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Aston Martin V8 Vantage N430 is the V8 Vantage's hardcore cousin [w/video]

Aston Martin's racy Vantage N430 made its auto show debut, popping onto the show floor of Geneva's Palexpo for the world's media. The lightweight, hardcore version of the V8 Vantage now boasts 430 horsepower (as indicated by its name) from a 4.7-liter V8. A retuned exhaust should add to this engine's already sonorous belching. 60 miles per hour arrives in 4.6 seconds while the N430 tops out at 190 mph. A six-speed manual is standard, while a seven-speed Sportshift II automatic is optional. The N430 is available in both coupe and convertible variants, but regardless of which body style you choose, you'll be getting weight-saving carbon-kevlar seats and lightweight, ten-spoke wheels. That doesn't mean the N430 lacks luxuries, though. Aston Martin will happily fit a 1,000-watt Bang and Olufsen stereo and the choice of either carbon-fiber or piano black interior trims. Take a look above for our entire batch of live photos of the new N430, and then scroll down for a promo video, official photos and the press release from Aston Martin. 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. Ian Minards, Director of Product Development at Aston Martin, said of the new car: "N430 is all about bringing track-honed excitement to the road in an accessible, emotionally engaging, and authentically 'analogue' way.

$1.3B worth of classic cars were auctioned in 2014

The collector auto market in the US just continues to expand with the values of vehicles seemingly only growing in the past years, especially if they have a prancing horse on the hood. This year was no different. According to data compiled by classic car insurance agency Hagerty, there were about $1.3 billion worth of vintage rides auctioned in North America in 2014, up just slightly from $1.2 billion crossing the block in 2013. If you want an idea of just how big a role the Monterey Car Week plays in the North American collector hobby, Hagerty's stats illustrate it perfectly. The company recorded $430 million in auction sales during the week – about a third of the entire market for the year. The event also hosted the biggest seller of 2014 when the hammer fell on a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO (pictured above) for $38.115 million at Bonhams. In fact, vintage Ferraris in general were among the top buys in the classic auto world in 2014. Eight of the ten most expensive vehicles sold at auction were Prancing Horses (the other two were Ford GT40s). Also, the insurance company's price index for these Italian stallions showed a 43-percent gain in value for the year. The market for another Italian supercar is exploding, as well. The Lamborghini Countach showed a staggering 175-percent growth in auction value in 2014. According to Hagerty, the average price when they crossed the block was $736,599. Judging by Hagerty's numbers, there were still some places to look for those hoping to spend a bit less money. The Aston Martin Lagonda showed a strong gain in value with a 32-percent increase in auction price, but they still averaged $47,078. In addition, the company's index for '50s American cars showed only one-percent growth for these classics. These huge leaps in collector car value might be winding down, according to Hagerty. It predicts growth in the market to slow to an estimated five percent gain in 2015. Maybe a few of these classics might actually become a bit more affordable to fans without such deep pockets sometime in the future. Featured Gallery Bonhams Maranello Rosso Collection: Monterey 2014 View 21 Photos News Source: HagertyImage Credit: Copyright 2014 Drew Phillips / AOL Aston Martin Ferrari Lamborghini Auctions Car Buying Performance Classics aston martin lagonda ferrari 250 gto Lamborghini Countach collector cars 1962 ferrari 250 gto auto auction

Paul McCartney's Aston sells for $1.8M; Ringo Starr's old Mini goes to a Spice Girl

The Bonhams Bond Street auction in London was the place to be for fans of both The Beatles and automobiles as two cars once owned by former members of the band were up for auction. The first was an Aston Martin DB5 owned by Paul McCartney, and the second was a Mini Cooper owned by Ringo Starr. Both went for substantial sums, and the Mini went to an interesting owner. The Aston brought the big bucks, or pounds, since it was a British auction. The final price with premium was barely over $1.8 million, which fell smack in the middle of Bonham's estimate. It's an impressive price on its own, but more so when compared with its sale back in 2012. Back then it was painted in the same blue it had originally, and it only sold for $495,000, making this new sale more than three times higher. View 22 Photos The Mini went for much less, at just under $137,000 with premium. But the car went to an interesting owner, Geri Horner, nee Hollowell, whom you may know better as Ginger Spice of the Spice Girls. The Mini itself is interesting, too. Each of The Beatles owned a classic Mini at some point, but Ringo Starr's was unique because the flip-down tailgate was converted to a modern-style lift-up hatch incorporating the rear window. Reportedly the reason was so Starr could easily fit his drum kit in the back. It also featured a custom grille, driving lights, hood vents, and soft sunroof among other things. It even appeared on " Top Gear" in 2001. And before we forget, McCartney's DB5 also has " Top Gear" history in that it was owned by former host, Chris Evans. Related Video: Featured Gallery 1964 Aston Martin DB5 owned by Paul McCartney View 13 Photos Image Credit: Bonhams Celebrities Aston Martin MINI Auctions Coupe Hatchback Classics aston martin db5 the beatles