Spotted - £30k-odd sportscars, which would you buy?

Graham King needs some theoretical car buying advice.

In a parallel universe somewhere, I have £30k-£40k to spend on a daily-driver sportscar. I want a manual gearbox, a 0-60mph time of five seconds or less and powerslides on demand. The choice is mind-boggling. Where would your money go?

Aston Martin V8 Vantage One for sale

Engine: 4282cc V8 Power: 380bhp 0-60mph: 4.9secs Top speed: 175mph

Pros

Gorgeous outside and in.

Sublime handling.

Surprisingly practical.

It’s an Aston.

Cons
Doesn’t feel all that fast.
Very wide.
Bit of a WAG’s car.
Useless sat nav.

Audi R8 4.2 V8 One for sale

Engine: 4163cc V8 Power: 414bhp 0-60mph: 4.5secs Top speed: 187mph

Pros

Four-wheel-drive security.

Very comfortable and refined.

It’ll never break.
Open-gated gearlever.

Cons
A lot of tastelessly modified ones about.
Spec can be a bit stingy.
Gigantic blind spots.
Do you really want an Audi?

BMW M3 4.0 V8 One for sale

Engine: 3999cc V8 Power: 414bhp 0-60mph: 4.6secs Top speed: 155mph

Pros

Gloriously driftable chassis.

Searing engine and slick gearbox.

Your mates can come along.

With their luggage.

Cons
Limited top speed.
Rather plain styling and interior.
Can be hard work on long journeys.
Would cost a lot in rear tyres.

Honda NSX One for sale

Engine: 3179cc V6 Power: 276bhp 0-60mph: 5.5secs Top speed: 170mph

Pros

Masterpiece of an engine.

Senna-tuned handling.

Unburstable reliability.  
Telling people you drive a Honda.

Cons
Least quick of this group.
Terrible interior.
20-odd year-old design.
Ride quality.

Lotus Evora One for sale

Engine: 3456cc V6 Power: 276bhp 0-60mph: 4.8secs Top speed: 163mph

Pros

Trademark epic handling.

Great ride.

Toyota engine should be reliable.

It might do 30mpg.

Cons
Not much space.
Questionable build quality.
Nasty aftermarket entertainment system.
Styling not all that exciting.

Morgan Aero 8 One for sale

Engine: 4398cc V8 Power: 333bhp 0-60mph: 4.4secs Top speed: 160mph

Pros

Seriously quick.

Wonderful craftsmanship.

Massive charisma.

You’ll feel like Biggles.

Cons
Challenging styling.
Ludicrously hard ride.
Tiny boot.
You’ll spend a lot of time defending yourself.

Noble M12 GTO-3R One for sale

Engine: 2967cc V6 Power: 352bhp 0-60mph: 3.7secs Top speed: 170mph

Pros

Extremely quick.

Telepathic handling.

Surprisingly comfortable.

Wastegate woosh.

Cons
Not even slightly practical.
Where would you get parts?
“Doesn’t it have a Mondeo engine?”
Perhaps too racy for everyday use.

Porsche 911 Carrera S One for sale

Engine: 3824cc F6 Power: 350bhp 0-60mph: 4.6secs Top speed: 182mph

Pros

It’s a 911.

Fantastic ride, handling, performance.

Everyday usability.  
The best all-rounder of this group?

Cons
It’s a 911.
Do you really trust the handling?
Spec-sensitive.
Too much bullshit spouted about it.

So that’s the choice. Personally, it would be a toss-up between Aston, Audi and Honda. But which would you buy? Comment or tweet to let us know your thoughts.

Incidentally, though I buy into the ‘many worlds’ theory that suggests there’s an infinite number of universes with an infinite number of Grahams, living an infinite number of different lives, it brings up one crucial question. If it’s true, why am I stuck in this universe, not the one where I have an eleven figure bank balance and I’m married to Mila Kunis?

Article by Graham King

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The 1AML Number Plate Appears To Be In Two Places At Once

Last Saturday was the Lord Mayor's Parade in central London.  Aston Martin bedecked a Vanquish in the Union Flag and proudly prowled the streets in support of British industry.  The number plate was 1AML.

Meanwhile, Paul Garlick of Pistonheads tweeted a photo of a blue Vanquish and said "I've had worse cars for the weekend."  The number plate was 1AML.

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Aston Martin DBC Concept

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Future Aston Martins to get AMG engines and Mercedes' electronics

Mercedes-AMG and Aston Martin have signed a letter of intent to enter into a partnership that will see Aston Martin cars getting AMG engines and Mercedes electrics and electronics.

Future Aston Martins will be kitted out with AMG engines and Mercedes electrics.  As part of the deal Daimler will take a 5% stake in Aston Martin.

All Aston Martins will still be made in Gaydon, UK but engines and other components will come from Mercedes, and its engine making subsidiary AMG.  This should allow Aston Martin to invest in new model architecture rather than in developing engines and electronics, which are becoming increasingly complex and expensive.

Whether the supply items will be bespoke or off the shelf AMG and Mercedes units remains to be seen but, still, the thought of AMG 5.5 or 6.2 litre V8s in Aston Martins is tantalising.  Hopefully the 2 litre AMG engine seen in the A 45 AMG won't find its way into Aston Martins though.

The deal should give Aston a boost, as the VW/Bentley and BMW/Rolls Royce tie-ups did.  And, as Rolls and Bentley have demonstrated, having German engines hasn't diminished their Britishness.

Quotes from both parties:

Ola Källenius, Head of Mercedes-AMG GmbH: “We are proud to work with Aston Martin and provide them with powertrain and e/e components for their forthcoming sports cars. This is proof of AMG’s technological and performance expertise and a real win-win situation for both sides.”

Aston Martin Product Development Director Ian Minards said: “We have selected AMG specifically as the basis for this powertrain development process. Aston Martin sources cutting edge technology from key suppliers around the globe and the opportunity to include content from Mercedes-AMG GmbH in our next generation sports cars is, clearly, good news.”

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Le Mans 2013 - Statement from Aston Martin Racing

Following the death of Allan Simonsen during the 2013 24 Hours of Le Mans, Aston Martin Racing have just issued the following statement:

Le Mans, 22 June 2013: It is with great shock and sadness that the Aston Martin Racing Team confirms that an accident occurred shortly after the start of the 24 Hours of Le Mans at around 15:09 hrs CET today (22 June) when the No 95 Vantage GTE driven by Allan Simonsen left the track at Tertre Rouge.

Tragically, and despite the best efforts of the emergency services in attendance, Allan’s injuries proved fatal.

Aston Martin Racing Managing Director, John Gaw, said: “On behalf of all of us at Aston Martin Racing, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the individuals, and families whose friends or loved ones were involved in today's terrible tragedy.”

Aston Martin Racing will not make any further comment until the precise circumstances of the accident have been determined.

Next of kin have been informed.

Following the ACO’s media statement concerning the tragic death of Aston Martin Racing driver Allan Simonsen, and at the specific request of his family, the team will continue to participate in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in tribute to Allan.

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The Aston Martin Vanquish Volante configurator lets you do this

The choice of colours schemes for the new Aston Martin Vanquish Volante is pretty wide.  There doesn't seem to be any restriction on interior and exterior combos either, which means you can create extravagant Vanquish Volantes like these.

Have a play here.

It's great to see manufacturers allowing a playful choice of palettes.  I tested a Jaguar XKR recently in Kyanite Blue which looks awesome but has since been dropped in favour of a more sombre choice of colours.

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Aston Martin Vanquish Volante video - Turn the volume up to 11

This video contains the usual guff.  Pretty woman, car, cheesy music, pretty woman, car, cheesy music etc.  But it also has a V12 soundtrack that thankfully drowns out the cheesy music.

And what an engine note!  Listen to it with the volume turned all the way to 11

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Aston Martin Vanquish Volante - specs, price and photos

This is the Aston Martin Vanquish Volante.  It's Aston Martin's new 565bhp top of the range convertible and is an absolute stunner.

The Volante is essentially the Vanquish sans roof which means it is powered by the AM11 6 litre V12 and does 0-61mph in 4.1 seconds and has a top speed of 183mph.  Torque is 457 lb ft.  With such a huge lump up front the weight distribution is a pleasing 51:49.

Talking of weight the Vanquish Volante features carbon fibre bodywork and semi-structural carbon components for the first time in an Aston Martin Volante and weighs in at 1844kg.  The roof can be retracted at up to 30 mph in 14 seconds and is made from lightweight, triple-skin fabric.

Boot space isn't sacrificed.  The boot is 50% larger than that in the coupe at 279 litres, whether the roof is up or down.

As you can see from the photos the Vanquish Volante is a 2+2, although the +2 will need to have legs like ET to fit in.

The Aston Martin Vanquish Volante will cost from £199,995 in the UK, $297,995 in the US and $323,974 in Dubai and will be available in Autumn 2013.

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This is what the Aston Martin V12 Vantage S sounds like

Aston Martin have produced this video to go with the launch of the new V12 Vantage S.  Sounds pretty bloody epic.

Does anyone know where it was filmed?  Looks like Anglesey to me.

Matt

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Aston Martin V12 Vantage S - Humungous engine in quite a small car

This is the new Aston Martin V12 Vantage S which packages a 6 litre V12 into the smallest Aston Martin body (forgetting the forgettable Cygnet) to produce their fastest car outside of the One-77.

The V12 Vantage S majors on performance over luxury.  Its engine produces 565bhp and 457 lb ft of torque which propels it to a top speed of 205mph.  The gearbox is an all new 7-speed automated manual (i.e. automatic) called the Speedshift III and the ZF Servotronic steering has been quickened.  The exhaust is also new and is an adapted version of that found in the One-77.

The traditional Aston Martin grille has been replaced with a carbon fibre one, to reflect that on the CC100.  The V12 Vantage S weighs in at 1665kg.

No pricing, or acceleration, details have been released yet however given the size, weight and performance emphasis the £140,852 Porsche 911 Turbo S will be firmly in Aston Martin's sights.

Take a look at our Aston Martin model identifier here

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Aston Martin CC100 concept

This is the Aston Martin CC100.  Created to celebrate Aston Martin's centenary and designed to reflect the 1959 DBR1 racer which won at Le Mans 24 Hours and Nürburgring 1000km.

The CC100 is based on the Vanquish and shares its underpinnings and 6 litre V12 engine which, in the Vanquish produces 573hp.  The CC100 does 0-62mph in just over 4 seconds.

For now it is a one off concept car.  Whether Aston Martin produce a limited run of the CC100 depends on how many customers flash the cash and persuade them to do so.

If Aston Martin's road cars all look similar to you then have a look at our Aston identifier here.

Here's a video released by Aston Martin about the CC100

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Aston Martin to race a hydrogen Rapide S at Nurburgring 24 Hour race

Aston Martin will race a Rapide S, powered by a hybrid petrol/hydrogen engine, at the 24 Hours of Nurburgring race next month.

The Rapide S has a twin-turbocharged 6 litre V12 engine which can run on petrol, hydrogen or a mix of both.  The stated aim is to be the first race car to undertake a full lap on hydrogen power alone - which does call into question for how many of the 24 hours Aston Martin actually intend using hydrogen power.

The car is intended to showcase hydrogen technology, which in the Rapide S has been designed and fitted by Alset Global.

The system in the Rapide S involves four ultra-high strength carbon fibre tanks holding a total of 3.5kg of hydrogen stored at 350bar.  Two tanks are next to the driver and two in the boot.

We'll report back on how the Rapide S performed after the race.

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Aston Martin DBS review

Does driving an Aston Martin make you cool?  George Phillips has been driving an Aston Martin DBS for a week.  He tells us

It is hard to define ‘cool’. There are some inanimate objects that ooze style and class effortlessly - for no discernible reason people lust after them. Some things can turn heads wherever they are and are loved universally. In the car world, nothing does ‘cool’ better than an Aston Martin.

I know this, because for the last week I have had the keys to a DBS. To all intents and purposes this is no different to many cars on the road, but the DBS is showered with admiration and awe wherever is goes. Heads swivelled, jaws dropped and smiles beamed from every direction. I was talking to a family friend who owned a V8 Vantage, the baby of the group, and he encountered the same thing. He even had someone give it a hug whilst sitting in a traffic jam. It seems that putting an Aston badge on a bonnet is an instant entry into the club of cool.

Maybe it’s because of the whole James Bond thing, or the fact that it’s ‘British’. Maybe it’s the power, the speed or the noise. It’s most likely to be a mix of all of these, plus many more reasons. The fact is, the DBS was respected and loved by almost everyone who saw it, and rightly so. This is one hell of a car.

Aston Martin’s USP is that its cars are beautiful. The DBS is no exception; while most couldn’t tell the difference from the older, cheaper DB9, it possesses some subtle features which go a long way in creating a more aggressive look than its daddy. The bold bonnet vents, combined with beefy flared wheel arches makes for a more serious, threatening front end. While a carbon fibre diffuser and frosted taillights at the back give the impression of a hunkered down road-racer compared to the sleek and slim line DB9. It looks superb.

To drive, the DBS is not a ‘take no prisoners’ street legal race car. The acceleration is not savage, put your foot down and there is a momentary low pitch snarl when you can feel the car girding its loins, then at around 4,000rpm there is a change in tone as the car roars and settles into an unremitting surge of speed. Once it has asserted itself upon the tarmac, the rear wheels effortlessly propel you to licence losing speeds. This is a fast car by any standard, a very fast car, but the delivery of power is so smooth and seamless that it never feels dramatic. Brutally quick, yes, but not dramatic.

What are dramatic, however, are the brakes. Aston Martin has fitted huge carbon ceramic discs all round, meaning they are capable of being punished again and again with little fade in performance. It also means the DBS can stop on a pinhead.  Despite this particular car having a squeaky brake, I almost enjoyed the braking ability more than the acceleration. In the DBS you brake at the corner, rather than before it. Stomp on the middle pedal too soon and you pull up at a full stop way short of the mark. It was comical deceleration.

This is very much a Jekyll and Hyde car. One personality attacks your senses with muscular power and ferocious noise. The other quietly soothes your brow and comforts you. The huge 6.0 litre V12 provides 570NM of torque, which is available in any gear, at any speed in order to swell you confidently and comfortably towards the horizon. In sixth gear at motorway speeds, the engine is virtually silent. This car is extremely refined.  Despite the low profile tyres road noise is minimal and the ride is simply sublime. It took supermarket car parks, poor roads and long journeys in its stride. I could easily live with the DBS every day.

The interior goes a long way to making this car such a joy to drive. The cabin is a sumptuous mix of hand stitched leather, soft suede and carbon fibre. The seats are a masterpiece.  They manage to be consistently supportive for both your back and arms whilst also providing heaps of comfort beyond what the slender bucket seats would have you believe. The steering wheel sits charmingly in your hands, allowing you to take full advantage of the beautifully weighted steering. The dials and buttons are simple and sophisticated, and Aston Martin has managed to create a gearstick shape which feels perfect however you hold it. It is a truly wonderful place to be.

Having said that, you don’t get a whole lot of build quality for your £180K. On my car the stitching across the whole passenger side dashboard had come adrift, meaning I spent the week with a monumental urge to tuck the lining back in. On the last day of my time with the Aston, the passenger window developed an unbearable rattle, hinting that it was about to smash into a million pieces at any point. Worst of all, however, was the satnav which looked like it had been bought from a bargain bin at Halfords and stuck onto a square of spare plywood with double sided tape. It was so grotesque I kept it down and out of sight the whole week.

These issues are but small thorns in the side of an otherwise great beast. The DBS is a sensation.  It manages to deliver the thrills of a full blown supercar combined with the relaxing drive of a luxury long distance cruiser. At 180 grand it is an absolute bargain, because you really are getting two cars in one.

It’s worth that price for the ridiculously wonderful howl of that bellowing V12. But most of all it’s worth it because it makes you and everyone around you happy. I miss the DBS. I miss the power, and the noise and the looks. But most of all, I miss being cool.

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Aston Martin DBS trashed by pink Corsa

The owner of this Aston Martin DBS had stopped for fuel at the Esso petrol station in Kingshill, Swindon when this pink Corsa came flying off the roundabout opposite and embedded itself in the side of his car.

The owner of the DBS said, "I was filling up and then I saw the car coming towards me. She drove out of the petrol station onto the roundabout, lost it, and came over the kerb and came straight into the car. My car moved into the pump and bumped the pump off. It will be a write-off. They won’t fix that."

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Aston Martin Vanquish Q - it's very BLUE

Q by Aston Martin is the rather Bond-like department of the British car maker dedicated to personalisation.  Customers ordering a new Aston Martin can work with Q to specify almost anything they want from bespoke colour schemes to embroidered patterns.  Q will even design and build bespoke cycle racks, onboard cameras, or fit out the interior of a yacht to match the customer's Aston Martin - for the right price.

And it's here that Q can come unstuck.  Money doesn't buy class.  The Vanquish that has been created by Q by Aston Martin which is being displayed at Geneva is obviously designed to appeal to those customers with more money than sense.  Have a look and let us know what you think of the blue interior and exterior highlights.  Seems like they've ruined a great car - but no doubt someone will like it.

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