“Rapide” Indeed: Aston Martin Building Electric Rapide—with 1000 Horsepower?

Aston Martin’s funkalicious electric DBX concept is the precursor to Aston’s upcoming crossover. But it’s also the precursor to some thing else: Aston’s 1st all-electric model. And after our a single-on-one chat with Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer throughout the New York auto show, we now know 3 things about that electric car: 1) It will be based on the Rapide S, 2) It will arrive in about 2 years, and 3) Aston is considering big when it comes to power. Like, 1000-horsepower huge.

“We green-lighted a technical study for Rapide EV—a pure EV with no range extender,” Palmer stated. Why is Aston going so green, and in such a big way? The short answer to comply with tightening emissions regulations with no, as Palmer told us in Geneva, downsizing engines to the point of ridiculousness. The long answer involves the way that silent thrust can fit into the visceral driving knowledge. Here’s how Palmer sees it, in his own words:

“From the compliance viewpoint, if we as a sports auto business want to continue to make V-12s—I’d hate to be the guy that killed the Aston V-12—then we can make the make the V-12 itself meet the emissions requirement, but you can not anticipate your fleet typical be quite excellent. So if you’re going to make your fleet average genuinely good you have to have a low- or zero-emissions auto.

“Or we stick to the traditional manufacturer’s route, which is that the V-12 becomes a V-8, and the V-8 becomes a V-6, and the V-6 becomes an inline-4, and you just downsize and use turbos . . . which brings me to my subsequent point: Let’s hypothesize that you could make a 1000-hp Rapide.” Yes, let’s! “It fits beautifully with the ethos of the company—power, beauty, soul. The auto is already lovely. And it is enormously strong. And then you get to the soul—one of the points of the soul of an Aston is the sound of a V-12, but we know we need to have some thing that can bring the CAFE typical down. So would you rather listen to the sound of an inline-4, or would you rather listen to silence? My hypothesis is if you can have fabulous acceleration, a visceral encounter, and silence, it’s almost as lovely as the sound of a V-12. I just consider that visceral expertise is considerably greater if it is silent than if it is an I-4.

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What about range, overall performance, and charge times? Palmer didn’t get particular, but receiving the V-12 out the engine bay creates possibilities, he said. “We have a series of targets, and obviously they’re greater than technically achievable,” he stated, with a laugh. “And [the functionality] depends significantly on temperature and driving conditions, but we have a minimum parameter that I know that we can meet. We have a weight distribution that in the end gets 51 percent over the rear axle, so the standard package operates. A single of the positive aspects of possessing a V-12 in the nose is that it is bloody heavy so when you take it out, abruptly you have got a lot of space and a lot of weight to play with. And due to the fact the transmission is over the back axle, that becomes packaging space for batteries. So you get the weight pretty even.”

If this is the price of compliance, we’re happy Aston is paying it with this currency. Tesla, you have been warned—a 1000-horse Aston EV could be coming for you.

“Rapide” Indeed: Aston Martin Building Electric Rapide—with 1000 Horsepower?

2016 Aston Martin Vulcan Debuts: 24 Examples, 800+hp, Track-Only

Official Photos and Information

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It has nothing at all to do with Star Trek, but this track-oriented hypercar is certainly fascinating.

Let’s start off with the name of Aston’s new megapowered track star initial. It almost surely has you considering of Mr. Spock, or possibly—if you’re also sad to be noticed in public—another more obscure Star Trek character, like T’Pau. But Aston Martin’s Britishness implies the Vulcan name is far more probably a reference to the astonishingly loud Cold War bombers.

Regardless of its namesake, the Vulcan is set to be the most intense not-fairly-roadgoing Aston Martin however, a restricted-edition, track-only hypercar that is clearly aimed at the same bit of the marketplace as the Ferrari FXX K and the McLaren P1 GTR. You know, the bit exactly where the billionaire adrenaline junkies hang out. Only 24 Vulcans will be produced, and purchasers will also get, according to the official release, “the chance to precisely tailor their track-day experience through a graduating scale of detailed energy and dynamic efficiency adjustments.”

Energy comes from a version of the company’s familiar V-12 engine that is been developed with help from Aston Martin Racing. It displaces 7. liters and produces “800-plus” horsepower. For reference, the Aston One-77, which was hardly ever accused of being a slouch, managed 750 horsepower from 7.3 liters.

The rest of the Vulcan’s specifications are similarly unobtanium-grade. It is constructed about a carbon-fiber monocoque and has carbon bodywork. The engine is connected to a magnesium torque tube and a carbon-fiber driveshaft that channels power to a racing-spec Xtrac 6-speed sequential gearbox. Braking is accomplished by Brembo racing calipers gripping carbon-ceramic discs at all 4 corners (15. inches in diameter at the front, 14.2 at the rear), and the auto sits on Michelin racing tires. The Vulcan apparently has been built to FIA safety requirements, and the chassis also has a racing-style pushrod-operated suspension, adjustable spool-valve dampers all about, and adjustable anti-roll bars. It also gets driver-adjustable anti-lock brakes and traction manage.

There’s no mention of any roadgoing or complete-bore competition variants, even though the design and style undoubtedly appears as if it could spawn a street-legal version. Aston insiders have previously indicated that style cues from these “special” models are probably to be noticed in the company’s a lot more-inexpensive models in the medium-term. Colour and trim alternatives seem to be fully negotiable, with Aston’s bespoke “Q” division charged with creating positive every single consumer gets exactly what they want, presumably up to and which includes “Blood of My Enemies” pain2rk or Chihuahua-hide trim.

The official release is noticeably silent on the matter of money. This signifies, we presume, that the Vulcan will be sold at a substantial discount to Aston’s other models on account of the fact that you will not be in a position to drive it anyplace except on a racetrack. What sounds fair? $ 80,000? $ 60,000?

We kid, of course. The lack of price is practically certainly explained by that old line about your want to know becoming inversely proportionate to your potential to afford. Do not be at all surprised if the Vulcan ends up costing a lot more than even the One-77 did, which commanded just shy of $ 2 million.

Owners will get the opportunity to have a range of tuition possibilities to aid them get the very best out of the automobile, up to and like time in Aston’s GT racers and expert motorsports simulators. Thereafter the organization is planning “a series of exclusive track-day events . . . that will offer the opportunity for these buyers to discover their driving capabilities, and the car’s overall performance prospective, on some of the world’s most well-known and glamorous race circuits.” Or, in quick, fairly considerably the very same deal provided to buyers of the FXX K and the P1 GTR.

Let’s just hope that some freak triple-booking incident sees all 3 makers bringing their vehicles to the identical track at the same time.

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2015 Aston Martin Vanquish – Instrumented Test

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Jolly Great News: Aston Martin Lagonda Could Be Sold Outside the Middle East

We really like quite much everything about the luscious new Aston Martin Lagonda sedan, except for one thing: Aston Martin is only promoting it in the Middle East. Or is it?

According to a report from Top Gear, worldwide interest in the lip-smackingly lovely supersedan has not gone unnoticed by Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer, prompting the business to explore the possibility of bringing it to other markets. Or maybe this was the program all along. Either way, we’re pleased to hear that the Lagonda is acquiring a case of wanderlust.

This was confirmed by Aston’s U.S. spokesman, Matthew Clark, who mentioned, “We are investigating the possibility of bringing it to other markets apart from the Middle East . . . Global interest has been extremely powerful so it is correct that we have a appear at possibilities.” We agree. It is at least appropriate.

But will it come here? We, um, hope so. Although Europe and England are virtual guarantees should the Lagonda be sold anyplace else, distribution in regions beyond those could be restricted by the capacity the Lagonda’s dedicated factory in Gaydon, and Aston’s willingness to go via emissions tests and run the car into walls and stuff. Then once again, maybe the feds will give Aston a hall pass? It is happened just before.

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Jolly Great News: Aston Martin Lagonda Could Be Sold Outside the Middle East

Decadence, Aston Martin–Style: Official Photographs of Production Lagonda Supersedan Released, Such as Interior

Aston Martin has made the first suite of photos of its beautiful Lagonda hyperluxury sedan in production form. This follows the release of images of a prototype test vehicle in Oman a couple of weeks ago, which followed an embarrassing photo drop of the exact same auto by Oman Air shortly after it arrived in the Middle Eastern country. Turns out the Lagonda is just as beautiful sitting in front of a glass wall (and next to its most current predecessor) as it is bombing by way of the Omani desert.

Substantially, these photos finally show most of the Lagonda’s decadent interior, which appears to borrow heavily from the Rapide, for better or worse. Like the Rapide S, a huge transmission tunnel separates the left- and right-side seats, which all have fixed headrests. The dashboard looks the identical, dull steering wheel, flip-up navigation screen, and all. An elaborate diamond quilting pattern covers all 4 seats, and we wouldn’t doubt it if the leather was coated with pure gold. It sure appears that way.

Even though Aston is nonetheless officially mum on the details of the car’s underpinnings and powertrain (both of which we anticipate to be closely related to the Rapide S), we were able to glean a handful of key information of the Lagonda from a spokesman, especially that its crisply tailored physique is made totally from carbon fiber, and that weight stays “neutral over the Rapide S.”

Oh yeah, and that it has seen speeds of more than 175 mph throughout testing. Initial deliveries to its fortunate customers will begin in the 1st quarter of 2015 unfortunately for us and most of the rest of the world, all of the planned 150-to-200-unit production run are bound for the Middle East. Lucky sheikhs.

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Decadence, Aston Martin–Style: Official Photographs of Production Lagonda Supersedan Released, Such as Interior

Aston Martin Drops Pictures of 2016 Lagonda Super Sedan, Information Brutal Hot Climate Testing

Is it feasible for a vehicle to be as well quite to torture test? The 2016 Aston Martin Lagonda could just qualify, but it is undergoing definitely savage-sounding hot-climate testing anyway. The restricted-production Lagonda sedan will be sold exclusively sold in the Middle East, hence the brutal higher-temperature evaluations, but a lot more essential than the 4-door’s (admittedly) anticipated hot-air gauntlet is that Aston Martin has lastly released its personal pictures of it.

Earlier this month, the Lagonda super-sedan was kinda, sorta accidentally previewed to the planet by Oman Air, Aston’s transportation companion to the Middle East. In contrast to the airline’s “leaked” photos, Aston’s are far much more flattering, coffee table book–grade pieces, but nonetheless reveal only the car’s exterior. That’s okay by us, however—the factor is just so damn gorgeous.

The slick, un-camouflaged automobile depicted in the photos is the initial Lagonda constructed, according to Aston Martin spokesman Matthew Clarke, and it is a verification test vehicle that is about 5000 miles into a “Hot Environment” testing cycle. “Broadly representative of a production model,” Clarke says of the auto, the prototype is deliberately configured in a “worst-case situation for heat—lots of black.” Onboard, the Lagonda carries data loggers that monitor about 85 temperature sensors and give the group with a heat map of the interior and exterior this electronic internet possibly explains why we nevertheless don’t have any shots of the car’s interior.

“Air conditioning functionality and efficiency is an clear consideration, but we’re also seeking at engine hot starts, durability of elements and material performance,” said Clarke. “One distinct test is a ‘heat soak’—the vehicle is left in direct, peak sunlight for a number of hours to produce cabin trim surface temperatures of circa 80 degrees celsius (176 degrees fahrenheit).”

 

The hot weather testing procedures contain driving the vehicle roughly 500 miles per day over a 4-week period of time, for a total of 14,000 miles in Oman over a 30-50 degrees celsius (86–122 degrees fahrenheit) temperature band, according to Clarke. Think of the procedure as providing the Lagonda a sun-kissed tan, but carrying out so with no sunscreen, water, or the gentility connected with the word “kissed.”

As for the appear of the auto itself, there is little we see right here that Oman Air didn’t currently give away: the front finish wears a stern expression, with a broad, horizontal grille and simple LED headlamp specifics. The profile—especially the squared-off C-pillar—is really formal, and the lengthy, flat hood exudes an air of power and grace. The Lagonda’s hood’s air extractors are situated in far more or much less the exact same areas as are those on the 577-hp Rapide S, major us to think that it is powered by a comparable V-12 engine. Given the Lagonda’s loftier position, nevertheless, we’d anticipate it will get a bit a lot more energy. We can also see that, like all current Astons, all 4 of the Lagonda’s doors open out and up a slight, curb-clearing angle.

Beyond what we can see, nonetheless, information are thin it is not presently clear how considerably of the physique is carbon fiber or some other exotic material, or if any such material is used at all. The car’s underpinnings, too, are a mystery the architecture most probably is shared with the Rapide S, but there’s a likelihood it utilizes components from Aston’s subsequent-generation automobile architecture. Oh, and as we currently mentioned, Aston Martin still hasn’t shown off the Lagonda’s interior.

What we do know is this: No more than 200 examples of this stunning sedan will be built—expect buyer deliveries to commence by this time next year—and the thing’s A/C should be on point. It will only be sold in the Middle East, and almost certainly for lots, and lots, and lots of money.

Aston Martin Drops Pictures of 2016 Lagonda Super Sedan, Information Brutal Hot Climate Testing

Aston Martin Drops Pictures of 2016 Lagonda Super Sedan, Specifics Brutal Hot Weather Testing

Is it attainable for a auto to be as well quite to torture test? The 2016 Aston Martin Lagonda could just qualify, but it is undergoing completely savage-sounding hot-climate testing anyway. The restricted-production Lagonda sedan will be sold exclusively sold in the Middle East, therefore the brutal high-temperature evaluations, but much more crucial than the 4-door’s (admittedly) anticipated hot-air gauntlet is that Aston Martin has finally released its personal images of it.

Earlier this month, the Lagonda super-sedan was kinda, sorta accidentally previewed to the world by Oman Air, Aston’s transportation companion to the Middle East. Unlike the airline’s “leaked” pictures, Aston’s are far far more flattering, coffee table book–grade pieces, but nevertheless reveal only the car’s exterior. That is okay by us, however—the factor is just so damn gorgeous.

The slick, un-camouflaged auto depicted in the photos is the first Lagonda built, according to Aston Martin spokesman Matthew Clarke, and it is a verification test vehicle that’s about 5000 miles into a “Hot Environment” testing cycle. “Broadly representative of a production model,” Clarke says of the vehicle, the prototype is deliberately configured in a “worst-case situation for heat—lots of black.” Onboard, the Lagonda carries information loggers that monitor about 85 temperature sensors and supply the group with a heat map of the interior and exterior this electronic web possibly explains why we nonetheless don’t have any shots of the car’s interior.

“Air conditioning functionality and efficiency is an apparent consideration, but we’re also hunting at engine hot begins, durability of elements and material efficiency,” mentioned Clarke. “One distinct test is a ‘heat soak’—the car is left in direct, peak sunlight for a number of hours to generate cabin trim surface temperatures of circa 80 degrees celsius (176 degrees fahrenheit).”

 

The hot climate testing procedures include driving the automobile roughly 500 miles per day over a 4-week period of time, for a total of 14,000 miles in Oman more than a 30-50 degrees celsius (86–122 degrees fahrenheit) temperature band, according to Clarke. Think of the process as giving the Lagonda a sun-kissed tan, but carrying out so with no sunscreen, water, or the gentility associated with the word “kissed.”

As for the appear of the auto itself, there is little we see here that Oman Air didn’t currently give away: the front finish wears a stern expression, with a broad, horizontal grille and straightforward LED headlamp particulars. The profile—especially the squared-off C-pillar—is fairly formal, and the extended, flat hood exudes an air of energy and grace. The Lagonda’s hood’s air extractors are situated in far more or much less the exact same areas as are these on the 577-hp Rapide S, leading us to think that it is powered by a equivalent V-12 engine. Provided the Lagonda’s loftier position, however, we’d count on it will get a bit far more power. We can also see that, like all recent Astons, all 4 of the Lagonda’s doors open out and up a slight, curb-clearing angle.

Beyond what we can see, nonetheless, specifics are thin it isn’t presently clear how significantly of the physique is carbon fiber or some other exotic material, or if any such material is utilised at all. The car’s underpinnings, as well, are a mystery the architecture most likely is shared with the Rapide S, but there’s a chance it utilizes components from Aston’s next-generation car architecture. Oh, and as we currently pointed out, Aston Martin still hasn’t shown off the Lagonda’s interior.

What we do know is this: No much more than 200 examples of this beautiful sedan will be built—expect buyer deliveries to begin by this time subsequent year—and the thing’s A/C need to be on point. It will only be sold in the Middle East, and possibly for lots, and lots, and lots of income.

Aston Martin Drops Pictures of 2016 Lagonda Super Sedan, Specifics Brutal Hot Weather Testing

Aston Martin Drops Photos of 2016 Lagonda Super Sedan, Information Brutal Hot Weather Testing

Is it possible for a vehicle to be as well pretty to torture test? The 2016 Aston Martin Lagonda might just qualify, but it is undergoing totally savage-sounding hot-climate testing anyway. The limited-production Lagonda sedan will be sold exclusively sold in the Middle East, therefore the brutal higher-temperature evaluations, but more crucial than the 4-door’s (admittedly) anticipated hot-air gauntlet is that Aston Martin has lastly released its own pictures of it.

Earlier this month, the Lagonda super-sedan was kinda, sorta accidentally previewed to the world by Oman Air, Aston’s transportation partner to the Middle East. As opposed to the airline’s “leaked” photos, Aston’s are far a lot more flattering, coffee table book–grade pieces, but still reveal only the car’s exterior. That is okay by us, however—the point is just so damn beautiful.

The slick, un-camouflaged auto depicted in the pictures is the very first Lagonda built, according to Aston Martin spokesman Matthew Clarke, and it is a verification test vehicle that’s about 5000 miles into a “Hot Environment” testing cycle. “Broadly representative of a production model,” Clarke says of the automobile, the prototype is deliberately configured in a “worst-case situation for heat—lots of black.” Onboard, the Lagonda carries information loggers that monitor about 85 temperature sensors and give the group with a heat map of the interior and exterior this electronic web possibly explains why we nevertheless don’t have any shots of the car’s interior.

“Air conditioning functionality and efficiency is an clear consideration, but we’re also searching at engine hot begins, durability of components and material performance,” stated Clarke. “One certain test is a ‘heat soak’—the auto is left in direct, peak sunlight for several hours to create cabin trim surface temperatures of circa 80 degrees celsius (176 degrees fahrenheit).”

 

The hot weather testing procedures contain driving the vehicle roughly 500 miles per day more than a 4-week period of time, for a total of 14,000 miles in Oman more than a 30-50 degrees celsius (86–122 degrees fahrenheit) temperature band, according to Clarke. Think of the method as giving the Lagonda a sun-kissed tan, but doing so with out sunscreen, water, or the gentility linked with the word “kissed.”

As for the appear of the automobile itself, there is tiny we see right here that Oman Air didn’t already give away: the front end wears a stern expression, with a broad, horizontal grille and basic LED headlamp particulars. The profile—especially the squared-off C-pillar—is quite formal, and the long, flat hood exudes an air of energy and grace. The Lagonda’s hood’s air extractors are positioned in a lot more or less the same locations as are these on the 577-hp Rapide S, top us to think that it is powered by a related V-12 engine. Provided the Lagonda’s loftier position, nevertheless, we’d count on it will get a bit much more energy. We can also see that, like all current Astons, all 4 of the Lagonda’s doors open out and up a slight, curb-clearing angle.

Beyond what we can see, even so, details are thin it isn’t presently clear how considerably of the body is carbon fiber or some other exotic material, or if any such material is employed at all. The car’s underpinnings, too, are a mystery the architecture most probably is shared with the Rapide S, but there’s a opportunity it utilizes elements from Aston’s next-generation automobile architecture. Oh, and as we already mentioned, Aston Martin still hasn’t shown off the Lagonda’s interior.

What we do know is this: No far more than 200 examples of this beautiful sedan will be built—expect buyer deliveries to commence by this time subsequent year—and the thing’s A/C ought to be on point. It will only be sold in the Middle East, and possibly for lots, and lots, and lots of funds.

Aston Martin Drops Photos of 2016 Lagonda Super Sedan, Information Brutal Hot Weather Testing

Star Search: Infiniti Exec Andy Palmer to Take Reins at Aston Martin

September 3, 2014 at 10:59 am by Jens Meiners | Photography by YOSHIKAZU TSUNO/Getty Pictures

Nissan and Infiniti executive Andy Palmer will replace Aston Martin CEO Ulrich Bez at an undisclosed date. Ahead of joining Nissan in 1991, the 51-year-old engineer had led Austin Rover’s transmission improvement. As head of Infiniti, he earned his credentials as an executive of a premium brand.

The headhunters dispatched to locate a replacement for Bez had been out for a extended time and pitched various automotive executives. Succeeding Bez at the helm won’t be an easy task as Aston Martin’s model lineup is in want of a thorough overhaul. All at present supplied models use variations of the aging VH platform, and design and style hasn’t progressed much ever since Ian Callum penned the V8 Vantage and the DB9 much more than a decade ago. The engine portfolio is outdated, as nicely.

Palmer now faces the challenge of integrating the technologies that will be offered by Mercedes-AMG Aston Martin and Daimler’s high-efficiency subsidiary have agreed on employing AMG engines and hardware. Daimler owns 5 percent of Aston Martin.

If Daimler takes over Aston Martin in its entirety, Palmer’s function could have to be redefined. But he is well versed in his dealings with Daimler at Nissan and Infiniti, he oversaw the joint development of projects with the German-primarily based premium carmaker.

In spite of his claims of getting a gearhead, Palmer’s credentials are rusty at greatest, according to some insiders. He was behind the launch of some questionable recent NISMO goods. Before that, his background was as a transmission engineer he’s one of the individuals most accountable for the reality Nissan is now the world’s major manufacturer of CVTs.

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When we spoke with Palmer at Infiniti, he sang the praises of hybrid technologies. No matter whether he’ll pursue this passion at Aston Martin remains to be noticed.

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Star Search: Infiniti Exec Andy Palmer to Take Reins at Aston Martin

Benz Binge: Daimler Weighs Acquire of Aston Martin and MV Agusta

August 25, 2014 at 8:01 pm by Jens Meiners | Photography by AFP/Getty Photos, Getty Photos

Quickly, Daimler’s portfolio—which includes brands as diverse as Mercedes-Benz, Wise, Maybach, Freightliner, and Thomas Constructed Buses—could be expanded with 2 highly prestigious nameplates.

Daimler is weighing the buy of British sports-auto-maker Aston Martin and Italian sports-bike manufacturer MV Agusta. No decision has been made, but both projects are currently below consideration.

Aston Martin and Daimler entered a partnership last year that will offer the British brand with much-needed technologies for its future products. The current Aston lineup utilizes the aging VH platform and somewhat outdated V-8 and V-12 engines. Daimler presently owns 5 percent of Aston Martin. Technologically, Aston Martin and Mercedes-AMG will be intertwined with the next generation of vehicles. Even so, there is no present cooperation amongst design and style and other departments. If Daimler requires over, we anticipate a much closer alignment of the Mercedes-AMG and Aston Martin lineups. Cautionary voices within Daimler warn of the dangers of a takeover, but other individuals at the business think about Aston Martin a jewel that need to be added to the portfolio. There is a 50-50 likelihood that factors will move forward.

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In the case of MV Agusta, there is consensus that a purchase by Daimler will happen. Compared with the value tag for taking over Aston Martin, acquiring a decisive share in the prestigious motorcycle brand will be a comparatively minor investment. What’s a lot more, it would alleviate the pain inflicted by rival Audi’s acquisition of Ducati just before becoming part of the Volkswagen Group, Ducati had partnered with AMG.

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Benz Binge: Daimler Weighs Acquire of Aston Martin and MV Agusta

The DB Is Dead! Extended Live DB! Aston Martin Trademarks DB10 via DB14 for Future Models

August 22, 2014 at 6:24 pm by Steve Siler | Photography by AFP/Getty Images

Aston Martin goods are in for some massive alterations in coming years, but their DB-primarily based naming strategy will carry forward. According to Autocar, Aston has applied for trademarks for the names DB10 through DB14, most likely for the successor to the DB9. Aston might choose, nonetheless, to buck tradition and reuse the name when the next-gen coupe and convertible appear about in mid-2016.

The “DB” naming convention was very first applied to Aston Martins in the course of the years that the brand was stewarded by Sir David Brown, who rescued the automaker from dire straits during the postwar era and maintained manage by means of the 1970s. Some of the far more well-known DB models include the DB2/4, which was driven by Tippi Hedren in Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds, and the DB5 coupe, which was featured in a quantity of James Bond films—among them Goldfinger, Thunderball, Goldeneye, Tomorrow Never ever Dies, Casino Royale, and Skyfall. Several historic Aston Martin race vehicles have worn names derived from the street cars’, but with DBR before the numeral.

No word on other trademark applications for successors to the V8/V12 Vantage or Rapide models, or for the anticipated SUV model. But we anticipate that someplace Sir David Brown is pleased that his name—or more accurately, his initials—will remain an integral element of the marque.

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The DB Is Dead! Extended Live DB! Aston Martin Trademarks DB10 via DB14 for Future Models

Coming Out in Gaydon: Aston to Channel its Inner Lagonda for 2015

For the longest time, the era of “folded-paper” design and style was regarded type of an embarrassment. Soon after the sensual lines of the 1950s, the opulence of the 1960s, and the powerfully muscular cues of the early 1970s, the late ’70s and early ’80s brought Bauhaus-inspired automotive themes. The ultra-angular trend faded away with the advent of more organic treatment options in the 1990s, as automakers became eager to when once more develop cars with a lot more sensual and voluptuous lines.

The most intense exponent of late-1970s/early-1980s design and style was the Aston Martin Lagonda, created by William Towns. It was described by Vehicle and Driver as “part spaceship and part Rolls-Royce, with a powerful dose of autobahn express thrown in for very good measure.” In the early 1980s, it was as costly as a Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit and a Ferrari 308 Quattrovalvole. “Got to maintain the riffraff out,” we explained back then.

Now the Lagonda is back: It will be presented from early 2015 onward, primarily based on Aston Martin’s seasoned VH platform and fitted with carbon-fiber body panels (the Towns Lagonda was dressed in aluminum). No word on the powertrain, but we suppose it will include the brand’s Cologne-constructed 6.-liter V-12.

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Hand-built “by the fine craftsmen and women” at Aston’s Gaydon, England, headquarters, the vehicle will be sold in the Middle East only—”by invitation.” Pricing hasn’t been disclosed, but Aston Martin boastfully claims “the asking cost will be commensurate with the car’s exclusivity, good quality, and luxurious nature.”

Aston Martin Lagonda

In its description of the new sedan, Aston Martin alludes to the Towns Lagonda repeatedly, and in reality, the ultralow, extended, and clean design and style is really clearly inspired by the 1970s masterpiece. Has the era of angular, aggressive design returned? Probably so, at least for the glimmering esplanades of Dubai and other petrodollar-infused Middle East locales.

Coming Out in Gaydon: Aston to Channel its Inner Lagonda for 2015

The Topless Advantage: 2015 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Roadster Images and Info

Official Photos and Information

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Aston Martin’;s quickest and fiercest roadster ever.

Aston Martin could have large plans for its future models, but apparently those crafty Brits haven’t finished proliferating their current crop of speedy sexpots. This latest variation on the Aston Martin theme, the 2015 V12 Vantage S roadster, is a especially savory 1 that combines the relentless speed of the V12 Vantage S, which we drove final fall, with the exuberant open-air romance that is innate to British roadsters.

If you know anything about the V12 Vantage S coupe, none of these specs will surprise you. The naturally aspirated V-12 makes the very same 565 hp at 6750 rpm and 457 lb-ft of torque at 5750 revs in both physique designs, and it likewise comes mated solely to Aston’s third-generation 6-speed automated manual, dubbed Sportshift III. The engine supplies significantly far more scoot than the non-S V12 Vantage roadster that Aston introduced for 2013, which developed “just” 510 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque.

According to Aston Martin, the tiny 2-seater calls for a mere 3.9 seconds to hit 60 mph from a cease, .1 second longer than the coupe and .3 second faster than its manual-only predecessor, producing it the quickest series-production Aston Martin roadster in history. Prime speed is a noggin-scalping 201 mph, up a outstanding 11 mph from the original V12 Vantage roadster. Of course, we’ll reserve judgment until we have put it via our test regime. We are ready when you are, Aston.

The chassis follows the identical sportification program as the coupe, with 3-stage adaptive damping, 2 levels of energy-steering assistance, and specially created carbon-ceramic brakes. A separate Sport mode for the powertrain dials up throttle response, shift speed, and even the sound good quality of the new One particular-77–derived exhaust technique.

The ideal news is that, unlike the original V12 Vantage roadster, the S roadster is coming to the U.S., with deliveries beginning in the first quarter of 2015, according to Aston Martin. Pricing hasn’t been announced however, but do not count on much alter back from your $ 200,000 bill.

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