Aston Martin Zagato DB AR1

(from Zagato Press Release) Thursday 2nd January 2003 - Aston Martin and Zagato have shown a lightweight concept Roadster at Los Angeles Motor Show that has been designed specifically to appeal to its US customers.

At Le Mans race in year 2002, Dr. Ulrich Bez had something like Уa feelingЕФ, while he was driving a DBR1. Talking about it with Andrea Zagato at Pebble Beach Concours DТElegance the next August, this feeling turned into an idea and this idea gave life to the beautiful American Roadster.

The DB American Roadster 1 (DB AR1) is derived from the DB7 Ц the most successful Aston Martin of all time. It is based on the current DB7 Vantage Volante (convertible) and boasts revised bodystyle with coachwork by Zagato and incorporates a number of dynamic elements, which have been finely engineered to offer a new dimension to the Aston Martin driving experience.

Available only as a two-seater, the DB AR1 is not a convertible Zagato version of the Coupe - launched in the summer of 2002 - but an addition to Aston MartinТs exclusive product range.

УAston Martin is unique in its ability to react quickly to its customers requirements and produce limited edition sports cars,Ф explained Dr Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin.Ф This is the reason why Aston Martin has preferred Zagato: it has the same approach to business: quick answers and quality.
The DB7 Zagato was a huge success for Aston Martin with all 99 cars sold very quickly. ItТs very clear; customers want choice and individuality.

УHowever, the DB AR1 is a concept car that has been designed with the Californian weather in mind and is a Roadster in the proper tradition, with no hood and space for just two people.Ф

All cars have been sold in a three Ц weeks tour in United States, after Los Angeles Motor Show. The production (66 to 99 pieces) will start in year 2003.
Pricing has yet to be confirmed, but it is anticipated that DB AR1 will cost around $230,000 US (plus or minus 10%).

The DB AR1 has a large distinctive radiator grille and accentuating rear wheel arches, which are also new, whilst the carefully detailed features such as the reverse/fog light combination provide graphic evidence of intricate hand craftsmanship and quality that has become an Aston Martin trademark.

Aston Martin has yet to conduct performance testing however, it is expected that recent developments of Aston MartinТs low emission, all alloy, 6.0-litre V12 engine, means that DB AR1 will benefit from a performance increase, and offer 435bhp Ц compared with 420bhp of the DB7 Vantage.

This increased power together with a revised final drive ratio and active sports exhaust system will not only provide noticeable improvement in mid-range power, but also additional torque - up from 400 lb/ft (DB7 Vantage) to 410 lb/ft, providing a sharper accelerating drive.

An AP twin plate racing clutch, which replaces the single plate clutch found on the DB7 Vantage, combined with the revised quick-shift gear lever Ц also fitted to the DB7 GT Ц will enable the driver to maximise use of the increase in power and torque and enjoy a faster gear change.

Aside from a revised body design, the DB AR1 has special multispoke 19Ф alloy wheels - with revised offset to give a wider track (8x19Ф front, 9љx19Ф rear) - equipped with SO2 245/35 ZR19 front and 265/30 rear, low profile Yokohoma tyres.

The active sports exhaust system with rear muffler by-pass valves - as used on the V12 Vanquish - provide the DB AR1 with a very distinctive exhaust note.

A combination of racing-style grooved 355mm (front) and 330mm (rear) Brembo disc brakes and uprated Pagid RS 42-1 front pads provide the DB AR1 with better-sustained performance, with improved resistance to judder and fade, particularly at high speed. An uprated brake booster unit Ц as used on the V12 Vanquish - assists in providing the driver with progressive braking and a firmer and more consistent pedal feel.

Aston Martin V12 Vanquish

(Aston Martin Press Release) NEW YORK, April 12, 2001 – The most sophisticated and technologically advanced new model ever to be designed, developed and built by Aston Martin is making its debut at the New York International Auto Show.

With a maximum speed in excess of 300 km/h (190 mph) and a 6.0 liter V12 engine developing 460 horsepower, the totally new Aston Martin V12 Vanquish goes on sale in September and will carry an MSRP of $228,000. It is being built at Newport Pagnell and becomes Aston Martin’s new premier, top of the range, flagship model.

Available as either a two or two plus two seat coupe the V12 Vanquish will accelerate to 60 mph in under 4.5 seconds (0-100 km/h in under 5.0 seconds) and 160 km/h (100 mph) in under 10 seconds. Through the application of advanced design techniques and materials it is lighter, stiffer and stronger and offers superior performance to that of the V8 engined Vantage model which it replaces.

In conjunction with the electronic drive-by-wire throttle system, which is fitted to the second generation 460 horsepower 6.0 liter V12 Aston Martin engine, fingertip controlled Formula 1 style paddles enable almost imperceptible gear changes to be completed in under 250 milliseconds – less than the blink of an eye.

Advanced electronics also permit the close ratio six speed manual transmission to be programmed to operate automatically with the added facility of a special program tailored to winter driving conditions.

With close co-operation and technical assistance from the Ford Research & Vehicle Technology Group and Ford Research laboratories the new V12 Vanquish represents the largest ever investment by Aston Martin in advanced technology and it pioneers a series of world firsts in its design and construction. The main body structure utilizes carbon fiber, extruded aluminum and composite materials bonded together to form a central monocoque safety cell with additional deformable composite structure energy absorbent zones at both front and rear. It provides high standards of efficiency, structural integrity, torsional rigidity and occupant crash protection.

The V12 Vanquish is being offered for sale throughout the world with more than 70% of the annual production of 300 cars scheduled for customers outside the UK. Advance orders from customers in the USA will account for more than 30% of all sales during the second half of 2001.

Aston Martin DB9

---- Specifications ----

Price		$155,000	Production		--
Engine		6 liter DOHC V12	Weight		3769 lbs
Aspiration		natural	Torque		420 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
HP		450 @ 6000 rpm	HP/Weight		8.4 lbs per hp
HP/Liter		75 hp per liter	0-100 mph		10.8 seconds
0-60 mph		4.7 seconds	Top Speed		186 mph

(from Aston Martin Press Release) The future of Aston Martin is epitomised by the all-new DB9, a 2+2 seater sports car that sets new standards in its class due to its astonishing combination of agility, V12 power, smoothness, beautiful design and hand craftsmanship.

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Using a radical new aluminium-bonded body frame, the DB9 is one of the most sophisticated and
technically advanced sports cars in the world. It is powered by the latest version of Aston Martin’s
6.0-litre V12, producing 450bhp and a top speed of 186mph. Yet the DB9 is significant well beyond
being a class-leading sports car. It is the beginning of a new era for Aston Martin. It is the first car
to be hand-made at Aston Martin’s new state-of-the-art facility in Gaydon, Warwickshire, where all
future Aston Martin models will be developed and built.

Sales of the model will start in Spring 2004, replacing the DB7, the most successful Aston Martin
in history.

"Gaydon is the future of Aston Martin," says Dr Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin. "It combines
cutting-edge high technology with hand-craftsmanship and tradition. It is probably the best facility
of its type in the world, and the perfect showcase for how to design and build innovative sports and
GT cars for the 21st Century.

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"All cars built at Gaydon will be based on Aston Martin’s new VH [Vertical Horizontal] platform. It’s
the first time in our history that we have had a totally flexible yet dedicated Aston Martin platform.
The DB9 is the first car to use it making it the most important Aston Martin ever."

The body frame is the most structurally efficient in the world, taking into account strength, torsional
rigidity and weight. It has double the rigidity of many rivals, as well as being lighter, resulting in
superior handling and agility.

All body panels are either aluminium or lightweight composites with magnesium being used on the
steering column and inner door frames. Even the gear selector paddles are made from magnesium alloy. The total weight is 1710kgs, extremely light for a V12-powered prestige 2+2 seater sports car with every imaginable luxury feature. This has a hugely beneficial effect on performance. Top speed of the manual is 186mph and 0-100 km/h (62mph) acceleration takes just 4.9 seconds. Other technologically radical features include a ZF ’drive-by-wire’ six-speed automatic gearbox that dispenses with a traditional gear lever. Instead, the drive, park, neutral and reverse controls are selected by buttons.

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Touchtronic manual mode enables the driver to change gear using paddles mounted behind the
steering wheel. The automatic gearchange has been tuned to provide the perfect balance between
super-fast operation and comfortably smooth shifts. A conventional six-speed manual gearbox will
also be offered.

The agility of the car is boosted by the perfect 50:50 weight distribution. This has been achieved
partly by putting the gearbox at the rear. A carbon fibre drive shaft, running in a cast aluminium
tube, delivers torque from the engine to the gearbox. Handling is further improved by the light
aluminium wishbone suspension and aluminium bodied dampers. The whole DB9 cabin is handfinished
in premium quality materials giving it a simple and functional feel. Aluminium is used in the
interior, reflecting the most commonly used material in the structure and body. Even details such
as the instrument dials are made from aluminium. Features include full leather Bridge of Weir
upholstery of the highest quality and a state of the art music system specially developed for Aston
Martin by British sound experts Linn.

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Among the many technological firsts is the ’message centre’ in the dashboard. It is an organic
electroluminescent display (OEL), as opposed to the more common LCD. OELs have a higher
resolution and better contrast and are easier to read, especially when viewed at an angle. Of
course, no Aston Martin would be an Aston Martin without a beautiful body. The DB9’s is modern
and clean but retains much of its heritage. It is a modern interpretation of a traditional Aston
Martin, the successor to such benchmark designs as the DB4 and DB5. The aluminium bonnet is
long and extends all the way to the car’s leading edge. There is a minimum number of ’cut’ or ’shut’
lines, to aid styling simplicity and beauty.

"The DB9 has been designed as a sports car but with GT levels of comfort and cruising ability,"
says Dr Bez. "It is aimed at people who love driving but also enjoy exclusivity and style.

"It is the perfect vehicle to take you from London to the south of France, or to drive for the sheer
exhilaration. It is fun and very focused on the driving experience, but also offers all the comforts
you would expect from an Aston Martin grand tourer.

"This car is new from the ground up. We made sure that every solution was the correct one for the
DB9. This is important for a car that we believe will lead the 2+2 seater sports car class for many
years to come."

The DB9 manages to combine all facets of style, quality and useability of a traditional Aston Martin
without relying on retrospective detail or design. It is a totally modern Aston Martin.

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