Aston Martin Vanquish

REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

James Bond ’ s new crush

Since its beginnings in 1913, Aston Martin has more than once been on the brink of bankruptcy. Today, the brand can breathe easier, because Ford has been paying the bills since 1987.

Jac Nasser, Ford ’ s ex-number One, must be pleased these days to see the success enjoyed by the brand Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford founded. Sales are reaching unforeseen heights (over 4,000 DB ’ s assembled to date, a brand record) and the British brand officials used the Geneva Car Show as showcase for launching the new Vanquish V12, the brand ’ s new entry in the exceptional (a.k.a., unaffordable) vehicle segment.

The brand ’ s new flagship, designed at Newport Pagnell, the company ’ s home town, promises breathtaking performance: 0-100km/h in under 5 seconds and a top speed of above 300 km/h. Fulfilling these promises is a 460 hp 6.0-litre V12 engine coupled to a six-gear transmission.

The car, designed by Ian Callum, now head stylist at Jaguar, is offered in two-seat and 2 + 2 versions. Will Prince Charles, current owner of a DB7, be tempted to buy one? The legendary Agent 007 is no more faithful to his cars than to his women, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer revealed a few days ago by announcing that the British secret agent will drive an Aston-Martin in his next adventure. Of course, he will be offered a Vanquish V12. The 460 hp will have no trouble making him forget the BMW Z8 he drove in his last feature film.

James Bond will be driving an Aston Martin for the fourth time in 40 years. Their association started in 1964 in Goldfinger (our picture), starring Sean Connery as Agent 007.

Without questioning the irresistible charm of the Vanquish V12, we wonder how much Ford invested in reviving the James Bond-Aston-Martin association. I bet BMW officials wonder just as well.

New car in 2002

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Aston Martin DB7 Vantage Volante

REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

Under Construction

After changing hands time and time again over a period of decades, Aston Martin seems to have found its dream partner in Ford and the happy outcome of this union couldn’t be better reflected than it is in the DB7 Vantage.

Available as a coupe or a convertible, the Vantage features a 5.9- litre 12-cylinder (420-hp) engine, 18-inch wheels, huge disc brakes, massive grille and musclebound rocker panels.Both versions of the DB7 are 2+2 models, although rear seat passengers would be best advised to keep their knees curled close to their bodies. Front power seats may well feature buttery Connolly leather upholstery with a contrasting trim, but they’re still uncomfortable on long outings. They ’ re positioned between large side windows and a high centre console that can easily accommodate either the automatic transmission gear box or the five-speed manual transmission lever. Thick carpets and walnut inlays are proof of the traditional luxury finish and comfort so dear to the British. Instruments are classic, with the tachometer surrounded by only four secondary gauges. The steering wheel is wide and holds well and the view from behind it, along the long and sleek hood, is positively intoxicating. The two- tone colour scheme may be a bit excessive, but that’s a matter of taste. In short, this kind of vehicle is perfect as long as you don’t want to go unnoticed.Its strong torque and above-average flexibility provide a cushiony ride that’s best in the city and when needed, spell strong acceleration as well. The low- profile Bridgestone tires and independent front and rear suspension provide reassuring roadholding capabilities and the huge disc brakes and ABS system have no trouble at all bringing this vehicle to a full stop.

The British builder didn’t limit its efforts to putting this magnificent V12
engine compartment. It made changes to the chassis as well. Examples?
should be enough. First: a more rigid platform. Second: a recalibrated suspension. Without a doubt, the result is a strong and racy model, but
fuel consumption. Acceleration is very powerful and pick-up is equally astounding. Look out, Ferrari 456M!

PROS Powerful braking Prestige make Electrifying performance
CONS Uncomfortable bucket seats Limited distribution
CRASH TEST (five stars indicate the best protection)
Driver: no data
Passenger: no data
No more 6 cylinders engine

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Aston Martin DB7 Vantage

REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

Under Construction

After changing hands time and time again over a period of decades, Aston Martin seems to have found its dream partner in Ford and the happy outcome of this union couldn’t be better reflected than it is in the DB7 Vantage.

Available as a coupe or a convertible, the Vantage features a 5.9- litre 12-cylinder (420-hp) engine, 18-inch wheels, huge disc brakes, massive grille and musclebound rocker panels.Both versions of the DB7 are 2+2 models, although rear seat passengers would be best advised to keep their knees curled close to their bodies. Front power seats may well feature buttery Connolly leather upholstery with a contrasting trim, but they’re still uncomfortable on long outings. They ’ re positioned between large side windows and a high centre console that can easily accommodate either the automatic transmission gear box or the five-speed manual transmission lever. Thick carpets and walnut inlays are proof of the traditional luxury finish and comfort so dear to the British. Instruments are classic, with the tachometer surrounded by only four secondary gauges. The steering wheel is wide and holds well and the view from behind it, along the long and sleek hood, is positively intoxicating. The two- tone colour scheme may be a bit excessive, but that’s a matter of taste. In short, this kind of vehicle is perfect as long as you don’t want to go unnoticed.Its strong torque and above-average flexibility provide a cushiony ride that’s best in the city and when needed, spell strong acceleration as well. The low- profile Bridgestone tires and independent front and rear suspension provide reassuring roadholding capabilities and the huge disc brakes and ABS system have no trouble at all bringing this vehicle to a full stop.

The British builder didn’t limit its efforts to putting this magnificent V12
engine compartment. It made changes to the chassis as well. Examples?
should be enough. First: a more rigid platform. Second: a recalibrated suspension. Without a doubt, the result is a strong and racy model, but
fuel consumption. Acceleration is very powerful and pick-up is equally astounding. Look out, Ferrari 456M!

PROS Powerful braking Prestige make Electrifying performance
CONS Uncomfortable bucket seats Limited distribution
CRASH TEST (five stars indicate the best protection)
Driver: no data
Passenger: no data
No more 6 cylinders engine

Posted in Aston Martin, Auto Directory | No Comments »