Latest news with #DB7
Yahoo
30-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Late to the Party
Unlike the Tadek Marek–designed inline-six that defined much of Aston Martin's legend, the company's V-12 originated far from Aston's British homeland. The engine was designed and engineered in Michigan during the Nineties, making Aston one of the most recent luxury brands to enter the 12-cylinder era. After taking control of Aston Martin starting in 1987, Ford green-lit the DB7. The coupe and convertible GT were based on a canceled Jaguar proposal and powered by a supercharged Jag inline-six. But it was obvious Aston would need a grander powerplant to live up to its new owner's aspirations for the brand. Ford had already been working on several putative V-12 projects at the time, although none of these influenced the Aston engine. Inspiration instead came from the humble Duratec V-6 that was in development (and on which Porsche had done some early work). The V-12 project was run by a small group of young engineers within Ford's Advanced Powertrain department, and contrary to rumors, the engine is not simply the combination of two Duratec sixes. The Aston engine has a custom block made from a more advanced alloy, larger bearings, and different cylinder liners but shares piston assemblies and valvetrain components. The first car to get the spiffy new 5.9-liter V-12 was the 2000 DB7 Vantage, and it proved such a hit that the inline-six DB7 was dropped within a year. At its debut, the V-12 made 414 hp and 398 lb-ft, but it was soon clear that plenty of scope had been left to improve those numbers. The first-gen Vanquish, which was introduced for 2002 and premiered Aston's new bonded-aluminum architecture, increased power to 460 hp. Output continued to grow steadily, and by the end of its life, the 5.9 made 580 hp and 465 lb-ft in the second-gen Vanquish S. From the start, the V-12 had also been designed for motorsport—even though Aston had no racing program when the project began. The prophecy came true with the DBR9 race car, which took back-to-back GT1 class wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2007 and 2008. Tightening emissions targets killed the original V-12 after the 2019 Rapide S, but the engine served as the basis for the substantially altered twin-turbo 5.2-liter V-12 that replaced it in the 2017 DB11. It keeps the same bore centers, cylinder diameter, and timing gear, and was initially assembled by Ford in Germany until Aston took production in-house in 2020. Output continues to trend upward, with the new Vanquish's 824 hp and 738 lb-ft almost certainly not where the story will end. 2000 Aston Martin DB7 Vantage 2002 Aston Martin Vanquish 2007 Aston Martin Vanquish Aston Martin DBR9 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2017 Aston Martin DB11 You Might Also Like You Need a Torque Wrench in Your Toolbox Tested: Best Car Interior Cleaners The Man Who Signs Every Car Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Sir Elton John's Former Aston Martin DB7 Set for Auction in Cambridgeshire
Read the full story on Modern Car Collector An Aston Martin DB7, previously owned by Sir Elton John, will be going under the hammer this April in Cambridgeshire. The 1995 model, known for its elegance and association with the "Rocket Man," is anticipated to attract bids between £23,000 and £27,000. The DB7 holds a special place in automotive history, and this particular vehicle boasts a unique provenance, having been first owned by the legendary musician. Accompanying the car in the auction are the original warranty card bearing Sir Elton John's name and a copy of its initial V5 document, adding to its collectible value. John Markey, a specialist from H&H Classics, the firm handling the sale, praised the DB7's design and the celebrity connection. "The DB7 is regarded as a modern masterpiece, and Sir Elton John's exquisite taste in cars only enhances its allure," Markey said. The car features a 5-speed manual transmission, is finished in British Racing Green, and has clocked only 14,500 miles, making it a low-mileage gem. Noteworthy features of the car include a high-end Alpine stereo system with a remote control, a six-stack CD changer complemented by a substantial Alpine V12 amplifier, and a Motorola car phone—a specification likely added by Sir Elton John himself. The luxury vehicle also comes equipped with heated front seats, cruise control, and Aston Martin Stage 1 stainless steel rear exhausts, ensuring both comfort and performance. "As well as being a visual treat, the DB7 delivers impressive performance and can reach speeds over 160mph," added Markey. "Its excellent condition and celebrity history make it a prime candidate for collectors and enthusiasts alike." The auction is scheduled to take place at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford, promising a significant turnout from both car enthusiasts and fans of Sir Elton John. This sale not only highlights the DB7's performance capabilities but also celebrates its cultural significance as a piece of automotive and entertainment history. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
