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(Aston Martin Press Release) NEW
YORK, April 12, 2001 – The most sophisticated
and technologically advanced new model ever to be designed, developed
and built by Aston Martin is making its debut at the New York
International Auto Show.
With a maximum speed in excess of 300
km/h (190 mph) and a 6.0 liter V12 engine developing 460 horsepower, the
totally new Aston Martin V12 Vanquish goes on sale in September and will
carry an MSRP of $228,000. It is being built at Newport Pagnell and
becomes Aston Martin’s new premier, top of the range, flagship model.
Available as either a two or two plus two
seat coupe the V12 Vanquish will accelerate to 60 mph in under 4.5
seconds (0-100 km/h in under 5.0 seconds) and 160 km/h (100 mph) in
under 10 seconds. Through the application of advanced design techniques
and materials it is lighter, stiffer and stronger and offers superior
performance to that of the V8 engined Vantage model which it replaces.
In conjunction with the electronic
drive-by-wire throttle system, which is fitted to the second generation
460 horsepower 6.0 liter V12 Aston Martin engine, fingertip controlled
Formula 1 style paddles enable almost imperceptible gear changes to be
completed in under 250 milliseconds – less than the blink of an eye.
Advanced electronics also permit the
close ratio six speed manual transmission to be programmed to operate
automatically with the added facility of a special program tailored to
winter driving conditions.
With close co-operation and technical
assistance from the Ford Research & Vehicle Technology Group and Ford
Research laboratories the new V12 Vanquish represents the largest ever
investment by Aston Martin in advanced technology and it pioneers a
series of world firsts in its design and construction. The main body
structure utilizes carbon fiber, extruded aluminum and composite
materials bonded together to form a central monocoque safety cell with
additional deformable composite structure energy absorbent zones at both
front and rear. It provides high standards of efficiency, structural
integrity, torsional rigidity and occupant crash protection.
The V12 Vanquish is being offered for
sale throughout the world with more than 70% of the annual production of
300 cars scheduled for customers outside the UK. Advance orders from
customers in the USA will account for more than 30% of all sales during
the second half of 2001. |
