ASTON MARTIN Virage | Aston Martin Virage Revived in Geneva
ASTON MARTIN Virage
A Return After a Decade
Aston Martin unveiled the new "Virage" at the Geneva Motor Show.
By Shinichi Takahashi
Powered by a V12 Engine with 497 hp
The "Virage" name had not been used for some time, with the last model released in 2000. Now, a reborn Virage has been announced at the Geneva Motor Show. The new Virage is positioned as a model that bridges the gap between the "DB9" and "DBS," and will be available in two body styles: a 2-door coupe and a 2-door convertible. The 2-door convertible will, of course, be sold as the Virage "Volante."
The engine is a front-mid mounted, enhanced version of the DB9's 6.0-liter V12 unit. The front-to-rear weight distribution is an ideal 50:50. Peak output is 365 kW (497 ps), a 15 kW (20 ps) increase over the DB9, while maximum torque is slightly reduced by 30 Nm (3 kgm) to 570 Nm (58.1 kgm). This setup allows for a 0-100 km/h acceleration in 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 299 km/h. This means acceleration is 0.2 seconds faster and top speed is 7 km/h lower than the DB9.
A Car of Perfect Balance
The chassis utilizes the familiar aluminum VH platform. The transmission is a 6-speed automatic "Touchtronic II." The newly developed ADS (Adaptive Damping System) offers two modes, Sport and Normal, with five selectable damping force levels for each, adapting to road conditions. The suspension features 5-spoke wheels measuring 8.5x20 at the front and 11x20 at the rear, fitted with Pirelli P ZERO tires – 245/35 at the front and 295/35 at the rear. Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) brakes are standard equipment.
Opening the signature swan wing doors of the Aston Martin and looking into the luxurious leather-clad interior, one is greeted by a sumptuous cabin, typical of British cars, with walnut and iridium silver accents centered on the dashboard. Luxury features and equipment are standard, including seat heating (for sports seats only), cruise control, satellite navigation, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, and a powerful 700W Aston Martin premium audio system that also interfaces with iPods.
CEO Ulrich Bez stated, "The new Virage exceeds expectations in every aspect and is a car of perfect balance." This model is characterized as a grand tourer that combines not only speed but also luxury.
ASTON MARTIN VIRAGE
Body Dimensions | Length 4,730 x Width 1,904 x Height 1,282 (1,289 for Volante) mm
Engine | 6.0-liter V12 DOHC
Maximum Output | 365 kW (479 ps) / 6,500 rpm
Maximum Torque | 570 Nm (58.1 kgm) / 5,750 rpm
Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive
Transmission | 6-speed automatic (Touchtronic II)

