Would you rather have English pop star Cheryl Cole or Megan Fox in your passenger seat? Also, would you rather drive a Bugatti Veyron or an Aston Martin One-77? That was the question a poll by MPH Prestige & Performance Motor Show asked 13,000 visitors to MSN Cars.

The result? Men fantasize about driving a Bugatti Veyron with Cheryl Cole more than any other vehicle or woman – including Megan Fox and an Aston Martin One-77.

Cole acquired 24 percent of the “perfect passenger” vote, while Megan Fox came in second with 21 percent. Jessica Alba came in 3rd with 12 percent followed by Jennifer Aniston with 11 percent, Beyoncé Knowles with 8 percent and Victoria’s Secret model Adriana Lima with 3 percent.

The Bugatti Veyron topped the “perfect car” list with 36 percent followed by Aston Martin’s One-77 with 29 percent. Ferrari’s California trailed behind with 9 percent followed by the Pagani Zonda R with 8 percent, Alfa 8C Spider with 7 percent and Koenigsegg CCX 7 percent.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Inside Line

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

Aston Martin is building a pre-production version of the One-77 supercar that will take on the Nurburgring, reports AutoCar. Sources say that the unit you see at auto shows is just a running prototype and the next stage of the car’s development is to build a pre-production version for fine tuning at the Nurburgring, where Aston Martin has a facility.

Chris Porritt, One-77 program manager, said that the One-77 will go into production in the spring of 2010 with the first customer deliveries to begin in mid-2010.

Porritt said that 40 confirmed orders have been taken (so it’s apparently not sold out), each of which will take the folks at Gaydon three and a half months to build.

Refresher: Power comes from a 7.3L V12 producing more than 700-hp. The engine is mated to a new 6-speed gearbox that allows the One-77 to go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds with a top speed of over 200 mph.

Aston Martin One-77:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoCar

Dr. Ulrich Bez has the job every auto enthusiast can only dream of – being CEO of Aston Martin. Bez, 66, received his doctorate in engineering from the University of Stuttgart, but had to create a resume with other impressive credentials than that to become the boss of Aston.

He has previously held positions at Porsche, BMW and Daewoo Motors where he’s been responsible for product design and development. Even standing next to Bez is a privilege in itself (and we say that only because he’s the main man behind the idea of the Aston Martin One-77).

The folks over at AutoCar recently had the lucky opportunity to interview Bez about the new Aston Martin One-77 and even had him fire it up for the cameras. Of course, AutoCar did what every other auto journalist would do after hearing the sound coming from the 700-hp One-77 – they asked Bez if they could drive it. Did Bez say yes or no? Find out in the video posted after the jump.

Follow the jump for the video.

Aston Martin One-77:

Aston Martin One-77:

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

And just when you thought you’d seen enough of the Aston Martin One-77, the Gaydon, Warwickshire automaker has dropped a bunch of new images of the most exclusive Aston ever built. We’re not going to sit here and kill your time so just check out a little refresher and head over after the jump for the high-res image gallery.

Refresher: Power comes from a 7.3L V12 producing more than 700-hp. The engine is mated to a new 6-speed gearbox that allows the One-77 to go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds with a top speed of over 200 mph.

Make the leap for the high-res image gallery.

Aston Martin One-77:

- By: Kap Shah

While browsing through YouTube, we came across some video of the Aston Martin One-77 strolling and revving its engine at the Concorso d’Eleganza, Villa d’Este this past weekend. The One-77 won the Concorso d’Eleganza Design Award for Concept Cars and Prototypes.

Refresher: Power comes from a 7.3L V12 producing more than 700-hp. The engine is mated to a new 6-speed gearbox that allows the One-77 to go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds with a top speed of over 200 mph.

Click through for the videos.

Aston Martin One-77:

Aston Martin One-77:

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Over the weekend we saw the new Aston Martin One-77 unveiled in its complete form at the Concorso d’Eleganza, Villa d’Este. Well, the most exclusive Aston Martin has now won the Concorso d’Eleganza Design Award for Concept Cars and Prototypes.

The public was invited to cast their votes for the best concept and prototype and from the other eight entries, the Aston Martin One-77 was voted best in class taking more than 30 percent of the total votes.

Of course, we’re pretty sure everyone knows the technical specs by now – but here is your usual refresher.

Refresher: Power comes from a 7.3L V12 producing more than 700-hp. The engine is mated to a new 6-speed gearbox that allows the One-77 to go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds with a top speed of over 200 mph.

Click through for the updated high-res image gallery and the press release.

Aston Martin One-77:

Press Release:

Aston Martin One-77 wins top design award at the Concorso d’Eleganza, Villa d’Este

Gaydon, Warwickshire 26 April 2009. At its world debut this weekend, the Aston Martin One-77 has won the Concorso d’Eleganza Design Award for Concept Cars and Prototypes on the shores of Lake Como, Italy.

Following the Geneva Auto Salon in March, where the technical illustration was first shown, the rolling chassis has since been completed by hand into the first car presented at Villa d’Este this weekend.

At its first public unveiling in the perfect setting of the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este, the first complete One-77 was on show. Visiting public were invited to cast their vote for the best concept and prototype. Among eight entries from around the world, the Aston Martin One-77 was voted the best in class, eclipsing the competition with more than 30% of the total votes.

Admiring crowds viewed One-77 in its entirety for the first time. The car was showcased complete with running powertrain and the never seen before, fully hand-crafted interior.

Aston Martin Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez said: “Embodying everything Aston Martin stands for; the One-77 has proven itself as the most desirable automotive art form at its premiere today.

“We have achieved a new level of design and craftsmanship which has been clearly recognised by the public here in the homeland of design at Villa d’Este.”

Aston Martin Design Director, Marek Reichman said: “To win this award at its first showing is a testament to the Aston Martin team and the original concept. Winning here today has proven One-77 as a benchmark in automotive design.”

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

As we told you earlier this week, Aston Martin confirmed that it would show the completed Aston Martin One-77 concept at the 2009 Concorso d’Eleganza. Well – here it is. The covers came off of the most exclusive Aston Martin ever built on a rainy day in Lake Como, Italy. We’re sure you’re dying to see all the live images so we’re going to end it here with a short refresher.

Refresher: Power comes from a 7.3L V12 producing more than 700-hp. The engine is mated to a new 6-speed gearbox that allows the One-77 to go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds with a top speed of over 200 mph.

Note: We’d like to thank OmniAuto.it for giving us permission to use their images for this post. Click here to read their article.

Live: Aston Martin One-77 at Concorso d’Eleganza 2009:

All Live Photos Copyright OmniAuto.it.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: OmniAuto

Aston Martin confirmed today that the first public display of the complete One-77 concept will be shown at the 2009 Concorso d’Eleganza in Lake Como, Italy next week.

“This is a major step in One-77’s engineering program, showing the first complete car, and will demonstrate new benchmarks in many different fields of automotive design,” said Aston Martin’s CEO Dr Ulrich Bez.

Refresher: Power comes from a 7.3L V12 producing more than 700-hp. The engine is mated to a new 6-speed gearbox that allows the One-77 to go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds with a top speed of over 200 mph.

Make the jump for the press release and the high-res image gallery.

Aston Martin One-77:

Press Release:

Aston Martin’s One-77 concept set for world debut at Concorso D’Eleganza Villa D’Este

Gaydon, Warwickshire, 23 April 2009. Aston Martin has confirmed the first pubic display of the complete One-77 concept will be held at the world renowned Concorso d’Eleganza event in the grounds of the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este on the shores of Lake Como, Italy on 24-26 April 2009.

The One-77 is Aston Martin’s definitive sports car, one that epitomises everything Aston Martin from technology, hand-craftsmanship of the hand rolled aluminium panels to the attention to detail. A culmination of all the marque’s know-how, the One-77 delivers effortless beauty guaranteed to stir the senses with performance potential eclipsing any previous Aston Martin. It’s this extraordinary workmanship and money-no-object commitment to quality that makes the One-77 unique. It promises a driving experience of unrivalled intensity and excitement while representing the world’s most desirable automotive art form.

The One-77 concept will be revealed in the perfect setting at Lake Como showcasing for the first time a complete concept; including full running powertrain and the world premiere of the eagerly anticipated interior design. The interior environment blends the stunning detail of the exterior and draws it inside with incredible meticulousness through the use of exotic materials and hand made parts detailing the quintessence of Aston Martin engineering and design expertise.

Last month Aston Martin showcased a technical illustration of the One-77 at the Geneva Auto Salon, revealing the technical intricacies and engineering excellence that will exist beneath the One-77’s handmade body. Since then, the technical illustration has undergone painstaking handcraftsmanship to be developed into a complete car.

Aston Martin Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez said: “The One-77 demonstrates the unique capabilities of our company – it encompasses engineering excellence with a great passion from our engineers, designers and technical partners.

“This is a major step in One-77’s engineering programme, showing the first complete car, and will demonstrate new benchmarks in many different fields of automotive design.

“The craftsmanship and design that has gone into the creation of the Aston Martin One-77 lifts automotive engineering into the realm of art. With its finely sculpted forms and sleek lines, it is an expression of unparalleled beauty that embodies everything Aston Martin stands for.

- By: Kap Shah

You’ve seen Episode One and Episode Two - today Aston Martin released Episode Three of its on-going short-series about the One-77.

Episode Three gives us a look at the production process of the Aston Martin One-77 providing a closer view of the chassis, engine layout and the interior.

Refresher: Power comes from a 7.3L V12 producing more than 700-hp. The engine is mated to a new 6-speed gearbox that allows the One-77 to go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds with a top speed of over 200 mph.

Click through for the video.

Aston Martin One-77:

Aston Martin One-77:

- By: Kap Shah

The folks at 925.nl have gotten their hands on an internal document outlining the entire history and details on the new Aston Martin One-77. While Aston Martin showed off the One-77 at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show last week, we weren’t given the pleasure to take a peek inside.

This latest document, which features a bunch of other information, shows some interior sketches of the Aston Martin One-77. After checking out some of the pictures we have to say – Aston Martin kept a very minimalist approach to the inside of one of the most exclusive cars in the world.

You can check out the rest of the document on 925.nl.

Click through for more pictures.

Aston Martin One-77 interior sketches:

Aston Martin One-77:

By: The Daily Auto Editor

Source: 925.nl

The Aston Martin One-77 was revealed today (well, at least the exterior) at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. What you’re looking at here is the no.1 unit of the One-77 out of the 77 examples that will be produced of this outstanding creation.

Power comes from a 7.3 V12 producing more than 700-hp. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a new 6-speed gearbox allowing the Aston Martin One-77 to spring from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 3.5 seconds. Top speed will be above 200 mph.

Production of the other 76 units of the One-77 will take place this summer with deliveries to begin in early 2010. Pricing details along with the interior are being kept under the wraps for now.

Make the jump for the high-res image gallery.

Aston Martin One-77:

Press Release:

Gaydon, Warwickshire – Tuesday 3 March – Aston Martin will present a One-77 technical showcase at the Geneva Auto Salon on 3 March 2009. Chassis no.1 will be on display as an exposé throughout the show detailing the quintessence of Aston Martin engineering and design expertise.

The One-77 is Aston Martin’s definitive sports car, one that epitomises everything Aston Martin from technology, the hand-craftsmanship of the hand rolled aluminium panels to the attention to detail. A culmination of all the marque’s know-how, the Aston Martin One-77 delivers effortless beauty guaranteed to stir the senses with performance potential eclipsing any previous Aston Martin.

With the performance and durability phase of the Aston Martin One-77’s intensive development programme soon to commence, the 79th Geneva Auto Salon provides the perfect stage on which to reveal the remarkable engineering, advanced technology and exotic materials that lie beneath the Aston Martin One-77’s extraordinary exterior.

For Aston Martin’s Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez, revealing the Aston Martin One-77’s secrets is a proud moment: “Right from the very beginning of the project the vision for Aston Martin One-77 was very simple: It had to combine high-technology with hand-built craftsmanship, and demonstrate the unique capabilities and passion of our designers, engineers and technical partners.

“Quite simply it had to be the ultimate expression of Aston Martin. As you can now see, we have achieved that goal in magnificent style.”

Chris Porritt, Aston Martin One-77 Programme Manager continued: “We wanted to create something that wows you as much when you see what’s under the skin as the exterior styling itself. We started by identifying the most technologically exciting front-engined, rear-wheel drive cars in the world: those from the DTM race series. We then applied the principles and technology that feature heavily in their design and translated it to a road car application.”

Consequently the Aston Martin One-77’s structural core is a lightweight and immensely rigid carbon fibre monocoque. Conceived and designed at Aston Martin’s Gaydon HQ, the monocoque, or ‘tub’, has been built in partnership with Multimatic (MTC). As world leaders in carbon composite technology, advanced vehicle analysis and dynamic simulation, MTC brings unrivalled specialist capabilities to the exacting challenge of the Aston Martin One-77 programme.

Employing the classic formula of double wishbones at each corner, the Aston Martin One-77 features inboard suspension front and rear, with pushrods employed to transfer vertical suspension movements to the horizontally mounted spring/damper units. A practice taken directly from racing car design, the main advantages of inboard suspension are a reduction in unsprung weight and the ability to package the suspension components more effectively.

The dampers are fully adjustable and feature advanced Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve (DSSV) technology; a world-first for a road car application. These special valves are state-of-the-art even at the highest levels of motorsport, and use high-precision machined components to enable the shock-absorbing characteristics of the damper to be changed without having to remove them from the car, as is the norm.

Underlining the truly bespoke nature of the Aston Martin One-77, once delivered to its owner, the car’s suspension characteristics will be precisely set-up by Aston Martin engineers to suit their exact requirements, from settings suitable for the ultimate long-distance GT, to a machine capable of conquering the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

While functionality and efficiency are paramount in the design and construction of the Aston Martin One-77, so too is aesthetic beauty. To this end every single component has been crafted from the finest materials with absolute attention to detail. From the mesmerising weave of the glossy carbon fibre tub and the abstract, sculptural beauty of the dry sump’s oil reservoir, to the unerring precision of the billet machined aluminium suspension mounts, the Aston Martin One-77’s rolling chassis is an automotive masterpiece.

Of course the irony is that the vast majority of these exquisite components will be hidden from view in the finished car, yet each and every piece is a work of art in its own right. It’s this extraordinary workmanship and money-no-object commitment to quality that makes the Aston Martin One-77 unique.

Naturally, such a spectacular chassis demands – and gets – an equally exceptional drivetrain. It comes in the form of an immensely potent 7.3-litre, naturally aspirated V12 engine. Thanks to the adoption of a dry-sump oil system the engine is mounted 100mm lower than in any previous V12-engined Aston Martin road car, which helps keep the Aston Martin One-77’s centre-of-gravity as low as possible. To further aid agility and endow the Aston Martin One-77 with progressive handling and stable, predictable on-limit behaviour, the engine is also mounted 257mm aft relative to the front wheel centreline. In so doing the front-mid-engined layout shared by all of Aston Martin’s current road car range has been taken to a new level.

The Aston Martin One-77’s magnificent power unit is an extreme evolution of the 6.0-litre V12 engines fitted to the Aston Martin DBS, DB9 and new V12 Vantage models. Like the collaboration with MTC for the build of the chassis, Aston Martin has chosen a world-leading partner with which to develop the motor: legendary engine builders, Cosworth. It has proved to be the perfect collaboration, as Chris Porritt explains.

“Our brief to the engine team was for them to take the 6.0-litre V12 as far as it could go, both in terms of output and weight reduction. The targets were a power output of no less than 700bhp with a 10 per cent reduction in engine mass. Incredibly, the Aston Martin and Cosworth engineers achieved a mass reduction of some 25 per cent, and although we’ve yet to complete the final engine calibration work, I’m confident we’ll see in excess of 700bhp. It’s an awesome accomplishment, but one that’s typical of the One-77 project, for it has consistently brought out the very best in everyone involved.”

Wearing Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres (255/35 ZR20 front, 335/30 ZR20 rear) developed specifically for the Aston Martin One-77, all 700+bhp is transmitted to the road through the rear wheels via a new six-speed gearbox. Controlled via column-mounted paddles behind the steering wheel, this robotised sequential manual is a new generation of Aston Martin’s familiar transmission. Though it is made specifically for the Aston Martin One-77 and features specially strengthened internals to cope with the tremendous power and torque, the lessons learned in its development will ultimately find their way into the company’s series production models.

It’s a mark of the inherent capabilities of Aston Martin’s acclaimed lightweight Carbon Ceramic Matrix brake technology that it has been used as the basis for the Aston Martin One-77’s braking system. The internals of the callipers have been re-engineered to transmit less heat from the brake pads into the brake fluid, while the discs themselves have been developed to ensure the maximum possible contact area between the face of the disc and the brake pads for improved stopping power. Due to the Aston Martin One-77’s increased performance, special attention has also been paid to brake cooling, as the brakes have less time to cool between bursts of acceleration.

With a projected weight of 1,500kg the Aston Martin One-77 will occupy the very highest echelons of road car performance. Top speed is confidently predicted to be in excess of 200mph, with a 0-60mph time in approximately 3.5sec. Perhaps more importantly, thanks to the purity of a front-engined, rear-drive layout, the responsiveness and immense tractability of a naturally aspirated V12 and the low mass, high-rigidity properties of a carbon fibre chassis, the Aston Martin One-77 promises a driving experience of unrivalled intensity and excitement while representing the world’s most desirable automotive art form.

Apparently news of 100 people interested in the 77 units of the Aston Martin One-77 was interpreted the wrong way. According to Car Advice sources, 100 of those interested in the very exclusive Aston did not put down a 200,000 pound deposit to purchase the car – meaning those interested can still acquire the rights to own the One-77.

No word on how many units are still available but we do know that Aston will allocate a total of six units for the U.S. market. The rest will probably end up in Europe, Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Refresher: Power will come from a 7.0L V12 engine that is expected to produce 700-hp with a peak torque of 520 lb-ft. 0 to 60 will come in the low 5 seconds with a top speed of over 200 mph.

Make the jump for the high-res image gallery.

Aston Martin One-77:

Source: Car Advice (via WCF)

Earlier last month Aston Martin released Episode-1 about its upcoming One-77. Today Aston released Episode-2 which gives us a closer look at the design process involved with the most exclusive Aston Martin ever built.

Aston’s Director of Design, Marek Reichman, describes the personal tailoring involved with the One-77. Reichman says that with only 77 units being made for 77 very special customers, Aston will go to the limits to tailor the car to every individual; so much so that customers will be able to tune the feel of the paddle shifts – whether they want a light or heavy feeling.

The video also stars Program Manager Chris Porritt who walks us through the heritage and craftsmanship involved with the car.

The next Episode will be revealed on January 2009 – the month where Aston Martin is expected to officially reveal the One-77.

Follow the jump for the video.

Aston Martin One-77:

Don’t ever expect to pull up to an Aston Martin One-77 at a red light. According to AutoCar, of the 77 units being made of the very exclusive Aston Martin, only six will come to the U.S. while five will be allocated for the UK. Where is most of the allocation going to end up? We’re going to just take a wild guess and say Dubai.

While Aston won’t officially reveal the One-77 until early next-year, images of the car were leaked over the Internet last week.

“The engine is a magnificent piece of work,” says Aston CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez. So far all we know that the 3,300 lbs. Aston One-77 will carry a 7.0L V12 that makes 700-hp with a maximum torque of 520 lb-ft. 0 to 60 figures are yet to be revealed but top speed will come in well over 200 mph.

“It’s not all about power or being in a performance race with Bugatti,” said Aston CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez. “It’s a fabulous, hand-built car that’s the pinnacle of what Aston Martin can achieve.”

Aston Martin One-77:

Source: AutoCar

While Aston Martin does its best to keep the One-77 under the wraps, images of the most exclusive Aston have leaked over the internet. Shown at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, owners will be dropping more than $2 million on the One-77 which will only see a limited production run of 77 units. According to recent reports, all 77 units have been accounted for.

Power for the Aston Martin One-77 comes from a 700-hp 7.3L V12 engine mated to a 6-speed ASM/SSM Automated Manual Transmission. Together that allows for a 0 to 60 mph run in 3.5 seconds with a top speed of more than 200 mph.

We expect Aston Martin to release all the official details in the coming days.

Click through for more images.

Aston Martin One-77 images leaked:

Source: 925.nl (via AutoBlog)

While Aston Martin is concentrating on the relaunch of its Lagonda brand, the premium sports car maker is considering a strategic change for its next-generation of sports cars. According to AutoWeek, the DB9 and V8 Vantage models may move upmarket with a higher price tag and lower production volumes.

Basically, Aston Martin wants to charge more for its cars and wants to be more exclusive. It’s testing the market with the new $1.75 million One-77 of which only 77 units will be made. If Aston Martin is basing its decision on how well the One-77 does, we can expect the next round of Aston’s to carry a higher price point since all units of the One-77 have been accounted for.

The Aston Martin DB9 and V8 Vantage replacements are currently in concept stage and are expected to be launched in 2011.

Two options are currently being considered. One is to move the Vantage closer to the DB9 price tag and move the DB9 closer to the $277,000 price tag of the DBS. Another option is to replace the DB9 and the Vantage with one exclusive model. When FoMoCo dropped Aston last year, rumor on the streets was that a mid-engine was in the works for 2011.

Do you think Aston Martin should move upmarket with the way the industry is going right now? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.

Source: AutoWeek

After departing its way with FoMoCo, Aston Martin has seen the introduction of the new exclusive One-77, completion of the four-door Rapide and the resurrection of the Lagonda brand. With Aston Martin on its side Prodrive has become a serious player in the sports car and racing world.

That $2 million Aston Martin One-77 will enter production late next year. Only 77 units will be made, all of which have been accounted for. Power will come from a 700-hp 7.3L V12.

The Aston Martin Rapide will also arrive in the markets next year. U.S. will get its allocation in spring 2010 with pricing expected to be around $400,000. Aston Martin Rapide will be assembled by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria. Power will come from a 6.0L V12 engine producing in the excess of 500 horsepower. 0 to 60 mph will take under 5 seconds with a top speed 180 mph.

Lagonda will show its first concept vehicle next year with a production model coming in 2012. A second model is planned for 2012 with pricing rumored to be around $100,000.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)