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New car lines
publication date: Jul 8, 2010
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author/source: Robin Roberts
Aston Martin has unveiled a new
motorsport-inspired
special edition.
The V8 Vantage N420 which brings a new dimension of sporting prowess and
dynamic ability to the V8 Vantage range.
Successor to the special edition V8 Vantage N400 of 2007, the Vantage
N420 is based upon the standard 4.7-litre, 420bhp, 180mph V8 Vantage and
is available as a Coupe or Roadster, and with a six-speed manual or
optional Sportshift automated manual transmission from £96,995 with deliveries starting in August.
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The Vantage N420 draws inspiration from the company's experiences at the
Nürburgring 24-hour race. In the 2006 running of the annual
Nürburgring endurance classic amongst a field of mostly motorsport
homologated cars, Aston Martin entered a near-standard, road-registered
V8 Vantage.
Driven by a team of employees, including Aston Martin's CEO,
Dr Ulrich Bez, the V8 Vantage - named ‘Rose' by the team - finished 4th
in class and 24th overall from a field of more than 200 specialised
racing cars.
Since then Aston Martin has returned every year to compete in this
gruelling endurance race, scoring a string of class victories and
podiums with road-registered V8 and V12 Vantages and most recently the
new four-door Rapide. Not only has this racing success spawned a
burgeoning V8 Vantage GT4 customer programme run by Aston Martin Racing,
but lessons learned in racing at the Nürburgring has led to aerodynamic
and other performance developments being fed back into Aston Martin's
road cars.
A generous standard specification and some unique options ensure the
special edition Vantage N420 is both exclusive and distinctive, while
also offering a 27kg weight saving - achieved through the application of
carbon fibre - over the standard V8 Vantage.
On the outside, wider sills combine perfectly with a carbon fibre
splitter, side strakes and diffuser, while bold 10-spoke diamond turned
alloy wheels complete with gloss black finish, black mesh vents and
‘Graphitic' tailpipe finishers complete the co-ordinated look.
Inside the Vantage N420 offers an Iridium interior package, with
graphite instruments, leather or Alcantara® steering wheel, special N420
sill plaques and lightweight carbon fibre seats, complete with ‘Race
Track' stitching as in the V12 Vantage. Bluetooth connectivity, cruise
control and Park Distance Control are also standard.
Cementing the Vantage N420's credentials as a special edition V8 Vantage
tailored for the most discerning and enthusiastic drivers, it is fitted
with the normally optional Sports Pack. This package combines revised
springs, dampers and anti-roll bars for even more responsive and dynamic
handling, while retaining the V8 Vantage's renowned poise, balance and
long distance ability. Finally, a new sports exhaust system delivers a
suitably rousing soundtrack.
A further distinctive feature is the availability of a new range of
optional Aston Martin ‘Race Collection' paint schemes. Pairing bold body
colours with contrasting hues for the cant rails and radiator grille
surround, they celebrate the marque's racing heritage. All of the
company's successful N24 Vantage racers are celebrated, with ‘Rose'
yellow, ‘Kermit' green and ‘Elwood' blue all featuring in the collection
along with traditional Aston Martin Racing green. The white and black
car shown in the accompanying images wears the equally striking ‘Asia
Cup' livery.
| | | |  | The all-new Kia Sportage crossover will go on sale in the UK earlier than
expected, on 1 August, with a high specification Sportage First Edition
version.
The full line-up of the all-new Sportage, including two wheel drive,
petrol and additional diesel versions, will go on sale in the UK from
November, however early production of RHD all-wheel-drive 2.0-litre
diesel models means that eager British customers will not have to wait
long to get into Kia's latest stunningly designed model. | The Sportage First Edition is a unique version that comes complete with
all-wheel drive, a choice of manual or automatic transmissions and an
efficient common-rail turbodiesel engine. The 2.0-litre CRDi engine
emits just 156g/km CO2 and achieves a combined cycle economy of 47.1 mpg
- an impressive 31g/km less and 7.3mpg more respectively than the
outgoing model.
Available in a choice of five colours - including the striking Techno
Orange - the First Edition comes as standard with a comprehensive
high-end specification including a full leather interior, dual zone
climate control, automatic rain-sensing wipers, LED daytime running
lights and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Designed by Peter Schreyer to combine the stance and attitude of a
compact SUV but with a sleek, urban design and have greener credentials,
Kia's all-new Sportage is designed to meet the requirements of young
families - or the young at heart - who lead busy, primarily
urban-centric, lifestyles. Final development of the Sportage's chassis
in the UK has ensured that the ride and handling are optimised for
British road conditions. | | | | 
| The all-new Volvo V60 sports wagon launches with
coupé-like design combined with dynamic driving characteristics
The load area has a capacity of 430 litres with the rear seats in place
and award-winning City Safety technology is standard with the new
Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake available as an option.
Approximately 90 per cent of the annual V60 production of 50,000 cars
will find European buyers.
"The typical sports wagon customer is an S60 buyer who would like some
extra space and flexibility, but without the slightest compromise on
sporty design and exciting driving properties," says Volvo Cars
President and CEO Stephen Odell. |
During its first year of production, the all-new Volvo V60 will be
available with a variety of diesel and petrol engines spanning an
economical 115 horsepower DRIVe version to an eager high-performance
turbocharged T6 model producing 304 horsepower.
Further specifications and prices will be announced at a later date. |
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