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Built between 1989 and 2000, the Aston Martin Virage was one of the most powerful sports cars of the moment. It was a model built as a replacement for Aston Martin’s old V8 line-up, and now the name returns once again as a sports car that combines performance with luxury, comfort, and refinement. The model is now on sale in 41 countries, in both coupe and Volante versions. The new Virage is placed between the DBS and the DB9 and is powered by a 6.0 liter V12 engine that produces 490 HP and 570 Nm (420 lb. Ft) of torque. Aston Martin CEO, Dr Ulrich Bez said: "100 years of automotive history has demonstrated that evolution delivers the best solutions in time. So it is with Virage; it is the next level of evolution in our VH architecture strategy and it does everything with the perfection that you would expect today. It is the perfect balance of opposites." UPDATE 05/16/11: Aston Martin has released the official configurator for the new Virage model at their website. All you need to do is put your creative hats on, hop on over to the Aston website, and start working! UPDATE 04/01/12: Aston Martin has released a new driving footage of the Virage Volante, which you can check out by clicking on the photo above. Nothing speaks more to Aston Martin’s character than blasting off on the road with the wind blowing your hair into a million different directions. Enjoy the video, folks! Hit the jump to read more about the 2012 Aston Martin Virage. Exterior  The new Virage is built on the same aluminum ‘VH’ architecture that was used for the DB9 and the Rapide sedan. This VH architecture takes inspiration from the aerospace industry where weight reduction is the ultimate goal. The model will be further distinguished by a new aluminum metal front grille with five horizontal vanes, inspired by the One-77, a new front bumper, distinctive front wings with six LEDs, single bi-xenon headlamps, and a rear diffuser which houses a body-colored blade accentuating the width of the car. Interior For the interior, Aston Martin is offering a combination of seven of the finest Bridge of Weir leather used down either side of the fascia and along the seat and signature swan wing doors. The creation of the interior alone took 70 out of the 200 man hours needed to complete each vehicle, ensuring the highest quality one comes to expect from such a car. Standard equipment on the Virage will include: a new fully integrated Satellite Navigation system that has been developed in conjunction with Garmin, heated seats (Sports seats only), cruise control, satellite navigation, Bluetooth telephone preparation, and the 700W Aston Martin Premium Audio System with Dolby Pro Logic II and full iPod integration. Engine Under the hood, Aston Martin has placed a hand-built 6.0 liter V12 engine that produces 490 HP and 420 lb.-ft of torque, mated to a six-speed Touchtronic II automatic transmission mounted on the transaxle contributing to a perfect 50:50 weight balance. The driver will have the option of pushing a "Sport" button that will help him select a sharper throttle response and faster gear changes while also holding the gears without automatically shifting up at the revolution limiter. The new Virage will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and will be capable of hitting a top speed of 186 mph. Controlling the power on the road is a new Adaptive Damping System (ADS) that controls the Virage’s road-gripping capabilities with five different stiffness settings within normal mode, and a further five stiffer settings within sport mode. Stopping power will come from the standard - yes we said standard - Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) brakes that are significantly lighter than conventional cast-iron discs, aiding the Virage in its performance. Prices The new Virage is now on sale in 41 countries. The weird part is that prices haven’t even been announced yet; they will be revealed at its official debut in Geneva. Competition The new Aston Martin Virage will take on models like the Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale. The Maserati is powered by a 4.2 liter V8 engine that delivers 450 HP and sprints the car to a top speed of 186 mph. The Gran Turismo MC Stradale is priced at $205,000 and we expect a similar price for the new Aston Martin. With similar styling and performance, the Aston Martin Virage and the Maserati Gran Turismo MC Stradale are neck in neck. IT seems that customer preference will be the only thing helping sell one model over the other. That is, unless the Aston Martin comes out with an astronomical price tag.   Fast and light
Cool exterior look
Sporty interior
Could have been more powerful
If it’s expensive, people can just opt for the Maserati
59 comments: Aston Martin Virage The grills at front is really noticeable on Aston Martin. Yes, it could have been faster and powerful machine since it carries 6.0 V12 engine but its still comparable to Maserati Stradale and at the price range, you really can be opted to buy a Maserati more than this car.
 The grills at front is really noticeable on Aston Martin. Yes, it could have been faster and powerful machine since it carries 6.0 V12 engine but its still comparable to Maserati Stradale and at the price range, you really can be opted to buy a Maserati more than this car.
hmm, interesting comparison between the Virage and the Maserati GrandTurismo. But since the Stradale is a tricked up version, I would probably pick this one up against the Virage.
 There is really something in the Virage that makes me appreciate it more the longer I look at it. Maybe it’s that shark like front face.
 The wheels actually look a bit small to me. But they aren’t really that bad, in fact they fit perfectly on the car. Maybe because it is lowered, that’s why it looks that way.
 Well, the folks at Audi certainly made good on their promise to revive the Virage line with a bang. This car is certainly looking good on both the exterior and the interior.
 Oh Yes! At last Aston Martin have realized that v8 technology is not modern anymore. Its a good thing that are now using the v12. I bet except for the luxurious design this car would definitely have an amazing performance.
 Yay! The shark faced Aston martin is definitely back. That front hood is certainly the most recognizable part that this one is an AM machine.
 Well, I must admit that I was not initially impressed with the new Virage model. But these new images are certainly making me change my views. The car is actually looking great this time around.
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Posted on
03.30.2011 @ 01:02