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08/02/2009 Aston Martin to launch V12 Vantage

Visitors to this year’s Geneva Motor Show will be among the first to witness the launch of Aston Martin’s new V12 Vantage.

In a move sure to interest used Aston Martin dealers, the new V12 will offer drivers the fastest Vantage model ever produced and is also set to increase interest in used Aston Martin Vantage cars.

Described by Aston Martin as "the most potent production sports car in the marque’s 95-year history", the Vantage V12 is based on the V8 version.

Used Aston Martin dealers can expect to see a number of V8 Vantages arriving in their showrooms as people upgrade to the new V12 model – but will no doubt see the cars flying out of their dealerships as well, with the V8 described as a "hugely successful" model for the company.

Ulrich Bez, Aston Martin chief executive, said the new model would broaden the appeal of Aston Martins, which could result in more people looking at used Aston Martins in future.

"This is the ultimate performance interpretation of the Vantage range, combining our most agile model with our most powerful engine. It represents the definitive driving package," he said.

The Geneva Motor Show has already sold out of floor space for exhibitors and once again promises to be one of the biggest events in the car industry this year, with a wide variety of new models being unveiled.

Written by Roxy Moran

28/06/2008 Dressed to thrill

Aston Martin added the final touch of glamour to the Paris BETC Photographic Studio yesterday at the launch of the first ever Kilgour of Savile Row tailoring and fashion show.

‘Dressed to kill’ the bespoke Aston Martin V8 Vantage Coupe appeared in a ‘Morning Frost’ satin paint with the texture of fine silk finish on the exterior with the interior fitted out by the tailors from Kilgour in a midnight-blue fabric, with seat-inserts adorned with a polka-dot effect.

The fashion show in Paris offered a new collection themed around spots and stripes with a single circle featured on most garments.

250 invited VIP and media guests had the opportunity to preview the clothing and the V8 Vantage.

19/07/2007 V8 Vantage ‘performs impeccably’

Two British drivers who decided to travel from Tokyo to London in an Aston Martin V8 Vantage have said that the car has performed "impeccably" so far.

The Driving Home Road Safety Trip 2007 aims to raise awareness of safety behind the wheel for younger children in developing countries.

Spanning 10,000 miles, the journey has already encompassed Japan, China and South Korea – with the Vantage V8 having "not missed a beat" throughout each stage.

"We have so far driven more than 4,000 miles in not much over three weeks," said Richard Meredith, who with his co-driver Phil Colley is making the trip in the near-standard vehicle.

He added that there had been no major problems so far "except for a bit of ‘throat-clearing’ – due to petrol of dubious quality".

The next two weeks are expected to present dangers such as difficult road conditions and bad weather, but the team is certain the car will cruise through the next leg of the journey.

"We have planned everything as far as possible, but it is obviously impossible to plan for the unknown," Mr Meredith continued.

Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson recently reviewed a new convertible version of the V8 and said his initial reaction to the vehicle was astonishment because of its "sheer beauty".

17/07/2007 Clarkson reviews new Aston Martin

Fans of the Aston Martin brand may be encouraged by a new review from motoring journalist Jeremy Clarkson, who says the new V8 Vantage Roadster convertible is "very pretty".

On delivery of the green-coloured model – complete with green interior and matching roof – it was a vehicle one "simply had to buy", he wrote in the Times.

Although it is not as fast as its coupe counterpart, the convertible is comfortable and refined while it "glides" along the roads.

"The first time you see one of these things, roof down, on a sunny day, you’ll know what I’m on about," the Top Gear presenter continued.

According to Aston Martin, the Roadster embodies soul, power and beauty, while incorporating leather sports seats and a hand-trimmed interior.

It also comes equipped with a 4.3-litre engine and a maximum speed of 175 miles per hour.

23/05/2007 Aston Martin puts Vantage to the safety test

Aston Martin has subjected its V8 Vantage to a rigorous safety test by offering its services to two Britons who will drive along the new Asia-Pacific highway to raise international awareness of road safety.

Teacher Richard Meredith and travel specialist Phil Colley will set off from Tokyo on June 25th, passing through 15 countries before arriving in London six weeks later.

They are undertaking their journey in collaboration with the United Nations and the UN-backed Road Safety is no Accident and Make Roads Safe campaigns.

Mr Meredith praised Aston Martin for having the "confidence and enthusiasm" to put the V8 Vantage on public trial in the name of road safety.

Dr Ulrich Bez, chairman of Aston Martin, said: "As makers of high performance cars we have a special responsibility to promote safe road use. Our cars meet the highest standards of active and passive safety and our driver training courses promote responsible driving.

"Richard, Phil and the V8 Vantage face a tough journey ahead but I have every confidence that they will succeed."

The car has been given some minor modifications ahead of the trip, including a strengthened sump guard and raised suspension. The vehicle will run on standard 18-inch wheels with Bridgestone tyres.