Aston Martin Vantage

Aston Martin has used the Vantage name on a number of vehicles, normally indicating a high-performance version of another model. In one case, 1972–1973, the Vantage was a distinct model, being a straight-6 powered version of the (normally V8) DBS and successor to the DB-series.

Visual cues include a unique 2-headlight front clip with DB6-like grille. It was also the last Aston Martin to come equipped with wire wheels. Just 71 examples were built.

The Vantage was the last straight-6 Aston Martin until the 1993 DB7.

Aston Martin Vantage V12

Aston Martin Vantage V8

Aston Martin Cygnet

Aston Martin reckons it has made a smart move, so to speak, by conceptualising a small city car. Based on the Toyota iQ the Aston Martin Cygnet is a mix of luxury, compactness and environmental friendliness.

Dr Ulrich Bez, the Chief Executive of AM says: "Now is the right time for Aston Martin to take this first bold step to embark on this special project - made possible with the support of an organisation of Toyota's stature and capability and the intelligent design and perfect city car package of the iQ."

The Cygnet does not signal the end of desirable beasts like the DB9 and the DBS. It will merely add to the range and give AM access to new markets.

"The offering of a ‘Cygnet' with a DBS, DB9 or Vantage is a unique combination of opposites," said Bez, "and a novel transport solution allowing intelligent and sensitive mobility on an exclusive and innovative level."

The iQ is not a bad place to start with its EURO NCAP 5-star safety package and environmental consciousness. Aston Martin seems to be going into the same territory that Mercedes-Benz entered in the early 1990s with the smart where it initially partnered with Swiss watch maker Swatch. More details will be revealed once the project has been given final approval which Dr Bez expects to be in the not too distance future.

Aston Martin Cygnet Concept

Vin Diesel's 1970 Dodge Charger RT from Fast & Furious Movie Up For Sale

The Volo Auto Museum in Illinois has put up for sale this matte gray 1970 Dodge Charger RT, which it claims was one of the cars driven by Vin Diesel as Dominic Toretto in the 2009 Fast and Furious movie. The muscle car has all the expected custom touches like a sports steering wheel, stripped and customized interior and massive bonnet scoop.

There isn't much information on the dealer's site, other than the fact it's an automatic V8 and that the appraised value is US$200,000. That's rather high, given that Hemmings values a 1970 Dodge Charger RT around the US$28,995 to $74,900 mark. Then again, those vehicles didn't make it to Hollywood.

Fortunately, this one is selling for the low, low price of $129,998, or about $55k over a pristine non-movie car for the privilege of owning a vehicle that may or may not have had its seats caressed by Vin Diesel's tushie.

Link: Volo

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Cobra Technology Accessorizes New Volkswagen Touareg

The second generation of Volkswagen's Touareg has only been available in the European market since April, but the SUV has already started attracting a lot of attention from the aftermarket industry. One of the latest tuners to get their hands on the Touareg is Cobra Technology, which has just released a first batch of accessories for the SUV model.

The German tuning firm offers a stainless steel lower guard for the front bumper (you know, to protect the car from those pesky side curbs during parking), along with 80mm thick sidebars with rubber stepping surfaces plus a set of 20-inch alloy wheels shod in 275/45 R20 tires.

The front bumper guard is priced at €395, the side bars at €763 and the alloy wheels at €510.

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Fresh Photos of New Chrysler 200 Sporting Brand's New Grille

Now that Chrysler Group has announced its new European Jeep lineup and revealed the next-gen Dodge Durango and Charger, the most important cars to expect soon are the 200 and 300 sedans. Chrysler has put out some new photos of its redesigned and renamed Sebring replacement, and we finally get a better look at the car's nose plus a peek at the leather interior with contrasting stitching.

You already know the car will get a the 2.4-liter I4 World Gas Engine and the new Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 with 283 horsepower. For the rest of all the released info, head over to our previous post. Right now we're here to check out the latest teasers from Chrysler.

With a full, if dim, view of the front end, it looks like the new Chrysler grille will get some styling cues from -wait for the shocker- Hyundai's latest proposals. Hopefully we'll be getting some proper pictures soon that will put any fears to rest.

Remember, this is just meant to be a stop-gap solution using the 200C concept's style on an old Sebring chassis; the next all-new 200 should be significantly less Sebring and more its own model in-line dimensionally with the concept it's based on.

By Phil Alex

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Malignant Rumors: Jaguar Considering 2,000 Units a Year of Turbine-Powered C-X75 Halo Car

As Porsche begins development on the hybrid 918 Spyder, Jaguar is reportedly taking the idea of a limited-run production version of its Paris Motor Show C-X75 concept into consideration. Autoweek reports that the British luxury marque is discussing the possibility of building up to 2,000 units annually of its XJ220 successor. If you're thinking about getting the checkbook out anytime soon, though, hold it right there.

First, due to production methods and costs, a firm number has to be decided on in regards to the C-X75's volume. Then, over the next five to seven years, Jaguar will try to prove its futuristic micro gas turbines - which are actually cheaper to develop than an internal combustion engine - are feasible for a consumer vehicle.

Tony Harper, head of advanced powertrain development for Jaguar, says, "We're talking two to three years for implementation of the gas-turbine technology, then another three to four years to integrate into a vehicle."

Should this timeline be believed and the bookkeepers give Jag a green light, we could begin seeing mules of the futuristic turbine-powered supercar as early as 2012 or 2013. Don't worry; by 2017 the Matt Beaven-penned C-X75 should still be looking fresh.

By Phil Alex

Source: Autoweek

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