The Aston Martin DB AR1 (American Roadster 1) was derived from the Aston Martin DB7. Based on the Aston Martin DB7 Vantage Volante and boasting revised bodystyle with coachwork by Zagato of Italy and incorporating a number of dynamic elements, which were finely engineered to offer a new dimension to the Aston Martin driving experience. This lightweight Roadster, showcased at the Los Angeles Motor Show in January 2003, was designed specifically to appeal to US customers.
Available only as a two-seater, the Aston Martin DB AR1 did not represent a convertible Zagato version of the Aston Martin DB7 Vantage Zagato - launched in the summer of 2002 - but instead another addition to the Aston Martin range. The Aston Martin DB AR1 featured a large distinctive radiator grille and accentuating rear wheel arches, whilst the carefully detailed features such as the reverse/fog light combination provided graphic evidence of intricate hand craftsmanship and quality that has become an Aston Martin trademark.
Developments of Aston Martin's low emission, all alloy, 6.0-litre V12 engine, meant that Aston Martin DB AR1 benefited from a performance increase, offering 435bhp - compared with 420bhp of the Aston Martin DB7 Vantage. This increased power together with a revised final drive ratio and active sports exhaust system not only provided noticeable improvement in mid-range power, but also additional torque - up from 400 lb/ft to 410 lb/ft, providing a sharper accelerating drive. An AP twin plate racing clutch, replacing the single plate clutch found on the DB7 Vantage, combined with the revised quick-shift gear lever - also fitted to the Aston Martin DB7 GT - enabled the driver to maximise use of the increase in power and torque and enjoy a faster gear change.
Aside from a revised body design, the Aston Martin DB AR1 also came equipped with special multispoke 19" alloy wheels - with revised offset to give a wider track (8x19" front, 9½x19" rear) - fitted with SO2 245/35 ZR19 front and 265/30 rear, low profile Yokohoma tyres. The active sports exhaust system with rear muffler by-pass valves - as used on the Aston Martin V12 Vanquish - provided the Aston Martin DB AR1 with a very distinctive exhaust note. A combination of racing-style grooved 355mm (front) and 330mm (rear) Brembo disc brakes and up-rated Pagid RS 42-1 front pads provided the Aston Martin DB AR1 with better-sustained performance, with improved resistance to judder and fade, particularly at high speed. An up-rated brake booster unit - as used on the V12 Vanquish - assisted in providing the driver with progressive braking and a firmer and more consistent pedal feel.
Technical specifications
Aston Martin is revealing the DB9 GT - the luxury British sports car maker's most compelling production 'DB' to date. Designed to offer the best of what...
Appearing hot on the heels of the all-new Vanquish Super GT, the introduction of 13 Model Year Aston Martin DB9 gave the British luxury sports car maker...
Aston Martin introduced a revised version of the company's critically acclaimed Aston Martin DB9 at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, which includes significant...
Aston Martin introduces the new Aston Martin Virage - supremely elegant and powerful, yet juxtaposed as an understated sports car. The marque can now...
The Aston Martin DB9 is a modern interpretation of a traditional Aston Martin sports car, representing a contemporary version of classic DB design elements...
With an all-new surface language, Aston Martin Vanquish expresses contemporary elegance through its toned physique, broad stance and fluid curves.
Aston Martin AM 310 Vanquish is a new Aston Martin featuring the next generation of the renowned VH architecture as well as a significantly upgraded 6.0-litre...
Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato is a powerful addition to that portfolio; a GT car that blends Aston Martin's inherent refinement and capabilities with Zagato's...
Aston Martin Vanquish S, the fastest production model ever to be built by Aston Martin, made its world debut at the Paris Motor Show on September 23, 2004.
Vantage Roadster has been designed to offer all the style, sense of freedom and adventure for which convertibles are known, but without the limitations...
While Aston Martin Vantage Roadster mirrors the Coupe's exceptional tactility, pace and cornering performance, the design of the body is very much its own.
With production strictly limited to just 249 customer examples globally, with all examples sold ahead of release, the Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster boasts a compelling...
Aston Martin is opening up a new world of exhilarating driving excitement with the announcement of the hotly anticipated Aston Martin V12 Vantage S...
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage S Roadster benefits from its own unique sound with a new exhaust muffler and bypass valve map, creating a very distinctive and...
Aston Martin unveiled its most extreme roadster ever in the unique form of the one-off Aston Martin Vantage GT12 Roadster. A tailor made customer...
Aston Martin has unveiled one of the most eagerly anticipated convertibles of the year when the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster was revealed at the 2006...
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage N420 Roadster, a motorsport-inspired special edition, brings a new dimension of sporting prowess and dynamic ability to the V8...
Aston Martin is lifting the lid on an extreme new sports car with the global debut of the Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster. The new sports car, available...
By 1978, few new open cars were being built anywhere in the world. But persistent demand was demonstrated by the escalation of the price of second-hand...
The Aston Martin V8 Zagato Volante made its debut at the 1987 Geneva Auto Show and was offered at an even more limited run of only 25, although a total of...
2013 DB9 Volante also features Aston Martin's integrated side strake and LED side-repeaters. The long strake accentuates the lean, long lines of the DB9's nose.
The Aston Martin DB9 Volante also benefits from revisions to the front shear panel which increases torsional rigidity by 10%, further improving refinement.
The Aston Martin Virage Volante features a solidly-mounted rear subframe as well as front and rear shear panels which deliver high levels of rigidity.
In the event of an accident, sensors in the Aston Martin DB9 Volante detect the risk of a potential rollover and two roll-hoops are deployed from the rear...
Rapide S is capable of the same sprint in only 4.2 seconds (4.4 seconds 0-100 km/h) - also down by a full half second from its previous figure of 4.7 seconds.
The stunning new Aston Martin Rapide S is making its debut with yet more luxury and yet more power on offer in its quintessentially elegant four-door...
Aston Martin Rapide E is powered by an 800V electrical architecture battery - encased in carbon fibre and Kevlar casing - with a 65kWh installed capacity...
The Aston Martin Rapide AMR's aerodynamics have been tuned to reduce lift while retaining a neutral balance and the extra aerodynamic bodywork such as the splitter...
Aston Martin Rapide, one of the most eagerly awaited cars of 2009, was unveiled at the 63rd Frankfurt Motorshow. The elegant Aston Martin Rapide,...
The Aston Martin Virage made its debut at the Birmingham Motor Show in 1988. The Aston Martin Virage, which was designed by John Heffernan and Ken Greeley,...
Aston Martin Virage 6.3 has its roots firmly in the marque's motorsport activities of the time. The late 1980s saw Aston Martin return to sports car racing...
Aston Martin V8 Vantage, launched at the Birmingham Motor Show in 1992, was the second model to be given this name in its own right, rather than just an...
Halting only for refuelling and routine analysis the V12 multiple coupes and Aston Martin DB7 Vantage Volante convertibles were driven day and night at...
Although it didn't appear for almost 3 years after the Aston Martin DB7's unveiling, Aston Martin had every intention of creating a soft-top version. In...
Halting only for refuelling and routine analysis the V12 multiple coupes and Aston Martin DB7 Vantage Volante convertibles were driven day and night at...
The Aston Martin DB AR1 (American Roadster 1) was derived from the Aston Martin DB7 . Based on the Aston Martin...
Although it didn't appear for almost 3 years after the Aston Martin DB7's unveiling, Aston Martin had every intention of creating a soft-top version. In...
Aston Martin DB7 was launched the to the publi at the Geneva Motorshow in March 1993. The engine proved to be a light alloy, twin camshaft, supercharged...
Bentley Motors revealed the production version of the new Azure at the 2005 IAA Motor Show in Frankfurt. The luxurious four-seater Bentley Azure, which...
Stylish and powerful, the new Bentley Azure T is the world's most elegant convertible and destined to become a future classic. With unique Bentley 'T'...
The Bentley Azure was made to combine glamour and performance with the long-legged, continent-crossing capabilities of a modern sporting Bentley.
On January 17, 2005, the Arnage Convertible concept car, also known as the Arnage Drophead Coupe, was shown at the Los Angeles Auto Show. In April 2005,...
Performance of the Bentley Continental GTC Speed is breath-taking for an open-air Grand Tourer. 0-60 mph takes 3.2 secs, with 0-100 kmh taking 3.4 secs.
New types of luxurious haptic finishes adorn the interior of the Bentley Continental GT Convertible for greater sensory, as well as visual, enjoyment.
Bentley Continental GT V8 and GT V8 Convertible combine driver-focussed performance with exquisite refinement and cutting-edge technology.
Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible features an enhanced version of Bentley's renowned 6.0-litre W12 TSI engine, delivering an outstanding and increased 659 PS...
The Bentley Continental GT is refreshed with a complement of new exterior design features, aimed at sharpening the on-road presence of the iconic Grand...
The Bentley Continental GT V8 S Convertible can reach 60 mph from a standing start in 4.5 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.7s) and hit a top speed of 191mph (308km/h).
Bentley Continental GT Speed is given a more signature look through the use of a dark tint finish applied to the 21" Speed wheel design, headlamps and tail lamps.
Taking cues from its GT coupe sibling launched in 2010, the new Bentley Continental GTC builds on the highly successful foundation of...
Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible, the new open-top performance flagship of Bentley - and the world's fastest four-seat convertible - makes its...
Introduction of the new Bentley Continental GTC range builds on this success with a subtle evolution of its distinctive style and a range of technical and...
The Bentley Continental GTC Speed, twin-turbocharged W12 now develops 600bhp (610PS) that delivers true 200 mph (322 km/h) performance, with the roof up...
The Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible further strengthens Bentley's supercar range, following the introduction of the Bentley Continental...
In common with its stable mates, the interior of the new Continental GTC provides an unrivalled standard of craftsmanship, utilising natural wood veneers...
The new SL of the R232 series is based on a completely new vehicle architecture developed by Mercedes-AMG. The new dimensional concept allows a 2+2 seating...
Mercedes-Maybach SL offers a unique driving experience that combines the tranquillity and power typical of the brand. Comprehensive insulation measures reduce road noise.
In the Mercedes-AMG SL 55, the V8 engine delivers 469 hp and a peak torque of 516 lb-ft. The sprint from standstill to 60 mph takes 3.8 seconds.
In the top model SL 63, the engine develops 577 hp and provides a maximum torque of 590 lb-ft over a wide rev range from 2,500 to 4,500 rpm.
New appearance for an automotive icon: the beginning of 2016 will see the start of customer orders for the Mercedes-Benz SL which will be available from...
Mercedes-Benz SL65 is powered by a 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine rated at 463 kW (630 hp) and delivering 1000 Newton metres of peak torque.
Mercedes-AMG is further enhancing its SL63 and SL65 high-performance roadsters with updated technology and expressive design. The front section features a...
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class inherited these genes from its forefather, designed as a racing car. In 1952 it came to the international race tracks, saw and...
The stage is set for the new Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG. The new version of the high-performance Roadster impresses on several counts: systematic lightweight...
The new Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG lives up to its stylish and exclusive high-performance roadster claim not only with its engineering but through its looks, too.
Mercedes-Benz continues its long tradition of producing legendary sports cars when it launches the new-generation Mercedes-Benz SL-Class in spring 2008.
Top of the line in the exclusive 12-cylinder roadster segment is the Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG launched alongside the Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG . Its AMG...
Emotional performance courtesy of cutting-edge engineering: the new Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG in a nutshell. The roadster is powered by an AMG 6.3-litre V8...
With an output of 285 kW/388 hp and 530 newton metres of torque, the newly developed V8 engine in the SL 500 offers everything that is expected of a powerful...
The SL 55 AMG and SL 65 AMG are now even more sporty and exclusive. Both outstanding high-performance AMG Roadsters have made further substantial gains in...
The SL 65 AMG has 30 mm larger disc brakes all round and ultra-high-performance composite brakes at the rear as well as at the front. Plus the top-of-the-range...
The SL600 is the highest-output version of the non-AMG SL-Class models. It uses a V12 engine which produced 493 hp (368 kW) and 590 ft-lbf (800 Nm) from 2003...
The SL65 AMG version offered 604 hp (450 kW) from its twin-turbocharged 6.0 liter (5,980 cc) V12 at 5500 rpm. It retailed for $179,720 as of 2005.
The SL55 AMG version was released in 2002. The new model has only slight visual differentiators, the most noticeable is the three-slat grille rather...
The Mercedes-Benz R129 automobiles were produced from 1989 through 2003. They were sold under the SL-Class model names. The R129 replaced the R107 SL-Class...
Modern, elegant, dynamic and yet clearly part of a great tradition: the SL Roadster from Mercedes-Benz was one of the biggest sensations at the Geneva...
In autumn 1992, the 600 SL with a twelve-cylinder engine (290 kW, 394 hp) took over the top-of-the-range position. In the summer of 1993, the Stuttgart brand...
The Mercedes-Benz R107 automobiles were produced from 1972 through 1989. They were sold under the SL-Class and SLC-Class model names, respectively. The...
The Mercedes-Benz W 113 automobiles were produced from 1963 through 1971. They were sold as the "pagoda roof" SL Class. The W 113 replaced the W...
The year which gave birth to the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL also saw the partition of Germany, when the two German states gained separate autonomy.
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, famed for its distinctive gullwing doors, appeared in a new guise in 1957: At the Geneva Motor Show, held that year from March...
Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe and Drophead Coupe now come with a single piece grille surround, presenting a smoother, more contemporary front end that arch into...
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars unveiled its new Phantom Drophead Coupé at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2007. Production of the new car started at...
The tradition-laden Maybach luxury brand is adding a fifth model to its line-up. The new Maybach Landaulet resurrects the legend of the classic luxury...
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet is fitted as standard with the full-support AIRMATIC semi-active air suspension featuring infinitely variable damping control.
For maximum efficiency, Mercedes-AMG has equipped the V8 engine in the S63 4MATIC+ Coupe with the AMG Cylinder Management cylinder deactivation system.
Other stand-out features of the AMG S-Class Coupes and Cabriolets include the numerous high-sheen chrome design elements (S65) on the front, sides and rear.
The new Cabriolet is the sixth variant of the current S-Class family and the first open-top luxury four-seater from Mercedes-Benz since 1971. It offers a...
The first cabriolet from the Mercedes-Maybach brand celebrated its debut at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show and is all set to hit markets in the spring of...
With the new S65 Cabriolet, Mercedes-AMG is for the first time offering a performance car which combines the impressive power of the 6.0‑litre V12...
Mercedes-Benz presented a superlative dream car in the guise of the S63 Cabriolet. For the first time in its 48-year history, Mercedes‑Benz's sports...
BMW 8-Series Convertible combines sporting performance with the very highest level of exclusivity as well as the distinctive appeal of open-top driving pleasure.
The chassis technology on the new BMW M8 models allies electronically controlled dampers and electromechanical M Servotronic steering to an integrated braking...
The proportions of the new BMW 8-Series Convertible reveal a sports car that rides close to the road. With an exterior length of 4,843 millimetres...
One of the features specific to the new BMW M8 Convertible and new BMW M8 Competition Convertible is their rollover protection system. This consists of two protective...