The UK is home to some of the best audio companies in the world but when it came to outfitting one of its most prestigious carmaker’s latest models with sound, a Danish manufacturer was selected. Aston Martin has picked Denmark’s Bang & Olufsen to develop the audio system for its upcoming Rapide sedan, due to hit the streets in late 2009.

Aston Martin was previously in a deal with Alpine Electronics and before that it partnered with Scotland’s Linn Audio Systems, but now it’s tied up with a relative newcomer in the automotive world [...]

Aston Martin Racing has revealed the first impressions of its new GT2 racing car.

Known as the Vantage GT2, the new car is based on the V8 engined Aston Martin Vantage road car. The new car will mean Aston Martin is the only manufacturer to offer cars in every GT racing category: GT1 – DBR9; GT2 – Vantage GT2; GT3 – DBRS9; GT4 – Vantage N24.

For the first time, Aston Martin Racing is designing this car to run on either standard race fuel or E85 bio-ethanol (where regulations allow) [...]

Aston Martin has built a special-edition V12 Vantage RS Concept car capable of going 0-100 km/h in 4.0 seconds, the company announced yesterday.  Unveiled at the opening of their design center in Gaydon, Aston CEO Ulrich Bez told onlookers the 600 horsepower concept car reaches 160 kmh in about 8.5 seconds.  Peak horsepower is achieved at 6250rpm, while 509 ft-lb of torque (690Nm) comes at 5000rpm.

The past two days has brought us a great deal of news from Aston Martin.  After opening their new design center, they forged a partnership with Danish luxe electronics maker Bang & Olufsen.  Capping off the news was the announcement that the DBS will remain as James Bond's car of choice in next November's latest Bond film.

This new V12 Vantage RS concept has a power-to-weight ratio of 375 horsepower per ton, with all the power coming from their 6.0 liter V12 engine.  Based on the V8 Vantage coupe, Bez told his audience that Aston plans to continue building models like the RS concept to appeal to the demands of their customers and fan base.

“With our dedicated production facilities, our own engine plant, our own unique vehicle architecture and now a dedicated design studio, we have the ideal framework to bring new models such as this to market and to further establish Aston Martin as the ultimate independent luxury sports car company,” Bez said.

Taking some cues from the DBS, a carbon fibre bonnet and trunk lid have helped bring the weight of this vehicle down below 1600 kg.  The company has included an automatic, deployable spoiler to increase rear down force at high speeds.  Incorporated into the front bumper are cooling ducts for the carbon ceramic brakes, as well as a carbon fibre splitter to help balance down force.

Aston Martin's latest advanced-stage concept also has "a dry sump lubrication system, tuned length exhaust manifolds, forged pistons and steel con-rods, revised lift and duration camshafts and modified cylinder heads," according to a press release.

No mention of top speed was made, but rumor has it could be over 200 mph.

We full well expect to see the public unveiling of the Aston Martin V12 Vantage RS on the 2008 auto show circuit, beginning this January in Detroit. [...]

40 hp boost
Loder1899 have improved their Aston Martin V8 Vantage kit for the Volante version, which has made its debut at the Essen Motor Show over the weekend.

Max(imilian) Loder has worked his magic once again and managed to sqeeuze an additional 40 hp out of the engine through a sport exhaust system with stainless steel sport catalytic converter. At 4000 rpm the flap control opens and allows the engine to breathe more effectively allowing for a more substantial sound and the 40 hp power boost (20 more than for the Vantage V8 Nick Hall drove).

The Loder1899 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante sits on new 20 inch Vertigo Viginti wheels in hyper-alloy look [...]