2008 Aston Martin Db9 Volante, Gray/tan,serviced, Clean on 2040-cars

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James Bond's Aston Martin DB10 sells for $3.5 million

We expect the person that just paid 2,434,500 pounds ($3.48 million at current exchange rates) for James Bond's Aston Martin DB10 from Spectre enjoyed a stiff martini after writing the check to Christies. The sale price shattered the original estimate of at least $1.4 million. The proceeds from the coupe's auction went to Medecins sans Frontieres, and the movie's memorabilia brought a total of 2,785,500 pounds ($3.98 million) for charities. Aston Martin made just 10 examples of the DB10 to shoot Spectre, but the crew modified most of them to film the movie's stunts. This was one of two that the production left untouched. It's also the first DB10 available for sale to the public, and actor Daniel Craig signed the car. The DB10 features a carbon-fiber body that's perfect for the world's best known secret agent, and underneath the beautiful design, these cars have the platform, 4.7-liter V8, and six-speed manual gearbox from a V8 Vantage. Even though they use production-based parts, Aston Martin doesn't certify the DB10s for public roads. However, we presume the new owner has a sprawling estate to enjoy his or her purchase. Related Video:

AMG-powered Aston Martins still years away

After flirting for several years, Mercedes-Benz and Aston Martin have finally tied the knot. Just don't expect to see any offspring to result from the union for at least three or four years.
This according to Auto Express, which spoke with Daimler chief Dr. Dieter Zetsche at the Frankfurt Motor Show last week. AE reports that a new range of AMG-developed turbocharged V8s, transmissions and electrical components will make their way into the successors to the current V8 Vantage and DB9, but that these models are still a few years off.
Purists might balk at the thought of a Mercedes-powered Aston holding true to the brand's heritage. But while David Brown (for whom the DB range is named) may have steered clear of shoehorning in Detroit muscle into his cars, the entirety of the company's current range is powered by engines borrowing technology from Ford, and that arrangement seems to have worked well for Aston until now. And if you're still skeptical, look no further than Pagani and its AMG-sourced engines and you should have all the proof you need that the new relationship between Daimler and Aston could be a success.

Aston Martin Project 003 is a road-going evolution of Valkyrie

The Aston Martin Project 003 will effectively be the most road-going example of Aston's mid-engined hypercars. It quite obviously draws heavily from the Valkyrie (aka Project 001), which is as much the result of aerodynamic requirements as it is maintaining a family resemblance. It may not appear to be as extreme in certain respects, and it isn't, but it does feature a number of advances. The 003 utilizes the next-generation of "aircraft morphing technology, to create a variable airfoil across the entirety of the rear wing. The technology named FlexFoil ... has been validated by NASA through extensive performance and acoustic flight testing, with Aston Martin the first to implement this cutting-edge aerospace technology in the automotive industry. The system allows for the car's downforce to be changed without changing the physical angle of the entire element." So yeah, fancy stuff, and in fact, the production version will feature an even further evolution of the technology. Aston hasn't released full details, but did indicate the 003 will be powered by a hybrid powertrain consisting of a new turbocharged V6 developed in-house. This is in contrast to the Mercedes-sourced engines in recent Aston Martins. It will feature a sealed oil system previously utilized in the Aston Martin Vulcan and in multiple 24-hour endurance races that allows for oil changes in 90 seconds and the refinement and reuse of the engine oil itself. The production 003 will be the first road-going car to receive this technology. There is plenty shared with Valkyrie, however, including the active suspension and various electronic systems. Aston says the chassis will be "blessed with next-level precision, control and driver connection for class-leading dynamics on road and truck." Also like the Valkyrie, Project 003 utilizes a lightweight carbon fiber structure with carbon fiber bodywork. It was shaped for maximum aerodynamic effect, which results in the two mid-engine hypercars sharing a common shape and general look. One noteworthy visual difference are the front and rear lighting units. Their lightweight technology are shared, however. Aston Martin says the 003's four lighting units weigh less than one DB11 headlamp. Inside is where the 003 most ventures away from the Valkyrie, and where it demonstrates its more road-going nature. Greater concessions have been made for usability and comfort, although that is certainly relative.