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Australian Muscle Cars Never Die - The Holden Torana Resurrected

By Steven Miles 

The legend, the monster and one of Holden's most popular muscle car is back. In the yester years, the Torana reigned supreme for almost ten years with 5 Bathurst wins. It's only fitting that the car was named after an aboriginal term (Torana) which means to fly.

Over the years, the Torana has had some facelifts but the common denominator is the brute strength of its engines. Holden manufactured the Torana for over 10 years from 1967-1978. The range of models start from the basic original HB followed by LC, LJ, LH, TA, LX and UC models.

The cars came with choices as well, they included 2 door coupes and 4 door sedans. The motors ranged from 4,6 and 8 cylinder engines. But the cars which caught the imagination of the muscle car community, were the sporty XU1, L34 and A9X. These cars dominated Panorama and unearthed drivers such as Bob Morris, Colin Bond, Allan Grice, Jim Richards and of course Peter Brock.

The last Torana ever built from Holden dates back to 1980. But today, nearly 30 years on, we can still see the Toranas gracing our streets. Not only did the Holden Torana dominate Mount Panorama, not only did they produce one of the all time classics within the muscle car community, they produced a car that was reliable and a great car to drive everyday.

The older muscle car enthusiasts have really targeted the Toranas. The price tag for these muscle cars have sky rocketed over the last year. The Holden Torana is finally gaining the respect of the Australian muscle car community and deservedly so, the public has finally unearthed a locally produced gem that has been part of our culture for some time. Peter Brock earned his nickname Peter Perfect driving in a Torana.

For more information, news and sales within the Australian muscle car industry, Visit http://the-carclub.blogspot.com/

Australian Muscle Cars never die, they just become expensive. Garage one today before they become a thing of the past.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steven_Miles

 

Aston Martin Cygnet 2012 Review

The Aston Martin Cygnet is a city car that sets a new standard for compact luxury for nearly a century of experience in building high performance sports cars, luxury long-range big hikers, and machines very competitive race.

 

Aston Martin Cygnet 2012

Cygnet demonstrates Aston Martin's commitment to innovation and integrity. "It is time to think differently. Aston Martin is honest and we do not compromise," said Aston Martin CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez.

"Whatever we do, we are doing. If we do the show, doing the performance, not reduce or compromise sports cars. Cygnet must meet the emissions, and space. This is a car without compromises, just like any other Aston Martin .

"Our customers need a small car for urban and city, and they want the right tools for the right job, to reduce the size without compromising the creative intelligence, artistic and personality."

Aston Martin Cygnet expresses a simple idea, but essential in the modern city on the scale corresponds to the speed and freedom. Only three feet long, the Cygnet gives the driver a new dimension of freedom, able to fit into gaps in traffic, use of parking spaces smaller, consume less fuel and emit fewer emissions, while providing a exceptional levels of quality and comfort.

 

Aston Martin Cygnet 2012

"Cygnet is a small but luxury, Aston Martin, tailor-friendly city," says Marek Reichman, design director of Aston Martin. After an almost unlimited palette of materials, colors and textures, each hand-finished Cygnet is truly unique, personal space within the city. "The luxury does not affect the scale."

 

Aston Martin Cygnet 2012

Cygnet is a product of a unique Aston Martin craft, technology and design. The future city has a very different landscape of luxury brand, like the social changes and legislation increases the gap between urban categories and anti-urban. With Cygnet, Aston Martin will be at the forefront of these changes, ensuring the corporate image of lasting mark will continue to thrive in new market conditions.

 

 

 

Aston Martin Cygnet 2012

 

Dr. Ulrich Bez continues: "The Cygnet is designed to support our sports cars, giving a greater degree of freedom in the urban context, it is a very special car, a compact premium package but with heart, soul and personality. "

 

 Aston Martin Cygnet 2012

 

The Cygnet, a solution for the city will put Aston Martin in the future. "This car is really, Cygnet is the natural choice for those who want a premium, custom car commuter." 

Aston Martin Cygnet 2012

Cygnet become the eighth largest producer of cars Aston Martin has presented its state-of-the Art Factory in 2004, provides further evidence of the continued commitment of the British production company, supported by a dedicated workforce of local and network suppliers.

 

Aston Martin Cygnet 2012

Aston Martin Db9

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2011 Aston Martin DB9 Review

In the largest program of improvements since its world premiere in 2003, Aston Martin DB9 range has received a complete package of style, technology and improved equipment.

As the most successful Aston Martin of all time (an honor shared with the V8 Vantage) DB9 has become the ultimate Grand Tourer, sustainable through a combination of elegance, sportiness and sober truth luxury.

For Dr Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin, Aston Martin DB9 is a very special car: "The DB9 is the quintessential sporting Grand Tourer that offers an unmatched combination of driver involvement, character, luxury and This car combines refining our exclusive Aston. Martin's character with a design philosophy without labor, and the brand Aston Martin performance capability. "

This new package of improvements perfectly compliments these key attributes. Subtle changes in style to cool Aston Martin DB9 looks, with a new front bumper, grille glossy surface and input re-shaped lower hexagonal with sparkles. New redesigned headlights edge panels, silver calipers, 20-spoke diamond turned alloy wheels, clear lens taillights complete external audits.

Under the skin of Aston Martin DB9 passive damping has been replaced by a new adaptive damping system (ADS), which provides a comfortable ride with better handling more acute when the unit is in Sport mode. The ADS is equipped as standard across the range Aston Martin DB9 Coupe and Volante both (convertible). A control system, tire pressure, a Bluetooth microphone revised and the addition of a new alloy plate finish and double apex options Bang & Olufsen hi-fi to extend the specification of the Aston Martin DB9.

Aston Martin Director of Product Development, Minard, Ian, explained that this is all part of an ongoing commitment to continuous improvement: "The Aston Martin DB9 was the first car built at Gaydon adoption of the VH architecture is developed each year since then, with significant changes. including improved power and subsequent reductions in CO2 emissions. The latest enhancement package goes further than ever before, highlighting the qualities of the sports GT Aston Martin DB9 as a true and highlighting their role as the backbone of our range of cars. "

The Aston Martin DB9 is available in Coupe and Volante (convertible) with manual gearbox in the rear-mounted six-speed half or the optional 'Touchtronic 2' six-speed automatic transmission. The production of the revised version of Aston Martin DB9 is already underway, with deliveries starting in July. The prices of £ 122.445 for the Aston Martin DB9 Coupe and £ 131.445 for the Aston Martin DB9 Volante.

Context

The introduction of the DB9 was the beginning of the rebirth of Aston Martin in the 21st century. The first model to be built at Aston Martin's headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire, and the first ever Aston Martin built around rigid light, attached aluminum VH architecture, the Aston Martin DB9 was an immediate success and unprecedented a new tone for the future of Aston Martin.

Since its launch in 2003, about 12 500 DB9S has been produced and delivered to customers in 34 countries. This is confirmed by the most successful Aston Martin model of all time (with the V8 Vantage), exceeded the total DB7. The output current Aston Martin DB9 is about 1,500 cars a year.

Technology

After the introduction of the Aston Martin DB9 has proved versatile VH architecture, the development of Vantage, DBS and the Rapide model kits. The process of Aston Martin's engineers have been increasingly detailed understanding of the VH, which in turn has led to a steady improvement and development of existing established models.

This last package of improvements to Aston Martin DB9, hardware modifications to focus on the platform, where the standard Adaptive Damping System (ADS), which provides a system to continuously evaluate the optimal shape dish, similar to that seen the DBS and Rapide models. Controlled by a button on the center console, a two-stage adaptive dampers can change their default mode, which is optimized for comfort and firmer Sport mode, which produces a tighter body control and responsive feel. Such is the success of the Aston Martin DB9, the new damping DB9 Sports Pack update was interrupted. However, sport design alloy wheels are available as options.

The performance is courtesy of Aston Martin 6.0-liter V12 engine that develops 470bhp held and 442 pounds foot of torque changes. Coupled with a choice of "Touchtronic" palette of six speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission H-model, the Aston Martin DB9 offers a heady mix of speed and nature of sporting endeavor. A top speed of 190 mph and the ability to hit 60 mph in just 4.6sec sealed his credentials as the final 2 +2 Gran Turismo.

Design

Improving on what many consider one of the most beautiful cars in the world is a delicate exercise. According to design director of Aston Martin, Marek Reichman, subtlety and attention to detail is the key: "The beauty of an Aston Martin is well provided with a position close to the ground, covering a time and complete and thorough attention to details. The Aston Martin DB9 embodies those qualities, is beautiful, but subtle - and not seeking care. "

At the front bumper new, the main change with a new lower intake hexagonal grid offers to complete the new glossy finish. Edges new lighthouse to complete the processing fresh nose. In the profile of Martin DB9 Aston threshold has also been modified with a curve more important "hockey stick" before the rear wheels. Marek Reichman explains, "The DB9 remains one of the most beautiful cars in the sports world and is immediately recognizable as an Aston Martin, the changes we have introduced here to upgrade Aston Martin DB9 to keep the cutting edge of automotive design. "

Other changes include silver brake calipers, 20-spoke diamond turned alloy wheels as standard with new grille design and a glossy finish optional. Clear lens taillights are also standard. Apex Within two finish alloy is added to the list of options, with the audio system from Bang & Olufsen BeoSound exceptional.

Motorsport

Aston Martin DB9 is mirrored by the success of the Aston Martin DBR9 road racing and endurance riders DBRS9 have proved very successful on the slopes around the world. A total of about 20 and 30 of the DBR9 DBRS9s built and delivered to customer teams around the world, Aston Martin have always put in the profits of many national and international championships.

After winning his debut race at Sebring in 2005, the DBR9 is set forever, and a very competitive car GT1 category, scoring back-to-back class victories at the largest of all 24-hour race - Le Mans - in 2007 and 2008.

2012 Aston Martin Sport Cars V8 Vantage S Roadster

2012 Aston Martin Sport Cars V8 Vantage S Roadster

Aston Martin will unveil one of the most eagerly anticipated convertibles of the year when the V8 Vantage Roadster. 2012 Aston Martin Sport Cars V8 Vantage S Roadster SPORT SHIFT designed with new specifications that include Convertible body style, 14 CT / 21 HW fuel economy. 2012 Aston Martin Sport Cars V8 Vantage S Roadster embodies the qualities that are integral to Aston Martin: Power, Beauty and Soul.

2012 Aston Martin Sport Cars V8 Vantage S Roadster

The rationale behind the Aston Martin V8 Vantage S was to push the boundaries of the already acclaimed V8 Vantage with the highest levels of driver involvement possible. Aston Martin engineers set about enhancing nearly every dynamic element of the car to create a highly distinctive driving experience. The Aston Martin Vantage range comes of age with the new Aston Martin V8 Vantage S characterised by a host of new driver-focussed features all designed to push the honed dynamics of the standard Vantage to a new benchmark level.

2012 Aston Martin Sport Cars V8 Vantage S Roadster

The Aston Martin V8 Vantage and the Aston Martin V12 Vantage are a series of hand built sports cars from the British manufacturer Aston Martin. Aston Martin has previously used the “Vantage” name on high performance variants of their existing GT models. “The Vantage S epitomizes every attribute of the V8 Vantage and pushes the driver experience beyond what we have offered before”, says Dr. Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin, “It combines dynamic exhilaration with all the charming finesse, beauty and practicality already associated with the Vantage range”.

2012 Aston Martin Sport Cars V8 Vantage S Roadster

"With every new model we continue to evolve and enhance our VH architecture," said Aston Martin Product Development Director, Ian Minards. "The engineering team at Gaydon looked at every single performance attribute of the V8 Vantage, from engine and transmission to suspension, steering, brakes and tires and considered what was required to make this car deserving of the coveted 'S' badge. The result is a pure driver-focused package that, in both the coupe and Roadster form, exploits and emphasizes the sporting nature of the iconic Vantage."

2012 Aston Martin Sport Cars V8 Vantage S Roadster

Power for the 2012 Aston Martin Sport Cars V8 Vantage S Roadster comes from a 4.7L V8, which has been re-engineered to deliver 430 bhp (436 PS / 321 kW) at 7300 rpm and torque of 490 Nm (361 lb.ft) at 5000 rpm. The engine is mated to a new round-up developed 7-speed Sportshift II transmission specifically designed for the Vantage S with seven short ratio gears. Aston Martin says that the transmission is twenty percent quicker than its Sportshift. The 2012 Aston Martin Sport Cars V8 Vantage S Roadster also benefits from its own sound with a new exhaust muffler, quickened steering rack ratio of 15:1 compared to 17:1 on the standard car and a larger diameter front brake disc with new six-piston front brake calipers, new dynamic stability control (DSC) system and bespoke Bridgestone tires.

2012 Aston Martin Sport Cars V8 Vantage S Roadster

The power and torque delivery on the 2012 Aston Martin Sport Cars V8 Vantage S Roadster is delivered at the most frequently used mid range engine speeds which creates tractable and effortless acceleration. Most demand for power and torque is in the mid-range which on the 2012 Aston Martin Sport Cars V8 Vantage S Roadster is where the greatest torque is delivered at 5000 rpm. As with all Aston Martins, the 2012 Aston Martin Sport Cars V8 Vantage S Roadster benefits from near perfect weight balance of 49:51 front to rear owing to the placement of the gearbox on the transaxle contributing to the excellent dynamics. The 2012 Aston Martin Sport Cars V8 Vantage S Roadster has an automatically retracting fabric hood which can be operated up to 20 mph (30 km/h). The S variant features a unique exhaust muffler specifically tuned to aurally define its sporting intent. A revised map opens the bypass valves earlier in the rev range at 3500 rpm and even earlier in 'Sport' mode producing more crackle on the overrun.

2012 Aston Martin Sport Cars V8 Vantage S Roadster

The 2012 Aston Martin Sport Cars V8 Vantage S Roadster weighs 3726 lbs, 66 lbs (30 kg) lighter than the standard Vantage owing to weight optimization of the new Sportshift II transmission and use of carbon fiber. Air cooled, rather than oil cooled, the Sportshift II system takes advantage through the deletion of the oil pump and associated ancillaries saving 53 lbs (24 kg) over the conventional six speed Sportshift system.

2012 Aston Martin Sport Cars V8 Vantage S Roadster

The optional carbon fibre and Kevlar® composite seats cosset the driver providing support during spirited driving while remaining comfortable on long journeys. Saving 17 kg per car, the seats which are manufactured by a supplier to the motorsport and aviation industries are hand-trimmed by craftsmen and women at the Gaydon production facility.

2012 Aston Martin Sport Cars V8 Vantage S Roadster

Both the Vantage S coupe and Roadster are hand built at Aston Martin's global headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire alongside the V8 Vantage and V12 Vantage. Each Aston Martin V8 Vantage S takes in excess of 185 man-hours to build including 50 man-hours to paint and 70 man-hours to hand trim the interior. Each car undergoes meticulous attention to detail in not only the build phase but quality control and handover processes too.