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Video: Top Gear USA goes Aston Martin Vantage testing
We don’t know about any of you, but as far as we’re concerned, the second episode of Top Gear USA fared better than the pilot episode – but not by much. One of the main segments of the second episode featured an American shakedown of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage and its V12 big brother. Hosted by Rutledge Wood, the whole segment was very informative, which, you know, is pretty important, so we’re going to give the producers a pat on the back for that. Americans don’t know enough about Aston Martin except that it has co-starred in a lot of Bond movies, so to show off the car in a different light – exotic, powerful, and luxurious - to an audience that lacks knowledge about the car’s history and heritage was a nice touch. How it all played out on TV though, is an entirely different matter. For starters, it seemed a little too theatrical, which, would have been fine if Rutledge Wood wasn’t such a stiff during the whole ten-minute segment. Watch how he talks to the camera and you can tell that he’s either reading from a canned script or there’s just not appeal there whatsoever. Don’t get us wrong, we like Rutledge, but he should try loosening up a little. After all, you’re driving an Aston Martin V12 Vantage, Mr. Wood. Act like it means something because it most definitely does. And calling the Brits ’liars’ given the context? We’d be careful the next time around, although it did attract the attention we’re sure it was meant to. Top Gear USA: Episode 2
  Before we even begin to go into the second episode of Top Gear USA, we have to admit that we had to set an alarm to remind ourselves to watch it. That doesn’t exactly say much about the show’s first episode, but we actually did see some sort of improvement with this one. This episode was a little different than the first one as Adam Ferrara kind of took a back seat to Rutledge Wood and Tanner Foust. That wasn’t exactly a bad thing considering that the actor/comedian was bland and uninspiring during the first episode. The chemistry was better between the three, but the music still sucked. Enough about all that, let’s move on to the actual meat and potatoes of the show. In this episode we got to see Wood take on the Aston Martin V12 Vantage, Tanner Foust put two skiers to the test while driving a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, and all three men learn a little something about drifting in a Nissan 370Z. Yes, Tanner Foust is a drift champion, but that may or may not help him during this challenge. Oh yeah, and some British guy takes on the Suzuki SX4. Hit the jump to check out the details of Top Gear USA, Episode Two. Full story Video: Aston Martin V12 Vantage Stops By To See Jay Leno
Is there anyone you would like to be more than Jay Leno? Think about it; the guy has boatloads of money and spends his time tinkering with some of the most fabulous cars on the planet. He can basically drive whatever car he chooses without so much as uttering a full sentence to convince the auto brand to let him and then he gets paid to tell people what he thinks about them. Not a bad gig at all. For his latest endeavor, the King of Late Night got to take a spin in the Aston Martin V12 Vantage. The V12 Vantage can hit a top speed of 190mph and can make the 0-60mph sprint in 4.2 seconds, so getting the chance sit behind this wheel is definitely a thing to cherish. During his turn in the British supercar, Leno described the Aston Martin as "almost the perfect combination of hardcore track sports car and GT car." During the video, he turns the car over - something we would never do - to British racing driver Justin Bell who puts the car through its paces at Willow Springs track.
Video: Aston Martin V12 Vantage on the circuit
Aston Martin has unveiled a new video of the V12 Vantage as it elegantly parades around the circuit. It’s not the most exciting video you’ll ever watch, but it does allow you to appreciate the V12 Vantage for all of its beauty and grace, unless you fall asleep to the soundtrack first. The V12 Vantage is powered by a 6.0-liter V12 engine producing 510 HP and 570 Nm of torque. It makes the 0 to 60 mph sprint in 4.2 seconds and can hit a top speed of 190 mph. Prices for the 2011 Aston Martin Vantage -which will be limited to 1,000 units - have already been announced with the standard version starting at $179,995. If you have the extra cash and would like a classier version, the Carbon Black edition is priced at $194,995. But before you rush and place your order, just take a minute and watch the video! Video: Two minutes of Aston Martin V12 Vantage goodness
Despite being two years late to the party, nobody is really blaming the Aston Martin V12 Vantage for only coming to American shores now. The important thing is it’s coming and that bodes well for those who’ve been waiting since 2007 for the Aston supercar to arrive in America. Of course, having about $180,000 - or more - in your bank account helps too. Powered by that gargantuan 6.0-liter V12 engine that produces over 500 horsepower, the V12 Vantage is no ordinary Aston exotic. If it were, we probably would have gotten tired of it a long time ago. However, with a combination of high-end performance capabilities and rare exclusivity, the V12 Vantage has become quite a ’unicorn’ of a supercar - those models that are so rare it’s hard to catch one, let alone own one. That tag will almost certainly be dropped once the V12 Vantage makes its way to the US. And to tease what we’re in store for, the folks of Aston have released a quick look at the supercar in all its stupendous glory. The wait is finally over. The countdown for its arrival is on like Donkey Kong. 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage pricing announced
The great British supercar manufacturer Aston Martin has wowed us with their recent designs. From the old DB9 to the gorgeous DBS, but now, there is a new kid on the block. Welcome to the $179,995 Aston Martin V12 Vantage for 2011. Though the V12 Vantage has been out for awhile in Europe, Aston has just recently announced that the supercar will be heading to U.S shores. The Vantage will get the usual V12 motor under the hood that will crank out 510 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. The Aston will be able to hit 60 mph is just 4.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 190 mph. Peak power is reached at 6500 rpm, so the car isn’t a loud screamer like the Ferrari 612 or the BMW M5. Instead, the V12 Vantage is a relaxed grand touring car. Full story after the jump. Full story 2010 Aston Martin V12 Vantage Nurburgring
Next to the four-door sedan Rapide, Aston Martin will also race a V12 Vantage at this weekend’s Nürburgring 24-hour race. The car will be driven by Peter Cate (GB), Oliver Mathai (D), journalist Richard Meaden (GB), and Chris Porritt. The V12 Vantage Nurburgring car adds new aerodynamic enhancements to the original car which saw off a field of largely specialist race cars in the SP8 class last year. The race spec version of the Rapide wouldn’t be too far off of the production version with the only noticeable differences between the two being the addition of race safety modifications and the elimination of all the interior trims and features found in the production version in an effort to reduce the car’s overall weight. The car is intended as a technical exercise to allow the Aston Martin engineering team to explore further performance potential in the V12 Vantage with the new aerodynamic aids providing greater downforce through the Nürburgring’s myriad of corners and undulating surfaces. The Aston Martin V12 Vantage Nurburgring, as well as many others, will have a practice session this morning followed by a nighttime qualifying session tonight at 5:15 CET. The daytime qualifying session will be held on Friday at 12:45 CET with the 38th ADAC Nurburgring 24-HR race beginning at 3:00pm on May 15, 2010. Press release after the jump. Full story Video: Aston Martin V12 Vantage promo video
Just to give all of the folks in America what they’re in store for when Aston Martin’s most powerful production car, the 2010 V12 Vantage, hits US shores, Aston Martin has prepared a little promo video to further hype up the car in anticipation of its US arrival. Not that it needed any more promotions, in our opinion. Nevertheless, the 6.0-liter V12 engine supercar has received such a surprising - and unprecedented - customer demand across the pond that the 96-year old British marquee was forced to bring back its previous statement that the V12 Vantage wouldn’t be making its way to America. Watch the video and find out what the whole fuss behind the V12 Vantage is all about. Chances are, you’ll be wanting one of your own even before the video ends.
2010 Aston Martin DBS and V12 Vantage Carbon Black
Black is the color that will always be in fashion. And when you combine Carbon Black with Aston Martin models you get the perfect sports car. To celebrate the enormous success of the DBS and V12 Vantage, the British company has revealed the DBS and V12 Vantage Carbon Black Special Editions, that according to the company will be price approximately 5% over current base prices.  Both models come painted in Carbon Black metallic paint especially formulated with a subtle metallic twist to create a deep rich patina. The exterior look is completed by a bright finished grille and front parking sensors (normally an option). The interior is finished in Obsidian Black leather highlighted with a contrast silver coarse stitch.  There are also lightweight seats formed from Carbon Fibre and Kevlar that help saving 17 kg from the total weight. The Aston Martin 700w Premium Audio System is delivered as standard in the V12 Vantage while the DBS boasts the Bang & Olufsen Beosound DBS audio system as standard. Press release after the jump. Full story 2009 Aston Martin V12 Vantage Hill Climb
The high performance English coachbuilder Aston Martin has announced that after competing in the 37th Nürburgring 24 hour race this past May, the V12 Vantage muscle car is also slated to compete in the upcoming Shelsley Walsh National Hill Climb Festival that will take place soon on August 15-16.  This beautiful blue Aston Martin not only receives the 6.0 Liter V12 from the larger Aston Martin DBS, but also a pair of really cool rally inspired driving lamps in the grill and an interesting wheel and tire combination, that judging from the photo varies from front to rear. This Nür spec Vantage almost certainly has a few more than the standard versions 510 HP resting underneath that wonderfully vented hood and should also be able to better the production version’s 4.2 second 0 to 60 MPH time, but where they might have gotten close to the roadgoing car’s 190 MPH top speed on the back straight at the Nordshleif, it’s doubtful that they will get anywhere close on the hill. U.K. motoring journalist Richard Meaden is scheduled to drive the V12 Vantage up the hill. This accredited racer formed part of the driver lineup that piloted the car to victory at the Nürburgring only three months ago. Meaden will be joined by fellow writer Matt Prior from Autocar Magazine when they face the narrow stretches at Shelsley. Press release after the jump. Full story
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