Lamborgini Gallardo LP550-2 Spyder

Automobili Lamborghini is expanding the most successful model line ever built under the sign of the bull with a very special car - the new Gallardo LP 550-2 Spyder combines the open spyder body style with purist rear Wheel Drive. This version brings together that stunning level of open-air driving fun that can come only from a super sports car with a folding roof and an unbelievably agile and spontaneous handling.

"With the Gallardo LP 550-2 Spyder, we are expanding the Lamborghini lineup with a purist model that adds yet another dimension of driving fun. This will appeal in particular to a very special group of customers that enjoy a spirited driving style and also like to experience the sheer pleasure of open-air driving," says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. "This special model with rear-wheel drive is a logical expansion of our lineup of spyder models with all-wheel drive."

The most important technical characteristics of the Lamborghini LP 550-2 Spyder are already recognizable from the model designation - LP stands for Longitudinale/Posteriore, for the mid-engine built longitudinally in front of the rear axle. 550 refers to the power output in hp, and the 2 stands for the drive to the rear wheels. At Lamborghini, the word spyder means the ultimate synthesis of a fascinating, powerfully expressive super sports car design, the ultimate open-air thrill and sheer pleasure for all the senses.

The Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Spyder with rear-wheel drive is the perfect fit for the kind of sports car driver that enjoys a particularly hands-on and spirited style of driving. The setup is laid out to ensure that the rear end remains reliable and stable at all times, while the front axle steers with the highest level of precision and limits movement to an absolute minimum.

Thanks to the supremely powerful V10 engine, controlled oversteer is not a problem, although always and only to the extent prescribed by the driver. Its easy-to-control road manners and the ESP assistant system developed for these vehicles make the Gallardo LP 550-2 Spyder an outstandingly safe sports car to drive.

In order to shape this unique character of driving fun and safety, the engineers in Sant'Agata Bolognese carried out extensive modifications to the Gallardo LP 550-2 Spyder, developing it specifically for these new characteristics. Not only was drive concentrated on the rear axle, the vehicle was also completely retuned in all its dynamic details. This Includes a specific dampers setting. The aerodynamics were also adapted to account for the change in the distribution of forces.

The vehicle show out its goods with a rear axle with the 45-percent locking differential, and the adoption of the e-gear transmission. All completed with a fine adaptation of the ESP stability control system. While the standard program puts a priority on stability, the CORSA program allows larger drift angles and delivers a highly intensive appreciation of the full dynamics of the LP 550-2. All the excellent characteristics of the Gallardo chassis are fully retained - its pleasing bodyroll comfort, as well as its excellent directional stability at high speed.

The heart of the Gallardo - the 5.2-liter ten-cylinder - was also retuned and its characteristics optimized for rear-wheel drive, delivering that perfect and breathtaking synthesis of high-revving pleasure, pulling power, exuberant temperament and powerful melody in all keys. In the LP 550-2 Spyder, the compact and lightweight power unit delivers 405 kW (550 hp). Thanks to systematic Lamborghini lightweight design and an extremely low dry weight of just 1,520 kilograms, phenomenal performance is guaranteed - the LP 550-2 catapults itself from zero to 100 km/h in just 4,2 seconds. And its top speed of 319km/h guarantees it a place among the ultimate super sports cars. The soft-top of the Gallardo Spyder is designed for unlimited top-speed enjoyment both open and closed.





Specifications:-

General specifications
Country of origin	Italy
Numbers built	N/A
Introduced	2012
Introduced at	2011 LA Auto Show

Engine
Configuration	90º V10
Location	Mid, longitudinally mounted
Construction	aluminium alloy block and head
Displacement	5.204 liter / 317.6 cu in
Bore / Stroke	84.5 mm (3.3 in) / 92.8 mm (3.7 in)
Compression	12.5:1
Valvetrain	4 valves / cylinder, DOHC
Fuel feed	Direct Fuel Injection
Aspiration	Naturally Aspirated
Power	543 bhp / 405 KW @ 8000 rpm
Torque	540 Nm / 398 ft lbs @ 6500 rpm
BHP/Liter	104 bhp / liter

Drivetrain
Body	aluminium panels
Chassis	aluminium spaceframe
Suspension (fr/r)	double wishbones, anti-dive and anti-squat self adjusting dampers, anti-roll bar
Steering	rack-and-pinion, power assisted
Brakes	carbon ceramic ventilated discs, all-round, ABS
Gearbox	6 speed Manual
Drive	Rear wheel drive

Dimensions
Weight	1520 kilo / 3351 lbs

Performance figures
Power to weight	0.36 bhp / kg

Astorn Martin V12 Vantage Roadster

The V12 Vantage Roadster's 6.0-litre engine, mated as in the Coupe to a six-speed manual gearbox, generates 517 PS at 6,500 rpm and a muscular 570 Nm of torque at 5,750 rpm. It has been intelligently packaged into the Vantage Roadster's compact form to fully exploit the sports-orientated model's ample natural agility.

The naturally-aspirated V12 provides high levels of power and torque yet it delivers a flexible, refined driving experience illuminated with the potential for truly electrifying performance. The 0-62 mph sprint is dispatched in just 4.5 seconds while this most potent Aston Martin Roadster is capable of 190 mph.

While the Roadster naturally shares much of the technical and specification features of the V12 Vantage Coupe, some elements are redesigned to take account of the Roadster's neat packaging and engaging dynamics.

The V12 Vantage Roadster features a redesigned rear boot lid and lower front air intake to maintain a level of dynamic performance that's fully in keeping with the V12 Coupe, while there are also a number of unique chassis revisions. These include a modified rear damper set-up, front and rear damper valve tuning and a new rear spring design.

These changes, in conjunction with Aston Martin's use of Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres, ensure the sports car delivers dramatic straight-line performance as well as outstanding handling.

Styled to be as beautiful as it is potent, the new Roadster boasts a number of eye-catching additions that underline its sporty characteristics. Carbon fibre side strakes; a carbon fibre front splitter and rear diffuser; carbon fibre mirror caps and carbon fibre rear lamp infills - plus the new forged alloy wheel design - should leave the sports car cognoscenti in no doubt that this is a truly exclusive Aston Martin.

At the rear, the boot lid on the V12 Vantage Roadster incorporates a more pronounced 'flip' to reduce rear lift and improve stability at high speeds. The V12's diffuser houses a large, centre-mounted oil cooler and two large tail-pipe finishers.

As with the front splitter, the carbon fibre rear diffuser is hand-made to ensure the direction and consistency of the weave and ensure the best possible finish.

Inside, there are other distinguishing features that make the new car stand out from its illustrious siblings in the sought-after Aston Martin V8 Vantage and V12 Vantage line-up. Subtle additions such as the use of glass switches in the lower centre stack elevate yet further the luxurious ambience in the V12 Vantage Roadster cabin.

While for those seeking the ultimate in V12 Vantage Roadster personalisation, a package of interior trim comprising carbon fibre facia and carbon fibre gearshift surround is available.

Unique to the V12 Vantage and new V12 Vantage Roadster is the engine's "Sport" mode button, which enables the driver to select between two different powertrain modes.

Normal mode is the default from start-up and provides not only a more relaxed throttle response but also a quieter, more refined exhaust note. This creates a more progressive throttle response, suited to 'everyday' situations such as when driving in heavy traffic.

Sport mode, meanwhile, is designed for use in more dynamic driving situations where sharper responses are required. It has a number of tangible effects on the powertrain including a sharper throttle response, with the engine delivering more torque during the early stages of throttle pedal travel. Exhaust system bypass valves are also kept open for longer to create a particularly sporty exhaust note.

Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer Dr Ulrich Bez said: "The V12 Vantage models are, first and foremost, driver's cars - inviting and fully rewarding the driver's full involvement.

Specifications:-

General specifications
Country of origin	Great Britain
Numbers built	N/A
Introduced	2012

Engine
Configuration	60º V12
Location	Front, longitudinally mounted
Construction	aluminium block and head
Displacement	5.935 liter / 362.2 cu in
Bore / Stroke	89.0 mm (3.5 in) / 79.5 mm (3.1 in)
Compression	10.9:1
Valvetrain	4 valves / cylinder, DOHC
Fuel feed	Fuel Injection
Aspiration	Naturally Aspirated
Power	510 bhp / 380 KW @ 6500 rpm
Torque	570 Nm / 420 ft lbs @ 5750 rpm
BHP/Liter	86 bhp / liter

Drivetrain
Body	aluminium, magnesium alloy, composite and steel body panels
Chassis	bonded aluminium structure
Front suspension	double wishbones, coil springs, monotube dampers, anti-roll bar
Rear suspension	double wishbones, dual-rate coil springs, monotube dampers, anti-roll bar
Steering	rack-and-pinion, power assisted
Brakes	ventilated carbon ceramic discs, all-round
Gearbox	6 speed Manual
Drive	Rear wheel drive

Dimensions
Weight	1760 kilo / 3880.1 lbs
Length / Width / Height	4382 mm (172.5 in) / 2022 mm (79.6 in) / 1256 mm (49.4 in)
Wheelbase / Track (fr/r)	2600 mm (102.4 in) / N/A / N/A

Performance figures
Power to weight	0.29 bhp / kg
Top Speed	305 km/h (190 mph)
0-100 km/h	4.5 s

Astorn Martin Virage

Aston Martin introduces the new Virage - supremely elegant and powerful, yet juxtaposed as an understated sports car. The marque can now provide customers with a class-leading range, all with different characters, yet with the same unique Aston Martin soul and luxury.

Beautiful, dynamic and prestigious, the Virage combines outright sports car performance with luxury, comfort and refinement. The front mid-mounted V12 engine's torque delivery provides outstanding performance, coupled with the car's inherent agility and perfect weight distribution delivering the ideal balance between outright sports car performance and trademark sporting luxury exemplified by modern Aston Martins.

Aston Martin CEO, Dr Ulrich Bez said: "100 years of automotive history has demonstrated that evolution delivers the best solutions in time.

"So it is with Virage; it is the next level of evolution in our VH architecture strategy and it does everything with the perfection that you would expect today. It is the perfect balance of opposites."

The Virage sits between the enduringly elegant DB9 and overtly sporting DBS, providing customers with a car that remains luxurious and understated but delivers increased performance and crucially performance that is always accessible for effortless driving.

Aston Martin's revered hand-built 6.0 litre V12 engine produces 490 bhp (365 kW/497 PS) and 570 nM (420 lb. Ft) of torque and through its carbon fibre prop shaft, is mated to a six-speed Touchtronic II automatic transmission mounted on the transaxle contributing to perfect 50:50 weight balance.

The Virage's dynamics have been tuned to deliver an engaging yet more refined driving experience, where the driver can extract the maximum performance from the car with greater ease. A newly developed Adaptive Damping System (ADS) intelligently 'reads' the road to provide optimum road holding, adapting to different conditions. The system now selects up to five different stiffness settings within normal mode, and a further five stiffer settings within sport mode.

Aiding driver control, a 'Sport' button on the facia allows the driver to select a sharper throttle response and faster gear changes while also holding the gears without automatically shifting up at the revolution limiter.

Virage will be delivered with Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) brakes as standard - bucking the trend in this market - offering progressive and tremendous stopping power. Powerful, resistant to fade and much lighter than conventional cast-iron discs, the CCM braking system means that not only is the overall vehicle weight reduced, but the weight saving at each wheel means that a better balance between ride comfort and handling can be struck. Lower rotational mass also provides improved acceleration.

Virage capitalises on the technology from the DBS and unites it with the comfort and refinement found in the DB9 and Rapide. Aston Martin's own bonded aluminium 'VH' architecture that forms the backbone of the marque's sports cars, takes inspiration from the aerospace industry where weight reduction is the ultimate goal. Strong yet light, the inherent properties of modular aluminium lend themselves perfectly to an extremely rigid and versatile platform which allows the production of a Virage coupe and Volante.

The Virage sits low and wide asserting the power which lies beneath; single bi-xenon headlamps follow the lines of the car's flanks to give a more crisp and modern look from the front. A new aluminium metal front grille, inspired by the One-77, features five horizontal vanes which are chamfered creating an aerofoil profile. The new front bumper is pure and relieves the car of any visual complexities, contributing to the overall simplicity of design. The front wings distinguish the Virage from its stable mates housing a new modern interpretation of the Aston Martin iconic side strake housing six LEDs elegantly forming the side repeater. Virage's side sills carry the simplicity of the front bumper through to the rear diffuser which houses a body-coloured blade accentuating the width of the car.

As drivers and passengers open the signature swan wing doors, they are greeted by the aroma of seven hides of the finest Bridge of Weir leather expertly hand stitched by craftsmen. Inspiration has been taken from luxury leather goods to produce a pinstripe welt which flows down either side of the facia and along the seat and door, drawing your eye through the car. Each Virage will have 70 man hours of expert craftsmanship lavished on the interior alone to create the famous sophisticated Aston Martin interior. In all, over 200 man hours will be spent handcrafting the Virage at Aston Martin's global headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire, England as it becomes the tenth major production car to be built there in the space of less than eight years.

Simplicity runs throughout the car with the new fully integrated Satellite Navigation system that has been developed in conjunction with Garmin. The new system simplifies operation through the existing four-way joystick mounted on the facia. A new 6.5 inch high resolution display uses the latest graphics and maps to visually and aurally guide the driver to their destination.

Standard equipment includes heated seats (Sports seats only), cruise control, satellite navigation, Bluetooth telephone preparation and the powerful 700W Aston Martin Premium Audio System with Dolby Pro Logic II and full iPod integration.

Specifications:-

General specifications
Country of origin	Great Britain
Numbers built	N/A
Introduced	2011
Introduced at	2011 Geneva Motor Show

Engine
Configuration	60º V12
Location	Front, longitudinally mounted
Construction	aluminium alloy block and head
Displacement	5.935 liter / 362.2 cu in
Compression	11.0:1
Valvetrain	4 valves / cylinder, DOHC
Fuel feed	Fuel Injection
Aspiration	Naturally Aspirated
Power	490 bhp / 366 KW @ 6500 rpm
Torque	570 Nm / 420 ft lbs @ 5750 rpm
BHP/Liter	83 bhp / liter

Drivetrain
Body	aluminium, magnesium alloy and composite body panels
Chassis	bonded aluminium monocoque
Suspension (fr/r)	double wishbones, coil springs, monotube adaptive dampers, anti-roll bar
Steering	rack-and-pinion, power assisted, speed sensitive
Brakes	ventilated carbon ceramic discs, all-round, ABS
Gearbox	Touchtronic 2 6 speed Automatic
Drive	Rear wheel drive

Dimensions
Weight	1785 kilo / 3935.3 lbs
Length / Width / Height	4703 mm (185.2 in) / 1904 mm (75 in) / 1282 mm (50.5 in)
Wheelbase / Track (fr/r)	2740 mm (107.9 in) / 1586 mm (62.4 in) / 1581 mm (62.2 in)

Performance figures
Power to weight	0.27 bhp / kg
Top Speed	299 km/h (186 mph)
0-60 mph	4.5 s