Auto For Speed

Aston Martin released the first driving footage of its new V8 Vantage S. Available as a coupe or a roadster, the S is more powerful than the standard V8 model, has a different gearbox and a track-oriented suspension.

The 4.7-liter V8 powerplant has been tuned to deliver 430HP and 490 Nm (361 lb-ft) of torque, an increase of 10HP and 20 Nm respectively. The Vantage S also sports a new 7-speed Sportshift II transmission, which has shorter gear ratios and changes gears 20 percent faster than the standard 6-speed box offered on the V8 Vantage. The company didn’t reveal details about the 0 to 100 km/h sprint, communicating only the top speed – 305 km/h (189 mph).

Read the rest of this entry »

The Aston Martin Vantage GT4 has only been racing for two years, but in that time has garnered notable accolades: Wins at the Nürburgring 24 Hours, Spa 24 hours and this year’s European GT4 Cup, just to name three.

The Gaydon firm has made revisions to the 2011 model, incorporating lessons learned from the roadgoing Aston Martin V12 Vantage, including better aerodynamics and greater downforce, as well as a new option that includes racing-tuned ABS and a new traction control system developed by Bosch. No specific numbers were released, but Aston Martin says that it has reworked the GT4′s 4.7-liter V8, as well, providing improved horsepower and torque numbers.

We’re sure these new changes will help the GT4 secure a few more wins in the 2011 racing season.

Read the rest of this entry »

U.S. Tuner Elite has come up with a Bond car (as in James Bond in a LeMans racer) inspired by the Ferrari Scuderia and Ferrari Stradale as well as the Lamborghini Superleggera. They call it the 2010 Aston Martin LMV/R (Le Mans Vantage Racer).

Elite claims the car will be lighter than the production model through extensive use of carbon fiber parts. And one has to assume that performance is, at least, marginally improved by way of the weight reduction as well the aerodynamic/body kit, a sport exhaust system and lowering springs. A big brake kit hints at increased performance too but Elite does not provide any info on that front. Read the rest of this entry »