Aston Martin V8 Vantage

Aston N400 Roadster

Rapid drop-top Brit celebrates racing success with a of host desirable tweaks.

What better way to prove your racing credentials than with a road car designed for the track? That’s exactly what Aston Martin’s V8 Vantage N400 Roadster has been made to do.Built to celebrate Aston’s success at the Nürburgring 24-Hour endurance race, the drop-top joins a coupé version in the line-up. And it’s at the forefront of the firm’s efforts to tempt enthusiasts away from models such as the Porsche 911 and Audi R8.The N400 gets styling tweaks, plus a more powerful engine and uprated suspension. An extra 20bhp has been squeezed from the 4.3-litre V8, which ups power to 400bhp, while torque jumps to 420Nm.Other changes include the ‘Karussel Orange’ paint – it also comes in black and silver – plus new 19-inch alloys, reprofiled side sills and a map of the Nürburgring on the boot badge. The cabin is a high class affair, although the circuit layout stitched on the centre armrest is an acquired taste.

Despite the added power, the N400 still has the regular Vantage’s refined road manners – until you start exploring the top end of the rev range, that is. It’s here that those extra horses can be felt. Where the standard car runs out of puff, the N400 keeps charging to the red line.Improvements to the suspension are equally subtle, but as the speed rises, the Vantage feels sure-footed and inspires confidence, while the steering has plenty of feedback. This is helped by a lack of flex in the chassis – in fact you’d be hard-pressed to tell the Roadster apart from the coupé in terms of driving dynamics. However, it’s the noise that really steals the show. Drop the top, and it’s a full-on assault on the senses. The exhaust note varies from booming at low revs to a savage shriek as you approach the limiter.At £102,000, the manual version is £9,000 more than the standard car, while it’s another £3,000 if you specify the Speedshift automated manual gearbox. But prospective buyers had better be quick – only 240 examples each of the Roadster and coupé are planned for production.Source

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Aston Martin Rapide

Our spies had to be quick, but they still managed to catch the Aston Rapide! These are the best pictures yet of the exciting four-door saloon that has the forthcoming Porsche Panamera firmly in its sights.With stunning looks, V12 power and supercar performance it is set to be one of the most desirable saloons on the road.As you can see, the Rapide is heavily influenced by the DB9 and DBS coupes. With the same aggressive nose, high waistline and low sweeping roofline it’s much more rakish than rivals such as the Maserati Quattroporte. However, a stretched wheelbase means that there will easily be room for four adults.

Clearly visible on this testing mule is the panoramic glass roof. Stretching from the top of the windscreen to the rear window it will help give the cabin a light an airy feel. The Rapide is likely to use the same dashboard as the DB9, while in the rear will be two individual chairs, making the Aston a strict four-seater.Power will come from the firm’s powerful 6.0-litre V12, which should produce around 500bhp. As a result the saloon should sprint from standstill to 60mph in around five seconds and carry on to a top speed in excess of 180mph. There will be a choice of either manual or automatic gearboxes, both with six ratios.No firm release date for the newcomer has yet been released, but expect to see the first cars hit showrooms late in 2009.Source

Aston Martin DB9 updated

Even supermodels go under the knife – just ask Aston Martin. It has tweaked the DB9 to provide more power and luxury.Updates to both the coupé and the soft-top Volante include a hefty 20bhp increase for the 6.0-litre V12, taking the output to 470bhp. As a result, the manual DB9 covers 0-60mph in 4.6 seconds – one-tenth-of-a-second faster than before. Cars with the improved Touchtronic semi-auto box complete the sprint in 4.4 seconds, while the top speed on all variants is 190mph.Cosmetic changes have been kept to a minimum, although the DB9 gets new door mirrors, and now features 10-spoke 19-inch alloys as standard. The five-bar grille is also updated.But the main modifications are reserved for the interior. It gets a redesigned centre console and the same Emotion Control Unit as found in Aston’s flagship DBS. The glass and stainless steel device replaces the outgoing car’s conventional key.Finally, engineers have updated the suspension to improve the ride comfort, and the Volante is now even stiffer than before. Prices for the revamped range start from £113,950 for the Coupé and £122,950 for the soft-top model.Source

Aston Martin DBS

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Who could forget 2007? Supercar fans didn’t just get a new Aston, but a new Bond motor, too. Yet this year looks set to be even better – so say hello to the first right-hand-drive example of the sensational DBS! Powered by a 510bhp 6.0-litre V12 engine, fitted with active suspension and cloaked in a carbon fibre body, the car is not only among the most exclusive the firm has ever built, it’s also one of the most advanced. At first glance, the DBS looks like an evolution of the established DB9. It gets bigger wheels, sculpted sills, and a more detailed nose. But it’s once the engine starts that you get the first clue to just how different the newcomer is to the DB9, as a crisp and aggressive exhaust note sounds out.The clutch feels light, too, and the gearbox slides through the six ratios with ease. At low revs, the engine is responsive, yet refined. However, push the throttle to the floor, and everything changes. Pedal travel is long, but it doesn’t take much time for the DBS to gather pace and rev cleanly and quickly to its 7,200rpm limiter.
Traction control channels the V12’s performance effortlessly into the road, resulting in a 0-60mph sprint of 4.3 seconds. Top speed is a claimed 191mph. But it’s the suspension and chassis that serve up the biggest surprise. Active dampers allow the driver to choose between comfort and sport settings for the suspension at the press of a button, and mean the car rides comfortably over uneven roads. Steering is pinpoint accurate, and thanks to grippy Pirelli tyres – specially developed for the DBS – you are never left feeling that the Aston lacks grip from the front end. Switch to the sport mode, and the ride stiffens noticeably. The setting gives the motor greater stability on undulating roads, and helps maintain its poise over bumps, but is probably too harsh to live with on a daily basis.But then there is the price to consider. At £165,000 the DBS is pitched towards the very top of the supercar tree. And it’s not without its flaws. Purists could argue that the rear suspension is not well enough damped, and feels floaty on uneven surfaces.Still, the Aston has tremendous character, and begs to be driven. And frankly, we can think of few other supercars we would rather spend time with. It seems 007 agrees...Source

Jaguar XKR-S at Geneva Motor Show 2008

It was a Swiss show, but Jaguar was flying the flag for Britain with its sensational new XKR-S high performance range-topper. With a host of body modifications, chassis upgrades and a 174mph top speed, the Jag is aimed squarely at Aston Martin’s N400 and Maserati’s Granturismo Sport.Externally, the newcomer is identified by an aerodynamic bodykit that features a deeper airdam, side skirts, a larger boot-mounted spoiler and race car-style rear splitter below the rear bumper. Special 20-inch ‘Vortex’ alloy wheels hide a powerful Alcon R Performance braking system.Under the bonnet is the firm’s familiar 420bhp supercharged 4.0-litre V8. Connected to the quick-shifting semi-auto gearbox, it lets the XKR-S rocket from standstill to 60mph in 4.9 seconds, while tweaks to the engine management raise the top speed to 174mph. The active exhaust system means that the newcomer will have a sporty soundtrack to match its performance.The Jag will be just as effective in the corners as it is in a straight line. With bespoke springs, recalibrated active dampers and revised steering, the car will be the most involving drive in the manufacturer’s line-up.Inside, there are heavily bolstered leather sports seats embossed with the XKR-S logo, while piano black trim covers the dashboard and door trims. Only 200 examples will be built, and the range-topper is expected to cost £80,000 when it arrives in summer.Source

Aston Martin V8 Vantage

The V8 engine and fabulous design make the Vantage a sure-fire hit.

Driving
The Aston boasts a 4.3-litre V8 that, although it doesn’t boast class-leading power (380bhp) or pace (0-60 in 4.9 seconds), sounds absolutely fantastic. Above 4,000rpm, the exhaust rasps, barks and crackles, and the engine thrives on revs. There’s a choice of manual or Speedshift semi-automatic gearboxes; we prefer the latter, with its column-mounted paddles, though it does cost £3,000 more. To drive, the Vantage is incredibly entertaining. Over smooth surfaces, it sweeps around corners effortlessly, with the steering providing detailed feedback and the chassis proving superbly balanced – although if you push it right to the limit, the car will understeer. It’s not quite as taut as the best either, and the damping isn’t as well controlled. It gets unnervingly bouncy on bumpy roads – but it’s an involving driver’s car nevertheless.

Marketplace
The Vantage is offered in Coupe or Roadster guise, and both are beautiful. Indeed, the Roadster loses none of the hard-top’s beauty, and it’s hard to think of a better-looking convertible. What’s more, the detailing on both is superb. So it should be, given the high list prices. Aston offers several optional packs to boost handling and interior comfort, as well as an extensive array of exclusive options, while there have also been special edition models such as the bright orange N400. Rivals include high-end Porsche 911s, the Jaguar XKR, Maserati GranTurismo and Mercedes SL.

Owning
Simply opening the door is an experience to savour – it swings out and up on gas struts, revealing expensive materials, gorgeous lighting and an excellent seating position. The jewel-like instruments and crystal starter button add to the sense of occasion; yes, there are some Ford and Volvo parts on display, but they don’t detract from the air of sophistication. The Vantage is a strict two-seater, but the hatchback rear end ensures it’s almost as practical as more mainstream models. Compact dimensions and light weight mean economy comes surprisingly close to the 18.7mpg official average, which should offset the £800 service costs every 10,000 miles. Retained values appear to be excellent too – this is a much in-demand car.Source

• Rating:
• On the road price: £82,800 - £91,000
• For : Magnificent engine, fantastic styling, jewel-like cabin
• Against : Firm suspension over bumps, very expensive

Maserati GranTurismo

The GranTurismo is a car you can buy with your head as well as your heart.

Driving
The Maserati’s 4.2-litre V8 engine, built by Ferrari, is a cracker. Eager, hungry for revs and tuneful, it’s magic when used hard. There’s always a bit of delicious background engine and exhaust noise. It’s fast, too, despite the hefty 1,800kg kerbweight – 0-100mph takes a mere 11.9 seconds! However, it’s more frustrating in daily use, because of a marked lack of mid-range pull, while the automatic gearbox’s reluctance to give you full control is frustrating. It is, however, a capable driver’s car. It’s not as polished as, say, a Jaguar XKR, but we think its flaws add character. The dampers feel fidgety and it can lose composure on bumpy roads – but, once you’ve got used to the sharp, light steering and alert chassis, it’s huge fun, with lots of feedback.

Marketplace
Maserati is one of the most glamorous and evocative automotive brands of all time – and the GranTurismo is more stylish than any German rival. It has exuberance, flair and a real sense of drama and passion. It’s a huge car, mind, with a long wheelbase, though there are some advantages to this. There’s just the single engine, gearbox and trim line at the moment, with a very extensive (and expensive) range of bespoke options available. Rivals to the two-door coupe include the Jaguar XKR, Aston Martin V8 Vantage, BMW M6, Mercedes SL and, of course, the Porsche 911.

Owning
The Maserati may have a small boot, but inside, there’s a real surprise. The long wheelbase provides enough space for a pair of rear seats as roomy as a family hatchback! They even have ISOFIX mountings for child seats. But it’s up front where the real excitement lies. The rich, tactile materials, shapely steering wheel and chrome-ringed buttons look superb. And while ergonomics are not perfect, they’re leagues ahead of Maseraris of old. Shame the unintuitive sat nav is lifted straight from a Peugeot, though. There is also a little more wind and road noise than you’d expect. And as for running costs, prepare for a shock. There are only 16 dealers in the UK, and three visits will cost you £3,999! The 25,000-mile service alone will cost £1,757. Luckily, tall gearing means everyday economy won’t be disastrous, while exceptional retained values should mean you won’t lose out when you come to sell.Source

• Rating:
• On the road price: £78,500
• For : Sculpted looks, comfort, design and quality, simply special
• Against : Niggling faults, gearbox is a major weakness, servicing costs