Aston Martin DB7
Aston Martin DB7 (1994-2000 )
The DB7 is a sports car from Aston Martin. He was presented in spring 1993 at the Geneva Motor Show and was with its 3.2 -liter six-cylinder engine, the first Aston Martin to twenty years, which was not powered by a V8 engine. Moreover, it was revived with the DB7, the traditional Aston Martin DB type designation which the initials of David Brown, the longtime owner of the brand, go back.
In total, over 7000 copies of the DB7 was built by the beginning of 1994 until the autumn of 2003.
General
The DB7 Vantage V8 was up to the most successful model of the company Aston Martin. Until July 1998 already left 2,000 units of the DB7 the assembly hall in Bloxham. Thus, the record was broken, the the DB6 had set up with 1850 units built between 1965 and 1970.
The DB7 was the Scot Ian Callum designed, who was previously chief designer at Carrozzeria Ghia in Turin. There was the DB7 as a 2 2 Coupe or Volante open, both with a six-cylinder engine with Eaton supercharger and 3.2 liters, 250 kW (340 hp ) and 24 valves. Optionally, it was equipped with a synchronized five-speed gearbox or electronically controlled four-speed automatic. The top speed was 265 km / h and the sprint from 0 to 100 km / h achieved in 5.5 seconds.
The DB7 had a steel frame, steel construction and Kompositkotflügel. The suspension consisted of double wishbones with anti-dive system, coil springs, dampers and anti-roll bar rear. In addition, the DB7 with Teves ABS and with specially developed for him Bridgestone tires was equipped with low-profile profile. Both models had dual airbags, side impact protection, trip computer and a luxurious interior security with air conditioning, stereo with six speakers, cruise control, Connolly leather upholstery, carpet pile and center console in walnut wood.
Models
The DB7 was released in the spring of 1994, first as a coupe, the in November 1995, a convertible was set aside ( called Aston Martin Volante ).
In March 1999 it was again a new engine for the DB7 was presented in Geneva, a 6.0- liter V12 engine with large 313 kW ( 426 hp). Externally, these vehicles are easily recognizable by the large fog lamps.
Aston Martin DB7 Volante (1995-2000)
As of early 2000, the DB7 was offered only as a DB7 Vantage, again as a coupe and convertible, with this engine and a slightly different body.
Rear view
Aston Martin DB7 Vantage Volante (2000-2003)
As of 2002, an uprated version of this engine was also in the DB7 GT ( with manual transmission ) or DB7 GTA (automatic switching) in the program that there were both only as a coupe.
Towards the end of the production period two strictly limited versions of the DB7 were presented: the DB7 Vantage Zagato and the DB AR1, of which emerged only 99 per copies. For both Andrea Zagato created a new body, but technically they correspond largely to Vantage versions. During the DB AR1 was designed in the style of a classic roadster without full cover, otherwise technically but mostly the DB7 Volante - either with the drive train of the DB7 GT - resembled the wheelbase was the Zagato shortened and the weight significantly reduced to an even sportier orientation as to achieve the DB7 GT. Both Zagato models are pure two-seater.
Aston Martin DB7 Vantage Zagato
Aston Martin DB AR1
Technology
The underbody of the DB7 is originally from the Jaguar XJS, who in turn inherited from the Jaguar XJ sedan series 1, so that the roots of the floor pan back to the 60s. Since Jaguar since 1989 also belonged to the Ford company, " could " serve as a parts supplier to the already decrepit Group brother. However, it has been substantially revised for the Aston Martin and developed a completely new chassis. In 1996, the donor ratio was reversed and the new Jaguar XK has been developed based on the DB7, however, brought a class under on the market. Also used in the early years by 3.2 liter supercharged engine was a supercharged AJ6 engine from Jaguar, but was used in the sister brand only until the end of 1993 and has been revised there in 1994.