aston martin considering its straight six options db7 to follow picture
Aston Martin may be making headlines with their new Virage powered by the company’s 490hp V12 engine, but back at the headquarters, execs are talking about the return of a specific engine used back in their heyday. The future generation of Aston Martin sports cars may come packing the classic ’straight six’ engine configuration that dominated Aston Martin during the time of the DB7.
Aston Martin’s chief exec, Dr Ulrich Bez, said that the company is already preparing an inline engine of "around 2.5 liter capacity with direct injection and turbocharging." If this kind of engine is used, the models featuring it will be built on the same VH platform that underpins all its current models: "And of course a straight six will fit, because we can already get the V12s in."
The DB7 was actually the last Aston Martin to carry the straight six configuration, so we’re wondering if this particular badge will make a comeback in the next five years. There’s not really much to go on to make an accurate prediction, but considering the Aston Martin DB7 was the highest production Aston Martin model ever, we think bringing it back may not be such a bad idea.
Ever wonder what your pizza man does with that big tip you give him? I doubt too many buy a Aston Martin DB7 Vantage. Then again, this is more likely your stock broker’s new career.
So next time your pizza man shows up in a designer suit, take a peek at what he’s driving.
German tuning firm Wheelsandmore is back with another program only a week removed from presenting its newest project for the Lamborghini Aventador.
This time around, Wheelsandmore is going for a decidedly British flavor: the Aston Martin DBS. Mind you, it’s not your typical DBS, although "typical" and "DBS" should never be used in the same sentence anyway. The project at hand is for the Carbon Edition.
Wheelsandmore built up a program for this exclusive supercar and managed to smack another one out of the park. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much attention paid to dressing up the DBS Carbon Edition, sans the addition of 21-inch 6Sporz² wheels in one of two different finishes — carbon-fiber effect or carbon-fiber effect with a red a trim — wrapped in Continental Sport Contact 5P tires.
Wheelsandmore added in a new suspension module that dropped the DBS Carbon Edition by 25 mm (0.98 inches), which further enhanced the handling and appearance of the supercar. Finally, and most importantly, Wheelsandmore pumped up the DBS Carbon Edition’s output with the addition of its new CRP kit. This kit added an extra 40 horsepower to the British exotic’s 517-horsepower output, netting a total of 557 horsepower.
source topspeed
Unless you were living under a rock, you would know that nearly half of Aston Martin’s stake now belongs to former Ducat i owner Invest-industrial. Good to know that Aston Martin can still live to see the future.
But, like every acquisition, it does bring along changes, and Ducat i past could influence one of them.
Ducat i once collaborated with Mercedes MAG to create and market a special-edition Mercedes SLK55 MAG. It was said that Invest-industrial saw more potential and a better future using MAG engines and transmission systems. Can we blame them? They’re in fact one of the best engine makers. If you don’t believe us, feel free to have a talk with the S LS MAG GT or the Pagan i Hurray.
While the news may sadden some of the Aston Martin purists, remember that the engines powering current Aston aren’t really in-house developed. The 4.7-liter V-8 engine for example is basically a 4.2-liter V-8 from Jaguar that has been heavily re-tuned in Germany and slapped the Aston badge. The all mighty 6.0-liter V-12 under the Vanquish’s hood is actually a Ford Durante engine. So, Aston Martin is no new customer when it comes to in-house development.
The changeover would make sense to us, as current Aston Martins continue to get more beautiful, its power train systems and electrical architecture seem to never really improve significantly.
Tell us which you would prefer: a Jaguar and Ford engines or a lineup of MAG engines? We bet the decision is an easy one to make.
The Aston Martin Cygnet is a luxury commuter concept car from the English coach builder. The Cygnet is essentially a rebadged and reworked Toyota iQ city car that represents a creative, environmentally conscious solution for around town commuting. Making the most of Japanese engineering, the reliable iQ serves as a base for the Aston concept and allows the coach builders to focus on upgrading the city car’s looks both inside and out in order to transform it into a bona fide fuel efficient super car that will be available for current Aston owners.
Aston Martin to Fit V12 Engine in the Cygnet
We would have really loved seeing the faces of everyone after reading the title. We certainly wouldn’t blame anyone for being as shocked and dumbfounded as we were when we discovered Aston Martin’s intentions with their city car.
Sources say that Aston Martin has completed studies based on the possibility and feasibility of a V12 engine being fitted to the - wait for it - Cygnet, without extensive modifications. How is it possible? The car is only the size of a shoe with a tiny 1.3 liter 4-cylinder engine that develops 98bhp. Now imagine putting Aston Martin’s very own 6.0L V12 engine that produces at least 510bhp on a car that weighs 988kg. If our calculations are correct, the power to weight ratio of this car will not only put its bigger brothers to dismal shame, but most of the hypercars that we all enjoy drooling at as well. In layman’s terms, it’s a recipe for disaster.
Aston Martin says it will carry out significant upgrades for the Cygnet to handle the immense weight, horsepower, and torque. What kind of upgrades? How about multiple spoilers all over the car just to keep it planted on the ground.
If the project receives a green light from the board, it will enter a new segment called over-powered city cars that also includes the Nissan Juke-R.
That being said, Aston Martin will go ahead with the project only if there is sufficient customer demand. So, people who want to break records or experience crazy, visit your nearest Aston Martin Showroom and inquire about this project.
The flagship Audi A8 is a full-size luxury sedan meant to appeal to wealthy consumers looking for maximum luxury and space. Although competing models from the premium German and Japanese marques may sell in greater numbers, the A8 does possess a distinct advantage because of its aluminum frame and body panels. Significantly lighter than a traditional steel frame, the Audi Space Frame (ASF), as it's called, helps offset the bulk of the car's all-wheel-drive system; the A8's competitors are primarily rear-wheel drive.
Thanks to the all-wheel-drive system, winter weather capability is one of the Audi A8's strengths. Luxurious accommodations are another, particularly with the latest redesigned model and the prior second-generation A8. As with other Audis, understated luxury and cutting-edge electronics combine to form an experience that delivers refinement in abundance. Though it's sometimes overlooked, the A8 is a fine choice for a luxury flagship.
Current Audi A8
As with previous Audi A8s, the current model offers a near-perfect blend of luxury, performance, amenities and style, and is one of our favorite full-size luxury sedans. The A8 is available in standard and long-wheelbase (A8 L) forms, with the latter version laying claim to being the biggest luxury sedan.
Yet the A8 still weighs less than most of its rivals thanks to its unique aluminum construction. The 4.2-liter direct-injected V8 makes 372 horsepower and 328 pound-feet of torque and sends its power to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. It's plenty capable for the vast majority of drivers. For more power-hungry pilots, there's also a 6.3-liter W12 that produces 500 hp and 463 lb-ft. The all-wheel-drive system has a rear-biased power split, which helps to provide the more sporting feel of a rear-drive performance sedan. For even more athleticism, a torque-vectoring limited-slip differential is available.
Of course the A8 comes loaded with all the latest high-tech features. Highlights include a dynamic steering system that can intervene with automatic countersteering in a slide, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, automatic emergency braking, and night vision with thermal imaging and pedestrian detection. Audi's MMI electronics interface is still in use but now features an additional touchpad interface that reads fingertip gestures as letters and commands. Google Earth mapping for the navigation system is another A8 exclusive.
Beyond the sumptuous cabin and all the luxury features, you're bound to be impressed by the big sedan's ride and handling characteristics. The suspension provides a comfortable ride without excessive float over bumps, and when pressed on a curvy road it proves surprisingly agile, with nicely weighted steering. Both trims boast generous standard features, including amenities like a navigation system and heated front and rear seats. Rear seat room is ample in the regular-wheelbase model, while the A8 L provides more than enough legroom for a pair of 6-footers.
The A8 undoubtedly lacks the snob appeal of its fellow Germans, but don't let that stop you. With its roomy, best-in-class cabin and excellent driving dynamics, this sedan shines as one of the strongest picks in its segment.
Used Audi A8 Models
The current A8 represents the third generation in the model's history, debuting in 2011. In this inaugural year, only the 4.2-liter V8 engine was offered. The 6.3-liter W12 became available the following year.
The previous, second-generation Audi A8 was sold from 2004-'10. Relative to its predecessor, this generation offered a lighter chassis and a more muscular V8, along with lots of comfort, safety and suspension upgrades. This A8 was offered in both standard-wheelbase (A8) and long-wheelbase (A8 L) versions. The base engine was a 4.2-liter V8 that generated 335 hp and later rose to 350 hp for 2007. A six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive were standard. From 2005-'09, there was an A8 L W12 model that featured a 6.0-liter 12-cylinder engine that produced 450 hp.
Changes were light during this generation. There were slight styling alterations for '08, while the equipment list was bolstered nearly every model year. Regardless of which year you may be considering here, cabin furnishings were superb and the MMI interface made accessing the car's numerous audio, climate and navigation functions fairly easy. This A8 was often overlooked by luxury sedan shoppers, but we always found it to be a great alternative and certainly equal to other flagships in terms of luxury, performance and craftsmanship.
The first-generation Audi A8 was offered from 1997-2003. Although it was one of the most technologically advanced cars on the market by virtue of its aluminum frame, it never had its successor's flair for style or performance. Understated in its adornments inside and out, the original A8 failed to deliver the over-the-top ambience that's so important for high-dollar luxury sedans sold in the United States. However, if you like the idea of owning a discreet luxury car, you can buy a used A8 for considerably less than you'd pay for a used BMW 7 Series or Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Early Audi A8s were offered only with a 113-inch wheelbase, which meant that their backseats were cramped compared to the other full-size luxury sedans. The longer and roomier A8 L arrived for the 2000 model year and would be our pick if you're planning to carry adults in back. Most first-generation A8s were sold with a 4.2-liter V8 and Quattro all-wheel drive. Thusly equipped, the A8 was one of the quickest large luxury sedans of its day, though the V8 was deficient in off-the-line torque. It was a comfortable car but not a particularly entertaining one due to overly soft suspension tuning. Audi also offered a less expensive front-wheel-drive model from 1997-'99. This rare A8 had a small 3.7-liter V8 and a modest 8.3-second 0-60 time.
