Aston Martin DB9 Pictures

Aston Martin DB9

Aston Martin DB9

Aston Martin DB9

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Frankfurt: Aston Martin Rapide

Another superstar Frankfurt Motor Show 2009: Aston Martin Rapide will submit to the German show, much awaited sedan-coupe belonging to the super-luxury segment and early years of spy photos and assumptions.

The Rapide, Aston Martin model that will bring in a segment hitherto unexplored, impressive for its size: long, broad, and very, very low. But most sleek and stylish, even elegant. Moreover, with the DNA of the house UK style in the veins, there is little to be done: the result is guaranteed.

Aston Martin Racing has released the 2009 specification Vantage GT4 based on Aston Martin’s new 4.7 litre V8 Vantage. The new Vantage GT4 builds on the success of its predecessor, the 4.3 litre Vantage N24.

The Vantage GT4 has been under development for six months and was unveiled in Dubai this week by Aston Martin chairman, David Richards, and tested extensively at the Dubai Autodrome.

The car is an evolution of the N24 with the larger capacity engine being more responsive with increased torque throughout the rev range. The suspension has also been retuned to enhance the handling, including modified front uprights to give increased camber. The 2009 Vantage GT4 also has larger front brake discs with revised cooling.

‘In the last two years, the N24 has proved to be one of the most successful cars in its class; winning the Nurburgring 24 Hours this year, as well as several FIA GT4 races,’ said David Richards. ‘We have built on this success to develop the Vantage GT4, a competitive racing car for professional and semi-professional drivers, but also a forgiving car which will appeal to enthusiasts who wish to use it for track days and club racing.’

The Vantage GT4 is built to FIA GT4 regulations and is eligible to compete in the following series: FIA GT4 European Cup; British GT4 Championship; Britcar Endurance Series; German GT4 Championship; Dutch Supercar Challenge; Dutch GT4 Championship; VLN Endurance Championship at the Nurburgring; Australian Endurance Championship; the American SCCA Championship; and the Aston Martin Owners Club Race Series.

The Vantage GT4 comes with either a manual transmission or sportshift transmission. It is priced from £96,645 and is available to order now with delivery in January 2009.

Aston Martin Racing is now the only manufacturer to produce cars in each of the GT classes: GT1, GT2, GT3 and GT4.

Aston Martin V8 Vantage – originally launched to widespread critical acclaim at the Geneva Motor Show in 2005 – is to receive significant technical enhancements, reaffirming the car’s position as one of the world’s most desirable and exhilarating sports cars.

While the universally distinctive and award-winning shape of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage is retained, the car benefits from a number of technical changes which include significantly up-rated engine performance from a new 4.7 litre power unit in both Coupe and Roadster variants. Other changes include revised dynamics to take full advantage of increased power and torque availability, improved Sportshift™ transmission software and a new sports suspension option.

The 4.7 litre V8 engine has a power output of 420bhp (an 11% increase on the previous 4.3 litre unit) and delivers peak torque of 470Nm (15% increase), providing the Aston Martin V8 Vantage with new reserves of mid-range performance, an improved 0-60mph time of 4.7 seconds and top speed of 180mph (288kph). Combined European fuel economy and CO2 emissions are also improved by 13% (Sportshift™).

Inside, the changes include a new centre console and revised switchgear and the introduction of an ECU replacing the previous V8 Vantage key. Externally, the acclaimed Aston Martin V8 Vantage design appearance is enhanced with a range of new standard and optional 19” alloy wheels.

Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ulrich Bez said: “Continued development and evolution of our unique VH (Vertical-Horizontal) architecture has brought even higher levels of refinement and dynamic performance to our whole range.

“With the new 4.7 litre engine and associated changes we have taken the Aston Martin V8 Vantage to new levels of performance to produce an even more desirable sports car.

“The Aston Martin V8 Vantage is now the most successful Aston Martin in our history and we are confident these changes will continue its appeal and driving enjoyment for both new and existing customers.”

Engine

Improvements in performance have been achieved through a number of carefully developed changes to Aston Martin’s acclaimed V8 engine.

The cylinder bore and stroke has been increased from 89mm to 91mm and 86mm to 91mm respectively, giving a total displacement of 4735cc.

The increase in cylinder bore is facilitated by a move to cylinder liners that are pressed into the pre-machined aluminium alloy block, allowing a thinner liner than was possible with the cast-in design of the 4.3 litre engine.

The new forged steel crankshaft provides the 91mm stroke and incorporates new holes in the counter weights for reduced rotating mass and improved inter-bay breathing. New forged steel con-rods and cast aluminium pistons complete the capacity-related changes.

Other key changes include efficiency improvements to the dry sump lubrication system, including a new sump casting with oil pick-up points moved from the front and rear to the sides of the sump. The cylinder heads are modified with a new intake port and an inlet valve size increase from 34.9mm to 35.9mm. The intake manifold has been modified to match the new port to optimise air flow.

Transmission

The Aston Martin V8 Vantage transmissions have also undergone changes to improve performance and to handle the increased levels of power and torque. Both the standard manual stick-shift gearbox and the optional Sportshift™ transmission benefit from a modified clutch and flywheel, reducing clutch pedal efforts and delivering a 0.5kg weight saving, reducing the rotating masses within the powertrain, and hence increasing engine responsiveness.

Aston Martin’s Sportshift™ transmission has undergone a series of specific changes to broaden the capabilities of the gearbox to offer customers enhanced comfort and convenience with sporting capabilities. Changes include a revised control strategy, allowing the transmission, rather than the engine, to dictate how best the engine torque should be deployed to optimise performance and deliver power smoothly and consistently.

‘Dual Throttle Map’ software is also featured. When ‘Comfort’ mode is selected the engine reacts in a smoother more progressive manner to driver throttle inputs and in the default ‘Sports’ mode the throttle mapping is more aggressive, delivering a more dynamic and sporting feel.

Sportshift™ now also has the capability to take inputs from the steering wheel enabling the current gear to be held when the car is negotiating a corner and hill descent detection, allowing a low gear to be held, maximising the effects of engine braking.

Suspension

A series of improvements are introduced to the Aston Martin V8 Vantage chassis and suspension setup to deliver improved body control and low speed ride quality; enabling the driver to take full advantage of the increased performance potential.

A number of the improved components originally introduced on the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster are now carried over to the Coupe, including revised upper damper mountings and bump stops. Additionally, the front spring rates are stiffened by 11% at the front and 5% at the rear.

Steering geometry is also modified to improve steering feel, while the front lower suspension arm compliance bushes are stiffened by 22% to provide enhanced steering response and handling.

The Aston Martin V8 Vantage also now benefits from Bilstein dampers as standard; these low-friction dampers provide improved levels of dynamic capabilities and further improve ride quality.

Design & Optional Equipment

Also introduced as an option for both Coupe and Roadster variants is a new Sports Pack which comprises forged lightweight alloy wheels aiding a lower unsprung mass, re-tuned Bilstein dampers with improved dynamic response, up-rated springs and a revised rear anti-roll bar (Coupe only). The Sports Pack is intended to offer greater agility, high speed body control and precision feel for the most enthusiastic of drivers.

Although the award-winning exterior design of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage remains largely unchanged, a new 20-spoke 19” alloy wheel is introduced as standard, with either diamond turned silver or graphite finishes available as options, affording customers maximum option. Alternatively, as part of the Sports Pack option, a 5-spoke lightweight aluminium wheel will be provided.

Aston Martin Lagonda concept is celebrating 100 years of manufacturing cars under the brand name Lagonda, stunning modern evolution of this flag name.

Lagonda marries modern functionalism with luxury, based on organic forms, rich materials and complex surfaces. The car is based on the best platform, which, taking into account a wide range of future powertrains, including flexfuel, low-emission diesel and hybrid systems.

Aston Martin Lagonda concept is composed of four seats in the International Tourer, avant-garde luxury car, which draws inspiration from the outstanding brands the past, as well as the visual language of high-speed design, spacious individualistic environment of higher class cabins and custom feel of contemporary modern furniture. Within four generous seats are divided into two zones, front and rear. As a result, relaxed, rich environment that envelops you in a warm, tactile materials.

Marek Reichman, Aston Martin design director, a description of Aston Martin Lagonda concept design language as a synthesis of liquid form mixed with hard, constructed lines. This organic, emotional approach eschews a vertical surface in a broad, flowing around the body and spacious passenger cabin.

A clear distinction between cabin, shoulder and flank strongly resembles a powerful and flags lines Lagondas era of 1930’s and, in particular the V12 engine option LG6. Viewed from the front of the concept, the deep, strong grating is also the presence and elevation of the cars from the interwar period. Brave character lines that run along the sculpted flanks to the rear to ensure the concept is firmly planted on the road. Large 22 “wheels and cut-out of the body offer exceptional ground clearance, but the concept V12 engine provides power through all four wheels.

Modern automotive brand must have strong core values and a wide range of possibilities. Modern Lagonda will lead to long-distance car, a vehicle that combines luxury cosseting extreme functionality and technical innovation.

Lagonda name is an integral part of the history of Aston Martin since 1947. Aston Martin Lagonda concept shows how the brand will once again stand together with Aston Martin, as the perfect complement to today’s performance. Lagonda stands for functional elegance, performance, simplicity and convenience.

“Lagonda will create a new type of relationship with clients, foster the spirit of travel, adventure and style in a single package with a huge,” said Dr. Ulrich No. “The agenda for the Aston Martin requirements management. Lagonda required destination.

Aston Martin is proud to announce the return of Lagonda, one of the landmark names in the luxury car production. The aim is to Lagonda market with a unique product of luxury performance car that combines exceptional ability with unsurpassed elegance, inside and out.

Lagonda return signal a significant expansion of Aston Martin production, taking the company into new and emerging markets worldwide. To demonstrate the vision Lagonda, Aston Martin Lagonda concept car was created, which epitomises the crossing vessels, design and technology with a high-performance Aston Martin examination.

Aston Martin Lagonda concept of avant-garde luxury car with a powerful four-wheel drive, four-seat car that will satisfy the most demanding owner. The concept demonstrates the commitment to innovative technologies, new materials and elegant forms.

“The Lagonda luxury car is the future,” said Aston Martin chief executive, Dr Ulrich Without, “a combination of general convenience, new forms and new technologies and materials.”

Back Lagonda meets the long term. Aston Martin modern era began in 2001 with the launch V12 win awards and build its headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire in 2003. In subsequent years, Aston Martin has started four classes of leading new products, revitalize the GT category and the revision of automotive beauty.

Aston Martin range of award-winning DBS, DB9, Vantage and forthcoming quickly, and one-77, represent some of the most beautiful high performance cars are built elegant, highly developed and very well engineered. Aston Martin will always be sports cars, as well as a modern, exclusive and beautiful, it calls for the government, the unique nature of that reward for enthusiasts, both on road and track. First of all, Aston Martin creates an emotional reaction. This machine with a soul.

Under the leadership of Dr Ulrich No, Lagonda luxury performance will bring in new markets and territories worldwide. Reflecting its remarkable history, Lagonda will return to Russia, to enter new markets in the Middle East, South America, India and China, as well as in response to demand from a dynamic, innovation-oriented consumers in Europe, North America and the Far East.

Not only Lagonda Aston Martin to join the existing core markets, and the unique nature of the new brand will help take the company more than 100 territories worldwide and the expansion of the brand to new customers. “The agenda of Aston Martin is a true, pure sports car,” said Dr. Ulrich No, but the Lagonda is something else that the new brand will have access to new markets and have different values for the Aston Martin. ”

Heritage

Lagonda is one of the greatest names in automotive history, brands associated with luxury, performance, grace and exclusivity. Since the first Lagonda production cars was built 100 years ago, born in the United States, Wilbur Gunn, name Lagonda has undergone several incarnations before he soon began to Excel in the creation of racing cars and sports sedans.

Gunn first car was built in his home workshop in Middlesex, England in 1909. In 1910, forced him to Gunn 16/18hp Lagonda Tourer to victory in the Russian judicial Reliability, spectacular developments in the conduct of the Imperial Automobile Club of Russia’s public relations exercise in the country’s emerging road system. Win brought a lot of orders, and Gunn has focused on the Russian market, the creation of the dealers in St. Petersburg and Moscow in 1910.

In truth, Russia’s roads, introduced students to the enormous traffic and route, which includes St. Petersburg, Riga, Kiev and Moscow, was a strict test for any car. Gunn is a testament to the success of Lagonda in and build a solid operational performance. It was not until the next year, which began marketing Lagonda cars in the country, starting a limited production of light vehicles, which was eventually stopped by the First World War.

Throughout the 20’s and 30’s the company expanded its premises in Staines, England, taking into account the vehicles yield more substantial touring models. Lagonda came to epitomise Edwardian passion to create new records and exploring new territory, with robust and reliable vehicles that can be easily determined trans-continental links.

In 1933, the manufacturer began M45 at Olympia Motor Show in London, sports nutrition from the Tourer Henry Meadows developed six-cylinder 4.5-liter engine. The prototype was driven aristocrat and enthusiast, Edward Russell, Lord de Clifford, from Dieppe in Brindisi to Greece, beating Express on the same route about 14 hours. As a result, it was the media sensation.

M45 quickly became known as a vehicle for the discerning sportsman, fast and capable but also quite useful for long journeys. At one time it was the largest engine in its class, the distinction that attracted the owners of the land, as the speed record holder Sir Malcolm Campbell, who was his M45 painted in his signature blue.

The emerging sport of long-distance, endurance racing is also an integral part of Lagonda development. In June 1935, lightweight version of M45 won the Le Mans 24 hours a day, with John Hindmarsh and Luis Fontes at the wheel. This was a landmark achievement for the brand, as well as HighPoint British sports car racing in the interwar period after the heyday of Bentley in 1920-ies.

In the same month, was acquired Lagonda Alan Fine, a charismatic British lawyer whose first task was to seek qualified engineer WO Bentley. The results were LG45 Frank Feeley style that represented the pinnacle of engineering skills of time. In 1936, W.O. Bentley developed the first Lagonda V12, the engine, which was perfectly at home in the majestic long-wheeled version of the new chassis.

Lagondas in the 1930’s demonstrated a general harmony between the engineering and appearance, including the stately LG6 model introduced in 1937. W.O. Bentley good innovation and refinement throughout the war, and the company has developed LG6 model V12, even more imposing and dignified ‘cabin, which, unfortunately, ceased production before the war. At the same time, engineers have developed a new six-cylinder engine, the War, the advantages of which were soon on the Aston Martin.

Aston Martin Lagonda in collaboration with started in 1947 when David Brown, marque a new owner bought the company for £ 52500. Cooperation has access to the Aston Martin WOBentley new 2.6L DOHC six cylinder engine, as well as the talents of long body stylist Frank Feeley.

Feeley is responsible for the elegant drophead version of the new 2.6 liter, the first of the David Brown era Lagonda production from 1948 to 1953. At the end of 1952, the 2.6 liter was developed in 3.0 liters, which is used a revised version of WO Bentley engine. The two-door sedan was soon joined by the four-door coupe and the drophead. Next Lagonda was developed tourist rapid response in 1963, the sleek four-door sedan, which shares many components with the Aston Martin DB4. Fifty-five were built, of which 48 survived. In the late 1960’s, Aston Martin head designer William cities, a new four-door sedan from the Aston Martin DBS. Only seven cases have been built in the mid 1970’s.

In 1976, Aston Martin Lagonda has announced a new era, a unique, innovative car developed by William Cities in the contemporary ‘wedge’ of fashion, he made his own. Permalink aesthetically and technologically different from the range of Aston Martin, Lagonda was a bold and experimental, high performance luxury saloon a truly discerning.

Lagonda name was briefly revived for the Vignale concept, the introduction of a luxury sedan, which was established to develop Ghia in 1993. One example survives. The name is also used for a strictly limited production Virage Lagonda saloon and shooting brakes in 1994.

Aston Martin introduced a revised version of the company’s critically acclaimed Aston Martin DB9 at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, which includes significant enhancements to standard specification. These changes include a revised version of Aston Martin’s 6.0 litre V12 engine to deliver improved power and torque. Peak power of 470bhp (350kW) – increased by 20bhp (30Nm) – is now reached at 6,000rpm, resulting in a power to weight ratio of 267bhp per tonne (199kW/tonne) – an increase of 11bhp per tonne over the existing Aston Martin DB9.

Peak torque of 600Nm is delivered at 5,000rpm, providing even more accessible power for the driver, as well a greater performance feel overall. Accordingly, top speed is now 190mph (306km/h) and the benchmark 0-60mph time improves by 0.3 seconds for the Touchtronic transmission – which benefits from a new valve box and integrated transmission controls to achieve quicker gear shifts – to 4.6 seconds and by 0.1 seconds to 4.6 seconds for the manual gearbox.

The latest Aston Martin DB9 also incorporates a series of chassis developments for both the Coupe and Aston Martin DB9 Volante derivates. Bilstein dampers are introduced in addition to revised upper suspension arms and retuned suspension bushes to deliver improved ride quality; aiding greater refinement in the Aston Martin DB9 Volante and an enhanced sporting feel in the Coupe. The Aston Martin DB9 Volante also benefits from revisions to the front shear panel which increases torsional rigidity by 10%, further improving refinement.

The Aston Martin DB9 manages to combine all facets of style, quality and usability of a traditional Aston Martin without relying on retrospective detail or design. Accordingly, styling changes to the revised Aston Martin DB9 are subtle, reflecting the car’s timeless design and understated elegance.

Exterior styling changes include the introduction of a new standard 19” 10-spoke alloy wheel, new door mirrors and a revised anodised aluminium five-bar grille. In the cabin changes include a new centre console constructed from die cast zinc with a painted iridium silver finish and the introduction of a new Emotion Control Unit (ECU) – first seen on the Aston Martin DBS in 2007. The ECU – constructed from glass, polished stainless steel and polycarbonate – replaces the key used previously for the Aston Martin DB9.

The innovative Aston Martin DB9 introduced an exciting new era for Aston Martin. The 2+2 sports car set new standards in its class due to its astonishing combination of technology, agility and design. The car marked the beginning of a new era for Aston Martin and became the first car to be hand-made at the company’s state-of-the-art facility in Gaydon, Warwickshire.