2007-08 Aston Martin DB9, DBS, V8 Vantage

2007-08 Aston Martin DB9, DBS, V8 Vantage
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Aston Martin is recalling 1,090 2007-08 Aston Martin DB9, DBS and V8 Vantage over a potentially dangerous steering defect, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Some front bottom suspension arm cam bolts received an incorrect amount of heat treatment during production. The hardness of the bolt on the affected models is above specification and could crack along its shank, allowing the lower control arm to move. The lower control arm influences steering feel and control. If the cam bolt cracks, it could increase of the risk of a crash.

On the affected vehicles, dealers will replace the front suspension lower control arm cam bolts free of charge. The recall is expected to begin before Oct. 18. For additional information, owners can call Aston Martin at 888-923-9988 or NHTSA's hot line at 888-327-4236.

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2011 Geneva Motor Show, 2012 Aston Martin Virage

2011 Geneva Motor Show, 2012 Aston Martin Virage
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Competes with: Ferrari 458 Italia, Lamborghini Gallardo, Bentley Continental Supersports

Looks like: Every other Aston Martin

Drivetrain: 490-hp, 6.0-liter V-12 with six-speed automatic transmission; rear-wheel drive

Hits dealerships: May 2011

The Virage is a new V-12-powered sports car that's offered in coupe and convertible body styles. Pricing information hasn't been announced, but the Virage is designed to slot between the nearly $200,000 DB9 and almost $300,000 DBS in the automaker's lineup. It arrives at U.S. dealerships in May.

Even though it's a new model in the Aston Martin range, only ardent followers of the brand will likely be able to tell at a glance because the car looks remarkably similar to Aston Martin's other sports cars. It's a gracefully styled car, no question, but the automaker's designs are clearly meant to create a connection with the brand as opposed to individual models.

Like the DB9 and DBS, the Virage is powered by a 6.0-liter V-12 engine, but its 490-horsepower output splits the difference between the 470-hp DB9 and 510-hp DBS. Unlike the DBs, which are available with either a manual or automatic transmission, the Virage is only offered with an automatic. With this setup, the Virage can accelerate from zero to 62 mph in 4.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 186 mph, according to Aston Martin. The car features an adaptive suspension and carbon ceramic brake discs.

Seven hand-stitched Bridge of Weir leather hides are used to upholster the cabin, which comes with standard heated seats, a navigation system, cruise control, and Bluetooth and iPod connectivity.....READ MORE

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Aston Martin Virage 2012

Aston Martin Virage 2012
auto, cars, ford, honda, bmw, toyota, audi, nissan, mercedes, ferrari,new cars,new trends,class,modes

Recently revived, the Aston Martin Virage is what the British carmaker calls a “2+2” convertible and coupe that slots between the DB9 and DBS. Relatively speaking, you get a lot for the Virage’s $200,000 price tag, says Cars.com senior editor Joe Wiesenfelder. But calling it a 2+2 is a bit of a misnomer as Wiesenfelder demonstrates in the video.

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ASTON MARTIN GT4 CHALLENGE MOVINGS ABROAD FOR ROUND 4 ON SPA FRANCORCHAMPS

ASTON MARTIN GT4 CHALLENGE MOVINGS ABROAD FOR ROUND 4 ON SPA FRANCORCHAMPS

The factory-run one-make race series for V8 Vantage GT4/N24s, The Aston Martin GT4 Challenge, continues this weekend at the famous Belgian Spa Francorchamps circuit on 8-9 July 2011. A double header comprising two one-hour races which takes place on Saturday will be preceded by a practice session on Friday morning with qualifying in the afternoon. Nine cars are expected to join the grid which will share the seven kilometre circuit with the British GT Championship.

Now in its second year, the Aston Martin GT4 Challenge caters for customers who wish to compete in a close-to-standard V8 Vantage on iconic race circuits in the UK and Europe with like-minded competitors. Spa is the fourth round of the 2011 season following races at Silverstone, Snetterton and Donington.

The season has been packed with excitement and close competition in every race. In the last round at Donington, the four lead cars finished on the same lap of the race illustrating how evenly matched the cars are. Individuals, dealerships, race teams and guest drivers including Red Bull Racing Team Principal, Christian Horner have all participated in the friendly atmosphere.

Aston Martin will be entering its media Vantage GT4 car nicknamed ‘Alec’ sporting a unique ‘X-Ray’ livery which will be driven by Nürburgring 24 hour regular Anja Wassertheurer from German publication Sport Auto and established British freelance journalist, Jethro Bovingdon. Alec is the latest specification GT4 car featuring a standard 4.7 litre V8 engine producing 420 bhp with styling inspiration taken from Aston Martin’s latest addition to the Vantage stable; V8 Vantage S.

The X-ray livery depicts the V/H architecture philosophy which underpins the marque’s core range of road and race sportscars. Visible from the outside, the bonded and extruded aluminium under frame as well as the rear mounted six-speed Graziano gearbox serve as a reminder as to the race car’s standard features.

Practice sessions for the Spa Francorchamps round takes place at 09:00-10:00 and 12:00-13:00 with qualifying at 16:05-16:40 on Friday 8th July. The two one hour races start at 09:40 and 13:20 on the Saturday. Live coverage can be viewed on Motors TV and by following twitter at: @amr_official.

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