2008 Aston Martin Db9 on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Aston Martin will build your dream garage

If you're like us, you've probably seen Tony Stark's garage or the various iterations of Batman's Batcave and thought, "It would be so cool to have a garage like that." Aston Martin would like to help you make that dream come true with the companies new Automotive Galleries and Lairs department. And yes, "lairs" really is part of the official name. It's possible the company spent a little too much time working on James Bond films. Then again, it does seem like an apt term for some of the design concepts the company has dreamed up. The underground concrete and rock wall garage with glass car centerpiece certainly looks like something Blofeld or Dr. No would have at their summer homes. There are more conventional looking concepts, too, such as the blend of art gallery and garage with a water covered skylight for unique lighting. The underground garage with spiral driveway and naturally-lit center display is spare and beautiful. If these don't appeal to you, we're certain Aston Martin will work with you to develop your personal interpretation of a dream garage. No pricing has been given, as it's surely going to vary from garage to garage. You can also rest assured that all of these will cost a remarkable amount of money. If you have the means, Aston Martin is happy to receive your request at ampartnerships@astonmartin.com.

Aston Martin’s Valkyrie looks ready to melt ice in new photos

Aston Martin took to Instagram to release a trio of official images of its forthcoming Valkyrie hypercar bathed in a graduated, nose-to-tail ice blue color scheme befitting its mythological Nordic name and making it look sleek, fast and aggressive. Built from a partnership with Red Bull Racing, the Formula 1-inspired but road-legal car appears to have been further refined since we last saw comprehensive images of a prototype last year. CEO Andy Palmer last month tweeted a 20-second teaser clip to show off the high-revving, F1-like sound of its 6.5-liter V12 engine, which is loosely based on Cosworth's 2.4-liter V8 but rumored to hover above 1,000 horsepower, plus more from a kinetic energy recovery system working the front axle, making it likely the fastest street-legal production car. Taking inspiration from today's #F1 race cars, Aston Martin Valkyrie features a reclined 'feet up' position, ensuring the driver feels at one with the car for the ultimate drive experience #BeautifulToDrive #AstonMartin #AstonMartinValkyrie A post shared by Aston Martin (@astonmartinlagonda) on Nov 1, 2018 at 11:30am PDT The F1 influence is clear from the shot of the cabin, which is swathed in carbon fiber and where the seats are positioned in a reclined "feet up" position. It also features six-point harnesses for driver and passenger, and a steering wheel that will display all information for the driver. There are also two screens visible — one centered on the console, the other positioned near the door jamb, which is likely a camera-monitor replacement for side mirrors, meaning there's almost certainly a third screen on the driver's side that isn't visible in the photo. Motor 1 reports that the Valkyrie is in the final stages of simulation, with an actual car set to begin testing late this year or early in 2019, though the final version will likely weigh a bit more than its targeted 2,204 pounds. All 150 models have been sold out and are scheduled for delivery in 2019. A track-only Valkyrie AMR Pro said to make 1,100 hp and do a top speed of 225 mph is also planned for 2020. Related Video: Featured Gallery Aston Martin Valkyrie Image Credit: Aston Martin Aston Martin Coupe Luxury Racing Vehicles Performance supercar Red Bull Racing hypercar Aston Martin Valkyrie aston martin valkyrie amr pro

Disgraced Chinese supplier claims it has been wronged by Aston Martin

In what could be called a case of carma, the Chinese plastic supplier that forced Aston Martin to recall about 75 percent of its production since 2007 now says that it has lost about most of its customers and is facing financial ruin. Shenzhen Kexiang Mould Tool Co. produced the accelerator pedal arms for most Aston Martin models out of a counterfeit plastic and may have to close its factory due to the scandal. Shenzhen Kexiang claims no wrongdoing in the affair, saying the whole matter was caused by Aston Martin not fully understanding its supply chain. Its general manager Zhang Zhi Ang told Automotive News: "This whole situation is caused by Aston Martin." According to the automaker, its supplier, Fast Forward Tooling (HK) of Hong Kong, hired the molder as a sub-contractor to supply the part. Initially, Shenzhen Kexiang claimed to have never been contracted by the Hong Kong company, but later admitted that it wasn't sure if it made the parts because it worked for so many contractors, according to Automotive News. Aston Martin found that the accelerator arms were produced from a counterfeit form of the DuPont plastic that it had requested for its sports cars. Initially the recall covered 689 2012-2013 vehicles but further research indicated that it went back as far as November 2007 for some models. Aston Martin says it will replace the throttle assemblies on the affected vehicles and that there have been no reported accidents or injuries caused by the counterfeit plastic.