2013 Aston Martin DBC Concept Design ..Yes Auto

DBC is a PERSONAL super car design study that brings a rear mid-engine/rear-wheel drive layout to Aston Martin for the first time. Its design work was undertaken by Samir Sadikhov, young designer from Azerbaijan who won the 2nd Prize of Ferrari World Design Contest with his Xezri concept, and his key objective was to produce a thoroughly modern Aston Martin. Another aim was to ensure that the exterior layout and equipment were unique to Aston Martin and could be easily carried over into the production car.

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2007 Aston Martin V12 Vantage RS Concept

At the official opening of Aston Martin's first ever dedicated design center in Gaydon, Warwickshire, on Tuesday 11 December, 2007, Dr Ulrich Bez, Chief Executive Officer, thrilled an audience of more than seven hundred VIP guests with a surprise unveiling of a stunning new 600bhp performance concept car; the V12 Vantage RS.

The V12 Vantage RS concept is based on Aston Martin’s critically acclaimed V8 Vantage coupe, but the company’s design and engineering team have fully exploited the design flexibility of their unique VH architecture and the motor sport development of their 6.0 litre V12 engine to create a dramatic and production feasible concept car focussed on extreme performance and dynamics.

In a speech to the assembled guests, Ulrich Bez said: “Over the last five years, we have established a reputation for presenting fully functional, feasible concept cars, and the V12 Vantage RS is no exception. We will listen with interest to feedback on this concept and, as ever, if there is sufficient demand then we will seriously consider a low volume production run in the near future with a price that will reflect the exclusivity of the car.

“With our dedicated production facilities, our own engine plant, our own unique vehicle architecture and now a dedicated design studio, we have the ideal framework to bring new models such as this to market and to further establish Aston Martin as the ultimate independent luxury sports car company.” Although the 600bhp power output of the V12 Vantage RS concept will be the focus of attention, just as significant is the level of weight reduction achieved by Aston Martin’s engineering team. With a kerb weight of less than 1600kg, the RS concept underlines Aston Martin’s continued commitment to intelligent use of materials and weight reduction as a means of achieving improved efficiency and performance. In common with the recently launched DBS, the bonnet and trunk lid are moulded in carbon fibre and the concept also adopts motor sport-inspired carbon ceramic brake discs.

The subtly aggressive exterior appearance is driven by function. The dramatic bonnet louvres extract air from the fully ducted cooling pack and the trunk lid features a deployable spoiler that rises automatically at high speeds to increase rear down force. The front bumper features cooling ducts for the carbon ceramic brakes and a carbon fibre splitter to balance down force.

Director of Design, Marek Reichman, commented: “Much of Aston Martin’s recent success has come from the ability of our designers and engineers to work hand-in-hand to optimise form and function. Our new dedicated design centre will take this process to a new level and I am delighted that the V12 Vantage RS is the first car to stand on the turntable in the studio.”

The 600bhp 6.0 litre engine featured in the V12 Vantage RS concept has benefited directly from the race development of this acclaimed power unit. It features a dry sump lubrication system, tuned length exhaust manifolds, forged pistons and steel con-rods, revised lift and duration camshafts and modified cylinder heads. Peak power is achieved at 6250rpm and peak torque of 690Nm is at 5000rpm.

With a power-to-weight ratio of over 375bhp per ton, the V12 Vantage RS concept is the fastest accelerating road car ever built by the company, capable of reaching 62mph (100km/h) from rest in 4.0 seconds and 100mph (160km/h) in just 8.5 seconds.

2007 Aston Martin Rally GT

Independent rally teams are able to compete in the world's most exclusive rally car, the Aston Martin Rally GT. The new car was developed by Aston Martin Racing, a partnership between Prodrive and Aston Martin.

The Rally GT is based on the Aston Martin V8 Vantage, but extensively re-engineered by Prodrive. The motorsport specialist has combined its experience of running the Aston Martin DBR9s in international sports car racing with more than 20 years of rallying experience, to create this new car. As part of its development programme, the Rally GT has already competed in three French Rally Championship events, coming second in the Series GT class on its debut at the Lyon to Charbonniers Rally.

As with the DBR9, the Rally GT uses a standard road car chassis which is fitted with a Prodrive-designed roll cage for safety and increased torsional rigidity. The engine is closely based on the all alloy road car 4.3 litre V8 unit but has been tuned to make it more flexible and responsive for the demands of rallying.

The suspension on the Rally GT carries over the road car's wishbones, but has new competition Eibach springs and three-way adjustable EXE-TC dampers. The standard road car transmission is kept on the rally car, but this can be upgraded to a six-speed, close ratio dog engagement gearbox, developed specifically for the Rally GT.            

2013 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S

Traditionally, Astons have been many things. They've been luxurious be in, beautiful to look at, and expensive to buy. These famed GT cars have always been fast as well, but they've also been heavy and therefore not as quick as one might imagine. Aston has been adding some motorsports and supercar flare to its image over the last ten years, though, with a dedicated and impressive racing program and of course the seven-figure One-77 supercar that they brought out at the end of the last decade. Their latest version of the V12 Vantage continues that sportier trend with blistering performance.

The Vantage name has been used on Aston Martins for decades, and while it used to signify the higher performance version of a particular model, the modern version of the Vantage that was introduced in 2005 is the smaller, entry-level model aimed to lure buyers away from cars like the Porsche 911. This V8 Vantage gained almost universal praise for its drivability and stunning looks, so an encouraged Aston Martin brought out a hotter V12 version in 2009.  This car had the 510 horsepower twelve-cylinder motor from the bigger DBS, a new diffuser at the back, ceramic brakes, strategic uses of carbon fiber, and very visible vents in the hood. In 2011, Aston Martin unveiled an "S" version of the old V8 Vantage with more power and improved handling, so from that point everyone knew that it was only a matter of time before an "S" package would hit the twelve-cylinder car, and in May of 2013, it finally came. Priced at around $185,000, it sounds expensive and it is, but the regular V12 Vantage only costs $5,000 less, and with the "S" package you get oh so much more.

The reworked 6.0 liter twelve now makes 565 horsepower and 475 lb/ft of torque, which drives through the lightened seven-speed gearbox that you get in the V8 Vantage S. Aston Martin's CEO, Ulrich Bez, has said that the new Vantage S "brings our winning GT3 race formula to the road...It's the most pure, yet understated, driving machine we can imagine today." It certainly looks and seems as Dr. Bez has described it, and if you discount the aforementioned super-rare One-77, it is unquestionably top dog in terms of speed. It will hit sixty in 3.7 seconds and reach a claimed top speed of around 205 miles per hour. For the track-oriented driver, the car has three-stage adaptive damping to tune the handling. These modes, "Normal", "Sport", and "Track" offer a broad range suspension characteristics and govern the power steering input, while another "Sport" mode button on the center console alters throttle response, shift timing, and the exhaust note. It will therefore outrun anything in the company's current lineup. The Vantage has definitely come a long way from being the "baby Aston".

2013 Aston Martin Rapide S

Aston Martin introduced the DB9-based Rapide in 2010 in order to add a four-door car to the company's sporting lineup. The Rapide name actually harks back to the Lagonda Rapide of the 1960s, another four-door saloon that was based on the Aston Martin DB4. Now, though, the new Rapide has been around for a few years and for 2013 Aston decided to give the car a facelift, which it debuted at the jam-packed Geneva Motor Show.
On the styling front, the most obvious change is the gaping mouth of the one-piece grille. This was probably inspired by the One-77, but somehow manages to look a little strange, a little too eager. No matter, the rest of the Rapide S (the "S" has been added by Aston in reference to the magnitude of their revisions) looks fantasic. Just like the old car, it has a graceful silhouette that is unrivalled by any of the other expensive sedans. In fact, you really have to look at it for a while before you realize that it even has four doors.
Mechanically, improvements on the Rapide S are more significant and more than make up for any surprising choices in the styling department. Horsepower from the hand-built 6.0 liter V-12 now numbers a claimed 558, way up from last year's 470, while peak torque has climbed from 443 ft/lbs to 457. Mated to the engine is a six-speed Touchtronic transmission, which basically gives the driver the choice of automatic or paddle shifters. Sixty should come in 4.7 seconds and, if pushed, the Rapide S will supposedly do 190 miles per hour. Aston's luxury sedan also now sits lower to the ground in an effort to improve handling, while the interior is still as beautifully finished as you would expect from an Aston Martin. Room in the back still is not as generous as it is in other cars in other similarly sized cars, but it's a small price to pay for a genuinely usable sedan from this legendary carmaker.
What is not a small price to pay is, well, the actual price. The Rapide S, slated for 2014, will start at around $200,000, a lot more than even the most loaded versions of its closest competitors, the Maserati Quattroporte and the Porsche Panamera. Of course, people will make fun of you if you drive a Panamera, but when looking at price sheets a Quattroporte S, arguably a car that is just as pretty as the Rapide, suddenly seems a bit tempting. Whatever the difference is in dollars between the two, though, the Rapide really is just that much more car. It offers more power, more exclusivity, and more craftsmanship. Aston Martin is celebrating its hundredth birthday in 2013, and with cars like the Rapide S and the new Vanquish (also introduced this year), hopefully they will be around for another hundred.

2013 Aston Marin Vanquish

Aston Martin Vanquish S

(from Aston Martin Press Release) The fastest production model ever to be built by Aston Martin made its world debut at the Paris Motor Show on September 23, 2004.

With a maximum speed in excess of 200mph (320 km/h) and a 6.0 litre V12 engine developing 520 horsepower, the Vanquish S has been designed to deliver even greater performance, complemented by subtle suspension and steering changes and a number of interior and external style revisions.

The Vanquish S has received subtle but effective changes to complement its elegant muscular body. The famous Aston Martin grille has a new rounded and more open appearance for better cooling, and an aerodynamic splitter improves high-speed stability.

At the rear, a redesigned boot lid featuring a new high mounted stop lamp reduces lift and improves balance and stability, helping to achieve an impressive Cd figure of 0.32.

These differences on the Vanquish S not only improve the appearance but also enhance performance. All the exterior body panels are constructed from aluminium with each individual panel hand tailored to the central structure to ensure a perfect panel fit. Every carefully detailed feature provides graphic evidence of the painstaking craftsmanship and quality, which is invested in its construction at Aston Martin�s Newport Pagnell site in Buckinghamshire.

Revised steering geometry provides a 20% quicker response, allowing the driver to apply a reduced input for required steering response. This enables the driver to be more precise with inputs - especially on winding roads - and more accurate feedback from the chassis.

The Sports Dynamics suspension, steering and braking package is now standard on the Vanquish S. This includes stiffer springs and dampers and shorter steering arms.

The brakes have been upgraded to incorporate larger six piston calipers and larger grooved and ventilated front discs. The rear discs are 2mm wider for improved heat dissipation. The use of floating discs ensures the driver has consistent pedal feel under heavy braking whilst a new brake pedal assembly reduces travel and enhances pedal feel.

Further development of Aston Martin�s low emissions, all alloy, quad-overhead camshaft, 48 valve, 6.0-litre V12 engine has generated an increase in power from 460 bhp to 520 bhp and torque is boosted to 425 lb ft (577 Nm).

Engine enhancements include new cylinder heads with fully machined inlet ports and combustion chambers to improve airflow, revised engine mapping and new fuel injectors.

The overall interior design is a subtle blend of traditional, classic and modern materials with Bridge of Weir leather upholstery matched to contemporary metal interior fittings and finishes. A number of detailed improvements have been made to the interior of the Vanquish S to enhance the enhance the overall appeal.

�The Vanquish S V12 is a combination of state-of-the-art aerospace technology and hand craftsmanship,� said Dr Bez. �It is the flagship model of a confident and growing company that is proud to display its heritage but is also determined to make the most technologically modern and inspirational sports cars in the world.�

Illustrating Aston Martin�s continuing commitment to customer care Vanquish S customers will be eligible for a complimentary Performance Driving Course. This comprehensive one-to-one driving experience can be taken at one of three proving grounds � Millbrook in the UK, Lommel in Belgium, or Romeo, Michigan, in North America.

With the capacity to continue to turn heads, the design of the Vanquish is already established as a modern classic. Since its launch in 2001, the Vanquish has proved to be a huge success for Aston Martin with over 1500 cars built.

Since its introduction in 2001, the Vanquish has proved to be a success, pioneering the use of advanced technologies and materials such as aluminium and carbon fibre. Furthermore, its on screen appearance in the latest James Bond film �Die Another Day� has ensured the Vanquish has become instantly recognisable to many.

With the capacity to continue to turn heads, the design of the Vanquish is already established as a modern classic. Perfectly proportioned from every aspect, Ian Callum�s design confirms the promise of outstanding �Supercar� performance and the impeccable pedigree of the Vanquish as the flagship model for Aston Martin.

2013 Zagato Aston Martin DBS Coupe Centennial استون مارتن

Zagato for Aston Martin's 100th Anniversary

Zagato Atelier pays tribute to Aston Martin’s 100th Anniversary with the announcement of two very special projects: the DBS Coupé Zagato Centennial, delivered to a young and prestigious Japanese entrepreneur and the DB9 Spyder Zagato Centennial, conceived for the well known American car collector Peter Read.

DBS COUPÉ ZAGATO CENTENNIAL

The Aston Martin DBS Coupé Zagato Centennial is an exotic cross of Aston Martin DNA with Italian flair and Milanese inspiration, sporting a ‘double bubble’ roof design, reminiscent of Zagato cars from the 1950s.
Norihiko Harada, Zagato’s Chief Designer explains; “Redesigning the DBS was a difficult job. The DBS is already one of the most beautiful modern sports cars around. Our challenge was to bring sporty styling together with a more Mediterranean luxury GT feel, all with typical Zagato quality.”
A project supported by Ennio Capasa, Creative Director of CoSTUME NATIONAL, whose creative influence is visible throughout the interior. The beauty of this car is due to a amalgamation of sportiness and elegance. The smooth tail section gives it a great presence and the final result is unveiled today: a highly personalised and unique thoroughbred Aston Martin DBS Coupé Zagato Centennial, brimming with soul and style in the great tradition of Aston Martin Zagato’s.
- See more at: http://www.seriouswheels.com/cars/2013/top-2013-Zagato-Aston-Martin-DBS-Coupe-Centennial.html#sthash.z9lSbyfR.dpuf

2013 Zagato Aston Martin DBS Spyder Centennial استون مارتن

Zagato for Aston Martin's 100th Anniversary

Zagato Atelier pays tribute to Aston Martin’s 100th Anniversary with the announcement of two very special projects: the DB9 Spyder Zagato Centennial, conceived for the well known American car collector Peter Read and the DBS Coupé Zagato Centennial, delivered to a young and prestigious Japanese entrepreneur.

DB9 SPYDER ZAGATO CENTENNIAL

The history began in 2001 when Dr. Ulrich Bez approved a design for the DB7 Zagato, which was inspired and financed by the Zagato team, comprising of Andrea and Marella Zagato and Peter Read, a long time enthusiast and collector of Aston Martins.
Due to the success of the DB7 Zagato (all 99 units were sold at the Paris Motor Show prior to production) and with the approval and collaboration of Aston Martin, the same team designed, developed and produced a one-off DB9 Spyder Zagato Centennial. This creation honours the heritage, power and elegance of Aston Martin’s Centenary.
The team’s vision is best expressed by Peter Read; “The DB9 Spyder Zagato Centennial perfectly merges Aston Martin and Zagato’s DNA by combining the elegance of design, typical of Zagato, with the soul, power and prestige of Aston Martin, all developed over the last 100 years. This car personifies the timelessness of the Aston Martin/Zagato marque.”
- See more at: http://www.seriouswheels.com/cars/2013/top-2013-Zagato-Aston-Martin-DBS-Spyder-Centennial.html#sthash.bzf4eGCj.dpuf

2011 Aston Martin V12 Zagato استون مارتن

Source: Aston Martin

Aston Martin unveils new V12 Zagato

• In 50th anniversary year of the iconic DB4GT Zagato, Aston Martin introduces a modern interpretation of the famous Aston Martin and Zagato collaboration • New V12 Zagato concept to be premiered at the Villa D’Este Concours on 21st May to gauge customer interest • The V12 Zagato will appear in the form of an endurance race car to compete at the Nürburgring 24 hour race on 25/26 June; following tradition of recent new Aston Martins

Gaydon / Lake Como, 20 May 2011. Aston Martin will unveil the stunning new V12 Zagato endurance racer concept on the shores of Lake Como, Italy at the Villa D’Este Concours tomorrow.

Reviving a collaboration which has produced some of the most beautiful and sought-after cars in the world, the partnership takes inspiration from the past, to create a modern descendent of classics such as the DB4GT Zagato, V8 Vantage Zagato and DB7 Zagato based on Aston Martin’s ultimate performance interpretation of the Vantage range: the V12 Vantage.

Dr Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin said: “The Zagato design language is a perfect complement to our design and engineering expertise. After 50 years of the two companies being associated with each other the partnership has produced some of the world’s most iconic cars.”

“Of course, fifty years ago Italian design houses were widely seen as leading the way with new designs but now and supported by our independency, Aston Martin has its own in-house design ability so this new venture with Zagato is more collaborative than it perhaps would have been in the past.”

“The task for us has been to create a concept that is a natural successor to those iconic cars that have gone before. Matching the technology of the age with the traditional skills vital to deliver such a bespoke and exclusive sports car will lead to a strictly limited run of road going V12 Zagatos.”

Work began in 2010 with initial meetings between Aston Martin and Zagato where sketches incorporating the design DNA of both companies were discussed and a decision was made to proceed with the project.

Director of Design, Marek Reichman added: “The Design team at Gaydon spent time refining the concept using a mixture of the latest computer based modelling techniques along with crafting traditional clay models to give a real world idea of proportion, stance and detail”

“The V12 Zagato is an elegant yet brutal design which reflects the great balance between race performance and pure Aston Martin style. The original DB4GT Zagato was a true icon, powerful and graceful; the new design is a true representation of the spirit of DB4GT Zagato. The muscular organic forms define the thoroughbred nature of the car’s racing credentials.”

Working alongside the initial design team was a dedicated group of Aston Martin engineers led by Chris Porritt – previously responsible for the engineering of the One-77. With the skills and knowledge gained from such specialised projects this team has worked to bring the unique design of the V12 Zagato to reality in a very short period of time.

Featuring a new handcrafted aluminium body, the V12 Zagato delivers a beautiful and muscular design not possible using pre-formed panel techniques. Using the influences and skill of nearly 100 years of heritage in the craft, every aluminium panel was formed using an English wheel and traditionally crafted body bucks. Each front wing alone comprises seven separate pieces of aluminium, combined and then hand finished to give one flowing form. Another iconic Zagato design cue is the double bubble roof created in this case from five separate pieces illustrating further the intensity of craftsmanship involved in the construction of the V12 Zagato.

Designed for the focused driver, the V12 Zagato has been honed with pure driving enjoyment in mind. The V12 Zagato combines Aston Martin’s most dynamic bonded aluminium platform with the power of the 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 510 bhp (380 kW / 517 PS), and 570 Nm (420 lb ft) of torque.

The V12 Vantage which forms the basis of the V12 Zagato has been proven on the race track as early as 2009 with a class win in its debut race at the 24 hour race at Nürburgring whilst being close to production standard with only essential safety modifications, reduced weight and re-tuned suspension but no additional aerodynamic enhancements. In 2011 the car has gone on to form the basis of the new Aston Martin GT3 race car unveiled last month.

The first DB4GT Zagato shown to the public in late 1960 spent much of its life as a racing car after launch. Later perhaps the two most famous DB4GT Zagatos, registered ‘1 VEV’ and ‘2 VEV’ were raced with success by such names as Jim Clark and Roy Salvadori. The fascinating story of these cars and the nature of high performance and low weight which drove the Zagato projects gave the inspiration for the first two V12 Zagatos to be created as endurance race cars.

The racing debut of the V12 Zagato will be at the four hour VLN race at Nürburgring on 28th May with a view to two cars racing at the 24 hour race on 25/26 June. The cars will be driven by a team with great experience of Aston Martin race cars, led for the sixth year by Chief Executive Dr. Ulrich Bez.

Both cars follow Aston Martin’s philosophy of racing in close-to-production form but with full FIA safety compliance. V12 Vantage Zagato specification includes a bonded aluminium platform modified with a bespoke steel roll cage, front and rear double wishbone suspension with fully adjustable Multimatic DSSV Dampers and a 120ltr endurance racing fuel tank.

The Aston Martin V12 Zagato will be shown for the first time at the Villa D’Este Concours on Saturday 21st May 2011

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