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Ringbrothers’ restomod project ‘Octavia’ originally a 1971 Aston Martin DBS

At first glance, the vehicle before us might be mistaken for a restored Ford Mustang fitted with entirely new body panels.

This answer can be classified as half-correct and half-wrong.

The reason is that this machine is originally a 1971 Aston Martin DBS, with carbon fiber body panels produced by Ringbrothers, based in Wisconsin.

The design of body panels resembling a muscle car took 3,900 hours for the design process, followed by a formation and construction process that consumed 8,200 hours to complete.

Additionally, the front track width has been increased by 203 mm, while the rear track width is 254 mm wider.

As if that wasn’t enough, the wheelbase has also been extended by 76 mm, contributing to a more formidable appearance on the road.

Octavia is powered by a 5.0-liter Ford Coyote V8 engine capable of generating up to 805 hp, which drives the rear wheels through a six-speed manual Tremec transmission.

The secret behind this supercar-level power lies in the pairing with a custom 2.65-liter twin-screw supercharger from Happop, followed by a modified fuel system and a custom exhaust system from Ringbrothers.

Other features include RS SV suspension from Fox Racing, Brembo brakes, and HRE wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires.

The interior of Octavia appears more luxurious compared to the original model setup.

It showcases a blend of performance, luxury, modernity, and classic DBS elements contributed by the use of leather upholstery, along with carbon fiber, bronze, and billet aluminum materials.

According to Jim Ring, co-owner of Ringbrothers, “Octavia is a combination of imagination and the latest design process.

“We asked ourselves, ‘What would an MI6 agent drive while on holiday?’ This is the result,” he added.

 

1971 Aston Martin DBS

NEWS

Aston Martin DBX707 AMR24 is for F1 fans who want to stand out

Last year, we’ve seen the Aston Martin DBX707 AMR23, which was conceived to celebrate the automaker’s successes in Formula 1.

Now, a year on, Aston Martin has introduced the updated version of the special edition known as the AMR24. It is named after the F1 car used by team Aston Martin Aramco this year and shares the same appearance as the official F1 medical car.

This means the DBX707 AMR24 comes in Podium Green, but to be different from others, customers can also get it in Onyx Black or Neutron White.

The exterior is complimented by Aston Martin Racing Green or AMR Lime brake calipers, 23-inch Fortis wheels in either satin or glossy black finish, and an AMR24 engine plaque.

For the interior, Aston Martin offers two colour schemes: Onyx black (Monotone) with a striking Lime stitch and piping, or Onyx Black / Eifel Green Duotone with a lime contrast stitch.

Customers can also opt for trims in carbon fibre and dark chrome or titanium mesh trim matched with satin chrome. Other unique touches include the Aston Martin logo applied in foil to the dash panel and “AMR24” etchings on the door sills.

There are no changes to the DBX707’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine. Like in the standard version, the AMG-sourced mill puts out 707 PS and 900 Nm of torque, channeled to the wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Performance-wise, the DBX707 can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 310 km/h.

According to Aston Martin, bookings for the DBX707 AMR24 have already opened, but the automaker did not reveal exactly how many will be produced.

NEWS

Aston Martin Valiant is a hardcore road-legal supercar with a manual transmission

ASTON Martin has unveiled a track-focused vehicle that is road-legal. Introducing Valiant, a supercar packed with aerodynamic packages and based on Valour.

It is powered by the desired heartbeat of Aston Martin enthusiasts, the V12 twin-turbo engine producing over 730hp. What’s even more intriguing, this engine is paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox. According to Aston, the Valiant model is inspired by their Formula 1 team driver, Fernando Alonso.

On the Valiant’s body, you can see a large front splitter, big rear spoiler, and a substantial diffuser. Its body is made of carbon fiber and shaped for optimal airflow.

21-inch magnesium wheels are wrapped in aero discs to enhance airflow, inspired by the Aston RHAM/1 that raced at Le Mans in the late 1970s. The brakes are 16.1 inches at the front and 14.1 inches at the rear.

There are several interesting components within the body. Valiant uses a 3D printed rear subframe, titanium torque tube, lightweight lithium-ion battery, all reducing weight by 51 pounds.

Its suspension is equipped with Multimatic Adaptive Spool Valve (ASV) dampers. According to Aston, this system “can adjust each damper in less than six milliseconds”.

The V12 twin-turbo engine in Valiant produces 735hp and 752Nm of torque. The manual gearbox is mounted at the rear for better weight distribution, along with a mechanical LSD.

As expected, the interior resembles a racing machine, where Valiant features a half-cage, Recaro Podium seats, and four-point harnesses. The dashboard trim is made of Alcantara and carbon fiber, with exposed gear knobs.

Only 38 Valiant units will be produced by Aston Martin, and each unit has been sold. But if you’re curious about the price, it’s around 2 million pounds (RM11.95 million).

Deliveries will commence in the fourth quarter of 2024; meanwhile, this Aston Martin Valiant will make an appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed next month.

NEWS

2024 Aston Martin Vantage arrives in Malaysia with RM2.37 million price tag

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JUST months after its global debut, the 2024 Aston Martin Vantage is now launched for the Malaysian market, with a starting price of RM2,370,000 excluding options and customisation.

Similar to its predecessor, Mercedes-AMG’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 mill makes its way into the new Vantage, but thanks to various upgrades, it now churns out 665 PS and 800 Nm.

The substantial increase (155 PS and 115 Nm to be exact) in output was achieved through the adoption of modified cam profiles, optimised compression ratios, larger turbos, and increased cooling.

With the ZF eight-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels, the Vantage accelarates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds before reaching a top speed of 325 km/h.

The Vantage’s bonded aluminium structure is now stiffer and more engaging thanks to additional underbody stiffening components, and optimised front body cross member and front engine cross brace.

Improved mounting stiffness for the dampers on both end makes the car more precise, while new intelligent adaptive dampers offer immense range of control and speed of response t0 sharper its dynamics.

The Vantage features 21-inch forged alloy five-spoke wheels as standard, wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 tyres measuring 275/35 R21 (103Y) front and 325/30 R21 (108Y) rear.

Hidden behind the wheels are 400 mm front and 360 mm rear cast iron disc brakes. Buyers can upgrade these to Carbon Ceramic Brakes (CCB) that offer reduced brake fade at temperatures of up to 800 °C, alongside a reduction of 27 kg in unsprung weight.

Inside, the interior has been fully redesigned with a digital-forward cockpit as the centrepiece. Standard features include a 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and a standard 390W 11-speaker audio system.

Audiophiles can opt for the optional Bowers & Wilkins 1,170W audio system with 15 speakers, including 3D headline speakers and a subwoofer.

According to Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur, the retail price includes a three-year factory warranty, which customers can opt to extend to enjoy up to 20 years of coverage.