| Special Edition Models | Frankfurt Motor Show | Aston Martin DB9 LM & V8 Vantage N400 |

To celebrate this year's racing success, Aston Martin will build two limited edition road cars that will debut alongside the hotly anticipated DBS in Frankfurt this week.

First is a modified V8 Vantage, named the Vantage N400, in respect of the N24 racing car that won the Nurburgring 24-hours. The N400 can turn out a track-dashing 400bhp (hence the name) with 310lb.ft of torque. Aston has fitted a Sports Pack as standard that up-rates springs and dampers - for coupe models a rear anti-roll bar is also fitted. Reports suggest the N400 has lapped the 'Ring under the magic eight minute mark.

The N400 will be available in coupe or roadster form, with automated manual paddle-shift or conventional manual gearbox. To set it apart from normal models, the special edition has unique lightweight graphite-finished aluminium wheels with 'diamond' turning. Side sills have been redesigned and bonnet and side strake meshes are finished in a brighter Magnum Silver. The N400's front grille is also now of a lighter colour and the Vantage's attractive rear headlamps have been altered to make them clearer. Aston will offer three new paints for the N400 (Bergwerk Black, Lightning Silver or Karrussell Orange). Inside, black perforated leather seats are fitted alongside micro-spin alloy facia trim, and each N400 will have its own uniquely numbered plaque.

Second to commemorate Aston's on-track victories is the DB9 LM, dedicated to the GT1 class win at Le Mans. Although there are no changes in outright performance, the LM is available with Touchtronic transmission only. The car will come with Aston's DB9 Sports Pack, so do expect a marked improvement in handling over the regular offering. Each model is to be painted in Sarthe Silver, enhanced further by Magnum Silver meshes and rear crossbar. From first official pictures the DB9 LM looks stunning.

The interior features perforated leather inserts and 'Tetre Rouge' facia trim, as well as a production-numbered sill plaque.

There is no official word on pricing yet, but with one day to go till the Frankfurt Motor Show opens its doors, expect new details very soon.

Kyle Molyneux - 10 Sep 2007