Aston Martin and Mercedes are plotting a wide-ranging tie-up that could see the two famous brands collaborate on engines, hybrids, transmission and even entire platforms, CAR can reveal. The top-secret partnership between Aston and Merc – dubbed Project Alligator by the Germans – is detailed in our exclusive story in the new September 2008 issue of CAR Magazine.

The scoop includes the lowdown on:

• How Mercedes engines could power future Aston Martins
• AMG's 6.2-litre V8 tipped for Vantage models
• Diesels and hybrids from Germany planned for Aston
• Whole platforms to be shared by top-end models
• Eight-speed Merc auto bound for British sports cars
• Why Maybach and Aston could co-operate on future models

We speak to the engineers and insiders who are working on Project Alligator and spill the beans on the secret project that will reshape future generations of Aston Martins. Plus our European editor Georg Kacher analyses what the shock news means for the industry.

And don't forget the September 2008 issue of CAR Magazine comes with a free Supercars 2008 supplement, with an exclusive first UK test of the Ferrari F430 against the new Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 and drives of the year's other key supercars.

via carmagazine 

The wraps have come off the ultimate Aston Martin. This stunning machine is an all-new supercar from the famous British firm that will go on sale late next year, taking the company into uncharted territory carrying a £1million price tag and power from a 7.0-litre V12 engine.

More expensive than the Bugatti Veyron, the newcomer will be limited to a production run of just 77 cars – hence its current codename, One-77. A real bolt from the blue, Aston has managed to keep the entire project under wraps until now. It will be inviting a select group of customers to see a finished model before the end of the year.

Details are scarce but the One-77 will be powered by a 7.0-litre V12, get a handcrafted aluminium body and a carbonfibre chassis. As a result it is likely to do 0-60mph in 3.5 seconds and have a top speed in excess of 200mph. Aston says potential owners will be able to personalise virtually every aspect of the car.

via autoexpress 

Aston DB9 gets brake upgrade package using Caparo T1 technology

The Aston DB9 is to get braking technology developed for the Caparo T1 hypercar. The high-performance brake upgrade package will cut the DB9�s stopping distance by 24%, reduce fade under regular heavy braking and increase feel and consistency.

The DB9�s original 330mm rear discs remain the same with the 355mm front disc replaced by 378mm discs, made from specially selected high-performance materials. Calipers are extremely rigid opposed piston four pots at the front and four pots at the rear, each machined from a single casting of aluminium to provide exceptional stability and performance.

�With 470bhp from its 6 litre, V12 engine, the DB9 rewards drivers with stunning levels of performance,� says Nick Mennell, technical director, Caparo AP Braking. �However, some owners have told us that particularly spirited drivers, including those taking part in track days, would like additional braking power. With more than 80 years� experience in developing high-performance automotive braking systems, our team of 18 braking engineers have developed an aftermarket upgrade kit that delivers what they need without adding extra weight or compromising performance while cold.�

Caparo said the thermal capacity of the new discs has been improved, with an 18% reduction in peak temperature during a fade test, meaning that the new brakes can be applied for longer before any brake fade occurs. Pedal effort is also improved with the upgrade offering the same level of deceleration as the original with 30% less force being applied to the pedal.

via pistonheads 

Aston Martin confirmed the production of the V12 Vantage RS soon after they revealed the V12 Vantage RS concept at the Geneva Auto Salon in March of this year. All we could tell you then was that the production of this 600 hp V12 Vantage RS would start as early as 2009 and be see only a very limited number of V12 RS models build.

This weekend an Aston Martin DBS popped up in our rear view mirror on the way to the top of the famous Stelvio pass in Italy. Only moments later the infra-red DBS was overtaken by a black Aston Martin that looked very similar to the DBS but moments later turned out to be the Aston Martin V12 Vantage RS. The RS we spotted looks exactly the same as the RS concept car presented by Aston Martin at the Geneva Auto Salon and we didn’t see any external test gear or electronics.

The V12 Vantage RS looked as production ready as it could be and didn’t struggle at all going up the Stelvio pass. We look forward to see it go into production soon and can’t wait to drive one up the Stelvio ourselves.

via gtspirit 

It is certainly a vintage vehicle. And now Prince Charles's beloved Aston Martin DB6 is running on vintage too.

A nice little white from a vineyard in Wiltshire, to be precise.

As part of cutting his carbon footprint, the prince has converted the 38-year-old classic car - a 21st birthday present from the Queen - to run on 100 per cent bioethanol fuel distilled from surplus British wine.

via dailymail