Aston Martin Launches New Vantage GT4 Racecar

Aston Martin Racing has launched a new Vantage GT4 for 2011. The new V8 engined racecar takes design inspiration from Aston Martin’s V12 Vantage road car, giving it enhanced aerodynamics and increased downforce. It also has a remapped 4.7 liter engine offering increased levels of power and torque.

As with the current 4.7 liter Vantage GT4, which made its race debut in 2009, the 2011 car is closely based on the V8 Vantage road car with key attributes being carried over including the aluminum chassis, base engine and suspension design. In addition to the engine and aero upgrades, competitors can, for the first time, choose a race-developed Bosch ABS and traction control system. This system has been specifically optimized by Bosch Motorsport for the Vantage GT4 to provide race-enhanced performance in both wet and dry conditions.

The Vantage GT4’s new splitter increases downforce at the front of the car, as well as channeling cooling air to the brakes and radiator. At the rear, the car gains the V12’s larger boot ‘flip’. This works together with a new carbon fiber diffuser and rear underfloor, which create an area of low pressure under the rear of the car, to increase downforce. The redesigned underfloor also channels more air through a new rear-mounted high capacity transmission oil cooler.

Aston Martin Racing has built and sold more than 80 Vantage GT4s to customers around the world in the last two years and it has become the most successful car in its class. In 2010, it won the European GT4 Cup as well as the GT4 class at the Dubai 24 Hours, the Nürburgring 24 Hours and the Spa 24 hours. The car also has its own one-make series, the Aston Martin GT4 Challenge of Great Britain, which was won in its inaugural year by Chris and Ant Scragg. The new Vantage GT4 will be eligible for this Challenge, as well as the European GT4 Cup and all other series with a GT4 class. For more information about the GT4, contact Sonny Morgan at John Eagle European's Aston Martin of Austin at (512) 401-2663.

New Accessories for Aston Martin Rapide Available Through Aston Martin of Austin

Aston Martin recently introduced a selection of bespoke accessories for the Aston Martin Rapide. Crafted to Aston Martin's exacting standards, the luggage is available to both new and existing owners through John Eagle European’s Aston Martin of Austin.

The products include a specially-tailored weather-resistant car cover, formed from a knitted polyester fabric shaped to precisely envelop the Rapide's luscious curves. A Teflon coating improves water resistance, while the breathable fabric means the cover can be used inside and out.

The Rapide can now be ordered from Aston Martin of Austin with a set of handmade Saddle Leather Luggage, manufactured exclusively for Aston Martin by a master saddle maker with over 45 years experience. The set consists of two saddle leather rucksacks (with integral bottle holders) and two saddle leather pill bags, all of which have been designed to fit perfectly into the Rapide's luggage compartment.

A larger six-piece luggage set is also available in a variety of finishes, including black nubuck leather, saddle tan leather, cream truffle leather and black sports fabric. The luggage is available by order for current owners through Aston Martin of Austin.

Also available are a set of four floor mats, available in both right and left hand drive, as well as a color matched boot mat, with a discrete Aston Martin logo.

Aston Martin recently entered into partnership with Britax, the leading manufacturer of child seats, in order to provide bespoke trimmed seating from birth through to twelve years. All seats bear the Rapide branding and use the car's integral ISOFIX system.

For further information about this products, contact Aston Martin of Austin at (512) 401-2663.

Aston Martin of Austin Introduces the Rapide Luxe

The Rapide Luxe is a new and very exclusive derivative of the Rapide now available through John Eagle European’s Aston Martin of Austin. This special edition of Aston Martin's highly acclaimed four-door sports car brings together additional bespoke features and a higher specification. The Luxe edition provides a combination of highly desirable functional features, a greater choice of paint and leather finishes as standard, and unique features including tailor made accessories.

With a wider range of body colors available, including Quantum Silver and the rich Concours Blue that launched the car, the Rapide Luxe also includes a custom six-piece luggage set, consisting of a beauty case, garment bag, two small, a medium and a large bag, all finished in leather in order to match or contrast with your chosen interior specifications. Ventilated (and heated) front and rear seats enhance the cosseting interior. Aston Martin's Rear Seat Entertainment system is standard with its twin 6.5 inch LCD screens, six-DVD multi-changer and the option of listening through headphones or the BeoSound Rapide audio system by Bang & Olufsen. The Rapide Luxe also comes with new glass control switches on the centre console and a secondary glass key.

Take the Aston Martin V8 Vantage N420 for a Test Drive

A few months ago, Aston Martin began delivering a new motorsport-inspired special edition named the V8 Vantage N420. Available through John Eagle European's Aston Martin of Austin, this limited produciton car brings a new dimension of sporting prowess and dynamic ability to the V8 Vantage range.

A new video shows the N420 in action and helps explain the Aston's racing heritage:




A successor to the special edition V8 Vantage N400 of 2007, the Vantage N420 is based upon the standard 4.7-liter, 420bhp, 180mph V8 Vantage. It is available as a Coupe or Roadster, and with a six-speed manual or optional Sportshift automated manual transmission.

The Vantage N420 draws inspiration from the company’s experiences at the Nürburgring 24-hour race. In the 2006 running of the annual Nürburgring endurance classic amongst a field of mostly motorsport homologated cars, Aston Martin entered a near-standard, road-registered V8 Vantage. Driven by a team of employees, including Aston Martin CEO, Dr Ulrich Bez, the V8 Vantage finished 4th in class and 24th overall from a field of more than 200 racing cars.

Since then, Aston Martin has returned every year to compete in this grueling endurance race, scoring a string of class victories and podiums with road-registered V8 and V12 Vantages and most recently the new four-door Rapide. Not only has this racing success spawned a burgeoning V8 Vantage GT4 customer program run by Aston Martin Racing, but lessons learned in racing at the Nürburgring has led to aerodynamic and other performance developments being fed back into Aston’s road cars.

A generous standard specification and some unique options ensure the special edition Vantage N420 is both exclusive and distinctive, while also offering a weight saving – achieved through the application of carbon fiber – over the standard V8 Vantage.

On the outside, wider sills combine perfectly with a carbon fiber splitter, side strakes and diffuser. Bold 10-spoke diamond turned alloy wheels with gloss black finish, black mesh vents and ‘Graphitic’ tailpipe finishers complete the coordinated look.

Inside, the Vantage N420 offers an Iridium interior package with graphite instruments, leather or Alcantara® steering wheel and special N420 sill plaques, complete with ‘Race Track’ stitching. Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control and Park Distance Control are also standard.

Cementing the Vantage N420’s credentials as a special edition V8 Vantage tailored for the most discerning and enthusiastic drivers, it is fitted with the normally optional Sports Pack. This package combines revised springs, dampers and anti-roll bars for even more responsive and dynamic handling, while retaining the V8 Vantage’s renowned poise, balance and long distance ability. Finally, a new sports exhaust system delivers a suitably rousing soundtrack.

A further distinctive feature is the availability of a new range of optional Aston Martin ‘Race Collection’ paint schemes. Pairing bold body colors with contrasting hues for the cant rails and radiator grille surround, they celebrate the marque’s racing heritage. All of the company’s successful N24 Vantage racers are celebrated, with ‘Rose’ yellow, ‘Kermit’ green and ‘Elwood’ blue all featuring in the collection along with traditional Aston Martin Racing green. The white and black car shown in the accompanying images wears the equally striking ‘Asia Cup’ livery.

Take a test drive with Aston's new video, then call Aston Martin of Austin to learn more about this fantastic car. The N420 is a car built for serious drivers by serious drivers.