Aston Martin has taken the wraps off its new Virage – an all-new model for the marque that slots in between the DBS and DB9. This new vehicle will make its début in two body types – coupé and drop-top – at the Geneva Motor Show.
The company’s proven 6,0-litre V12 will provide the pace with maximum outputs of 365 kW and 570 N.m torque. Sending drive to the rear wheels is a six-speed automatic transmission.
Virage features a newly developed adaptive damping system (ADS) that can, according to Aston Martin, “intelligently ‘read’ the road to provide optimum road holding, adapting to different conditions”. There are five different stiffness settings to choose from with a further five being added when sport mode is engaged. The sport mode provides sharper throttle response and quicker gear changes.
Stopping power comes from carbon ceramic matrix (CCM) brakes, which are said to be resistant to fade and much lighter than conventional cast-iron discs.
Single bi-xenon headlamps adorm the facade and follow the lines of the car’s flanks in an attempt to give this car a more crisp and modern look from the front. A new aluminium grille, inspired by the One-77, features five horizontal vanes.
Features on this model include a fully integrated satellite navigation system that has been developed in conjunction with Garmin. The new system can be operated via a four-way joystick that is mounted on the facia. Maps and information are viewed on a 6,5-inch high-resolution display
Standard equipment includes heated seats (sports seats only), cruise control, satellite navigation, Bluetooth telephone preparation and a 700 W Aston Martin premium audio system with full iPod integration.
The Virage arrives in South Africa in June this year.
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