Monday, July 12, 2010

Jay Leno's Review of the Aston Martin Rapide

Jay Leno asks if Aston Martin has created the sexiest thing on wheels with its first production four-door sports car. In his review of the Rapide, Jay talks about its features and then takes the V12 powered car for a spin. Take a look at the video!

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Thursday, July 8, 2010

Aston Martin of Austin to Offer New V8 Vantage N420

Aston Martin has unveiled a new motorsport-inspired special edition: the V8 Vantage N420 which brings a new dimension of sporting prowess and dynamic ability to the V8 Vantage range. The N420 will make its US debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in August 2010. The special order car will be available through John Eagle European's Aston Martin of Austin, along with the new Rapide, DB9, DBS, V12 Vantage and V8 Vantage.

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 and 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 Aston Martin's experiences at the Nürburgring 24-hour race," said Sonny Morgan, dealer principal of Aston Martin of Austin. "In the 2006 running of the annual Nürburgring endurance classic in 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 CEO, Dr Ulrich Bez, the V8 Vantage finished 4th in class and 24th overall from a field of more than 200 specialized 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 Martin’s road cars.

A generous standard specification and some unique options ensure the special edition Vantage N420 is both exclusive and distinctive.

On the outside, wider sills combine perfectly with a carbon fiber splitter, side strakes and diffuser, while bold 10-spoke diamond turned alloy wheels complete 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, special N420 sill plaques and adjustable sports seats, complete with ‘Race Track’ stitching as in the V12 Vantage. 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, "Asia Cup" and "Elwood" blue all featuring in the collection along with traditional Aston Martin Racing green.

Production of the V8 Vantage N420 begins this month, with deliveries for North America commencing in the fourth quarter of 2010. Parties interested in one of these special Astons is encouraged to contact Aston Martin of Austin at (512) 918-1007.

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Aston Martin of Austin
Austin, TX 78750
512-401-4604