Category: Aston Martin

Categories
Aston Martin

SOLD: James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5

James Bond's Aston Martin DB5

Regular readers will remember, back in June, we brought you news that this fantastic piece of motoring and movie making memorabilia was going up for auction. The auction took place in London on Wednesday and the 1964 Aston Martin DB5 sold for a staggering £2,912,000 (A$4.74 million).

The car was driven by Sean Connery and used in the films Goldfinger and Thunderball. Dubbed “the most famous car in the world” the DB5 was auctioned by RM Auctions and Rob Myers, Chairman and Founder, said, “RM has just established the price of fame. We had a fabulous time during the promotion of the sale of 007’s DB5 and we’re really pleased to have been able to assist with finding it a great new home.”

When you consider the previous owner, Jerry Lee, bought the car directly from Aston in 1969 for US$12,000 the profit made is quite considerable. The good news is, funds from the sale will be going to the Jerry Lee Foundation charity, which targets social problems associated with poverty.

The new owner, American businessman Harry Yeaggy, is over joyed at his new acquisition, “This is a car that I’ve always wanted, after all it is the most famous car in the world. My plan is to display it in my private car museum in Ohio just as it is.”

More after the break, including a promo video produced by RM Auctions.

Continue reading “SOLD: James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5”
Categories
Aston Martin

Bloody hell, they’re really going to make it!

Aston Martin Cygnet Concept

We love Aston Martin for many things. The fact their CEO competes in the Nürburgring 24 hour race is clearly a very cool thing. But, this ‘Cynical’, a rebadged Toyota econobox, is definitely not a reason to love Aston. While it was always likely to be an inevitability, a little piece of me died when I read Aston Martin’s confirmation that the ‘Cynical’ will be going into full production next year.

You can read the full gory details in the press release below.

UPDATE: Thanks to AUSmotive reader Chris for reminding me about the video that accompanies this latest deception (watch it below, if you can stomach it). When you start an Aston Martin the words Power, Beauty and Soul come up on the dash. A bit twee, yes, but they’re reasonable words to reinforce key brand messages. Let’s apply those words to the ‘Cynical’ then; Power: no; Beauty: not really; Soul: definitely not. Job well done—let’s build it!

UPDATE 19 October: Looks like Chris Harris agrees with AUSmotive too.

Continue reading “Bloody hell, they’re really going to make it!”
Categories
Aston Martin

Aston Martin One-77: “It is alive”

Aston Martin One-77

Aston Martin has dropped us a line to remind us that the release of the One-77 is drawing closer (early 2011). A new promo video can be viewed after the break. Before watching it, just remember this, with 750bhp and 750Nm on tap from the car’s 7.3 litre V12, it will have the world’s most powerful naturally aspirated engine that money can buy.

So, Aston reckon, anyway.

Continue reading “Aston Martin One-77: “It is alive””
Categories
Aston Martin

Aston Martin V8 Vantage N420

Aston Martin V8 Vantage N420

Aston Martin have just taken the wraps of their latest special edition V8 Vantage. It’s called the N420; that’s N for Nürburgring and 420 for the number of horses under the bonnet.

The Vantage has a proud record of racing at the Nürburgring 24 hour race. An Aston Martin Vantage has raced at the Ring every year since making its debut in 2006. Perhaps the most famous of these cars is the one called “Rose” which was the first Vantage to pop its Ring cherry. That car has completed thousands of racing miles over a number of years. A great advertisement for Aston, supported ably up by the appearance of CEO Ulrich Bez in the race seat as well.

So, this N420 thing, what’s it all about? In addition to the 420hp on offer from the 4.7 litre V8 there is the choice of 6-speed transmissions in traditional manual or Sportshift auto configuration. Weight has been reduced by 27kg, too, which is a nice touch. But that won’t really stand out at the Country Club, so Aston have obliged by throwing bits of carbon fibre trim on the outside. Optional “Race Collection” paint schemes will also give you bragging rights at the 19th hole. Other minor styling updates have also been introduced.

Perhaps one of the better introductions is the addition of a revised sports exhaust system. Aston say this “delivers a suitably rousing soundtrack”. The V8 Vantage already sounded sublime and if they have found a way to improve on that exhaust note then they’ve done a cracking job.

More after the break.

Continue reading “Aston Martin V8 Vantage N420”
Categories
Aston Martin

2010 Aston Martin DB9

Aston Martin DB9

The Aston Martin DB9 is one of the world’s best looking sports tourers. That’s probably why Aston’s engineer’s left well enough alone when designing this 2010 model update; “the most significant programme of upgrades since its world debut in 2003″, says the press guff . Yeah, I know, it looks just like the old one.

However, Aston Martin maintain they have changed the front bumper and grille. They’re also adamant they have revamped the lighting graphics, both front and rear. A splash of silver paint on the brake calipers and some blinging 20” alloys pretty much complete the changes on the outside. Or, so they say.

Beneath that gorgeous exterior Aston have fiddled with the suspension and, really, based on the press release below not done much else of any note.

Never mind that, just enjoy the pics below. Any excuse to check out Aston Martin eye candy is one worth taking.

Continue reading “2010 Aston Martin DB9”
Categories
Aston Martin

FOR SALE: The world’s coolest car

James Bond's Aston Martin DB5

Here at AUSmotive HQ we rate the Aston Martin DB5 from the James Bond films as the world’s coolest car. The allure of the Aston Martin marque and classic 1960s styling coupled with the Q-branch gadgets make it so. Soon, for the first time in over 40 years you will have a chance to buy the car.

Up for sale is the sole remaining example from two DB5s used during the filming of Goldfinger and Thunderball starring Sean Connery. It will go up for auction in late October at RM Auction’s annual “Automobiles of London” sale.

Amercian radio broadcaster Jerry Lee is the current owner and has held possession of the DB5 since he persuaded Aston Martin to sell him the car back in 1969 for the princely sum of $12,000. Mr Lee intends to use the proceeds of the sale for his Jerry Lee Foundation charity, which targets social problems associated with poverty.

“The James Bond car has brought me much enjoyment for some 40 years,” said Jerry Lee. “Even as I sell it and use the proceeds to fund the Jerry Lee Foundation, the car will continue to give me great pleasure as it furthers the mission of the Foundation to do good around the world.”

So, there you have it. Your chance to buy one of the world’s most desirable cars and do a good deed at the same time. Who knows, buy this car and you might even meet Pussy Galore.

Full press release after the break.

Continue reading “FOR SALE: The world’s coolest car”
Categories
Aston Martin

One-77 multiplied by 10

Aston Martin One-77

Word on the interwebz is that some cashed up dude has put in an order for 10 Aston Martin One-77 hypercars. An order of that magnitude represents 13% of the car’s total production run. A bit greedy, perhaps?

Even if I could, I’m not sure I would. But then, if I did have a lazy $20M or so burning a hole in my pocket I’m not sure I’d spend it all on a a bunch of One-77s. I guess that’s the point, though, Mr Greedy Bunch, if he does actually exist, probably has a lot more Middle Eastern oil money to burn than you or I could ever imagine.

Apparently Aston Martin say they have pre-orders for 65 One-77s. They won’t confirm the order of 10 cars is true, so we can only speculate if the 84% that are already spoken for includes the bulk order.

[Source: Top Gear]

Categories
Aston Martin

Aston Martin Rapide image gallery

Aston Martin Rapide

Deliveries of the Aston Martin Rapide have just begun. It’s a big few days for the Rapide, which makes a debut of another kind at next weekend’s Nürburgring 24 hour race. To celebrate these events AUSmotive presents a massive image gallery showcasing the Rapide in four colours; Magma Red, Hardly Green, Quantum Silver and Silver Blonde.

There’s over 70 images in all, so keep a note of this URL for future reference. As is usual with AUSmotive image galleries all pics can be accessed in 2000px super image sizing by simply clicking on each photo.

Some other numbers to keep in mind while looking over the pics—12, 350, 600 and 366,280. That’s the number of cylinders in the 6.0 litre engine, its peak power in kilowatts, the peak torque in Newton metres and the last number is the pre-delivery list pricing of the Rapide in Australian dollars.

Continue reading “Aston Martin Rapide image gallery”
Categories
Aston Martin

VIDEO: Aston Martin One-77 sighted in London

Aston Martin One-77

This Aston Martin One-77 was recently seen in London’s St James area. It joined a convoy of supercars en route to Silverstone to promote the FIA GT1 Championship. The video clip includes interior shots, as well as views of the car from all angles. Last month the same user who posted this clip to YouTube added another video of a One-77 sitting inside Aston Martin’s Park Lane showroom. Both can be seen below.

Deliveries of the One-77 are not scheduled until mid-year, so this sighting is one of the first on public roads. Powered by a 7.3 litre V12 producing around 520kW (700bhp) Aston’s first proper hyper car will be its quickest model ever capable of top speeds in excess of 350km/h. It will also be one of the company’s most exclusive releases to date, with just 77 models to be made.

[via World Car Fans]

Continue reading “VIDEO: Aston Martin One-77 sighted in London”
Categories
Aston Martin

Rapide ready for Nurburgring 24 hour race

Aston Martin Rapide

Aston Martin’s new four-door saloon, the Rapide, will be racing at this year’s Nürburgring 24 hour race. As usual Aston’s CEO Dr Ulrich Bez will be at the wheel of the Rapide for the race, despite having the choice of the Vantage V12 as well.

The Rapide will hit the track as close to production trim as possible and Dr Bez explains this is a great test for his machines, “This race represents the ultimate final engineering durability test for any sports car – it subjects the car to the toughest possible assessment under public scrutiny.”

Aston has a pretty handy record at the 24 hour race, winning out the SP8 class for the last two years. Good luck to them adding a new car to their honour board in 2010.

Full press release available after the jump.

Continue reading “Rapide ready for Nurburgring 24 hour race”
Categories
Aston Martin

Aston Martin test Gulf livery theory with Cygnet Concept

Aston Martin Cygnet

The motoring landscape in the 21st century is far more complicated than it ever used to be. This is a world where the likes of the BMW GT, MINI Countryman and Porsche Cayenne are pushing their respective brands into segments that we never knew existed, much less knew such models could fill. It does appear we spend a lot of time these days scratching our heads, wondering what on earth they were thinking.

Not wanting to be left out, Aston Martin have released a bunch of new images showcasing their Cygnet ‘Cynical’ Concept. You remember, that’s the car that looks like some kid has shrunk its proportions in Photoshop just for a laugh. Only Aston is for real. They’ve even put the “any car will look good in Gulf Racing colours” theory to the test, as shown above. Hmm, we’re really pushing the friendship there. At least when the theory was tested on a Tata Nano you got the sense those responsible were taking the piss.

But with Aston I’m not so sure. They’re showing genuine intent with the ‘Cynical’. So much so, that Aston’s Chief Executive Dr Ulrich Bez is already doing the hard sell, “The Cygnet Concept brings intelligence, innovation and artistry to the small car market. The Cygnet Concept represents the natural choice for those customers looking for a premium commuter car.

“Our past, our future and our backbone will always remain sports cars, but the Cygnet Concept will support this by offering our customers a greater degree of freedom in the urban context.”

As if your sanity wasn’t already being tested enough, Autocar reckon pricing for a fully loaded ‘Cynical’ could nudge £50K (see YouTube clip at the end of this article). That’s $80,000 in our money. Has Aston gone mad?!

For more arty ‘Cynical’ images be sure to take the jump. And don’t be surprised if we see some ‘Cynical’ product placement in the next James Bond movie, either. Groan.

Continue reading “Aston Martin test Gulf livery theory with Cygnet Concept”
Categories
Aston Martin

Aston Martin Rapide video

Aston Martin Rapide

Here is some official footage released by Aston Martin of their new Rapide four-door saloon being driven around Valencia. The Rapide has just been launched around the globe, including Australia, and local deliveries are expected before mid-year. You’ll need a smidge under AU$400K if you want one.

The video itself is not spine-tingling as one might have hoped for, however you get a good look at the car and the 470hp 6.0-litre V12 sounds fantastic. For a more in-depth initial look at the Rapide take a look at Anthony Crawford’s report on CarAdvice. He was fortunate enough to have been on the ground in Spain to witness the launch of Aston’s new super-saloon.

Continue reading “Aston Martin Rapide video”