Categories
Aston Martin

Stunning Aston Martin V12 Zagato revealed ahead of race debut

Aston Martin V12 Zagato

Wow!

Aston Martin promised a new collaboration with Zagato was coming and now that they’ve delivered we must simply say, “thank you.”

Aston has taken the already stunning V12 Vantage handed it over to Zagato and said, do your thing chaps. And the Italian masters have delivered an absoulte gem, this V12 Zagato is car porn it is purest form.

It has great proportions. It looks aggressive. It looks purposeful. It looks like it was made to race. And that’s exactly what it has been made for. In a little over a week from now the V12 Zagato will make its competition debut in a four-hour VLN race at the Nürburgring. Then, in late June, two of these beauties will be ripping it up on the North Loop during the 24 hour race.

The best part, well for those lucky enough to afford one, the V12 Zagato will be built in limited numbers for the road, as well. No specific details have been given just yet, but Dr Ulrich Bez, Aston Martin CEO has confirmed if you have the cash, they will have the car.

“The task for us has been to create a concept that is a natural successor to those iconic cars that have gone before. Matching the technology of the age with the traditional skills vital to deliver such a bespoke and exclusive sports car will lead to a strictly limited run of road going V12 Zagatos,” explained Dr Bez.

We can’t wait. More pics and material from Aston after the break.

Categories
Pagani

Pagani Huayra – The unofficial teaser

Pagani Huayra

Despite Pagani’s best attempts to string out the reveal of its new supercar, the Huayra, pics of the newest “gullwing” to hit the streets have been published in print and online. The February 2011 issue of Car (Spanish edition) have the Huayra on the cover, with a full story inside.

You can see more after the break. Until official details are revealed later this week, we’re expecting the Huayra to weigh in around 1300–1400kg and to have a 700hp boosted 6.0 V12 to do the huffing and puffing. Should be a real blast!

[Source: Autoblog via Car Advice]

Categories
Ferrari

Is this going to replace the Ferrari 599?

Ferrari test mule

Apparently you’re looking at a new Ferrari model which will replace the 599 GTB Fiorano. Video footage of the car was recently captured at Ferrari’s own test track. The owner of the clip claims the new car is based on the 599 GTO and is currently being tested for mechanical enhancements. A new outer design is still being developed.

It’s also believed this model could feature a variation of the HY-KERS technology as previewed by Ferrari at Geneva earlier this year.

You can watch the video after the break and here’s a tip, turn the volume up to eleven!

[Source: YouTube]

Categories
Lamborghini

Lamborghini reveals new 6.5 litre V12

Lamborghini 6.5 litre V12

You’re looking at 525kW (700bhp). It’s the new 6.5 litre V12, coupled to an “ISR” automated manual transmisison, that Lamborghini will use to power the upcoming Aventador.

Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Lamborghini is over the moon with his new powertrain, “With this new V12, we are heralding a technological leap that encompasses all areas of the company and our future model lineup. With a unique package of innovations, Lamborghini will redefine the future of the super sports car. This 700 hp engine, together with an all-new concept gearbox, will be the strong heart of the Murciélago successor next year.”

The high-revving V12 achieves its peak power at 8250rpm, while all 690Nm of torque is on offer at 5000rpm. Lamborghini say four throttle openings and a highly complex intake system gives the engine a well-rounded torque curve, with get-up-and-go on tap right through the rev range. Use of advanced materials such as aluminium-silicon has allowed Lamborghini to keep the weight of this big lump to 235kg.

Also featuring in the new powertrain is a 7-speed Independent Shifting Rod (ISR) transmission. Apparently it is the “world’s most emotional gear shift.” It tips the scales at 79kg and can shift cogs up to 40% quicker than the Murci’s old e-gear setup.

More pics and press guff after the break. There are two press releases and, if you have the time, the long version provides some good detail.

Categories
Aston Martin

Aston Martin gives Vantage a dirty dozen

Aston Martin V12 Vantage

Aston Martin will reveal a V12 Vantage at the Geneva Motor Show next month. By shoehorning a V12 into the Vantage shell Aston has created what they claim to be their “most exhilarating sports car” yet.

The 6.0 litre 12 cylinder produces 380kW (510bhp) and a very tidy 570Nm of torque. All that power is good for claimed performance of 0-100km/h in 4.2 seconds and a 305km/h (190mph) top speed. All achieved through the use of a trad six speed manual, there will be no flappy paddle option, either. Helping bring a halt to proceedings are the Carbon Ceramic Matrix brakes, and with a 51:49 weight ratio Aston is pretty confident of the car’s handling abilities. They reckon you can corner the V12 Vantage at 1.3g.

The V12 Vantage concept was released a little over 12 months ago, so it’s some task by the British company to have the car ready in such a short amount of time.

Dr Ulrich Bez, Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer, is a bit excited, “This is the ultimate performance interpretation of the Vantage range, combining our most agile model with our most powerful engine.

“The V12 Vantage has a unique character, unlike our other cars. This will appeal to different people with different tastes, allowing more people to enjoy the Aston Martin experience.”

I have to say, and I’m almost afraid to admit it, but I find this car a little crass. The lashings of carbon fibre and almost vulgar fluted bonnet seem a bit too much out of character for the Vantage. It’s almost like Audrey Hepburn having death metal tattoos down her arms. Sure, there’d be people that would go bonkers for that, but, it just wouldn’t be the same. Even the wheels have a hint of Tempe Tyres about them.

Of course, given an opportunity, I am sure I could learn to love the V12 Vantage.

Pricing for the V12 Vantage will be confirmed at the Geneva Motor Show and the car is expected to go on sale some time after June.

Extensive press blurb and seven more 2000px super images after the jump.