Aston Martin: New Vanquish AM 310 Revealed

Aston Martin has released new details and photos of its forthcoming ‘Super GT’ car to replace the current DBS. It’s called the Vanquish AM 310, and aside from that sounding like a snappy new radio station on the low-frequency band, the materials used to ‘broadcast’ (sorry) this largely face-lifted, One-77-inspired addition onto the DB9 family platform are anything but mono-toned – The entire body is now clothed in carbon-fibre.

Keen eyes will also notice the beautifully-integrated rear spoiler and new wheels to go along with the more dramatic lines and pinches and bevy of creases that “represents the zenith of current Aston Martin design and engineering.” – according to the press release – which seems to signify that this is ‘the end’ of this current design language and that something anew is coming next year to mark Aston Martin’s centenary… ? Surely.

The interior appears to have been cleaned up in the dash/console area as well, which will come as a welcome benefit to those that have been flustered by the sheer onslaught of tiny switches that used-to inhabit Aston dashboards of recent times…

Full specs haven’t been released just yet, but the main headlines are that the 6.0L V12 has been uprated to deliver 573 bhp (up 56 bhp from the DBS’s 517 bhp) and an increased torque figure of 457 lb/ft up from a previous 420 lb/ft. 60 mph arrives just a couple of tenths quicker (irrelevant) than before and the AM 310 Vanquish will top out at 187 mph (again, mostly irrelevant).

Frustratingly, there’s no word on whether a manual will be offered in the gearbox/drive area of matters, but don’t count on it – The buying public appears to be fully transfixed now on everything being AutoMagic with some ‘sporty’ paddles behind the steering-wheel to flick away at with their lazy fingers when the need for evoking some ‘sporty driving’ occurs…

But then again, this is a GT car, so a quick-witted  ZF-based Touchtronic system is more than adequate for handling those cross-Continental blasts across the earth. Speaking of GT pretensions, the ability to carry more within the luggage area of your AM 310 has increased as well – up to 60% more space than the out-going DBS – and therefore, ample room for your golf clubs… if that’s your motoring concern.

Expect deliveries of the Vanquish AM 310 to start at the end of this year with big plans awaiting on the horizon for the next generation of Aston Martins to come…!

-Blake J.
AutoInjected.com

Eric Clapton’s New Ferrari: 512BB Boxer Tribute From A 458

Longtime Ferrari fanatic, Eric Clapton, has presented his one-off homage to the classic late ’70s V12 512BB as built by Ferrari’s own ‘Special Products’ Division, which exclusively handles bespoke one-offs such as this.

Based on the underpinnings of the 458, it has been given the name SP12-EPC (obviously after its registration plate – ‘SP’ = Special Products ’12’ = year of Reg.) Yet contrary to many other reports on the interweb, the car still retains its original 458-derived V8 heart, not a transplanted V12… despite the notable increase in desireability if that were the case

The Enzo headlamps also tempt that V12 notion even further but official Motor Vehicle documents don’t lie… Further details are understandably scant at best this early on but surely the singer/songwriter will (hopefully) be providing up-close and possibly onboard experiences to worthy journalists and his fellow Ferrari fanatics/historians in the near future…

Until then, have a gaze at the photos that captured the car’s debut at London Ferrari Dealership HR Owen last night…

The original V12 512BB Boxer...

 -Blake J.
AutoInjected.com

Ferrari: New F12 Berlinetta + Hi-Res Photo Gallery

Ferrari has officially released details, photos and an annoyingly-spelled new name (the ‘F12berlinetta’ – lower-case ‘b’ and no spaces) for its new front/mid-engined V12 coupe flagship model… So, no longer ‘F620 GT’ as had been widely reported previously.

The new car boasts a power figure of 740 bhp and 509lb/ft of torque, can reach the magic 60 mph in under 3 seconds and do 0-125 mph in just 8.5 seconds… that’s mighty brisk. The new F12 has also lapped the Fiorano test-track in 1:23 – faster than any other Ferrari road car before and a whole second faster than the 599 GTO.

Ferrari also claims a somewhat irrelevant top-speed of ‘over 340 km/h’, which translates to somewhere north of 210 mph. Weight comes in at 1525 kg (dry) which is 70 kg lighter than the 599 GTB it replaces. Keeping up with the rest of the new and evolving Ferrari lineup, the F12 will also feature the proven twin-clutch transaxle gearbox as found in the 458.

The engine, seats and dash are also mounted lower in the chassis, thereby lowering the centre of gravity and shifting it rearwards for a 46:54 front-rear weight distribution figure. The F12 also highlights a 20% stiffer shell than the 599 and an impressive 76% increase in overall downforce, roughly giving 123kg of downforce at 125 mph. There’s also new fancy active brake ducts that open and close when required…

So what do we make of the looks…? As always, these things are ‘to-each-their-own’ and all… The in-the-metal debut happens soon at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. Until then, have a pore over the large, wallpaper-esque photos.

-Blake J.
AutoInjected.com

The 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage Zagato has something to tell you.

The 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage Zagato has something to tell you, so please, turn up your volume and have a listen…

2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage Zagato

The 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage Zagato is powered by a 510hp/420ft-lb torque 6.0L V12. The V12 Zagato celebrates the 50th anniversary of collaboration with Italian design house Zagato. Having just premiered at the Villa D’Este Concours on May 21st, and having won the “Concorso D’Eleganza” design award at the event, we’re sure buyers are already lining up.

The racing debut of the V12 Zagato will be at the four hour VLN race at Nürburgring on May 28th. The car will be a close to production version, but with the necessary FIA safety compliance. Next, like other recent Aston Martin releases, the V12 Zagato will compete at the Nürburgring 24 hour race on June 25/26. We’ll be eagerly awaiting video footage from both of these events!

Check out Aston Martin’s news release for all the details on this lovely machine.

^McG