Aston Martin DB2 Le Mans Racer Sells for $900,000

The 1950 Aston Martin DB2 Team Car is seen in this handout photograph provided to the media on Oct. 29, 2009. Source: RM Auctions via Bloomberg

RM Auctions The 1950 Aston Martin DB2 that sold at RM Auctions in London on Wednesday.

Long before James Bond began ordering his with smokescreens and ejector seats in the movies, Aston Martin needed a car to insure the company’s survival following World War II. And while the world’s most famous British secret agent might have saved the world several times over, he wouldn’t have had the wheels to get the job done had it not been for the Aston Martin DB2.

At the RM Auctions in London on Wednesday, a 1950 Aston Martin DB2 racecar that finished first in the 3-liter class (and third over all) at the 1951 24 Hours of Le Mans sold for $910,865, which RM said was the most paid for a DB2.

This featured car, a 1950 Aston Martin DB2 Team Car “VMF 64.” Kept in the same family for 52 years, “the car comes complete with an extensive history file, an original purchase invoice and a great deal of correspondence, including letters from David Brown dating back to 1955,” according to RM’s catalogue. Brown was the entrepreneur who bought Aston Martin in 1947 and whose initials give the DB models their name.

On public roads and on the world’s greatest racetracks, the DB2 coupe earned Aston a reputation for elegant looks and sporting achievement. Built from 1950-53, more than 400 DB2s would be sold during its lifetime. That figure might represent only a few hours of Toyota Camry production today, but in the early 1950s it represented big-league sales for the tiny Aston Martin company.

While the impeccable “VMF 64″ Aston was a star of the auction, the racecar did not set the day’s highest price. That honor went to a 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster, the only right-hand-drive version ever built, according to RM. The Mercedes sold for $1.02 million.

Aston Martin DB9 Sport Pack Review

The Aston Martin DB9 – Britain’s superior spy machine – is as unsettlingly brilliant as ever, writes The Wheel Deal.

You should be reading about me roaring around in the new Aston Martin 4.7 Vantage but, as usual, the car gods had other plans. Built to cater to the fortunate few who are loathe to purchase Porsche’s stalwart 911, it turns out that the so-called “Baby Aston” that was set aside for me has suddenly, mysteriously, been relegated to the workshop with minor cosmetic damage. For days I had been looking forward to hearing what’s probably the best sounding V8 engine this side of a Ferrari F430 but now, annoyingly, I’m pacing the showroom floor waiting for a member of the sales team to bring around my replacement. Expecting to get the previous generation model with the smaller 4.2-litre motor – a car that proved to be a proper sales success – you can imagine my surprise when something significantly louder and lovelier pulls up outside the reception area. Soon clutching a hefty crystal-clad key – or Emotional Control Unit in pretentious Aston marketing speak – my discontent dies as I realise that the next day and a half of my life will be spent in the company of a DB9.

Aston Martin 4.7 V8 Vantage Review

The gorgeous Aston Martin 4.7 V8 Vantage not only stirs your soul but is also a proper rival for Porsche’s acclaimed 911, writes The Wheel Deal

Nearly five years since the Aston Martin V8 Vantage went into production, it still has the power to turn our spines into jelly. In fact, designed by Henrik Fisker, the chap responsible for the DB9 and BMW’s Z8, this hand-built British sports car is probably one of the most alluring automobiles to ever charge across the surface of our planet. Moulded from a sweet blend of aluminium, magnesium alloy and steel composite, Gaydon’s smallest coupé looks flawless from any angle and, just like some smoldering femme fatale in a slinky black dress, shamelessly hotwires your soul with its pure, concentrated beauty. Seemingly impossible to ignore, once you get closer to the Vantage and open one of those rising swan doors, you’ll notice its cockpit is equally breathtaking. I’ve driven many sports cars, both old and new, and it’s fair to say that very few of them have interiors that excite you quite like the one inside this particular Aston. It’s definitely not the most ergonomic environment in the world, what with all those buttons sprawled across the centre console, but in terms of detailing and the way it makes you feel behind the wheel, well, it’s bloody brilliant. From the leather-lined dash and subtle red stitching to those chronographic dials and black Alcantara roof liner, sitting inside the Vantage makes you feel two parts Monte Carlo playboy, three parts Le Mans endurance racer. And that’s even before you ram the “Emotional Control Unit” into its slot and fire up that engine.

An all-alloy V8 bolted low and well behind the front axle to combat understeer, it explodes into life with a howl and settles at a low-pitched but menacing rumble; every last one of those pistons pumping with intent. Surprisingly lazy and relatively slow to react lower down the rev-range, once you floor the throttle and watch the steely needle flick past 4000rpm, this lump really comes alive, quickly shedding that yank-like gruffness and replacing it with all the metallic rage and fury that only a proper British thoroughbred can muster. Forward momentum, although it doesn’t really feel like it, is thunderously fast and before you know you’re racing along at speeds that should only ever be exploited out on the safety of a racetrack.

Aston Martin 4.7 V8 Vantage Fast Facts:

Engine: 4735cc V8 petrol
Power: 313kW at 7300rpm
Torque: 470Nm at 5000rpm
0-100km/h: 4.7 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 290km/h (claimed)
Fuel Consumption: 13.2l/100km (claimed combined)
Price: R1 850 000

Boss Performance Aston Martin V8 Vantage

This chromed and bodykitted Aston Martin V8 Vantage has recently been spotted at the Boss Performance dealership in Manchester, UK. It’s on sale at £89,995, a premium of just under £40,000 over similar 2006 cars. For that price you get a completely unique Aston.

It’s undoubtedly one of the loudest cars we’ve seen recently. The bodykit and wheels alone make it a head-turner and the addition of a chrome paintjob (most likely a wrap) just makes it stand out more. We reckon it’ll be snapped up by a footballer, what do you guys think?

2010 Aston Martin

2010 Aston Martin

Aston Martin Agora Concept Vehicle

Seeking to design a car that “allows one to interact and accomodate the outside world”, a design team led by Himanshu Bhardwaj presents this concept vehicle. Unfortunately, it appears to bring the driver a little too close to the outside world, what with its door holes and apparent lack of windshield. Bhardwaj calls it the Aston Martine Agora. We call it the most unsafe looking vehicle we’ve ever seen. While the design certainly leaves a visual impression, its incomplete body leaves a bit to be desired. But since it’s just a sketch on paper, safety concerns are minimalized. Enjoy pictures in the gallery after the break and check out the link to IDS for a video that is more dramatic than a car should ever be.

Aston Martin Agora Concept Vehicle

Seeking to design a car that “allows one to interact and accomodate the outside world”, a design team led by Himanshu Bhardwaj presents this concept vehicle. Unfortunately, it appears to bring the driver a little too close to the outside world, what with its door holes and apparent lack of windshield. Bhardwaj calls it the Aston Martine Agora. We call it the most unsafe looking vehicle we’ve ever seen. While the design certainly leaves a visual impression, its incomplete body leaves a bit to be desired. But since it’s just a sketch on paper, safety concerns are minimalized. Enjoy pictures in the gallery after the break and check out the link to IDS for a video that is more dramatic than a car should ever be.

2010 Aston Martin

Aston Martin V8 Vantage coupe


Type: Two seat rear-wheel drive coupe (convertible also available).
Engine : 4.7-liter V-8
Horsepower: 420
Torque : 346 pound-feet
Transmission: Six-speed manual or automatic
Steering: Rack and pinion power assisted steering
Wheels: 19-, 20-inch alloy wheels
Suspension:
Front: Independent double wishbone
Rear: Independent double wishbone
Brakes : Ventilated and grooved steel discs
Dynamic stability control, electronic brakeforce distribution, positive torque control, traction control
Dimensions (inches)
Length: 175.5
Width: 73.5
Height: 49.5
Wheelbase: 102.5
Trunk space : 10.6 cubic feet
Weight : 3,595 pounds
Gas mileage:
12 mpg city / 19 mpg highway
Performance
0-60 mph: 4.7 seconds
Max speed: 180 mph

Aston Martin DB9 coupe

Type: 2+2 rear-wheel drive coupe (convertible also available).
Engine : 6-liter V-12
Horsepower : 470
Torque: 443 pound feet
Transmission: Six-speed manual or automatic
Steering: Rack and pinion Servotronic speed sensitive power assisted steering.
Wheels: 19-inch alloy wheels
Suspension:
Front: Independent double wishbone
Rear: Independent double wishbone
Brakes : Ventilated and grooved steel discs
Dynamic stability control, electronic brakeforce distribution, traction control
Dimensions (inches)
Length: 185.5
Width: 74
Height: 50
Wheelbase: 108
Trunk space : 10.6 cubic feet
Weight: 3,880 pounds
Gas mileage:
Manual: 11 mpg city / 17 mpg highway
Auto: 12 mpg city / 19 mpg highway
Performance
0-60 mph: 4.6 seconds
Max speed: 190 mph

Aston Martin DBS coupe


Type : Two seat rear-wheel drive coupe (convertible also available).
Engine: 6-liter V-12
Horsepower : 510
Torque : 420 pound feet
Transmission: Six-speed manual or automatic
Steering: Rack and pinion Servotronic speed sensitive power assisted steering
Wheels: 20-inch alloy wheels
Suspension:
Front: Independent double wishbone
Rear: Independent double wishbone
with Active Damping Control
Brakes: Ventilated carbon ceramic discs
Dynamic stability control with track mode, electronic brakeforce distribution, traction control
Dimensions (inches)
Length: 185.9
Width: 75
Height: 50.4
Wheelbase: 107.9
Weight: 3,990 pounds
Gas mileage:
Manual: 11 mpg city / 17 mpg highway
Automatic: 12 mpg city / 18 mpg highway
Performance
0-62 mph: 4.3 seconds
Max speed: 191 mph

Aston Martin, Toyota collaborating on tiny commuter car

A mini Aston Martin is on the way.

Aston Martin, the vaunted British manufacturer, is working with Japanese manufacturer Toyota to develop a luxury commuter car based on the miniscule Toyota IQ.
According to the company, the urban runabout is called Cygnet and “will offer customers a distinctive, intelligent and exclusive solution for urban travel in style and luxury.”

Left Lane News.com reports that Toyota will send IQs to Aston Martin in England, and Aston Martin will customize them with an Aston Martin grille and a reworked interior. The car’s powertrain will remain unchanged.

Although Aston Martin issued no details, the Cygnet could have one or more of these powertrains: a one-liter, 3-cylinder gasoline engine teamed with a 5–speed manual transmission; a 1.4-liter, 4-cylinder diesel engine teamed with a 6-speed manual transmission and a 1.3-liter, 4-cylinder gasoline engine teamed with either a six-speed manual shifter or a continuously variable automatic transmission.

The tiny IQ is approximately 10 feet long, 6 feet wide and less than 5 feet tall. Slightly larger than a Smart commuter car, it holds up to four adults but, according to Edmunds.com, they better not be taller than 5 feet, 10 inches tall.

Aston Martin Cygnet: Release Date and Price

Most of you will know that owning an Aston Martin is something that we can only dream about. Well we recently learned that Aston Martin wants to develop a more affordable car by offering us a smaller alternative. The new car in question is the Aston Martin Cygnet, which we know is based on the Toyota iQ.

We know that the new cars will be based on the small Japanese car, but Aston Martin is putting a few of their own touches to the small vehicle. Autoblog has recently learned from Automotive News that the Aston Martin Cygnet will be released as early as next year, and will prices will start from $32,000.

I know what you are thinking, that’s a lot of money for a re-badged Toyota iQ. We just hope that Aston Martin has a heavy influence on the Cygnet; otherwise, this could turn in to a major headache for the luxury brand.

Automotive News explains that Toyota will assemble the iQ, they will then ship it to Aston Martin will the interior will be upgraded. It looks as though Aton will not perform any performance upgrades.

Aston Martin, Toyota tie up on tiny commuter car

A mini Aston Martin is on the way.

According to the company, the urban runabout is called Cygnet and “will offer customers a distinctive, intelligent and exclusive solution for urban travel in style and luxury.”

Left Lane News.com reports that Toyota will send IQs to Aston Martin in England, and Aston Martin will customize them with an Aston Martin grille and a reworked interior. The car’s powertrain will remain unchanged.

Although Aston Martin issued no details, the Cygnet could have one or more of these powertrains: a one-liter, 3-cylinder gasoline engine teamed with a 5–speed manual transmission; a 1.4-liter, 4-cylinder diesel engine teamed with a 6-speed manual transmission and a 1.3-liter, 4-cylinder gasoline engine teamed with either a six-speed manual shifter or a continuously variable automatic transmission.

The tiny IQ is approximately 10 feet long, 6 feet wide and less than 5 feet tall. Slightly larger than a Smart commuter car, it holds up to four adults but, according to Edmunds.com, they better not be taller than 5 feet, 10 inches tall.

Dr. Ulrich Bez, Aston Martin chief executive, said: “Now is the right time for Aston Martin to take this first bold step to embark on this special project - made possible with the support of an organization of Toyota’s stature and capability and the intelligent design and perfect city car package of the iQ.

“Much work is still required, but I am confident that this project could become reality in the not too distant future.”

2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster Pictures

2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster

2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster

2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster

2010 Aston Martin One-77 Concept Pictures

2010 Aston Martin One-77 Concept

2010 Aston Martin One-77 Concept

2010 Aston Martin One-77 Concept

2010 Aston Martin One-77 Concept

2010 Aston Martin One-77 Concept

Aston Martin Rapide Price and pictures

The 2010 Aston Martin Rapide is closely related to the company's two-door DB9 and V8 Vantage coupes and convertibles. All use a mostly aluminum rear-wheel-drive architecture that Aston calls "VH" (for "Vertical/Horizontal"). Because it's easily varied in wheelbase and other dimensions, this platform is a money-saver that allows all Astons to be built in the same factory with much of the same tooling and componentry. The VH was also a time-saver in developing the Rapide concept, which went together in a scant eight months or so.

Compared to the first "VH," the DB9 coupe, the Rapide is some 10 inches longer in wheelbase and about a foot longer overall, but only half an inch wider and a surprisingly modest 308 pounds heavier. Despite the stretched body and extra doors, design chief Marek Reichmann has preserved the sleek grace of Aston coupes, which many judge as some of the best-looking cars around.

The Rapide concept used a tuned 480 horsepower version of the company's 6.0-liter V12 engine. The production 2010 Aston Martin Rapide should have it too, though perhaps with further tweaking to, say, an even 500 horses. Appropriate for a sporting but posh sedan, there's likely to be only one transmission, a rear-mounted six-speed automatic with manual shift paddles. Suspension, steering, brakes and other underskin components should also come from the DB9, though modified where needed for this longer and heavier car.

Performance? Aston isn't saying yet, but the Rapide should be almost as fast and agile as its DB9 parent. We'd guess 0-60 mph in the low-five-second range, a top speed of around 160 mph, and unusually sharp luxosedan handling, helped by front/rear weight distribution that shouldn't vary much from the DB9's ideal 50/50.

A Notable Feature of the 2010 Aston Martin Rapide

Design chief Reichmann says he "wanted to make the most beautiful four-door car in the world." He's certainly made one of the prettiest four-door hatchbacks, the only one in the 2010 Aston Martin Rapide's lofty price bracket until the Porsche Panamera comes out. The Rapide's sizeable but artfully concealed rear liftgate opens onto a fairly spacious, flat-floor cargo hold. The concept interior had fold-down rear seats, so the production model should too. Most other interior hardware will come from the DB9 save a full-length center console. The concept sported twin fixed translucent roof panels made of polycarbonate and a chilled compartment in the cargo deck for 007's bottle of Bollinger. These attention-getters probably will not make it to the showroom, but count on British-traditional leather-and-wood trim, the plushest of carpeting, and jewel-like detailing for instruments and controls

Aston Martin Rapide: Promo video released

British sports car maker Aston Martin has released a 3 minute 5 second-long promo video of the Rapide sports sedan. It starts off at the Mira Automotive Test Facility in Warwickshire, England and moves on to the notorious Nurburgring test track in Germany before heading to Stelvio Pass in Italy. I would not call the video inspiring, but its enough to make you crave for one. The Aston Martin Rapide was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show and it features a 6.0 liter V12 that can crank out 470HP at 6,000 revs and 600Nm of torque at 5,000 revs. Continue reading to watch the video.