|
ASTON MARTIN RANGE REVIVAL
|
more....
|
Aston Martin Vantage Le Mans:
This new car is "The Aston Martin V8 Vantage Le Mans Special Celebration Edition of World Famous Victory". Apparently. I for one never complain when a new supercar is unleashed on the world, but are Aston Martin resting a little bit too much on their (very in the past) laurels? To justify this model, I would like to see Ford Racing return to Le Mans and GT racing with the Aston Martin brand. It would be perfect for the marque. Ford cars for rallying and track racing, Jaguar for Formula One and Aston Martin at Le Mans. Alas, this will probably not happen. Therefore, for a piece of racing nostalgia, a (wealthy) car enthusiast must turn to this new beast - the Vantage Le Mans.
|
Photograph copyright Aston Martin
|
|
Celebrating Aston Martin's successes in the World Sportscar Championship 40 years ago, only 40 of these cars will be produced. "Each of the new V8 Vantage models will be fitted with a plate recognising the name of its original owner," says Bob Dover, Chairman and Chief Executive of Aston Martin Lagonda. I should think so too for nearly a quarter of a million english pounds! Surely that secures the services of a life-time team of car-carers too... To be honest though, it does not take too long to discover where the differences are between the special and the "regular" Vantage. The cost soon adds up.
|
|
A new design panel beneath the rear bumper accommodates the increased diameter exhaust pipes. Bright metal, machined, race-style lockable caps are fitted to the twin fuel fillers. The Le Mans will be equipped with magnesium alloy wheels. The brakes consist of an anti-lock system incorporating AP Racing six piston calipers with grooved and ventilated discs at the front, with only (!!) four piston calipers and grooved ventilated discs at the rear. Adjustable shock absorbers on the front and rear enable the chassis to be tuned for comfort or "sport". The bodywork on the front of the car has been redesigned. Hmm. The famous grille should really have been let alone in our opinion.
|
The interior of this new model is a development of the Project Vantage concept from 1998, designed by Ian Callum. It has drilled metal pedals and a machined aluminium knob fitted to the gear lever. The traditional wood veneer is replaced by titanium, along with a magnolia-faced instrument display. This is dominated by the enlarged rev counter and a new engine start button. The Aston Martin wings are embossed into the Wilton carpets. Each car's keys will be attached to a hallmarked sterling silver key fob together with directions to the Le Mans circuit which will be placed in the owner's handbook!
S.O'
|
Photograph copyright Aston Martin
|
|
|
Revised Z3 Roadster
Above is the current BMW Z3 2.8 roadster sold in the UK. Below is the new improved version.
The cosmetic changes extend to a heavily modified rear end - now much more shapely - incorporating 3-Series style rear lights. The front is mildly reworked, as is the interior. The range has been altered too, to make way for a new entry-level 1.9-litre (called the 1.8?!) and the 520i's 150bhp six-cylinder. All models except for the M Roadster and M Coupe get the improvements.
S.O'
Photographs provided by BMW
|
|
|
If your business would like to advertise in this space or elsewhere on this site, contact us by email: [email protected]
|
|
