Aston Martin sold to...

[nickdrinkwater]

Louis Vuitton!

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/01/scoop-louis-vuitton-buys-aston-martin/

I don't know what to think...

[Michael Estorol]

I know what I think.

[HeyThatsNick]

This is terrible, and worries me a lot from a mechanical perspective.  No doubt the designs of the cars will be fine (they are gorgeous), the interior will be spectacular (they already are), but how the hell is a manufacturer of small luxury items going to pull off competetive powerplants?

[the Teuton]

Sourcing engines from Ford, GM, MB, or BMW aren't out of the question.  Prepare to see the best interiors ever stuffed into a luxury car.

[Vinsanity]

am I the only one who thinks this is good news?

[the Teuton]

Diddy, for instance, had the whole interior of his Azure reupolstered in LV materials, which set him back some "a few" thousand dollars.  Now, people can get their cars straight from the factory with it.  I think this is a perfect fit, almost like Smart and Swatch, but without the financial mess, hopefully.

[SVT666]

Sourcing engines from Ford, GM, MB, or BMW aren't out of the question.? Prepare to see the best interiors ever stuffed into a luxury car.

Considering Ford will still own a 15% stake in Aston martin, I would think the engines would be supplied by Ford.

[Nethead]

And it might free up the 6.0 V12 Ford created for Aston Martin for use in Mustangs--into whose engine compartment the V12 settles just fine--no fenderwell cutting or firewall bashing required!  Western MotorSports of Calgary dropped one into an S197 Mustang and had it at the 2006 SEMA show (check the beast out at www.wmsracing.com).  It'll be roadtested by Mustang 5.0 magazine when Calgary thaws in the Spring!  HEMI666 passes WMS on his way home from work and he's seen the beast live and in color!
They call this creation "Vanquish'd", although the Nethead here thinks "Astang Mustin" works just as well...

[Michael Estorol]

Diddy, for instance, had the whole interior of his Azure reupolstered in LV materials, which set him back some "a few" thousand dollars.? Now, people can get their cars straight from the factory with it.? I think this is a perfect fit, almost like Smart and Swatch, but without the financial mess, hopefully.

But - isn't Mr Diddy a famously tasteless prick with more money than sense, who thinks killing rare animals for their fur is a marvellous idea?
If this is really the market AM will be aiming at, I'd rather they just shut up shop. 

[heelntoe]

But - isn't Mr Diddy a famously tasteless prick with more money than sense, who thinks killing rare animals for their fur is a marvellous idea?
If this is really the market AM will be aiming at, I'd rather they just shut up shop. 

unfortunately, with a name like LV, they will attract more of these kinds of people.

[Raza]

 

[JYODER240]

Hopefully they won't ruin the brand. The problem with them now is that in order to buy one of their cars, a DB9 for example, you have to say no to a 911 Turbo, F430, Ford GT, and a Gallardo.

[nickdrinkwater]

Hopefully they won't ruin the brand. The problem with them now is that in order to buy one of their cars, a DB9 for example, you have to say no to a 911 Turbo, F430, Ford GT, and a Gallardo.

I would definitely take a DB9 over a 911 and a Ford GT if it was still on sale (which it isn't).

The F430 and Gallardo, maybe not.

[r0tor]

i fear no good will come of this

[JYODER240]

I would definitely take a DB9 over a 911 and a Ford GT if it was still on sale (which it isn't).

The F430 and Gallardo, maybe not.

The only thing the DB9 does better than any of them is look better.

[Vinsanity]

Hopefully they won't ruin the brand. The problem with them now is that in order to buy one of their cars, a DB9 for example, you have to say no to a 911 Turbo, F430, Ford GT, and a Gallardo.

usually someone who is going to buy a DB9 has a Ferrari and a Porsche already

[JYODER240]

usually someone who is going to buy a DB9 has a Ferrari and a Porsche already

That may be true, and if it is it only proves my point.

[Raza]

The only thing the DB9 does better than any of them is look better.

Looks are very important to Drinkwater.

[Eye of the Tiger]

 

aucon parle francais

[SVT666]

Hopefully they won't ruin the brand. The problem with them now is that in order to buy one of their cars, a DB9 for example, you have to say no to a 911 Turbo, F430, Ford GT, and a Gallardo.

The only one of the 4 cars you mentioned that I would take over a DB9 is the Ford GT.

[JYODER240]

The only one of the 4 cars you mentioned that I would take over a DB9 is the Ford GT.

It's just that the DB9 is nearly as good to drive as the others, or so i've heard.

[Raza]

I'd step into a Turbo or GT3 first, but then again, I am a Porsche guy.

[JYODER240]

I'd step into a Turbo or GT3 first, but then again, I am a Porsche guy.

Obviously I'd want to test drive them all first but my list would probably go:

1. F430 Spider - stick
2. Ford GT
3. GT3
4. Gallardo
5. Turbo
6. DB9

[Raza]

Obviously I'd want to test drive them all first but my list would probably go:

1. F430 Spider - stick
2. Ford GT
3. GT3
4. Gallardo
5. Turbo
6. DB9

I'd have the 430 at the bottom of the list, but it's my understanding that the 430 and Gallardo are quite a bit more expensive than the Porsches and the Aston. 

[Eye of the Tiger]

I'd step into a Turbo or GT3 first, but then again, I am a Porsche guy.

I'd go with a GT3, since I'm also a Porsche guy, because I drove a 944 once.

[JYODER240]

I'd have the 430 at the bottom of the list, but it's my understanding that the 430 and Gallardo are quite a bit more expensive than the Porsches and the Aston.?

If it was equipped with the F1 tranny it would be at the bottom for me. The F430 and Gallardo list higher than the rest and the GT goes for well over its 150K sticker.

[Raza]

I'd go with a GT3, since I'm also a Porsche guy, because I drove a 944 once.

I've never even driven a 944.  Two Boxster Ss, and two 911s. 

[Eye of the Tiger]

I am just intrigued by the dynamics of a rear-engined car. I've never driven one, but I want to.

[Raza]

If it was equipped with the F1 tranny it would be at the bottom for me. The F430 and Gallardo list higher than the rest and the GT goes for well over its 150K sticker.

To make mine a list:

GT3
Gallardo
Turbo
Ford GT
DB9
430

The only reason the Gallardo is above the Turbo is the "exotic" factor.  Realistically, I'd probably rather buy the Turbo. 

[JYODER240]

Cayenne S
2 986 Boxster
986 Boxster S
996 C2
996 Turbo