The Aston Martin DB7 Zagato An Instant Hit
The classic Zagato line from Aston Villa had an addition with the 2003 DB7. The DB7 was first unveiled at the Pebble Beach Concourse and immediately was a hit with the car world as the DB7 carries on with the classic Zagato tradition with its exsquisite look, sleek design style, and ultimate performance. The DB7 Zagato is one of the premier automobiles that Aston Villa has ever produced.
The interior of the DB7 Zagato is ultimate class as it features a special, just for the DB7 model, aniline leather trim and door trim that was modified so that it would match the high waistline. The seats in the cabin are pure luxury and are also finished in aniline leather and to give the DB7 a distinct signature there is an embossed "Z" on the back of the seats. The DB7 Zagato is a 2 seater but there is a luggage shelf in the rear of the cabin. The stereo in the DB7 Zagato gives superior sound in the 6 speakers throughout the cabin featuring an AM/FM Becker 6-disc auto-changer.
The exterior design of the DB7 Zagato is all style as it has a very low to the ground build and is curvaceous from bumper to bumper. The body is constructed from aluminum that is hand beaten and the DB7 Zagato has Aston Martin's signature bubble roof and large signature grill. The DB7 Zagato has large 18" wheels that have a revised offset to create a wider track. The DB7 Zagato is a very sleek and aerodynamic car that has maximum performance and a distinct aesthetic look that is both sexy and classy.
The DB7 Zagato features a 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission with a short shift gear lever. The car has superior braking capabilities with four vented disc brakes and Antilock Braking System on all four wheels. This allows for the car to stop on a dime even at high speeds. The DB7 Zagato is a car that has excellent handling abilities as well featuring an upgraded DB7 Vantage sports suspension in both the front and rear, which were designed especially by Aston Martin for the DB7 Zagato. This gives the car maximum handling abilities on the road evne at high speeds and when taking tight turns. The DB7 Zagato also features the Electronic Traction Control gives the car superior traction as it grips the road superbly.
The Zagato DB7 features a 48-valve 5.9-liter V12 engine that produces 420 horsepower and accelerates to a maximum speed of 186 mph, going from 0-60 in an impressive 4.9 seconds. This engine is exactly the same that was used in Aston Martin's DB7 Vantage Volante but because of the Zagato twin exhaust system, as well as the fact of the shorter body, the Zagato DB7 is 133 pounds lighter, which gives the car more power and quickness.
The Aston Martin DB7 Zagato is an aerodynamic and exquisite car that has excellent performance. The handling, traction, and braking capabilities are second to none and the interior is pure class and functionality. This classic supercar has a distinct look all its own and is in a class of its own.
By Michael Hood.
Visit the Blog about 2006 aston martin db92008 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.
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.
The body frame of the DB9 LM is bonded in aluminum and has been labeled as the most technologically advanced sports car. It acquires above average agility from the fact that it has perfect 50/50 weight distribution. One exceptional characteristic of this shows that by placing the gearbox in the rear, the suspension is light and made of aluminum as well; handling is unprecedented and very functional. The dimensions of the BD9 LM are similar in size to the Dodge Viper.
The Aston Martin body is of genuine quality and harmony. It emits an aerodynamic function that cannot be outdone by its competitors. These fine pieces of machinery are designed to give the impression that they are moving even when at a standstill. It manages to drive arrow-straight at extremely high speeds and yet still keeps it's grace about it.
Even the interior of the Astin Martin is harmonious and luxurious. You are seated as low and close to the car's center of gravity managing to emit to you the overall feeling of balance and dynamic behavior when operating. The inside is a special handcrafted black leather interior, perforated leather inserts, with unique 'Terte Rouge' fascia trim.
Personal safety is of utmost importance for the DB9 LM. The aluminum structure is designed to cocoon its passengers with crumple zones on the front and rear. Dual-stage driver and passenger air bags along with seat-mounted side airbags and seatbelt pretensioners give safety of the highest quality. Volvo in Sweden is the leader in automotive safety engineering. Astin uses this dynamic to create and test their DB9 models with Volvo technology right on site.
Equipped with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), the Aston Martin give optimal braking performance for any situation. When an emergency arises, the EBA sensors detect when maximum braking is needed and apply the appropriate force for the occasion.
And for your listening pleasure, the DB9 is equipped with the industry favorite Linn 128 W audio system including a CD changer. Exceptional features such as satellite navigation, cruise control and memory mirrors are exceptional to have with this sports car.
Pricing is estimated at $190,000 US and the cars will be available in early 2008.
By Fei Lim.
