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Next Aston Vantage will be the only way to get an AMG V8 with a stick

With only a few exceptions, most of them factory customs, AMG hasn't built cars with manual transmissions. It just isn't the way things are done in Affalterbach. But now that Mercedes's in-house speed shop will be supplying engines to Aston Martin, the world will be treated to cars with three pedals and overengineered German V8s wrapped in a pretty British package. We're into it. The news comes from Car and Driver, which spoke to Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer about the new Vantage among other things. Palmer confirms to C/D that the Vantage will continue to offer manual and automatic transmissions when the next-gen car arrives featuring the AMG 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. In its most potent form, the eight-cylinder makes 503 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque in the AMG GT S. Figure on a little more from the Aston-ized version, just for fun. The current V8 Vantage GT makes 430 hp and 361 lb-ft from its naturally aspirated 4.7-liter. While some may lament the new engine's forced induction, that added power and the thoroughly modern behavior of the AMG engine should be welcome. While the AMG V8 is currently only planned to go into Aston's entry-level car, C/D does mention a possibility of it (and perhaps its three-pedal transmission) making its way into other cars as an economy option for certain markets. If a V8 DB11 were to be offered, don't expect it to show up here, though. There's also no word on who will supply the manual for the AMG-Aston mashup, but it likely will be a transaxle like the current Vantage. Ex-factory manual AMGs aren't totally unprecedented. Pagani has built some three-pedal cars with its massaged AMG V12s. Compared to those, however, these manual Vantages can be considered mass-production cars. And really, any increase in the number of sticks mated to AMG engines can only be a good thing. Related Video: News Source: Car and Driver Aston Martin Mercedes-Benz Coupe Performance mercedes-amg confirmed aston martin v8 vantage aston martin vantage

Aston Martin On Ice reminds us how fun winter can be

Things are finally starting to thaw near the Autoblog headquarters in Detroit, with spring just around the corner. We're already celebrating some slightly warmer temperatures, and looking ahead to sunny days and top-down drives. But winter isn't all bad – especially for car enthusiasts. Yes, with the right formula of fresh powder and winter tires, the cold season can prove hilariously fun for folks who love to drive. In that spirit, Aston Martin hosted its second-annual (in the US, anyway) 'On Ice' program in Colorado, where owners were given the opportunity to slide around in the British automaker's wares, hanging the tails out and generally (we assume) having a blast. Rather than bore you with more details, we'll let you see all the fun that was had, in the gallery above. It almost makes us wish winter would stick around a little longer. Almost. For more information about the Aston Martin On Ice program, check out the (old) press blast below. Related Video: Aston Martin are to host their second annual ice driving program in Colorado in February, offering thrill seekers a unique driving experience in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Taking place among the dramatic Crested Butte mountain range, the 'On Ice' program gives Aston Martin enthusiasts the chance to hone their driving skills in a spectacular setting over three days. The iconic British car makers have custom built an ice track for the program, comprising a braking/cornering exercise loop, slalom, skid pad and full circuit. Under expert tuition, participants are guided through the facility, before embarking upon a series of braking, cornering and handling exercises and then putting their skills to the test on a mile-long frozen road course. Luxurious accommodations will be provided for all three days at the exclusive boutique hotel properties of the Eleven Group that are nestled in the mountains. Julian Jenkins, President of Aston Martin The Americas, said: "After this hugely successful first year we expect the On Ice program to become a mainstay of our customer experience offerings here in North America. "The ability to experience a range of our cars in a unique and controlled environment resonates with Aston Martin customers and enthusiasts who are united by a shared passion for driving." As well as the 'On Ice' driving program, guests will also have the chance to indulge in other activities including skiing and exploring the back country on a fleet of snow mobiles.

Miami real estate investor selling world's largest collection of Bond cars

In 2011 Miami real estate investor Michael Dezer bought dozens of cars used in the James Bond films from the Bond Museum in Keswick, England. Since then, he's added to the trove which now stands at 59 cars, as well as motorcycles, boats, jetskis, tanks and thousands of photos, posters and memorabilia. It is the largest collection of 007 cars in the world, and Dezer has put it up for sale for 20 million pounds ($33.25M US) - the caveat is that you have to buy the entire collection. But what a collection it is. Among the six Aston Martins are the DB5 from Goldeneye, the Vanquish from Die Another Day and both V8s from The Living Daylights. There is also the Lotus Esprit from The Spy Who Loved Me - not the Esprit submarine that Elon Musk bought last year at auction, but the pre-dive roadgoing car. The new owner of the collection will keep things up to date with the Audi A5 and the Land Rover Defender 110 from the opening scene of Skyfall, and properly varied with the dragon tank from Dr. No, the Fairey Huntress yacht in From Russia with Love, and the chopped-in-half Renault 11 from A View to a Kill. An agency in the UK is handling the sale. We will now leave you to handle the money transfer from your people in Liechtenstein. News Source: London Express via Driven Auto News Celebrities TV/Movies Aston Martin Lotus lotus esprit