2011 bmw f10 pics

2011 bmw f10

The outgoing BMW 5 Series F10 2011 may have ushered in a dramatic leap forward in terms of dynamics, technology, safety and creature comforts, but it's the previous generation � the E39 � that Bimmerphiles still speak of in hushed tones. The departing E60 may have been a more capable package, but it was also the source of much controversy and hand wringing. Blame Chris Bangle. Blame byzantine iDrive menu structures. Blame spirit-muffling layers of electronics. Hell, blame improved competition or hidebound brand loyalists who refuse to accept the new. No matter whose camp you point the finger at, the 2004-2010 5 Series was a polarizing creature, both aesthetically and from behind the wheel. Despite (or perhaps because of) all this, BMW enjoyed record-setting global sales of the Fiver, suggesting that that the traditionalists had it all wrong.

Still, one look at the new-for-2011 F10 model might reasonably lead you to believe that a bit of mulligan has occurred at the hand of Adrian van Hooydonk and his design team � a toning down of the E60's most divisive elements. To be sure, the E60's Dame Edna spectacles have been consigned to a dusty drawer and the raised "Bangle Butt" has kept its date with Celebrity Fit Club. In the not-so-dearly departed's place is a handsome new sedan that appears simultaneously more in line with the 5 Series' lineage yet firmly set on the future. But to label the sixth-generation Fiver as an aesthetic or strategic regression would be incorrect, van Hooydonk tells us. As he points out, BMW design has a tendency to periodically muscle in with big, bold, design statements � to knock down walls � and in the follow-up model, its stylists can move about a bit more in the clean air made possible by its predecessor. Fair enough � we prepared to check our Weltschmerz at the door and give this new Fiver a shot. Has it all been worked out for the better? BMW invited us to hop a couple of planes to Portugal in order to find out.

Bmw F10 Wallpaper

BMW F10 Review

BMW F10 Preview

The sixth generation of the 5-Series (BMW F10) made its debut on 23 November 2009 as a 2010 model. The Station Wagon/Touring version carries the platform code F11.

2010 BMW F30

2010 BMW F30

2010 BMW F30

2010 BMW F30

Bmw F30 Nice Review

The next generation F30 BMW 3 Series shows up again in the front of the lens of spy photographers, but this time, the test mule are revealing slightly more design details. As expected, the new 3er gets a full LED treatment.

At the front, the white Corona ring headlights seem to be slightly longer than the current model with the side indicators placed just underneath the main �character line�. In the back, LED taillights are still mostly covered and the final design and shape are still a guessing game. (More photos at WCF)

The test mule spotted also features the �usual� LED strips in the side mirrors, a common element in early prototypes. But this time, the BMW insider Scott27 states that due to upcoming legislations both in the US and Europe, the side indicators need to be placed higher and more visible. Without a second source to confirm this, we will label it as a rumor for now.

Bmw F30 3 Series
Bmw F30
Bmw F30 Photo
Bmw F30
2012 Bmw 3 Series

We learned in the past that the new 3 Series is built on a new modular platform and design wise, it returns to the �slimmer look�, dynamic lines with squat proportions and short rear overhangs. The typical proportions of a 3 Series remain, but the exterior design is more toned and muscular, bringing some the aggressiveness and design lines seen in the recent models, including the F10 5 Series. An expected move seen across the new BMW design language.

BMW is getting back to basics with clean uncluttered shapes, plus lower and wider kidney grille openings. The sedan model has a longer wheelbase, at least 1.5? longer than the current generation. The F30 will sport a �pushing nose�, somewhat similar to the E89 Z4 front-end.

BMW will live under the umbrella of EfficientDynamics, and technologies like aerodynamically designed wheels, solar roof panel for extra energy efficiency in the use of interior controls, brake energy regeneration , stop-start technology, and pre-heating technology for the engine, gearbox and differential, will be incorporated into the new model.

Next generation 3-series engine options will include a full range of turbo and naturally aspirated 6-cylinder motors, 4-cylinder motors, and possibly even a new 3-cylinder motor.

The all-star BMW M3 will continue to sport the aggressive and super sporty bodystyle we have seen in the past. The new M3 will also feature a twin-turbo six-cylinder engine producing somewhere around 450 horsepower.

Design McLaren MP4-12C

McLaren Press Release

The McLaren MP4-12C is revealed as the first in a range of high-performance sports cars from McLaren Automotive, the independent car division based at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, England. The 12C, and future models within the range, will challenge the worlds best sports cars, benefiting from the expertise and virtuosity of the McLaren Group.

Twenty years of sports car design, engineering and production combined with inspirational success in Formula 1 have driven Ron Dennis, McLaren Automotive Chairman, to announce his plans for the ultimate line-up of technology-led and customer-focused performance cars for the 21st century. The rules in the sports car world are about to be re-written.

Through a rich modern history, McLarens automotive division has already built the worlds most critically acclaimed supercar, the McLaren F1 (1993-1998) and the worlds best-selling luxury supercar, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (2003-2009). McLaren Automotive now looks to the future with a new range of revolutionary sports cars.

It is a long-held dream of mine to launch a range of high performance sports cars that set new standards in the industry, said Dennis.

We began designing and building cars for aficionados of thoroughbred sports cars almost 20 years ago. Incorporating the leading edge technologies that the McLaren Group has built up within its various companies, I believe we are now perfectly placed to open up this new chapter in McLarens history as well as play a part in the regeneration of high-tech manufacturing in the UK and global automotive environment, he concluded.

At its heart, the McLaren MP4-12C features a revolutionary carbon fibre chassis structure, the Carbon MonoCell: the first time a car in this market segment is based around such a strong and lightweight racing car engineering solution and the first time any car has ever featured a one-piece carbon fibre structure.

This step change in sports car design means that the 12C introduces new standards not just in handling, ride and outright performance, but also safety, economy and practicality in an already competitive sector.

Martin Whitmarsh, Team Principal of McLarens racing team highlighted the integral part that McLarens motorsport and road car experience played in developing the 12C: McLaren has for years offered a potent mix of race car and road car technologies. This combination of McLarens performance heritage, and future demands on what is expected of high performance sports cars in the 21st century, gave us a head-start when we embarked on this project. The 12C, and future variants, draws on the spirit of Formula 1 and delivers real-world technological advances.

The first car from the new company, the McLaren MP4-12C, is a high performance two-seat mid-engine model in the core sports car market segment for cars costing between �125,000 and �175,000. The 12C is pure McLaren, featuring no carryover parts from any other car, and will be produced by McLaren in the UK. It goes on sale through a dedicated, worldwide retailer network in early 2011.

McLaren is already a car maker with maturity and experience, having produced iconic cars such as the F1, said Antony Sheriff, McLaren Automotive Managing Director.

The next step was to construct a range of pure McLaren high performance sports cars that are true to the company�s philosophy and reflect our position as an absolute technology and performance leader. So, when we embarked on the 12C project, we wanted to re-write the rules of sports car design. Indeed, the 12C offers performance and technology that exceeds that of the worlds most expensive and sophisticated supercars, while competing in a much more accessible market segment. And to achieve this result, we designed every component from scratch to meet the extreme goals of the 12C and avoid any compromise.

Forget what you know about sports car companies, McLaren is different, he concluded.

Technical Specifications
Engine: 3.8 litre V8
Aspiration: Twin turbocharged
Maximum Power: 600 hp (approximate)
Maximum Torque: -
Transmission: Seven-speed dual clutch gearbox
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive

Design McLaren MP4-12C

McLaren Press Release

The McLaren MP4-12C is revealed as the first in a range of high-performance sports cars from McLaren Automotive, the independent car division based at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, England. The 12C, and future models within the range, will challenge the worlds best sports cars, benefiting from the expertise and virtuosity of the McLaren Group.

Twenty years of sports car design, engineering and production combined with inspirational success in Formula 1 have driven Ron Dennis, McLaren Automotive Chairman, to announce his plans for the ultimate line-up of technology-led and customer-focused performance cars for the 21st century. The rules in the sports car world are about to be re-written.

Through a rich modern history, McLarens automotive division has already built the worlds most critically acclaimed supercar, the McLaren F1 (1993-1998) and the worlds best-selling luxury supercar, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (2003-2009). McLaren Automotive now looks to the future with a new range of revolutionary sports cars.

It is a long-held dream of mine to launch a range of high performance sports cars that set new standards in the industry, said Dennis.

We began designing and building cars for aficionados of thoroughbred sports cars almost 20 years ago. Incorporating the leading edge technologies that the McLaren Group has built up within its various companies, I believe we are now perfectly placed to open up this new chapter in McLarens history as well as play a part in the regeneration of high-tech manufacturing in the UK and global automotive environment, he concluded.

At its heart, the McLaren MP4-12C features a revolutionary carbon fibre chassis structure, the Carbon MonoCell: the first time a car in this market segment is based around such a strong and lightweight racing car engineering solution and the first time any car has ever featured a one-piece carbon fibre structure.

This step change in sports car design means that the 12C introduces new standards not just in handling, ride and outright performance, but also safety, economy and practicality in an already competitive sector.

Martin Whitmarsh, Team Principal of McLarens racing team highlighted the integral part that McLarens motorsport and road car experience played in developing the 12C: McLaren has for years offered a potent mix of race car and road car technologies. This combination of McLarens performance heritage, and future demands on what is expected of high performance sports cars in the 21st century, gave us a head-start when we embarked on this project. The 12C, and future variants, draws on the spirit of Formula 1 and delivers real-world technological advances.

The first car from the new company, the McLaren MP4-12C, is a high performance two-seat mid-engine model in the core sports car market segment for cars costing between �125,000 and �175,000. The 12C is pure McLaren, featuring no carryover parts from any other car, and will be produced by McLaren in the UK. It goes on sale through a dedicated, worldwide retailer network in early 2011.

McLaren is already a car maker with maturity and experience, having produced iconic cars such as the F1, said Antony Sheriff, McLaren Automotive Managing Director.

The next step was to construct a range of pure McLaren high performance sports cars that are true to the company�s philosophy and reflect our position as an absolute technology and performance leader. So, when we embarked on the 12C project, we wanted to re-write the rules of sports car design. Indeed, the 12C offers performance and technology that exceeds that of the worlds most expensive and sophisticated supercars, while competing in a much more accessible market segment. And to achieve this result, we designed every component from scratch to meet the extreme goals of the 12C and avoid any compromise.

Forget what you know about sports car companies, McLaren is different, he concluded.

Technical Specifications
Engine: 3.8 litre V8
Aspiration: Twin turbocharged
Maximum Power: 600 hp (approximate)
Maximum Torque: -
Transmission: Seven-speed dual clutch gearbox
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive

Carrera Facelift Porsche 911 Sports Car.

Carrera Facelift Porsche 911 Sports Car.

MANSORY Switzerland The High-quality refining programme for the new Porsche 911.
The company Mansory is situated in Bavaria and one of the top addresses for refining premium sports cars. Whether Bentley, Rolls-Royce, McLaren, Ferrari or Porsche � the refining specialist shows its technical talent for every automobile. The subsidiary company Mansory Switzerland AG, the in-house expert for Porsche cars, presents a comprehensive tuning programme for the model 911 from the recently revived Porsche Type 997 series at the Geneva Auto Salon 2009. This tuning programme mainly focuses on improvements concerning the aerodynamics, engine performance and handling of this sports car icon.
When developing the 911-programme, the Mansory engineers attached great importance to an individual design, but also aerodynamic efficiency. In order to save weight and guarantee highest quality standards, the body components are made of composite also, parts of the serial auto body are made of this resilient and inherently stable material. The core part of the body kit is a lift-reducing front mount in a sportive-dynamic look. In connection with the hood, the front apron offers various design possibilities. On the one hand, it forms the perfect symbiosis with the serial hood, as an especially designed inlay allows a seamless junction. And on the other hand, the apron can be combined with the Mansory carbon hood whose striking side beads demonstrate individuality and underline the sportive character of the modification. The rear apron is not less impressive: it accommodates the new four-pipe exhaust system and therefore renders a harmonic rear finish. The visual perfection of the aerodynamics pack is accomplished with the side skirts which also fulfil functional tasks. They significantly calm the air flow between both axles.
The power engines also profit from the comprehensive changes of the 911 engine range. But here, the engineers do not perform any excessive open-heart surgery, but only replace existing parts by modified proprietary developments. A new sport air filter and a new exhaust system come into operation. Especially the exhaust system renders an optimised exhaust gas flow. This enable the 911 to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h even faster than the serial versions.
But the special highlight of the exhaust system is the integrated throttle system which - if desired - can also be operated by remote control and allows changing the sound scenery.
The refining specialist developed a forged wheel with an exclusive design which was tailor-made for Porsche requirements. The one-piece wheel with five double spokes measures 8.5 x 20 inches at the front and 12 x 20 inches the back. Not only its sportive look, but also its excellent manufacture makes it so impressive. The reduction of unsprung masses by the exceptional and elaborate production technology does not only lead to a shorter braking distance, but also improves the acceleration and the handling of the car. For best possible grip, Mansory uses Michelin Pilot Sport wheels sized 245/30 at the front and 325/25 at the rear. Moreover, the newly developed running gear which lowers the car�s centre of gravity by 30 millimetres also sets sportive accents.

Carrera Facelift Porsche 911 Sports Car.

Carrera Facelift Porsche 911 Sports Car.

MANSORY Switzerland The High-quality refining programme for the new Porsche 911.
The company Mansory is situated in Bavaria and one of the top addresses for refining premium sports cars. Whether Bentley, Rolls-Royce, McLaren, Ferrari or Porsche � the refining specialist shows its technical talent for every automobile. The subsidiary company Mansory Switzerland AG, the in-house expert for Porsche cars, presents a comprehensive tuning programme for the model 911 from the recently revived Porsche Type 997 series at the Geneva Auto Salon 2009. This tuning programme mainly focuses on improvements concerning the aerodynamics, engine performance and handling of this sports car icon.
When developing the 911-programme, the Mansory engineers attached great importance to an individual design, but also aerodynamic efficiency. In order to save weight and guarantee highest quality standards, the body components are made of composite also, parts of the serial auto body are made of this resilient and inherently stable material. The core part of the body kit is a lift-reducing front mount in a sportive-dynamic look. In connection with the hood, the front apron offers various design possibilities. On the one hand, it forms the perfect symbiosis with the serial hood, as an especially designed inlay allows a seamless junction. And on the other hand, the apron can be combined with the Mansory carbon hood whose striking side beads demonstrate individuality and underline the sportive character of the modification. The rear apron is not less impressive: it accommodates the new four-pipe exhaust system and therefore renders a harmonic rear finish. The visual perfection of the aerodynamics pack is accomplished with the side skirts which also fulfil functional tasks. They significantly calm the air flow between both axles.
The power engines also profit from the comprehensive changes of the 911 engine range. But here, the engineers do not perform any excessive open-heart surgery, but only replace existing parts by modified proprietary developments. A new sport air filter and a new exhaust system come into operation. Especially the exhaust system renders an optimised exhaust gas flow. This enable the 911 to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h even faster than the serial versions.
But the special highlight of the exhaust system is the integrated throttle system which - if desired - can also be operated by remote control and allows changing the sound scenery.
The refining specialist developed a forged wheel with an exclusive design which was tailor-made for Porsche requirements. The one-piece wheel with five double spokes measures 8.5 x 20 inches at the front and 12 x 20 inches the back. Not only its sportive look, but also its excellent manufacture makes it so impressive. The reduction of unsprung masses by the exceptional and elaborate production technology does not only lead to a shorter braking distance, but also improves the acceleration and the handling of the car. For best possible grip, Mansory uses Michelin Pilot Sport wheels sized 245/30 at the front and 325/25 at the rear. Moreover, the newly developed running gear which lowers the car�s centre of gravity by 30 millimetres also sets sportive accents.

Ferrari 458 Italia Spider

The possibility of the Ferrari 458 Italia Spider sporting a folding hardtop roof has already become a topic of widespread and serious debate. Ferrari boss Lucas di Montezemolo though has confirmed the existence of the 458 Italia Spider but has never spent any word on whether the Spider would sport a folding hardtop, which is further reason for the debate to continue unabated.

The first racing car with the Prancing Horse up front to have a folding hard top was the Ferrari California. The F430 Spider was later outfitted with a soft top so as to save weight with its high performance variant the Scuderia 16M too being meted out the same treatment later on. While this also allowed for the engine to be visible at all times top up or down position, the addition of the hard top to the 458 Italia would certainly rob the car of this feature.

The hard top feature however adds to security as well as comfort that�s lacking with a soft top. A hardtop also adds a touch of solidity to the lines of the car when it is up, something that�s never to be taken lightly for a marquee as image conscious as Ferrari. This would also add credibility to the spy images of the hard top F430 Spider that had been flashed way back in the 2008. Previous versions were more focused towards weight and space saving techniques which the soft top offered while now it has been performance oriented designs that holds sway. The hardtop all in all goes well on the California and Ferrari has the options open for switching over to the soft top version for the Scuderia model of the 458 Italia Spider.

Ferrari 458 Italia Spider

The possibility of the Ferrari 458 Italia Spider sporting a folding hardtop roof has already become a topic of widespread and serious debate. Ferrari boss Lucas di Montezemolo though has confirmed the existence of the 458 Italia Spider but has never spent any word on whether the Spider would sport a folding hardtop, which is further reason for the debate to continue unabated.

The first racing car with the Prancing Horse up front to have a folding hard top was the Ferrari California. The F430 Spider was later outfitted with a soft top so as to save weight with its high performance variant the Scuderia 16M too being meted out the same treatment later on. While this also allowed for the engine to be visible at all times top up or down position, the addition of the hard top to the 458 Italia would certainly rob the car of this feature.

The hard top feature however adds to security as well as comfort that�s lacking with a soft top. A hardtop also adds a touch of solidity to the lines of the car when it is up, something that�s never to be taken lightly for a marquee as image conscious as Ferrari. This would also add credibility to the spy images of the hard top F430 Spider that had been flashed way back in the 2008. Previous versions were more focused towards weight and space saving techniques which the soft top offered while now it has been performance oriented designs that holds sway. The hardtop all in all goes well on the California and Ferrari has the options open for switching over to the soft top version for the Scuderia model of the 458 Italia Spider.

2010 Aston Martin DBS Edo Competition Luxurious Sports Car

Edo Competition Aston Martin DBS is a result of a modification carried out by Edo Competition Motorsport for the 12-cylinder Aston Martin that already produces 517 horsepower and has a top speed of more than 300 km/h (186 mph). Improving and underlining the elegance and beauty of this British triumph and strengthening its sporting character was the goal declared by Edo competition.

2010 Aston Martin DBS Edo Competition

The first step taken by Edo Competition was improving the power output. The DBS�s engine control unit was modified via software recalibration, then supported by a new high performance exhaust system, and was fitted with special catalytic converters and high flow air filters. As a result, the DBS�s power output was increased from 517 hp and 570 Nm (420 ft-lb) to 550 hp and 600 Nm (442 ft-lb), an enough power to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.1 seconds and continue on to a top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph).

The high performance exhaust system, which was specially designed for the DBS, incorporates butterfly valves allowing it to produce a fantastically rich and sonorous sound. They further help increase the British luxury sports car coupe`s power and torque output. The exhaust comes with a programmable control system that monitors backpressure inside the exhaust and opens the 70 mm butterfly valves when a pre-determined level of backpressure is exceeded. 

The unique advantage of this system is that it provides good torque at low engine speeds without sacrificing top end horsepower. The exhaust system is made from stainless steel and the chromed exhaust tips accentuate the elegant design. The driver can adjust the sound of the DBS at any time using a remote control.

Dealing with the levels of grip, Edo competition offers a new wheel design, a set of 21 inch racing wheels. The three-piece wheels come with stainless steel outer rims and the customer can choose the stock tire dimensions

Further, Edo competition has developed a new high performance brake system, 405 mm rotors with 6-piston monoblock calipers and performance brake pads for the front and 380 mm rotors with 6-piston monoblock calipers and performance brake pads for the rear, both including braided stainless steel brake lines.

As with all edo competition models, we set no limit to our customers` imaginations. Special interiors or lavish leather upholstery, individual requests are accommodated and executed with quality.

The modifications of this Edo competition Aston Martin DBS are all carried out at Edo competition Motorsport GmbH in Ahlen, Germany.

2010 Aston Martin Cars Reviews

The Aston Martin Rapide Nurburgring race car has been unveiled today and the company says it will make its debut in the 24-Hour event that will take place on 15/16 May 2010. Previously, Aston Martin has competed in the Nurburgring 24-Hour race with the V8 Vantage and the V12 Vantage. for this year, the British brand goes four-door.

For all those who thought Aston Martin had somehow gone soft by offering a four-door saloon, the famed British marque plans to prove the new Rapide is no slouch by entering it in the 38th ADAC Nurburgring 24-hour race on May 15-16. Piloting the vehicle win the grueling race will be none other than Aston Martin�s CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez, who at age 66 can still give the young guns a run for their money. Aston, with Bez at the wheel, has won top honors in the race�s production-based SP8 category for the past two years with versions of the Vantage coupe.

The Aston Martin Rapide Nurburgring will been entered in the race as company's Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez considers this event represents the ultimate durability test for any sports car.

The Aston Martin Rapide Nurburgring is extremely close to the production car. The only differences between the Aston Martin Rapide Nurburgring and the production model include the removal of interior trim to save weight, re-tuned suspension and slick tires.

Aston Martin Rapide to contest gruelling N�rburgring 24-hour Race

Gaydon, Warwickshire 6 April 2010. Aston Martin will return to the starting grid of the legendary Nordschleife circuit for the fifth consecutive year at the 38th ADAC N�rburgring 24-hour race on 15/16 May 2010 with the marque's new four-door sports car; the Rapide.

Further underlining the sporting credentials of Aston Martin's latest model, the Rapide will compete in the demanding 24-hour race - as has been the case with other recent Aston Martin road cars, the V8 Vantage and V12 Vantage. The Rapide will compete in near-standard specification apart from mandatory changes required to compete in this most demanding of endurance races and will be driven by a team of engineers from the company's Gaydon headquarters in Warwickshire, England.

Aston Martin Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez who will lead the Rapide driver team, explained: "This race represents the ultimate final engineering durability test for any sports car - it subjects the car to the toughest possible assessment under public scrutiny. "The Rapide has the capability to carry four people in comfort but first and foremost it is a sports car and we will subject it to the same tests we would our other sports cars. We already have a proven track record at the N�rburgring racing our road cars with limited modification and in recent years we have enjoyed success in winning the SP8 class both in 2008 and 2009."

The Rapide race car will be close to production standard with only essential race safety modifications, interior trim removed to reduce weight, re-tuned suspension and will run on slick tyres designed for track use. The Aston Martin Rapide encapsulates the values of Aston Martin in pure four-door sports car form with an unrivalled combination of performance, comfort, craftsmanship and exceptionally elegant design. Since the Rapide's original premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2009 the car has gone on to win the widespread approval of customers and media commentators alike, prompting strong global demand for the car. Deliveries of the Rapide commence later this month through Aston Martin's 125-strong global dealership network.

The Rapide race car will be joined by a V12 Vantage - again modified only slightly for racing - which in 2009 swept to a class win on its competitive race debut. The near production standard V12 Vantage - which finished in 21st place overall last year - saw off competition from a field of largely specialist race cars in the SP8 class to claim an impressive debut win.

Further details on the V12 Vantage and the full driver line-ups for both Aston Martin entries plus details on a number of customer teams competing in the race will follow in the coming weeks.

The 38th ADAC N�rburgring 24 hour race will take place on 15/16 May 2010.

Aston Martin Lagonda Concept Car Photos

Aston Martin is proud to announce the return of Lagonda, one of the most iconic names in luxury car manufacturing. The intention is for Lagonda to enter the market place with a unique performance luxury product, a vehicle that combines exceptional ability with unsurpassed elegance, inside and out. The LAGONDA CONCEPT is an avant-garde luxury vehicle; with powerful four-wheel drive, a four-seater car that will satisfy the most discerning and demanding owner. The concept demonstrates a commitment to innovative new propulsion technologies, new materials and elegant forms. 'The Lagonda is the luxury car of the future,' says Aston Martin Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez, 'a combination of total usability, a new form and innovative new technology and materials.

The return of Lagonda fulfils a long-term vision. Aston Martin's modern era began in 2001 with the launch of the V12 Vanquish and the construction of the award-winning headquarters at Gaydon, Warwickshire in 2003. In the years that followed, Aston Martin has launched four class-leading new products, revitalising the performance GT category and redefining automotive beauty.An Aston Martin will always be a sports car; modern, exclusive and beautiful, it demands to be driven, with an exceptional character that rewards the enthusiast, both on the road and on the track. Above all, an Aston Martin creates an emotional response.

Under the leadership of Dr Ulrich Bez, Lagonda will bring performance luxury into new markets and territories around the world. Reflecting its remarkable history, Lagonda will return to Russia, enter emerging markets in the Middle East, South America, India and China, as well as responding to demand from the dynamic, innovation-focused consumers of Europe, North America and the Far East.

Lagonda is one of the great names in automotive history, a brand associated with luxury, performance, grace and exclusivity. Since the first Lagonda production car, was built 100 years ago by the American-born Wilbur Gunn, the Lagonda name has undergone several incarnations, before it soon began to excel at creating racing cars and sporting saloons.

Aston Martin Lagonda Concept Car

Gunn's first car was built in his home workshop in Middlesex, England in 1909. In 1910, Gunn drove his 16/18hp Lagonda Tourer to victory in the Russian Reliability Trial, a spectacular event run by the Imperial Automobile Club of Russia as a public relations exercise for the country's nascent road system. The win brought in many orders, and Gunn focused his attention on the Russian market, establishing dealerships in St Petersburg and Moscow in 1910. The modern Lagonda marries functionalism with luxury, through organic forms, rich materials and complex surfaces. The car is based on an advanced platform that is tailored to accommodate a broad range of future powertrains, including flexfuel, low emission diesel and hybrid systems.

The clear delineation between cabin, shoulder and flank is strongly reminiscent of the powerful and evocative lines of the 1930s era Lagondas, in particular the V12-engined version of the LG6. Viewed from the front of the concept, the deep, strong grille also evokes the presence and frontage of the cars from the inter-war era. The bold character lines that run along the sculpted flanks to the rear ensure the concept is planted firmly on the road. The large 22" wheels and cut-away bodywork offer exceptional ground clearance, while the concept's V12 engine delivers power through all four wheels.

Aston Martin is proud to announce the return of Lagonda, one of the most iconic names in luxury car manufacturing. The intention is for Lagonda to enter the market place with a unique performance luxury product, a vehicle that combines exceptional ability with unsurpassed elegance, inside and out. The Aston Martin Lagonda Concept is an avant-garde luxury vehicle; with powerful four-wheel drive, a four-seater car that will satisfy the most discerning and demanding owner. The concept demonstrates a commitment to innovative new propulsion technologies, new materials and elegant forms. "The Lagonda is the luxury car of the future," says Aston Martin Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez, "a combination of total usability, a new form and innovative new technology and materials."

Not only will Lagonda join Aston Martin in existing core markets, but the unique character of the new brand will help take the company into as many as 100 territories around the world and extend the brand to new customers. "An Aston Martin is an authentic, pure sports car," says Dr Ulrich Bez, "but Lagonda is something else, a new brand that will reach into new markets and have different values to Aston Martin."

Lagonda's history is long and eventful, encompassing two of the most significant figures in twentieth century British engineering, W.O.Bentley and David Brown, racing glory and some of the most dramatic designs in automotive history.

2011 Aston Martin Sports Car Reviews

2011 Aston Martin released the special-edition sportscar back in 2007 to commemorate the success of its Vantage N24 racer at the N�rburgring. It packed 400 horsepower, a series of suspension tweaks and some special cosmetic touches.

The 2011 N420�s sportscar powertrain is the standard Vantage affair, coming with the standard 420 horsepower V-8 engine. Successor to the special edition V8 Vantage N400 of 2007, the 2011 Aston Martin sportscar V8 Vantage N420 is based upon the standard 4.7-litre, 420bhp, 180mph V8 Vantage and is available as a Coupe or Roadster, and with a six-speed manual or optional Sportshift automated manual transmission.

The 2011 Vantage N420 sportscar draws inspiration from the company's experiences at the N�rburgring 24-hour race. In the 2006 running of the annual N�rburgring endurance classic amongst a field of mostly motorsport homologated cars, Aston Martin entered a near-standard, road-registered V8 Vantage.

2011 Aston Martin sportscar used carbon fiber on various parts of the car to help drop the weight by 60 pounds, which while not a lot is still a step in the right direction. The suspension gets the Sports Package that upgrades the Vantage�s springs, shocks and anti-roll bars to give the car better road holding.

The 2011 N420 also features special 10-spoke alloy wheels finished in gloss black, black mesh grille inserts, a sport exhaust system, the Sports Pack suspension (which is merely optional on the regular Vantage) and a range of racing-inspired paint combinations. The N420 sportscar will be available as a coupe or a roadster with the choice of a manual or paddle-shift transmission.

The 2011 N420 sportscar will make its U.S. debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d�Elegance in August. Orders may be placed starting this month, with deliveries to begin in the fourth quarter of 2010. Pricing starts at $133,350 for the coupe and $146,350 for the Roadster, less than $10K more than their non-N420 counterparts.