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Aston Martin shows what it does best with V8 Vantage GT, DB9 Carbon Edition

Aston Martin shocked us when it announced at the 2014 New York Auto Show that 2015 V8 Vantage GT (pictured above) was priced at $99,900. While hardly inexpensive, a sub-$100k Aston seemed like a bargain. It was joined by the unveiling of the DB9 Carbon Edition that mixed sport and luxury in the brand's traditional style. The Vantage GT is available as a coupe, or for a little bit more money, as a convertible. Regardless of body, buyers get a 4.7-liter V8 with 430 horsepower and 361 pound-feet of torque, and that power is routed through a seven-speed automated manual with magnesium paddle shifters or a traditional six-speed manual. Even for a 'cheap' Aston, the GT still offers luxury features like Alcantara trim, carbon fiber doorsill plates and seats from the V12 Vantage S. The one on display in New York wears one of the optional motorsports-inspired graphics packs that add contrasting paint around the grille, mirror caps, rear diffuser blade and roof pillar. The $199,995 DB9 Carbon Edition packs a 6.0-liter V12 rated at 510 hp and 457 lb-ft and a six-speed automatic transmission. Available as Carbon Black or Carbon White, the package adds carbon fiber side strakes and taillight trim. Buyers who want even more can add a carbon fiber front splitter, rear diffuser and mirror caps. Black leather covers the interior, and the shade of the contrasting stitching comes from that of the brake calipers. Deliveries for both models start in the third quarter. Scroll down to get the full scoop on them. Aston Martin Launches Two New Special Editions at New York ? New motorsport-honed $99,900 Vantage GT brings Aston Martin brand closer than ever before; offering 430bhp and a top speed of 190mph ? DB9 Carbon Edition offers eye-catching looks and classic understated elegance ? Both cars will make international debuts at 2014 NYIAS Irvine, CA, 15 April 2014 - Aston Martin is unveiling two exclusive new special editions for North American markets at the 84th New York International Auto Show this week. The great British sports car marque, now in its 101st year, is debuting a bold addition to its iconic V8 Vantage range as well as dramatic new special edition variants of the timeless DB9, underlining the company's ability to create cars that sit apart from the mainstream.

Aston Martin previews 'world's most powerful luxury SUV'

Aston Martin is preparing to expand the DBX lineup with what it promises will stand proud as "the world's most powerful luxury SUV." Concrete details remain few and far between, but the British firm released a short video to preview the mysterious new model. Posted on Aston Martin's official social media channels, the 13-second flick shows a sporty-looking wheel design, a piece of carbon fiber interior trim, and the company's wing-shaped logo embroidered into a headrest. What's perhaps more telling is the engine revving in the background. While previous rumors claimed that the spicier DBX would get a V12 engine, this one sounds a lot like a V8 to our ears. If the DBX S — a name that hasn't been confirmed for production yet — indeed lands with a V8, the unit will certainly be an evolution of the Mercedes-AMG-sourced 4.0-liter, twin-turbocharged engine that powers the standard model. It develops 542 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque in its regular state of tune; how much power it will make in the S is still up in the air. AMG pushes it to 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque in the GLE63 S and the GLS63 S (which are sitting out the 2022 model year), but those figures wouldn't give the DBX access to the power crown; Porsche's Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid has 670 horsepower and it qualifies for the "luxury SUV" label. Expecting an output of 670-plus horsepower isn't unreasonable, though crossing your fingers for the 720-horsepower V8 from the GT Black Series is likely wishful thinking, plus the usual assortment of chassis, suspension, and braking system upgrades needed to keep the cavalry in check. Aston Martin's preview hints that visual modifications inside and out will be part of the performance-oriented package as well. Intrigued? So are well. We won't have to wait long to find out: the next DBX variant will make its debut on February 1, 2022. Related Video:

Aston Martin confirms Mercedes-AMG boss Moers to replace CEO Palmer

Aston Martin confirmed on Tuesday that Tobias Moers, CEO of Mercedes-AMG, would become chief executive on August 1, replacing Andy Palmer, who stepped down on Monday. The Financial Times newspaper reported over the weekend that Palmer would step down, before he had been informed. A source familiar with the situation had also confirmed to Reuters the planned move. "The board has determined that now is the time for new leadership to deliver our plans," Lawrence Stroll, Aston Martin Lagonda's Executive Chairman said. The company said Moers, who will be based at its headquarters in Warwickshire, had built a reputation for transforming businesses in tough environments during his 25 years in senior roles at Daimler. Germany's Daimler AG owns a 5% stake in Aston Martin and supplies the carmaker with Mercedes-AMG engines. "Under Tobias’ leadership, Mercedes-AMG has more than doubled its product portfolio and quadrupled the number of AMG units sold, with a clear pipeline of further expansion opportunities, especially in electrification of powertrains in the performance segment," Aston Martin said in a statement. "TobiasÂ’ focus on operating and manufacturing efficiency has delivered significant margin expansion. This strong financial performance was supported by the introduction of a clear brand management strategy, which delivered a measurable increase in brand value and awareness." Aston Martin has seen its share price plummet since floating in October 2018. The 107-year old British luxury carmaker earlier this month posted a deep first-quarter loss after sales dropped by almost a third due to the impact of the novel coronavirus outbreak. "All of my and TobiasÂ’ energy will be dedicated to building on the CompanyÂ’s inherent strengths, its brand, its engineering prowess, and the skills of its people to enable Aston Martin to become one of the pre-eminent luxury car brands in the world," Stroll said. Related video: