2007 Aston Martin Vantage on 2040-cars

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Aston Martin's deal with Mercedes-AMG more than skin-deep

Aston Martin is working on a raft of new models. But it's not going it alone: it has a technical partnership with Mercedes-AMG, the details of which have only been revealed in bits and pieces. If these latest spy shots are anything to go by, however, the arrangement could run deeper than anyone initially let on. Spied undergoing testing at the Nurburgring, this prototype for the upcoming successor to the Aston Martin DB9 is widely expected to be called the DB11 (10 is being used by James Bond's new ride). From the outside it doesn't look different than the previous versions we've seen running around, but this time we can also peer into the cabin, and that's where things start to get interesting. Despite the best arm-waving efforts by the development engineers, our spy photographers managed to snap a couple of shots of the interior. And though it looks far from being ready for production, the components we see appear to have been lifted from the Mercedes S-Class Coupe – particularly the steering wheel, digital instrument cluster, and almost the entire center console. This speaks to a deeper collaboration between the British and German automakers. The 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 from the Mercedes-AMG GT, C63, and G500 4x42 is already being adapted for use in the next generation of Astons. Related Video:

2015 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Roadster

Aston Martin previewed its most powerful, quickest-accelerating and fastest production roadster ever at this year's Pebble Beach Concours. The 2015 V12 Vantage S Roadster is essentially a convertible version of the V12 Vantage S Coupe, which we reviewed last year, a model that drops the automaker's most potent powertrain into its smallest chassis. Unlike the outgoing V12 Vantage Roadster, this new S model boasts a more powerful engine, a new transmission, new adaptive suspension and more luxurious appointments along with freshened styling. While last year's beloved six-speed manual gearbox is gone – a thought that continues to bring tears to our eyes – everything else about the updated roadster piques our interest. We recently spent a full day in the mountains and deserts surrounding Palm Springs with a China Grey (with red carbon fiber accents) version of the British automaker's latest. Driving Notes Mirroring its coupe sibling, the Vantage S Roadster features an all-aluminum monocoque platform with lightweight aluminum body panels. To replace stiffness lost when the roof was removed, a rigid cross member has been added to the open platform. The Roadster's power-operated soft top is fully automatic in operation, opening and closing in about 20 seconds at speeds upwards of 30 miles per hour with the touch of a switch. When tucked away, the entire assembly is hidden cleanly beneath an integrated hard tonneau cover. So as not to be mistaken for its predecessor, Aston Martin has upgraded the model's signature grille from aluminum to carbon fiber with black or titanium silver mesh, with or without body-color accents. The lightweight, forged aluminum, 10-spoke alloys are also new, as is the obvious scripted red "S" on the trunklid. Inside, occupants will find additional grippy Alcantara on the seats and new patterns in the stitching. There are also a slew of upscale options and access to Aston Martin's bespoke Q treatment available. Aston's famed, naturally aspirated, 6.0-liter V12 has been upgraded with a larger throttle body, dual variable valve timing, a revised intake manifold, an improved fuel pump and fully machined combustion chambers. Combined, the improvements are enough to warrant a new AM28 engine designation. On a dyno, the engine cranks out 565 horsepower and 457 pound-feet of torque.

Aston Martin Victor is a one-off Q build inspired by the original V8 Vantage

Aston Martin’s Q division should be taken very seriously. It just turned out this stunning one-off custom model named the Aston Martin Victor. The Victor is based on a One-77, and itÂ’s the biggest project Q has ever taken on. Aston used the V8 Vantage of the 1970s and 1980s as the design inspiration for the Victor, making it look like a resto-mod Aston Martin. We dig it, a lot. The styling is massively different than a One-77 from front to back, as Aston has gone over every surface of this car. Our favorite highlights include the round headlights, Vulcan-inspired taillights, and boattail rear with its massive, upturned spoiler. It walks the Aston line of being beautiful and aggressive at the same time, with the emphasis on aggression in this build. The paint is called Pentland Green, and itÂ’s complemented by a whole lot of satin carbon fiber. The carbon-fiber monocoque chassis is adapted from the One-77. However, the new carbon-fiber body weighs less than that of the original One-77. Under the sculpted hood sits a 7.3-liter V12. ItÂ’s also from a One-77, but itÂ’s been heavily breathed upon by Cosworth. Output is bumped up to 836 horsepower and 606 pound-feet of torque, increases of 86 and 53 respectively. And then thereÂ’s the transmission. Aston converted it to a genuine three-pedal six-speed manual. The gearbox comes courtesy of Graziano. It requires new twin coolers to handle the heat and a motorsport clutch to handle the torque.  Shifting is done with a solid walnut knob, and itÂ’s simply beautiful. Forest Green “Conker Bridge of Weir” leather covers the cabin where you donÂ’t see exposed carbon fiber. Cashmere is used for the headliner, while anodized aluminum and polished titanium serve in concert with walnut wood for the interior trim. Yeah, it was probably extremely expensive. This car should handle spectacularly well, too. It uses the same inboard dampers and springs as the Vulcan, allowing for six settings of aggression. Aston says it was tuned to ride well on the street in addition to a racetrack — after all, it is road legal. Center-lock wheels are fitted, and six-piston Brembo brakes with carbon-ceramic rotors sit within them. Aston says it produces even more downforce than a Vantage GT4 racecar, so itÂ’s a serious track monster. We donÂ’t know how much it costs, but whoever commissioned the build is certainly extravagantly rich. Related video: