Aston Martin DB7
|
|
Aston_Martin_DB7_Vantage.jpg
Aston_Martin_DB_7.jpg
The Aston Martin DB7 is an automobile made by Aston Martin from 1993 to 2004. It is a grand tourer automobile available either as a coupé or a convertible. It was the most successful Aston Martin ever, with more than 7,000 cars built before it was replaced by the Aston Martin DB9. The DB7 was styled by Ian Callum, and it is widely considered one of the most beautiful and timeless of automotive designs.
| Contents |
Overview
The DB7, known internally as the NPX project, was designed to replace the twenty-year-old Aston Martin V8. It was made mostly with the resources from Jaguar and had the financial backing of the Ford Motor Company, owner of Aston Martin since 1988.
With production of the V8 and V8 Vantage still continuing at Newport Pagnell, a new factory was acquired at Bloxham, Oxfordshire, where every DB7 would be build throughout its production run.
The DB7 was unveiled in March 1993 at the Geneva Motor Show, whilst the convertible version, the DB7 Volante, was unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in 1996. Both versions have a supercharged straight-6 engine that produced 335 bhp (246 kW). In the United States, the Coupé sold for $140,000, and the Volante for $150,000. Works Service provided a special Driving Dynamics package, which greatly enhanced performance and handling for drivers who wanted more than the standard configuration.
V12 Vantage
In 1999, the more powerful DB7 V12 Vantage was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show. Its 6.0 litre, 48-valve, V12 engine produces 420 bhp (309 kW) and 400 ft·lbf (542 Nm) of torque. It has a compression ratio of 10.3:1. It was available with either a six speed manual or a five speed automatic gearbox. Aston Martin claims it has a top speed of either 185 mph with the manual gearbox or 165 mph with the automatic gearbox, and will accelerate from 0–62 mph (100 km/h) in five seconds. It is 4,962 mm long, 1,830 mm wide, 1,243 mm high, with a weight of 1.8 tonnes.
After the launch of the Vantage, sales of the supercharged straight-6 engine DB7 quickly dried up, and production was ended in mid–1999.
V12 GT and GTA
In 2002, a new variant was launched, named V12 GT or V12 GTA when equipped with an automatic transmission. It was essentially an improved version of the Vantage, its V12 engine producing 435 bhp and 410 ft·lbf of torque. Aesthetically, compared to the Vantage it has a mesh front grille, vents in the bonnet (hood), a boot (trunk) spoiler, an aluminum gear leaver, optional carbon fibre trim and new wheels. It also has 355mm front and 330mm rear vented disc brakes made by Brembo.
Special models
Two special edition variants were made late in the DB7's production run: DB7 Vantage Zagato and the United States only DB AR1 roadster.
External links
- Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd. (http://www.astonmartin.com) - Official Company Site
- Aston Martin Owners Club (http://www.amoc.org)
- Aston Martin Owners Club - Canada/USA (http://www.amoc-na.org)
- Aston Martin Picture Gallery (http://www.astonmartins.com)