Page 174 of 203

ON DISPLAY: BMW Motorsport at Legends of the Autobahn 2014

August 7, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Woodcliff Lake, N.J. – August 7, 2014 … Today, BMW of North America announced its participation at the fifth-annual Legends of the Autobahn concours. Motorsport is the theme at this year’s Legends, an enthusiast club-driven “Celebration of German Automotive Engineering,” which features free admission for spectators. BMW will arrive with a number of famous racing cars. This year’s factory BMW entries include the BMW.Williams FW22 Formula One car, the 1999 Sebring-winning BMW V-12 LMR prototype, the BMW M5 IMSA Bridgestone Supercar Champion, the 1975 Sebring-winning BMW 3.0 CSL racer, and the BMW M1 IMSA Group 4 racer. BMW USA Classic will also provide a display of BMW Classic parts available to help customers keep their legends in top condition. Legends of the Autobahn festivities are planned from 9:00am until 3:00pm on Friday, August 15th at the event’s new location – the Nicklaus Club in Monterey, California.

Legends of the Autobahn began as a stand-alone concours for BMW vehicles in 2009 and rapidly evolved into a joint venture of three of the largest car clubs: the BMW Car Club of America, the Mercedes-Benz Club of America, and the Audi Club North America. BMW Concept vehicles have often appeared at Legends, most recently the 1972 BMW Concept Turbo, featured in 2013.

In 2014, BMW will bring a number of BMW USA Classic vehicles to display at the event, some of which are also entered in the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion vintage races, taking place throughout the weekend at nearby Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

The BMW.Williams FW22 Formula One car, driven by Ralf Schumacher in 2000 to fifth-place in the Driver’s Championship and third-place in the Constructors Championship, still sporting its original No. 9 livery, will appear on static display at Legends.

Alongside the FW22 will be the BMW V-12 LMR prototype race car built to tackle the 1999 24 Hours of LeMans . The LMR on display debuted at the American Le Man Series 12 Hours of Sebring in March of 1999. Driven by Tom Kristensen (DK), JJ Lehto (F) and Jorg Muller (D), the car won the race overall in the closest finish up to that time, a mere 9.2 seconds separating first and second place.

BMW’s No. 25 BMW 3.0 CSL won the 1975 12 Hours of Sebring and was honored in March 2014 with a Class win at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. It will be driven at the 2014 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion by BMW of North America President and CEO, Ludwig Willisch.

Another BMW race car appearing at Legends is the No. 2 BMW M1 IMSA Group 4 car that was campaigned by BMW of North America at the 24 Hours of Daytona and Mosport during the 1981 season and driven by the likes of David Hobbs, Mark Surer, and Dieter Quester. At the Rolex Reunion, the M1 Group 4 will be piloted by Randy Pobst for Motor Trend Magazine.

Perhaps the best vehicle to showcase BMW’s legendary transfer of success between Autobahn pedigree and race track provenance is the BMW M5 IMSA Bridgestone Supercar Championship double-winner. The M5 “Supercar,” as it is known by enthusiasts, based on the second-generation ‘E34’ M5 Sedan, was a genuine giant-killer in a field of pure sports cars, winning both the 1994 and 1995 seasons of the Championship. The M5, propelled by its highly-developed and extremely powerful 450hp inline-6 engine, was never sidelined due to a mechanical failure during its charge to win the 1994 season with David Donohue at the wheel. The BMW advertisement to celebrate the 1994 Championship win used the following lines: “The 1994 IMSA Supercar Champion has something exotic Ferrari, Lotus, and Porsche competitors don’t. Four doors. Of course, come to think of it, the BMW M5 Sedan also has the trophy.”

Alongside the M5 Supercar, the 2015 BMW M530th Anniversary Edition will make its North American debut at Legends of the Autobahn. BMW recently announced a limited run of 30 copies of the Edition for the United States, with total worldwide production reaching 300 examples. The BMW M5 “30 Jahre M5” features an output of 600hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, and will not only be the most powerful M5 ever sold, but also the most powerful BMW production model yet. After the Legends of the Autobahn event concludes, the 30th Anniversary Edition M5 will join the BMW M5 IMSA Bridgestone Supercar Championship car and an original, first generation ‘E28’ M5 from 1988 on display, back at the BMW Garage in the paddock at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion.

For More Information:

http://www.legendsoftheautobahn.org

IN HISTORICS: Restored BMW Alpina 2002ti Returns to the Track in Monterey

August 6, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Woodcliff Lake, N.J. – August 5, 2014 …Today BMW announced that it will run its newly restored 1970 BMW ALPINA 2002ti in the annual Rolex Monterey Motorsport Reunion at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca next week. The car will be raced by Road & Track Executive Editor and vintage racer Sam Smith.

This racing 2002ti was built by German BMW constructor/tuner/race team ALPINA GmbH in 1970 and features ALPINA’s signature Weber side draft carburetor setup, engine performance upgrades, flared fenders and three piece ALPINA alloy wheels. In late 1970, the car was sold to Vasek Polak BMW of Hermosa Beach, California. The car was then campaigned by Competition of Torrance in SCCA events for the 1971 and 1972 seasons and then retired.

The car spent the next 24 years in storage before being purchased by BMW of North America, completely reconditioned and painted in non-period-correct BMW Motorsport livery and entered for the BMW celebration at the 1996 Monterey Historic Races. Nick Craw, John Morton, Danica Patrick, Boris Said, Bill Auberlen and Tommy Milner have all vintage raced the car since its rebirth.

In early 2014, the car was restored to its original 1970 BMW ALPINA Team Orange with Semi-Gloss Black hood and rear deck livery with the help of ALPINA. Even the steering wheel was returned to ALPINA in order for ALPINA’s leather specialists to restore the hand stitched leather on the original wheel.

BMW and ALPINA, both at home in the German state of Bavaria, have a long history of working together to produce special BMW automobiles. Burkard Bovensiepen, son of the founder of ALPINA Business Machines and an enthusastic racing driver/engineer, began his automotive career path in 1961 by developing a dual-carburetor setup for the just-introduced BMW 1500 sedan – the precusor to the venerable 2002 models. It was a predictive beginning: to take an already fine-performing BMW (which also just happened to be a practical sedan) and making it perform even better. ALPINA soon became a name famous in Europe and the wider world for putting a particular performance accent on BMWs and winning races.

By 1964, BMW had officially recognized ALPINA’s contribution to BMW performance. Not long thereafter, Burkard Bovensiepen founded the ALPINA company – ALPINA Burkard Bovensiepen KG – that continues today, creating special versions of BMW automobiles that offer a particular brand of performance for discriminating auto enthusiasts. Yet outside the circle of dedicated BMW enthusiasts, ALPINA has kept a low profile in North America. In addition to racing versions of BMWs, ALPINA has developed a progression of BMW-based cars based on 3, 5, 6, 8, Z4 and Z8 models and offered them on a limited-production basis. ALPINA is located in the small Bavarian city of Buchloe, some 50 miles southwest of Munich, BMW’s headquarters city and the capital of Bavaria.

In recent models, ALPINA has concentrated on delivering very high levels of performance with moderate rpm ranges and automatic transmission. ALPINA currently offers the B7 model line based on the BMW 7 Series and newly introduced BMW ALPINA B6 xDrive Gran Coupe in the US market.

The BMW ALPINA B6 xDrive Gran Coupe delivers the exceptional 0 to 60 mph acceleration of only 3.7 seconds. The 540-horsepower and 540 lb-ft output of the ALPINA V8 Bi-Turbo engine is channeled through an 8 speed Sport Automatic Transmission with ALPINA Switch-Tronic and BMW’s xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system.

A carefully tuned high performance stainless steel ALPINA exhaust system with twin elliptical tailpipes resonates with a deep but unobtrusive exhaust note.

BMW Adaptive Drive with Active Roll Stabilization technology works together with the fully variable torque distribution of the xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system. The seamless integration of chassis and powertrain enables agile and neutral driving dynamics that meet the highest demands for sportiness, comfort and all-weather traction.

With a top speed of 198 MPH, the BMW Alpina B6 xDrive Gran Coupe impresses not only through its effortless and confident super-high performance, but also with its finely balanced handling and smooth refinement.

The BMW ALPINA 2002ti is scheduled to race at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion from Thursday August 14th through Sunday August 17th.

1970 BMW ALPINA 2002ti Specifications:

General Data

Weight approx. 1990 lbs.

Length x width 166.5 x 64.0 in.

Wheelbase 98.4 in.

Engine

Engine Type SOHC, 16-valve 4-cylinder, twin side-draft 2-barrel Weber carburators

Displacement 1990 cc

Bore x stroke 89 mm x 80 mm

Power output approx. 220 hp @ 8000 rpm

Drivetrain

Drive system Front engine/rear-wheel drive

Transmission 5-speed manual

Chassis

Front suspension McPherson strut with

coil springs, anti-roll bar

Rear suspension Semi-trailing arms with

coil springs, anti-roll bar

Steering type Worm & Roller

Brake system 4-wheel ventilated discs

Wheels/Tires ALPINA 3-piece Mg/Al wheels/Hoozier 205/60 R 13

PICK OF THE DAY: Tidy Original MK I Capri

August 1, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

The story of the Ford Capri is one not so much of invention as reinvention. With the immense success of the Mustang in the US, Ford identified that a pony car market could exist on foreign shores, namely Europe. Its project name was in fact Colt. Using the already sporty Cortina as a mechanical basis, Ford wrapped it in a handsome fastback coupé body. By the time of its introduction in 1969, the Mustang had grown into something closer resembling a draft horse than a pony. When the Capri went on sale in the US through Lincoln-Mercury dealers, the marketing boffins labeled it “The Sexy European.” This virtually insured that rather than recapture the spirit of the pony car of the mid-‘60s, it would instead be forevermore labeled a chick car. Having been established prior to the fuel crisis, it wasn’t until a few years later, when the Mustang II would replace its goliath predecessor (and itself be one of history’s chickiest of chick cars), that the Capri would be seen as a viable alternative to its European contemporaries from BMW, Fiat and even Alfa Romeo. Its dealer/service network was a huge bonus, but aside from that, it was a decent performer and a favorite or weekend autocrossers and gymkhanists. The US-version 2.8-liter motor was one of the most balanced, revvy, dependable V6s of the time. With a relatively-good-for-its-day 90-hp output, the smoothness of its delivery made the car feel much more powerful. The first-gen Capris would go on to sell reasonably well and merged seamlessly into their second reinvention as a more refined, cavalier (read: chick-y) twin to the Fox-bodied Mustang. The Capri name took a brief hiatus in the late 80s before being reinvented one last time as a front-drive roadster (befittingly, reclaiming its chick car badge) built by Ford Australia. Plagued by perceived quality and safety issues, the Capri finally came to rest in 1994. Today, however, we return to perhaps its most masculine iteration, the Mk I. And we do so in a good way, with a 62,700-mile example that has been remarkably preserved where others have literally crumbled from rust and neglect. Its àpropos ‘70s Copper paint has held up well, though there is a fair amount of oxidation on the leading edge of the hood. Inside, upholstery and dash look to be in nice shape with only some small tears in the driver‘s seat. Seller discloses some other issues need to be addressed, but the mere fact that one of these still exists in captivity, much less one that is original down to the clock, radio and window sticker, is undoubtedly worth a look. Find it here on Craigslist in Pennsburg PA for a reasonable $5,000.

IN CELEBRATION: Salon Privé Marks Jaguar D-Type 60th Anniversary

July 31, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

A true icon of race engineering – the streamlined structure and breathtaking looks of the D-Type make it one of the most beautiful competition cars ever produced and Salon Privé are thrilled to be celebrating the 60^th anniversary of this spectacular car with a specially dedicated class within the Chubb Insurance Concours d’Elégance.

All of the cars entered are steeped in history and provenance but one stands out for its particularly colourful early life and that is XKD523 which makes its international Concours debut after 40 years!

One third of all Jaguar D-Types were sold to buyers in the USA – including XKD523. First purchased in New York, it was sold by its first owner to drag racer Joe Grimaldi after a disgruntled individual at a race in Nassau put sand into the dry sump tank! Grimaldi raced it successfully at circuits like Bridgehampton, Watkins Glen and Lime Rock. However, an ill-fated speed record attempt at Daytona damaged the engine beyond repair, leading Grimaldi to install a Chevy V8, citing it as ‘the worst mistake of my life’.

The next owner decided to discard the original chassis frame for a new factory version, with the newly rebuilt car retaining the ‘523’ identity. Meanwhile, the discarded frame and many other components were sold separately to the UK, creating another ‘523’ – effectively a dual identity car. Quite wonderfully, the UK owner acquired the US ‘523’ in 2008 and set about having the original components reunited, allowing the car to stand complete again after a 40 year wait!

The colossal D-Type succeeded Jaguar’s C-Type with a marvellous debut at the 1954 Le Mans, where it thundered to a 2nd overall finish. Even though it featured the C-Type’s successful 3.4-litre XK competition engine, the D-Type varied from its forerunner completely as it had a very different construction, featuring two chassis sub-frames bolted to a monocoque. The coachwork was an attractive study of aerodynamics and when you looked closely, suggestions of the forthcoming E-Type with its iconic oval-mouth grille became clear to see.

Few cars could match the D-Type on the endurance circuits of the period, with many dominating performances at Nürburgring, Reims, Sebring and three consecutive victories at Le Mans (1955 – 1957). The D-Type is a visual tour de force that rubber-stamped Jaguar’s position in post-war racing folklore, and it will always be considered one of the era’s most important and captivating racing cars. Little wonder that D-Types can be worth millions today!

Jaguar enjoys a magnificent road and race heritage and the D-Type was pivotal in cementing this during the 1950s -showcasing the engine power and design capabilities of the works’ engineers and mechanics’
D-Types are very rare; there were only 71 originally made and a large number of these were lost in the factory fire of ’57 so to see a class of them at Salon Privé is a real treat and their recognition of the ‘D’ in its 60^th year bears testament to Jaguar and the designers of this iconic car.
We were very keen to have our development car, #401, feature as we are always proud for it to be seen, especially at an event like Salon Privé where it will be alongside a selection of other fantastic and equally rare examples.
TONY O’KEEFFE – Heritage Communications Officer, Jaguar UK

Salon Privé is a boutique event which opens on Wednesday 3^rd September with the crème de la crème of classic cars from around the world competing in the internationally-renowned Chubb Insurance Concours d’Elégance.

Tickets to Salon Privé 2014 are available now and can be purchased either by calling the Ticket Hotline on 0808 100 2205 or by going online www.salonprivelondon.com/product-category/full-hospitality/. Entry is fully inclusive of Pommery champagne, BBQ lobster luncheon, English afternoon tea and full access to all areas.

ON TRACK: Lamborghini Launches North American Performance Driving School

July 31, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Herndon, Va. – July 30, 2014 — Lamborghini Accademia will host its first-ever North American performance driving school – from September 14-17 – at renowned Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. The lead role for this year’s global Accademia program is the new Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4, which has achieved great commercial success since its debut earlier this year.

The Accademia, developed by the brand’s motorsports team, Squadra Corse, provides Lamborghini clients with intense driving courses on the track, allowing them to take the first steps into the world of motorsports. It’s a captivating combination of high performance vehicles on some of the world’s legendary race tracks coupled with fine dining and hospitality.

The one-day event is designed to challenge participants with morning exercises including slalom, acceleration, braking, drifting and section training at Laguna Seca’s key corners such as the famous Corkscrew. The afternoon is spent applying the learning into full-course lapping, utilizing one-on-one and video coaching.

At the end of the day each of the 24 participants will receive a certificate from Lamborghini Squadra Corse stating their completion of the course.

After Laguna Seca, Lamborghini Accademia goes back on the road with a stop at Hockenheim, Germany on October 1-2. Winter Accademia event dates, for the 2014-2015 season, will be announced shortly.

For further details on the program and to enroll in the Lamborghini Accademia,
log on to: http://www.squadracorse.lamborghini.com.

IN THE GARAGE: 1990 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet

July 29, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments


VIN	WP0CB2968LS470358
Exterior	[L700] Black
Interior	[LC] Beige Partial Leather
Motor	3.6 L H6 rated at 247+ bhp
Gearbox	5-Speed Manual
Odometer	71,815 mi.

THE PROOF IS IN THE PAMPERING. Bridging the gap between the classic “impact bumper” 911s like the SC and Carrera 3.2 and the more modern 993, the 964 is considered by many to be the best of both worlds. It closely resembles the iconic shape that dates back to the 911’s debut in 1964 while incorporating the sleek styling of the modern Porsches. It looks like a more aerodynamic Carrera 3.2 but according to Porsche, the 964 is over 90% new components; therefore it represents a milestone in the 911s history. Yet it naturally maintains the air-cooled motor (now enlarged to 3.6 liters and developing 247 bhp in stock form) with further air cooling provided by the convertible top. With meticulous records including original window sticker, this is an impeccably maintained, original, low-mileage car that exemplifies the 964 as every bit 911, but decidedly unique in character from those that came before or since.

OVERALL CONDITION
The first thing we notice about the car is its paint. It maintains an outstanding gloss and depth and has never seen any accident damage. It is perfectly straight with no dings, scratches or signs of rust whatsoever. A tremendous amount of care has been given throughout its ownership to preserve its integrity. The top is all original with clear rear window and canvas in near new condition, with only one small (1/2″) snag. Rubber is like new all around and was clearly kept out of heat and dryness. Inside, we find a partial leather interior that shows very little wear. There is just the right amount of patina, but no bolster wear and no cracks or tears. Controls and instruments all work properly including cold AC. Carpets are deep and thick. The motor, like any 3.6, is a beautiful piece of machinery, but one with under 72,000 original miles and fresh service is exceptionally beautiful. There are no valve guide issues or unusual pings, tings or other noises. With a Porsche-engineered intentional omission of head gaskets, early 964s were notorious leakers. As part of full disclosure, this one is no exception. However it is minimal, with only about a spoonful after sitting a few days. There is no smoke on startup and fires immediately, even after periods of dormancy. The transmission has also been serviced on schedule and is very solid with smooth, crisp linkages up and down through all gears. The factory D90 wheels are perhaps some of the nicest to feature on any 911 and these are in near flawless condition with no curb rash and excellent finish. They are shod with Bridgestone Potenzas that show very good life (80+% tread). This is an exceptionally nice and properly kept example of a 964.

Options

070	Tonneau cover – Cabriolet
220	Locking differential
286	High intensity windscreen washer
288	Headlight washer
437	Comfort seat left
438	Comfort seat right
454	Automatic speed control
494	2 speakers on back shelf
513	Lumbar support – right seat
586	Lumbar support – left seat
691	CD-Player “CD-1” with Radio (since replaced)
C02	Equipped with catalytic converter

DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
I’ve said it before. 911s are made to be driven. Like any 911, this one is loads of fun to drive. Put your foot in it and its seats will hug you. Show it a twisty road and it will dance with you. If you’re feeling a little racy, that’s fine too. Everything on it it silky and tight. The 3.6 liter motor fires up and pulls strong while the 5-speed transmission is crisp and sure with so play and no sync issues. Steering is very responsive and the road feel is excellent through a tight suspension and excellent Bridgestone tires. Braking is firm and solid. This is a car that feels classic but completely fresh and relevant. In other words, it’s a true 911.

PICK OF THE DAY: Pampered Mercedes-Benz 250 SE Coupé

July 25, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

There are few cars that evoke the kind of refined establishment as the Mercedes-Benz W111 Heckflosse Coupé and Cabriolet. With its traditional grille, cathedral headlamps and subtle tail fins, combined with the individuality of its two-door body, it’s a car that even today turns heads to see who might be behind the wheel. At the top of the chain are the 280 se 3.5 Cabriolets, with values rocketing nearly 40% within the last year. While the fixed roof coupés aren’t in that sort of investment category—at least not yet—they offer most of the same panache, albeit without the St. Tropez vibe. More importantly, they do it for about 20% of what it would take to get into a 3.5 Cab. This example is a mid-generation 250 SE. The 250 SE, sandwiched between the early 220 SEb and the 280 SE, featured some driver-oriented improvements to it predecessor with a very capable 150-hp motor, four-wheel independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes. As such it would be an ideal entry in a vintage rally, such as this weekend’s Northwest Classic Rally. It is said to have been garaged and pampered, with an extensive amount of reconditioning since 2008. It has had a color change over a rust-free body. It isn’t original, but looks very smart over its handsome Dark Red interior, which seller discloses needs some minor cosmetic flaws addressed. Excellent maintenance on its 78,000-mile drivetrain certainly add to its adeptness as a quality driver’s car. Find it here on Craigslist in Great Falls VA for $33,000.

PICK OF THE DAY: Tidy Low-Mile Alfa Romeo 164 S

July 19, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Before they pulled out of the US along with parent company Fiat, Alfa Romeo treated us to one of the most sporting sports tourers that have ever been on these shores: the 164. With perhaps the smoothest V6 ever placed under a hood, even the base model’s 183 hp evoked an Italian, quasi-exotic feel that its chief rivals, the Mercedes-Benz E Class and BMW 5 Series, inherently did not have. It’s little wonder that Enzo Ferrari drove an Alfa Romoe 164 as his commuter. The even more sporting 164 S bumped the horsepower to 200 and added electronically adjustable suspension, bolstered leather seating and aerodynamic skirts and spoilers. While the cladding may not be to everyone’s taste, the driving experience was elevated to a level where it could easily be overlooked. Despite front wheel drive, their 50/50 weight distribution made them de facto driver’s cars. As such, Alfa Romeo made a concerted effort to ensure that they could be driven much longer than previous Alfas. Along with galvanized frames and comprehensive rust proofing, they featured a computer controlled engine management system and two-stage valve timing. With proper maintenance, it’s not unheard of that this driver’s car can be driven well past 200,000 miles. When one comes on the market with less than 80,000 miles, it’s worth noting. This example has not only clocked a mere 76,000 miles, but shines with the care its been given over 13 years or so. Interior is original with excellent patina but no wear. Paint looks to be superb with no signs of fading or oxidation. The cleanliness of the engine is a good indicator that it has been well maintained. With the low mileage, critical maintenance issues like timing chain wear, steering leaks and AC motor may or may not have been addressed, but appreciation for the 164 is rising, particularly for the later 24-valve Qs, but this S is reasonably priced for the miles and condition. Find it here on Craigslist in Fremont CA for $5,900.

IN THE NEWS: Aston Martin Takes the Covers off V12 Vantage Roadster

July 16, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Aston Martin is opening up a new world of exhilarating driving excitement with the announcement of the hotly anticipated 2015 V12 Vantage S Roadster.

When it arrives in markets around the world later this year the new sports car will become the luxury British marque’s most potent, fastest and fastest-accelerating series production roadster to date and follows in the broad tyre tracks of the V12 Vantage S Coupe that was launched to worldwide acclaim in 2013.

Providing the most visceral yet engaging open-top experience in Aston Martin’s current range, the new V12 Vantage S Roadster delivers characteristic sporting agility underpinned by an enviable sports ‘soundtrack’ generated by its naturally aspirated V12 engine and expertly-tuned sports exhaust.

Equipped with the latest 565 bhp Aston Martin AM28 6.0-litre V12 engine, featuring state-of-the-art Bosch engine management, the car is capable of reaching 201 mph and sprinting from rest to 60 mph in only 3.9 seconds.

Peak and low rev torque is delivered in abundance. With 457 lb ft available at 5,750 rpm the V12 Vantage S Roadster is not to be found wanting in this vital department. Crucially, too, low rev torque – measured at just 1,000 rpm – peaks at a colossal 376 lb ft. Together, these statistics demonstrate the Aston Martin engineers’ ability to create a ‘flatter’, yet ‘fatter’, torque curve which supports exceptional driveability and strong pick-up through the gears.

Aston Martin Director of Design, Marek Reichman, said: “The V12 Vantage S Roadster is the mechanical embodiment of this company’s exceptional spirit.

“Beautiful, powerful and spirited it is as spectacular to listen to as it is to look at. The new roadster is truly a treat for the senses with, underlying all this, the capacity to deliver one of the most dynamic, exciting and stirring driving experiences in our current range.

“I’m sure the V12 Vantage S Roadster will appeal to luxury sports car enthusiasts worldwide who want to add a truly exceptional new model to their garage.”

Race car technology

As with its coupe sibling, race car technology runs right through the DNA of the V12 Vantage S Roadster with, for instance, CNC machined combustion chambers and hollow cam shafts just two examples of track technology feeding through to the road.

Another clear example is the new car’s gearbox, the Sportshift™III ASM (auto-shift manual) transmission. Engineered to exploit the full sporting potential of the V12 engine, the latest generation Sportshift™III hydraulically actuated automated manual transmission provides motorsport-style paddle shift changes for optimum performance delivery. The unit, which replaces the six-speed manual gearbox found in the previous V12 Vantage Roadster, is also appreciably lighter – saving 44 lb versus its forebear.

This race-derived and motorsport-proven technology – used routinely in Aston Martin Racing’s race-winning Vantage GT4, GT3 and GTE competition cars – provides for great driver control with only milliseconds of torque interruption and delivers precise and swift gear changes.

The Sportshift™III transaxle, from transmission experts Oerlikon Graziano, joins an extensive array of new sport and track-focused developments that ensure the V12 Vantage S Roadster is fully equipped to exploit the huge performance potential of its 6.0-litre naturally aspirated engine.

The use of three-stage adaptive damping, allied to three-stage DSC and two-stage ABS, allows the driver to more precisely tailor the car’s dynamic character. ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Track’ modes provide a broad swathe of dynamic performance that can be tuned to better suit the driver’s requirements. The system also governs the level of power steering assistance offered.

Working alongside the extended chassis capabilities is a ‘Sport’ mode, controlled via a button on the centre console that alters throttle response, gearshift speed and timing, and exhaust note to, once again, tune the character of the car to the driver’s requirements.

Optimum braking performance is delivered via the specially-created carbon ceramic discs all round, with near-identical brakes appearing on the brands ultimate GT, the Vanquish. Meanwhile a whole new exhaust system – derived from that of Aston Martin’s most expensive and exclusive production model, the One-77 hypercar – is light, small and wonderfully sonorous.

The ZF Servotronic power assisted steering offers a quick, slick, 15:1 ratio and, linked to the adaptive damping button, it offers two-mode steering assistance designed to best match the ‘Sport’ or ‘Normal’ settings generated by the Adaptive Damping System.

Pure power, beautifully presented

As Aston Martin’s most overtly sporting convertible car, with a more dynamic character even than the luxurious Vanquish Volante ultimate GT or refined DB9 Volante, the V12 Vantage S Roadster has been styled to reflect is position as the flagship convertible in the Vantage family.

In keeping with the V12 Vantage S Coupe, the Roadster does away with the famous aluminium vanes in the Aston Martin grille – replacing them with a carbon fibre arrangement that also includes sporty black or titanium silver mesh. Created to maximise airflow to the V12 engine, the new grille is inspired by both the remarkable CC100 Speedster Concept and the Vantage race cars.

Other distinguishing features of the V12 Vantage S Roadster include the option of lightweight forged alloy ten-spoke wheels.

The new Roadster retains the same compact proportions of its predecessor while features such as the pronounced bonnet louvres, optional bold graphics (painted carbon front grille, front grille lipstick and tailgate panel) as well as the exterior carbon pack and flared wheel arches underscore its sporting abilities.

Inside, as out, the new car has been styled to reflect its powerful nature. New-style seat trim and door trims, with Sport and carbon fibre Lightweight seat options – present V12 Vantage S Roadster buyers with an exciting array of choices.

The optional Interior Carbon Pack, which adds carbon fibre to the car’s facia and door pulls, plus the availability for the first time in a V12 Vantage S Roadster of black pedals, further enhances personalisation options for those in search of a truly bespoke sports car.

Q by Aston Martin

Meanwhile,For V12 Vantage S Roadster, the company is introducing a Q by Aston Martin Collection which consists of bespoke features that are entirely in keeping with the character of the car.

For V12 Vantage S Roadster this includes a palette of bold exterior and interior colours; body coloured carbon bonnet louvres; a red tint or satin finish to the carbon fibre elements on the exterior and interior of the car; a full carbon fibre centre console, black anodised and machined rotary controls and a steering wheel with a leather on-centre stripe in the chosen interior accent colour.

Marek Reichman added: “The new V12 Vantage S Roadster not only looks the part, but has been engineered and built to showcase the ethos of Aston Martin: power, beauty and soul.

“We believe that it is a truly exceptional sports car, with the capacity to set pulses racing just by its sound alone. The authentic appeal of its style, performance, quality and craftsmanship ensure its stands head and shoulders above others in its sector and delivers that most precious of experiences – fun – in abundance!”

PICK OF THE DAY: Low-milage Saab Sonett “Survivor”

July 16, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

When a company is “born from jets,” it’s only a matter of time that it should divert slightly from its people’s car roots into something more sporting. Almost immediately following the first passenger Saab, the 92’s, introduction, it made its way into rallying and some years later a car that was aimed at road racing circuits was launched, to compete with the likes of Alfa Romeo, Jaguar and Porsche. This was the Saab Sonett I. While only six copies of the Sonett I were introduced, the idea that Saab was aptly capable of doing so was kept in the back of the minds of both engineers. A decade or so after the Sonett I was introduced, bolstered by further success in rallying, the Sonett II was launched and made its way into regular production. Though somewhat less ambitious than its predecessor, the Sonett II proved successful in its class, against Triumphs and MGs, among others. In short it was a bona fide sports car. By the third and final iteration, the Sonett III could’ve been mistaken for something out of Italy, owing to its design rooted in Sergio Coggiola’s pen. Its sleek (0.31 Cx), lightweight (under 900 kg), fiberglass body mated to a Ford V4 motor pulled the little car by its front wheels with respectable performance whist not compromising on the cornerstone Saab traits of safety and economy. This example comes from one if its last years of production, 1972, which is also the last year before being burdened with cumbersome bumpers per US safety standards. It is said to be a survivor though it has had a repaint, been reupholstered, refinished soccer balls, and the stock Autolite carburetor was replaced with a Weber. Ok, so it’s not a textbook ”survivor.” Neverthelss, it is an original 42,000-mileage example that’s been documented since purchase. It presents extraordinarily well and likely is a blast to drive. Find it here on Craigslist in Springfield VA from a motivated seller for $13,900 or best offer.