2006 Aston Martin Db9 Volante Convertible 2-door V12 on 2040-cars

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Aston Martin considering US plant for DBX production

Aston Martin could be the next foreign automaker to begin production in the United States, according to the latest report from the Financial Times. The British automaker is reportedly considering a number of possibilities to handle assembly of the production version of the DBX crossover concept presented in March. Among them is the prospect of building a new plant in a Southern state like South Carolina or Tennessee, which could bring with it significant tax breaks and other incentives that would ease the process and make it financially attractive. Aston's main plant at Gaydon, UK, is reportedly nearing capacity as the company ramps up production, with a series of new models on the way. It moved production of the Rapide, its only model produced overseas, back to Gaydon in 2012 after it was initially handled off-site by Magna Steyr in Austria. That doesn't mean that the US proposal will necessary get the nod, though. Another possibility Aston is considering is taking over the former Jaguar facility at Browns Lane in nearby Coventry. The DBX concept was unveiled as an electric crossover coupe at the Geneva Motor Show last month, showing the way forward for the brand. The production version is expected to adopt a more conventional setup with four proper doors and an internal-combustion engine.

Xcar tackles winter in an Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Roadster

The Aston Martin Vantage has an unusually long history, characterized by constant improvement. It was introduced ten years ago with a V8. Two years later Aston shoehorned in its ubiquitous V12, and more than five years after that, it upped the output. All the while it's offered Roadster versions of each iteration until we ended up with the fastest convertible the company had ever made. The resulting Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Roadster will reach a highway gallop by the time you've finished pronouncing its full name, but exciting as it is, the prospect of driving a soft-top convertible channeling 565 horsepower through the rear wheels in the snow is, well... let's just say that, while such a car would be near the top of our list in most situations, it wouldn't be our first choice for winter transportation. That hasn't deterred the team at Xcar from taking on a British winter in this ludicrous drop-top. What they found was a roadster that's anything but perfect, but one they're glad exists – even if there are better choices for snowy climes.

Aston Martin crafts one-off equestrian-themed DB9 Volante

Ask most people what kind of cars Aston Martin makes and they'll probably tell you it makes sports cars. But it doesn't. No, Aston Martin actually makes luxury GTs that focus at least as much on fine craftsmanship as they do on outright performance. In other words, any Aston Martin – from the 'entry level' V8 Vantage to the flagship Vanquish – packs an unrivaled attention to detail. But for those looking for that extra measure of exclusivity and intricacy, there's Q by Aston Martin. And this is its latest project. Similar to the Ferrari Tailor Made program, Lamborghini Ad Personam, Porsche Exclusive or Rolls-Royce Bespoke, Q by Aston Martin is dedicated to meeting the specific needs of individual customers who want their luxury GT crafted just so. We've seen several specially crafted and eye-catching Q projects at auto shows around the world, created to showcase what the division can do. This one was commissioned by a dealership in Los Gatos, CA. Starting with a DB9 Volante, the Q division gave it an equestrian theme with saddle tan leather with diamond-quilted ivory Alcantara trim, light burlwood veneer, specially-embroidered horse-head logos and saddle-style luggage fitted to the rear console. The exterior is finished in Ashen Blonde metallic with ten-spoke diamond-turned wheels in satin champagne and Howlite stone-inlaid logos. This one-off DB9 will be auctioned off at the Menlo Charity Horse Show, held August 5-10 at the Menlo Circus Club in Atherton, CA, with proceeds to benefit the Vista Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired.