Thursday, April 24, 2014

Aston Martin DB9 LM

When thinking of Aston Martin and their line of supreme cars, racing and supreme style come immediately to mind. Within a very short time, Aston Martin has made a niche in the racing market and wooed car fanatics around the world with their sleek beauty and above average handling. Topping the list as Britain's most iconic vehicle, it comes out ahead as the first choice for 'Ultimate Dream Cars' with UK drivers. Surprisingly enough, it beats out even Ferrari and Porsche models. In just 2 short years the Aston Martin models have obtained Ferrari-style exclusivity among buyers. These cars have topped the 'Coolest Brand' list for cars 2 years running. The Aston Martin has even made appearances in a couple of James Bond 007 movies.

Production of these fine cars have grown to more than 5,000 cars per year and many are waiting to see if the momentum will continue since Ford has sold Aston Martin to a private consortium led by Prodrive founder David Richards for more than $925 million.

Aston Martin has recently released the special edition 2008 DB9 LM at the Frankfurt motor show to commemorate Aston's recent achievements in the GT1 class at the 24 hours of Le Mans racing circuit this past June. The elegance and supreme vision of this fine machine is coveted throughout Britain and the world. Would Aston Martin remodel a new machine each time they win a race? No one is quite sure yet, but I am sure there won't be many complaints if they do.

Aston Martin DB9 LM
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Aston Martin DB9 LM

Aston Martin DB9 LM

Aston Martin DB9 LM

Aston Martin DB9 LM

Aston Martin DB9 LM

Aston Martin DB9 LM

Aston Martin DB9 LM

Aston Martin DB9 LM

Aston Martin DB9 LM


Respected publishers such as Popular Mechanics, Car and Driver, Automobile Magazine all have raved about the quality and design of the new DB9 LM. I have yet to encounter a single negative comment about this fine piece of machinery. This vehicle is the most thoroughly tested and engineered car in the history of Aston Martin. It also belongs in a technically sophisticated class of its very own.

The Aston Martin DB9, is a Grand tourer vehicle that was launched by Aston Martin in 2004 and was the first new car to be built at Aston's Gaydon, Warwickshire facility. The prefix of "DB" comes from David Brown, the owner of Aston Martin for a large part of its manufacturing history. This model was designed by Ian Callum and finished by his successor, Henrik Fisker.

This new product is available in the coupe style only, is equipped with rear-wheel drive and comes with a dynamic Touchtronic 6-speed automatic transmission. Amazingly enough, only 124 DB9 LMs will be manufactured, 1 for each dealer, with exclusive features entailing Sarthe Silver exterior coloring, enclosing silver mesh grille inserts, exterior vents and a rear crossbar detailed in silver. A numbered sill plaque is a nice touch with the also optional DB9 sports suspension pack with red brake calipers visible under color-keyed and diamond turned 19 alloy inch wheels. The disc brakes with 355 mm at the front and 330 at the rear are ventilated and grooved to help with cooling and boost braking performance. Mounted are four piston monobloc calipers to provide great stopping power with a firm and progressive pedal.

The driving force of the DB9 LM is the Ford-engineered 450 horsepower, 6.0-liter aluminum block and valvetrain, Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC), which echoes fine performance. The newest release has rack and pinion steering with 3.0 turns lock to lock. The exceptional performance of this vehicle is undisputed at to speeds up to 300 km/h (186.5 mph) and the 0-60 ratio is in only 4.7 seconds. The 12-cylinder engine has a total of 450 (331.2 KW) horsepower at 6,000 rpm. The torque is 570.00 NM (420.3 Ft-Lbs) at 5,000 rpm. The compression ratio is 10.3:1. The top speeds are quite comparable to the Dodge Viper.

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Aston Martin Sports Car

A review of The Aston Martin Sports Car, covering development, important features, and technical data of each model in the range, from the DB1 to the Virage. In this Article, I offer a nostalgic look at the Aston Martin Sports Car, one of an elite group of classic cars, which was manufactured during the period 1948 to 1995. In 1925, having gone into receivership, the company was reformed as Aston Martin Cars. In 1947, David Brown Limited not only acquired the Company, but also purchased Lagonda, the luxury car maker. Hence the birth of the legendary DB sports car. The Aston Martin DB1 In 1948, the DB1 sports car made its debut at that years London Motor Show. Previously known as the 2-Litre Sports, it was a two seater, using a tubular chassis, and powered by the companies' own 2 litre engine. Only 15 were produced since it as felt that this classic car was underpowered.

The Aston Martin DB2 In 1950, the DB2 sports car was launched. It was a two seater, fixed head coupe. Although the DB1 had a 2 litre, 4-cylinder, pushrod engine, the DB2 used a 2.6 litre, 6-cylinder, double overhead cam unit, derived from the Lagonda. A drop head coupe version was added later. An optional DB2 engine used two larger carburettors and a higher compression ratio. Such high performance cars were called Vantage editions. The DB2 was highly successful in racing. The Aston Martin DB2/4 Based on the DB2 it replaced, the Mark 1 version of the DB2/4 was launched in 1953. It was offered as a two seater fixed head coupe, and drop head coupe, plus a 2+2 hatchback. Initially, it used the same Lagonda engine as the DB2, but uprated to 125 bhp. However, later that year, the 2.9 litre version, developing 140 bhp, was used instead. In 1955, the DB2/4 Mark 2 was introduced, which used a large valve, high compression Lagonda engine, developing 165 bhp. In 1957, the Db2/4 Mark 2 was replaced by the DB2/4 Mark 3. Otherwise known as the DB Mark 3, it was available as a two seater fixed headcoupe, a drop head coupe, and a 2+2 hatchback. The standard "DBA" 2.9 litre Lagonda engine, fitted with two SU carburettors, developed 162 bhp. With an optional dual exhaust system, this would increase to 178 bhp. However, an optional "DBB" engine, with three twin choke Webber carburettors, special camshafts, and a high compression head, developed 195 bhp. An alternative mid level "DBD" option, with three SU carburettors, developed 180 bhp. This classic car was described as "a car for connoisseurs".
Aston Martin Sports Car

Aston Martin Sports Car

Aston Martin Sports Car

Aston Martin Sports Car

Aston Martin Sports Car

Aston Martin Sports Car

Aston Martin Sports Car

Aston Martin Sports Car

Aston Martin Sports Car

Aston Martin Sports Car

Aston Martin Sports Car

Aston Martin Sports Car

Aston Martin Sports Car

Aston Martin Sports Car

Aston Martin Sports Car


Thursday, April 17, 2014

Acura

In 1986, Honda launched into the luxury market with the Acura, marketing these vehicles in the US, Canadian and Hong Kong markets. It was the first Japanese brand to appear on the luxury market. Styles were limited really to the Legend and the Integra, the Legend being a sedan while the Integra came in either a sporty coupe or a sedan. Acura built on Honda's reputation for reliability and low cost for the quality was instantly successful and while it lacks the glitter of luxury European models, there is no doubt that the Acura is packed with luxury features and desired performance. In the early 1990s, Honda introduced the NSX sports car to its Acura line up. It stayed true to Honda's reputation and matched its competitors while undercutting their prices. During the 1990s, the Acura name experienced difficulties as Honda tried to determine and establish the image it wanted to project for this line with renamed models, and a renamed version of a competitor's SUV. It tried to meet rising consumer interest too quickly.

In the 21st century, however, Acura has buckled down and revamped its range of available products to meet the variety of consumer interests. The MDX appeared in 2001 and is Acura's answer to the Luxury SUV, featuring family friendly amenities. In 2002, the RSX sport coupe was introduced to replace the Integra and in 2004, the TSX an entry level sports sedan was added to the Acura fleet. It also redesigned the midsize TL sedan, Acura's most popular fleet model and in 2005, redesigned its RL flagship model.
Acura

Acura

Acura

Acura

Acura

Acura

Acura

Acura

Acura

Acura

Acura

Acura

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo is known as a flamboyant Italian auto manufacturing company, established in around 1911 within a small town in the heart of Italy. Earlier recognized by: A-L-F-A, which is an abbreviation which stands for Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili. N.Romeo bought A-L-F-A in around 1915-1916. Romeo's last name was used for the companies brand name. There first automobile was built in the 1920's which was the first auto created entirely by his organisation. Cliquishness and personality over the decades has become a famous attribute for Alfa's. This is due to the choice the customer gets when purchasing their cars, such as the choice of engines, fixtures and fittings. Alfa also offers other selections that enable clients to design the car that meets their requirements.

To promote this variety of equipment due to a growth & reaction to the developing number of pleas from the manufacturer is the rationality that Alfa had an advantage compared to other manufacturers. Alfa Romeo certainly improved the individual Alfa Personal Platform, the function of the cars were to allow clients to create their motorcars more to be refined and individual.

The Alfa Romeo Personalisation platform is now accessible on the total range of motorcars. Remaining with the experience of the Alfa Rome GT, the model defines its schemes set precision and confidence. The greatest attribute of the personal plan is to provide individualism for each client to fine-tune their auto's to show each customer's personality within their automobile. This allows them to change an already unique automobile into something special. The Alfa Romeo Platform carries the greatest Italian productions. It now offers this privilege to the old Alfa Romeo examples.
Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo