Auto Vasar Blog

One million pound price tag.  Check.  Incredible, insane amounts of power.  Check.  7.3 litre V12.  Check.  Aston Martin badge.  Check.  I’m of course talking about the One-77 – as the new video is now available on the site!

Here’s what I got by email:
The project is moving at a real pace and in this new episode Chris Porritt, Program Manager starts to outline the cars performance, while Marek Reichman, Design Director, explains how you will be able to fine tune the cars feel and responsiveness to your own personal requirements.

The beauty of this new car is now really shining through as we also reveal the entire car, both in the video, and in a range of new high resolution photography.

We hope you enjoy this next episode, and we will continue to keep you up to speed as the project develops.

In the video, Dr Ulrich Bez and Chris Porritt among others outline exactly what will make the car special.  It is the spirit of the thing apparently, it is how the DNA of the company has shaped the model

Comment (0)

Oh dear, BMW, who the hell are you kidding?  Apparently, the nippy new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible is being classed as a ‘small premium cabriolet’.  Oh puhhhlease.  Granted, it’ll hit 62 in 6.9 – but ‘small premium’?  These car classifications just get stranger.

Anyway, the new ragtop has the same engine as the John Cooper works hatch, with a 1.6 litre turbocharged engine producing 211 horsepower and a very decent 280Nm of torque with overboost.

Perhaps this is what they were talking about when they go on about premium – the standard car comes with alcantara steering wheel, sport seats, floor mats and an extremely classy piano black interior.  You’ll like the lightweight alloys – though they are probably the coolest part of the car.

Comment (0)

Caterham’s famous ‘Superlight’ family is now complete with the British manufacturer releasing details of a new generation of its Superlight R300.

Following in the rear tyre tracks of the motorsport derived R400 and R500, the latest Seven punches from 0-to-60mph in 4.5 seconds courtesy of a new 2.0-litre Ford Duratec engine, tuned by Caterham Powertrain (CPT) to deliver a responsive 175bhp.

Originally launched in 2002 and fitted with a Rover engine, the previous R300 was Caterham’s best-selling Seven thanks to an addictive character fuelled by its perfect blend of performance and driving pleasure. The new Ford-powered model builds on this platform with increased engine performance and chassis developments, all whilst retaining the R300’s winning personality.

The latest 515kg interpretation of Colin Chapman’s famous ‘lightweight minimalist’ philosophy beautifully balances power and chassis to perfection, delivering an impressive 339bhp-per-tonne. Among many developments, the new R300 benefits from styling cues and technical evolutions first seen on its ‘big brother’ – the explosive Superlight R500 – with the addition of a similar flush button dash design and keyless ignition system, fitted as standard.

Comment (0)

Aston Martin will premiere the DBS Volante at the Geneva Auto Salon on the 3rd March 2009. Completing the DBS line-up, the new Volante will afford customers the combination of the DBS’s already-established benchmark sports car characteristics with all the thrills of open-air motoring.

Broadening the DBS’s character, the DBS Volante will appeal to drivers who wish to combine the excitement of driving a finely-tuned sports car with the invigorating feeling of being open to the elements. This juxtaposition of ultimate performance and openness stirs the senses on any drive whether a exhilarating jaunt on favoured roads or cruising on lengthy journeys. ‘Volante’, meaning: ‘moving with light rapidity’, perfectly defines the performance potential and the dynamic characteristics of the DBS Volante.

Featuring a motorised retractable fabric roof, the DBS’s beautiful profile is preserved whether up or down. When the roof is closed, it provides a warm comfortable ambience and when open, it neatly disappears behind the new tonneau cover at the touch of a button.

Aston Martin’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Ulrich Bez said: “The DBS Volante delivers the utmost relaxed driving experience with the hood up or down. It combines engineering excellence with design perfection.

“The DBS Volante offers a subtle mix of power and performance. Adding to this, the fine craftsmanship – it is an unparalleled ownership and driving experience.”

Comment (0)

I’ve spoken before about the frankly odd choice of Subaru to move away from one of the most iconic car shapes ever – the rally-derived saloon shape it used for cars including the WRX and STi – but once you see one in the flesh you’ll actually be pleasantly surprised.  So much so was this the case that I couldn’t help but talk you through one of the most impressive performance hatchbacks now on the market.

In terms of looks, the new shape will undoubtedly put some off.  It doesn’t look as well balanced as the previous body shape – but it does look decidedly more modern and less like it belongs to the chav brigade.  This doesn’t mean that the Subaru Impreza WRX STi (the flagship model, excepting specific ‘editions’ such as the 330S) doesn’t come with the trimmings.

Granted, whilst it is obviously a five door hatch (see, practicality too), the huge wheel arches, spoiler and bonnet scoop all tell you something.  That something is that the car is designed to move.  And quickly too!  The four exhausts are a marvel, but you can only really appreciate the benefit when the engine is ticking over.

Comment (0)