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2015 Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT First Drive

Only one thing is going through my mind as I blast down the Autobahn at 170 miles per hour: If someone were to give me $100,000 today, I'd go buy a new Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT tomorrow. I know there are a dozen other choices out there – cars that are more powerful, quicker around a road circuit and much less expensive, but you can keep your Corvette, your 911, your F-Type, your GT-R and your top-spec pony cars. My money would go towards this entry-level Brit with the metallic green paint and bright-yellow race-inspired accents. Aston Martin has always crafted alluring – and expensive – automobiles. Yet this is the first time one of its offerings has come close to making sense to both the enthusiast's heart and to his or her accountant. It may sound absurd, but considering the GT's engineering, design, pedigree and hand-crafted execution, its $99,900 sticker price (plus $2,825 destination) makes it an absolute bargain. To experience the new V8 Vantage GT, a model sold as the N430 in other markets, the British automaker invited me to attend this year's grueling Nurburgring 24-hour race. Before I watched its race-prepared siblings lap the famed circuit for a full day (all four Vantage models that entered finished), I was handed the keys to my very own example – in Alloro green exterior paint with yellow club sport graphics – configured with a welcomed six-speed manual gearbox. Vantage is the smallest, lightest and most agile of the Aston Martin lineup, and it's been around for a good while already. As you'll likely recall, the Vantage is the smallest, lightest and most agile of the Aston Martin lineup, and it's been around for a good while already. First launched at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show, today the model is offered in Coupe and Roadster bodystyles with the buyer's choice of either a V8 or V12 powerplant. The coupe, like all of the automaker's production models, rides on its modular VH platform, a lightweight bonded aluminum and magnesium monocoque structure fitted with aluminum body panels for Vantage duty. Aston Martin is proud of its aerospace-like chassis, and it's historically been eager to promote its ability to offer its affluent clientele customized vehicles, with personalized upholsteries, colors and options – think of it like ordering a custom-tailored suit. But that exclusivity has previously come at a considerable price, starting at $121,225 (including destination) for its least-expensive V8 Vantage.

Aston Martin has a second mid-engined car coming

Aston Martin is expanding its exotic car horizons beyond GT cars into the realm of mid-engined sports cars. We're not talking about the upcoming Valkyrie hypercar, though. Instead, we're talking about a more mainstream mid-engined supercar designed to take on the Ferrari 488, Lamborghini Huracan, and McLaren 720S. Andy Palmer, CEO of Aston Martin, stated this specifically when discussing future product plans with Auto Express. According to Auto Express, Palmer said the car will be a competitor the 488, and will launch in 2020 as part of a plan to release a new model every year from now until 2023. Before the mid-engined car will be the rest of Aston's new GT line and the DBX crossover, and following the Ferrari fighter will be a pair of Lagonda models and the DB12. The 2020 launch date is a full year sooner than we were expecting for a sub-Valkyrie mid-engined car. Palmer cites a few reasons for going mid-engined. He explained that it's the segment standard, and that it's ideal for weight distribution. He also noted that going mid-engined will help bridge the gap between the top-tier Vanquish GT car and the Valkyrie. That's a gap with loads of room for another model, too, since the Vanquish will likely be comparable to the Ferrari F12berlinetta, which costs a bit over $300,000. The Valkyrie, on the other hand, will go for $3 million and have performance comparable to the LaFerrari and the Koenigsegg One:1. Related Video:

Aston uses DB11 canvas to show what Q can do for you

Aston Martin is putting greater emphasis on its bespoke Q division, which creates and builds one-off designs. At this year's Geneva Motor Show, Aston is bringing a prime example of what Q can do for you. The beautiful Zaffre Blue DB11 shown here showcases Q. The paint is complemented by exposed carbon-fiber details on the front splitter, side sills, rear diffuser, side strakes, hood vents, and door mirrors. Carbon fiber is also on the wheel center caps and under the hood on the engine cover. Inside the DB11, the Obsidian Black leather interior features Q logos embossed on the seats and a four-piece set of color-matched luggage in the trunk. While the company's claim of "almost limitless opportunities" to create a customer's perfect car may be hyperbole, Q's reach goes far beyond simply picking paint or leather colors from a big list or design book. Porsche, McLaren, Ferrari, and other high end brands also offer programs similar to Aston's. A customer who commissions Q to build a car will be able to choose from a range of unique leather quilt upholstery patterns, body-color matching wheels, and a choice of new wood or leather interiors. Aston equates the choices to that of a tailor or a custom yacht builder, with each car built to a customer's specific desires. These customers work with specialists from Q to design their bespoke vehicle. If you have the means, Q can probably make it happen. The DB11 will sit alongside the new Aston Martin Vanquish S and the AM-RB 001 hypercar that was co-developed with Red Bull Racing in Aston's stand this year. Related Video: