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Presiding over any large corporation has its demands, but also its share of perks. Especially when the company in question is an automaker like Aston Martin. The British carmaker’s chief executive Dr. Ulrich Bez has his own Rapide to drive to and from work every day and also to represent the company at various events… but not for long.

As part of its upcoming auction – orchestrated at its historic facility in Newport Pagnell, England, by Bonhams – Bez has donated his own Rapide that will go to the highest bidder to raise funds for relief efforts in Japan following the devastating earthquake and tsunami that has ravaged the country.

The model in question, chassis number F00039, is a right-hand-drive model built in 2009. It’s painted Concours Blue with Obsidian Black leather with Falcon Grey top-stitching and black carpets offset by walnut veneers. Bonhams will waive its commission for this particular lot that will be auction on Saturday, May 21. Follow the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Aston Martin CEO Ulrich Bez to auction his own Rapide for Japan disaster relief

Aston Martin CEO Ulrich Bez to auction his own Rapide for Japan disaster relief

Major automakers take note: if you want to see how far your can go with a single platform, look towards small exotic automakers like Maserati or Aston Martin.

Both these rival marques build their entire lineup on a single platform each (with occasional exceptions like the MC12 or One-77, respectively). In Maserati’s case, the latest addition is the GranTurismo MC Stradale (known just as the GranTurismo MC on this side of the Atlantic). And to tie the family together, the Modenese automaker has released this video that showcases the MC against a backdrop that also includes the standard GranTurismo coupe, the GranCabrio (known here as the GranTurismo Convertible) and the Quattroporte flagship.

Follow the jump to scope out the footage and start counting those savings bonds.

Continue reading Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale joins the family portrait

Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale joins the family portrait

There’s plenty to be excited about in this year’s Le Mans racing season, and the new Audi R18 TDI arguably ranks chief among them. Audi’s new fixed-roof racer will make its debut at the Spa 1000km race next weekend, showing for the first time what it can do against a competitive field ahead of June’s 24 Hours of Le Mans.

“Although we tested at Le Mans recently, we’ll learn a lot more about the new Audi R18 TDI and also how it fares against the competition at Spa,” said Audi’s double champion Allan McNish in preparation for the Belgian endurance race. “The 20-minute qualifying session on Friday afternoon will be the first time when we’ll see the true performance of all of the new cars because it will be the first time when everybody is on the same playing field together at the same time.”

That may not exactly be the case, however, because while Audi’s chief rival Peugeot is sure to be mounting its own challenge, word has it that Aston Martin will sit this one out. The British team is also fielding a new racer in the AMR-One, but rather than take the opportunity to put its new LMP through the paces in a real racing scenario as Audi will, Aston’s focus is on testing the car before the main event at La Sarthe. Follow the jump for official press releases from both teams.

[Sources: Audi, Aston Martin]

Continue reading Audi R18 TDI to debut at Spa while Aston Martin watches from the pit lane

Audi R18 TDI to debut at Spa while Aston Martin watches from the pit lane

Kings and princes aren’t generally in the business of driving themselves… well, anywhere. More often than not, such dignitaries can be found ensconced in the lap of luxury known to us mere mortals (or at least non Royals) as The Back Seat. Then again, it’s not every day that a prince finds himself a brand new princess to call his very own, as is the case with the newly crowned Duchess of Cambridge.

And so it’s refreshing to see Prince William drive himself and his bride around London following the Royal Wedding in front of a massive swarm of onlookers. The best part, though, is that the Royal Couple chose to drive away in a perfectly appropriate Aston Martin. Not just any Aston Martin – this Seychelles Blue DB6 MKII Volante actually belongs to William’s dad, Prince Charles, and was gifted to him by his mother (that’d be The Queen, naturally) in 1969 on Charles’ 21st birthday.

A few details worthy of note: This droptop DB6 has been converted to run on Royal Grapes. Well, sort of. Aston Martin retrofitted this car’s engine with a kit that allows it to run on alcohol fuel, which is created using grapes grown on a vineyard owned by the Royal Family. So it’s green… -ish: it can only manage about eight miles per gallon. Also, take a gander at the big L on the front of the car. That stands for Learner; apparently even for Royal Learners. Also, the rear plate is a special one: JU5T WED. Clever.

And finally, are you wondering what William and Kate actually choose to drive when nobody else is looking? William reportedly owns an Audi S4, and Kate drives an Audi A3 hatchback.

Check out our high-res image gallery of the Royal Lovebirds in the Aston Martin DB6 Volante below, and feel free to check out video of the event after the break.

[Images: Getty]

Continue reading Prince William borrows father’s vintage Aston Martin for Royal Wedding cruise [w/video]

Prince William borrows father’s vintage Aston Martin for Royal Wedding cruise [w/video]

While you might associate James Bond with Aston Martin, it’s been a few years since we’ve seen 007 piloting his DBS on the silver screen. And it’ll be at least another year until the 23rd Bond film makes its debut, if not longer. In between, fans can keep up on the spy’s adventures through the pages of new Bond novels, in which the secret agent drives a Bentley. And so to commemorate the launch of the latest volume, Crewe has designed a special edition enclosure for the occasion.

Now Bentley, of course, is in the business of making cars, not books, so you know that when they were brought on board to make this unique edition of the latest Bond novel, Carte Blanche, it’d have to be something a little more unique than the paperback you’d find at your local drug store. And indeed it is: the special edition is printed in red and black ink on ivory paper, book-ended, as it were, by red leather endpapers, and covered in white Nappa leather into which the title and logos are embossed.

Very nice and all, but what really sets this edition apart is the polished aluminum case – crafted on a machine specially commissioned for the task – which represents the form of the new Continental GT that Bond drives in the story. And for one last special touch, the pages are pierced by a “bullet hole”, in which sits an individually-numbered and polished 9mm round. Only 500 examples will be made, each fetching £1,000 (approximately $1,650). Follow the jump for the official press release, and check out the images in the gallery below for a closer look.

[Source: Bentley]

Continue reading Bentley builds a bespoke Bond book

Bentley builds a bespoke Bond book

Need someone to run a British automaker? Hire a German. Or at least someone who used to work for a German automaker. Rolls-Royce is run by Torsten Müller-Ötvös, a longtime BMW executive. Bentley is headed by Wolfgang Dürheimer, a former Porsche exec. Aston Martin is headed by Ulrich Bez, who worked many years for both BMW and Porsche. Noticing a pattern here?

Now, Jaguar Land Rover has announced a new chief executive for its North American operations, and surprise surprise, he comes from Porsche. With current president Gary Temple retiring, Andy Goss (the smiling chap at right) will be taking up the reins as President at Jaguar Land Rover North America.

Goss comes to the job from his current position as CEO of Porsche Cars GB, where he directed the German automaker’s operations in Great Britain. Before that he worked at Austin Rover, Citroën, Nissan, Lexus and Toyota. So he’s got plenty of experience, even if the bulk of it was in the UK and not in the region he’ll now be supervising for the Leaping Cat and the Green Oval. Official announcement after the jump.

[Source: Jaguar Land Rover]

Continue reading Jaguar Land Rover names new chief executive for North America

Jaguar Land Rover names new chief executive for North America

Big congratulations go to the 2011 Nissan Leaf this morning, as it has just been named the 2011 World Car of the Year. The Leaf garnered more votes than the 2011 Audi A8 and 2011 BMW 5 Series, the other two finalists for the World Car title. In 2010, the Volkswagen Polo took home this award.

The Leaf was not the only super-efficient car to be awarded today, as the 2011 Chevrolet Volt was named Green Car of the Year. Oddly, the Volt was named 2011 North American Car of the Year, while the Leaf was merely a runner-up.

In the less-efficient realm of the industry, the 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia was named World Performance Car of the Year, and the sleek 2011 Aston Martin Rapide was given the World Design of the Year crown.

Photos copyright (C)2011 AOL

2011 Nissan Leaf named World Car of the Year

If you missed any of the action from last week’s Top Marques Monaco show, we’ve got you covered. This five-minute clip condenses all the glitzy highlights of this year’s show into one horsepower-drenched summary. The show was a seriously drool-worthy affair, featuring a wide range of exotics; from classy, composed offerings from the likes of Aston Martin, to the delicious Pagani Huayra to the completely silly Tirrito Ayrton R.

High-end tuning companies always make a strong showing at Top Marques Monaco, and this year was no different. Gemballa’s two new offerings, the Tornado and the Mistrale, broke cover after the company’s recent troubles. Add to that a host of offerings from ABT, Koenigsegg and Marussia, and you’ve got a great way to kill five minutes. Click past the jump for all the exotic glory. Thanks for the tip, HF!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Tour the riches of Top Marques Monaco in five minutes

Video: Tour the riches of Top Marques Monaco in five minutes

In a move that should surprise exactly nobody, Mazda has announced that its forthcoming smaller crossover will be called CX-5. The little ‘ute is said to borrow heavily from the Minagi Concept that Mazda unveiled in March at the Geneva Motor Show, and it will be the first Mazda vehicle to incorporate the automaker’s new ‘KODO – Soul of Motion’ design theme.

The design theme was first introduced back in the fall when the Japanese automaker unveiled the Shinari Concept; a very attractive, luxurious-looking sedan that could park next to an Aston Martin Rapide and still get noticed. The CX-5 will be introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September and will go in sale in calendar year 2012.

Mazda says the new crossover will feature the automaker’s SkyActiv technologies, which will include engines, transmissions, body and chassis. SkyActiv is Mazda’s “sustainable ZoomZoom” approach that includes more efficient powertrains and lower overall body mass for improved fuel efficiency and performance.

Hit the jump to read over the Mazda press release.

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading No Surprise: Mazda confirms new small CUV to be named CX-5

No Surprise: Mazda confirms new small CUV to be named CX-5

Reality is bound by realistic parameters, but fantasy is not. So while there’s only so much space in our actual living rooms for everything we’d like to fit in there, in the Autoblog Fantasy Living Room, space is not an issue. There we can fit everything from Aston Martin couches to engine block coffee tables. And we just might round it all out with an item or two from the new Fiat 500 Design Collection.

The items are designed after the original Fiat 500 and crafted as furniture by the innovative interior design company Meritalia in collaboration with Lapo Elkann, the Fiat chairman’s brother tipped as a potential future chairman of Ferrari. The collection includes three pieces: the Picnic table (shown above), the Cin Cin bar counter and the Panorama sofa. Each replicates the front end of the original Cinquecento and is available in red, white, green or black. Follow the jump for the (regrettably) Italian-only press release, or follow the link to the collection’s dedicated website.

[Source: Fiat]

Continue reading Fiat 500 Design Collection joins our fantasy living room

Fiat 500 Design Collection joins our fantasy living room

Review: 2011 Kia Optima EX

While some consumers – the uninformed and brand-bigoted – might remain skeptical, the 2011 Kia Optima is the new mainstream sedan benchmark.

2011 Mopar Charger ready to rumble [w/burnout video]

Chrysler tells us that the special edition 2011 Mopar Charger will be available over the summer with a starting price of $39,750. One thing is for sure: It does a mean burnout. And another: supply is limited.

Video: Scion teases FT-86 concept ahead of New York debut

Scion’s FT-86 (or is that FT-S?) gets a teaser video.

Also of interest:

• Mopar Avenger Rally Car: More power, less pork… and not for production [w/video]
• Aston Martin launching new V12 Vantage GT3 to replace DBRS9
• Chevy reveals 45th Anniversary Camaro with more power
• Ferrari 458 Challenge and GT3 racers debut at Monza [w/video]
• Mini Goodwood packs the heart of a Rolls-Royce for Shanghai

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 4.13.11

It used to be that Aston Martin race cars were staggered: the GT1 and GT3 cars were based on the DB9, while the GT2 and GT4 machines were based on the Vantage. But that was before the V12 Vantage came into the production lineup, and before the company veered into top-tier LMP1 racing. And while the DBRS9 is still competitive in the GT3 class, Aston has opted to replace it with a new car based on the V12 Vantage.

The new Vantage GT3 packs a competition version of the dry-sump 6.0-liter V12 from the road car, mated to an Xtrac paddle-shift gearbox and race-honed ABS and traction control. Although exact specifications have yet to be finalized, Aston hopes to get the engine up to 600 horsepower and weight down to 1250 kg (2,755 pounds) by the time the car makes its debut in July, with ten customer cars set to be completed by the start of next season to gradually replace the 26 examples of the DBRS9 built to date. Press release after the jump.

[Source: Aston Martin]

Continue reading Aston Martin launching new V12 Vantage GT3 to replace DBRS9

Aston Martin launching new V12 Vantage GT3 to replace DBRS9

While it may seem anathema to American tastes, in the Old World, bigger is not always better. Particularly if you live in a city laid out long before the advent of the automobile. But overseas buyers can still have extravagant tastes, so downsizing to a smaller vehicle to get around densely-packed cities shouldn’t necessarily equate to losing out on those little touches that make a high-end automobile what it is. Hence cars like the Ferrari edition Abarth 695, the Maserati edition Alfa MiTo, the Aston Martin Cygnet, and this: the Mini Inspired by Goodwood.

A joint effort between the two subsidiaries of BMW in England, the Mini Insipired by Goodwood (named for the home of Rolls-Royce) is set to be unveiled shortly at the Shanghai Motor Show. Mechanically, it’s essentially a Mini Cooper S, packing the same 1.6-liter turbocharged four with 181 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque (192 hp on overboost).

The exterior is distinguished by Diamond Black Metallic – a color straight from the Rolls-Royce catalog (or alternatively, Mini’s own Reef Blue Metallic) – with 17-inch multi-spoke alloys and the requisite special badging. But like a Disney character seeking access to a secret, lion-shaped desert cave, it’s what’s inside that counts: Rolls-Royce craftsmen have collaborated with the Mini Yours custom orders department to trim the Cooper’s cabin out in Cornsilk leather, Walnut Burr wood trim, black Nappa leather upper dashboard, thick-pile carpeting… the works, in other words – everything you’d expect from a Rolls-Royce cabin, only smaller.

There’s a lot to love here, but try not to love it too much: only 1,000 examples will be made, and as with all BMW-related option packages, we’re sure it won’t be cheap. Even though deliveries start about a year from now, we see this car going down a storm, so you’d better get your order in quick. Otherwise, the closest you’re likely to get is the extensive high-resolution image gallery we’ve compiled along with the details in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Mini]

Continue reading Mini Goodwood packs the heart of a Rolls-Royce for Shanghai

Mini Goodwood packs the heart of a Rolls-Royce for Shanghai

In the U.S., there are plenty of stories about amazing vehicles found in barns. Tales of rare Cobras, forgotten Corvettes and misplaced muscle cars are the subjects of books and dreams. Now, a long-forgotten treasure has recently been unearthed in the United Kingdom, and somewhere David Brown is smiling. An Aston Martin DB4 convertible, one of only 70 produced, has been recovered and will cross the Bonhams auction block.

Richard Truesdell of AutomotiveTraveler breaks down the history of the DB4 convertible for us (and he does so in a very iPad-friendly format). This particular roughed-up example has a two-owner history, and shows just 60,000 miles on the odometer. The original engine is gone, but the mill that comes with the car is a factory unit, which was installed in the late 1970s. The convertible will be sold in its barn find condition.

Slated to face the gavel on May 21st, auction experts expect the car to go for £80,000 to £140,000, or around $130,000 to $227,000 USD. More is possible, however, because a recent 1958 Aston Martin DB2/4 MkIII ended up costing one bidder $319,000. Of course, that one was owned by David Brown himself. Regardless, this barn find will most likely wind up in the hands of someone ready to bring it back to life.

[Source: Automotive Traveler Image: Gooding and Company]

Barn finds classier in Britain, Aston Martin DB4 convertible heads to Bonhams

Entering the very top of the luxury saloon market is no easy task. Even a company like Daimler has had trouble positioning its Maybach program against the likes of Bentley and Rolls-Royce – owned by its archrivals at Volkswagen and BMW, respectively. Aston Martin is looking at taking a bite out of the hyper-exclusive market with the impending re-launch of its Lagonda brand, but both Aston and Daimler apparently believe that getting a profitable foothold in that stratospheric segment is more than either of them are up to alone. So they’re going at it together.

Reports began emerging of an Aston/Daimler partnership several years ago, suggesting that Daimler could turn to Aston for its expertise in building small production runs – a skill to which Daimler is not accustomed. Now Car and Driver is detailing the particulars of that tie-up that could lead to big things for both automakers. What Daimler would get out of the deal is the potentially more viable production of next-generation Maybach models, also built atop the Mercedes-Benz S-Class platform (albeit the next iteration) but at Aston’s plant in Gaydon, Warwickshire, England.

What Aston would get in return is the technology (in platforms, drivetrain and other equipment) on which to base its new Lagonda range, including a sedan built alongside the Maybach line as well as a GL-based crossover. The question is whether the partnership could extend to provide Aston with a new platform to replace the aging VH architecture on which its entire lineup is now based.

[Source: Car and Driver]

Report: Aston Martin, Daimler gearing up to take on Bentley, Rolls-Royce together

With all the trinkets and gizmos we pack onto ourselves before we leave the house, do we really need a physical car key? Aston Martin clearly doesn’t think so. The British purveyor of luxury GTs was among the first to replace the key ignition with a push-button. Then the company teamed up with its watchmaking partner Jaeger-LeCoultre to incorporate a transponder into branded timepieces designed to lock and unlock its cars. Now Aston is taking things one step further, and soliciting the services of the mobile phone to get there.

Created in collaboration with Canadian luxury cellphone company Mobiado, this concept phone was just unveiled at the BaselWorld watch and jewelry expo in Switzerland. It’s called the CPT002, and it’s one of the slickest gadgets out there. It can lock and unlock your car like a proximity fob, but that’s just the start. The phone will also interface wirelessly with such social media websites as Facebook, Twitter and FourSquare to help you locate the friends you’re meeting or automatically update them on the progress of your road trip or track day. It’s also designed to allow the car to access the phone’s accelerometer to help prepare for an impending crash.

All that is packed into a slick design that suspends a transparent sapphire crystal capacitive touch screen between two platinum bars that house the processor, battery, SIM card and all the rest. Unfortunately it’s just a show piece for the time being, but if this is what the future of mobility looks like, count us in for the ride. Details in the press blast after the jump.

[Source: Mobiado]

Continue reading Mobiado and Aston Martin show how phone and car can get along beautifully

Mobiado and Aston Martin show how phone and car can get along beautifully

The 2011 racing season gets underway in earnest this weekend with the 12 Hours of Sebring. The endurance race run on Floridian tarmac is one of the most iconic in the world, and always draws a mouthwatering array of racing machinery. This year’s event will be no exception, the latest Le Mans Prototypes scything their way through the myriad 911 GT3s and more.

The first practice sessions saw the Audi R15+ TDI topping the charts, followed by the Peugeot 908 and Aston Martin Lola B08. PR1 Mathiasen M/Sport’s Oreca FLM09 topped the new LMPC class in practice, quickly followed by the new Signatech Nissan LMP2, while Risi Competizione’s new Ferrari 458 GTC was the quickest of the GT sportscars.

With so many cars on the grid – and many of them looking rather similar, especially in a speeding blur – you’ll need a good spotter’s guide if you’re watching to tell the difference between them. Fortunately SpotterGuides.com has hooked us up with the pages we’ve placed in the gallery below in full resolution for your reference.

Actually watching the race this year will be a new experience for many, as the round-the-clock event won’t be covered live on TV in its entirety. Instead a new deal with ABC and ESPN provides a mix of televised and online coverage: You’ll be able to watch the full race online (as well as Friday’s qualifying sessions) on ESPN3.com, which you can also stream through your XBox.

ABC will air a recap from 12:30 to 2 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time), which ESPN2 will show again on Tuesday, March 22. Those outside the U.S., meanwhile, will be able to watch live on americanlemans.com.

[Sources: SpotterGuides.com, Sebring]

Get your spotter’s guide for this weekend’s 12 Hours of Sebring

First Drive: 2012 Aston Martin Virage

We don’t need to tell you that Astons aren’t the best at anything. Well, except looking, smelling and feeling damn sexy. In fact, does anyone sell sexy as well as Aston Martin?

Spy Shots: Latest Mini Coupe photos suggest production nearly afoot

If we were the betting types, we’d lay a shiny nickel on the vehicle you see here being all but identical to the final iteration. Pay special attention to the hideaway rear spoiler.

Video: Ralph Gilles teaches Jay Leno about burnouts in 2011 Dodge Charger R/T

Is there anything more enjoyable than a CEO behaving badly?

Also of interest:

• 2012 Audi R8 GT to start at $196,800
• Consumer Reports calls out six cars it says are worse than their predecessors
• Rumormill: 2013 Shelby GT500 to boast over 600 horsepower
• PSA: EPA now offering used car window stickers
• Report: Chrysler suing Motown clothier over ‘Imported From Detroit’

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 3.16.11

Uncovering The Real Mission Of Aston’s New Coupe And Volante

Few automakers sell sexy as well as Aston Martin.

Others may try, but competition demands they back up their stellar good looks with performance – oh, the burden. Take Ferrari and Lamborghini, the two Italians, as an example. Their sensual bodywork drops jaws at one hundred yards, but they also have to shoehorn in uber-powerful engines or else consumers will cry foul. Audi is another example. The German’s luscious R8 was just that, but needed a V10 to truly stand proud. It seems that consumers simply won’t tolerate sleek bodywork unless there’s performance to substantiate it.

Yet, for some inexplicable reason, Aston Martin seems to have escaped the wrath. None of its models offer the most powerful engine in their class, or the best performance. We don’t need to tell you that Astons aren’t the best at anything. Well, except looking, smelling and feeling damn sexy.

Times are changing. Customers are demanding more substance behind the style, more bang for their buck and innovative, modern technology. Seeming to acknowledge that life is much more than a beauty contest, Aston Martin has introduced the all-new Virage Coupe and Virage Volante.

Continue reading First Drive: 2012 Aston Martin Virage…

Photos copyright (C)2011 Zach Bowman / AOL

Continue reading First Drive: 2012 Aston Martin Virage

First Drive: 2012 Aston Martin Virage

First Drive: 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage S

Only one thing is more enjoyable than driving the new Aston Martin Vantage S through the mountains of Spain – spending a long afternoon with the sports cars on the wide-open Ascari race circuit.

Tsunami in Japan destroys fleet of cars ready for shipping

Clearly, the leveling of a couple hundred automobiles pales in comparison to the actual loss of lives caused by Japan’s most recent natural disaster.

Spy Shots: Latest Cadillac XTS prototype caught inside and out

Our spy shooters get up-close and personal, both inside and out, with the new Caddy flagship.

Also of interest:

• Video: Sights and sounds of Ford’s Mustang Boss 302S race car
• Saturn Vue Chevrolet Captiva Sport announced for U.S. fleet customers
• Spy Shots: Lincoln MKT limo does its best private jet imitation
• Report: Toyota, Honda, Subaru and Nissan close plants in wake of Japanese earthquake

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 3.11.11