Aston Martin Future in Doubt?

Who new that Jezza and the Top Gear boys can be prophetic to some extent? Their last series ended with a cheesy segment where Jezza drives an Aston and contemplates the death of grand tourers and supercars thanks to the green revolution.

Now, Aston is reported to have some financial issues leading some to question Aston’s future in the business. The reason’s Doubts on Aston’s future emerged when part-owner Investment Dar of Kuwait said that it is having problems refinancing its debt.

The economic downturn has hit Investment Dar hard and has made arrangements with its creditors for extensions to allow restructuring. Investment Dar’s control in Aston has been financed partly by international banks.

Investment Dar took over part of the business after Ford sold Aston Martin in 2007.

Source: Autocar

MW Design Aston Martin V8 Vantage

More tuning goodness to keep out gearhead juices pumping. This here’s the Aston Martin V8 Vantage restyled by MW Design which MW dubbed as “Helvellyn Frost.”

The V8 engine’s retuned and a sports exhaust system’s been fitted to the car. It dishes out a rated 439 bhp – a significant boost from the 375 bhp from stock engine.

To cope with the power boost, the car gets a revised suspension. Other bits include side air vents, a revised grill and front and rear bumpers. The car also features red calipers, and removable red tow hooks to match the red interior.

As the “Frost” in name goes, this tuned Vantage is only available in pristine matt white body paint. Aside from the paint, the car is fitted with aero bits. The car sits on bespoke alloys.

Source: Auto Evolution

The iQ-Based Aston Martin Cygnet

Aston Martin has revealed that a new concept car is in the works, called the Aston Martin Cygnet. The car is developed off the Toyota iQ city car.

“This concept is akin to an exclusive tender for a luxury yacht,” says Dr. Ulrich Bez, the chief executive officer of Aston Martin. “It allows us to apply Aston Martin design language, craftsmanship and brand values to a completely new segment of the market.”

The Cygnet will use most of the components of the Toyota iQ, but will feature a new exterior, along with a new and more luxurious interior. The new car will be built at Aston Martin’s Gaydon facility, expecting a turnout of between 1000 to 2000 units annually.

Aston Martin paid £20,000 for the deal to create its version of the city car concept. What Aston Martin is targeting is the world’s smallest luxury saloon once it goes on sale before the end of 2010. Bez added that the company is aiming at a third of Aston Martin owners who also own a car similar to the Mini in size and function.

Aston Martin V12 Vantage to Debut in Geneva 2009

Aston’s quite busy updating their lineup. While the DBS has been their flagship for the past couple of years, there’s no shortage of people wanting their other offerings like the Vantage, and soon to come, the four-door Rapide. The One-77’s even sold out prior to production.

This V12 Vantage came out as a concept last year and Aston Martin will be debuting the production version of the car this March in Geneva.

The V12 is a 6.0L 510 bhp monster which helps the Vantage get from 0-62 mph in just 4.2 seconds and reach a blistering 190 mph. That’s 90 bhp more than the V8 version of the Vantage and is quicker by 0.5 seconds from 0-62.

Minor cosmetic tweaks for the V12 Vantage are larger air intakes, side skirts, new alloys and a ventilated hood. At the rear, it’s got new dual exhaust with tuned tips and a larger rear spoiler.

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Aston Martin V8 Vantage Getting Beefed Up

Aston Martin has decided that the original V8 Vantage was a bit to tame for  their liking, to remedy their situation they have made a few changes where it counts; which we will be seeing on the 2009s. They bored and stroked out the displacement, from the original 4.3 liters to a now 4.7 liter V8.  The result being 420bhp, an 11% increase and 347 lb-ft of torque, a 15% jump.  Even though you will be getting more power out of your Aston, you will be getting 13% better fuel economy.

Aston Martin didn’t stop with the engine either. Either of the optional  transmissions have been tweeked for your liking. They have gone through the programming on the Sportshift automatic to provide you with smoother shifts, and the 6-speed manual has received a modified clutch and flywheel, reducing a bit of weight and making clutch efforts easier. As it goes with the suspension, we can expect stiffer spring rates, stiffer bushings in the front suspension and improved steering geometry. All of which should make your spirited cruises in those windy canyon roads much more precise.  Inside the car, they have done away with the standard key, and put in an ECU to handle that. They’ve also reworked the center console finish in graphite silver.  To my relief and I’m sure yours as well, they will leave the sexy lines of the Vantage alone, though you will have the option of adding a new 20 spoke 19” wheel when you place your order.

Full press release can be read here

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