Aston Martin Racing Announces New Vantage GT3

Aston Martin Racing has announced the new Vantage GT3 race car, which is based on the V12 Vantage road car for competition in 2012. The new Vantage GT3 joins the Vantage GT2, GT4, DBR9 GT1 and the AMR-One LMP1 to create the largest and most comprehensive range of Aston Martin race cars to date. The Vantage GT3 replaces the DBRS9, launched in 2006 at Le Mans.

“So far, 26 total DBRS9 chassis have been built and raced to multiple victories in national and international series across the world,” said Sonny Morgan, dealer principal at John Eagle European’s Aston Martin of Austin. “Most recently, a DBRS9 won the Australian GT at Mount Panorama in October last year and achieved a podium finish at Zolder last week.”

Designed to meet FIA regs, the Vantage GT3 will be built on the Vantage aluminum VH architecture with a lightweight dry-sump 6.0 liter V12 engine, based on the V12 Vantage road car. The new car will have a race semi-automatic paddle shift Xtrac gearbox and the latest race-developed ABS and traction control systems, optimized for the Vantage GT3.

Aston Martin Racing Managing Director John Gaw added, “The DBRS9 has been a very successful GT3 racing car and despite being more than six years old, is still competitive today.

“However, the competition has moved on and we needed to create a new car that combines our six years’ experience in this category with the latest race technology to continue Aston Martin’s success in GT3 for many years to come.”

Aston Martin Racing has set a target weight of about 2,755 pounds (1,250kg) and engine performance figures of more than 600bhp. The first car will be completed in July 2011 and will undertake an extensive test and development program during the rest of the year. Ten customer cars will then be built ready for delivery for the start of the 2012 season.

Is the Aston Martin DBS as Good as It Looks?

The connection between James Bond and Aston Martin over the years has continued to be successful for both brands. Just take a look at the cars:

• The DB5 in “Goldfinger”, “Quantum of Solace” and “Golden Eye” (which recently sold for over $4 million)
• The DBS in “On Her Majesty's Secret Service”
• The Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante in “The Living Daylights”
• The V12 Vanquish in “Die Another Day”
• The DBS in “Casino Royale” and “Quantum of Solace

When the Aston Martin DBS burst on the scene in the movie “Casino Royale”, the world was enthralled with this newest beauty. The press, enthusiasts and even film buffs couldn’t get enough of the British super car.

But Aston only makes a small number of these fine automobiles. That exclusivity led some to dull their enthusiasm, thinking the car was as too unobtainable. A few even questioned whether the car was as good in person as it was on the big screen, snickering that its reputation was built on a fictional character.

A recent weekend in a 2010 DBS presented an opportunity to see how much substance was behind all that style. The old questions rolled through my mind. Was the car as exciting today as it was when it exploded on the international scene? Would the DBS be “all hat and no cattle”?

John Eagle European Aston Martin of Austin provided a stunning DBS special edition convertible for a media test drive weekend. The “Carbon Black” paint shimmered in the Hill Country’s October sunlight, giving the car a “Hollywood” shine. Instantly smitten, it was hard to keep my cool while completing the requisite paperwork. The Aston was dazzling.

As a primer, Aston Martin of Austin’s dealer principal, Sonny Morgan, provided a short refresher on the car. The V12 powered DBS convertible has 510 horsepower, an optional 6 speed automatic transmission and is available with either four seats or a rear luggage shelf. Significant portions of the car are made from carbon fiber to make the car lighter and more nimble. The active suspension was derived from Aston’s DBR9 racing program.

The car’s interior is as stunning as its body. Leather, carbon fiber and real metal; no faux pieces like many Mercedes and Jaguars here! Starting the engine results in a nice V12 snarl, which is even better when the top smoothly drops down. The wonderful first impressions of the car sent chills down my spine. This Aston was indeed hot with a capital “H”.

Over the course of the weekend, we drove the muscular Aston in the Hill Country, down Sixth street, to local shops and restaurants. Every lane was pure joy, every stoplight an acoustic delight. Whether carving up apex’s on the way to a bed & breakfast outside town or stopping at an art gallery to peruse their offerings, every moment was a delight.

It was difficult saying goodbye at the end of the weekend to the DBS. Was this “celluloid star” as good as it looked on the big screen? Oh yes. The relationship with Aston’s superb supercar was as satisfying – no, more satisfying - than I could have imagined. This is a car that would stand head and shoulders above the rest without the James Bond films.

Aston still only makes a few DBS convertibles and coupes each year, so they are still as exclusive and rare as ever. The Aston Martin DBS is a car with as much substance as style. It’s expensive, but worth every dollar.

Jay Leno Strikes Again - A Review of the Tasty New V12 Vantage

Jay Leno recently reviewed the Aston Martin Rapide. Watch as he puts the new V12 Vantage through its paces. Will he like the Aston Martin super car? Check it out:

The Aston Martin V12 - Future Collectible?

Much has been written about the new (to the USA) Aston Martin V12 Vantage (http://www.astonmartinofaustin.com/web/1582/vantage12). The car’s track acumen and street appeal have resulted in accolades being heaped upon its bespoked hood. But many have missed one of the most attractive aspects of this 12-cylinder wonder car—it’s potential for long-term collectability.

Though there are no guarantees that a car will hold an increase in value, serious pundits believe the 2010 V12 Vantage holds tremendous potential. One of the reasons is that comparison to the 1962 DB4 Zagato are too numerous to overlook.

Consider that the 1960 DB4 Zagato was created to compete with the mighty Ferraris of the period. Aston turned up the wick on their sporting coupe, giving it a more voluptuous look, better power to weight ratio, superb brakes and sharper handling. Only a few of these rare, exclusive cars were built and even fewer raced. Today, those cars command multi-million dollar price tags and are considered among the most coveted Astons in the world.

The V12 Vantage has a similar pedigree. By engineering the DBS drive train into the Vantage chassis, the car has a wonderful power to weight ratio. The carbon ceramic brakes are fantastic, the sport suspension superb and the body lightened and modified to maximize both aerodynamics and sex appeal. The factory has entered a couple of V12 Vantages in various events successfully such as at the Nürburgring. They have even offered to build spec race cars available to private teams. And like the Series 1 DB4 Zagato, very, very few will be built.

Will the 510 HP V12 Vantage reach stratosphere values someday? No one knows. But with its similarity to the fabled Zagato and small production run, it has the potential to do so over the long term. Few other purchases today offer such upside, nor sound and look so good.

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!

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.

John Eagle European to Introduce New Four-Door Aston Martin Rapide to Central Texas

John Eagle European will give Austin area customers the first opportunity to drive the eagerly awaited new four-door Aston Martin Rapide sports car on February 26 and 27, 2010. Unveiled at The Frankfurt Auto Show, the first drivable Rapide will arrive in North America this month and Austin is one of the stops on a region-wide tour.

“The Rapide offers the exhilarating thrill of a high performance Aston Martin sports car with the added functionality of four doors,” said Sonny Morgan, dealer principal at John Eagle European. “It is perfect for both carving up Hill Country roads and taking friends out on the town for dinner. Representing pure Aston Martin design and craftsmanship, we look forward to introducing the exciting new Rapide to the people of central Texas.”

During the two day event, invited guests will get behind the wheel of the four-door sports car and experience its power, elegance and functionality first hand. They will be able to test the Rapide’s evocative 6.0-litre V12 engine, which provides effortless power and torque. They will enjoy the specifically tuned six-speed ‘Touchtronic 2’ automatic transmission which allows them to change gear automatically or manually via the steering column-mounted paddles.

This Aston Martin also features four ‘swan wing’ doors, which provide access to cosseting hand trimmed leather sports seats both front and rear. With a spacious luggage compartment, the Rapide is a handcrafted sports coupe which is perfectly equipped to be enjoyed by drivers and passengers alike.

The Aston Martin Rapide retails from $199,950. As waiting lists for the new car continue to grow worldwide, guests will be invited to place orders following the driving event to ensure delivery this year.

John Eagle European became the 36th Aston Martin North American location in 2009; in a few months, the dealership has become one of the most successful Aston Martin franchises in North America. It services and sells a full range of handcrafted, high performance vehicles from the flagship Aston Martin DBS to the V8 Vantage, DB9 and new Rapide.

A limited number of driving opportunities are available for Austin area media. Credentialed journalists can schedule one through Luke DeRouen at (214) 520-3430 ext. 301 or at lderouen@tprm-usa.com.

About John Eagle European
John Eagle European is part of the John Eagle group of dealerships, who own and operate 13 dealerships in Texas. John Eagle European offers the complete line of Aston Martin, Bentley and Lotus fine motorcars. In addition, the dealership offers pre-owned models and services all of those cars. The museum-inspired facility hosts exclusive events year-round. Additional information about John Eagle European is available at www.johneagleeuropean.com or by calling (512) 401-2663.


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