2012 Aston Martin Dbs Volante. Ceramic Gray With Obsidian Black. on 2040-cars

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Aston Martin Rapide AMR a limited-edition last hurrah before the DBX

The Aston Martin Advanced Operations department would like you to meet the Rapide AMR. The second Aston Martin product to highlight race-to-road synergies after the DB11 AMR, the production version follows the concept shown at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show. Unless the auto market suddenly veers back to sedans, the "hardcore" Rapide AMR will be one of the carmaker's last big swings at the four-door fastback until the Rapide retires in 2020 to make way for the DBX crossover. Its tech updates were tested and proved at the Nurburgring earlier this year, resulting in final specs that have changed slightly from the concept. While the UK and European Union get a version of the 6.0-liter V12 that makes 595 horsepower, the U.S. and the rest of the world must make do with 580 hp, a 28-hp increase over the Rapide S. Torque holds steady worldwide at 465 pound-feet, same as in the Rapide S. Aston Martin quotes a 0-60 mile-per-hour time of 4.2 seconds, also matching the S version, but a top speed of 205 mph, two mph beyond the standard sibling. The two Rapides could never be confused because of the AMR's vented carbon fiber hood, front splitter, sills, decklid, decklid spoiler, and rear diffuser wrapped around a new quad exhaust. Black mesh fills the grille, Zagato-like running lights rest at the front corners. The sedan sits 10 millimeters lower, but on forged 21-inch wheels — the largest ever fitted to an Aston Martin — with spokes designed to aid in brake cooling. The carbon ceramic brakes are a first for the Rapide, six-piston calipers doing the work up front, four pistons in the rear. Indecisive buyers can start with one of three exterior design themes: Standard, Silhouette, or Signature. The first two start with either Mariana Blue, Scintilla Silver, Lightning Silver or Onyx Black, but Standard puts AMR Lime accents on the splitter, sills, and rear diffuser. Silhouette swaps the Lime dainties for a full-length stripe in China Grey or Clubsport White. Signature goes full race, with Stirling Green the primary color and a Lime strip and Lime accents hinting at Aston Martin Racing liveries. Inside, Alcantara with embroidered AMR logos and welting in Lime or Galena Silver seats flank a full-length carbon fiber center tunnel. Before adding options like carbon fiber door handles or a One-77 steering wheel, the price of entry is $240,000, a $34,000 premium over the Rapide S. The first of just 210 cars will be delivered in the later part of the year.

Aston Martin waxes poetic about the good life with The Art of Vanquish

Aston Martin markets itself as offering the classy alternative to hardcore sports cars. Its vehicles are certainly capable, but they are also sold as offering an extra dose of luxury to go along with their power. The company is leaning hard into that image in a new short film called The Art of Vanquish. Over the grumble of the coupe's V12, the announcer reads a poem about the metaphor of life's journey, and it positions the Vanquish as a symbol of progress. The film is interspersed with shots of luxury goods like thickly upholstered leather chairs and products from sound system maker Bang & Olufsen, men's clothier Hackett London and Swiss watchmaker Jaeger Le Coultre. The production team True Motion Pictures created the short and has also done projects for Audi and Sony, among other companies. Of course, the idea that Aston Martins and other luxury goods are a symbol of life's adventure is a little contrived. It's still just a car after all – albeit an absolutely gorgeous one. Still, the film is an opportunity for a closer look at the Vanquish, and its wonderful growl is featured throughout. Scroll down to watch the video and be swathed in its poetic concept of luxury. Aston Martin, 'The Art of Vanquish' from True motion pictures on Vimeo.

2015 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S drives angry with XCAR

The Aston Martin V12 Vantage S is a monster of a sports coupe. At the front, those color-matched fangs and open mouth look like Dracula ready to take a bite. And underneath the hood, the 6.0-liter V12 sounds like the Wolf Man growling whenever the driver gets on the throttle. In a recent video, XCAR got its hands on this wonderful behemoth and showed its brilliant brutality. The smartest move that the producers made was letting the car speak for itself. Several times during the video, the host shuts up, and the only sound is the bellow from the exhaust of the Aston Martin. The cinematography is pretty darn nice, too. If you don't have time to watch the whole video, skip about 10 minutes into it when XCAR just lets the diabolical V12 thunder. It's definitely one of the highlights. Scroll down to watch – and listen – for yourself.