V12 Vantage Roadster

V12 Vantage Roadster

Aston Martin is lifting the lid on an extreme new sports car with the global debut of the V12 Vantage Roadster.

The new sports car, available as a limited edition in selected markets worldwide, immediately becomes the most potent example of the open-top Vantage range and mixes the breath-taking power of Aston Martin’s naturally aspirated 6.0-litre V12 engine with the established thrills of Vantage Roadster driving for what is an unforgettable sports car experience.

The V12 Vantage Roadster’s 6.0-litre engine, mated as in the Coupe to a six-speed manual gearbox, generates 517 PS at 6,500 rpm and a muscular 570 Nm of torque at 5,750 rpm. It has been intelligently packaged into the Vantage Roadster’s compact form to fully exploit the sports-orientated model’s ample natural agility.

The naturally-aspirated V12 provides high levels of power and torque yet it delivers a flexible, refined driving experience illuminated with the potential for truly electrifying performance. The 0-62 mph sprint is dispatched in just 4.5 seconds* while this most potent Aston Martin Roadster is capable of 190 mph*.

While the Roadster naturally shares much of the technical and specification features of the V12 Vantage Coupe, some elements are redesigned to take account of the Roadster’s neat packaging and engaging dynamics.

The V12 Vantage Roadster features a redesigned rear boot lid and lower front air intake to maintain a level of dynamic performance that’s fully in keeping with the V12 Coupe, while there are also a number of unique chassis revisions. These include a modified rear damper set-up, front and rear damper valve tuning and a new rear spring design.

These changes, in conjunction with Aston Martin’s use of Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres, ensure the sports car delivers dramatic straight-line performance as well as outstanding handling.

Styled to be as beautiful as it is potent, the new Roadster boasts a number of eye-catching additions that underline its sporty characteristics. Carbon fibre side strakes; a carbon fibre front splitter and rear diffuser; carbon fibre mirror caps and carbon fibre rear lamp infills – plus the new forged alloy wheel design – should leave the sports car cognoscenti in no doubt that this is a truly exclusive Aston Martin.

At the rear, the boot lid on the V12 Vantage Roadster incorporates a more pronounced ‘flip’ to reduce rear lift and improve stability at high speeds. The V12’s diffuser houses a large, centre-mounted oil cooler and two large tail-pipe finishers.

As with the front splitter, the carbon fibre rear diffuser is hand-made to ensure the direction and consistency of the weave and ensure the best possible finish.

Inside, there are other distinguishing features that make the new car stand out from its illustrious siblings in the sought-after Aston Martin V8 Vantage and V12 Vantage line-up. Subtle additions such as the use of glass switches in the lower centre stack elevate yet further the luxurious ambience in the V12 Vantage Roadster cabin.

While for those seeking the ultimate in V12 Vantage Roadster personalisation, a package of interior trim comprising carbon fibre facia and carbon fibre gearshift surround is available.

Unique to the V12 Vantage and new V12 Vantage Roadster is the engine’s “Sport” mode button, which enables the driver to select between two different powertrain modes.

Normal mode is the default from start-up and provides not only a more relaxed throttle response but also a quieter, more refined exhaust note. This creates a more progressive throttle response, suited to ‘everyday’ situations such as when driving in heavy traffic.

Sport mode, meanwhile, is designed for use in more dynamic driving situations where sharper responses are required. It has a number of tangible effects on the powertrain including a sharper throttle response, with the engine delivering more torque during the early stages of throttle pedal travel. Exhaust system bypass valves are also kept open for longer to create a particularly sporty exhaust note.

Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer Dr Ulrich Bez said: “The V12 Vantage models are, first and foremost, driver’s cars – inviting and fully rewarding the driver’s full involvement.

“The addition to our range of this exceptional new Roadster allows the driver and passenger to experience full ‘sensory overload’ thanks to its outstanding performance.”

He added: “I believe no other car in this class offers the combination of the V12 Vantage Roadster’s prestige, six-speed manual gearbox and the unique enjoyment that driving a high performance convertible can deliver.”

Available to order in selected markets now, the new Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster is priced at £150,000 RRP in the UK.

 

Specification

Body

– Two-door, two-seat layout
– VH bonded aluminium structure
– Aluminium, magnesium alloy, composite and steel body
– Extruded aluminium door side impact beams
– High Intensity Discharge headlamps (dipped beam)
– Halogen projector headlamps (main beam)
– LED rear lamps

Engine

– All-alloy quad overhead cam 48 valve 5,935cc V12
– Compression ratio 10.7:1
– Front mid-mounted engine, rear-wheel drive
– Fully-catalysed stainless steel exhaust system with active bypass valves
– 517 PS at 6,500 rpm
– 570 Nm at 5,750 rpm
– 0-62 mph (100 km/h): 4.5 seconds***
– Maximum speed: 190 mph*** (305 km/h***)

Transmission

– Rear mid-mounted six-speed manual gearbox
– Alloy torque tube with carbon fibre prop shaft
– Limited-slip differential
– Final drive ratio 3.71:1

Steering

– Rack and pinion
– Column tilt and reach adjustment

Dimensions

– Length: 4,382mm
– Width: 2,022mm (including mirrors)
– Height: 1,256mm
– Wheelbase: 2,600mm
– Fuel Tank: 80ltrs
– Weight: 1,760kg***

Suspension

– Front: Independent double wishbone incorporating anti-dive geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube dampers
– Rear: Independent double wishbones with anti-squat and anti-lift geometry, dual-rate coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube dampers

Wheels and tyres

– Front: 9J x 19” Pirelli P Zero Corsa 255/35 ZR19
– Rear: 11J x 19” Pirelli P Zero Corsa 295/30 ZR19
– Tyre repair kit

Brakes

– Front: Ventilated carbon ceramic discs – 398 mm diameter with six-piston calipers
– Rear: Ventilated carbon ceramic discs – 360 mm diameter with four-piston calipers
– Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Track mode
– Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
– Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
– Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
– Traction Control

Standard equipment

– Glass switches
– Carbon fibre door pulls
– Leather trimmed steering wheel
– Memory seats and exterior mirrors (three positions)
– Sports seats with 10-way electric adjustment, including height, tilt and lumbar adjustment
– Dual Stage Driver and Passenger Front Airbags
– Side Airbags (Sports seats only)
– Heated rear screen
– Automatic temperature control
– Trip computer
– Cruise control
– Hard Disk Drive (HDD) satellite navigation system*
– Bluetooth telephone preparation*
– Powerfold exterior mirrors
– Rain-sensing wipers
– Rear parking sensors
– Automatic headlamps
– Auto-dimming interior rear view mirror
– Tyre pressure monitoring*
– Alarm and immobiliser
– Remote-control central door locking
– Battery disconnect switch
– Tracking device (UK only)
– 160W Aston Martin Audio System
– MP3 player connectivity

Optional equipment

– Carbon Fibre Interior Pack (comprising carbon fibre facia and gearshift surround)
– Lightweight seats with six-way adjustment, including front and rear height adjust (does not include side airbags or passenger airbag cut-off switch)
– 700W Aston Martin Premium Audio System with Dolby® Pro Logic II®
– Bang & Olufsen BeoSound 1000W Audio System
– Black Bang & Olufsen speaker grilles and acoustic lens towers
– Black finish grille
– Bright finish grille
– Black exhaust tailpipes
– Black bonnet and side strake meshes
– Personalised sill plaques
– Garage door opener (Europe only)
– Tracking device**
– First aid kit
– Ashtray and cigar lighter
– Boot-mounted umbrella
– Front parking sensors
– Reversing camera
– Heated seats (Sports seats only)
– ISOFIX and fixed-height passenger seat (Sports seat only)
– Battery conditioner

*Not available in all markets

**Complies with UK Thatcham Category 5 requirements. Excludes subscription. Standard in UK

***Predicted figures

 

Keri-anne Payne Reflects On Her Journey To The Games

Keri-anne Payne Reflects On Her Journey To The Games

Current world champion and Links of London Ambassador Keri-anne Payne will take to the water on Thursday as the favourite in the 10k open water event at the Serpentine, Hyde Park.

In her final moments of preparation before she comes under the spotlight, Keri-anne takes the time to reflect on her journey to London 2012.

Aside from the gruelling training and competition schedule that has honed Keri-anne’s talent in the open water event, the swimmer also acknowledges that the road to the Games couldn’t have happened without the support and inspiration from key figures in her life.

The video sees Keri-anne reveal her biggest supporters and the contribution they have made to her journey, including her mum, fiancé and fellow swimmer David Carry and her swimming team.

The nation can show their Genuine Belief in Keri-anne and other members of Team GB by wearing their Links of London Team GB Bands. Available in stores and online at www.linksoflondon.com

Felix Baumgartner completes final Red Bull Stratos test jump

Felix Baumgartner completes final Red Bull Stratos test jump

July 25, 2012, ROSWELL, NEW MEXICO:

Felix Baumgartner completes final Red Bull Stratos test jump from 96,640 ft. in Roswell, New Mexico
Final test jump sees Baumgartner execute a 3 minute, 48 second freefall jump reaching speeds of 536 mph / 862 kmh

Felix Baumgartner completed the final milestone remaining before he attempts to achieve his dream of becoming the first person to break the speed of sound in freefall. According to preliminary data, his test jump from a 5.3 million cubic-foot / 150,079 cubic-meter balloon achieved an altitude of over 96,640 feet / 29,455 meters, seeing Baumgartner execute a 3 minute, 48 second freefall jump reaching speeds of 536 mph / 862 kmh.

Baumgartner landed in a desert area of the U.S. state of New Mexico, just about 15 minutes by helicopter from his launch site at Roswell International Air Center. As the ecstatic team gathered in Mission Control to welcome his return, technical project director Art Thompson commented: “It’s hard not to get emotional about today. We are just so glad to have Felix back on the ground after a long week with significant weather challenges. The crew did a great job.”

The test launch was twice delayed due to thunderstorms, wind and rain. But the team of aerospace experts was never discouraged, well aware that even Space Shuttle launches sometimes faced several days of postponement. Baumgartner’s successful test is proof that patience pays off.

The balloon for Baumgartner’s final ascent will rise as tall as a skyscraper – requiring surface winds of no more than 4 miles / 6.5 kilometers per hour to avoid endangering its delicate plastic envelope. The date for the record jump is now subject to favourable weather conditions and critical post-jump assessments on the capsule and equipment.

Today’s successful test, with a balloon over four times as large as the one that carried the pilot at the first test flight in March, delivered new insights for the progress of the project and also new research data for the benefit of aerospace research.

Pending official data review and confirmation, the leap from over 96,640 feet / 29,455 meters takes Baumgartner past Russia’s Yevgeny Andreyev (83,523 feet / 25,458 meters) to make him only the second man to have successfully completed a jump from such an altitude. His planned freefall from 120,000 feet / 36,576 meters would finally break the record of 102,800 feet set 52 years ago by the only man who has jumped from a higher altitude, Baumgartner’s mentor Joe Kittinger.

Bentley single seater sets new world best for a Bentley

Bentley single seater sets new world best for a Bentley

Tim Birkin’s 4 ½ Litre Supercharged ‘Blower’ Bentley single seater sets new world best for a Bentley at Bonhams Goodwood auction
Beautiful Brooklands racing machine underlines enduring appeal of the ‘Bentley Boy’ racing spirit

(Crewe and Goodwood, 29 June 2012) Just 35 miles away from the fabled Brooklands race circuit where it astonished thousands of spectators eight decades ago by sprinting its way into the record books, Sir Henry ‘Tim’ Birkin’s dramatic 4 ½ Litre Supercharged ‘Blower’ single seat racing machine returned to record-breaking form by reaching a sale price of £4.5 million when auctioned by Bonhams at the Goodwood Festival of Speed today.

This new world-best for Birkin’s striking 240bhp supercharged red racer now outstrips the previous record by a Bentley at auction when the Speed Six known as ‘Old No 2’ achieved £2.8 million at the Le Mans Classic in 2004.

At its racing zenith and with the famously fearless and dashing ex-fighter pilot and Le Mans winner Birkin behind the wheel, this unique Bentley was one of the undoubted stars of the high-risk Outer Circuit at Brooklands.

In March 1932 Birkin set a record 137.96mph (219.93kmh) at Brooklands, a feat even a man renowned for pushing back the limits in motor sport would describe as hair-raising: “there are bumps which jolt the driver up and down in his seat and make the car leave the road and travel through the air,” said Birkin.

Commenting on the exploits of Birkin and his 4 ½ litre at Brooklands, Richard Charlesworth, Bentley’s Director of VIP and Royal Relations comments:

“Birkin along with his Bentley racing friends like Woolf Barnato, Dudley Benjafield and Glen Kidston were true sporting superstars, renowned not only for their driving ability and courage but living life to the full and in some considerable style. They would create the enduring legend of the Bentley Boy racer at Brooklands and Le Mans and this new record price for a Bentley achieved by Bonhams reflects the enduring respect and admiration for their story and their cars.”

The Dewarist Sessions Part 1

The Dewarist Sessions Part 1

International artists collaborate on new album, The Dewarist Sessions, Part 1

Dewar’s Scottish Whisky announces 3-year partnership with TED

Following a successful collaboration with TED in 2011 at TED Global and 2012 at TED Long Beach, Dewar’s are proud to announce a 3-year partnership with TED, launching at this year’s TED Global conference in Edinburgh, Scotland.
During the week of TED Global in Edinburgh from 25th-29th June, Dewar’s will be bringing together a unique collection of artists: acclaimed English duo Slow Club, Scottish singer songwriter and Mercury Prize nominee King Creosote, Indian folk rocker The Raghu Dixit Project, Ziggy Campbell from Scottish band FOUND, The Pictish Trail and Suhail Yusuf Khan from Advaita. Together, the artists will create an eclectic album entitled ‘The Dewarist Sessions, part 1′ over the course of the week.