Mazda RX-8 (2009)





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Launched in 2003, the Mazda RX-8 hit the global market with a serious bang. The RX-8 has won more than 50 global awards since its release including 2003 RJC Car of the Year in Japan Australia's Wheels magazine's Car of the Year for 2003, 2003 International Engine of the Year, 2004 Singapore Car of the Year, the 2004 U.S. Best Sports Car and UK Car of the Year 2004. It was also named on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 2004, 2005, and 2006. All together, Mazda has sold nearly 167,000 RX-8s around the world.


For 2009, Mazda will further the evolution of the four-door, four-seater sports coupe, giving Mazda RX-8 a refreshed exterior and interior design, enhanced performance and a new R3 sport package for the ultimate driving enthusiast.

Unchanged is the core of the Mazda RX-8 - a high-powered, lightweight and perfectly balanced machine powered by the world-renowned twin-rotor RENESIS rotary engine.

"Dating back to the Cosmo Sport released in 1967, every sports car ever developed by Mazda has had the same fundamental mission - to provide car lovers with a vehicle that's fun-todrive, exciting to look at and easy to own," said Tetsu Nakazawa, Mazda North American Operations' Mazda RX-8 vehicle line manager. "The new Mazda RX-8 embodies that mission, conveying the unique and distinctive Mazda brand DNA to the fullest."


To enhance the highly successful Mazda RX-8, Mazda engineers focused on innovation in three key areas for the new Mazda RX-8: styling, performance and packaging. "The enhancements made to Mazda RX-8's exterior, interior, packaging and performance takes it to a whole new level of visual and driving excitement," remarked Nakazawa.

STYLING INNOVATION - REFRESHED DESIGN CUES PROVIDE "HIGHQUALITY" DYNAMISM

Mazda RX-8 was designed with an athletically sculpted exterior that provides a sense of originality that's unrivaled in the marketplace today. The new Mazda RX-8 receives design enhancements that are meant to freshen the styling and give Mazda RX-8 a new look, without impairing the basic design theme. Refinements for the new Mazda RX-8 include restyled front and rear bumpers and front fascia; sporty, high quality finish front and rear headlamps; and larger exhaust pipes (now measuring 90 mm across). The new Mazda RX-8 also offers a new five-spoke wheel design featuring a symbolic and sporty design reminiscent of the rotary engine, with different arrangements for each wheel size.

Taut muscular lines give Mazda RX-8 the liberating look of an athlete in motion. The muscular styling maintains classic sports car proportions while adding a Zoom-Zoom edge that is unmistakably Mazda.

The RX-8's unique "freestyle" four-door design is proof that a true sports car does not need to sacrifice space or convenience for performance. The advanced design of the rear-hinged rear doors provides a large door opening, allowing adult-sized passengers to easily enter and exit the vehicle. This design is also advantageous when securing a baby or a small child in the back seat. With a spacious rear seat area providing ample passenger room for four full-size adults, and enough trunk space for a weekend's worth of luggage, this sports car proves its versatility.

The Mazda RX-8's exterior styling presents a genuine sports car form, while the interior boasts a comfortable and intelligently designed cabin. Minor enhancements were made for the new Mazda RX-8 to provide a simple and functional interior design that supports driving pleasure. The center IP shape was redesigned to give a feeling of dynamic movement, a variable red-zone was added to the tachometer that will rise as the engine comes to operating temperature and a new steering wheel and redesigned front and rear seats are also added.

An extremely low cabin floor allows the seats to be mounted low in the chassis, which, along with a low instrument cluster and hood, allows a low center of gravity and allows outstanding occupant visibility. Mazda designers concentrated on the shape of the front seat backs and the rear seat cushions to ensure adequate rear-seat knee room. Front seat slide-rails are positioned to allow maximum leg room for rear-seat passengers.

The rotary design element is incorporated through the interior of the Mazda RX-8 in creative ways, appearing in the seats. The stylish cabin also evokes a sense of luxury and high-end quality. Mazda's design team examined every aspect and component of the interior and has created an elegant, driver-centric atmosphere. Through the use of advanced ergonomic research, Mazda engineers determined that improper seating posture is a major cause of driver fatigue and built in optimum support in the front seats to help offset discomfort. In addition, the color of the Mazda RX-8's instrument cluster was developed to reduce eye fatigue and strain.

PERFORMANCE INNOVATION - MORE SPORTS CAR DRIVING PLEASURE

Through-and-through, the Mazda RX-8 is a pure sports car that gives the driver an exciting and dynamic experience. For the new Mazda RX-8, engineers improved body rigidity through the addition of structural reinforcements, by adding a trapezoidal strut tower bar and enhancing the local rigidity of the front suspension tower areas. Also, the rear suspension geometry has been reconfigured for better handling performance and driveshaft rigidity is improved, lowering NVH levels and improving performance.

In addition, the differential gear ratio on manual transmission-equipped cars is lowered from 4.444 to 4.777 for improved off-the-line performance. While minimal, these performance changes give Mazda RX-8 increased acceleration and performance, as well as even greater responsiveness to the accelerator pedal - always a rotary-engine and Mazda RX-8 hallmark.

To achieve this sophisticated dynamic, Mazda utilizes the advanced RENESIS (Rotary Engine genesis - or rebirth of the rotary engine) engine. The Mazda RX-8 remains the only mass-produced rotary-powered passenger car in the world. While exhibiting unusually high power output for a naturally aspirated engine, RENESIS outstrips comparable reciprocating engines in terms of acceleration, the feeling of power in reserve and quick response.

The new Mazda RX-8 is available as either a 232-horsepower model fitted with a sixspeed manual transmission, or a 212-horsepower model fitted with a six-speed Sport A/T automatic with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters for a Formula 1-style driving experience.

By turning a triangular rotor in a cocoon-shaped combustion chamber, the Mazda RX-8's rotary engine efficiently performs the four processes of intake, compression, combustion and exhaust. The RENESIS engine is remarkably smooth and high revving — all the way to 9,000 rpm (7,500 rpm on Sport A/T-equipped models) — and offers a smaller engine footprint than traditional internal combustion engines (some 60 percent smaller and lighter than a comparably powered V-6, and 40 percent smaller and lighter than a four-cylinder). In fact, the packaging and styling that define the Mazda RX-8 would not have been possible had Mazda engineers chosen a conventional piston engine.

Improving upon 40 years of rotary designs, the RENESIS engine features side intake and exhaust ports with nearly 30 percent more intake port and twice as much exhaust port than its predecessors. The efficiencies gained through shortening intake/exhaust overlapping period and using the larger intake and exhaust ports in delivering world-class performance.

The Mazda RX-8's normally aspirated 1.3-liter engine might appear diminutive to the untrained eye when compared to large-displacement V-8s or heavyweight V-10s or V-12s. However, through the incredible efficiencies of a rotary powerplant, an advanced three-stage intake system and an electronic throttle, the RENESIS engine delivers smooth, linear power on a grand scale.

The Mazda RX-8 uses an aluminum double-wishbone front suspension, reducing unsprung weight over the use of steel components. By mounting the upper and lower arms on a highly rigid sub-frame, the long arms ensure linear alignment changes throughout the jounce and rebound of the front wheels. All corners are fitted with mono-tube gas-filled shock absorbers designed with large-diameter internal pistons and valving, which offer excellent road feedback and a smooth ride.

An electric rack-and-pinion power-steering system transmits just the right amount of road information back to the driver. Mazda engineers have chosen to pursue their own path by using an electric motor for steering assistance rather than a conventional power-steering pump. The electric motor provides additional assistance at low speeds to ease parking and reduces steering assistance at higher speeds to provide greater road feel, responsiveness and feedback. And, in keeping with the rest of the development on Mazda RX-8, it is far lighter and easier to package than a conventional power-steering rack.

PACKIGING INNOVATIONS - ULTIMATE PERFORMANCE RX-8 R3

To cater to the driving-conscious enthusiast, the new Mazda RX-8 will offer a new R3 sport package. Providing the very best in rotary-powered motoring, the R3 harkens back to the R1 and R2 packages offered on the mighty third-generation Mazda RX-7, and adds a sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein shock absorbers and front suspension crossmembers filled with urethane foam. Filling the crossmembers makes for a smoother ride, minimized NVH and greater suspension control.

On the visual side of the package, a rear spoiler, side sills, fog lights and sporty front bumper are added to give an aggressive appearance, along with 19-inch forged aluminum-alloy wheels with high performance tires. Inside, the R3 adds a 300-watt Bose® audio system with Centerpoint® surround sound and AudioPilot® noise compensation technology, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, front Recaro sport seats with leather side bolsters, leather-wrapped parking brake handle and Mazda advanced keyless entry and start system.

Three other trim levels are also offered including: a Sport trim, a Touring trim (adds HID headlights, fog lamps, auto dimming mirror with Homelink® and 6-disc auto changer on top of the Sport trim features and DSC; add 18-inch wheels, a limited-slip differential, sport-tuned suspension and larger front disc brakes to these items for A/T cars, and Bose® audio system, moonroof, SIRIUS satellite radio are offered as the package option), and a Grand Touring trim (on top of the Touring trim features, adds automatic air conditioner, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, Bose® audio system auto headlight, rain sensing wiper, poweradjustable driver's seat with lumbar support and memory function, leather seating surfaces — heated front seats— and heated outside mirrors and Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry & Start system. A DVD-driven satellite-navigation unit is available as a stand-alone option and uses a single DVD for mapping the entire United States and portions of Canada. Additionally, a moon roof and SIRIUS satellite radio are offered as an package option.)

All Mazdas come with a roadside assistance program. With a call to a toll-free number, owners can access roadside assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year throughout the United States and Canada. In addition, a comprehensive three-year/36,000-mile warranty covers every part on the vehicle except those subject to normal wear. Also, all models receive a fiveyear/ 60,000 mile powertrain warranty and a five-year/unlimited-mileage corrosion warranty.

SUPERIOR SAFETY

When designing the Mazda RX-8, safety was given as much of a priority as was performance. For Mazda, the safety process incorporates both accident avoidance and accident protection. In effect, this approach to safety means the RX-8 can help the driver avoid various dangers and protect occupants in the unfortunate event of a collision. In rollover tests performed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Mazda RX-8 achieved an impressive five-star rating.

Mazda engineers integrated numerous active and passive safety elements throughout the car. Active safety features, which require input from the driver, include the use of large ABSequipped disc brakes on all wheels as well as precise steering and suspension systems. Dynamic Stability Control (available on Sport models with Performance package, standard on Touring and Grand Touring) delivers a superior level of handling that can be disabled when driving and road conditions allow safe operation.

Passive systems, or those that take effect automatically without the driver's involvement, also are present throughout the Mazda RX-8. Despite the absence of a center B-pillar, the Mazda RX-8 has an exceptionally rigid body, accomplished through the use of the vertical pillars built in the rear doors and a series of locking pins, which hold the doors together and bind each door directly into the roof and floor. Integrating the frame components helps dissipate crash energy through the vehicle's structure.

Other standard passive systems on the Mazda RX-8 include front airbags, seat-mounted sideimpact airbags and side-curtain airbags. Additionally, the front end and engine bay have ample crumple zones, the front seats are designed to reduce whiplash injuries, the brake pedal is designed to break away in the event of a collision of sufficient force to protect feet and legs and all four seating positions are fitted with three-point seatbelts. Even pedestrian protection was considered, as the RX-8 is fitted with Mazda's "shock-cone" hood design that yields more to the impact of a pedestrian onto the hood than a standard design, yet is strong enough to not deform in normal use.

Mitsubishi Racing Lancer (2008)





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The motor sport department of Mitsubishi Motors and MMSP both contributed to the development of the Mitsubishi Racing Lancer which complies with the Group T1 regulations of the FIA (motor sport's international governing body: Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile) introduced in 2002. The firm's latest cross-country rally car, which has been designed to take onboard the new super production regulations when they come into force in 2010, has benefited extensively from the experience acquired with the Pajero/Montero Evolution.


The development of the turbo-diesel engine began in April 2006 before being grafted into a Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution for testing purposes in June 2007. Development of the body began in August 2007 and the first Mitsubishi Racing Lancer was completed in June 2008. This car was put through its paces during one-week test sessions in Spain and Morocco, as well as over typical cross-country rally terrain in France. Based on the data collected during these tests, further sessions were organized in Morocco at the end of August/early September plus another two weeks in October prior to the Mitsubishi Racing Lancer's debut on the sixth round of the FIA Cross-Country Baja International Cup, the Baja Portalegre (Thursday, October 30 to Sunday, November 2, 2008).
The Mitsubishi Racing Lancer is based on a new multi-tubular steel frame. The team has taken particular care to minimize weight, while the additional space freed up by the longer wheelbase – a decision based on the regulations due to come into force in 2010 – has enabled the gas tank to be positioned lower in the car and has consequently brought down the centre of gravity. Handling has also been improved thanks to the new location of the spare tyres which ensures enhanced control of the moment of inertia.

Mitsubishi Motors's design department was responsible for the body styling which uses carbon panels based on the design of the Lancer Sportback. The design was finalized after validation of the new car's aerodynamic performance in a wind tunnel.

The powerful 3-litre V6 diesel engine features a two-stage turbocharger which positions a small and large turbine configuration on each side of engine, working with both the small and large turbine according to engine revolution and load.

Peak torque is 66.3kgfm (650Nm), while maximum power currently stands at 280PS (206kW), although this figure is expected to increase as development work continues. The cooling system of the intercooler is positioned at the rear of the car and is fed by the characteristic roof-mounted air scoop.

The V6 engine is fed through a manual Ricardo five-speed sequential gearbox engineered to cope with the high torque delivered by the powerplant. The Mitsubishi Racing Lancer's permanent four-wheel drive transmission features the same self-locking differential as that used for Pajero/Montero Evolution.

Both the front and rear suspension systems feature extensively revised geometry and are both based on a double wishbone layout with coil springs, anti-roll bars and uprated BOS dampers which can be adjusted through a broader range. The car runs on BFGoodrich's new low-energy 245/80-16 cross-country rally tyres and OZ aluminium alloy wheels (16x7JJ). The vented 16-inch brake discs are coupled with six-piston Brembo calipers.

Technical Specifications
LENGTH: 4475mm 
OVERALL WIDTH: 1990mm 
WHEELBASE: 2900mm 
FRONT/ REAR TRACK: 1750mm/1750mm 
OVERALL WEIGHT: 1900kg 
ENGINE MODEL: 6-cylinder Turbodiesel 24-Valve with dry-sump oil system 
FUEL SYSTEM: Common rail high pressure injection 
DISPLACEMENT: 3997cc 
MAXIMUM OUTPUT: 206kw (280 PS), 650Nm (66.3 kgfm) 
TRANSMISSION: 5-speed ‘Ricardo’-type, sequential shift gearbox and mechanical gear selection 
4WD system: full time, mechanical centre diff lock 
Front diff: ‘Ricardo’ self-locking differential 
Rear diff: ‘Ricardo’ self-locking differential 
SUSPENSION 
Front: Independent, double wishbones, coil spring 
Rear: Independent, double wishbones, coil spring and anti-roll bar system
DAMPERS: ‘BOS’ fully-adjustable damping 
WHEEL STROKE: 250 mm front and rear 
STEERING: Power-assisted rack and pinion
BRAKES: ‘BREMBO’ Front and rear Ventilated discs with 6-piston calipers
WHEELS: ‘OZ’ aluminium (7JJ x 16) 
TYRES: BF Goodrich (245/80 – 16)
OTHERS: Aeronautic steel multi-tubular frame, Honeycomb body floor and carbon fibre body

Audi R8 GT3 (2009)





For the first time, Audi Sport will offer a racing sports car specifically developed for customer use in the form of the powerful 500 hp plus GT3 version of the Audi R8 which will be available from autumn 2009. The logistics and factory space required for the AUDI AG customer programme will be created over the next few months in Ingolstadt, Neckarsulm and Györ.

"The Audi R8 is the first production Audi bearing the name and genes of a successful racing sportscar and is therefore an excellent base from which to build up our first big customer sport programme," explains Head of Audi Motorsport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich. "Ever since the Audi R8 was unveiled we've been inundated with enquiries about a race version. With the Audi R8 we will offer customers a racing sportscar equipped with high-calibre technology and the typical Audi qualities, but which is nevertheless easy to handle."

The Audi R8 conforms to the production-based GT3 regulations allowing the car to be fielded in numerous national and international race series.

Because the GT3 regulations prohibit the use of four-wheel drive the Audi R8 comes with the typical GT rear-wheel drive. The power is transmitted via a newly developed six-speed sequential sports gearbox. The suspension uses almost exclusively components from the production line. A comprehensive list of safety equipment guarantees the highest-level of passive safety. A modified front end and a large rear-wing generate the required downforce for the race track.

The Audi R8 GT3, which bears the project name "R16" within Audi Sport, was developed under the direction of Audi Sport. Mid August, the first prototype successfully completed a roll-out in the hands of Audi factory driver Frank Biela.

The first test races in various European racing series are scheduled for the 2009 season. Delivery to the customers is planned from the autumn of this coming year.

The customer cars are manufactured together by Audi Sport and the quattro GmbH, which is also responsible for production of the Audi R8 street version, and Audi Hungaria Motor Kft.

New photos of Mitsubishi Lancer X






New photos of this beautiful Mitshubishi Lancer.In spring 2009 I will get one.Not EVO X,but....

1.8 liter,140hp-silver-one word-beautiful

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Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport (2009)





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The world's most significant celebration of the automobile takes place annually in Monterey, California. This year, it will see some of the most elegant, exclusive, and valuable vehicles ever produced in over 100 years of motoring, with Bugatti set to play a prominent role. On the evening prior to the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, the highlight of the event, the marque renowned for impeccable automotive solutions, aesthetics and driving dynamics will unveil a second model to the world - the new Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport with a unique removable roof.

In response to customer demand, significant modifications have been made to the vehicle's complex structure to make possible open-top driving, thereby adding a new dimension to this high-performance sports car. Incorporating a host of new and innovative safety and equipment features, it is the world's fastest and most exciting roadster. It is immediately recognizable as a result of its slightly higher windscreen, stylized daytime running lights, and lightweight, transparent polycarbonate roof.

The main challenge in developing the new Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport with removable roof resulted from the unique structure of the fixed-roof Bugatti Veyron. An optimum combination of rigidity and lightweight engineering ensures the monocoque passenger cell of the original model is extremely strong while weighing an absolute minimum - it is a central element of the vehicle's structure. As the roof is an integral part of this, removing it meant the load paths had to be completely redesigned to maintain the vehicle's rigidity and crash safety, and to offer additional protection from side impacts and rolling.


As a result, the monocoque structure has been reinforced around the side skirts and the transmission tunnel. The B-pillars have been cross-stiffened using a carbon fibre support, and a central carbon plate has been positioned beneath the transmission tunnel to ensure the vehicle suffers from less torsional flexing than any other roadster.

The doors of the new Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport are made of carbon fibre, and house an integrated longitudinal beam.

In the event of an accident, this transfers the load from the A to the B-pillar, thereby dissipating impact energy. Furthermore, the two redesigned air intakes for the 16-cylinder mid-engine now feature 10-centimetre wide carbon-fibre elements to offer protection should the car roll.

Along with moisture-resistant, backstitched leather, a range of new equipment features has been added to the interior, including a reversing camera with 2.7-inch monitor in the rear-view-mirror, and the "Puccini" sound system with digital signal processor.

When the roof is closed, the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport can reach 407 km/h, while speeds of up to 360 km/h are possible with roof off. Should it rain, an innovative folding roof stored in the luggage compartment can be opened up like an umbrella at any time. When this folding roof is in place, the car can travel at up to 130 km/h.

Assembled by hand at the company's headquarters in Molsheim, Alsace, the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport will be available from March 2009 at the price of 1.4 million euros (excluding tax). Just 150 examples will be made, with the first 50 of these going exclusively to registered Bugatti customers. The first vehicle is certain to be highly sought after, and Bugatti has taken the decision to donate this specific car to charity. It will be sold to the highest bidder at the Pebble Beach Auction presented by Gooding & Company.

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Specifications
Dimensions
Length: 4,462 mm
Width: 1,998 mm
Height, Normal Position: 1,204 mm
Wheel base: 2,710 mm
Curb Weight: 1,968 kg
Max. permitted laden weight: 2,280 kg
Tank capacity: 100 l
Engine
Motor Type/Number of Cylinders: W16
Cylinder Capacity: 7 993 cm3
Power output: 736 KW (1,001 hp) @ 6,000 rpm
Max. torque: 1,250 Nm @ 2,200-5,500 rpm
Gearbox: 7 Gear DSG
Drive: 4WD
Power distribution: Front axle differential with Haldex clutch; rear axle with with transverse differential lock
Suspension
Wheel suspension: Double wishbone front / rear
Tyre, front: 265-680 ZR 500A Michelin Pilot Sport Pax
Tyres, rear: 365-710 ZR 540A Michelin Pilot Sport Pax
Tyre pressure: 3.1 bar front, 3.1 bar rear
Suspension Heights (front / rear)
Standard: 125 mm / 125 mm - For town traffic and speeds up to 220 km/h. From 220 km/h, automatic configuration switches from Standard to Handling
Handling: 80 mm / 95 mm - For fast driving on country roads or motorways, or manually selectable for race tracks
Top Speed: 65 mm / 70 mm - For V-max driving (over 375 km/h), manually selectable with separate key
Brakes
Brake disk diameter: 400 mm front, 380 mm rear
Brake disk material: Carbon / ceramic front / rear
Number of wheel brake cylinders: 8 front, 6 rear
Number of brake pads: 4 front, 2 rear
Aerodynamics
CW Values
Standard: 0.39
Handling: 0.42
Top Speed: 0.36
Airbrake: 0.68
Wing/Spoiler Angle
Standard: Retracted / 2° cool-down position
Handling with roof: 6°/27°
Handling without roof: 20°/27°
Top Speed: 2°
Brake setting: 55°/27°
Special features: Central hydraulics
Fuel Consumption
In town: 41,9 l/100km
Out of town: 15,6 l/100km
Combined: 24,9 l/100km
Fuel type: Super lead free 98 RON / ROZ
CO2-Emission
In town: 999 g/km
Out of town: 373 g/km
Combined: 596 g/km
Performance
Top speed: 407 km/h
Acceleration
0-100 km/h: < 2.7sec
0-200 km/h: 7.3 sec
0-300 km/h: 16.7 sec
Braking distance (100-0 km/h): 31.4 m
Gearbox shift time: < 150 ms

Aston Martin V12 Vantage RS Concept (2007)





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he Aston Martin V12 Vantage RS concept is based on critically acclaimed Aston Martin V8 Vantage coupe, but the company's design and engineering team have fully exploited the design flexibility of their unique VH architecture and the motor sport development of their 6.0 litre V12 engine to create a dramatic and production feasible concept car focussed on extreme performance and dynamics.

In a speech to the assembled guests, Ulrich Bez said: "Over the last five years, we have established a reputation for presenting fully functional, feasible concept cars, and the Aston Martin V12 Vantage RS is no exception. We will listen with interest to feedback on this concept and, as ever, if there is sufficient demand then we will seriously consider a low volume production run in the near future with a price that will reflect the exclusivity of the car.

"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."

Although the 600bhp power output of the Aston Martin V12 Vantage RS concept will be the focus of attention, just as significant is the level of weight reduction achieved by Aston Martin's engineering team. With a kerb weight of less than 1600kg, the RS concept underlines Aston Martin's continued commitment to intelligent use of materials and weight reduction as a means of achieving improved efficiency and performance. In common with the Aston Martin DBS, the bonnet and trunk lid are moulded in carbon fibre and the concept also adopts motor sport-inspired carbon ceramic brake discs.


The subtly aggressive exterior appearance is driven by function. The dramatic bonnet louvres extract air from the fully ducted cooling pack and the trunk lid features a deployable spoiler that rises automatically at high speeds to increase rear down force. The front bumper features cooling ducts for the carbon ceramic brakes and a carbon fibre splitter to balance down force.

Director of Design, Marek Reichman, commented: "Much of Aston Martin's recent success has come from the ability of our designers and engineers to work hand-in-hand to optimise form and function. Our new dedicated design centre will take this process to a new level and I am delighted that the Aston Martin V12 Vantage RS is the first car to stand on the turntable in the studio."

The 600bhp 6.0 litre engine featured in the Aston Martin V12 Vantage RS concept has benefited directly from the race development of this acclaimed power unit. It features a dry sump lubrication system, tuned length exhaust manifolds, forged pistons and steel con-rods, revised lift and duration camshafts and modified cylinder heads. Peak power is achieved at 6250rpm and peak torque of 690Nm is at 5000rpm.

With a power-to-weight ratio of over 375bhp per ton, the Aston Martin V12 Vantage RS concept is the fastest accelerating road car ever built by the company, capable of reaching 62mph (100km/h) from rest in 4.0 seconds and 100mph (160km/h) in just 8.5 seconds.

The unveiling of the Aston Martin V12 Vantage RS concept concluded a remarkable year of new product announcements for the British manufacturer. In 12 months the company has launched two of the most eagerly anticipated sports cars of the year - the DBS and Aston Martin Vantage Roadster - and announced details of the DB9 LM and V8 Vantage N400 special editions which celebrate the company's racing successes at Le Mans and the Nϋrburgring. All of these models now join the award-winning V8 Vantage, Aston Martin DB9 and Aston Martin DB9 Volante models in production at the company's Gaydon headquarters.