AMR-One: Aston Martin’s Topless Le Mans Entrant

For me, the greatest and most prestigious motoring even in the world is the Le Mans 24 Hour Race. It’s where motoring royalty – in terms of both drivers and manufacturers – come out to strut their stuff on the world stage.

Now Aston Martin, the British sports car maker, wants a piece of the action. To achieve this, the company has developed the AMR-One: a mid-engined racer powered by a 540 bhp turbocharged in-line six. The body is a carbon fibre monocoque underpinned by a carbon fibre chassis.

Team Principal George Howard-Chappell explains the choice of engine:

“We have chosen to run with a six cylinder turbocharged engine because we believe this offers the best potential within the petrol engine regulations. With the ACO’s ommitment to effectively balance the performance of petrol and diesel Le Mans entrants – our hopes are high that we’ll see the closest racing yet in the premiere LMP1 category.”

The AMR-One is rear wheel drive with a six-speed semi-automatic gearbox and was developed almost entirely in-house. In terms of drivers, AM has organised an impressive team that includes Brit Darren Turner, German Stefan Mücke and Mexican Adrian Fernandez.

Aston’s CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez is unsurprisingly confident in his team of both engineers and drivers:

“[Our] heritage is deeply rooted in endurance sports car racing, so in 2011, we take the next step demonstrating that a small team using advanced design and engineering intelligence will be agile and competitive.”

The company hopes the AMR-One will make its racing debut at the 59^th Mobile 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Race in mid-March. It also hopes to take on all seven rounds of the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup. As always you can check out our full image gallery and leave your comments in the section provided.

By Tristan Hankins

Aston Martin AMR-ONE LMP1 Car Technical Specification

Chassis – Aston Martin Carbon Fibre Monocoque ‘open’ style construction, load bearing engine with steel frame to help rigidity.

Configuration – Mid engine rear wheel drive

Engine – In line 6 cylinder, direct injected, turbocharged and intercooled DOHC Petrol engine, 4 valves per cylinder. Approx 540bhp, 6 speed Xtrac

Gearbox – Bespoke 6 speed, transverse, semi automatic pneumatic shift, Xtrac racing gearbox

Suspension – All round double wishbone, push-rod activated Koni dampers with third spring/damper, front and rear. Front Anti roll bar

Steering – Rack and Pinion with electrical power assistance

Aerodynamics - to current LMP1 regulations developed via CFD in conjunction with Totalsim, including latest regulation fin.

Electronics – Full Cosworth electronics systems including engine ECU, data system and telemetry. Full military spec wiring harness and connectors.

Wheels and Tyres – Michelin tyres, 36/71 x 18 front and 37/71 x 18 rear mounted on TWS forged magnesium wheels.

Brakes – Brembo six pot calipers fitted front and rear, Carbon 380mm diameter front and 355mm diameter rear discs with carbon pads

Dimensions:
Length 4640mm
Width 1990mm
Wheelbase 2930mm
Minimum weight 900Kg

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

New Aston Martin Virage Coupe and Volante Slot Between DB9 and DBS

Aston Martin has decided to further complicate its range with the presentation of yet another pair of cars that are virtually indistinguishable from the brand's other models (insert Cygnet joke here) - at least for the untrained eye. This time, Aston Martin has resurrected the Virage name for a new coupe and cabriolet that sit between the DBS and DB9. According to the company, the Virage "capitalises on the technology from the DBS and unites it with the comfort and refinement found in the DB9 and Rapide".

The Virage Coupe and the soft-top Volante are both powered by the company's familiar 6.0-liter V12 engine. Given that the same poweplant produces 477HP and 443 lb-ft in the DB9 and 517HP and 420 lb-ft in the DBS, it's only natural that the Virage's V12 would fit in between in terms of output delivering 497HP and 420 lb-ft of peak torque.

The V12 is matched to a six-speed Touchtronic II automatic transmission mounted on the transaxle.

Aston Martin says the 0-100 km/h (62mph) sprint comes in 4.6 seconds while the Virage can continue up to a top speed of 299 km/h (188 mph). In comparison, the numbers for the 477HP DB9 are 4.8" and 306 km/h (190 mph), and for the 510HP DBS, 4.3" and 307 km/h (191mph), respectively.

The Virage features a new Adaptive Damping System (ADS) with a specific tune, as well as a Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system with bespoke settings, and standard Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) brakes.

On the outside, the Virage sports a new aluminium metal front grille with five horizontal vanes that's inspired by the One-77, along with a redesigned front bumper, a fresh interpretation of Aston's side strake with six LEDs on the front wings, different side sills and a re-profiled rear bumper.

Inside, the two Virage models come with a full leather interior complete with colored piping and several standard features such as cruise control, satellite navigation, Bluetooth telephone preparation and a 700W Aston Martin Premium Audio System with Dolby Pro Logic II and full iPod integration

In coupe form, the Virage will be available as a 2+2 or a strictly two seater as an option, the latter providing a rear parcel shelf, while also reducing weight.

The Virage will receive its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show next week and go on sale shortly after.

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

Aston Martin

Aston Martin

Aston Martin is a name that needs very little introduction. It is a brand that has always stood for high performance sports cars designed and produced by skilled craftsmen. The British automaker has recently brought to light its intent to be known for not only offering a lavish sports car, but a fuel efficient one as well. The new city cars will focus on the duties of transportation and not just getting from zero to 60 as quickly as possible.

Aston Martin

Aston Martin

Aston Martin

Originally, Aston Martin was known primarily in the racing circles. By the time the 1920's had rolled around, the brand had made its first overseas appearance, participating in the French Grand Prix. The brand was quickly able to make a name for itself with popular racing cars such as the streamlined 1934 Ulster. Every car produced by this top brand is a product of today's technology. New resources along with new investments in the latest computer aided designs are ensuring that the future for this car brand is as bright as its past.

Aston Martin

Over the past 90 years, Aston Martin has produced quality sports cars. The inspiration for the company itself began when founders Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford wanted to build distinctive sports cars that were exhilarating to drive. Martin was a regular competitor in the hill climb races at Aston Clinton and the simple combination of the name of the event and the name of the driver gave birth to one of the most famous automotive marques ever.

The fact that the company is still around today is a testament to its enduring strength and quality of its vehicles. Since its founding in 1914 the company has gone through more than half a dozen owners and been propelled to near-icon status thanks to its involvement in the James Bond films. Some of the more popular cars today include the DBS Volante with its combination of sports car characteristics and open-air motoring. The V8 Vantage is a great example of modern automotive design. A hand-crafted sports car that offers excellent performance, incredible agility and everyday usability. You even have the option of designing your own car just the way you want it.