Aston Martin

First Drive: 2012 Aston Martin Virage

Mar 16 2011

First Drive: 2012 Aston Martin Virage

First Drive: 2012 Aston Martin Virage
Few automakers sell sexy as well as Aston Martin.

Others may try, but competition demands they back up their stellar good looks with performance – oh, the burden. Take Ferrari and Lamborghini, the two Italians, as an example. Their sensual bodywork drops jaws at one hundred yards, but they also have to shoehorn in uber-powerful engines or else consumers will cry foul. Audi is another example. The German’s luscious R8 was just that, but needed a V10 to truly stand proud. It seems that consumers simply won’t tolerate sleek bodywork unless there’s performance to substantiate it.

Yet, for some inexplicable reason, Aston Martin seems to have escaped the wrath. None of its models offer the most powerful engine in their class, or the best performance. We don’t need to tell you that Astons aren’t the best at anything. Well, except looking, smelling and feeling damn sexy.

Times are changing. Customers are demanding more substance behind the style, more bang for their buck and innovative, modern technology. Seeming to acknowledge that life is much more than a beauty contest, Aston Martin has introduced the all-new Virage Coupe and Virage Volante.

Source: AutoBlog

2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage S First Drive

Mar 13 2011

2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage S First Drive

2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage S First Drive
Nestled in a secluded valley in the south of Spain is the Ascari Race Resort. Celebrated as one of the world’s most beautiful tracks, the private 3.2-mile ribbon of perfectly smooth blacktop challenges drivers with 26 corners, 10-degree climbs and 18-degree banks as it weaves through the mature oak trees that dot the landscape. Named after Alberto Ascari, the first double world Formula 1 champion, the well-manicured decade-old venue is the type of circuit enthusiasts fantasize about.

Our private shuttle takes us through the manned guard gate towards the main clubhouse. As we round the corner, and head down the shallow hill, the sun reflects off something in the distance. Parked in the paddock are a dozen glistening sports cars – some coupes, some roadsters – each still dripping wet from the overnight shower that leaves the air fresh and crisp. The vehicles, the latest offering from Aston Martin, are the enthusiast-targeted Vantage S Coupe and Roadster.

Nine times zones from home with jet lag extinguished by a morning café grande, I figure it is time to get behind the wheel. Only one thing is more enjoyable than driving the new Aston Martin Vantage S through the mountains of Spain – spending a long afternoon with the sports cars on the wide-open Ascari race circuit.

Source: AutoBlog

Aston Martin Vantage S is music to our ears

Mar 11 2011

Aston Martin Vantage S is music to our ears

Not to step on John Stewart’s toes or anything, but it’s now time for your moment of Zen. After seeing yesterday’s smoking-hot photos of the first production Singer 911, we thought this week just couldn’t get any better. We’re happy to tell you that we were completely wrong. The good people of Motor Authority have been so kind as to slip the web a taste of the 2011 Aston Martin Vantage S courtesy of a lengthy, high-definition slice of B-roll.

[Source: Motor Authority]

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