Last May the Aston Martin V12 Zagato debuted at the Villa d’Este Concours d’Elegance. It went on to win best of show – and for good reason. We’ll admit, we have a soft spot in our hearts for Aston Martins (like many auto enthusiasts), but this car is a particularly stunning example.

After a very favorable reception at the show and by Aston buyers around the world, two months later the decision was made to produce the car. The V12 Zagato marks the return of the coach builder, and the ensuing relationship between it and the manufacturer. They have made a comeback thanks to modern technologies that make limited production feasible, and even profitable. The V12 Zagato is a result of that.

The car makes the transition from one-off to production vehicle looking just as beautiful the day it was introduced. That means a familiar Aston Martin front end, but a unique twist on the rest of the design, with singular round taillights and a rakish rear end. The narrowing window line, flowing rear haunches – this has future classic written all over it.

Chief Executive Officer Ulrich Bez says the car is a celebration of “both Aston Martin’s heritage and its future…..our relationship with Zagato stretches back more than 50 years. Together in that time we have created a series of very special cars. The first – the DB4GT Zagato – is a true icon: fast, beautiful and incredibly desirable. In the V12 Zagato I believe we have captured the spirit of that car and combined it with a confident twist of modernity to give it a character all of its own.”

Indeed. Aston says the car will be built in a limited run, with only 150 examples. It is a hand-built project, completed in the special operations center setup for the One-77. Pricing starts at about $520,000 USD at current exchanges. Word is that nearly the entire run has already been spoken for.

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Smart ForTwo

Smart encourages drivers to “think differently,” a phrase that becomes all that more relevant when trying to find parking in a crowded city. Aside from being the most convenient parking machine on the road, the ForTwo generates a lot of buzz (at least in the US) from its stark design contrast in relation to the average American car.

There’s obviously something special about the ForTwo; countless individuals have taken the leap from bulky, environmentally inefficient vehicles toward the new wave of design and purpose expressed by the Smart. Could this be the vehicle that paves the way for American drivers to completely change their ways?

Toyota iQ

The Toyota iQ is set to make big waves in the super compact market as being one of the first vehicles to offer the size and efficiency of a super compact without sacrificing adequate storage space or modern styling. Toyota removed various unnecessary components of the standard dashboard to accommodate for a comfortable front seat experience, as well as space for two additional passengers in the rear. If you thought cars of this size were only made for two people, think again. The iQ is set for limited production in 2012 and will likely be rebranded under Scion for US consumers.

Mini Cooper Coupe

Mini Coopers have been around for quite some time now, but it wasn’t until recent years that we’ve seen any significant changes in product lines and styles from the Mini brand. Enter the Mini Cooper Coupe. A subtle variation of the standard Cooper, the Cooper Coupe is a 2 door roadster that is undeniably Mini, yet quite unique in its own right. This is the first 2-door vehicle that Mini has produced, commanding a small market segment of emotionally charged Mini drivers searching for the stylish qualities that a coupe can provide.

Fiat 500 Abarth

Fiat has a lot of ground to cover if they want to make an impact in the US auto market, but the recent announcement of the 500 Abarth will surely stir up some excitement for those individuals looking for a little performance with their compact. The 500 Abarth boasts a turbocharged engine with around 130 horsepower – not bad for a car that is about half the size of all the other vehicles on the road in the US today. The exterior fascia upgrades on the 500 Abarth also help seal the concept that small doesn’t have to mean lower performance or inferior styling.

Aston Martin Cygnet

Based on the Toyota iQ platform, the Aston Martin Cygnet is not quite what you would expect from one of the world’s leading luxury vehicle manufacturers. And at a starting price of £30,995 (~$49,595 US), it’s not entirely aimed at the traditional super compact buyers either. Fortunately, Aston Martin carries a brand fully capable of marketing rare and expensive vehicles to small market niches. Few individuals will have the opportunity to indulge in the upgraded styling and feature set of the Cygnet, making it the perfect super compact luxury car for the upscale city dweller.

Kyle Suss is an Internet marketing guru at Suss Buick GMC, Colorado’s largest supplier of Denver used cars.

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When selling products – especially cars, branding matters a lot. Creating an image and maintaining it are the keys to success. Old stigmas about a certain nameplate or manufacturer can be hard to erase. In cases where a dramatic turnaround in the quality of the product has been made, the change can happen more quickly. Witness Hyundai for instance, who just 10 years ago was viewed negatively by consumers.

One brand that has never been viewed negatively is Aston Martin. We view it as a company who makes some of the most beautiful, and yes, coolest cars around. The coolest of all though? We don’t know about that, but in the United Kingdom a new study has named Aston Martin the coolest brand in the country.

It is an award it has received for the fifth time in six years. The study is conducted by the The Center for Brand Analysis. It involves 1,500 brands and polling of the British public, as well as involving 36 “influencers” from the industries such as film, music and fashion.

Chairman of the CoolBrands Council (we had to laugh at that) had this to say about Aston Martin: “Smooth, sexy and sophisticated; British built, high quality and hand finished, let’s be honest, young or old, male or female, opinion former or British public, who wouldn’t aspire to own what is truly the coolest car on the road. Number one in five of the last six years, this British icon is truly the coolest of the cool.”

The fact that it was awarded in Aston Martin’s home market of the UK impacts things, but it says something that Aston Martin beat out all other international automakers as well as technology companies such as Apple. We have to wonder what the results of a similar study in the United States would be.

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Well-known as a premium sports car brand, Aston Martin has been one of the many premium automobile companies launching products deviating from their established expertise. The four-door Rapide and the compact city car Cygnet are two vehicles wearing the Aston Martin’s winged logo. As far as the British car builder is exploring vehicles in a different light, fans of the Aston Martin brand can rest assured the dedication to sports car motoring is at their core. Auto racing has been a continuing assertion that Aston Martin is a high-performance luxury marque eager to contend on the track as hard as on the showroom floor. Set to replace the long-serving Aston Martin DBRS9 competition car (a vehicle competing on sports car circuits since 2005), the Vantage GT3 race car will become the British sports car brand’s newest mechanical athlete.

Constructed on a lightweight yet solid aluminum structure, the Aston Martin Vantage GT3 car is specially trimmed for drivers and teams to aggressively attack the world’s greatest race circuits including Spa-Francorchamps and the Nurburgring. Modeled after the $170,000 US stock Aston Martin V12 Vantage, the Vantage GT3 race car preserves a cunning likeness to the street-going sports car. The Aston Martin Vantage GT3 receives a properly fitted aerodynamic package designed to channel airflow for perfected downforce and reduced turbulence. Part of this Vantage GT3 car’s aerodynamic adjustment includes the adjustable carbon fiber rear wing. This large rear wing is perhaps the most striking characteristic serving to define the Aston Martin Vantage GT3 race car from the road car.

Despite the added body components, the Aston Martin Vantage GT3 goes on a considerable diet shedding 948 pounds from the production street car. Overall weighing just under 2,756 pounds, the competition-based sports car travels on a performance-tested suspension and braking system. Anti-lock braking is still present on this race vehicle adjusted specially for motorsports.

Following GT2 and GT4 category race cars prepared over the years for various competitions, the Aston Martin Vantage in GT3 trim will be the first time the sports car’s mighty V-12 engine will serve as the basis for optimized race performance. Using the 6-liter, 12-cylinder powerplant similar to that found in the V12 Vantage, the engine’s conversion to racing is quite natural. Lightweight construction and a dry-sump oil system are attributes in common between vehicle genres. Aston Martin racing engineers found 90 extra horsepower from the V-12 engine allowing the Vantage GT3 to compete with 600 horsepower. Under the hood of the Aston Martin Vantage GT3, some subtle adjustments reposition the engine in a more suitable location conducive of better handling.

Well-known motorsport gearbox outfitter Xtrac is supplying the transmission connected to the 6-liter V12 engine. Positioned towards the rear limited-slip axle, the Xtrac 6-speed manual is controlled by a driver through steering wheel paddles.

Built around an FIA-spec steel roll cage, the Aston Martin Vantage GT3 cockpit is obviously void of the creature comforts connected to the street car. A carbon fiber dash panel, adjustable pedals and a racing seat featuring a 6-point racing harness is set in place for the utilitarian interior. The full array of vehicle controls, driver display and data logging equipment is found inside the Vantage GT3 in efforts to best foster the search for the auto racing competitive edge. A fire suppression system is fitted in the case when auto racing meets a worst-case scenario.

With a strong racing pedigree and modern construction, the Aston Martin Vantage GT3 has the ingredients to soon become a threat to the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG as well as BMW Z4 race cars in the rich, European motorsport environment. The Aston Martin Vantage GT3 racing car is will undergo track testing in October in preparations of the 2012 sports car competition season. Race teams wishing to run the Aston Martin Vantage GT3 will be paying £298,000 (about $488,000) for the privilege of running this latest member of the British sports car competition family. In the 2012 racing season, motorsport fans can expect the Vantage GT3 car to be lapping tracks within a variety of top caliber racing series’ including the FIA GT3 Championship and the Blancpain Endurance Series.

Information and photo source: Aston Martin

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1. Dazed and Confused : This film about the last day of school in 1976 might have stars like Ben Affleck and Matthew McConaughey in it, but I know it really stars a 1970 Pontiac Judge GTO, a 1972 Chevrolet C10, a 1972 Plymouth Duster, a 1955 Chevrolet 3100 pickup, a 1975 Chevrolet El Camino, a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454, and a 1974 Pontiac Trans Am SD-455 just to name a few. This movie makes me think I was born a decade too late.

2. American Graffiti : The iconic car film from George Lucas has not only a great story but some great cars. Among them are a 1932 Deuce Coupe, a 1955 Chevrolet, a 1958 Chevrolet Impala, a 1951 Mercury, a 1956 Ford Thunderbird, and a 1961 Ford Galaxy.

3. Two-Lane Blacktop : A great cross country drag race movie staring folk singer James Taylor. Yes, the same James Taylor that sings music your parents listen too. This movie, set on Route 66, pairs up a primered old 1955 Chevrolet against a 1970 Pontiac GTO. The GTO was rumored to be a Judge, but no decals are present anywhere on the car to indicate it is.

4. Bullitt : The best car chase scene ever is in this film. The seven minute chase through the streets of San Francisco was between a 1968 Ford Mustang GT 390 and a 1968 Dodge Charger.

5. Ronin : Another great car chase movie, but the first on this list to star mainly imports. Among the cast were 1976 Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL, a 1991 BMW 535i disguised to look like an E34, a 1998 Audi S8, and 1995 Citroen XM.

6. The Smokey and The Bandit franchise : Who can forget these three movies in any list? Not me! The series covers 1977, 1980, and 1983 and each time The Bandit got a new Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. Also among the great cars in this movie are a wide variety of motor homes, big rigs, and earth moving equipment. There’s something in here for everyone!

7. The Cannonball Run : One big car chase across the US, this movie stars a 1964 Aston Martin DB5, a 1976 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, a 1977 Ferrari 308 GTS, a 1980 Lamborghini Countach LP 400S, and a 1978 Dodge Sportsman.

8. Speed Zone! : Staring in this movie were a 1985 Bentley Continental, a 1988 BMW 735i, a Lamborghini Countach replica, a 1987 Ford Mustang, and even a Ford Econoline van.

9. Catch Me if You Can : This classic of the 80′s car movies depicts a goodie two shoes student government president with the school bad boy against the local drag race organizer in a battle for cash that she needs to keep the school open. Ever heard of “Fast Freddie?” Well, he comes out of retirement to save the day. The stars are a 1968 Chevrolet Malibu, a 1957 Chevrolet Two-Ten, a 1978 Chevrolet Camaro, and a 1967 Lincoln Continental.

10. Corvette Summer : After a trip to the local salvage yard lands a 1973 Chevrolet Corvette junk pile into a local high school automotive class and is then stolen, we find ourselves following Luke Skywalker famed Mark Hamil into Vegas. In addition to the ‘Vette, the movie stars a 1971 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, a Chevrolet van, and a great 1973 Datsun 240Z (that only graces the screen for a few moments).

11. The Driver : This is one where we route for the bad guys, mainly because we like the cars the getaway driver uses. The top cars in this flick are a 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280S, a 1973 Chevrolet C-10, a 1976 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, a 1965 Ford Mustang, and a 1973 Ford Galaxie 500.

12. Both of The Italian Jobs : The original was filmed in 1969 and the remake debuted in 2003. The 69 version used a trio of 1967 Aston Mini Cooper S’s to heist the loot, while the updated version updated to the 2003 MINI Cooper S’s now owned by BMW. Also included between both versions are a 1962 Aston Martin DB4 and an Aston Martin DB7 Volante.

13. Both of the Gone in 60 Seconds : This original and remake duo are a car collectors dream. Both centering on car thieves who need to collect cars before a dead line the 1974 version’s main prize is a 1971 Ford Mustang. In the 2000 version, the unicorn is a 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. My favorite car in either of these films has to be the 1971 Plymouth Hemi Barracuda. I’ll let you remember why.

14. Cars : The only cartoon to enter the list, you have to love this movie. It has no people in it whatsoever, only cars! It stars Lightning McQueen, rumored to be inspired by Steve McQueen, as an original NASCAR style car. But real cars were animated for this film including a 1951 Hudson Hornet, a 1986 Buick Regal, a 1959 Chevrolet Impala, a 1951 GM LeSabre, a 1970 Plymouth Superbird, and a 2002 Porsche 911 Carrera just to name a few.

15. Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby : Among the funniest movies ever, Ricky Bobby became my favorite NASCAR driver of all time. This film has plenty of NASCAR race cars in the limelight, but off the track the baddest car in this one is the 1969 Chevrolet Malibu that Ricky’s dad drives.

16. Days of Thunder : Keeping with the NASCAR theme, this movie too has a lot of great stock car action. The highlight though is when the two rival race car drivers (played by Tom Cruise and Michael Rooker) start off racing inside a hospital in wheel chairs and end up on the streets in a 1990 Chevrolet Lumina (Cruise) and a 1990 Ford Taurus (Rooker).

17. Faster : This revenge movie staring Dewayne Johnson really stars the super black 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle SS that he drives. The hit man hired to hunt him drives a 2002 Ferrari F360 Modena because he has entirely too much money.

18. The Fast and The Furious franchise : Among the great tuners and old school muscle in these films are the 1984 Buick Grand National, 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX Sti, 2002 Nissan Skyline GT-R, 1970 Plymouth Road Runner, 1993 Honda Civic Coupe, 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse, 1995 Toyota Supra, 1970 Dodge Charger, 1999 Ford F-150 Lightning, 1969 Chevrolet Camaro, 1970 Chevrolet Malibu, 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T, 2001 Honda S2000, 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder, third generation Mazda RX-7, 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX, 2002 Nissan Fairlady Z, 2010 Dodge Charger SRT-8, 1971 Nissan Skyline, and a Armet Gurkha F5.

19. The Transporter franchise : In this trifecta of Jason Statham movies, the luxury imports reign supreme. Among them are the 2008 Audi A8, 2005 Audi A8 L, 1995 BMW 735i, and plenty of support from Mercedes-Benz, Peugeot, Renault, and Fiat.

20. The Transformers franchise: Last but not least are these robots in disguise. Among the leading automotive cast are the 1977, 2009, 2010, and 2012 Chevrolet Camaro‘s, 2006 GMC Topkick, and 1997 Peterbuilt 379.

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You have made it to the top. Successful and in charge, you want to live life to the fullest. All the money you’ve made has allowed you to indulge in your favorite hobby, collecting cars, but now you find yourself stuck in the office all day. As far away from your obsession as possible. Have no fear, you are not alone. Car lovers dwell in office spaces the world over and the most artistic of us have designed everything a car lover would need to remodel that drab cubical into a high class gear head power office. What do you need in your office to keep you revved up and making that money? A desk, some chairs, adequate lighting, and a few other creature comforts, I’m sure.

So let’s start with a desk. This has to be the center piece of your office, the place where all the deals go down. For you F1 lovers, there’s the F1 inspired desk from PitStop Furniture. At a modest $450, you won’t be too over the top.

Formula racing isn’t for everyone. Some people like to keep a lower profile. If you want your desk to reflect that more subtle image, this desk may not be for you. A nearly complete Mini could be the place where you get all of your work done. For about $4,500 this desk would probably cost about the same as the real deal, but you can’t drive a real Mini into your office building, no matter how easy those guys on The Italian Job make it look.

   But, if you think the F1 desk looks like it was built from the Erector set you had as a kid and the Mini looks a tad worn for the wear, then perhaps you need the The Executive Desk from designer Dale Mathis. At the tune of $21,000, this clear top desk lets you become memorized by the daily gear grind. You can sit and stare straight down all day long as you see this functional piece of art at work, just don’t forget you need to work too.

Now that your desk situation is under control, you need to find your throne, the place at which you will sit for 8-12 hours a day. At Racechairs.com you can find any number of chairs that will fit your decor and your body.

The “12 Hours of Sebring” chair has to be the most ironic and my number one choice for a few reasons. First, unless you pay for it, there is no seating in Sebring, a fact that they neglect to mention when you buy passes or look on the website. Secondly, at about $400, it won’t break the budget.

Budget? What budget, you say. Money is no object? Then buckle up. You can enjoy the same seating as the owner of a Ferrari Scuderia 16M for the everyday low price of $25,000. Touted as one of the most comfortable seats from Ferrari, don’t expect it quick- each chair is custom made.

You now have a sweet chair to sit in behind that power desk, but what will you be working on? Why, a car inspired computer, naturally. Computer manufacturer ASUS has teamed up with Lamborghini to introduce the ASUS- Automobili Lamborghini VX7 laptop. Now, you can speed through the cyber world like it’s the Autobahn because this $2,200 laptop has the Intel Core i7 Extreme Edition processor that not only helps you get the job done, but gives you the best gaming performance out there. (Just don’t tell the boss…)

With the coolest desk, the sickest chair, and the fastest computer you now have a line of people waiting to see you. They know that you are the one who can make things happen, but what will you have them sit on? Carbon fiber sitting chairs are a great choice. GarageWorks Industries has a line of modest looking carbon fiber chairs, including a rocking chair for when your mom visits starting at about $1,400.

But, if the carbon fiber chair is just a tad to plain for your tastes, you can always step it up a notch or three. You can have your guests sit in style in a Porsche 917 1970′s inspired seat from Inspired Designs, while you run through the numbers. But at about $5,800, you may be a bit more picky who you give the green light too for a test sit.

If you’re after something a bit more elegant then look no further than Aston Martin Heritage Designs. They have handcrafted a love seat out of the boot of an Aston Martin DB6. The sofa is a custom order that may run you upwards of $7,300.

Every visitor to your office will more than likely have something they will need to set down. You want to give them another stylish and car inspired piece to do that with, a table. Different’ sizes and shapes, coffee tables and end tables can make or break a look. If you have gone with the F1 Inspired office with the carbon fiber chairs, why not keep with it by investing in carbon fiber tables? From $800 up, a carbon fiber table from Seibon will not only be indestructible, but also a sleek and chic way to impress.

If your tastes for the unique have won your designs over, then have no fear, I have the best coffee table for you, one made from an engine block. Many tables made from blocks are custom orders and can range in price from $500 to a couple of thousand. It’s best to not get one made from an inline formation, the wedge of a V engine will support a glass top better. Most will be made from a Chevrolet V-8, but a connoisseur can have anything, including an Aston Martin V-12 converted into usable work of art.

Now, you have all of the basics covered, desk, chair, computer, seating, and tables, but what about the accessories that will drive home the fact that you’d rather be racing than working? No problem. You can provide all the lighting you could ever want with a pair of Maserati inspired and Lumina produced lamps.

With the work day being stressful on a loyal servant such as yourself, you find that music in the background soothes your soul. But, not just any stereo system will do, oh no. You want the best, so you shell out $20,000 for a Ferrari speaker tower called the Art.Engine. It should pair up nicely with your Ferrari FMP160 MP3 player.

Ah, another tumultuous work day comes to a close. You made the numbers you needed to this month and you would like to pour a toast to the entire office to celebrate. You duck into your office and see what you have in the final piece in your office transformation, a Jaguar Etype V-12 engine block that has been transformed into a wine rack. Each cylinder now capable of holding a full 720mL bottle of bubbly, you’ll be looking for reasons to pop a cork at 5:00.

You have created your ultimate work space, a gear heads paradise away from the garage and you like it. Sure it’s set you back more than some people pay for houses, but your life is cars. You went to a lot of different places to get these goodies, and you are now basking in your stylistic glory. But, if you’re way too busy to do all of the digging and running around to find all of these pieces you’re in luck; LA Design Studios in Poland as developed a whole office furniture line inspired by the Shelby AC Cobra 427 from the mid-1960′s(pictured first). So, instead of each piece bringing it’s unique characteristics to the room, all the pieces will coordinate to make your space feel like it was designed by Shelby himself. This one stop shop won’t save in the budget however, but at least one check is easier to write than 15.

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Concours shows around the world are excellent places to see some of the finest classic machinery in all of their grandeur. High-end classics? You bet. Increasingly they are becoming places where new cars are introduced as well.

Bentley debuted the Mulsanne at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in Monterey, California and Infiniti took the opportunity to launch the new M. Infiniti is planning to debut its new JX crossover at the show in August as well.

The Villa D’Este Concours Show this May was the show of choice for Aston Martin’s V12 Zagato. Future classic? Oh yes, we’d say so. The stunning supercar was designed in cooperation with Italian design house Zagato.

The Z12 Zagato is an excellent fusion of British and Italian design into one vehicle. Following its introduction at Villa d’Este, a special race version took part in the grueling Nürburgring 24 Hour race. Two cars in prototype form covered 3,700 miles over 230 laps. Underneath that beautiful skin is Aston’s V12 Vantage platform and mechanicals. The body is handcrafted from aluminum and uses a design not possible to create with standard pre-form panel techniques. The level of craftsmanship is remarkable; for instance the front end alone uses seven different pieces of aluminum, formed with an English wheel and traditional body bucks.

When introduced, the V12 Zagato was officially labelled as a “concept” but Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer Ulrich Bez made the company’s intentions clear right from the start: “The task for us has been to create a concept that is a natural successor to those iconic cars that have gone before. Matching the technology of the age with the traditional skills vital to deliver such a bespoke and exclusive sports car will lead to a strictly limited run of road going V12 Zagatos.”

Now, Aston Martin is officially confirming the car’s production run, after “encouraging customer reaction.” Just 150 examples will be produced, and the car is going on sale right now. Price tag checks in at a cool £330,000.00 GBP (about $530,000 USD at current exchange rates). First deliveries will begin in the second half of next year.

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3. Aston Martin Officially Unveils the Four-Door Rapide

It has been reported for a while that Aston Martin will move the production of its ever-so-sexy Rapide from the Magna Steyr contract facility located in Austria to the company plant in England. Sure, that’s just run of the mill car business, but the problem becomes one of how is Aston going to make room for Rapide production with all of it’s other lines seemingly as busy as a Henry Kaiser shipyard circa 1943.

The answer, if the reports hold true, is that Aston is prepping to appreciably cut production of the Rapide in response to “lagging sales”. The initial plans set forth in 2007 was that the four-door Aston to be rolling out of the Austrian facilities at 2000 units per year. And with a Benny Hill like sense of timing, the global luxury market collapsed about 3 and a half minutes later, and sales projections for the four-door “coupe” began to fall off.

Ipso facto, production of the svelte Rapide might drop to just 1,250 units per year. Or even further. And, as our sources speculate, Rapide sales are declining, the assumption is that some of other Aston Martin product lines, like the Vantage or DB9/DBS series, could end up cutting back production as well. This means that there would now be excess capacity at the company’s headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire, ergo, Rapide production heading home to Jolly Old makes even more sense.

However, all will not be rosy in the accounting department. Sources estimate that the early ending of the Magna Steyr contract could end up costing Aston as much as £10 million, which would be over $16 million at today’s exchange rates.

Ouch.

But, for me, what this really raises is why the Rapide isn’t selling all that well. The concept in and of itself, making a swoopy four-door “coupe” for the high rollers, seems like a good one. And other car companies seem to be making it work more than Aston Martin.

Look at the success that Mercedes Benz in having with their CLS four-door “coupe”. It seems like every time I’m on the road around here I see a new one driving around. Sure, it is a Mercedes Benz, and therefore has much more perceived reliability than any given British equivalent. And sure, that might be only be a perception, but when you’re dropping six figures plus on a car, you’re going to want it to work. Especially on a car that has more perceived practicality (it has four doors after all) than a six figure Ferrari.

It could also have something to do with one of the main complaints I’ve heard leveled at the Rapide: Sure, that svelte profile and swooping roofline make for one gorgeous ride, but have you sat in the back seat?

No, I haven’t, but everything I’ve heard about it, the phrase that keeps coming up over and over again is “lack of headroom”. It would seem that even though it is a four door, the back seats are small, hard to into and out of, and only have enough headroom if you’re not all that tall.

So is that what’s doing it to the Aston Martin Rapide? Is it the supposition that it looks practical and says it’s practical, but in point of fact, “it ain’t all that practical” could be the reason? It could be. But we will only know for sure if and when production stops and Aston has no more to lose and can tell us why the stopped making the thing.

If that sad scenario does indeed play out, the only good thing about it might must be that when Aston does say the Rapide is going away, you could probably pick one up at a deep discount from a dealer.

Source: Autoblog

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To our eyes, Aston Martins are some of the most beautiful cars out on the road. Brands hailing from Britain seem to be at the top of their game lately; Aston, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Jaguar, Land Rover. Aston Martin’s latest releases include the Rapide four-door sedan and the similarly-styled Virage two-door.

To celebrate the 50-year anniversary of the DB4GT Zagato, Aston Martin has worked in cooperation with the famed Italian design house to produce a new, modern interpretation. The result? A gorgeous melding of British and Italian design.

The new V12 Zagato is labeled officially as a concept, but Aston Martin says it is gauging customer interest. A limited production run in cooperation with Zagato could be put together relatively quickly. The car is being shown off at the Italian Villa D’Este Concours Show taking place on May 21st.

The decision seems to have already been made though, according to Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer Ulrich Bez: “The task for us has been to create a concept that is a natural successor to those iconic cars that have gone before. Matching the technology of the age with the traditional skills vital to deliver such a bespoke and exclusive sports car will lead to a strictly limited run of road going V12 Zagatos.”

The V12 Zagato is based on the top-end model in Aston’s range, the V12 Vantage. The body is made from handcrafted aluminum, and the company says it results in a design not possible using pre-formed panel techniques.

The front end alone features seven different pieces of aluminum, which are formed using an English wheel and “traditionally-crafted” body bucks. The result is gorgeous! The roof design features the signature Zagato double-bubble roof.

The car is designed to be an endurance road racer, where it will debut at the Nurburbring 24 hour race in competition form. The race takes place June 25th-26th. The production car will be road-going. Live photos of the car will appear after the car makes its debut at Villa d’Este. We can’t wait. Until now, check out our gallery of Aston’s stunner below.

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3. Stunning: New Images of Aston Martin Virage

To our eyes, there isn’t much more beautiful automobiles in the world than those currently produced by Aston Martin. British luxury and performance and luxury at its finest; new cars from the company have positioned Aston Martin at the top of the automotive heap once again. It’s (almost) enough to make us forget about the atrocity that is the Cygnet.

The company’s “VH” aluminum chassis architecture has spawned many model variants, and the Virage is the latest in that succession. The car was first shown off ahead of the Geneva Auto Show in February. The Virage comes looking like a two-door version of the Rapide, and that means a sleeker and more elegant look than that of the DB9 and DBS. Count us as fans.

Until now, we’ve been subject to the bland studio press photography that usually first accompanies automotive press releases. Aston Martin has just released some high-quality photography of the car now, and you can check out the latest stunner hailing from Britain in the gallery below.

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With just a week to go until the Geneva Motor Show kicks off, Aston Martin has unveiled the latest addition to its lineup.

Recent history has brought us some of the most stunning Aston Martins ever built, including the Rapide and One-77. Now the Cygnet, on the other hand….but, we digress. The Virage is proof some of the best Aston Martins ever built are being introduced right now.

The Rapide, an entry into the four-door “coupe” segment, ranks as one of our favorite Aston Martins. Following models like the Vantage, DB9 and DBS, the Rapide debuted a further evolution of Aston Martin style.

The Virage continues that evolution, offering a look akin to a two-door Rapide. In the process, it eclipses models like the DB9 and DBS in the style sweepstakes. The design is elegant, oozing luxury with a simple, clean appearance.

Aston Martin says the Virage is “the perfect balance” of opposites, sitting between the luxury-focused DB9 and the more performance-oriented DBS. It seems very similar to the DB9 on paper but, who would turn down more additions to the Aston range? The British manufacturer says each has a distinct character.

The Virage uses Aston’s 6.0-liter V-12 engine under the hood, making 490 horsepower and 420 pound feet of torque in this application.

Underneath the car is a further evolution of the “VH” architecture that underpins all new Aston Martins. That means a bonded aluminum chassis and the use of composites, magnesium and of course aluminum, to save weight.

As for things shared with the more sporting DBS model, the Virage adds an Active Damping System (ADS) that reads the road and constantly adjusts to the information it receives. There are a total of 10 (!) suspension stiffness settings within two modes, normal and sport. Sport offers a quicker throttle response time and gear changes.

Standard on the Virage is Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) brakes, an expensive option on most performance vehicles. Ceramic brakes offer advantages that include reduced weight, resistance to fade and much improved stopping power. CCM brakes are part of Aston’s overall drive to reduce weight in the Virage, all while maintaining high standards of luxury.

Both Virage Coupe and Virage Volante convertible models are on sale now at Aston Martin dealers across the world, with official pricing information expected to be released next week. Each Virage takes 200 man hours (70 spent on the interior alone) to handcraft at Aston Martin’s factory in Gaydon, Warwickshire, England.

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1. Stunning: New Images of Aston Martin Virage
2. Aston Martin Announces Pricing for Rapide
3. Stunning: Aston Martin Releases V12 Zagato Ahead of Villa d’Este

Aston Martin has been in the news this week due to its announcement of pricing and two special editions for the Cygnet minicar. The Cygnet has been pitched to existing customers for a while, but the public was never aware of pricing.

For a company that makes high-end sports cars and a million-dollar exotic like the One-77, Aston would probably like to shift the conversation from the Cygnet a bit. Enter the Vantage S, a return to news about real Aston Martins. We have to say, it is much welcomed.

Aston Martins never have been about barebones performance, and the Vantage, while a performance car, follows that mantra for the most part. Past S models in the lineup have been positioned to offer a bit more edge than their standard counterparts. As such, the new Vantage S slots in between the standard V-8 and the V-12 model.

The Vantage S retains the standard car’s 4.7-liter V-8, but in this application it is up by 10 horsepower and 15 pound feet of torque. The result is 430 horsepower and 361 pound feet of torque.

Aston Martin’s SportShift transmission has been significantly revised, now being a seven-speed unit, up from the previous car’s 6. The new unit is geared for higher performance, with the ability shift gears 20% quicker. Aston says the extra gear permits shorter spaced ratios, helping to take advantage of optimum torque. Quicker acceleration comes by the way of a shortened final drive ratio of 4.182:1.

An S mode activated by a button quickens gear changes further, opens exhaust bypass valves and offers a more aggressive throttle response. Changes to the suspension underneath include stiffened dampers, a shortened steering rack and llarger front brake rotors with six-piston calipers.

Styling stays pretty much the same for the S model, with a few cues making their way from the V-12 Vantage and racing Vantage GT4. Up front there is a new carbon fiber front splitter as well as larger brake inlets to aid with cooling. Also new is a redesigned bumper out back and new 19” V-Spoke alloy wheels that help set apart the S from more plebian Vantages. No word on pricing, but the Vantage S is now available for order through Aston Martin’s dealer network.

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Under the leadership of David Richards, Aston Martin has deployed one of the most diverse lineups in the company’s 97-year history. Granting the fact that the British sports car builder largely consisted of a single-car lineup until recently, the new luxury car world is as much about product variety as it is about providing a fulfilling premium riding experience. Adding the four-door Aston Martin Rapide in 2010 as the company’s largest current offering, the sports car manufacturer has ventured the other way on the size spectrum with a 2010 Geneva Motor Show concept.

Indulging spectators with a luxury microcar concept called the Cygnet, Aston Martin has since confirmed a production version of this vehicle. Set for a 2012 debut, the Aston Martin Cygnet will first be presented with two special edition models; a Cygnet Launch Edition Black and a Launch Edition White trim.

The Aston Martin Cygnet Launch Edition Black comes in a Magic Black with elements of sea green reflected in the finish complimented by 16-inch painted black alloy wheels. Chrome and matt black twin strips accents the dark-coloured exterior appearance. Mating with the outside, the cabin area of the Cygnet Launch Edition Black model features black perforated leather seats. A diamond pattern adorn the seats and dash panel with dark chrome pieces complete the interior decoration.

Providing a polar opposite to the Launch Edition Black in colour, the Aston Martin Cygnet Launch Edition White contrasts with a Snow White paint. Matching with the white bodywork, the Cygnet rides on diamond-turned alloy wheels. The silver grille mesh and satin twin striping stands out from the clean exterior. Hand trimmed seats in Pearl white leather combine with Alcantara inserts perforated for air flow.

Both the Aston Martin Cygnet Launch Edition Black and White have a faint double line running Each customer who purchases a Launch Edition model of the Aston Martin Cygnet will find a tailored five-piece set of Bill Amberg luggage. Colour-matching the specific version of the Cygnet Launch Edition, luggage may not accurately describe the set. Consisting of a collapsible tote bag, garment bag, glove box bag, holdall and a door pocket bag, the set compliments the Aston Martin Cygnet’s smaller interior size.

When released, its easy to declare the Cygnet city car will be the most fuel efficient Aston Martin ever produced. To be sold with a CVT or 6-speed manual transmission, the Cygnet is predicted to provide up to 56.5 miles per gallon fuel economy (according to European fuel economy measurements) from a 1.3 liter engine. A super efficient model, the Launch Edition is a prelude to the Aston Martin Cygnet’s extensive luxury equipment. Premium features such as 9 airbags, satellite navigation system and heated seats available in the two-seat cabin. Interior design is also high-end as the Cygnet invokes much of the same performance driving appeal found in Aston Martin traditional sports car.

Having not announced plans for bringing the Cygnet to North America, the Aston Martin city car goes on sales for a £30,995 starting price in the United Kingdom. In comparison, the Cygnet will sell for less than 1/3 the price of a 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage.

Despite Aston Martin’s best attempts to authentically harness their luxury into a micro car, the European launch of the Cygnet will determine if Aston Martin’s city car will be accepted as either a forgettable extension of a famous luxury brand or a chance to change perception of finer motoring. All the same, can you imagine James Bond driving a Cygnet?

Information and photo source: Aston Martin via Newspress UK

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So, how is this list calculated? They calculate the average premiums from six major insurance carriers for a 40 year-old male driver who commutes 12 miles/day to work, has a good driving record and good credit, and has policy limits of 100/300/50 ($100,000 for injury liability for one person, $300,000 for all injuries and $50,000 for property damage in an accident) and a $500 deductible on collision and comprehensive coverage.

Least Expensive Cars to Insure in 2011

Oh boy, the all-new Chrysler Town & Country tops the list this year for being the least expensive car to insure, beating out the Mazda Tribute from 2010. Last year the T&C was a measly 4th place. Please, if I ever pay $35,000 or so for a vehicle and it’s anything even close to a Town & Country, just shoot me. At least my insurance premium would be low.

Here’s the list:

1. Chrysler Town & Country LX
2. Toyota Sienna 4 Cylinder
3. Toyota Sienna LE
4. Honda Odyssey LX
5. Nissan Murano SL
6. Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport
7. Honda Odyssey EX
8. Toyota Sienna 6 Cylinder
9. Ford Escape XLS
10. Toyota Highlander

Hmm…actually, the Jeep and Nissan Murano aren’t so boring. Might be a good buy after all.

Most Expensive Cars to Insure in 2011

Alright, now we’re getting into the fun stuff. Topping the list in 2010 was the Porsche 911 Carrera GT2. This year, the Mercedes S65 AMG, which was in second place last year. Here’s the list:

1. Mercedes SL65 AMG
2. BMW 750i
3. BMW 750Li
4. Mercedes SL63 AMG
5. Mercedes S65 AMG
6. Aston Martin DB9
7. Mercedes CL 600
8. Porsche 911 Carrera S
9. Aston Martin DB9 Volante
10. Mercedes G55 AMG

And, Mercedes appears multiple other times on that list later on too. So, now surprises there, of course, but you have to wonder…if a measly Porsche or Mecedes tops the list, where are the Ferraris and Lamborghinis? How about the Koenigseggs, Pagani Zondas, and other mega-exotic supercars?

Well, not all cars are available for calculating these results, meaning they won’t even insure some of the higher-end exotics like that, so it’s hard to get an average for those. Dying to find out? Call up your insurance company and ask how much it would cost to insure a Lamborghini Murcielago. See? You didn’t want to know anyway.

source: The most and least expensive 2011 vehicles to insure

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So the exotic ride of your dreams is unlikely to be awaiting you in the new year? The ultra-elite stimulant of a six or even now seven-digit automobile is untouchable for many motorist taste buds to ever comprehend. While those in the possession of an extravagant automobile needs little assistance in advertising their status, automakers routinely license their brands to merchandisers in order to supply customers seeking an extension to their beloved premium vehicle.

Diecast, pens and clothing are common examples of lifestyle items with more tailored items such as jewelry or high-quality leather jackets available. Existing as the peak of automotive licensing, timepieces are a leading accessory that often mirrors the luxury and exoticness of its four wheel counterpart. From some of the most lavish car builders, a multitude of wrist watches can be found all by itself on the luxury scale.

Aston Martin and Jaeger-LeCoultre AMVOX2 Transponder Watches

Price: $24,400

With Aston Martin being so closely linked fiction superspy James Bond, it would only be appropriate for their official timekeeping piece incorporates some truly unique features. Being associated with the British luxury sports car builder, the high-quality mechanical watch offers keyless entry controls. Able to lock and unlock doors by a push of a watch button, the AMVOX2 Transponder watch is catered to the DBS, DB9 and the Rapide models. Each vehicle features an unique-looking Jaeger-Coultre AMVOX2 Transponder watch created with rich materials and visible movement.

Spyker Timepieces

Price: $9,750 to $30,500

Until recently, Spyker Cars has been one of the lesser known supercar producers in the world. Thanks to the high-profile acquisition of Saab, the Spyker name is starting to register as a noted figure within the auto industry. Gaining in reputation, Spyker has partnered with Thierry Chaunu of Expression D’Artistes International S.A to create some ultra-exclusive wrist watches to reflect their desired profile. Limited to a run of 1,000 examples each, a polished steel and a matt black titanium watch goes to extended lengths in duplicating the dash gauges of their C8 and C12 Supercar. Spyker Timepieces also sells a 18k Gold and Rose Gold finish model at a most premium price and in very limited release of 250 a piece.

Infiniti Bell and Ross BR03-92 Instrument Phantom Watch

Price: £2,809.97 ($4,331.35)

Designed with an ultra-modern look, a rare 100 examples of the Infiniti Bell and Ross BR03-92 Instrument Phantom watch went on sale June 1, 2010 in Europe. A black carbon powder finish coating the 42mm casing of the BR03-92 watch has drawn influence from the Limited Edition trim of the Infiniti FX crossover vehicle’s exterior. Each BR03-02 Instrument Phantom watch is individually-numbered.

Ferrari Lap Time Chronograph

Price: $525.36

Italian sports car builder Ferrari has always possessed a knack for stirring passion within their legion of fans. Benefiting form the wide population of Ferrari followers who own or want to own one of their superior supercars, merchandising the iconic badge has promoted a highly-visible presence. Among the collection of approved items is the Ferrari Lap Time Chronograph timepiece. Within the combined analog/digital face, a choice of three colours frames the printed numbers from digital display. Black and yellow will likely play a backseat to red for many true Ferrari fans. Functions for the Ferrari Lap Time Chronograph includes a timer, alarm and three time zone listing.

Breitling for Bentley GMT British Racing Chronograph

Price: Est. £7,500 ($11,560.66)

The Breitling for Bentley GMT British Racing Chronograph is created as a commemoration of the new Continental GT fittingly in a rare, unique sport-style. Encased in steel construction, this specific limited edition timepiece’s analog display is framed with British Racing Green and 38 jewels. Worn with either a black or British Racing Green wrist band, the Breitling for Bentley GMT British Racing Chronograph relates faithfully the high-class engineering that Bentley places in their famed vehicles. Featuring COSC certified Brietling Calibre 47B movement, this self-winding wrist watch features the simple large face with 3 totalizers indicating 6-hour, 15-minute and 30-second times. With only 1,000 examples of this Brietling for Bentley timepiece set to be issued worldwide, pure luxury will be kept to a select few individuals.

Mercedes-Benz Tourneau Black Wrist Watch

Price: $170.00

Very guarded with the proper usage of their circular-framed tri-star badge, Mercedes-Benz does maintain a steady and assorted lineup of approved products. A stainless steel timepiece, the Mercedes-Benz official wrist watch produced by jewelry and fine accessory company Tourneau Black sports a simple, classic design. A single face is accented by small representation of the Mercedes-Benz logo. Survivable of up to 10 atmospheres of pressure, the Mercedes-Benz Tourneau Black watch is water resistant to 100 meters.

Tag Heuer SLR Automatic Chronograph

Price: Est. $3,000-4,500

While the finely-crafted watch from Tourneau Black is an excellent personal accessory to advertise fondness of the Stuttgart automaker, Mercedes-Benz is also associated with Swiss timepiece maker Tag Heuer. Made possible by Tag Heuer being a partnered with the McLaren Formula 1 and street car companies, the SLR Automatic Chronograph pays tribute to the now-discontinued Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren supercar. An all-steel automatic chronograph, this watch has black, white and red details contained within the face shielded behind a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. Instead of the typical circular counters, smaller dial semi-circular readouts resemble a vehicle’s dash panel.

Now, thanks to this recent listing of timepiece accessories relating to major premium automotive brands, I must apologize if I put the dream car a little further from your reality. However, there is always the promises for what riches the new year can bring.

Information and photo source: Mercedes Benz, Tag Heuer, Breitling for Bentley, Ferrari North America and Newspress UK

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