{"id":266816,"date":"2016-04-20T07:59:43","date_gmt":"2016-04-20T07:59:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.supercars.net\/blog\/?p=266816"},"modified":"2024-02-05T15:58:04","modified_gmt":"2024-02-05T15:58:04","slug":"2012-aston-martin-virage-dragon-88","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/2012-aston-martin-virage-dragon-88\/","title":{"rendered":"2012 Aston Martin Virage Dragon 88"},"content":{"rendered":"

2012 Aston Martin Virage Dragon 88<\/h1>\n
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23 April 2012, Beijing: Luxury British sports car maker Aston Martin is today unveiling three hand crafted \u2018Year of the Dragon\u2019 special editions as it grabs the spotlight at the 2012 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition.<\/span><\/p>\n

The historic British brand, desired worldwide for its engineering and design excellence, is using this important Chinese exhibition to build on its long-term commitment to the Asian market, with a particular focus on China. Aston Martin will open 11 new dealerships in China this year.<\/p>\n

The Dragon 88 Limited Edition models debuting at Beijing demonstrate the exceptional personalisation possibilities available from Aston Martin, with the world-famous sports car brand making 88 cars available for the ultimate in personalisation.<\/p>\n

Show goers will be able to see a DBS Volante, Virage Coupe and V8 Vantage S Coupe from the Year of the Dragon series. The Dragon 88s on the impressive show stand will be complemented by Aston Martin\u2019s exceptional One-77 supercar, together with a four-door Rapide customised by Aston Martin\u2019s new \u2018Q by Aston Martin\u2019 bespoke service, and a DBS cutaway model.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe stunning Dragon 88 sports cars \u2013 hand-built by our world-class craftspeople in England \u2013 reflect the design flair and technical excellence of the luxurious Aston Martin brand,\u201d said Dr Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin.<\/p>\n

Dr Bez added: \u201cI am very happy to be able to present these iconic cars on the world stage here in Beijing, and I and my staff in China look forward discussing them with visitors to the exhibition.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is the first time we have participated in a major automotive show in China since our wholly-owned subsidiary, Aston Martin Lagonda (China) Automobile Distribution Co., Ltd., became our general distributor in China in summer 2011.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe became general distributor after resolving a lawsuit about distribution rights on friendly terms and we are both proud and pleased that we were able to achieve this. It is another important step on our journey to developing a successful sales operation here in China. Like many newcomers to China we have learned a lot since we first came here in 2007.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe expect China to become one of our most important markets and look forward to sharing the Aston Martin experience with Chinese customers. Our dealership network is growing very quickly. It now includes Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Shenzhen, Shenyang and Ordos City, and will soon include Kunming and Tianjin.\u201d<\/p>\n

Global Sales Director Andy Gawthorpe said: \u201cWe are investing significantly in the Chinese market throughout 2012 and beyond. Today Aston Martin operates nine dealerships in the region, with 11 additional showrooms planned to open in China this year alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

He added: \u201cWith the new limited edition Dragon 88s, our \u2018Q by Aston Martin\u2019 bespoke service and the massive expansion of our sales network, China is on course to become Aston Martin\u2019s third biggest market.\u201d<\/p>\n

New models for China<\/h4>\n

The Dragon 88 concept is reserved for Aston Martin\u2019s most powerful, elegant and prestigious models: the DBS, Virage and V8 Vantage S.<\/p>\n

Each of the 88 cars will feature bespoke details that celebrate the mystical qualities of the dragon symbol, synonymous with power, strength and good luck in Chinese folklore. Among the detail changes, 24-carat gold is applied to the signature Aston Martin wing badges on each car. The cars are also finished in one of three special colours selected to chime with traditional Chinese art and imagery.<\/p>\n

Also starring at the Beijing show the One-77 is the ultimate expression of Aston Martin\u2019s engineering excellence, representing the world\u2019s most desirable automotive art form. The hugely potent 7.3-litre, naturally aspirated V12 engine and the low mass, high-rigidity properties of a carbon fibre chassis give a unique group of 77 owners around the world a driving experience of unrivalled intensity and excitement.<\/p>\n

\u2018Q by Aston Martin\u2019 bespoke service<\/h4>\n

\u2018Q by Aston Martin\u2019 is a bespoke specification service that goes well beyond the already extensive standard palette of paint, leather and trim finishes. This exciting new service brings Aston Martin\u2019s talented designers together with the company\u2019s expert engineers and highly experienced craftspeople, allowing customers to specify their Aston Martin sports car with meticulous attention to detail.<\/p>\n

The service covers interior and exterior styling, offering almost endless opportunity for expression. Thanks to Aston Martin’s unique VH (Vertical Horizontal) architecture, the philosophy that forms the backbone of its sports cars, the company has evolved a fast, flexible and modular approach to engineering. With \u2018Q by Aston Martin\u2019, the ability to commission the design and manufacture of a truly unique car is now within reach.<\/p>\n

The Ming dynasty is the inspiration for the \u2018Q by Aston Martin\u2019 Rapide on show in Beijing. Ming Blue Paint, \u2018glacial\u2019 wings and side strakes, Walnut wooden boot and door inserts, Falcon Grey and Metallic Bronze leather, and Ming-inspired seat embroidery are all unique for this car. Meanwhile the DBS cutaway model at the show stand has been created to give visitors a unique insight into Aston Martin\u2019s unique VH (Vertical Horizontal) architecture.<\/p>\n

Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez said of the British sport car maker\u2019s dramatic show presence in Beijing: \u201cI\u2019m very happy to be presenting such a compelling collection of luxury sports cars to a Chinese audience. My team has striven to create cars that are as beautiful as they are rare and exotic, and we all look forward to welcoming show visitors in Beijing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Story by Aston Martin Lagonda Limited<\/p>\n

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In Detail<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
submitted by<\/td>\nRichard Owen<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
type<\/td>\nSeries Production Car<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
released at<\/td>\n2012 Auto China<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
built at<\/td>\nGaydon, Warwickshire, England<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
engine<\/td>\n60\u00ba V12<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
position<\/td>\nFront-Mid, Longitudinal<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
aspiration<\/td>\nNatural<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
block material<\/td>\nAluminum<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
valvetrain<\/td>\nDOHC, 4 Valves per Cyl<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
fuel feed<\/td>\nFuel Injection<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
displacement<\/td>\n5935 cc \/ 362.18 in\u00b3<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
bore<\/td>\n89 mm \/ 3.5 in<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
stroke<\/td>\n79.5 mm \/ 3.13 in<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
compression<\/td>\n10.97:1<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
power<\/td>\n365.4 kw \/ 490 bhp @ 6500 rpm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
specific output<\/td>\n82.56 bhp per litre<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
bhp\/weight<\/td>\n274.51 bhp per tonne<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
torque<\/td>\n570 nm \/ 420.4 ft lbs @ 5750 rpm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
body \/ frame<\/td>\nExtruded Aluminium Bonded Monocoque<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
driven wheels<\/td>\nRWD w\/LSD and Traction Control<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
front tires<\/td>\n245\/35 Pirelli P Zero<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
rear tires<\/td>\n295\/30 Pirelli P Zero<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
front brakes<\/td>\nCarbon Ceramic Matrix Discs w\/6-Piston Calipers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
rear brakes<\/td>\nCarbon Ceramic Matrix Discs w\/4-Piston Calipers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
front wheels<\/td>\nF 50.8 x 21.6 cm \/ 20 x 8.5 in<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
rear wheels<\/td>\nR 50.8 x 27.9 cm \/ 20 x 11 in<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
steering<\/td>\nZF Rack & Pinion w\/Servotronic Power Assist<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
f suspension<\/td>\nDouble Wishbones w\/Coil Springs, Active Damping, Anti-Roll Bar<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
r suspension<\/td>\nDouble Wishbones w\/Coil Springs, Active Damping, Anti-Roll Bar<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
curb weight<\/td>\n1785 kg \/ 3936 lbs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
wheelbase<\/td>\n2740 mm \/ 107.9 in<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
front track<\/td>\n1586 mm \/ 62.4 in<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
rear track<\/td>\n1581 mm \/ 62.2 in<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
length<\/td>\n4703 mm \/ 185.2 in<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
width<\/td>\n1904 mm \/ 75.0 in<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
height<\/td>\n1282 mm \/ 50.5 in<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
transmission<\/td>\nRear Mounted 6-speed Touchtronic II Automatic<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
top speed<\/td>\n~299.27 kph \/ 186 mph<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
0 – 100 kph<\/td>\n~4.6 seconds<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
fuel capacity<\/td>\n78 litres or 20.59 gal.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
designers<\/td>\nIan Cullum, Hendrik Fisker<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n