The Aston Martin Rapide is the UK brand’s first four-seater since the 1961 Lagonda Rapide. It will also be the first model built outside its UK plant in the firm’s 95-year history. Aston has chosen Magna Steyr, a specialist car plant in Graz that produces models for BMW and Mercedes. Aston is preparing 240 workers at Magna’s Austrian plant to build up to 2,000 Rapide sedan units a year starting next year.

“Aston have spent the past 16 months replicating their British production operation at their own dedicated factory in Graz, with a small team of Aston specialists training Magna staff, some of whom have traveled to Gaydon for first-hand experience,” reports The Sun.

What’s reason for picking Magna instead of the firm’s Gaydon, Warwickshire plant? Apparently, the Rapide was planned three years ago when there was no prediction of a recession and Gaydon was pumping out cars at full capacity.

Click here for more news on the Aston Martin Rapide.

Refresher: Power comes from a 6.0L V12 engine making 470-hp and a peak torque of 443 lb-ft. Mated to a Touchtronic 2 6-speed gearbox with electronic shift-by-wire control system, the Aston Martin Rapide can go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds with a top speed of 188 mph.

Make the jump for the high-res image gallery.

Aston Martin Rapide:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: The Sun

For those of you that admire Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May, you probably knew that yesterday was the premiere of Top Gear Series 14. We’ve just found some YouTube videos cover a segment of the show where the Top Gear crew drives the Aston Martin DBS Volante, Ferrari California and the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder through Romania.

We recommend watching these videos right away since YouTube might yank them after BBC gives them a call.

Click through for the videos.

Part 1:

Part 2:

Part 3:

- By: Kap Shah

Making our Mondays just a little brighter, Aston Martin today released a bunch of new images of the 2010 Rapide sedan. We’re just going to end with that since you’re probably already looking at the high-res gallery (posted after the jump).

Click here for more news on the Aston Martin Rapide.

Refresher: Power comes from a 6.0L V12 engine making 470-hp and a peak torque of 443 lb-ft. Mated to a Touchtronic 2 6-speed gearbox with electronic shift-by-wire control system, the Aston Martin Rapide can go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds with a top speed of 188 mph.

Make the jump for the high-res image gallery.

Aston Martin Rapide:

- By: Kap Shah

Aston Martin has hired former Tesla Motors’ vice president of marketing, Michael van der Sande, to run the newly created position of chief commercial officer. Van der Sande, 44, will be based at the company’s headquarters in Gaydon, England, and will report directly to Ulrich Bez. He will be tasked with “strengthening all commercial areas at the British luxury sports car brand,” reports Automotive News.

Van de Sande quit his position at Tesla in August after less than a year on the job. Before joining Tesla, he spent 12 years at Harley Davidson.

According to J.D. Power Automotive Forecasting, Aston Martin built just 1,415 units in the first eight months of 2009, compared with 4,480 the year before.

- By: Kap Shah

Ever wanted to test-drive a 510-hp Aston Martin DBS on a track? Well, now you can, even if you don’t own an Aston Martin. The day-long Performance Driving Course Program has been open for four years in Michigan and up until now, it was only open to Aston Martin owners.

Aston opened the course up to non-owners last month as a way to promote the brand. The luxury supercar maker has hired additional performance driving instructors to help with people attending the course. The program booked 20 people in its first month.

Cost of attending the program is priced at $2,500 – and no, that doesn’t include transportation to the Michigan Proving Grounds in Romeo or lodging.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Detroit News

The global economic downturn has put a big dent in a number of luxury automaker’s global growth plans. Aston Martin being one of them, released an image of the Cygnet concept car earlier this summer. Aston believes the model will give it the chance to increase unit sales and target the compact segment, a segment it usually wouldn’t even consider competing in.

However, debate has been raging on inside Aston Martin over the Cygnet and the question if an Aston Martin be created from a tiny Toyota iQ.

Aston Martin says that the “Cygnet will offer customers a distinctive, intelligent and exclusive solution for urban travel in style and luxury” and is “based on the critically acclaimed Toyota iQ with a Euro NCAP 5-star safety package.”

According to a report by Automotive News, production of the Toyota iQ based Cygnet could begin as early as next year. Toyota will be shipping assembled iQ units to Aston’s Gaydon, England plant. Aston will then upgrade the interior and exterior while leaving the mechanicals alone.

Pricing is expected to come in about $32,000, double the iQ’s price.

- By: Omar Rana

Do we really have to introduce this? I mean you guys probably already hit the jump and are already watching the video… so let’s just move forward with a little refresher.

Refresher: Power comes from a 6.0L V12 engine making 470-hp and a peak torque of 443 lb-ft. Mated to a Touchtronic 2 6-speed gearbox with electronic shift-by-wire control system, the Aston Martin Rapide can go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds with a top speed of 188 mph.

Click here to read our original post on the Aston Martin Rapide.

Make the jump for the video.

Aston Martin Rapide:

- By: Omar Rana

Kuwaiti Investment Dar has admitted to problems with refinancing its debt, creating fears about Aston Martin’s future. According to AutoCar, Investment Dar has been hit hard by the global economic downturn and says that it has signed an agreement with investors and creditors to freeze claims, allowing it more time to restructure.

Investment Dar purchased a 51 percent stake in 2007 in a consortium led by Dave Richards. The company paid FoMoCo $762 million for Aston Martin, with a majority of the funds coming from international banks which had agreed to a Islamic sharia-compliant loan.

Investment Dar said that it has reached an agreement to complete “a variety of undertakings to the consenting banks and investors, including the appointment of a chief restructuring officer.”

Aston Martin said that it still has “strong ongoing support from its shareholders” and that nothing has changed at the company.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: AutoCar

Sources have told Inside Line that Alfa Romeo will build a rear-wheel-drive replacement for its 166 sedan in North America. Fiat will most likely use the Chrysler 300C plant in Brampton, Ontario, for production of the model.

Codenamed project 169, the new big Alfa sedan will share a new Chrysler-built platform that will also underpin the next-generation 300C  and Dodge Charger – however, Alfa’s version will feature a bespoke suspension and powertrains.

We’ve learned in the past that Alfa Romeo will now closely collaborate with Dodge in the future, which will now become a more sporty brand in the new Chrysler portfolio.

We’ll get more details when Chrysler releases its 5-year product plan in mid-November.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Inside Line

When the Aston Marin V12 Vantage made its debut earlier this year, Aston said that it will produce only 1,000 units of the car during its life span and that it will not offer the car to the North American market. Well, it seems like CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez has changed his mind.

Speaking to CARandDRIVER at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, Bez said that Aston Martin may build additional units of the V12 Vantage and that it will indeed come to the United States.

Power for the Aston Martin V12 Vantage comes from a 6.0L V12 engine making 510-hp with a peak torque of 420 lb-ft. That allows for a 0 to 62 mph run in just 4.2 seconds with a top speed of 190 mph.

Aston Martin V12 Vantage:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: CARandDRIVER

- Key Competitors: Porsche Panamera, Mercedes-Benz CLS, upcoming Audi A7.
- Engine: 6.0L V12 producing 470-hp/443 lb-ft of torque.
- Transmission: Rear mid-mounted Touchtronic 2 6-speed gearbox with electronic shift-by-wire control system.
- Performance: 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds; Top speed of 188 mph.
- Pricing/Availability: TBA/early 2010.

Aston Martin has finally revealed the full production version of the Aston Martin Rapide at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. Said to be the “most elegant four-door sports car in the world,” Aston Martin says that the Rapide can carry four adults comfortably.

Aston Martin made it a point to note that the Rapide received the immediate green light for production after the brand was sold to new shareholders by FoMoCo in mid-2007.

Sales of the Aston Martin Rapide will start early next year. Pricing details will be announced closer to launch.

2009 Frankfurt: 2010 Aston Martin Rapide:

2010 Aston Martin Rapide:

Press Release:

The World’s Most Elegant Four-Door Sports Car

* The most elegant four-door sports car in the world
* Accommodates four adults in luxury and comfort
* Benchmark levels of driver engagement and refinement
* Spacious and functional creating a truly versatile Aston Martin sports car

Gaydon, Warwickshire 15 September 2009. Aston Martin will unveil one of the most eagerly awaited cars of 2009 at the 63rd Frankfurt Motorshow. The elegant Rapide, functional yet luxurious, provides space for up to four adults combined with an engaging driving experience synonymous with all Aston Martins.

As the marque’s first production four-door sports car, Rapide encapsulates core values of Power, Beauty and Soul; four ’swan wing’ doors provide access to cosseting sports seats both front and rear bestowing occupants with ample accommodation. A 301 litre luggage compartment affords generous space for belongings for all four passengers whether they be sports bags or indeed, sets of skis, creating an Aston Martin which can be enjoyed on any occasion, anytime, anywhere.

Rapide’s rear environment has been intelligently packaged to create a space where passengers feel a part of the driving experience with clear views to the front and sides. Comfort and support is supplied in the form of two hand trimmed individual seats and a personal face-level heating and air conditioning system. Aiding the practicalities of everyday use, the luggage compartment features a movable bulkhead to permit access from the rear cabin while the rear seats fold flat at the touch of a button to create a flat loading space increasing the luggage compartment from 301 litres to 750 litres.

At the heart of every Aston Martin lies an evocative engine providing effortless power and torque: Rapide features a hand-built 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 470 bhp (477 PS / 350 kW) with peak power being delivered at 6000 rpm and 600 Nm (443 lbft) peak torque at 5000 rpm. A specifically tuned six-speed Touchtronic 2 automatic transmission features as standard, allowing the driver to change gear automatically or manually via the steering column-mounted magnesium paddles.

First shown in 2006 in concept form at the Detroit Auto Show, the Rapide project received an immediate green light from Aston Martin’s new shareholders in mid 2007 following the sale of the marque by the Ford Motor Company. In a little over two years, Aston Martin’s design and engineering team have delivered a new car from the ground up. Rapide has been developed from the ‘V/H Architecture’ platform which already forms the backbone to Aston Martin’s critically acclaimed line-up: the DBS, DB9 and Vantage range.

Chief Executive, Dr. Ulrich Bez said: “Rapide is the culmination of the Aston Martin range of sports cars, a car that seals the revival of a truly admired marque. There is now an Aston Martin for every taste and for every use.

“With Rapide, the entire family can enjoy their Aston Martin together in unison, in an invigorating yet comfortable environment, sitting low, with plenty of visibility from every seat and with new levels of comfort, refinement and entertainment.”

Director of Design, Marek Reichman who led the in-house design team which penned the Rapide said: “Like a race horse standing still, you can see its power and elegance, the shape of Rapide’s rear haunches are muscular conveying the power that lies beneath while its low stance produces a powerful look.

“There is a real sense of proportion with this car, akin to a tailored suit; the new double grill gives more presence on the road while the iconic signature side strake has been lengthened through to the rear doors to enhance its lateral proportions in a subtle, yet elegant way. The car’s purity makes it look right from every angle.”

First deliveries of the Rapide will commence early in 2010 and will be available globally through Aston Martin’s 125 strong dealership network. Pricing will be confirmed at the Frankfurt Show.

Aston Martin Rapide: Specification

Body

Four door body style with 4 individual seats.
Extruded bonded aluminium VH body structure
Aluminium, magnesium alloy and composite body
Extruded aluminium door side impact beams
Single bi-xenon headlamps with integrated LED side lights and direction indicators
LED rear lamps and side repeaters

Engine

All alloy quad overhead cam 48 valve 5935cc V12
Front mid-mounted engine, rear-wheel drive
Fully catalysed stainless steel exhaust system with active bypass valves
Compression ratio 10.9:1

Max Power 350 kW (470 bhp / 477 PS) at 6000 rpm
Max Torque 600 Nm (443 lb ft) at 5000 rpm
Acceleration 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds; 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 5.3 seconds
Max Speed 188 mph (303 km/h) (predicted)

Transmission

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 3.46:1

Steering

Rack and pinion, Servotronic speed-sensitive power-assisted steering, 3.0 turns lock-to-lock
Column tilt and reach adjustment.

Wheels & tyres

20″ alloy wheels
Front Bridgestone Potenza 245/40 R20
Rear Bridgestone Potenza 295/35 R20

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)

Brakes

Front Dual cast brake discs 390mm diameter with six piston calipers
Rear Dual cast brake discs 360mm diameter with four piston calipers
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
Traction Control
Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
Positive Torque Control (PTC)
Electronic Park Brake (EPB)

Dimensions

Length 5019 mm (197.6″)
Width (including mirrors) 2140 mm (84.3″)
Height 1360 mm (53.5″)
Fuel Capacity 90.5 litres
Kerb Weight 1950 kg (target) (4299 lb)

Interior

Full grain leather interior
Walnut facia trim
Iridium Silver centre console outer finish and Graphite inner finish
Auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror
Auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror with garage door opener (USA and Canada only)1
Electrically operated front seats
Memory front seats and exterior mirrors (three positions)
Dual stage driver and passenger front airbags
Front occupant side airbags
Head protection airbags for front and rear occupants
Heated front and rear seats
Heated rear screen
Automatic front and rear temperature control
Organic Electroluminescent (OEL) displays
LED map lamps and ambient lighting
Trip computer
Cruise control
Hard Disk Drive (HDD) satellite navigation system1,2
Bluetooth telephone preparation1
Satellite radio system (USA only)
Powerfold exterior mirrors
Front and rear parking sensors
Tyre pressure monitoring1
Alarm and immobiliser
Remote-control central door locking and boot release
Battery conditioner
Tracking device (UK only)3
Boot mounted umbrella

In Car Entertainment

1000 W Bang & Olufsen BeoSound audio system with ICEpower® technology
Integrated Apple iPod® connector4
USB connector with Waveform Audio Format (WAF), Windows Media Player (WMA) and MPEG (MP3) audio file compatibility
3.5 mm auxiliary input socket

Options

Cooled front and rear seats
Twin screen rear seat entertainment system with 6-disc DVD player, auxiliary input, wireless headphones and remote control
Alternative facia trim finishes – Mahogany, Piano Black, Bamboo, Tamo Ash, Birds Eye Maple, Olive Ash Burl, Double Apex Alloy
Matching wood door trim
Colour-keyed steering wheel
Second glass key
Magnum silver rear lamp infills
Delete model badging
Delete protective tape
20″ alloy wheels with graphite finish
20″ alloy wheels with polished finish
Alternative brake calliper finish – black, red, silver
Personalised sill plaques
Auto dimming interior rear view mirror with garage door opener (Europe only)
Alarm upgrade (volumetric and tilt sensor)
Tracking device1,3
First aid kit
Ashtray and Cigar Lighter

- By: Omar Rana

Canadian tuner MWDesign has put together a new appearance and performance package for the Aston Martin V8 Vantage.

Known has the Helvellyn Frost, MWDesign’s Aston Martin V8 Vantage comes with a 2-tone matte white exterior paint, a beautiful Tungsten Grey with 2 tone red/black interior and red calipers. The Helvellyn Frost rides on 20-inch piano black wheels that further accentuate the look of this modified Vantage.

Under the hood, MWDesign engineers modified the 380-hp V8 with their RSC’s Vantage-C Powerkit. That helps the Helvellyn Frost V8 Vantage produce a total of 445-hp. Performance is further enhanced by an H&R suspension upgrade that allows for a proper ride height.

Click through to see the high-res image gallery and try to concentrate on the car.

MWDesign Helvellyn Frost Aston Martin V8 Vantage:

Press Release:

MWDesign Aston Martin V8 Vantage | Helvellyn Frost

MWDesign ups the ante on the already beautiful Aston Martin V8 Vantage with a well thought out aerodynamic and performance upgrade package.

Appropriately named Helvellyn Frost, this frozen matte white …Aston takes its name from a mountain range in England. This mountain epitomizes romance and beauty with a dash of treachery just as this V8 Vantage does.

The Aston Vantage is undoubtedly a stunningly beautiful car straight from the factory. To enhance her looks without becoming ostentatious, every curve had to be considered. It is a very easy process to add aftermarket parts to these cars, but also very easy to disturb the balance of beauty, proportion and classiness.

To ensure that the whole theme would work, MWDesign first created a concept render to digitally “test fit” the entire styling package down to the most subtle detail.

The first task was to pick a color scheme to go with. The car came from the factory finished in an already beautiful Tungsten Grey with 2 tone red/black interior and red callipers. To accentuate the lines and create a more mystical subdued glow, a crisp pure matte white was selected. This concept was executed beautifully by the pros at GPFX.

After the full color conversion, RSC (Racing Sports Concepts) came into the equation for subtle aerodynamics additions and serious power upgrades. For this project, MWDesign placed a special order for these aero pieces in matte carbon fiber to flow with the muted exterior reflectivity. The carbon pieces fit flawlessly and were given the matte white 2 tone effect to flow into the rest of the bodywork.

Next on the agenda was to upgrade the stance of the Aston with wheels and suspension. To achieve this, first H&R suspension was installed to get the proper ride height. For wheels, MWDesign immediately called their good friends at Modulare wheels to fabricate a custom set of wheels for the Vantage. MWDesign’s prototype included a matte black lip and a highly textured tinted brushed aluminum face reminiscent of a clearcoated version of the TiAN finish found on some of the world’s most exclusive watches. After some design revisions, MWDesign applied their concept to Modulare’s then unreleased M14 wheel style. This finish was combined with piano black hardware and aluminum center cap with small body color accents. These highly detailed wheels are glued to the road via Michelin Pilot Sport PS2’s measuring 255/35/20 in the front and 285/25/20 in the rear.

After the major modifications were complete, the fine styling details had to be addressed. In MWDesign’s opinion, often these small accents are the “make or break” features in their projects. To match the matte theme and the matte black wheel lips, matte black was applied to the side vents, front grill, window trims and trunk lip area. DBS style clear tails were added to the rear to create a lighter, more airy feel to the body of the car. The solid Ferrari Red callipers were entirely too flashy for the vehicle and had to be subdued. The callipers were pulled out and powdercoated in a frost white with carbon fiber plate to match the body. To retain a more subtle tie with the red interior, the Brembo calliper’s bleeder line was left in red. Drawing from the influence of the GT4 Racing Vantage, removable anodized red tow hooks were installed in the front and rear giving it a small hint of red to match the interior and to pay homage to its racing counterpart.

Lastly, the Vantage’s underachieving 380hp was the final priority on the list. RSC’s Vantage-C Powerkit including a beautiful polished canister race exhaust system, high flow 200 cell catalysts and engine software retune bring this machine to a serious contender at 445hp.

The loud yet refined bark emitted from the handbuilt V8 through the free flowing exhaust produces such a beautiful note that the car feels right at home whether it be at the Glyndebourne or at Goodwood.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: SeriousWheels (via WCF)

A 2009 Coventry University graduate, James Trim, has unveiled his latest project and the idea of a greener, much-more environmentally friendly Aston Martin. Known as the Aston Martin Volare, Trim says that his design will keep Aston’s “fantastic sound and outright performance customary with that of a petrol equivalent, but would provide drivers the world over with equal amounts of guilt free motoring.”

While we highly doubt anyone driving an Aston Martin has any ounce of guilt, we think Trim may actually be onto something here.

Trim says that “the two-seater Volare adopts a high-power fuel cell stack, located between the front seats, a rear mounted battery pack, and a co-axial electric motor at the front. To aid the Volare’s weight distribution, the two hydrogen storage tanks have been positioned directly above the car’s rear axle.” He says that the layout ends up giving the Volare an optimum weight distribution.

We don’t want to even think about the cost of development and the price-tag of such an Aston Martin, but kudos to Trim for coming up with this green-supercar idea.

Aston Martin Volare Study Concept (James Trim):

- By: Omar Rana

Source: James Trim (via WorldCarFans)

Known as the world’s premier celebration of automobiles, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance hosts only the world’s most beautiful and rare automobiles on its famed 18th fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links.

Check out this video of a walk around to see some of the world’s most exclusive automobiles seen at the 2009 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

The video wraps up with a Jerry Seinfeld’s Porsche 917 that was once owned by Steve McQueen from the movie Le Mans.

Look out for the Porsche Panamera, Aston Martin One-77, Infiniti Essence and the recently unveiled Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Sang Bleu.

Follow the jump for the video.

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Taking a break from all the GM news today we’re going to bring you some news from the supercar world. The folks at PistonHeads apparently ran into some Aston Martin test-drivers on a trip to the Nurburgring. Besides seeing the Aston Martin Rapide, the Aston Martin drivers were hanging out with a DBS prototype.

While the group remained tight-lipped about the car, Nurburgring sources are saying that Aston Martin is working on a hardcore version of the DBS. Think of it as an “R” type package with a bunch of performance upgrades and sleeker looks. If sources are to be believed, you can expect some suspension and power upgrades.

Will it happen? Only time will tell.

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Source: PistonHeads

According to AutoTelegraaf.nl, the much-anticipated Aston Martin Rapide will make its world debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show next month. The publication also posted a couple of new images of the four-door Aston Martin, giving us our first look at the production interior.

Power is expected to come from a V12 engine making 477-hp. 0 to 62 mph will come in under 5 seconds with a top speed of more than 186 mph.

Pricing is expected to come 10 percent to 15 percent higher than the DB9 – meaning we’re looking at 300,000 euros ($424,748 USD).

Aston Martin Rapide (New Images):

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoTelegraaf.nl

U.S. based tuner Elite has just released the final concept images of its new 2010 Aston Martin LMV/R (Le Mans Vantage Racer), which is based on the 2010 Aston Martin Vantage. Elite says that the car is influenced by Ferrari Scuderia and Stradale and Lamborghini Superleggera and is lighter than the factory Vantage due to the extensive use of carbon fiber.

The carbon fiber body kit consists of a new front bumper, visible carbon canards, a carbon front splitter, hood, 2-inch wider fenders, side skirts, rear quarter panel extensions – also 2-inches wider, a carbon trunk lid with visible carbon rear wing and a rear bumper with carbon diffuser.

Elite will only produce 30 examples, which will be sold worldwide. All will be produced in Florida with a price tag of $173,000 plus the cost of the Vantage.

Follow the jump for the press release.

Elite Aston Martin LMV/R:

Press Release:

Vancouver, WA – July 29, 2009 – Final concept images have just been released for the 2010 Aston Martin LMV/R (Le Mans Vantage Racer). Only 30 of these race cars for the street will be produced for the world. Following in the footsteps of the Ferrari Scuderia and Stradale and Lamborghini Superleggera, the Elite LMV/R is lighter than the factory Vantage due to most of the body panels being made from carbon fiber. The Scuderia, Stradale and Superleggera were built for the purists who wanted a race car for the street, a more nimble version of the production street car that they were built from. These cars aren’t for everybody due to their harsher ride and loud exhaust systems. This is the company that the LMV/R will now be amongst but even more rare and special. The Superleggera’s US production was 172 cars, the Ferrari Stradale seen 1,288 examples built and the Scuderia production is supposed to top out at about 1,500 cars. Compare these production numbers to the 30 LMV/R’s that will be built and you can see how special and rare the LMV/R will truly be. To take a Vantage and turn it into an LMV/R, many components are used. Here is a list of what comes standard on the LMV/R;

– Carbon fiber body kit consisting of: front bumper with screens, visible carbon canards, visible carbon front splitter, hood, fenders (2″ wider), side skirts, side skirt panels, rear quarter panel extensions (2″ wider), trunk lid with visible carbon rear wing, rear bumper with visible carbon diffuser

– Matte black 20″ wheels and tires for wide body kit
– Lowering springs
– Big Brake kit
– Sport muffler with tips
– Carbon fiber engine bay kit
– Full Alcantara interior
– Carbon fiber interior kit
– Serial numbered plaque (only 30 cars will be produced)
– LMV/R matte black stripes
– Installation and full repaint

All LMV/R’s will be assembled in Florida and sent to and from the dealership that sold the car within the US. All LMV/R’s will be based on 2010 Vantage’s and will be very unique. The customer will order a brand new Vantage in any color offered by Aston Martin with any options. The Vantage is then picked up and sent to Florida where the work will be performed. The exterior can be painted the factory color or a custom color at an additional charge. The interior can be assembled in any color of the customers choosing since all the surfaces will be covered in new Alcantara.
Elite is currently seeking an Aston Martin dealer in the US to be the exclusive dealer for these 30 cars. The package price is estimated at $173,000 plus the cost of the Vantage. These will be very special and unique cars and more information on deposits can be requested by Elite’s exclusive distributor, Exotica Motorsports. www.Exotica-Motorsports.com

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Serious Wheels (via WCF)

Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May wrapped up Season 13 of Top Gear last night. Clarkson completed the last segment by driving the new Aston Martin V12 Vantage in a very simple, calm and sad review that left us tired, lazy and… well, sad. Either way, we’re going to call it a day with this and we’ll see you here tomorrow morning again for another day of automotive news.

Refresher: Power comes from a 6.0L V12 engine that makes 510-hp with a maximum torque of 420 lb-ft. The 0 to 62 mph run comes in 4.2 seconds with a top speed of 190 mph.

2010 Aston Martin V12 Vantage:

2010 Aston Martin V12 Vantage:

- By: Omar Rana