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| Spy Shot: Aston Martin AM V8 production model |
Aston Martin unveiled the AM V8 "concept car" at the Detroit Motor Show - and now here's the real thing, snapped out testing round Germany's Nurburgring circuit. The AM V8, known as the 'baby Aston', is the Ford Premier Automotive Group's proposed 911 rival; set to cost from around £60,000 when it goes on sale in 2005, it should certainly give the Porsche a run for its money. Its final name hasn't yet be confirmed, but Aston Martin has told 4Car that the rumoured use of the classic 'DB5' nameplate is not on the cards. However, V8 Vantage is a contender. Aston expects this model to play a major role in upping its annual output, and for it to account for 40-50 percent of all Aston sales.
Styled by Henrik Fisker, the new Aston has a wide-opening hatchback, a generous luggage area and a two-seat interior inspired by that of the Vanquish. Power comes from a Jaguar-derived 4.3-litre V8, likely to give a good 370bhp, and a 500bhp-plus supercharged R version is also said to be on the cards. The engine is front mid-mounted - positioned well back in the engine bay to give optimum front:rear axle weight distribution. Six-speed manual transmission will be standard, a sequential-shift auto optional, and both gearboxes will be rear-mounted.
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