Cars of the Day 48: Aston Martin One-77 & Cygnet

After a long time! Aston Martin One-77 and Cygnet in the same frame.

Aston Martin Virage Dragon 88 Limited Edition (2012)

CAR GARAGE | Aston Martin Virage Dragon 88 Limited Edition (2012) | Aston Martin will open 13 new dealerships in China this year. The Dragon 88 Limited Edition models debuting at the Beijing demonstrate the exceptional personalization possibilities available from Aston Martin, with the world-famous sports car brand making 88 cars available for the ultimate in personalization. The Dragon 88s on the impressive show stand will be complemented by Aston Martin's exceptional super car One-77, together with a four-door Aston Martin Rapide's customized by new 'Q by Aston Martin' Bespoke service, and a cutaway model of DBS. "The Dragon 88 stunning sports cars - hand-built by our world-class craftspeople in England - Reflect the design flair and technical excellence of the luxurious Aston Martin brand," said Dr Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin''.

We expect China to Become one of our most Important markets and look forward to sharing the Aston Martin experience with Chinese customers. Today Aston Martin operates seven dealerships in the region, with 13 additional showrooms planned to open in China this year alone. " He added: "With the new limited edition Dragon 88s, our 'Q by Aston Martin' Bespoke service and the massive expansion of our sales network, China is on course to Become Aston Martin's third biggest market."

Among the changes detailed, 24-carat gold is applied to the signature Aston Martin wing badges on each car. This exciting new service brings Aston Martin's talented designers together with the company's expert engineers and highly experienced craftspeople, allowing customers to specify Their Aston Martin sports car with Meticulous attention to detail. Thanks to Aston Martin's unique VH (Vertical Horizontal) architecture, the philosophy That forms the backbone of its sports cars, the company has evolved a fast, flexible and modular approach to engineering

The Ming Dynasty is the inspiration for the 'Q by Aston Martin Rapide on show in Beijing. Ming Blue Paint, 'glacial' wings and side strakes, Walnut wooden boot and door inserts, Falcon Grey and Metallic Bronze leather, seat and Ming-inspired embroidery are all unique for this car. Meanwhile the DBS cutaway models stand at the show has been created to give visitors a unique insight into Aston Martin's unique VH (Vertical Horizontal) architecture. Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez said of the British sports car maker's dramatic show presence in Beijing: "I'm very happy to be presenting Such a compelling collection of luxury sports cars to a Chinese audience.

Aston Martin DBS Volante Dragon 88 Limited Edition (2012)

CAR GARAGE | Aston Martin DBS Volante Dragon 88 Limited Edition (2012) | Aston Martin will open 13 new dealerships in China this year. The Dragon 88 Limited Edition models debuting at the Beijing demonstrate the exceptional personalization possibilities available from Aston Martin, with the world-famous sports car brand making 88 cars available for the ultimate in personalization. The Dragon 88s on the impressive show stand will be complemented by Aston Martin's exceptional supercar One-77, together with a four-door Aston Martin Rapide's customized by new 'Q by Aston Martin' Bespoke service, and a cutaway model of DBS. The Dragon 88 stunning sports cars - hand-built by our world-class craftspeople in England - Reflect the design flair and technical excellence of the luxurious Aston Martin brand," said Dr Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin.

We expect China to Become one of our most Important markets and look forward to sharing the Aston Martin experience with Chinese customers. Today Aston Martin operates seven dealerships in the region, with 13 additional showrooms planned to open in China this year alone. " He added: "With the new limited edition Dragon 88s, our 'Q by Aston Martin' Bespoke service and the massive expansion of our sales network, China is on course to Become Aston Martin's third biggest market." Among the changes detailed, 24-carat gold is applied to the signature Aston Martin wing badges on each car.

This exciting new service brings Aston Martin's talented designers together with the company's expert engineers and highly experienced craftspeople, allowing customers to specify Their Aston Martin sports car with Meticulous attention to detail. Thanks to Aston Martin's unique VH (Vertical Horizontal) architecture, the philosophy That forms the backbone of its sports cars, the company has evolved a fast, flexible and modular approach to engineering.

The Ming Dynasty is the inspiration for the 'Q by Aston Martin Rapide on show in Beijing. Ming Blue Paint, 'glacial' wings and side strakes, Walnut wooden boot and door inserts, Falcon Grey and Metallic Bronze leather, seat and Ming-inspired embroidery are all unique for this car. Meanwhile the DBS cutaway models stand at the show has been created to give visitors a unique insight into Aston Martin's unique VH (Vertical Horizontal) architecture. Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez said of the British sports car maker's dramatic show presence in Beijing: "I'm very happy to be presenting Such a compelling collection of luxury sports cars to a Chinese audience.

Aston Martin DB9 (2014)

CAR GARAGE | Aston Martin DB9 (2014) | Like current models, the 2014 Aston Martin DB9 will use the company's "VH" ("vertical / horizontal") modular platform, but with many revisions. VH though Aston has served well since its Inauguration with the DB9, it's no longer competitive for rigidity or weight-efficiency versus, say, current Ferrari's. According to Autocar, the 2014 Aston Martin DB9 (designated project VH500) will amount to a lighter, restyled version of the current model.  The weight-reduction target for the 2014 Aston Martin DB9 is reported to be 10 percent at the Curb. The pound-Paring evidently will not be limited to the platform, however, as Aston is said to be mulling an ultra-light composite materials to replace aluminum for Certain body panels.

There's a lot of potential crossover from the race V12 to the production engine," says Aston chairman David Richards. Whatever Aston Chooses methods, we think the V12 will gain a little muscle Despite Becoming cleaner and more frugal with fuel. We'd look for horsepower to climb by at least 10, to 480, and torque to swell by as many pound-feet to 453. Current Aston Martins are Widely regarded as some of the prettiest cars on earth, thanks to the Efforts of former Chiefs Design Ian Callum and Henrik Fisker. Autocar expects the 2014 Aston Martin DB9 to pick up some cues One-77 in toned-down form.  As for the rest of it, the 2014 Aston Martin DB9 will at least match the current car's many standard comfort, convenience, and safety features.

Though we do not expect the 2014 Aston Martin DB9 to Boast any industry-first technical Innovations, it will undoubtedly be the template for updating the VH-platform other models, the which is pretty much everything in the line barring the new Aston Cygnet city car based on the Toyota / Scion iQ. Like the DB9 next-generation, all these cars should lose pounds, tone-up engine efficiency to run Greener and thriftier, and gain fresh styling cues That may also borrow from the One-77.  Despite selling few cars each year, Aston has an enthusiastic owner base, and the James Bond connection has made the name both famous and "aspirational" the world over. Unlike Ferrari, Lamborghini, and lesser-known automakers like Britain's McLaren and Sweden's Koenigsegg, Aston specializes in posh grand touring machines, not all-out sports cars designed Mainly for the ultimate in speed, handling, and thrills.

All well and good, but should you wait for the 2014 Aston Martin DB9 or buy one of the current models?  Because Despite the reputation of many boutique automakers details for questionable, inconsistent workmanship, and iffy reliability / durability, Aston is a much more "professional" outfit than it was before Ford Motor Company bought in, and its newest cars Reflect lessons learned from the American company, particularly in the area of manufacturing discipline. Though Aston is now owned by a three-party consortium That includes Kuwaiti interests, the Ford legacy seems a destined to be reflected in future models like the 2014 Aston Martin DB9. All of the which Suggests That you can buy a modern Aston with confidence.

2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage S Roadster

CAR GARAGE | 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage S Roadster | The Aston Martin V8 Vantage S is instantly recognizable as a true Aston Martin, characterized by its purposeful stance conveying its agility and performance capability. From the front, a new lower front bumper finished in perfectly-aligned carbon fiber houses a larger air intake feeding the engine and front brakes. A new rear bumper and side sills optically Widen the car.

The Vantage has established Itself as one of the world's most beautiful cars; distinctively Aston Martin, elegant yet with controlled aggression and perfectly proportioned with a low purposeful stance. The Aston Martin V8 Vantage S capitalizes on the beauty of the Vantage and fuses it with the link design cues from the V12 Vantage the which hint at the car's heightened performance potential. The whole car sits in tension while the beautifully hand crafted interior Remains conveying excitement of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage S from within. The Aston Martin V8 Vantage S bridges the gap Between the V8 Vantage and the Vantage GT4 race car endurance Offered by Aston Martin Racing. In 2011, the Vantage GT4 was updated to take advantage of the Increased aerodynamic benefits of the V12 Vantage and V8 Vantage S 'body styling. With knowledge from the track filtering into Aston Martin's road cars and the ease of driving them filtering onto the race track, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage S benefits from having its handling characteristics honed by the marque's knowledgeable and talented engineers.

The rationale behind the Aston Martin V8 Vantage S was to push the boundaries of the already acclaimed V8 Vantage with the highest possible levels of driver involvement. Aston Martin engineers set about enhancing nearly every dynamic element of the car to create a highly distinctive driving experience. The power and torque delivery on the Aston Martin V8 Vantage S is delivered at the most frequently used mid range engine speeds the which creates tractable and effortless acceleration.

2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage S

CAR GARAGE | 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage S | Aston Martin's 4.7 liter V8 engine updates has been engineered to deliver peak power of 430 bhp (436 PS / 321 kW) at 7300 rpm and torque of 490 Nm (361 lb.ft) at 5000 rpm and is coupled with a new ground-up developed Sport Shift  II transmission specifically designed for the Aston Martin V8 Vantage S with seven short ratio gears to deliver the most intense Engaging and driver involvement. "The Aston Martin V8 Vantage S epitomizes every attribute of the V8 Vantage and pushes the driver experience beyond what we have Offered before," says Dr. Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin, "It combines dynamic exhilaration with all the charming finesse, beauty and practicality already associated with the Vantage range." Dynamic revisions are central to the Vantage S, with a quickened steering rack ratio of 15:1 compared to 17:1 on the standard car and a larger diameter front brake discs with new six-piston front brake calipers. A new dynamic stability control (DSC) system specifically tuned to the Aston Martin V8 Vantage S along with a new brake module Providing Such features as Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA) the which provides assistance in emergency braking Situations, and Hill Start Assist (HSA).

The Vantage has established Itself as one of the world's most beautiful cars; distinctively Aston Martin, elegant yet with controlled aggression and perfectly proportioned with a low purposeful stance. The Aston Martin V8 Vantage S capitalizes on the beauty of the Vantage and fuses it with the link design cues from the V12 Vantage the which hint at the car's heightened performance potential. The whole car sits in tension while the beautifully hand crafted interior Remains conveying excitement of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage S from within.

The Aston Martin V8 Vantage S bridges the gap Between the V8 Vantage and the Vantage GT4 race car endurance Offered by Aston Martin Racing. In 2011, the Vantage GT4 was updated to take advantage of the Increased aerodynamic benefits of the V12 Vantage and V8 Vantage S 'body styling. With knowledge from the track filtering into Aston Martin's road cars and the ease of driving them filtering onto the race track, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage S benefits from having its handling characteristics honed by the marque's knowledgeable and talented engineers. An upgraded braking system plays a central role to the Aston Martin V8 Vantage S 'dynamics, with a new larger diameter front disc brake, 380mm compared to 355mm on the V8 Vantage, six piston front calipers and a new generation of brake control module. The front brakes are a racing-inspired floating disc design. The Vantage S also features a new brake 'booster' reducing pedal effort and travel.

The rationale behind the Aston Martin V8 Vantage S was to push the boundaries of the already acclaimed V8 Vantage with the highest possible levels of driver involvement. Aston Martin engineers set about enhancing nearly every dynamic element of the car to create a highly distinctive driving experience. The power and torque delivery on the Aston Martin V8 Vantage S is delivered at the most frequently used mid range engine speeds the which creates tractable and effortless acceleration.

2012 Aston Martin Vantage GT3

CAR GARAGE | 2012 Aston Martin Vantage GT3 | The Vantage GT3 features a modified version of Aston Martin's 6.0 liter V12 engine production found in the marque's highly acclaimed sports cars.  The Aston Martin Vantage GT3 will be eligible for Numerous race series around the world Including the FIA GT3 Championship, the ADAC Masters, Nürburgring VLN, Blancpain Endurance Series, British GT, GT Among Open Belcar and others.

Aston Martin Remains the only manufacturer to offer a race car for every GT class firmly cementing it as a global forerunner in the race car production. The new Aston Martin Vantage GT3 is being developed to replicate and indeed surpass the superb track record of the DBRS9.

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Aston Martin has sold 24 DBRS9s and customer race teams have accumulated many podiums and Victories over the past six years Including Teams Championship 2009 Winner, and Winner Manufacturers Championship for Hexis Racing and as recently as a 2011 GT Open race win at Spa for Villois Racing. Testing of the new car will commence in October 2011, where the Aston Martin Vantage GT3 will undergo a comprehensive sign-off test durability Including a 10,000 km test program.

Audi Design Dilemma

I realised that I was complaining about Audi for a quite long time. My main complaint with the Audi is the design. Probably many people will not agree with me and surely will say, what is wrong the Audi’s design; they all look amazing. I am not saying the opposite, they really look amazing in addition to they look the same! This problem is not emerged by Audi; Mercedes and BMW had it as well. These two brands used to have look-a-like models, which seem to be produced by a photocopy machine. Eventually, Mercedes and BMW got rid of this virus and succeed to create a unique brand identity and unique product identities.

I think this is the place, where the problem starts. A car needs to express two main things through design; brand identify and product identity. When people see the car, they need to realise and remember the brand and at the same time, they need to distinguish the model. For instance, each Mercedes model has a similar front grill but never the same; BMW has the same kidney front grill for each model but it never leads to confuse the models. However, Audi has the same very big front grill for the each model with a very similar front look, and that’s the problem.

When same front grill is commonly used by each model, it helps people to identify the brand easy but at the same time, it reveals the problem of looking the same from the front. So, this leads to strength the brand identify, when you look at the range of Audi, you see the brand identify is very clearly; but product identify a bit blur. However, the exposure of brand identify is risky. When you add too much, it overlaps the product identify and when you add too less, you have totally different products with nothing in common (Previous generation of Kia models are good example for this). And I do know that, it is really hard to adjust this. It may seem easy to judge but a very challenge task to achieve.

Let’s go back to brand and product identify overlap. In order to avoid this, Mercedes and BMW generated different type of front looks, so people can understand the difference even from a distance. That’s the key point, if a car can be recognised from a 200-meter distance by its brand, you have the brand identify. And at the same time if the product can be identified, you achieved perfect combination. Unfortunately, it is really hard to identify the Audi models from distance, sometimes you need to check the back of the car to understand which model it is.

So where is the problem? The problem is, if the cars look the same, where is point of buying the more expensive one? Many customers are not crazy for super cleaver technology, they are excited by the brand and if they could access the brand in a cheaper way, they would definitely good for that! For that reason, you may see many people are saying Audi A4 is a great car and may hesitate to buy A6! Because, they look the same like. Like Aston Martin models!

I do know that Audi realised this problem, and is going to create a new design concept for future models. My suggestion is to make Audi logo bigger and remove that the same looking grills from the design range. Each model should have the Audi DNA in the grill but not the same grill!

Pictures' Copyrights

Audi, Mercedes, BMW

2013 Aston Martin V12 Zagato

CAR GARAGE | 2013 Aston Martin V12 Zagato | The Aston Martin V12 Zagato is the pinnacle of the Vantage range. With the final signed-off design and engineering development work progressing b, Aston Martin reveals the first images of the new Aston Martin V12 Zagato (road car) scheduled for production later in 2012. Though commemorating a great Aston Martin of the past the Aston Martin V12 Zagato Could be no mere Pastiche of the original. For Aston Martin's CEO, Dr Ulrich Bez, the V12 Zagato is "a celebration of both Aston Martin's heritage and its future".

Initial design concepts for the Aston Martin V12 Zagato were Explored in early 2010. Inspired by Zagato's bold and individual styling signatures Aston Martin's Director of Design, Marek Reichman, and his Haydon-based design team relished the challenge of shaping the V12 Zagato, creating a car That pushes the boundaries of Aston Martin's design language, yet pays tribute to the DB4GT Zagato. Demonstrating Aston Martin's ability to rapidly bring ideas to fruition the program Zagato Quickly gained momentum, the design team working hand-in-hand with engineers and artisans to complete the build of a pair of concept cars in the spring of 2011.

May 2011 saw the Aston Martin V12 Zagato the make its world debut at the prestigious Villa d'Este concurs. Both cars completed the ultimate durability test, continuing Aston Martin's 100 per cent finishing record in this notoriously tough race.  Every Aston Martin is a unique combination of advanced materials, technology and time-honored craftsmanship. Built at Aston Martin's global headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire, production of the V12 Zagato will be Strictly limited to no more than 150 cars. Just like the One-77, the V12 Zagato is constructed from a combination of hand crafted aluminum and carbon fiber. Four unique colors have been created for the Aston Martin V12 Zagato: Scintilla Silver, Green Alloro, Diavolo Alba Blue and Red.  This serene, laboratory-like space is perfectly suited to the task of creating special cars Such as the V12 Zagato. 

Fiat 500C Abarth Maserati

Here comes another sexy Fiat 500C! This model is based on the Abarth version and designed for Maserati. Abarth 695 Tributo Maserati, don’t ask me why it is called 695. I really don’t know.

This version is only limited to 499 units and powered by a 1,4-lt turbo petrol engine (180PS) with automated manual gearbox. Actually, design features are more distinctive than the technical features, you may see this through the precise accuracy of the stitches on the seats. Eventually, the quality of the production is really high inside the car; the instrument panel is made by British brand Jaeger LeCoultre, the leather is sand beige Poltrona Frau, exterior is three stage clear coat Pontevecchio Bordeux and looks exquisite. And also a very nice diffuser at the rear end!

This car is a competitor for Mini Inspired by Goodwood and Aston Martin Cygnet. Actually, it is much better than the Cygnet, I am sorry but this is the truth. Why? Because, this 500C has a specially designed exhaust to give the impression of Maserati style excitement in a small car.

Pictures' Copyrights

Fiat

The Best Car on Earth! The Most Complicated Question

The best on earth is the most complicated question on earth! Everyone has a different opinion, even every nation has its unique opinion. Most of the time, people never agree on a single brand for the best! The conversation starts with Mercedes, jumps to BMW, later on Land Rover, just pass by Audi, moves to Aston Martin, quickly ends up with Bentley! In the meantime, someone says something about Bentley and we start overall again.

In order to resolve this very important issue, I end up with making the best car on planet from the brands that we know. First of all, all electronics are made by Bosch and Siemens. You cannot change this, and I am moving on.

Here are my categories for the best car!

Exterior Design | Engine | Transmission | Chassis | Suspension | Interior Design | Safety | Computer Interface | Ignition Key

I start with Exterior Design; I suggest Frank Stephenson as the best designer. His work can be spotted anywhere on earth and probably his designs are more popular than the Da Vinci’s paints! Welcome to world of social media.

Engine should be designed and manufactured by BMW. They offer the lowest CO2 level and efficiency with the best power output. Also, BMW has Formula 1 racing history. Don’t start saying, Ferrari is better. I am trying to find the best of everything.

Transmission should be manufactured by Ferrari. Their new double clutch gearbox is a state-of-art technology, which combines the comfort of a conventional automatic gearbox with the aggressiveness of Formula 1 shifting speed.

Chassis is really important and should be done by McLaren. They introduced the first carbon fibre technology in Formula 1 races and they always use this material for their road cars (Such as; Mercedes McLaren SLR and MP4-12C). In addition, nobody can manufacture the carbon fibre faster and better than McLaren.

Interior Design, this category has one option and it is called Rolls Royce. They are the best in interior design and comfort. All their cars are beyond extreme comfort. You have to experience it, before judging it.

Safety is the job of the Mercedes-Benz. They introduced the ABS, ESP, ASR, crash prevention systems. Nearly every three or four years, they introduce state-of-art road safety technologies and the competitors cannot keep most of the time.

Computer Interface! Unfortunately, automotive industry still is not good when it comes to design user interface for cars. I cannot ignore the improvement, but still the screen quality is low, menus are sometimes complicated, touch screen may not be that good at sensing the touch. So, there is only one company left for this and it is Apple. Just look at the iPhone, iPad or iPod; they all easy to use and work seamlessly.

Lastly the ignition key! I cannot think any other brand than Aston Martin for this job. They are doing amazing job with their crystal ignition keys.

In the end, in order to manufacture the best car, you need to combine many different brands that would lead to destroy the excitement of driving a car! Each brand has its own unique characteristics, which makes them unique and diversifies from others. So, the best car is the best one that satisfy your need, not others!

Pictures' Copyrights

Apple, Aston Martin, Rolls Royce, McLaren, Ferrari, BMW