Aston Martin is taking performance to extremes with new V12 Vantage S

Aston Martin is taking sports car performance to extremes with the announcement of the new V12 Vantage S.

The new car replaces the outgoing V12 Vantage in markets around the world and, with the exception of the One-77 hypercar, arrives as the fastest road-going Aston Martin yet offered.

Providing the most visceral yet engaging sports car experience in the British luxury car maker’s current range, the new V12 Vantage S delivers exceptional sporting agility underpinned by admirable long distance refinement.

Equipped with the new 573 PS Aston Martin AM28 6.0-litre V12 engine, featuring latest generation Bosch engine management, the car is capable of reaching 205 mph.

Peak and low rev torque improves appreciably, too. With 620 Nm available at 5,750 rpm – up from 570 Nm previously – the V12 Vantage S is not to be found wanting. Crucially, too, low rev torque – measured at just 1,000 rpm – leaps from 440 Nm to 510 Nm. This serves to both flatten and fatten the torque curve, thereby significantly improving driveability.

Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer Dr Ulrich Bez said: “The new V12 Vantage S is, simply, pure Aston Martin. It is extreme in its nature yet truly timeless in its design language.

“Learning from our successes on the track feeds the development of this type of car and I’m proud to launch such an exciting sports car in this, our centenary year.”

Race car technology runs right through the DNA of the V12 Vantage S with, for instance, CNC machined combustion chambers and hollow cam shafts just two examples of track technology feeding through to the road.

Another clear example is the new car’s new gearbox. The Sportshift™ III AMT (automated manual transmission) is a major development of the automated manual gearbox that appears in the current V8 Vantage S.

Designed and engineered to exploit the full sporting potential of the V12 engine, the new Sportshift™ III hydraulically actuated automated manual transmission provides motorsport-style paddle shift changes for optimum performance delivery and efficiency. The unit is also appreciably lighter than the outgoing six-speed manual gearbox – saving 25 kg.

This race-derived and motorsport proven technology – used routinely in Aston Martin Racing’s race-winning Vantage GT4, GT3 and GTE competition cars – provides for great driver control with only milliseconds of torque interruption and delivers precise and swift gear changes.

The Sportshift™ III transaxle, from transmission experts Oerlikon Graziano, joins an extensive array of new sport- and track-focused developments that ensure the

V12 Vantage S is fully equipped to exploit the huge performance potential of its 6.0-litre naturally aspirated AM28 engine.

The debut of three-stage adaptive damping – another ‘first’ for the Vantage family – allows the driver to more precisely tailor the car’s dynamic character. ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Track’ modes provide a broad swathe of dynamic performance that can be tuned to better suit the driver’s requirements. The system also governs the level of power steering assistance offered.

Working alongside the extended adaptive damping system is a ‘Sport’ mode, controlled via a button on the centre console, that alters throttle response, gearshift speed and timing, and exhaust note to, once again, tune the character of the car to the driver’s requirements.

A whole new exhaust system – derived from that of the One-77 hypercar, no less – is lighter, smaller and, crucially, even more sonorous than that of the outgoing car.

The ZF Servotronic power assisted steering is new, too. With a quicker 15:1 ratio, it is linked to the adaptive damping button and offers two-mode steering assistance designed to best match the ‘Sport’ or ‘Normal’ settings generated by the Adaptive Damping System.

Pure power, beautifully presented

The V12 Vantage S has been restyled to reflect is position as the flagship of the new Vantage range.

Most noticeable, perhaps, is the car’s grille that does away with the famous aluminium vanes – replacing them with a new carbon fibre arrangement that also includes sporty black carbon fibre or titanium silver mesh. Created to maximise airflow to the V12 engine, the new grille is inspired by that of the remarkable new CC100 Speedster Concept, nicknamed DBR100, which debuted at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring earlier this month and signals a new era of Aston Martin design language.

Other clues that single out the car as new include the debut of new lightweight forged alloy ten-spoke wheels, and a subtle yet distinctive exterior graphics pack that includes black painted roof and part-painted boot panel.

The new V12 Vantage S of course retains the same compact proportions and muscular stance as its predecessor, while features such as the pronounced bonnet vents and flared wheel arches underscore its sporting abilities.

Inside, as out, the new car has been styled to reflect its powerful nature. New-style seating with Sport and carbon fibre Lightweight seat options, revised stitching and welt detailing, two leather grade options – Luxmill and semi-aniline – plus the possibility to include Alcantara, present V12 Vantage S buyers with an exciting array of trim choices.

The optional Carbon Fibre Interior Pack, which adds the material to the car’s facia and door pulls, plus the availability for the first time in a V12 Vantage S of black pedals, further enhances personalisation options for those in search of a truly bespoke sports car.

Dr Bez added: “The new V12 Vantage S is our most extreme Vantage to date – engineered to bring race car performance and technology to the open road.

“It is our most powerful engine in a beautifully tailored suit. It is elegant, yet brutal, and it is at the same time easy to control. It has everything that sums up Aston Martin: power, beauty and soul!”

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Lamborghini is to celebrate its 50th anniversary at the Cholmondeley Pageant of Power

Lamborghini is to celebrate its 50^th anniversary – ‘100 years of innovation in half the time’ – at the 2013 Cholmondeley Pageant of Power (14-16 June, www.cpop.co.uk), giving visitors the chance to experience the heart and soul of the brand as classic and modern Lamborghinis take to the event’s 1.2-mile race circuit for full-bore timed runs. There will also be a display of classic vehicles, showing visitors the colourful evolution of the iconic Italian marque.

Lamborghini will showcase its latest models, including the all-new Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster, which has a 6.5-litre V12 engine producing 700 hp that powers the car from 0-to-62 mph in just 3 seconds.  This is the first time the car will be on public display in the UK.

Favoured to reclaim the lap record for Lamborghini on the Pageant’s tight and twisty circuit will be the Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera Edizione Tecnica, the very latest version of the brand’s lightweight model.  Until 2012, a previous version of the Gallardo Superleggera held the lap record around Cholmondeley, completing the course in just 62.68 seconds.

Marking five decades of production for Lamborghini, there will also be a display of some of the brand’s most famous models from its history, including a rare 1988 25^th Anniversary Countach, a Diablo, the first model from the brand to top 200 mph, and the Jalpa, one of only 410 ever manufactured by Lamborghini in the 1980s.

Members of the Lamborghini Owners’ Club will also be present at Cholmondeley to display their cherished cars to the attending public.

James Hall, Event Director for the Cholmondeley Pageant of Power, said: “Lamborghini has produced some of the world’s most beautiful and powerful cars, and the brand is the first that springs to mind of many when the word ‘supercar’ is mentioned. While the Gallardo Superleggera will once again be contesting to reprise its lap record, the backdrop of the Pageant, with fast and beautiful cars from all eras of motoring and motorsport, will ensure Lamborghini enjoys a loud and typically flamboyant celebration of its first five decades in business.”

Now in its sixth year, the 2013 Pageant will take place on the Cholmondeley Estate in Cheshire from 14 to 16 June, celebrating power and performance in its many forms.  Until 13 June, adult tickets start at just £24 for the Friday Preview Day, and £32 to see all the action on Saturday or Sunday.  Under-16 tickets are currently available from just £5 for the Friday Preview Day and £7 for Saturday and Sunday tickets.

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Roberto Cavalli Steers Record Breaking Life Ball MINI 2013 along the Magenta Carpet

Watched by tens of thousands of spectators, the Life Ball MINI 2013 by Roberto Cavalli last Saturday marked its first public appearance on the Life Ball’s Magenta Carpet. With Roberto Cavalli behind the wheel and wife Eva Cavalli in the passenger seat, the Life Ball MINI 2013 formed the crowning conclusion to the costume parade that preceded the start of the show on Vienna’s City Hall Square. The Italian designer rendered the youngest and seventh model in the MINI family in his highly distinctive style – gold elements inside and out, iridescent paintwork that shimmers from black to brown depending on the angle of light and the use of his hallmark animal prints make this MINI Paceman an unmistakably authentic Cavalli creation. A few hours before its premiere, the one-of-a-kind MINI was auctioned for a record 150,000 euros during the AIDS Solidarity gala. The entire proceeds will go to projects helping to combat HIV/AIDS.

Since the beginning of the partnership in 2001, 13 unique MINI models have been created, with auction proceeds of more than half a million Euros flowing into projects dedicated to the battle against AIDS. Besides Roberto Cavalli, a whole line-up of iconic international designers have styled a MINI for this good cause, among them Dean and Dan Caten of DSQUARED², Renzo Rosso for Diesel and Donatella Versace.

Ralf Schepull, Head of MINI Brand Communications, was delighted at the sum achieved by this year’s Life Ball MINI: “We are very pleased that the one-off MINI has sold for a record price and can thus make a special contribution to projects dedicated to fighting HIV/AIDS. The charity principle is an important part of the MINI brand, which enjoys a unique platform through this partnership with the Life Ball.”

Under its motto “1001 Nights”, this year’s Life Ball once again brought together numerous celebrities, including Sir Elton John, Hilary Swank, Melanie Griffith, Barbara Eden (“I Dream of Jeannie”), Carmen Electra, Bill Clinton, Anna Netrebko, Erwin Schrott and Fergie, to raise global awareness of the HI virus and its consequences.

AIDS was recognized as a clinical disease on 1 December 1981. Since then, major advances have been made in research as well as prevention. Nonetheless, HIV remains a significant challenge to health and development policies. Each year sees millions of people infected with the HI virus. The Life Ball has made it its mission to raise awareness of this and to campaign for tolerance, education and solidarity.

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Intercharge enables Europe-wide charging of electric vehicles

“Charge wherever you like”, this is the guiding principle of the intercharge brand. By creating intercharge the joint venture formed by BMW Group, BOSCH, Daimler AG, EnBW, RWE and Siemens has developed a customer-friendly and efficient approach to providing users of electric vehicles with an easy access to public charge stations throughout Europe.

– By starting the eRoaming platform we and our partners have provided the solution to a fundamental emobility issue. intercharge will enable all users of electric vehicles to charge easily and anywhere, comments Andreas Pfeiffer, Managing Director of Hubject GmbH. Thanks to the Europe-wide network of charging infrastructures connected via eRoaming users can charge their vehicles at all stations compatible with intercharge, all under a single contract. The only requirement is that their provider be connected to Hubject's eRoaming system. All charge stations allowing for a cross-provider use can be recognised by means of the intercharge symbol, which is fitted visibly to all charge points. Alongside partners from Germany and the Benelux countries a number of Austrian charging infrastructure operators have also already lent their support to Hubject GmbH's intercharge model.

At the International Emobility Conference Dr Herbert Diess, member of BMW's Board of Management responsible for Development and speaking on behalf of all shareholders of Hubject GmbH, today welcomed the start of the eRoaming platform:

– It is our aim that users of electric vehicles can charge anywhere and easily. This joint initiative enables us to leave national and regional stand-alone solutions behind and to create a European network that connects the different charge point operators and is available to all users.

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Peugeot Accomplishes French Dress Rehearsal with 208 T16 Pikes Peak

The ‘beastlike’ 208 T16 Pikes Peak got a chance at last to stretch its legs for the first time outside the confines of Peugeot Sport’s factory or a closely guarded circuit due to a recent test in the south of France. For Sébastien Loeb and the team alike, the run provided an opportunity to perform a dress rehearsal before June’s trip to the USA for the 2013 Pikes Peak Hill Climb in Colorado.

The Mont Ventoux in the south of France is famous as a stage of the Tour de France cycle race. It has long been one of the event’s truly classic climbs; one which ‘sorts out the men from the boys’. “You’ve got a much bigger chance of seeing me drive to the top in a car than on a bike,” quipped the reigning world rally champion Sébastien Loeb before the test, however.

You only need to drive a couple of kilometres up the road which leads from the test team’s basecamp to the summit to understand why this barren mountain has become such a huge legend among cycle racing fans. The steep slope and numerous turns do not permit the slightest respite as it strikes out towards the summit. The reward is a stunning panoramic view of France’s Provence region, while the vegetation becomes much sparser and the landscape more lunar as you approach the barren peak at an altitude of 1,909 metres.

The last six kilometres – which Peugeot Sport used for the test – are simply breathtaking! It’s little wonder that ‘Le Ventoux’ is seen as one of the Tour de France’s most prestigious stages, and it comes as no surprise, either, to learn that it provided the backdrop to one of the most famous hill climb events in the pioneering days of the automobile industry. In 1902, even before the Pikes Peak Hill Climb was organised for the first time, the most advanced vehicles of the day would compete here, and the venue is perfectly suited as the location for Peugeot Sport’s last run ahead of next month’s showdown in North America.

After the team’s previous test work in the more secure context of several circuits, it was time at last to unleash the beast in its natural environment. “This is an important run because Pikes Peak is very different from a nice, smooth race track,” noted Sébastien Loeb. “It is vital for us to evaluate the car on a terrain that is more like what we will find in the States. This road will give us a reasonably accurate idea...”

The world champion was visibly pleased to be back in the Peugeot 208 T16 Pikes Peak car, now sporting its aggressive livery: “It’s not the power that impresses me anymore; I’ve got used to it,” he reported. “It’s the speed at which the corners leap out at you which is more striking than round a circuit where there’s always a ‘100-metre’ board to show you where to brake. Here, you can be in fifth or sixth gear and you suddenly see mountainside ahead of you; you have to work out for yourself where you need to brake…”

With a power output of 875 horsepower, this car is no ordinary beast. “The steering is still very, very responsive, so it can be a little hairy keeping your foot to the floor though the fast portions,” observed the French driver. “On wide slicks like this and at the sort of speeds I am getting up to, the slightest imperfection in the road surface really unsettles the car.” A switch to softer Michelin tyres and revised calibration for the steering helped to improve the situation.

Peugeot Sport’s Jean-Christophe Pailler, who is in charge of the project’s technical aspects, saw the open-air session as a dress rehearsal both for the team and the 208 T16 Pikes Peak car: “The mechanics and engineers need to familiarise themselves with working on the car in real-life conditions. They are getting an increasingly better grasp of how it responds to set-up changes and are analysing the tiniest detail or piece of feedback from Seb to refine its settings. It’s a learning process for everyone…”

The visit to Mont Ventoux also provided the team with the possibility of running at altitude. “Okay, the altitude isn’t as extreme here as it is at Pikes Peak which reaches 4,301 metres, but it’s a valuable intermediate step,” added Jean-Christophe. “It allows us to see the differences in the way the engine functions, although we hope to suffer less from altitude-induced power-loss than our rivals because of the turbochargers we have chosen.”

The next step is the journey to Colorado for more testing on the course which will only be available on a section-by-section basis on 8^th, 9^th, 14^th, 15^th and 16^th June. After this final preparatory phase, the event will run in earnest from 24^th June until 30^th June, which is when Sébastien Loeb and the Peugeot 208 T16 Pikes Peak car will at last get their chance to reach for the clouds for real!

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Impressive Porsche debut for Sébastien Ogier in Monaco

Not only is he quick on the gravel roads of this world, but also on the racetrack: Volkswagen Rally driver Sébastien Ogier thrilled the crowds with a fine performance on his guest appearance in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup in Monaco. The Frenchman, who leads the FIA World Rally Championship, finished an impressive 13th out of 26 on his racetrack debut. The race, which formed part of the Formula One weekend, was won by Sean Edwards (both “Team Allyouneed Project 1”). Record World Rally Champion Sébastien Loeb was also in action, coming home 16th.

 “Driving in the Porsche Supercup here in Monaco was a fantastic experience! I am very grateful that I was able to fulfil this dream, thanks to the support of Porsche, TAG Heuer and Volkswagen. It was very special for me to experience Monaco from a non-rallying perspective,” said a beaming Ogier. “Congratulations to Sean Edwards, who drove a sensational race and have me some valuable tips beforehand. I had a good race and was able to make up a place shortly after the start. My best lap times were not far off those of Sean. Not bad really, when you consider that I only had half a day to practice in the Porsche. I tried to fight my way through the field, but it is really almost impossible to overtake in Monaco. I am very happy now, and looking forward to the Rally Greece.”

And Volkswagen Motorsport Director Jost Capito was also impressed by his ace rally driver: “Sébastien performed brilliantly, especially given his lack of experience on a racetrack. That just goes to show his driving class and I would like to compliment him on his race.”

Ogier had already impressed in free practice, when he spent long periods in the top three. The Frenchman then started the race from a respectable 14th on the grid – ahead of not only Sébastien Loeb, but also renowned racing drivers like Alain Menu and Sebastian Bleekemolen. Prior to the race, last year’s winner Sean Edwards offered Ogier some tips on how best to tackle the concrete jungle of Monte Carlo. And it would appear that “Super Séb” took the advice on board and put it into practice. And the tips given by Sebastian Vettel when chatting to rally specialist Ogier at a meeting of the two “Sebs” will certainly have done no harm. The three-time Formula One World Champion, an enthusiastic rally fan, introduced Ogier to his Formula One car and gave him a driver’s perspective by allowing him to sit in the cockpit. Another highlight of the event was Ogier’s meeting with US actress Cameron Diaz who was also in attendance.

As of Monday, Ogier will be back on gravel instead of tarmac, and at the wheel of the Volkswagen Polo R WRC rather than the Porsche 911 GT3, as the Volkswagen WRC Team heads to Greece to prepare for the Acropolis Rally (31st May to 2nd June).

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Hyundai i20 WRC makes Test Debut

After an intensive few months of preparation at its Alzenau headquarters, Hyundai Motorsport has taken the i20 WRC out of the workshop and onto the road at the start of its testing programme.

The latest specification of the Hyundai i20 WRC ran for the first time during a positive shakedown on a private testing ground in mid-May. With the aim of checking the car’s systems as the team ramps up its test schedule ahead of an entry in the FIA World Rally Championship in 2014, Hyundai Motorsport’s technical team completed the roll-out without encountering any particular issues.

This shakedown was followed last week with the first comprehensive testing session where the team started working on different set-up solutions and gathered valuable data which will be analysed by engineers back at the Hyundai Motorsport facility in Alzenau. While all key areas of the car’s performance were evaluated, there was a major focus on collecting feedback on the i20 WRC’s 1.6 litre turbocharged engine as part of the continuing development programme for the powertrain.

A total of 550 kilometres covered over the three days has enabled the team to start building the knowledge base of testing data from which to prepare its entry to the WRC in eight months’ time.

With an ambitious target to meet in a short period of time, the intensive testing programme is intended to ensure that Hyundai Motorsport arrives at Rallye Monte

Carlo in January fully prepared for the challenge. The programme will continue for the rest of the year and will involve the assessment and development of the i20 WRC in all of the terrains and conditions expected in World Rally Championship.

THREE QUESTIONS TO HYUNDAI MOTORSPORT TEAM PRINCIPAL, MICHEL NANDAN

Michel, the last couple of weeks were pretty busy for the team at Hyundai Motorsport. Can you tell us a bit more about it?

“Indeed, it has been a busy few months here at Hyundai Motorsport as we prepared to kick-off our testing programme to get ready for the 2014 FIA World Rally Championship. After starting our operations from scratch at the Alzenau factory in early January, we have been developing the car and now we can put the theory into practice. The car is on the road and I have to admit it was quite an emotional moment to see the latest specification of the i20 WRC in action for the first time.

The car we are currently testing was originally designed by our colleagues in Korea at the Namyang R&D Centre. It has then been developed and prepared in Alzenau by the team which is growing constantly day-by-day.”

What are your thoughts on the first two outings of the i20 WRC on the road?

“The learning from the first tests for me is quite positive. I think we are starting from a good base that we can use to carry on working. This was crucial considering the tight schedule we have until the end of the year. We have now a lot of useful feedback to digest for the next steps of our preparation.

On the human side of things, I have already seen great teamwork, from the engineers in Namyang and the growing team of people in Alzenau. I have to say I’m very proud of everyone and I should thank them for the good job they have been doing so far. We have a lot of work ahead of us but I’m sure that with the commitment everybody showed so far we will respect all the timings and objectives we have for this year.”

What are the next steps in the testing programme?

“We have an intensive testing schedule for the rest of 2013 which will take us to different venues across Europe, to evaluate the i20 WRC in different conditions and on different terrains which reflect the variety of circumstances we will encounter in the World Rally Championship next year. We are not disclosing our specific test venues or the names of the various drivers we will have but we will ensure that every aspect of the car’s performance is put to the test and thoroughly evaluated without leaving anything to chance.”

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