2000 Aston Martin Db7 Convertible on 2040-cars

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This Aston Martin V8 Vantage prototype sounds like it has AMG power

We've known for a while now that the next Aston Martin V8 Vantage would get power from a turbocharged Mercedes-AMG engine, but this is the first time we've had a chance to hear it. The video above, recorded by Autoevolution, shows a prototype of the 2018 Aston Martin Vantage cruising around roads near the Nurburgring. The sound is definitely similar to other V8-powered Mercs, and absolutely does not an Aston power plant. As for how good it sounds, the office is split. At least we're in agreement that it's good the car will probably be offered with a manual transmission. We can also pick out a few little details from the body. This new Vantage will get fender vents like those on the DB11 starting from just behind the front wheel arch. The DB11's high and wide rear haunches will carry over as well. This particular prototype has a very deep chin spoiler up front, which may indicate there will be more than one version. The headlights are concealed well, but considering the similarities to the DB11 in other areas, we'd expect similar swept-back headlights up front. Basically, the Vantage is shaping up to continue Aston's tradition of similarly shaped sports cars in different sizes, but that's hardly a bad thing when the resulting cars look so good. Related Video: News Source: Autoevolution / YouTube via Road & TrackImage Credit: Autoevolution / YouTube Spy Photos Aston Martin Coupe Future Vehicles Performance Videos viral video mercedes-amg aston martin v8 vantage

James Bond 1965 Aston Martin DB5 movie car up for auction

Aston Martin made headlines and sparked strong emotions when it announced it would be building fully-functional continuation versions of the famous gadget-laden 1964 Aston Martin DB5 from the James Bond film Goldfinger. But if a modern replica doesn't cut it, you'll have the opportunity to buy an original Goldfinger-specification Aston Martin DB5 this summer. It will go to auction at RM Sotheby's event in Monterey during Pebble Beach week, and it also features functional gadgets. This particular car is one of two 1965 Aston Martin DB5 ordered up by Eon Productions, the company behind Goldfinger and the next film Thunderball. Both cars were purchased and used as promotional cars in the U.S. for Thunderball. While they weren't used on screen, they did get all the gadgets from the film, and according to RM Sotheby's, the functioning gadgets were installed by Aston Martin and built to be used repeatedly and reliably, unlike the film cars. The auction house notes that the car has only had three private owners. It's also went through a complete restoration that was finished in 2012. That restoration also included the gadgets, so you should be able to raise the bullet-proof shield, extend the bumper overriders, activate the smoke screen, front guns and oil slick. Presumably the ejector seat doesn't actually work, but the panel above is removable. The various toggle switches along with the weapon drawer and tracking screen are all accounted for, too. When the car goes across the block in August, the price will certainly be in the seven figure range. The car was previously sold by RM Sotheby's in 2006, and it went for $2,090,000. The car had not been fully restored at that point, either, so it should go for even more this year. We'll be curious to see if it matches the $3.6 million price of the continuation cars.

Aston Martin DB9 successor makes one sexy mule

It's been a dozen years since Aston Martin first introduced the DB9 to the world, and while it has undergone numerous revisions and updates over the course of its lifetime, twelve years is a long time. Fortunately the British automaker is preparing to launch a new version, and that's just what our shooters in Eiffel have spotted running around the Nurburgring. Now it's hard to tell much from these spy shots, because the prototype they depict is mostly wearing the bodywork of the existing DB9. So all the interesting stuff is happening beneath the skin. But it does appear that the front end is wider, giving the next-generation model – whatever it will ultimately be called – a wider front track and more room in the engine bay. Those who've been following the news will know that Aston has signed a deal with Mercedes-AMG that will see the German automaker's performance division supply it with a new powerplant, but that's not expected to be ready for the DB9 successor's arrival. Look for it to pop up in production guise sometime next year, then, with an evolution of Gaydon's long-serving and ubiquitous 6.0-liter V12 engine that's already developing 592 horsepower in the Vantage GT3... excuse us, Porsche: "GT12." Related Video: