VIDEO: Aston Martin Rapide Sports Sedan Filmed in Kuwait

You never know when or where you're going to stumble upon a prototype model these days. This time some folks spotted a thinly disguised Aston Martin Rapide test car on the roads of Kuwait. Apparently the British automaker was performing hot climate tests on its forthcoming four-door sports sedan that is planned to get its first public outing at the Frankfurt motor show in September.

First seen at the 2006 Detroit auto show as a prototype model, the production Rapide is almost identical to the 196.9-inch-long concept study. Due to go on sale in the beginning of 2010, the Rapide is powered by a 6.0-liter V12 engine which is rated at 480HP, and linked to a six-speed ZF automatic transmission with Aston's Touchtronic control.

Man Amasses Ridiculously Awesome Gulf Oil-Liveried Racing Car Collection

The ROFGO Gulf Collection by Duncan Hamilton is one man's dream of assembling the largest assortment of racing cars ever to compete in the legendary colors of Gulf Oil. The collection comprises 14 of the most prominent Gulf Oil-liveried competition cars and has been created by Duncan Hamilton & Co.’s Chairman, Adrian Hamilton, for an unnamed but obviously passionate and extremely wealthy client.

All 14 cars were tracked down and acquired in just two years. The collection includes a variety of models ranging in age from the 1967 Mirage, which was the first Gulf-liveried car to run at Le Mans, to the 2010 Lamborghini Gallardo that competed in the GT2 Championship.

Commenting on the collection, Adrian Hamilton said: “My career has been punctuated by many remarkable cars – eg the one and only Mercedes-Benz 196 Grand Prix car in private hands, some nine Ferrari 250 GT0s, 20 GT40s, seven Porsche 917s and numerous Jaguar C and D-Types etc – but few projects have been as enjoyable and satisfying as this one. Like all racing enthusiasts I’ve grown up with the Gulf brand and it is a tremendous privilege to be able to build such a unique and lasting tribute to one of the greatest names in our sport. I am extremely indebted to my client for the opportunity.”

A total of 12 cars from the ROFGO Gulf Collection by Duncan Hamilton will get their first public outing for all to see at Retromobile, an annual show of classic road and racing cars, which takes place at Porte de Versailles in Paris, from February 2 to 6.

In chronological order the 14 cars are:

• 1967 Mirage

Chassis No.10002 – the first Gulf-liveried car to run at Le Mans

• 1968 Ford GT40

Chassis No.1084 – 4^th, SPA 1000 km, Hawkins/Hobbs

• 1969 Brabham BT26

Chassis No.BT26/4 - 1^st German GP, Ickx

• 1970 McLaren M14

Chassis No.M14/A2 – 2^nd South African GP, Hulme

• 1971 Porsche 917

Chassis No.026 – 2^nd, Le Mans 24 Hours, Attwood/Muller

• 1970 Porsche 908/3

Chassis No.12 – Nürburgring 1000 km, Siffert, DNF

• 1972 McLaren M20

Chassis No.M20/3 – 1^st, Watkins Glen, Hulme

• 1974 Mirage

Chassis No.704 – 4^th, Le Mans 24 Hours, Bell/Hailwood

• 1994 Kremer K8

Chassis No.K8/07/SP – 6^th, Le Mans 24 Hours, Bell/Lassig/Donovan

• 1996 McLaren F1 GTR Longtail

Chassis No.022 – 3^rd, Hockenheim 4 Hours, Bscher/Nielson

• 2006 Courage C65 LMP2

Chassis No.07 – 7^th, Le Mans 24 Hours, Gosselin/Ojeh/Ragues

• 2008 Aston Martin DBR9

Chassis No.007 – 4^th in GT1, Le Mans 24 Hours, Frentzen/Piccili/Wendlinger

• 2009 Aston Martin LMP1

Chassis No.DBR1-2/2 – 1^st, Asian Le Mans series, Okayama, Mucke/Primat

• 2010 Lamborghini Gallardo

GT2 Championship, Giroix/Goethe

Aston Martin DBS V12 Volante: Stunning New Photo Gallery Goes Live

Say you want about the DBS V12 Volante but in our book, Aston Martin's fastest-ever production convertible is a complete stunner. Revealed for the first time at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show this past March, the soft top variant of Aston's beefy DBS combines a beautifully sculptured body with a 6.0-liter V12 engine that punches out a hefty 510 horsepower and 570 Nm or 420 lb-ft of torque.

The 2+2 rear-wheel drive sports car tops out at 191mph or 307 km/h and completes the 0-100 km/h (62mph) sprint in just 4.3 seconds.

If you're among those very few that can actually afford the DBS Volante, Aston Martin gives you the choice of a six-speed manual gearbox that's mounted at the rear, or optionally, a 'lazy' six-speed Touchtronic automatic transmission.

But until you figure out a way to convince your wife that owning an Aston Martin is so much better that having your own house or if you stumble upon a fat inheritance, flick through our new high-res gallery of the DBS Volante and dream on.

VIDEO: New Aston Martin Rapide Promo Films [Part 3]

Aston Martin has released the third and final part of its promotional trilogy “True Power Should Be Shared” starring the Rapide four-door coupe. There's less action in this film as our heroes drive towards their destination, wondering what they are transporting. Well, it turns out to be some kind of a time machine, which saves them from being killed in an ambush and returns them to Lisbon, where everything started. Not what we expected, but at least the Rapide didn’t get blown up. Hit the jump to watch the video.

Aston Martin Launches New V8 Vantage S with 430HP and 7-Speed Transmission

Aston Martin has announced a new addition to its Vantage family in the form of the more driver-focused V8 Vantage S, which is available in both coupe and roadster body styles. The new S models borrow certain styling cues from the V12 Vantage and also come with increased power, a new transmission and a tweaked chassis.

“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”.

The Vantage S' 4.7-liter V8 engine has been further honed to deliver 430HP and 490 Nm (361 lb-ft) of peak torque, representing an increase of 10HP and 20 Nm respectively. The V8 is coupled to a new 7-speed Sportshift II gearbox, which has shorter gear ratios and is 20% quicker than the V8 Vantage’s standard 6-speed Sporshift. In “Sport” mode, drivers can benefit from even quicker gear changes, accompanied by a more aggressive throttle response.

Other performance upgrades include a revised steering rack ratio, larger front brakes, new springs and dampers and wider rear wheels. Bridgestone supplies the special tires which, according to Aston Martin, optimize road holding and enhance the dynamic feel.

Finally, the Vantage S has a unique exhaust note, thanks to a new exhaust muffler and bypass valve map.

Besides being a performer, the Vantage S is also a looker. The front of the car features a new bumper with a splitter and larger air intake, wider side sills and a redesigned rear bumper, accompanied by 19-inch “V” spoke alloys as standard. A 10-spoke lightweight forged design is offered as an option.

The V8 Vantage S is available for order now.

Aston Martin Cygnet: $30k - €25k Mini Based on the Toyota iQ and it's Official!

We know what you're thinking but you couldn't be more wrong; this is not some funky replica kit but an official concept for an Aston Martin mini car! The Cygnet is based on the Toyota iQ and it is expected to go on sale before the end of next year with an estimated base price somewhere around £20,000 or about $30,000 - €25,000. The initial plan is for the Cygnet to be offered only to current and future Aston Martin owners but a general release could follow at a later date.

"Now is the right time for Aston Martin to take this first bold step to embark on this special project - made possible with the support of an organisation of Toyota's stature and capability and the intelligent design and perfect city car package of the iQ," said Aston Martin Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez.

The British automaker did not disclose any specific details, but from the official teaser shots released by Aston Martin it is evident that the Cygnet will feature a new skin while retaining the basic shape of Toyota's iQ citycar. Expect to see a new interior adorned with Aston Martin-esque details.

"Much work is still required, but I am confident that this project could become reality in the not too distant future," said Bez. "This concept - akin to an exclusive tender to a luxury yacht - will allow us to apply Aston Martin design language, craftsmanship and brand values to a completely new segment of the market."

There's no word on the powertrain options but it is believed that the Cygnet will be us the iQ's 1.33-liter four-cylinder petrol that makes 100HP at 6,000 rpm and peak torque of 125Nm at 4,400rpm. It is possible that Aston Martin's engineers will tweak the iQ's suspension and brake system.

"The offering of a 'Cygnet' with a DBS, DB9 or Vantage is a unique combination of opposites and a novel transport solution allowing intelligent and sensitive mobility on an exclusive and innovative level," Bez noted.

The Toyota iQ donor cars will be built in Japan and then shipped to Aston Martin's Gaydon factory in the UK where they will be transformed into Cygnets.

And you thought GM's badge engineering was ridiculous...

VIDEO: New Aston Martin Rapide Promo Films [Part 2]

As promised, Aston Martin released the second part of a new promotional series of films featuring the Rapide sports saloon. Called “True Power Should Be Shared”, it’s a more of an action-packed sequel, showing longer driving scenes and a spectacular fight sequence, as the story gets more substance. Still, this is no James Bond movie, although seeing and hearing the British four-door coupe kind of makes up for the lack of originality. Video available after the jump.

VIDEO: New Aston Martin Rapide Promo Films [Part 1]

As part of its first foray into the digital campaign medium, Aston Martin will release three new promotional videos, featuring the breathtaking Rapide four-door coupe. Filmed in Lisbon, Portugal, the video follows a group of “agents” commissioned by a mysterious person to deliver a precious package, without opening it. A very Ronin-ish plot, we know.

The introductory part is available after the jump, while the second and third clips will follow on January 19 and 26, respectively.

“We wanted to deliver a subtle but clever piece of branded entertainment. Something that mirrors the thrill of the drive. Intelligent, dramatic yet very exciting. It's an action-packed Aston Martin story in three parts, designed to entertain our audience. We're not hard selling, we're showcasing. After all it is the thinking man's (and woman's) performance car”, Film Director Donnie Masters from Serious Pictures said.

VIDEO: Aston Martin V12 Vantage Meets Gulf DBR1-2 Racer

Aston Martin has released a new video to promote the connection between its road cars and racing models, and in particular, the firm's 6.0 liter V12 engines that sits at the heart of the One-77, DBS, DB9, Rapide and V12 Vantage but also the 2010 DBR1-2 Le Mans race car. The new footage shows the 517-horsepower V12 Vantage riding along Aston Martin's DBR1-2 LMP1 race car which competed throughout 2009 and 2010 having won the Le Mans Series in 2009 while taking three podiums in 2010. Watch the video after the break.