Aston Martin: Db7 V12 Coupe on 2040-cars

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Aston Martin confirms new platform under development

It's been thirteen years since Aston Martin introduced the original V12 Vanquish. The model was effectively been replaced twice over by the time it reached its Bar Mitzvah, but its underlying platform is still around. And not just around, either: it underpins everything Aston makes and has made ever since it came on the scene, save for the Cygnet and the One-77 supercar. That includes the V8 and V12 Vantage, the short-lived Virage, the new Vanquish, the DB9, DBS, V12 Zagato and even the four-door Rapide. But while it may seem like forever that Aston's been using the VH platform, it won't be around forever more. In announcing its positive financial results for 2013, Aston Martin CFO Hanno Kirner confirmed: "We are engineering a completely new architecture and technologies to ensure that our next generation of sports cars is at the forefront of design, performance and technology." The new platform is expected to underpin the next generation of Astons Martin, and will be powered by a new V8 engine being developed by Mercedes-AMG, similar to the arrangement that sees V12s furnished to Pagani for the Huayra. Whether an AMG-developed V12 is also in the cards for Aston Martin remains to be seen – the company ran on V8 power alone from the mid 70s (when its six-cylinder engine was retired) until the Ford-developed DB7 brought six- and then twelve-cylinder power. That aging but glorious 6.0-liter engine, by the way, still powers the vast majority of the company's lineup. The platform and associated technologies are being funded by the influx of capital from shareholders Investindustrial, Primewagon and Adeem Investment and by a 13-percent increase in revenue due to the launch of the new Vanquish Volante and V12 Vantage S, as well as the company's expansion into new markets like Mexico and Thailand. It wasn't long ago that upon spending a week with the company's Vanquish coupe that we fell just short of love, wondering aloud how long Aston could weather its uncertain financial picture while still relying heavily on elderly technology and drivetrains cradled in elderly platforms. We now appear to have our answer, and we like what we're hearing. Aston Martin Holdings (UK) Limited Full Year Results 2013 28 April 2014, Gaydon: Aston Martin Holdings (UK) Limited is today announcing full year results for the 12 months ended 31 December 2013.

Aston Martin bringing special Vantage, DB9 editions to Geneva

A European car show wouldn't be a European car show without the introduction of a new special-edition Aston Martin. And this year, Aston has two of them lined up to unveil at the Geneva Motor Show. First up we have the latest in a long line of N edition V8 Vantages. This one is called N430, and it will be available in both coupe and roadster bodystyles. It features the same 430-horsepower version of Aston's 4.7-liter V8 as the Vantage S (mated to either the six-speed manual or seven-speed sequential gearbox), and weight-saving measures like carbon-Kevlar seats and ten-spoke forged alloys help it hustle to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds en route to its 190 mph top speed. A new competition-derived aero package, retuned suspension, new steering ratios and a throatier exhaust aim to give the N430 a tighter, racier feel – as do the "club sports graphics packs" (that take their inspiration from GT racing versions of the Vantage) and dark-finish trim inside and out. Aston is also rolling out new Carbon Black and Carbon White editions of its DB9 that incorporate additional carbon-fiber trim to either complement or contrast with the exterior paint. Unfortunately, neither the V8 Vantage N430 or DB9 Carbon editions will be available in North America, so we'll just have to gaze at them from afar until we see them up close at the Swiss expo early next month. ASTON MARTIN UNVEILS TWO EXCLUSIVE NEW SPECIAL EDITIONS AT GENEVA - Striking V8 Vantage N430 builds on heritage of successful 'N' cars - Bold new styling options derive from N430's clear sporting pedigree - Debut of dramatic DB9 Carbon Black and Carbon White Aston Martin is unveiling two exclusive new special editions at the 84th Geneva International Motor Show. The great British sports car marque, now in its 101st year, is debuting a bold addition to its iconic V8 Vantage range as well as dramatic new special editions of the timeless DB9. Building on the appeal of the sports-focused Vantage range, and enhancing the enduring allure of Aston Martin's seminal GT, the DB9, the new models deliver eye-catching looks and classic elegance. V8 Vantage N430: race breeding, sports styling Pure, unadulterated fun is what lies at the heart of the new V8 Vantage N430. Honed on the track to excel on the road, N430 – available in Coupe or Roadster form – boasts a power hike to 436 PS at 7,300 rpm that brings its output up to that of the spirited V8 Vantage S.

Aston Martin 'likes the idea of Adrian Newey doing a road car'

The whispers, suggestion, and innuendo touting a supercar project that involves some combination of Adrian Newey, Red Bull, and Aston Martin will not cease. Auto Express got comment from Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer regarding the gossip, Palmer saying, "There is rarely smoke without fire." He added that while he is on board with the idea of Newey penning something for the English carmaker, the Warwick firm is not the source of the rumors tying the two. But of course, what else would he say to the question of having perhaps the finest Formula One aerodynamicist of this generation design a coupe to wear the wings? The admission is a bit like Palmer saying he likes the idea of someone giving Aston Martin a billion dollars. He classified the situation as saying "there is no authentic program" with Newey, which sounds like official language for 'we've talked about it but there's no paper trail yet.' The project to build "an ultimate sports car" is under consideration, with designs in the works. A decision on whether to go further might come before the year is out. Or it might not. In the meantime, while we wait for the first, we'll have to do our best with the smoke and the DP-100 virtual race car that Aston Martin created for Gran Turismo 6. Related Video: