Aston Martin: Vantage News
08-15-2003, 02:01 PM
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Aston Martin: Vantage News
These spy shots are the evidence that Aston Martin is preparing to build the AM V8 Vantage shown as a concept at the Detroit Show earlier this year. And it looks as though the new baby Aston is going to scare the life out of the likes of Porsche when it arrives in showrooms in 2005, priced from about £60,000. The new model will be the smallest Aston ever produced, and is tipped to feature a range of Jaguar-derived engines.
The flagship will have a 400-HP powerplant based on that of the XJR, while an entry-level car is expected to come with a tuned version of the XJ6's 240-HP 3.5-litre engine. And as if that wasn't enough, we've also got footage of Aston's DB9 undergoing testing at Germany's Nürburgring circuit.
With styling cues also taken from the AM V8 concept, but much larger in size, it will take on the Bentley Continental GT when it hits showrooms next year. Expected to cost from around £100,000 the DB9 will be a luxury grand tourer rather than a sports car, and will take its power from the 6.0-litre engine seen in the Vanquish.
A production version of the DB9 will make its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show, while the Vantage is expected to stun home crowds at next May's British event @Automedia
Video here:
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/video_g...o.php?id=39013
08-15-2003, 02:10 PM
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Rumors from insiders:
"Anyone expecting the new Aston Martin project 305 Porsche 911 beater to become the promised motoring bargain are going to be very disappointed. Why? Because it will be over budget, over weight and overdue, with realistic deliveries not expected before 2008 for all but the most influential buyers. Even HRH Prince of Wales will not see a car much before late 2006. Quaint little AM, who are building the new car at a refurbished Land Rover factory in the British midlands are nowhere near ready for production. Suppliers working on switchgear, trim, body parts etc are also behind as AM wanted no shared Ford components- so parts are being designed from scratch.
The engine is going to be based on Jaguars excellent V8, but bored out to 4.4 litres and developing 350bhp. Engineers have been a little stressed out working overtime because of fears that technology will have moved on in 4-5 years to the point where the motors expected output and emissions would be uncompetitive, especially against the ever evolving Germans. The power unit is already on the test bed and is expected to appear in the face-lifted XJ8 due out in late 04/early 05 and the updated Range Rover when the BMW deal expires. AM have thousands of enquiries from Merc, Porsche, Jaguar and BMW owners who are wanting something more exclusive for SL / 911 / XK / M6 money but salesman admit that the car needs to be on time and on budget with ample performance or sales will dry up. We were hoping the 305 (possibly to be called DB5 in memory of previous owner David Brown) would come in at Porsche Carrera 2 prices, ie, £57K-60K (USD91K-96K) but budget revisions are erring on the side of £80K-90K, making the car more of a Vanquish little brother than a 911 beater. I hope I am wrong as I can afford a Carrera 2, not a Vanquish!
Best regards,
Felix Leiter"
"Anyone expecting the new Aston Martin project 305 Porsche 911 beater to become the promised motoring bargain are going to be very disappointed. Why? Because it will be over budget, over weight and overdue, with realistic deliveries not expected before 2008 for all but the most influential buyers. Even HRH Prince of Wales will not see a car much before late 2006. Quaint little AM, who are building the new car at a refurbished Land Rover factory in the British midlands are nowhere near ready for production. Suppliers working on switchgear, trim, body parts etc are also behind as AM wanted no shared Ford components- so parts are being designed from scratch.
The engine is going to be based on Jaguars excellent V8, but bored out to 4.4 litres and developing 350bhp. Engineers have been a little stressed out working overtime because of fears that technology will have moved on in 4-5 years to the point where the motors expected output and emissions would be uncompetitive, especially against the ever evolving Germans. The power unit is already on the test bed and is expected to appear in the face-lifted XJ8 due out in late 04/early 05 and the updated Range Rover when the BMW deal expires. AM have thousands of enquiries from Merc, Porsche, Jaguar and BMW owners who are wanting something more exclusive for SL / 911 / XK / M6 money but salesman admit that the car needs to be on time and on budget with ample performance or sales will dry up. We were hoping the 305 (possibly to be called DB5 in memory of previous owner David Brown) would come in at Porsche Carrera 2 prices, ie, £57K-60K (USD91K-96K) but budget revisions are erring on the side of £80K-90K, making the car more of a Vanquish little brother than a 911 beater. I hope I am wrong as I can afford a Carrera 2, not a Vanquish!
Best regards,
Felix Leiter"
08-17-2003, 09:08 AM
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um didn't we learn a few weeks ago that the baby Aston was cancelled? I know I read it somewhere...
Oh btw, a couple weeks ago i was in the hamptons and I was drooling over a Vanquish parked on the street. The owner saw me and let me sit inside!
Oh btw, a couple weeks ago i was in the hamptons and I was drooling over a Vanquish parked on the street. The owner saw me and let me sit inside!
08-17-2003, 09:27 AM
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Originally posted by Zoot
um didn't we learn a few weeks ago that the baby Aston was cancelled? I know I read it somewhere...
Oh btw, a couple weeks ago i was in the hamptons and I was drooling over a Vanquish parked on the street. The owner saw me and let me sit inside!
um didn't we learn a few weeks ago that the baby Aston was cancelled? I know I read it somewhere...
Oh btw, a couple weeks ago i was in the hamptons and I was drooling over a Vanquish parked on the street. The owner saw me and let me sit inside!
also, the pace where i did my internship was working on one, so i got to it in it too
08-17-2003, 03:01 PM
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Originally posted by Python2121
i was just in east hampton and i saw a vanquish
also, the pace where i did my internship was working on one, so i got to it in it too
i was just in east hampton and i saw a vanquish
also, the pace where i did my internship was working on one, so i got to it in it too
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10-20-2003, 03:05 PM
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Aston Martin AMV8 News
Autospies...
Get ready to discover that Ford appear to be following Porsche's sales / marketing techniques with the baby Aston - and it's all bad.
Ford has decided that the expected AM305 convertible will probably not be built because it will tread on the new DB9's toes, and at something like £40K more expensive than the baby Aston, that's money they Ford cannot afford to lose.
Also emerging is the news that the entry level Aston will only get stock wheels, part leather/tweed trim and a mildly tweaked version of the Jaguar 3.5-litre V8 motor from the XJ saloons, pumping out 265bhp through a six-speed manual gearbox - but nearly everything except the basic car will be EXTRA.
Although this will make it an "affordable" Aston, diluting the performance will not make this car a Porsche 911 beater as was hoped.
On the plus side, there will be sportier models with massive wheels, grunty engines and better trim spec. The motors will probably be sourced from Jaguar again, this time in the form the 4.2-litre 320bhp V8 and the storming 400bhp supercharged S-Type-R power unit making this a version a Lamborghini eater, with it's low weight aluminium chassis.
Interestingly, a mule is said to be running around Bedfordshire, England with a 4-litre V8 diesel engine in it!
The only real fly in the ointment is the delivery time. Buyers on the waiting list from the recent Saville Row (London) debut are expecting to see their first cars in 2006/2007, with other customers waiting until 2008. Ford is currently looking at plans to reduce that time by 18-months as marketing experts fear that customers may go elsewhere.
Get ready to discover that Ford appear to be following Porsche's sales / marketing techniques with the baby Aston - and it's all bad.
Ford has decided that the expected AM305 convertible will probably not be built because it will tread on the new DB9's toes, and at something like £40K more expensive than the baby Aston, that's money they Ford cannot afford to lose.
Also emerging is the news that the entry level Aston will only get stock wheels, part leather/tweed trim and a mildly tweaked version of the Jaguar 3.5-litre V8 motor from the XJ saloons, pumping out 265bhp through a six-speed manual gearbox - but nearly everything except the basic car will be EXTRA.
Although this will make it an "affordable" Aston, diluting the performance will not make this car a Porsche 911 beater as was hoped.
On the plus side, there will be sportier models with massive wheels, grunty engines and better trim spec. The motors will probably be sourced from Jaguar again, this time in the form the 4.2-litre 320bhp V8 and the storming 400bhp supercharged S-Type-R power unit making this a version a Lamborghini eater, with it's low weight aluminium chassis.
Interestingly, a mule is said to be running around Bedfordshire, England with a 4-litre V8 diesel engine in it!
The only real fly in the ointment is the delivery time. Buyers on the waiting list from the recent Saville Row (London) debut are expecting to see their first cars in 2006/2007, with other customers waiting until 2008. Ford is currently looking at plans to reduce that time by 18-months as marketing experts fear that customers may go elsewhere.
10-27-2003, 07:24 AM
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Latest, latest rumors:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It's been a busy week in the world of Aston Martin rumors...
After our story ran last week we received this kind email from Aston PR
---------------
Dear Sir/Madam,
I have seen some interesting speculation in my time about our products but I have never seen anything like the story that is published about our company on your web site entitled - '911 Killer Still On Track.'
To put it kindly the entire story is based on not one single fact - there is not a single accurate reference and I would ask that it is withdrawn immediately. Aside from damaging our reputation it raises some serious concerns about the credibility of your web site. I look forward to receiving a response.
Regards,
T
Director Public Affairs
Aston Martin
This week another rumor was sent to us:
Dear 001,
I am working for a supplier of powertrain components and I would like to add some info on the AMV8. The internal project code is indeed 305, but the Jag engine use is a bit of misleading. The car is 95% ready today, and to our understanding actual SOP is 2005, NOT 2007. There is brand new injector, valvehead etc. developed for this engine, I would doubt that it is the same FoMoCo product as the one for the fat cat. The only reason of not launching the car in 2004 as 2005 model is the DB9, they want to focus the market on that model. Our internal tests do confirm that the AMV8 will be on par (actually slightly above) with the turbocharged Carrera MY2004.
Happy hunting,
Dr. Kananga
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It's been a busy week in the world of Aston Martin rumors...
After our story ran last week we received this kind email from Aston PR
---------------
Dear Sir/Madam,
I have seen some interesting speculation in my time about our products but I have never seen anything like the story that is published about our company on your web site entitled - '911 Killer Still On Track.'
To put it kindly the entire story is based on not one single fact - there is not a single accurate reference and I would ask that it is withdrawn immediately. Aside from damaging our reputation it raises some serious concerns about the credibility of your web site. I look forward to receiving a response.
Regards,
T
Director Public Affairs
Aston Martin
This week another rumor was sent to us:
Dear 001,
I am working for a supplier of powertrain components and I would like to add some info on the AMV8. The internal project code is indeed 305, but the Jag engine use is a bit of misleading. The car is 95% ready today, and to our understanding actual SOP is 2005, NOT 2007. There is brand new injector, valvehead etc. developed for this engine, I would doubt that it is the same FoMoCo product as the one for the fat cat. The only reason of not launching the car in 2004 as 2005 model is the DB9, they want to focus the market on that model. Our internal tests do confirm that the AMV8 will be on par (actually slightly above) with the turbocharged Carrera MY2004.
Happy hunting,
Dr. Kananga
10-27-2003, 05:33 PM
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i dont want an aston martin baby car. what i really want is a aston martin fetus car that looks like that but for 40ks. I could care less if it had a 1.8 litter engine, as long as it looked like that 
10-29-2003, 08:10 AM
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Autoexpress now confirms:
Buying a new Aston Martin has never cost so little! According to sources inside the company, the new entry-level Aston, which is to be called the V8 Vantage, will start with a price tag of £60,000.
However, bosses have decided the 'budget' car, which is aimed at stealing sales away from the likes of the Porsche 911, won't come with much in the way of standard kit. Customers who want the luxury of a full leather interior, bigger wheels or even a decent amount of power under the bonnet are going to have to pay extra on the options list for the privilege.
Previously, it had been thought the baby Aston would come with a £75,000 price tag and have a version of Jaguar's 4.2-litre V8 engine with either 320bhp or 400bhp under its bonnet. But because of the need for a lower price, the cheapest V8 Vantages are now thought to be getting a 3.5-litre engine taken from the XJ which has 'only' 265bhp. This would then leave room for a more powerful version that buyers would be able to upgrade to. Production is expected to start next year, although our sources tell us that the planned convertible version could be canned. This is because Aston thinks it may steal sales from the rag-top variant of the forthcoming DB9.
Buying a new Aston Martin has never cost so little! According to sources inside the company, the new entry-level Aston, which is to be called the V8 Vantage, will start with a price tag of £60,000.
However, bosses have decided the 'budget' car, which is aimed at stealing sales away from the likes of the Porsche 911, won't come with much in the way of standard kit. Customers who want the luxury of a full leather interior, bigger wheels or even a decent amount of power under the bonnet are going to have to pay extra on the options list for the privilege.
Previously, it had been thought the baby Aston would come with a £75,000 price tag and have a version of Jaguar's 4.2-litre V8 engine with either 320bhp or 400bhp under its bonnet. But because of the need for a lower price, the cheapest V8 Vantages are now thought to be getting a 3.5-litre engine taken from the XJ which has 'only' 265bhp. This would then leave room for a more powerful version that buyers would be able to upgrade to. Production is expected to start next year, although our sources tell us that the planned convertible version could be canned. This is because Aston thinks it may steal sales from the rag-top variant of the forthcoming DB9.
10-29-2003, 08:58 PM
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Originally posted by gavriil
I think a V6 Aston Martin makes sense.
I think a V6 Aston Martin makes sense.
10-30-2003, 02:29 AM
#23
TQ > MPG
It looks even better in person. I think Ford needs to steal a couple of the Aston Martin design team engineers and let them loose on a couple sedans & SUV's for a couple weeks.
Is there any better looking cars on the market right now than Jaguar & Aston Martin? With BMW going stupid - Bangle-style, I would say no.
Is there any better looking cars on the market right now than Jaguar & Aston Martin? With BMW going stupid - Bangle-style, I would say no.
06-14-2004, 02:59 PM
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Spy Shots: Aston Martin AMV8 Vantage - - Concept to virtual reality. - - by Hans Lehmann/Hidden Image - - Source: The Car Connection
At the 2003 Detroit auto show, Aston Martin proudly showed its AMV8 Vantage concept car. Although it was a "concept" at that time, Aston Martin spokesmen made it quite clear that this model was destined for production. Now these latest photos show a prototype of this new Aston Martin undergoing high-speed testing at Germany 's famous Nürburgring racetrack.
The AMV8 Vantage will be priced lower than other Aston Martin's, and is intended to sell in larger volumes. Still, with a price well over $100,000 this will not be a bargain-basement vehicle. It is instead a high-performance car that sets it sights on competing with Porsche and Ferrari.
The new AMV8 Vantage will be smaller than the Aston Martin DB7 and Vanquish models, and will be strictly a two-seater inside. Powering the AMV8 Vantage will be a 4.3-liter V-8 engine. The powertrain will be front-engine and rear-drive, and will use a rear-mounted transmission to help it achieve a near-50/50 weight balance.
The AMV8 Vantage is expected to go on sale in 2005.
At the 2003 Detroit auto show, Aston Martin proudly showed its AMV8 Vantage concept car. Although it was a "concept" at that time, Aston Martin spokesmen made it quite clear that this model was destined for production. Now these latest photos show a prototype of this new Aston Martin undergoing high-speed testing at Germany 's famous Nürburgring racetrack.
The AMV8 Vantage will be priced lower than other Aston Martin's, and is intended to sell in larger volumes. Still, with a price well over $100,000 this will not be a bargain-basement vehicle. It is instead a high-performance car that sets it sights on competing with Porsche and Ferrari.
The new AMV8 Vantage will be smaller than the Aston Martin DB7 and Vanquish models, and will be strictly a two-seater inside. Powering the AMV8 Vantage will be a 4.3-liter V-8 engine. The powertrain will be front-engine and rear-drive, and will use a rear-mounted transmission to help it achieve a near-50/50 weight balance.
The AMV8 Vantage is expected to go on sale in 2005.
06-15-2004, 11:42 AM
#26
Originally Posted by zeroday
lol fetus version...
ok i will get flamed for this but the side/rear of that thing reminds me of my 350. Beautiful
ok i will get flamed for this but the side/rear of that thing reminds me of my 350. Beautiful
07-09-2004, 10:07 AM
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Aston Martin AMV8 spy pics
Aston Martin unveiled the AM V8 "concept car" at the Detroit Motor Show - and now here's the real thing, snapped out testing round Germany's Nurburgring circuit. The AM V8, known as the 'baby Aston', is the Ford Premier Automotive Group's proposed 911 rival; set to cost from around £60,000 when it goes on sale in 2005, it should certainly give the Porsche a run for its money. Its final name hasn't yet be confirmed, but insiders are referring to it as the 'DB5', reviving a classic badge. Aston expects this model to play a major role in upping its annual output, and for it to account for 40-50 percent of all Aston sales.
07-09-2004, 11:00 AM
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Originally Posted by HelicobactEr Pylori
Look how small it is. Must be targeting 360 and 911.
BTW, happy bday to Professor Gascan
BTW, happy bday to Professor Gascan
Thanks man
Yeah, the AMV8 is suppose to be the 911 killer than Aston has wanted for years.
07-09-2004, 12:55 PM
#38
Originally Posted by CGTSX2004
Aston Martin's are such sweet looking cars. I hope to own one some day.
