.

Respected publishers such as Popular Mechanics, Car and Driver, Automobile Magazine all have raved about the quality and design of the new DB9 LM. I have yet to encounter a single negative comment about this fine piece of machinery. This vehicle is the most thoroughly tested and engineered car in the history of Aston Martin. It also belongs in a technically sophisticated class of its very own.

The Aston Martin DB9, is a Grand tourer vehicle that was launched by Aston Martin in 2004 and was the first new car to be built at Aston's Gaydon, Warwickshire facility. The prefix of "DB" comes from David Brown, the owner of Aston Martin for a large part of its manufacturing history. This model was designed by Ian Callum and finished by his successor, Henrik Fisker.

This new product is available in the coupe style only, is equipped with rear-wheel drive and comes with a dynamic Touchtronic 6-speed automatic transmission. Amazingly enough, only 124 DB9 LMs will be manufactured, 1 for each dealer, with exclusive features entailing Sarthe Silver exterior coloring, enclosing silver mesh grille inserts, exterior vents and a rear crossbar detailed in silver. A numbered sill plaque is a nice touch with the also optional DB9 sports suspension pack with red brake calipers visible under color-keyed and diamond turned 19 alloy inch wheels. The disc brakes with 355 mm at the front and 330 at the rear are ventilated and grooved to help with cooling and boost braking performance. Mounted are four piston monobloc calipers to provide great stopping power with a firm and progressive pedal.

The driving force of the DB9 LM is the Ford-engineered 450 horsepower, 6.0-liter aluminum block and valvetrain, Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC), which echoes fine performance. The newest release has rack and pinion steering with 3.0 turns lock to lock. The exceptional performance of this vehicle is undisputed at to speeds up to 300 km/h (186.5 mph) and the 0-60 ratio is in only 4.7 seconds. The 12-cylinder engine has a total of 450 (331.2 KW) horsepower at 6,000 rpm. The torque is 570.00 NM (420.3 Ft-Lbs) at 5,000 rpm. The compression ratio is 10.3:1. The top speeds are quite comparable to the Dodge Viper.

The body frame of the DB9 LM is bonded in aluminum and has been labeled as the most technologically advanced sports car. It acquires above average agility from the fact that it has perfect 50/50 weight distribution. One exceptional characteristic of this shows that by placing the gearbox in the rear, the suspension is light and made of aluminum as well; handling is unprecedented and very functional. The dimensions of the BD9 LM are similar in size to the Dodge Viper.

The Aston Martin body is of genuine quality and harmony. It emits an aerodynamic function that cannot be outdone by its competitors. These fine pieces of machinery are designed to give the impression that they are moving even when at a standstill. It manages to drive arrow-straight at extremely high speeds and yet still keeps it's grace about it.

Even the interior of the Astin Martin is harmonious and luxurious. You are seated as low and close to the car's center of gravity managing to emit to you the overall feeling of balance and dynamic behavior when operating. The inside is a special handcrafted black leather interior, perforated leather inserts, with unique 'Terte Rouge' fascia trim.

Personal safety is of utmost importance for the DB9 LM. The aluminum structure is designed to cocoon its passengers with crumple zones on the front and rear. Dual-stage driver and passenger air bags along with seat-mounted side airbags and seatbelt pretensioners give safety of the highest quality. Volvo in Sweden is the leader in automotive safety engineering. Astin uses this dynamic to create and test their DB9 models with Volvo technology right on site.

Equipped with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), the Aston Martin give optimal braking performance for any situation. When an emergency arises, the EBA sensors detect when maximum braking is needed and apply the appropriate force for the occasion.

And for your listening pleasure, the DB9 is equipped with the industry favorite Linn 128 W audio system including a CD changer. Exceptional features such as satellite navigation, cruise control and memory mirrors are exceptional to have with this sports car.

Pricing is estimated at $190,000 US and the cars will be available in early 2008.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/902629

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2007 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Car Review

 In a consumer economy driven---at least to a certain extent---by tax cuts extended to the super wealthy, the uptick in luxury and exotic car sales won't constitute much of a surprise. Managers of the venerable British franchise, Aston Martin, have taken note and moved aggressively in broadening Aston's offerings---previously limited to the outgoing Vanquish S and DB9---to include a two-place coupe (and upcoming roadster) designed to capture the eye of the 911 prospect. The end result, the V8 Vantage, constitutes a beautiful blend of traditional Aston design cues with an unexpected dose of athleticism.

What's Significant About This: Today's V8 Vantage is a clean-sheet approach to a Sports/GT. Benefiting from an all-new platform and V8 drivetrain, the tightly-drawn two-seater supplies the Aston prospect with an "entry level" choice while providing Aston Martin and its dealers with a better business model. The Vantage is expected to constitute approximately two-thirds of Aston's sales volume.

You'll Like This Car If: If you enjoy a classic combination of sensuous sheetmetal and a well-connected chassis, the V8 Vantage won't disappoint. Its 4.3-liter V8 is a visceral yet viable piece of machinery, offering performance more accessible than its $115K price point might suggest. In contrast to the Vantage's day-in, day-out capability, the performance parameters demonstrated by many of its more exotic brethren (Porsche 911 Turbo, Ferrari F430) are not as accessible, often requiring a private track to properly demonstrate and/or enjoy.

You May Not Like This Car If: If your dream coach is one capable of carrying you, a companion and two weeks' worth of luggage, the V8 Vantage will disappoint. Its interior is generous within the context of the genre, and it does offer space for two (reasonably) well outfitted travelers, but don't press the V8 into service for runs to the airport or Home Depot. The V8's proportions constitute an extension of the driver, assuming that driver is neither 300 pounds nor a serial shopper.

Exterior: With the popularity of Aston's direct competitors (Porsche 911, Mercedes SL) making their shapes---at least in major metro areas---almost commonplace, the aggressive, albeit mature, lines of the V8 Vantage demand your attention. While some might draw comparisons with Jaguar's XK Coupe, the smaller Aston offers a visual balance speaking to both the carmaker's storied past (Aston Martin won LeMans in '59 with Carroll Shelby as co-driver) and now-promising future. The V8's front is dominated by Aston's traditional grille and (optional) xenon headlamps, while its profile is marked by a compelling side vent and strake and the roof tapers provocatively to a functional hatch and integrated spoiler.

Interior: In what Aston describes as "a synthesis of high technology and hand-crafted elegance" the prospect is struck by the Vantage interior's authenticity and comfortable accommodation. The leather seating epitomizes its "bucket" descriptive, but will realistically accommodate a "wide" variety of dimensions. Speedo and tach are front and center, and feature an organic electroluminescent display, more easily read---we're told---than more conventional LCDs. Finally, the tach---reading to 8,000 rpm---registers counterclockwise, a process which should amuse throughout the ownership period. Everything---as reviewers are wont to say---falls readily to hand, with few of the ergonomic nightmares that often befall the limited production sports car.

Notable Standard Equipment: The list of standard equipment is fully appropriate to a $115K purchase. Functionally, the base model includes Dynamic Stability Control, Traction Control and Electronic Brake-force Distribution. Inside, you're supported by a full-grain leather interior, remain comfortable with automatic temperature control and kept secure by an alarm and immobilizer.

Notable Options: Typically, we'd note the attractiveness of the Sportshift manumatic, navigation system and premium 700-watt sound system; however, ordering a Vantage V8---or anything from Aston Martin---is anything but typical. A choice of twenty exterior colors and twenty interior hues is augmented by "Out of Range" paint (you want Miata yellow---you can get Miata yellow) for $1,595 or "Match to Sample" paint for $3,785. You can spec the interior in a similar manner. The Sports Pack provides more aggressive Pirelli tires in combination with alloy wheels finished in an anthracite finish. Notably, not every addition requires a four-figure check. Fine stitching is only $220, a color-keyed steering wheel is under $300 and piano black fascia trim is $750. Personalization of this order is rarely this inexpensive.

Pricing Notes: A Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $114,550 confirms the Vantage V8 as expensive. However, among a growing number of big-buck GTs from Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati, this Aston seems almost attainable. With the gas guzzler penalty and transportation, along with typical options, expect to invest around $125K for a V8 built to your order.

Driving Impressions: Everything in the Vantage's new spec is designed for the driver. Beginning with a bonded structure composed of aluminum alloy, steel, magnesium and composite materials, Aston installs a 4.3-liter V8 and rear-mounted, six-speed manual transmission. The balanced 49/51 weight distribution is immediately evident, as is the powertrain's relatively flat torque delivery. As Aston suggests, the driving characteristics are perfect for both track days and shopping treks, helped in no small part by precise shifting, reasonable visibility and accurate rack-and-pinion steering. The multi-link suspension is well controlled, and supplies prodigious grip and adequate comfort even on the pock-marked pavement of our urban test.

Our Favorite Features: Six-Speed Manual Transmission

Aston's rear-mounted transmission makes a compelling argument for shifting gears yourself. Engagement is precise and intuitive, with ratios well-matched to the engine's power delivery. Its location allows the engine to sit further back in the Vantage chassis, and assists in achieving the advantageous weight distribution. A Sportshift (at $4,000) will be available in the second quarter of 2007, but the manual---in our opinion---renders it irrelevant for everyone but your valet.

Functional Hatchback

Unlike many in the Sports/GT category, the Vantage V8 provides accommodations for both people and their things. Over ten cubic feet of luggage space, in combination with available Aston luggage, supplies a touring capability very close to grand. Golfers will appreciate room for a deluxe bag of clubs, and skiers---with removal of the security cover---can carry skis inside the car, something Bond couldn't do with his Lotus Esprit.

Under the Hood: Aston describes its 4.3-liter V8 as both powerful and musical. And while behind the wheel you won't be reminded of the London Symphony, the DOHC V8's 380 horsepower (at 7,300 rpm) and driving characteristics do provide a Royal Command Performance. Beyond the impressive horsepower (almost 90 naturally-aspirated horsepower per liter) are details such as an alloy block, four-into-two-into-one exhaust manifolds, dry sump lubrication and hand assembly---elements more typical of racing powerplants than sports car engines produced in volume. The manufacturer claims a zero-to-60 time of under five seconds and a track-only maximum speed of 175---we have no reason to doubt either figure.

4.3-liter V8

380 horsepower @ 7300 rpm

302 lb.-ft. of torque @ 5000 rpm

EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/19

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/651070

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