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ASTON MARTIN'S NEW DB7 VANTAGE
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Aston Martin DB7 Vantage - debuts in Geneva
The new DB7 Vantage and DB7 Vantage Volante (Aston's name for open-top) are powered by a new 6.0-litre V12 Aston Martin engine with 420bhp. This stunning new car debuted at Geneva last week and is set to stun its customers worldwide as soon as it is available. Says Mr Bob Dover - Chairman and Chief Executive of Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd: "The Aston Martin DB7 is the most successful Aston Martin of all-time. In its Vantage form this latest DB7 has been designed to provide its owner with unparalleled levels of power, performance and driving satisfaction. It complements the existing range of 335 horsepower six cylinder supercharged DB7 models which will continue to be available."
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There is a choice of either a six-speed close ratio manual gearbox (unique to the Vantage DB7), or a five-speed ZF automatic. Top speed, unusually, is dependant on the choice of 'box - 185mph for the manual, 165mph for the auto. Still, that is only relevant if you travel on the Autobahns in Germany regularly! Available in both Coupe and Volante body styles, the DB7 Vantage is the first ever Aston Martin to be powered by a 12 cylinder engine. The 48 valve, all-alloy vee delivers 400lbft of torque and 420bhp yet exceeds all current and projected emissions regulations.
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Photograph copyright Aston Martin
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The new brake system incorporates Brembo discs all round (ventilated and cross-drilled 355mm at the front, 330mm at the rear) and ABS. Those lovely big discs can be seen through the distinctive new multi-spoke 18in wheels, which are coated with ZR-rated Bridgestone tyres. To aid the massive grip of these tyres in less-than-ideal conditions is an advanced traction control system. This has the ability to reduce the power output of the engine and if necessary activate the rear brakes. The suspension has not been overlooked either! At the front there are new upper and lower wishbones in conjunction with a new vertical link. While there is an additional horizontal linkage incorporated in the rear suspension. Both front and rear feature stiffer springs and bespoke Bilstein dampers.
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Aston claim that the more agressive air intakes on the front of the car are to satisfy the increased cooling demands of the larger engine. Personally, I think that is a thinly veiled white lie. Who could blame them, though? Ian Callum's Project Vantage concept (1998) was achingly beautiful - why not capitalise on that in the design of the DB7 Vantage. Why not indeed. The bumpers (front and rear) are changed, adding front fog lights and indicators not dissimilar to past Le Mans racers and overall a more agressive stance.
Inside, the bucket seats are new (trimmed in Connolly leather of course) as is the starter button, a theme carried over from the V8 Vantage Le Mans special on the previous page.
S.O'
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Photograph copyright Aston Martin
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MX-5 10th Anniversary
The original Lotus Elan-style MX-5 made its debut at the Chicago Auto Show in February 1989. At that time, the car market was lacking is stylish, low-cost, two-seat sports cars. It seems that Mazda hit the nail on the head first time out, with record sales and numerous awards. Every mainstream manufacturer has since launched similar cars - some are still humming and hawing about it! While they ponder it, Mazda has significantly revamped the MX-5. It may not look as pure as the original, but it is essentially the same car underneath - with a list of improvements. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of this car Mazda launched a special edition at Geneva on March 12th. This is based on the 1.8iS and includes ABS and a limited slip diff. Mazda has also thrown in a 6-speed manual gearbox (not previously available outside Japan). The exterior is coated in a special "Innocent Blue Mica" paint, which matches the blue soft-top. The interior is also suitably reworked.
S.O'
Click here for a photograph provided by Mazda
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