News

2023 Aston Martin DB12 Volante

A few months ago, Aston Martin unveiled a game-changing car, the Aston Martin DB12. The car was offered as a coupe, and now fans of the British manufacturer will have a choice, because the convertible version, Aston Martin DB12 Volante, has arrived on the market.

The beautiful design and the fixed metal roof, which has been replaced by a folding fabric roof with eight insulating layers, provides an outstanding driving pleasure during long journeys. At a speed of 50 km/h, the roof can be raised in 16 seconds and folded in 16 seconds. Also, the roof is operational even in headwinds of up to 50 km/h.

The car will be offered as standard with a black roof, but customers can order the DB12 Volante with a red, blue or black and silver roof in combination with numerous body and interior color options. If the car is ordered with special options from the Q by Aston Martin department, then the choice is even greater.

Inside, the new infotainment system with a 12.25-inch touchscreen, which supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, provides a special atmosphere for passengers. There is also a standard 390W sound system with 11 speakers, but it is also possible to get a 1,170W Bowers & Wilkins sound system with 15 speakers.

Aston Martin DB12 Volante is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine with 671 hp (493 kW) and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with torque converter and rear electronic limited slip differential. It reaches 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.7 seconds, a tenth slower than the standard DB12 model. As a reminder, the coupe version reaches 60 mph in 3.5 seconds with the same top speed of 202 mph (325 km/h).

For safe braking and stopping, there are 400 mm front and 360 mm rear discs (standard equipment), while a carbon-ceramic package is also offered, which is 27 kilograms lighter. The DB12 Volante sits on 21-inch forged wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tires.

Aston Martin announced that the production of this model will start soon and that the first deliveries are expected at the end of the year.

Source: Aston Martin

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Tuning

MH3 3.5 Turbo based on the first generation BMW M3

Manhart recently founded the Classic department, for the restoration and modification of legendary sports cars that, 30 years ago, were the top of the range. Their latest project is the MH3 3.5 Turbo based on the first generation BMW M3.

MH3 3.5 Turbo is powered by a replacement 3.5-liter in-line six-cylinder engine with 405 hp (298 kW) and a mighty 479 lb-ft (650 Nm) torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission and a Drexler locking differential. As a reminder, this engine delivers a standard 330 hp (243 kW) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque. The first generation BMW M3 is powered by a 2.3-liter engine with 200 hp (147 kW) and 177 lb-ft (240 Nm) torque.

The car is wrapped in Vinyl Matt Green with decal set in order on the front and rear bumper and splitter. It is equipped with MANHART turbocharger and intercooler, new exhaust system, carbon front spoiler lip, rear spoiler with carbon wing, MANHART suspension kit by H&R, locking differential by Drexler with additional cooler, MANHART brake system with 330×32 millimeter discs with four-piston Brembo fixed calipers at the front and rear brake discs combined with the E30 M3’s OEM floating calipers. It is mounted on 19″ MANHART Concave One wheels wrapped in 215/35 R19 front and 245/30 R19 rear tires.

Inside, the seats are upholstered in Cardinal Red leather that also covers the door panels. The BMW badges have been replaced by Manhart badges. In front of the driver is the Momo steering wheel.

Performance data and project cost have not been released.

Source: Manhart

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MH3 3.5 Turbo based on the first generation BMW M3
News

Ferrari 365 P Berlinetta Speciale

Every fan of Ferrari cars will say that each model of the Maranello-based company is a work of art. Among the many cars that are icons of the automotive industry such as the F40, 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso, 308 GTB or Testarossa, a special place belongs to the Ferrari 365 P Berlinetta Speciale.

The Ferrari 365 P Berlinetta Speciale was first presented in 1966 as a concept sports car designed by Pininfarina. Developed in the golden age of the automotive industry in the 60s, based on the design of Aldo Brovarone, this unique creation embodies Ferrari’s pursuit of automotive excellence, despite not being given the green light for series production.

As the road-going successor to the legendary Ferrari Le Mans racing cars, with long, sweeping lines, accentuated fenders and a Ferrari front fascia, only two examples were produced. The low-slung body, aluminum bodywork crafted to optimize aerodynamics and overall performance, the chassis with a tubular steel frame, and distinctive triple taillights underscore its sporting heritage.

Already after the presentation, it attracted the attention of Gianni Agnelli, who ordered another car. The second example is finished in metallic gray with a large rear spoiler.

The biggest surprise was hidden in the cabin, three seats with the driver’s position in the middle. It was seen for the first time in a Ferrari car, a novelty that would come to life three decades later with the McLaren F1 hypercar.

When it comes to the powertrain, the Ferrari 365 P Berlinetta Speciale is powered by a 4.4-liter Tipo 245 V12 engine with three Weber carburetors with a total power of 375 hp (276 kW) at 7500 rpm. Engineers reduced the weight here as well, so the engine block and cylinder head were made of aluminum. The engine is paired with a five-speed manual transmission that sends power to the rear wheels. This allowed the car to reach 62 mph (100 km/h) in 5 seconds with a top speed of 245 km/h (152 mph). It was one of the fastest road cars of its time.

The first copy of the 365 P Berlinetta Speciale, finished in white, was sold in the United States to collector Chinetti. The second copy, according to current information, is located in the United States.

When it comes to the value of the car, it should be noted that the first prototype was offered at auction nine years ago, but even the offer of USD $23 million was not enough for the owner of this unique car.

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Ferrari 365 P Berlinetta Speciale

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