Frogeye Sprite Austin Healey the first of several Sprite models

Frogeye Sprite Austin Healey

Frogeye Sprite Austin Healey the first of several Sprite models.

The Austin Healey Sprite which was introduced in 1958 was a diminutive roadster with an unmistakable headlight arrangement.
The prominent headlights were initially intended to be flip-up units. However the cost of retractable headlights was to high, and instead they were fixed in what would have been the 'up' position. Their unusual location gave rise to the cars affectionate nickname, the "Frogeye" Sprite.
The Austin Healey Sprite MK I was powered by a 1.0 litre, inline, four cylinder engine which developed a grand total of 43 horsepower. Coupled to a four speed manual gearbox it was capable of propelling the car up to 84 mph.
The Frogeye Sprite (which was discontinued in 1961) was the first of several Sprite models. In 1962 the MK II Austin Healey Sprite was introduced. The MK II introduced several updates, the most noticeable of which was a more conventional headlight layout. From 1961 the Austin Healey Sprite was also sold as the MG Midget.

Aeon Sports Cars GT3 Aero

The GT3 Aero from Aeon Sportscars based in Kent, England, is a 3 seat kit car powered by a wide range of engines. The Aeon GT3 Aero, like its hard top sibling the GT3 Coupe, has an unusual 3 seat layout with a central driving position, however the car is also available in a conventional 2 seat version called the GT2 Aero.

Aeon Sports Cars GT3 Aero

Aeon was founded in 2000 by Keith Wood and John Hewitt to design and build a three-seater track/road car. John and Keith have a wealth of experience between them. John comes from an engineering background, serving his apprenticeship with the M.o.D. In his early years he built and raced karts and trials cars, and for the last 17 years has prepared cars and competed in sprints and hill climbs. Keith started his career as an apprentice in a drawing office, but for the past 18 years has owned and run a company that manufactures specialist off-road, amenity, agricultural and four-wheel-drive vehicles.

Aeon Sports Cars GT3 Aero

The steel spaceframe chassis of the Aeon GT3 Aero (which is identical to the GT3 Coupe chassis) commonly houses a 2-litre Ford Duratec four-cylinder engine or the 2.5-litre Ford Duratec V6 engine, although other units from a variety of front-wheel drive donors can be fitted to the mid-engined Aeon.

Aeon Sports Cars GT3 Aero

The bodywork of the Aeon GT3 Aero was developed with the help of MIRA's wind tunnel. MIRA is a world leading vehicle testing facility based in Warwickshire, England.

The seven piece fibre-glass body of the Aeon GT3 Coupe is supplied in white gel coat ready for painting.

Aeon Sports Cars GT3 Aero

Year (of specifications)     2009

Engine     various inc, 1.8 Audi, duratech V6

Transmission     RWD

Max speed     -

0-60 mph     -

Horsepower     various ranging from 160 - 280 bhp

2010 Aston Martin Sports Car Rapide Nurburgring Race Car

The Aston Martin Rapide Nurburgring race car has been unveiled today and the company says it will make its debut in the 24-Hour event that will take place on 15/16 May 2010. Previously, Aston Martin has competed in the Nurburgring 24-Hour race with the V8 Vantage and the V12 Vantage. for this year, the British brand goes four-door.

Aston Martin Rapide

For all those who thought Aston Martin had somehow gone soft by offering a four-door saloon, the famed British marque plans to prove the new Rapide is no slouch by entering it in the 38th ADAC Nurburgring 24-hour race on May 15-16. Piloting the vehicle win the grueling race will be none other than Aston Martin’s CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez, who at age 66 can still give the young guns a run for their money. Aston, with Bez at the wheel, has won top honors in the race’s production-based SP8 category for the past two years with versions of the Vantage coupe.

The Aston Martin Rapide Nurburgring will been entered in the race as company's Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez considers this event represents the ultimate durability test for any sports car.

The Aston Martin Rapide Nurburgring is extremely close to the production car. The only differences between the Aston Martin Rapide Nurburgring and the production model include the removal of interior trim to save weight, re-tuned suspension and slick tires.

PRESS RELEASE:

Aston Martin Rapide to contest gruelling Nürburgring 24-hour Race

Gaydon, Warwickshire 6 April 2010. Aston Martin will return to the starting grid of the legendary Nordschleife circuit for the fifth consecutive year at the 38th ADAC Nürburgring 24-hour race on 15/16 May 2010 with the marque's new four-door sports car; the Rapide.

Further underlining the sporting credentials of Aston Martin's latest model, the Rapide will compete in the demanding 24-hour race - as has been the case with other recent Aston Martin road cars, the V8 Vantage and V12 Vantage. The Rapide will compete in near-standard specification apart from mandatory changes required to compete in this most demanding of endurance races and will be driven by a team of engineers from the company's Gaydon headquarters in Warwickshire, England.

Aston Martin Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez who will lead the Rapide driver team, explained: "This race represents the ultimate final engineering durability test for any sports car - it subjects the car to the toughest possible assessment under public scrutiny. "The Rapide has the capability to carry four people in comfort but first and foremost it is a sports car and we will subject it to the same tests we would our other sports cars. We already have a proven track record at the Nürburgring racing our road cars with limited modification and in recent years we have enjoyed success in winning the SP8 class both in 2008 and 2009."

The Rapide race car will be close to production standard with only essential race safety modifications, interior trim removed to reduce weight, re-tuned suspension and will run on slick tyres designed for track use. The Aston Martin Rapide encapsulates the values of Aston Martin in pure four-door sports car form with an unrivalled combination of performance, comfort, craftsmanship and exceptionally elegant design. Since the Rapide's original premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2009 the car has gone on to win the widespread approval of customers and media commentators alike, prompting strong global demand for the car. Deliveries of the Rapide commence later this month through Aston Martin's 125-strong global dealership network.

The Rapide race car will be joined by a V12 Vantage - again modified only slightly for racing - which in 2009 swept to a class win on its competitive race debut. The near production standard V12 Vantage - which finished in 21st place overall last year - saw off competition from a field of largely specialist race cars in the SP8 class to claim an impressive debut win.

Further details on the V12 Vantage and the full driver line-ups for both Aston Martin entries plus details on a number of customer teams competing in the race will follow in the coming weeks.

The 38th ADAC Nürburgring 24 hour race will take place on 15/16 May 2010.

SLR McLaren Mercedes-Benz Sports Car

SLR McLaren Mercedes-Benz Sports Car

This sports car combines the old yet astounding SLR race cars of the 50s and the latest and meanest technology of high-performance supercars. With the power of race cars and the sleek, curves and designs of a luxury car, the combination from the two car manufacturers is hard to beat.A blast from the past and a taste of the future, this might just be a good description of the latest sports car that came out from a collaboration of Mercedes-Benz and McLaren, two big giants in the car manufacturing industry. We're talking about the 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren.
This supercar is definitely fast. SLR McLaren sports a 626-horsepower supercharged 5.5-liter V8. Also, it has a full carbon-fiber monocoque, features crash structures and body panels. And with the supercharge V8 engine, you can see the 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren go from naught to 60 miles per hour in less than 3.6 seconds. Top speed has been measured to exceed 200 mph, a feat that can only be achieved by very few even among the high performance sports cars. It was the high-performance division of Mercedes-Benz which created the V8s. The AMG were the ones who hand-build the supercharged V8 engines with top notched precision and quality. It is not at a big surprise to see the supercharged 5.5 (5439 cc) liter dry sumped 90 degree V8 engine to produce around 466.8 kW at 6500 rpm (626 hp) and 780 N·m (575 ft·lbf) torque at 3250 - 5000 rpm. The numbers maybe daunting but the sound of the engine will appease the minds of those who long for the perfect high performance cars.

SLR McLaren Mercedes-Benz Sports Car

Mounting that V8 engine into the body of SLR exotic car is also not as traditional as one would like to expect. The engine in SLR sports car is placed in a front mid-engine position just behind the front wheels. Instead of using the traditional oil-pan, dry-sump lubricants are used. With this innovation, it is highly possible to mount the engine to a level that used to be unachievable. Because of the low position of the engine in the supercar's body, the results are more than one hoped. The new Mercedez-Benz SLR McLaren race car has better aerodynamics and better handling due to the lower center of gravity.
Not only does the mean features of the sports car that attracts attention but how the two car companies were able to fuse their own traditions and expertise into a single exotic car. For one, McLaren's expertise in Formula 1 has been imbibed wholly by the SLR's design. The composition of carbon fiber material that was used in the body of the new SLR sports car is so Formula 1. Because of this body, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren has become more rigid and surprisingly strong.
The SLR also has a five speed automatic transmission. There are modes, the Sport, Comfort and Manual which basically covers every known driving style. Sport is for everyday use, Comfort for bumpy or slippery roads, and Manual gives you control over the gears either through the touchpad or the levers on the steering wheel. When you use Manual, you open up three more modes, namely Sport, Supersport and Race. Speed increased significantly as you go up shifts.

Beck LM 800 Supercar twin turbocharged V8

Beck LM 800 Supercar twin turbocharged V8

The Beck LM 800 is built on the principle of lightweight and aerodynamic efficiency. It uses composite materials to to keep the weight down and a form over function styling brief to keep the frontal area and drag coefficient to a minimum.
The LM 800 is a supercar from Beck Engineering & Composites GmbH based in Switzerland. The Beck LM 800 went on show in January 2007 in Vienna.
The construction of the Beck LM 800 is similar to that found in Formula 1 race cars with a carbon, Kevlar and aluminium composite monocoque protecting the driver and passenger, as well as providing a rigid base to attach the engine and transmission mounts and front control arms of the chassis. The LM 800 has an electronically controlled, hydraulic active chassis also influenced by F1 technology, which reacts to telemetry data and helps to keep the car firmly stuck to the road.
The engine is a V8 especially produced by MTM for the Beck LM 800 with a displacement of 4.2 litres and, thanks to two turbochargers, delivers a performance of around 650 HP (variable from 550 - 1000 hp) to the drive shaft. The drive unit is designed in such a way that even acceleration is achieved across the entire range up to a top speed of over 217 mph. The semi-sequential 7-speed gearbox is perfectly coordinated with the Beck LM 800 and reacts instantly to driver input.
The wheels of the Beck LM 800 are specially made and formed from aluminium. An in-built hydraulic jacking system makes tire changes a breeze.

MK III Austin Healey 3000 Improved due to engine modifications.

The Austin Healey 3000

The Austin Healey 3000 was the replacement car for the Austin Healey 100/6. The Austin Healey 3000 was a superior car to its predecessor, equipped with many improved features and updated parts. During its production lifetime the Austin Healey 3000 went through three different versions, the MK I, MK II and MK III.
The Austin Healey 3000 MK I (1959 - 1961) was fitted with a 3.0 litre inline six cylinder engine developing 124 horsepower. The engine was equipped with twin SU carburetors. And the car featured disc brakes at the front.
The Austin Healey 3000 MK II (1961 - 1963) introduced several improvements and design changes. The engine was enhanced by the fitment of triple SU carburettors which bumped the power up to 132 horsepower. In 1962 the BT7 2+2 version was introduced. This seating layout became the only option from 1962 onwards. The Austin Healey 3000 MK IIa introduced wind-up windows, a curved windscreen, and a convertible hood.

The Austin Healey 3000

The Austin Healey 3000 MK III (1963 - 1967) was the final version of the 3000 model. The performance was improved due to engine modifications. Peak power was raised to 148 horsepower, giving the 3000 MK III a top speed of 120 mph. The brakes were also enhanced with the fitment of a servo.
In 1967, due to new safety regulations in the cars biggest market - America, the Austin Healey 3000 was discontinued. It's replacement, the MGC, was nowhere near as popular as the Austin Healey 3000.
During its lifetime the Austin Healey 3000 proved to be a capable racing car. And it competed successfully in rally and road races around the world.

2010 Aston Martin Sports Car Rapide Nurburgring Race Car

The Aston Martin Rapide Nurburgring race car has been unveiled today and the company says it will make its debut in the 24-Hour event that will take place on 15/16 May 2010. Previously, Aston Martin has competed in the Nurburgring 24-Hour race with the V8 Vantage and the V12 Vantage. for this year, the British brand goes four-door.

Aston Martin Rapide

For all those who thought Aston Martin had somehow gone soft by offering a four-door saloon, the famed British marque plans to prove the new Rapide is no slouch by entering it in the 38th ADAC Nurburgring 24-hour race on May 15-16. Piloting the vehicle win the grueling race will be none other than Aston Martin’s CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez, who at age 66 can still give the young guns a run for their money. Aston, with Bez at the wheel, has won top honors in the race’s production-based SP8 category for the past two years with versions of the Vantage coupe.

The Aston Martin Rapide Nurburgring will been entered in the race as company's Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez considers this event represents the ultimate durability test for any sports car.

The Aston Martin Rapide Nurburgring is extremely close to the production car. The only differences between the Aston Martin Rapide Nurburgring and the production model include the removal of interior trim to save weight, re-tuned suspension and slick tires.

PRESS RELEASE:

Aston Martin Rapide to contest gruelling Nürburgring 24-hour Race

Gaydon, Warwickshire 6 April 2010. Aston Martin will return to the starting grid of the legendary Nordschleife circuit for the fifth consecutive year at the 38th ADAC Nürburgring 24-hour race on 15/16 May 2010 with the marque's new four-door sports car; the Rapide.

Further underlining the sporting credentials of Aston Martin's latest model, the Rapide will compete in the demanding 24-hour race - as has been the case with other recent Aston Martin road cars, the V8 Vantage and V12 Vantage. The Rapide will compete in near-standard specification apart from mandatory changes required to compete in this most demanding of endurance races and will be driven by a team of engineers from the company's Gaydon headquarters in Warwickshire, England.

Aston Martin Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez who will lead the Rapide driver team, explained: "This race represents the ultimate final engineering durability test for any sports car - it subjects the car to the toughest possible assessment under public scrutiny. "The Rapide has the capability to carry four people in comfort but first and foremost it is a sports car and we will subject it to the same tests we would our other sports cars. We already have a proven track record at the Nürburgring racing our road cars with limited modification and in recent years we have enjoyed success in winning the SP8 class both in 2008 and 2009."

The Rapide race car will be close to production standard with only essential race safety modifications, interior trim removed to reduce weight, re-tuned suspension and will run on slick tyres designed for track use. The Aston Martin Rapide encapsulates the values of Aston Martin in pure four-door sports car form with an unrivalled combination of performance, comfort, craftsmanship and exceptionally elegant design. Since the Rapide's original premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2009 the car has gone on to win the widespread approval of customers and media commentators alike, prompting strong global demand for the car. Deliveries of the Rapide commence later this month through Aston Martin's 125-strong global dealership network.

The Rapide race car will be joined by a V12 Vantage - again modified only slightly for racing - which in 2009 swept to a class win on its competitive race debut. The near production standard V12 Vantage - which finished in 21st place overall last year - saw off competition from a field of largely specialist race cars in the SP8 class to claim an impressive debut win.

Further details on the V12 Vantage and the full driver line-ups for both Aston Martin entries plus details on a number of customer teams competing in the race will follow in the coming weeks.

The 38th ADAC Nürburgring 24 hour race will take place on 15/16 May 2010.

2010 Aston Martin Sports Car Rapide Nurburgring Race Car

The Aston Martin Rapide Nurburgring race car has been unveiled today and the company says it will make its debut in the 24-Hour event that will take place on 15/16 May 2010. Previously, Aston Martin has competed in the Nurburgring 24-Hour race with the V8 Vantage and the V12 Vantage. for this year, the British brand goes four-door.

Aston Martin Rapide

For all those who thought Aston Martin had somehow gone soft by offering a four-door saloon, the famed British marque plans to prove the new Rapide is no slouch by entering it in the 38th ADAC Nurburgring 24-hour race on May 15-16. Piloting the vehicle win the grueling race will be none other than Aston Martin’s CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez, who at age 66 can still give the young guns a run for their money. Aston, with Bez at the wheel, has won top honors in the race’s production-based SP8 category for the past two years with versions of the Vantage coupe.

The Aston Martin Rapide Nurburgring will been entered in the race as company's Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez considers this event represents the ultimate durability test for any sports car.

The Aston Martin Rapide Nurburgring is extremely close to the production car. The only differences between the Aston Martin Rapide Nurburgring and the production model include the removal of interior trim to save weight, re-tuned suspension and slick tires.

PRESS RELEASE:

Aston Martin Rapide to contest gruelling Nürburgring 24-hour Race

Gaydon, Warwickshire 6 April 2010. Aston Martin will return to the starting grid of the legendary Nordschleife circuit for the fifth consecutive year at the 38th ADAC Nürburgring 24-hour race on 15/16 May 2010 with the marque's new four-door sports car; the Rapide.

Further underlining the sporting credentials of Aston Martin's latest model, the Rapide will compete in the demanding 24-hour race - as has been the case with other recent Aston Martin road cars, the V8 Vantage and V12 Vantage. The Rapide will compete in near-standard specification apart from mandatory changes required to compete in this most demanding of endurance races and will be driven by a team of engineers from the company's Gaydon headquarters in Warwickshire, England.

Aston Martin Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez who will lead the Rapide driver team, explained: "This race represents the ultimate final engineering durability test for any sports car - it subjects the car to the toughest possible assessment under public scrutiny. "The Rapide has the capability to carry four people in comfort but first and foremost it is a sports car and we will subject it to the same tests we would our other sports cars. We already have a proven track record at the Nürburgring racing our road cars with limited modification and in recent years we have enjoyed success in winning the SP8 class both in 2008 and 2009."

The Rapide race car will be close to production standard with only essential race safety modifications, interior trim removed to reduce weight, re-tuned suspension and will run on slick tyres designed for track use. The Aston Martin Rapide encapsulates the values of Aston Martin in pure four-door sports car form with an unrivalled combination of performance, comfort, craftsmanship and exceptionally elegant design. Since the Rapide's original premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2009 the car has gone on to win the widespread approval of customers and media commentators alike, prompting strong global demand for the car. Deliveries of the Rapide commence later this month through Aston Martin's 125-strong global dealership network.

The Rapide race car will be joined by a V12 Vantage - again modified only slightly for racing - which in 2009 swept to a class win on its competitive race debut. The near production standard V12 Vantage - which finished in 21st place overall last year - saw off competition from a field of largely specialist race cars in the SP8 class to claim an impressive debut win.

Further details on the V12 Vantage and the full driver line-ups for both Aston Martin entries plus details on a number of customer teams competing in the race will follow in the coming weeks.

The 38th ADAC Nürburgring 24 hour race will take place on 15/16 May 2010.

2010 Aston Martin Sports Car Rapide Nurburgring Race Car

The Aston Martin Rapide Nurburgring race car has been unveiled today and the company says it will make its debut in the 24-Hour event that will take place on 15/16 May 2010. Previously, Aston Martin has competed in the Nurburgring 24-Hour race with the V8 Vantage and the V12 Vantage. for this year, the British brand goes four-door.

Aston Martin Rapide

For all those who thought Aston Martin had somehow gone soft by offering a four-door saloon, the famed British marque plans to prove the new Rapide is no slouch by entering it in the 38th ADAC Nurburgring 24-hour race on May 15-16. Piloting the vehicle win the grueling race will be none other than Aston Martin’s CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez, who at age 66 can still give the young guns a run for their money. Aston, with Bez at the wheel, has won top honors in the race’s production-based SP8 category for the past two years with versions of the Vantage coupe.

The Aston Martin Rapide Nurburgring will been entered in the race as company's Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez considers this event represents the ultimate durability test for any sports car.

The Aston Martin Rapide Nurburgring is extremely close to the production car. The only differences between the Aston Martin Rapide Nurburgring and the production model include the removal of interior trim to save weight, re-tuned suspension and slick tires.

PRESS RELEASE:

Aston Martin Rapide to contest gruelling Nürburgring 24-hour Race

Gaydon, Warwickshire 6 April 2010. Aston Martin will return to the starting grid of the legendary Nordschleife circuit for the fifth consecutive year at the 38th ADAC Nürburgring 24-hour race on 15/16 May 2010 with the marque's new four-door sports car; the Rapide.

Further underlining the sporting credentials of Aston Martin's latest model, the Rapide will compete in the demanding 24-hour race - as has been the case with other recent Aston Martin road cars, the V8 Vantage and V12 Vantage. The Rapide will compete in near-standard specification apart from mandatory changes required to compete in this most demanding of endurance races and will be driven by a team of engineers from the company's Gaydon headquarters in Warwickshire, England.

Aston Martin Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez who will lead the Rapide driver team, explained: "This race represents the ultimate final engineering durability test for any sports car - it subjects the car to the toughest possible assessment under public scrutiny. "The Rapide has the capability to carry four people in comfort but first and foremost it is a sports car and we will subject it to the same tests we would our other sports cars. We already have a proven track record at the Nürburgring racing our road cars with limited modification and in recent years we have enjoyed success in winning the SP8 class both in 2008 and 2009."

The Rapide race car will be close to production standard with only essential race safety modifications, interior trim removed to reduce weight, re-tuned suspension and will run on slick tyres designed for track use. The Aston Martin Rapide encapsulates the values of Aston Martin in pure four-door sports car form with an unrivalled combination of performance, comfort, craftsmanship and exceptionally elegant design. Since the Rapide's original premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2009 the car has gone on to win the widespread approval of customers and media commentators alike, prompting strong global demand for the car. Deliveries of the Rapide commence later this month through Aston Martin's 125-strong global dealership network.

The Rapide race car will be joined by a V12 Vantage - again modified only slightly for racing - which in 2009 swept to a class win on its competitive race debut. The near production standard V12 Vantage - which finished in 21st place overall last year - saw off competition from a field of largely specialist race cars in the SP8 class to claim an impressive debut win.

Further details on the V12 Vantage and the full driver line-ups for both Aston Martin entries plus details on a number of customer teams competing in the race will follow in the coming weeks.

The 38th ADAC Nürburgring 24 hour race will take place on 15/16 May 2010.

2010 Aston Martin Sports Car Rapide Nurburgring Race Car

The Aston Martin Rapide Nurburgring race car has been unveiled today and the company says it will make its debut in the 24-Hour event that will take place on 15/16 May 2010. Previously, Aston Martin has competed in the Nurburgring 24-Hour race with the V8 Vantage and the V12 Vantage. for this year, the British brand goes four-door.

Aston Martin Rapide

For all those who thought Aston Martin had somehow gone soft by offering a four-door saloon, the famed British marque plans to prove the new Rapide is no slouch by entering it in the 38th ADAC Nurburgring 24-hour race on May 15-16. Piloting the vehicle win the grueling race will be none other than Aston Martin’s CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez, who at age 66 can still give the young guns a run for their money. Aston, with Bez at the wheel, has won top honors in the race’s production-based SP8 category for the past two years with versions of the Vantage coupe.

The Aston Martin Rapide Nurburgring will been entered in the race as company's Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez considers this event represents the ultimate durability test for any sports car.

The Aston Martin Rapide Nurburgring is extremely close to the production car. The only differences between the Aston Martin Rapide Nurburgring and the production model include the removal of interior trim to save weight, re-tuned suspension and slick tires.

PRESS RELEASE:

Aston Martin Rapide to contest gruelling Nürburgring 24-hour Race

Gaydon, Warwickshire 6 April 2010. Aston Martin will return to the starting grid of the legendary Nordschleife circuit for the fifth consecutive year at the 38th ADAC Nürburgring 24-hour race on 15/16 May 2010 with the marque's new four-door sports car; the Rapide.

Further underlining the sporting credentials of Aston Martin's latest model, the Rapide will compete in the demanding 24-hour race - as has been the case with other recent Aston Martin road cars, the V8 Vantage and V12 Vantage. The Rapide will compete in near-standard specification apart from mandatory changes required to compete in this most demanding of endurance races and will be driven by a team of engineers from the company's Gaydon headquarters in Warwickshire, England.

Aston Martin Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez who will lead the Rapide driver team, explained: "This race represents the ultimate final engineering durability test for any sports car - it subjects the car to the toughest possible assessment under public scrutiny. "The Rapide has the capability to carry four people in comfort but first and foremost it is a sports car and we will subject it to the same tests we would our other sports cars. We already have a proven track record at the Nürburgring racing our road cars with limited modification and in recent years we have enjoyed success in winning the SP8 class both in 2008 and 2009."

The Rapide race car will be close to production standard with only essential race safety modifications, interior trim removed to reduce weight, re-tuned suspension and will run on slick tyres designed for track use. The Aston Martin Rapide encapsulates the values of Aston Martin in pure four-door sports car form with an unrivalled combination of performance, comfort, craftsmanship and exceptionally elegant design. Since the Rapide's original premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2009 the car has gone on to win the widespread approval of customers and media commentators alike, prompting strong global demand for the car. Deliveries of the Rapide commence later this month through Aston Martin's 125-strong global dealership network.

The Rapide race car will be joined by a V12 Vantage - again modified only slightly for racing - which in 2009 swept to a class win on its competitive race debut. The near production standard V12 Vantage - which finished in 21st place overall last year - saw off competition from a field of largely specialist race cars in the SP8 class to claim an impressive debut win.

Further details on the V12 Vantage and the full driver line-ups for both Aston Martin entries plus details on a number of customer teams competing in the race will follow in the coming weeks.

The 38th ADAC Nürburgring 24 hour race will take place on 15/16 May 2010.

Aeon Sports Cars GT3 Aero

The GT3 Aero from Aeon Sportscars based in Kent, England, is a 3 seat kit car powered by a wide range of engines. The Aeon GT3 Aero, like its hard top sibling the GT3 Coupe, has an unusual 3 seat layout with a central driving position, however the car is also available in a conventional 2 seat version called the GT2 Aero.

Aeon Sports Cars GT3 Aero

Aeon was founded in 2000 by Keith Wood and John Hewitt to design and build a three-seater track/road car. John and Keith have a wealth of experience between them. John comes from an engineering background, serving his apprenticeship with the M.o.D. In his early years he built and raced karts and trials cars, and for the last 17 years has prepared cars and competed in sprints and hill climbs. Keith started his career as an apprentice in a drawing office, but for the past 18 years has owned and run a company that manufactures specialist off-road, amenity, agricultural and four-wheel-drive vehicles.

Aeon Sports Cars GT3 Aero

The steel spaceframe chassis of the Aeon GT3 Aero (which is identical to the GT3 Coupe chassis) commonly houses a 2-litre Ford Duratec four-cylinder engine or the 2.5-litre Ford Duratec V6 engine, although other units from a variety of front-wheel drive donors can be fitted to the mid-engined Aeon.

Aeon Sports Cars GT3 Aero

The bodywork of the Aeon GT3 Aero was developed with the help of MIRA's wind tunnel. MIRA is a world leading vehicle testing facility based in Warwickshire, England.

The seven piece fibre-glass body of the Aeon GT3 Coupe is supplied in white gel coat ready for painting.

Aeon Sports Cars GT3 Aero

Year (of specifications)     2009

Engine     various inc, 1.8 Audi, duratech V6

Transmission     RWD

Max speed     -

0-60 mph     -

Horsepower     various ranging from 160 - 280 bhp

weight     -