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

Aston Martin Recalling over 1,000 U.S. Vehicles Over Safety Concerns

British sportscar maker Aston Martin has notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of a safety recall 1,090 DB9, V8 Vantage and DBS vehicles built between 2007 and 2008.

In a letter sent by Aston Martin to the NHTSA, the British carmaker reported that the camber bolt that holds the front bottom suspension arm was not made to specification and "could crank along its shank" (shaft).

According to the company, this would allow the lower control arm to move freely, affecting the driver's ability to steer, and thus increasing the risk of a crash. The letter went on to say that drivers may hear a metallic rattling sound if the lower control arm had loosened in such a fashion.

An Aston Martin spokesperson told Bloomberg news that the defect was detected through company testing, not through any customer complaints. He went on to say that the driver would still be able to steer, but may notice 'looser handling'.

To rectify the defect, dealers will replace the affected camber bolts free of charge. Aston Martin has notified the NHTSA that the safety recall will begin on or before October 18th of this year.

By Tristan Hankins

Source: NHTSA / Bloomberg

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Aston Martin Drops More Video of its One-77, Confirms Engine Specs

Aston Martin has released a new video (part four of a series, apparently) detailing its One-77 mega-super-hyper car flagship as well as showing it out on the track. Specifications? Sure thing. The 7.3-liter V12 has been officially certified at 750 horsepower and 750 Nm (553.2 lbs-ft) of torque making it -according to the company- the most powerful naturally aspirated road car engine in the world today.

Throughout the video you'll see some beautiful details of the million-dollar (actually £1.25 million) Aston flagship, including the side mirror mounts molded into the door shells and close-ups of the wraparound jewel-like tail light.

Dr. Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin, says, "The One-77 is approaching a production reality and of course, there is considerable excitement in the project. Now the next steps are all about details and refinement to complete the composition. I know the final car will demonstrate what the Aston Martin team is capable of."

Come 2011, sheiks, rulers, and Daniel Craig should expect to receive their own customized version from the 77 one-offs Aston intends to build. Hopefully at Paris we'll get a chance to see it in a new color.

By Phil Alex