2010 Sportec SPR1R


Sportec has released the images and details of the new 2010 Sportec SPR1R Porsche 911 which will be premiered at the Salon Prive 2010.

The Sportec Porsche 911 SPR1R comes with titanium connection rods, a flat carbon fibre under floor, active suspension and F1 style ceramic brake discs as well as composite (carbon / Kevlar) body panels, forged alloy wheels and an integrated safety cage.

The new Sportec SPR1R makes the 0 to 60 mph sprint in 3 seconds and top speed remains at 236 mph. The SPR1R also comes with a driver adjustable traction control system, managed via a touch screen mounted in the center console. This unit also doubles as a vehicle data logger and lap timer, which also allows owners to monitor key engine data in real time.

Dubbed the SPR1R, the car features composite (carbon / Kevlar) body panels, a flat carbon fiber under floor, an active suspension, carbon ceramic brakes, and a roll cage. While this is all standard on the SPR1 M, the SPR1R weighs 50 kilograms (110 pounds) less and has an adjustable traction control system (which doubles as a data logger and lap timer).

As for the styling, SPR1R comes with lightweight 20 inch forged alloy wheels and a carbon fibre rear wing, while the interior is covered in leather and alcantara.


Sportec SPR1R Porsche 911 Sportec SPR1R Porsche 911


Press Release

SPORTEC RETURNS TO SALON PRIVÉ EVENT WITH IMPROVED SPR1R SUPERCAR

Having stunned the motoring press and Salon Privé show goers last year with the UK premier of the SPR1, SPORTEC is set to debut a new, faster, lighter and improved version of the Swiss built supercar at this year's event - the SPR1R.

Conceived, designed and constructed in Switzerland by SPORTEC's technical team, the new version of the SPR1 offers unrivalled supercar performance and exclusivity, carrying over the 858PS bi-turbo, 3.6-litre, 24-valve, flat six T80M engine and permanent four wheel drive of the previous version.

Likewise the SPORTEC SPR1R's specification includes the titanium connecting rods, a flat carbon fibre under floor, active suspension and F1 style ceramic brake discs of other SPR1 models, while the use of composite (carbon / Kevlar) body panels, forged alloy wheels, an integrated safety cage and ceramic brake discs allows the SPR1 to be lighter, safer and more dynamic than other cars in its class.

For 2010, the SPR1R boasts a number of detail improvements. Firstly, by concentrating on weight reduction across a variety of key components, SPORTEC's technicians have managed to reduce the weight of the SPR1R by 50 kilograms, to a total of 1295 kilos.

This development makes the SPR1R one of the lightest supercars on the market (a Bugatti Veyron weighs 1990 kilos for comparison) and enhances the SPR1R's power to weight ratio to a staggering 655 bhp per ton.

In addition, SPORTEC has added a driver adjustable traction control system, managed via a touch screen mounted in the centre console. This unit also doubles as a vehicle data logger and lap timer, which also allows owners to monitor key engine data in real time.

These combined improvements have yielded considerable performance benefits. While the 0-62mph (100kmh) time is unchanged at 3.0 seconds, the 300 kmh (186mph) increment arrives 0.9 seconds quicker than previously, highlighting the effectiveness of the changes. The quoted top speed of more than 236mph remains unaltered

Available in a choice of colours, the SPR1R boasts a number of exclusive SPORTEC styling and interior touches, including lightweight 20 inch forged alloy wheels, a carbon fibre rear wing and leather / alcantara interior.

Subtle, exclusive yet very useable and designed to deliver unrivalled performance, the 2010 SPR1R is designed to stay ahead of the supercar competition.

APS of Brackley is the UK concession for SPORTEC, and APS / SPORTEC is delighted that the 2010 SPR1R will be making its British debut at the prestigious Salon Privé show at London's Hurlingham club, between 21st-23rd July.

2010 MY SPORTEC SPR1R Technical Data

Engine type Six cylinder boxer engine
Displacement 3600cc
Bore/stroke 100 x 76.4mm
Compression ratio 9.0:1
Power output 858PS @ 8200rpm
Torque output 642lb.ft @ 4800rpm
Engine management Bosch ME 7.8 SPORTEC MFC G4.0
Fuel quality 98 RON unleaded
Idle speed 820rpm
Max engine speed 1st gear 8700rpm

2nd-5th gear 8500rpm

6th gear 8200rpm

Emissions standard Euro IV

Transmission

Six-speed manual, four wheel drive

Gear ratios:
1st 3.82
2nd 2.05
3rd 1.41
4th 1.12
5th 0.92
6th 0.75
Reverse gear 2.86
Final drive ratio 3.44
Speed at 1000rpm in 6th gear 30.76mph
Clutch disc diameter 240mm

Chassis
Front axle Light alloy links with McPherson struts, uniball top mounts
Rear axle Multi link suspension, uniball top mounts
Steering Electric power steering
Steering ratio 1:16.9
Steering from lock to lock 2.98
Brakes Front: 8 piston light alloy calliper
Rear: 4 piston light alloy calliper

Brake discs Front: Cross drilled and ventilated ceramic 380 x 34mm discs
Rear: Cross drilled and ventilated ceramic 322 x 28mm discs
Wheels Front: 9J x 20 inch 30mm offset
Rear: 12.5J x 20 inch 40mm offset
Tyres Front: 255/30 R20 92Y XL

Rear: 345/25 R20 100Y

Weights

Kerb weight (DIN)* 1295 KG
Front / rear weight distribution 40/60

*Depending on equipment

Dimensions
Length 4467mm
Width 1878mm
Height 1275mm
Wheelbase 2350mm
Track front: 1550mm

Rear: 1564mm
Fuel capacity 64 litres

Performance
Maximum speed Over 236mph (380kmh)
Acceleration:
0-100kmh (62 mph) 3.0 seconds
0-200kmh (124mph) 8.6 seconds
0-300kmh (186mph) 18.9 seconds
Power to weight ratio 655 bhp per ton
Bhp per litre 238


Pogea Racing - Fiat 500 Ferrari Edition


Pogea Racing has released an incredible upgrade package for the special edition Fiat 500 Abarth 595 Ferrari that includes both performance and styling enhancements.

Pogea Racing believes the standard 180 hp of the special edition model is not enough, so they gave it another 100 hp. This means the total output of the Pogea Fiat 500 Ferrari gets up to 268PS and 330 Nm of torque. In a car this size, with front-wheel-drive, getting so close to 300 hp is pure madness.

The standard Fiat 500 Ferrari Dealers Edition makes a respectable 164-hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. Pogea Racing decided to take it a step further and added larger stainless steel exhaust system, modified downpipe, and a new catalytic converter. All those modifications allow for a total of 264-hp and a maximum torque of 243 lb-ft. For stopping power Pogea Racing upgraded the OEM brakes with their 4-piston brake assembly.

To add cooling to both the intake air, and to lower the combustion temperature, a modified Intake cooling system was created. A center-mount, larger, more efficient intercooler replaces the two smaller original intercoolers. Additional air is being pumped into the engine compartment to cool the accessories via the carbon fiber parts of the Assetto Corse. Fuel injection is optimized by changing fuel pressure valves and using upgraded Bosch fuel injectors.

With the added power comes upgraded four-piston caliper brakes.  Options available include an upgrade suspension, unspecified carbon fiber parts, and leather upholstery.  Taking a cue from the Ferrari 430 Scuderia, the car appears to be painted in the same Scuderia Red with grey race stripes around the venting on the hood.  Pricing on the Pogea Racing 500 package begins at €3400.


Pogea Fiat 500 Ferrari Pogea Fiat 500 Ferrari Pogea Fiat 500 Ferrari Pogea Fiat 500 Ferrari Pogea Fiat 500 Ferrari Pogea Fiat 500 Ferrari Pogea Fiat 500 Ferrari Pogea Fiat 500 Ferrari Pogea Fiat 500 Ferrari Pogea Fiat 500 Ferrari Pogea Fiat 500 Ferrari Pogea Fiat 500 Ferrari


Press Release

The mighty Italian - Fiat 500 FERRARI DEALERS EDITION with 268 PS


When there is a new project at Pogea Racing, one can be absolutely sure that everything is well studied to the smallest detail.

The hardest part of the development process was to avoid using a separate Tuning Box Unit. Unlike other "tuners", Pogea Racing starts with the OEM ECU of the Fiat 500 Abarth, instead of relying on a separate controller unit. Pogea Racing develops the software data to work directly with the vehicle's ECU. This assures that instructions that are sent from the ECU direct all normal functions of the car properly. An auxiliary unit cannot control all functions, and will ignore the vehicle's ECU's commands. Herein lies the principal difference between Pogea Racing's development and other Tuners.

Pogea Racing chose a very rare model, the Fiat 500 FERRARI DEALERS EDITION of Abarth. The standard engine is already relatively strong, coming with 165PS and 230Nm. Pogea Racing increases the performance of the small Italian model by adding 100hp on top of the standard engine, producing 268PS and 330 Nm total power. The Pogea Racing model was also measured and developed on one of the most modern all-wheel drive dynamometers. To get this power out of the mighty Italian car, they changed the exhaust system and replaced it with a larger stainless steel exhaust system, modified downpipe, and a new catalytic converter. The tailpipes can be chosen by the customer from many available Designs.

Power comes from the new hybrid turbocharger from Pogea Racing. Currently, there are two turbocharger variants that the customer can choose from. To add cooling to both the intake air, and to lower the combustion temperature, a modified Intake cooling system was created. A center-mount, larger, more efficient intercooler replaces the two smaller original intercoolers. Additional air is being pumped into the engine compartment to cool the accessories via the carbon fiber parts of the Assetto Corse. Fuel injection is optimized by changing fuel pressure valves and using upgraded Bosch fuel injectors.

For increased stopping power Pogea Racing upgraded the OEM Brake system with their 4-piston brake assembly. This detail is very important to Pogea Racing, and they developed a brake system with identical weight to the OEM brake system, but about 1,8m reduced braking distance when compared to the OEM brakes. You can round up the entire kit with TÜV Approval and with an optional warranty for engine, turbo, and transmission. Pogea Racing completes its tuning work exclusively at their headquarters in the center at the Bodensee.

Apart from the performance cure Pogea Racing also offers Assetto Corse Parts as legal TÜV Approved Parts dealer in Germany for the current models. The parts come directly from the factory in Italy. So now your Fiat can become optically at least a large Ferraristi, or even an image of the 100 PS Assetto Corse. Pogea Racing has other services; leather work, individual suspension systems, and carbon fiber parts can also be part of your individualization. Now there is one tuning company which makes just about everything for your little Italian. Prices for the smallest Change begin at 3400€.

2010 Volkswagen Golf R Bull


The all-wheel drive Volkswagen Golf R is by no means a slow car, with a claimed 0 – 100 km/h time of 5.5 seconds for the DSG equipped car and a top speed of 250 km/h. However, the folks over at German tuning firm Sport-Wheels, have decided to further enhance the performance credentials of Wolfsburg’s hot hatch.

The upgrade can also be fitted on DSG equipped models. The Volkswagen Golf R Bull comes from updated engine electronics, a special and hand-made exhaust system, a downpipe starting from turbo inclusive 200 cells Kats and 83 mm in diameter mufflers. The new mufflers of the Volkswagen Golf R Bull are covered in carbon fiber.

The standard 270 hp turbocharged four-banger engine of the R has been modified with an optimized control electronics and hand-made exhaust system to generate 330 hp and 450 Nm of torque.

Starting with the optical features the Sport-Wheels VW Golf VI R comes with 20 inch lightweight OZ-rims Ultraleggera HLT wrapped in high speed tires, race inspired graphics covering the sides, the front bonnet and the roof, and a hand made exhaust system that are 83 mm in diameter and are covered with carbon.


Volkswagen Golf R Bull Volkswagen Golf R Bull Volkswagen Golf R Bull Volkswagen Golf R Bull Volkswagen Golf R Bull Volkswagen Golf R Bull Volkswagen Golf R Bull Volkswagen Golf R Bull Volkswagen Golf R Bull


Press Release

THE BULL - Golf VI R with 330 HP from Sport-Wheels


Sport-Wheels from Hürth near cologne presents racing atmosphere in XXL-format.

The tuner gives to the Golf R a strongpower increase and performance without delimitations.After the increase in efficiency the two-litre engine TSI with DSG transmission supplies 330 HP and 450 Nm instead of standard 270 HP and 350 Nm.
Responsible for this are the optimized control electronics (799 euros), connected with a special and hand-made exhaust system (starting from 1,950 euros) equipped with Downpipe starting from turbo inclusive 200 cells Kats with final pipes in 83 mm in diameter, which are covered up with carbon.
As chassis solution Sport-Wheels offers springs for lower setting and high-grade steel thread chassis (variant 3 Inox LINE starting from 1,549 euros) of KW, which are steplessly adjustable in course and compression phase.

The road is contacted now by extremely easy 20 inch tires. Despite the blocked OZ-rims Ultraleggera HLT in 8,5x20 inch with high speed tires of size 235/30 20 is those wheel/tire combination altogether 12 kilograms easier than the series (19 inch).
There is the complete wheel set with Sport-Wheels depending upon tire mark in flat black or silver starting from 2.849 euro as shown with special lacquer finish in red and front surface in car color starting from 4.039 euros.

The Tuning program is rounded off from Sport-Wheels with a special reflex foil of the partner company CoverEFX from Erftstadt, which can be bought for 350 euros.

Smart fortwo ICE special edition revealed


The British division of smart has just announced the launch of a new special edition fortwo model that “sounds as good as it looks.” Dubbed smart fortwo ICE edition, The Smart ForTwo ICE comes with a deep black exterior paint finish and a black carbon fiber finish tridion safety cell.

The new Smart ForTwo ICE edition is the first UK created special model to be released this year. Only 200 units of the Smart ForTwo ICE are going into production so you’d best be quick if you fancy getting your hands on one.

The interior of the Smart ForTwo ICE features the latest Pioneer audio and navigation technology including the AVIC-F920BT Navgate package that has a two-way speaker system and an active subwoofer. The multimedia system of the Smart ForTwo ICE can playback sound from either iPod, iPhone or MP3 player. It's also equipped with a touch-screen display that lets you control the playback device.

Standard equipment includes 15-inch BRABUS Monoblock VII alloy wheels, panoramic roof, black leather heated seats, leather optic dashboard, 3-spoke leather steering wheel, air conditioning, electric windows, lockable glove compartment and dashboard mounted clock and rev counter. You also get an ECO Graph package to analyse your driving performance too.

Its Navgate system also offers information about traffic jams and accidents as well as highlighting more than six million points of interest in 44 countries. Customers can also get a new ECO Graph package to analyze their driving performance.

The Smart ForTwo ICE prices tarts at 10,495 BGP for the petrol version and only 140 units will be offered while the diesel models will go on sale starting at 11,245 GBP and in this case the manufacturer will offer only 60 exemplars.


Smart ForTwo ICE Smart ForTwo ICE Smart ForTwo ICE Smart ForTwo ICE Smart ForTwo ICE




Press release

The smart fortwo ICE edition is the height of automotive cool and is a car that genuinely sounds as good as it looks.

The stunning special edition model, available in striking deep black with black carbon fibre
finish tridion safety cell, takes in-car entertainment in the smart range to an even higher dimension by featuring the very latest Pioneer audio and navigation technology.

smart and Pioneer collaborated to ensure the state-of-the-art AVIC-F920BT Navgate package - incorporating a two-way speaker system and active subwoofer - could be seamlessly custom-fitted into the soundproofed spaces occupied by the factory-supplied audio equipment. And with its supremely rich sound reproduction, the result is music to the ears of would-be owners, who can listen to their favourite tunes via their iPod, iPhone or MP3 player.

A user-friendly touch-screen displays album artwork and enables customers to scroll through their music collection with ease.

Drivers can also select tracks according to their mood or journey via Pioneer’s innovative MusicSphere technology. Categorised by tempo, rhythm, vocal and pitch, it can create up to 40 different playlists from an iTunes library that can then be accessed using a dedicated interactive 3D sphere interface.

In addition to its hands-free Bluetooth capability, the ICE edition’s Navgate unit is streets ahead when it comes to navigation – issuing pre-warnings about traffic jams and accidents as well as highlighting more than six million points of interest in 44 countries, such as cash machines or petrol stations.

Owners can use the system’s ECO Graph package to analyse their driving performance too. It reveals how efficiently and economically they are driving by displaying the smart’s fuel usage as well as its CO2 emissions.

Big on technology, the smart fortwo ICE edition boasts a specification to match. Its striking black exterior is complemented by 15-inch BRABUS Monoblock VII alloy wheels and panoramic roof.

The smart’s interior is equally impressive, with black leather heated seats, leather optic upper dashboard and 3-spoke leather sports steering wheel with steering wheel gear shift amongst its luxury appointments. Its extensive specification also includes a lockable glove compartment, air conditioning, electric windows and dashboard-mounted clock and rev counter.

Only 200 smart fortwo ICE edition models will be available for purchase in the UK. There will be 140 micro hybrid drive petrol versions priced from £10,495 on-the-road as well as 60 diesels, which will cost £11,245.

2010 Seat Ibiza Good Stuff Special Edition


Seat has released a new special edition Ibiza in partnership with Shakira, the name of this special edition is given after Shakira’s forthcoming Good Stuff European tour.

The Ibiza GS features a Candy White or Speed Blue exterior, 16-inch ‘Sonda' alloy wheels, and tinted rear windows. Other goodies include TomTom satellite navigation, an 8GB iPod Nano, a Bluetooth hands-free phone system, automatic climate control, power windows and mirrors, and a six-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system.

The Seat Ibiza Good Stuff engines powered by 1.4-litre 16V petrol engine matched to a five-speed manual gearbox and returning 85PS at 5,000rpm. The sports coupe version is capable of 0-62mph in 11.8 seconds and a top speed of 110mph.
The five-door model takes 12.2 seconds to reach 62mph from standing and has a top speed of 109mph. Fuel consumption is recorded at 47.1mpg and CO2 emissions are as low as 142g/km in the five-door Ibiza.

The Seat Ibiza Good Stuff interior comes with cornering function, one touch electric windows, height and reach adjustable steering wheel, MP3 compatible AM/FM radio/CD player with combined USB and AUX in port, trip computer and speed sensitive electro mechanical power steering.

Prices start at £12,300 RRP (£12,710 RRP for the 5dr).


Shakira edition SEAT Ibiza Shakira edition SEAT Ibiza Shakira edition SEAT Ibiza Shakira edition SEAT Ibiza Shakira edition SEAT Ibiza Shakira edition SEAT Ibiza Shakira edition SEAT Ibiza Shakira edition SEAT Ibiza Shakira edition SEAT Ibiza Shakira edition SEAT Ibiza Shakira edition SEAT Ibiza Shakira edition SEAT Ibiza


Press Release

SEAT'S LATEST SPECIAL EDITION HAS STAR QUALITY


SEAT is celebrating its partnership with Columbian pop sensation Shakira with the debut in UK showrooms of a special edition SEAT Ibiza that's packed with ‘good stuff'.

The new Ibiza Good Stuff is based on the popular Ibiza 1.4 SE, available in both practical 5dr and sporty SC bodystyles, and boasts a sparkling array of neat extras for its bargain £12,300 RRP (£12,710 RRP for the 5dr).

It has been named in recognition of SEAT's sponsorship of Shakira's forthcoming Good Stuff European tour and is available in a selection of smart paint shades including Candy White and Speed Blue.

As befits its moniker, the Ibiza Good Stuff adds a great selection of state-of-the-art extras including a TomTom satnav system and unique SEAT dashboard dock and cradle, black iPod Nano 8GB complete with etched SEAT logo and SEAT branded content, iPod cradle and charger, and Bluetooth hands-free phone system.

On top of this, Good Stuff buyers can look forward to keeping cool this summer thanks to the special edition's climate control system, and looking cool behind the wheel courtesy of the car's 16" ‘Sonda' alloys and dark tinted rear windows.

Of course there's much more to the car than this, as the extras add to the Ibiza's already generous SE spec which includes, as standard, the likes of electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, front fog lights with cornering function, one-touch electric windows, height and reach adjustable steering wheel, six-speaker MP3 compatible AM/FM radio/CD player with combined USB and AUX-in port, trip computer and speed-sensitive electro-mechanical power steering.

Beneath the bonnet lies a newly EU V-compliant 1.4-litre 16V petrol engine driving the front wheels through a crisp five-speed manual gearbox. Offering 85 PS at 5,000 rpm, the engine carries the SEAT from rest to 62 mph in a sprightly 11.8 seconds (12.2 seconds 5dr) and offers a top speed, where legal, of 110 mph (109 mph 5dr). CO2 emissions stand at 142 g/km and, on the combined cycle, the Ibiza Good Stuff's official consumption is put at a frugal 47.1 mpg.

The car's name is taken from one of the tracks on Shakira's latest album, She Wolf, and reflects SEAT's ongoing association with the singer from northern Columbian city of Barranquilla.

Aside from the tour sponsorship and multimedia advertising campaign around the Good Stuff model, SEAT is also actively supporting Shakira's work with the Barefoot Foundation - the charity the singer set up when she was just 18 with the aim of making education for children universally available.

Welcoming the showroom debut of the new car, SEAT UK Ibiza Product Manager Andy McGregor said: ‘Adding these great features to the already generously-specified Ibiza creates a smart, sporty and brilliantly well-equipped supermini.

‘Our dealers nationwide are already seeing a massive interest in the new model as TV, press and internet advertising campaigns highlight its availability here.'

Preview: 2011 Aston Martin DB9


Aston Martin is set to start deliveries of its new DB9 model next month after the highly desirable car received its most significant upgrade since its world debut in 2003.

The exterior styling changes of the 2011 Aston Martin DB9
include a new front bumper, bright finish radiator grille and a reshaped lower intake. The can also comes with new headlight bezels and clear rear light lenses, new sills, silver brake calipers, 20-spoke alloy wheels.

There’s a new front bumper and the grill gets a bit of sparkle. The lower intake gets a re-shape and a bit of bright hexagonal mesh and there’s new headlight bexels. The sills get a re-shape, there’s new alloys, silver brake callipers and clear light lenses. And that’s it. As we said – new makeup, not a stretched and manic looking Florida facelift.

The Aston Martin DB9 is available as either Coupe or Volante (convertible) with rear mid-mounted six-speed manual gearbox as standard or optional ‘Touchtronic 2’ six-speed automatic transmission. Production of the revised DB9 is already underway, with deliveries commencing in July. Prices start from £122,445 for the DB9 Coupe and £131,445 for the DB9 Volante.


2011 Aston Martin DB9 2011 Aston Martin DB9 2011 Aston Martin DB9 2011 Aston Martin DB9 2011 Aston Martin DB9 2011 Aston Martin DB9 2011 Aston Martin DB9


Press Release

In the most significant programme of upgrades since its world debut in 2003, Aston Martin DB9 range has received a complete package of styling, engineering and equipment enhancements.

As the most successful Aston Martin of all-time (an honour it shares with the V8 Vantage) the DB9 has established itself as the definitive grand tourer, thanks to an enduring combination of understated elegance, sporting character and genuine luxury.

For Dr Ulrich Bez, Aston Martin's Chief Executive, the Aston Martin DB9 remains a very special car: "The DB9 is the quintessential sporting grand tourer and offers an unrivalled combination of driver involvement, character, luxury and refinement. This car combines our unique Aston Martin character with an uncompromised design philosophy, craftsmanship and trademark Aston Martin performance ability."

This new package of improvements compliments these core qualities perfectly. Subtle styling changes freshen the Aston Martin DB9's appearance, with a new front bumper, bright finish radiator grille and a re-shaped lower intake featuring bright hexagonal mesh. New headlight bezels, re-styled sills, silver brake calipers, 20-spoke diamond turned alloy wheels and clear rear light lenses complete the external revisions.

Under the skin the Aston Martin DB9's passive damping system has been replaced by a new Adaptive Damping System (ADS), which offers enhanced ride comfort together with sharper handling when switched to Sport mode. The ADS system is offered as standard equipment across the Aston Martin DB9 range, encompassing both Coupe and Volante (convertible). A new tyre pressure monitoring system, a revised Bluetooth microphone system and the addition of a new Double Apex alloy finish trim and Bang & Olufsen hi-fi options broaden the Aston Martin DB9's specification.

Aston Martin's Product Development Director, Ian Minards, explains that it is all part of an ongoing commitment to continual improvement: "The Aston Martin DB9 was the first car built at Gaydon adopting the VH architecture. It has evolved every year since, with significant changes including a power upgrade and successive reductions in CO2 emissions. The latest package of improvements goes further than ever, highlighting the Aston Martin DB9's qualities as a true sporting GT and underlining its role as the backbone car of our range."

The Aston Martin DB9 is available as either Coupe or Volante (convertible) with rear mid-mounted six-speed manual gearbox as standard or optional 'Touchtronic 2' six-speed automatic transmission. Production of the revised Aston Martin DB9 is already underway, with deliveries commencing in July. Prices start from £122,445 for the Aston Martin DB9 Coupe and £131,445 for the Aston Martin DB9 Volante.

Background

The introduction of the DB9 marked the beginning of Aston Martin's 21st Century renaissance. The first new model to be built at Aston Martin's headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire, and the first to be built around Aston Martin's rigid, lightweight, bonded aluminium VH architecture; the Aston Martin DB9 was an immediate and unparalleled success, setting a new tone for Aston Martins of the future.

Since its launch in 2003 some 12,500 DB9s have been produced and delivered to customers in 34 countries. This establishes it as the most successful Aston Martin model of all-time (jointly with the V8 Vantage), surpassing total sales of the DB7. Current Aston Martin DB9 production volume is around 1,500 cars per year.

Engineering

Since the DB9's introduction Aston Martin has demonstrated the versatility of the VH architecture by developing the Vantage, DBS and Rapide model ranges. In the process Aston Martin's engineers have gained an increasingly detailed understanding of the VH platform, which in turn has led to the constant improvement and evolution of existing established models.

In this latest package of improvements for Aston Martin DB9, hardware changes focus on the chassis, featuring a standard Adaptive Damping System (ADS) which offers a system constantly evaluating the optimum damper condition, similar to that seen on the DBS and Rapide models. Controlled by a button on the centre console, the two-stage adaptive dampers can be switched between their default mode, which is optimised for ride comfort, and a firmer sport mode, which delivers tighter body control and a more responsive feel. Such is the success of the Aston Martin DB9's new damping system that the DB9 Sport Pack upgrade has now been discontinued. However a Sport design alloy wheel is available as an option.

Performance comes courtesy of Aston Martin's celebrated 6.0-litre V12 engine, which develops an unchanged 470bhp and 442lb ft of torque. Mated to a choice of six-speed 'Touchtronic' paddle-shift automatic or six-speed H-pattern manual transmissions, the Aston Martin DB9 offers an intoxicating blend of effortless pace and sporting character. A top speed of 190mph and the ability to hit 60mph in just 4.6sec seal its credentials as the definitive 2+2 Grand Tourer.

Design

Improving upon what many consider to be one of the most beautiful cars in the world is a delicate exercise. According to Aston Martin's Director of Design, Marek Reichman, subtlety and fine attention to detail is the key: "The beauty of an Aston Martin comes from harmonious proportions, a ground-hugging stance, taut surfacing and a complete and thorough attention to detail. The Aston Martin DB9 epitomises these qualities; it is beautiful but subtle - not attention seeking."

At the front a new bumper is the main change, with a re-shaped lower intake featuring hexagonal mesh to compliment the new bright finish radiator grille. New headlamp bezels complete the fresh nose treatment. In profile the Aston Martin DB9's sill has also been changed, with a more prominent 'hockey stick' curve ahead of the rear wheels. Marek Reichman explains: "The DB9 remains one of the world's most beautiful sports cars and is instantly recognisable as an Aston Martin; the changes we have introduced here modernise the Aston Martin DB9 to keep it at the forefront of automotive design."

Other changes include silver brake calipers, 20-spoke diamond turned alloy wheels as standard, together with new design option wheels and a bright finish grille. Clear rear light lenses are also standard. Inside Double Apex alloy finish is now added to the list of options, along with the exceptional BeoSound audio system from Bang & Olufsen.

Motorsport

Mirroring the Aston Martin DB9's road-going success, Aston Martin Racing's DBR9 and DBRS9 endurance racers have proved hugely successful on racetracks around the world. With a total of some 20 DBR9 and 30 DBRS9s built and delivered to customer teams around the world, Aston Martins have consistently scored victories in a host of national and international championships.

Since winning on its race debut, at Sebring in 2005, the DBR9 has been established as a constant and hugely competitive car in the GT1 category, scoring back-to-back class victories at the greatest 24-hour race of them all - Le Mans - in 2007 and 2008.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...