Aston Martin V8 Vantage 12k Miles Black Kestrel Tan on 2040-cars

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Aston to show $99k V8 Vantage GT, special editions in NY [w/video]

Aston Martin has never been touted for the affordability of its cars, but with its new V8 Vantage GT, it's at least taking a stab at the concept. Priced at $99,900, the company probably feels like it's giving them away. Aston Martin says its Vantage GT is inspired by its long history in motorsports. Available as either a coupe or convertible (at extra cost), the GT packs the automaker's 4.7-liter V8 pumping out 430 horsepower and 361 pound-feet of torque capable of getting it to 60 miles per hour in 4.6 seconds and to a top speed of 190 miles per hour. Buyers can choose between either a seven-speed automated manual with magnesium paddle shifters or a traditional six-speed manual. Despite the stripped-down price, buyers aren't going to be missing many amenities in the GT. It comes standard with graphite-painted alloy wheels and black trim around the headlights side windows, exhausts and taillights. An optional graphics pack recalls Aston Martin's 24 Hours of Le Mans success with contrasting colors on the grille, mirror caps, rear diffuser and – on coupes – the A-pillar. The interior gets carbon-fiber sill plates, Alcantara door panels and sport seats from the V12 Vantage S. North American sales begin in the third quarter. The other new Aston slated for reveal at this week's New York Auto Show is the DB9 Carbon Edition, which is aimed at carbon fiber lovers. It adds loads of the stuff inside and out in a traditional mix of luxury and high performance. It begins as a standard DB9 with a 6.0-liter V12 rated at 510 hp and 457 lb-ft and a six-speed automatic transmission. The big engine cruises to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and to a top speed of 183 mph. The Carbon Edition is actually separated into two different editions. Carbon Black models come in Carbon Black II exterior paint, and Carbon White models use Stratus White. Both come with a wide variety of carbon trim, including on the side strakes and taillight trim, with a black mesh grille and window trim accentuating the look. Buyers can also add an optional carbon fiber front splitter rear diffuser and mirror caps. Prices start at $199,995 and deliveries begin in the third quarter. Scroll down to get all of the details on the new Astons, and to see a Bloomberg video with Julian Jenkins, Aston Martin's president of the Americas, talking up his company's new entry-level baby. The video meant to be presented here is no longer available. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Aston Martin creates custom Vanquish series in smooth carbon

In a demonstration of just how extensively it can cater its vehicles to the customer's specific tastes, Aston Martin has done up a special series of Vanquishes at the request of an individual customer. Carried out through the Q by Aston Martin customization service, the Vanquish "One of Seven" edition is distinguished by its unique carbon-fiber bodywork. The order required Aston to develop a new manufacturing process to weave the fibers in multiple layers for a perfectly smooth finish. The resulting exposed carbon bodywork is complimented by satin black trim, custom diamond-quilted seats, and machined carbon logos, for a complete Darth Vader, murdered-out look. As the name suggests, only seven examples will be made, with the first delivered to one Markus Storck, head of high-end bicycle manufacturer Storck Bikes. The remaining examples will be delivered to "six fellow sports car aficionados." Related Video: Q BY ASTON MARTIN CREATES A UNIQUE VANQUISH COLLECTION - Seven bespoke sports cars commissioned by collector - Carbon fibre-themed personalisation pushes manufacturing boundaries - Painstaking process to design, engineer and build the luxury models 1 June, 2015, Gaydon: The Q by Aston Martin bespoke personalisation service is celebrating the fulfilment of a longstanding ambition for sports car enthusiast and businessman Markus Storck. Dr Matthew Bennett, General Manager of VIP sales and Q by Aston Martin personalisation service, delivered the first of seven uniquely built Vanquish Coupes to the German collector at an event held at the luxury marque's headquarters in Gaydon. Mr Storck, founder and head of German hi-tech bicycle manufacturer Storck Bikes, commissioned the Q by Aston Martin team to develop the special 'One of Seven' Vanquish sports cars for himself, and six fellow sports car aficionados. Boasting a broad array of bespoke features including an exclusive exterior finish that sees multiple layers of carbon fibre cleverly interwoven to a perfectly smooth finish – a result that required Aston Martin to develop an entirely new addition to its manufacturing process – the seven Vanquish are sure to become collectors' items in years to come. Matthew Bennett said: "The process of creating these sports cars has been typical of what Q by Aston Martin can deliver.

Aston GT12 Roadster is a one-off convertible from Q Division

The Aston Martin GT12 is already the most track-focused, hardcore variant in the Vantage lineup. Q by Aston Martin has made the GT12 a little more special by unveiling a one-off GT12 Roadster at the Goodwood Festival of Speed today. Thanks to a naturally-aspirated 6.0-liter V12 engine, the brute puts down 592 hp and 461 lb.-ft. of torque. And thanks to a weight savings of 330 lbs. over the road-going Vantage V12 S, it's blisteringly quick around a track. Chopping the roof off of a hardcore track car seems a little odd, but Q by Aston Martin received a request from a customer and delivered the vehicle in a nine-month period. The roadster may share a lot of the same components as the GT12 it's based off of, but it's a bespoke machine that most likely won't be repeated. While the GT12 Roadster utilizes the same V12 engine and seven-speed Sportshift transmission, changes have been made to the car's body. New carbon-fiber body panels give the GT12 Roadster a menacing look, while changes to the suspension ensure the lucky owner receives the same cornering ability as drivers in the coupe variant. Thanks to a folding fabric roof and titanium exhaust system, the GT12 Roadster's V12 will provide a marvelous soundtrack that can't be rivaled by today's turbocharged cars. Pricing for the vehicle hasn't been announced, but it's surely a lot more than the base price of roughly $343,000 for the hard top. As a one off, the GT12 Roadster will most likely be garaged for the majority of its life. However, the vehicle will make its first - and perhaps only – appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed today. Related Video: Featured Gallery Aston Marting Vantage GT12 Roadster By Q Division View 19 Photos Aston Martin Convertible Luxury Special and Limited Editions Supercars roadster vantage