2006 Aston Martin Db9 Volante, One Owner on 2040-cars

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Aston Martin blacks out new Vanquish Carbon Edition [w/video]

Aston Martin and tuxedos go together like gin and vermouth, but those looking for that extra degree of formality need look no further than the British automaker's Carbon editions. Aston has bestowed the blacked-out treatment on the Vantage, DB9 and DBS, and has now turned its attention to the flagship Vanquish. The new Vanquish Carbon Edition is being offered in coupe or convertible form, in either black or white. Based on the recently upgraded model with its new eight-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission, the Vanquish Carbon Black offers the same 6.0-liter V12 with 568 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, good for a 3.6-second sprint to 60 and a top speed of 201 miles per hour. What sets it apart from other Vanquish models is its special trim, including black window surrounds, blacked-out headlight trim, 10-spoke gloss-black alloys and an interior decked out with herringbone carbon-fiber trim, anodized black speaker grilles for the Bang & Olufsen audio system and available quilted leather upholstery. We're waiting for the full details to be released, so watch this space. In the meantime, you can scope out the microsite and the dramatic video clip for a closer look at Aston's latest flagship in either Darth Vader or Storm Trooper treatment.

Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #379 LIVE!

We're set to record Autoblog Podcast #379 this evening.Check out the topics below, or drop us your questions and comments via our Q&A module. And don't forget to subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so. To take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.
Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #379
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Mercedes will still provide V8 engines to Aston Martin

News of Mercedes suspending sales of the vast majority of its V8-powered cars for the 2022 model year hit the presses about a week ago. However, what wasn’t explained then was the fate of Aston Martins with Mercedes-AMG V8 engines. Many Aston Martin products are powered by AMGÂ’s 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine (the M 177 version affecting AMG products), and itÂ’s one of the motors that we reportedly wonÂ’t see in Mercedes-AMG products next year. Since AMG is struggling to fit its cars with its own engine, that brings into question Aston MartinÂ’s supply of V8s. Car and Driver got some answers from Aston, though, and the situation in the UK doesnÂ’t appear anywhere near as dire as in Germany. “Aston Martin confirms that its supply of V8 engines from Aston Martin AG is not affected," an Aston Martin spokesperson told Car and Driver. So there you have it. AstonÂ’s AMG V8-powered vehicles — Vantage, DB11 and DBX — will supposedly carry on sales without interruption. ThatÂ’s great news for Aston Martin and any uber-wealthy folks who intend to buy one.  At the same time, Mercedes isn't completely out of the V8 game for 2022. In fact, it's still selling cars that directly compete with Aston Martin: AMG GT Coupe and Roadster. Those Mercedes products use the M 178 version of the AMG V8 and are reportedly unaffected by supply issues. ThereÂ’s probably even more to this story as time passes, too. Mercedes has yet to officially acknowledge the stoppage of V8s — we reached out for comment when we published our initial story, but havenÂ’t heard confirmation back yet. When we do, weÂ’ll make sure to update you on whatÂ’s going on. Related video: