2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Base Convertible 2-door 4.7l on 2040-cars

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Aston Martin reveals hardcore Vantage GT3 special edition

If there are two things of which we've seen a lot in recent years, they're versions of the Aston Martin Vantage, and road-going sports cars wearing the name GT3. And you know what? We're not tired of either just yet. So we're pleased to report that the two have come together with the release of the new Aston Martin Vantage GT3. The ultimate evolution of Gaydon's nimble little sports car, the Vantage GT3 is lighter and more extreme than any version to date. Envisioned as a street-legal mid-point between Aston's successful racing cars and its coveted luxury GTs, the Vantage GT3 packs a number of key upgrades to make it lighter, more powerful and more hard-core than its stablemates. For starters, the company's ubiquitous 6.0-liter V12 has been upgraded with a new intake manifold and torque tube made from magnesium and a full titanium center-exit exhaust system. Although final figures are yet to be announced, Aston Martin figures it'll crank out around 600 metric horsepower – 592 by our standards, more than any iteration of the engine to date (including the flagship Vanquish) or any road-going Aston this side of the One-77. The other side of the power-to-weight ratio is optimized through the extensive use of carbon fiber. Aston has replaced the front fenders, hood and doors with the lightweight weave, as well as the center stack and Alcantara-trimmed racing buckets. Customers can even opt for a carbon-fiber roof and the rear glass to be replaced by plexi. The result is a projected curb weight of around 3,450 pounds, or a good 220 pounds lighter than the V12 Vantage S. A more extreme aero kit (also made of carbon, naturally) includes a splitter jutting out from under the nose and a big rear wing, and Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires sit at the edges of a wider track. Only 100 examples of the Vantage GT3 will be offered after its debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month, with deliveries slated to begin later this year as Aston prepares its next generation of Mercedes-powered sports cars. INSPIRED BY RACING: THE ASTON MARTIN VANTAGE GT3 SPECIAL EDITION - Lightweight and extreme Vantage special edition limited to 100 cars - Motorsport-derived chassis, aerodynamics and handling - Bridges the gap between road and race track driving 18 February 2015, Gaydon: Aston Martin is today revealing the first details of its most potent and uncompromising Vantage to date: the track-inspired Vantage GT3 special edition.

Petrolicious shows a 1977 Aston Martin V8 shared by a father and son

Beyond a knack for great cinematography and skilled sound mixing, Petrolicious has a sixth sense for finding beautiful classic cars that bring families together. This time, it has turned the focus on a 1977 Aston Martin V8 that started as a son's ratty ride in high school and was later wonderfully restored by his dad. Paul Kitchen grew being surrounded by his dad, Jonathan's, classic cars, and eventually wanted to get one of his own. Paul first looked at a Chevrolet Chevelle, but Jonathan pointed his son towards an Aston Martin. Now, the two of them share this beautiful V8. The real highlight of this clip is watching this wonderful coupe snake over some wet roads over the burble of its V8. While the car's overall design was clearly European, Aston's stylists definitely had a look at some American muscle cars before picking up their pens. The result was a sublime blend of James Bond and Bullitt.

Aston Martin Vulcan revealed with 7.0L V12, more than 800 hp

Herewith, Aston Martin would like you to turn your attentions to its Vulcan – in case the sound it makes or the flames it shoots weren't still on your mind. Those two sensory incitements come from Aston Martin's V12, but one that has been bored out from the usual 5.9 liters to 7.0 liters. We haven't been granted a precise horsepower figure yet, but it's quoted as being more than 800. That heart lies just in front of a carbon fiber monocoque and is wrapped in a carbon fiber body, those bits assembled by company motorsports partner Multimatic – the same Canada-based Multimatic that will be fashioning the body for the coming Ford GT. This is an FIA-approved treat for the track only, so it's got a pushrod suspension with adjustable dampers and anti-roll bars, a six-speed sequential transmission, carbon ceramic discs and adjustable anti-lock brakes with Brembo calipers, and adjustable traction control. The 19-inch wheels in back rest on 345-section Michelin tires. The bad news: there will only be 24 of them, so if you want one you should get on the phone this instant. If you can get your name added to the list, you might also wish to sign up for the racing development program offered with it. Factory pilot Darren Turner, he with two GT1 class win for Aston Martin Racing in 2007 and 2008, will "support owners on their learning journey" as they are coached at tracks around the world. Vulcan owners will get classroom lessons on top of practical instruction in wares including the V12 Vantage S and One-77 as they work their way up to getting the most out of their Vulcan. On top of that, they can book time in Turner's Base Performance Simulators for virtual driving time. Or for the money all of this is sure to cost, they could just have a simulator installed in one of their Mediterranean lake homes. For the rest of us, the Vulcan contains design cues we'll see in future Aston Martins. We could know more about that, and its specs, when it's unveiled next week at the Geneva Motor Show. There's a press release below for now. ON TRACK FOR GLORY: ASTON MARTIN VULCAN PREPARES FOR TAKE-OFF - Geneva global reveal for limited edition, track-only, 7.0-litre V12 supercar - Motorsport-developed technology for extreme on-track performance - Expert tuition, technical support and experience programme for owners 25 February 2015, Gaydon: Introducing the Aston Martin Vulcan – a track-only supercar and the British luxury brand's most intense and exhilarating creation to date.