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Aston Martin will present a One-77 technical showcase at the Geneva Auto Salon on 3 March 2009. Chassis no.1 will be on display as an exposé throughout the show detailing the quintessence of Aston Martin engineering and design expertise.

The One-77 is Aston Martin’s definitive sports car, one that epitomises everything Aston Martin from technology, the hand-craftsmanship of the hand rolled aluminium panels to the attention to detail. A culmination of all the marque’s know-how, the One-77 delivers effortless beauty guaranteed to stir the senses with performance potential eclipsing any previous Aston Martin.

With the performance and durability phase of the One-77′s intensive development programme soon to commence, the 79th Geneva Auto Salon provides the perfect stage on which to reveal the remarkable engineering, advanced technology and exotic materials that lie beneath the One-77′s extraordinary exterior.

For Aston Martin’s Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez, revealing the One-77′s secrets is a proud moment: ‘Right from the very beginning of the project the vision for One-77 was very simple: It had to combine high-technology with hand-built craftsmanship, and demonstrate the unique capabilities and passion of our designers, engineers and technical partners.

‘Quite simply it had to be the ultimate expression of Aston Martin. As you can now see, we have achieved that goal in magnificent style.’

Chris Porritt, One-77 Programme Manager continued: ‘We wanted to create something that wows you as much when you see what’s under the skin as the exterior styling itself. We started by identifying the most technologically exciting front-engined, rear-wheel drive cars in the world: those from the DTM race series. We then applied the principles and technology that feature heavily in their design and translated it to a road car application.’

Consequently the One-77′s structural core is a lightweight and immensely rigid carbon fibre monocoque. Conceived and designed at Aston Martin’s Gaydon HQ, the monocoque, or ‘tub’, has been built in partnership with Multimatic (MTC). As world leaders in carbon composite technology, advanced vehicle analysis and dynamic simulation, MTC brings unrivalled specialist capabilities to the exacting challenge of the One-77 programme.

While functionality and efficiency are paramount in the design and construction of the One-77′, so too is aesthetic beauty. To this end every single component has been crafted from the finest materials with absolute attention to detail. From the mesmerising weave of the glossy carbon fibre tub and the abstract, sculptural beauty of the dry sump’s oil reservoir, to the unerring precision of the billet machined aluminium suspension mounts, the One-77′s rolling chassis is an automotive masterpiece.

Of course the irony is that the vast majority of these exquisite components will be hidden from view in the finished car, yet each and every piece is a work of art in its own right. It’s this extraordinary workmanship and money-no-object commitment to quality that makes the One-77 unique.

Naturally, such a spectacular chassis demands – and gets – an equally exceptional drivetrain. It comes in the form of an immensely potent 7.3-litre, naturally aspirated V12 engine. Thanks to the adoption of a dry-sump oil system the engine is mounted 100mm lower than in any previous V12-engined Aston Martin road car, which helps keep the One-77′s centre-of-gravity as low as possible. To further aid agility and endow the One-77 with progressive handling and stable, predictable on-limit behaviour, the engine is also mounted 257mm aft relative to the front wheel centreline. In so doing the front-mid-engined layout shared by all of Aston Martin’s current road car range has been taken to a new level.

The One-77′s magnificent power unit is an extreme evolution of the 6.0-litre V12 engines fitted to the DBS, DB9 and new V12 Vantage models. Like the collaboration with MTC for the build of the chassis, Aston Martin has chosen a world-leading partner with which to develop the motor: legendary engine builders, Cosworth. It has proved to be the perfect collaboration, as Chris Porritt explains.

The One-77 is currently undergoing a stringent development process ahead of planned launch in 2010 with high speed testing taking place at a top secret proving ground in southern Europe. In a series of test runs completed last week the One-77 exceeded original expectations and recorded a 220.007mph (354.86kmh) top speed in dry but windy conditions under the guidance of the Aston Martin engineering team. Dynamic testing is now scheduled to continue into the New Year.

Powered by a new Aston Martin 7.3 litre V12 engine, the One-77 is engineered to deliver breathtaking levels of power and performance. The dramatically styled two-door, two-seat sports coupe is based on an innovative new carbon fibre monocoque body structure and adopts new active aerodynamic technology.

The One-77 is the ultimate expression of what Aston Martin stands for and will combine modern technology and design with craftsmanship and ultimate exclusivity to create the world’s most desirable automotive art form.

As name suggests, production is limited up to a maximum of 77 individually numbered examples, with deliveries expected to commence in mid-2010.

The 2009 Aston Martin DB9 sees few changes after receiving a slight power increase midway through the 2008 model year. The V12-powered DB9 coupe and Volante convertible carry styling that is similar to the company’s entry-level V8 Vantage, but they are 13-inches longer and seat four instead of two.

DB9s come with a 470-hp 6.0-liter V12. Both body styles are available with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic that includes steering-wheel paddles for manual shifting.

Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and front side airbags; the Volante convertible adds rollover bars that are designed to deploy in an impending tip. Other available features include satellite radio, navigation system, and front- and rear-obstacle detection.

2010 Aston Martin V8 Vantage : 4.7L V-8 engine, 6 speed manual transmission 12 MPG City / 19 MPG Hwy. Styling is a personal thing: a subjective criterion, if you will. As such, we usually don’t spend much time critiquing a car’s design, figuring you’ll decide for yourself whether something is visually appealing or not. Nevertheless, if you do not think the 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage coupe and roadster are anything short of stunning automobiles, we seriously question your aesthetic taste. There are probably orange drapes in your windows and concrete statues of Apollo on your lawn. So there’s no need to explain that the V8 Vantage

The 4.3-liter V8 has been bumped up in displacement to 4.7 liters, which along with a number of other enhancements, produces an increase of 40 hp. The standard six-speed manual transmission has a modified clutch and flywheel, which reduces pedal effort and increases engine responsiveness. The optional automatic gains a pair of throttle response modes (Comfort and Sport), while a change in programming promises to optimize smooth and consistent power delivery. The chassis and suspension were also revised for improved body control and better ride quality at low speeds. Steering response and feel have also been enhanced, while a new Sports Pack adds performance and handling goodies for those who want their sports car to be a little more capable.

Inside, the cabin has been updated to match Aston’s DBS flagship. The center stack has been completely redesigned with more attractive and easier-to-use climate and audio controls, while the optional navigation system is all-new and hard-drive-based for faster processing. Also brought over from the DBS is the ECU, or Emotion Control Unit, which is the fancy key fob constructed of stainless steal and glass that plugs into the dash to ignite the throaty V8. Sounds silly, but you’ll love showing it off to friends at dinner. All of these improvements are made to a car with an already impressive repertoire of talents. Although not as sharply focused as the Audi R8 or Porsche 911, it nevertheless has a more comfortable ride than the Porsche and is more practical than the Audi. Compared to the V8 Vantage roadster, models like the 911 Cabriolet, Mercedes SL and Jaguar XKR are all compelling luxury drop tops for a lot less money. In fact, the Aston’s pricier cost of entry (and steep initial depreciation) certainly make it an iffy bang-for-the-buck buying decision. But in terms of exclusivity, style and character, the 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage delivers in a truly unique way. And besides, just look at the thing.

The 2010 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is powered by a 4.7-liter V8 that produces 420 hp and 346 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard and a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters is optional. Aston Martin estimates the coupe will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. Fuel economy is 12 mpg city/19 mpg highway and 14 mpg combined with the manual transmission.

The dormant 2009 Aston Martin DBS fires up and comes alive, its ferocious 510-horsepower V12 awakening with a sharp blip and a mighty roar like the crack of a whip inciting an avalanche. Your grin widens; your eyes glow. The boisterous horns of the James Bond theme blare in your head. If this ever got old, it would be time to sell everything off and pursue a higher calling. The DBS is a modified version of Aston’s sexy DB9, with bulging fenders and a more chiseled fascia that give the impression that it can kick your teeth in if you challenge it. The difference between the two is like pretty boy Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig’s tough guy in a dinner jacket, yet both appeal in their own way. A 510-hp V12 (a 40-hp increase) lurks under the DBS’s lightweight carbon-fiber hood, and with a curb weight of only 3,737 pounds (143 less than the DB9), it can hit 60 mph in about 4 seconds.

The handling is slicker and the entire car feels more like a dedicated driving machine. Yet, while the DBS is clearly a tough guy, there’s more to the “dinner jacket” than its styling. The interior is swathed in made-to-order leather, Alcantara and subtle accent trim of aluminum, carbon fiber and/or piano-black wood. For 2009, the DBS can be optioned with a pair of vestigial rear seats that replace the standard rear parcel shelves. With either rear setup, the DBS is really intended for two people who’ll be surprisingly comfortable over long journeys, with front seats that strike a brilliant balance between comfort and support. Road trip comfort is also aided by a surprisingly compliant suspension given the car’s sporting nature. When it comes to the exotic segment, the few models available each chisel out their own particular niche, making direct comparisons pointless.

If a Bentley Continental GT Speed, Ferrari 599 Fiorano, Ferrari 612 Scaglietti or Lamborghini Gallardo also tickle your fancy, there’s little apples-to-apples fodder to share. Having said that, Aston’s own DB9 is much cheaper and offers nearly as much performance as the DBS. In the end, it all depends on how much money you want to spend and what type of exotic automotive experience you desire. When it comes to the 2009 Aston Martin DBS, it’s expensive, but it’s hard to imagine being disappointed by the sights and sounds of this truly unique automotive experience.

If there is truth in beauty, then the 2009 Aston Martin DB9 has never told a lie. We try not to focus too intently on styling, but how can you not when a car is so gorgeous it turns knees into Jell-O simply by sitting still? People always say it’s what’s on the inside that counts. Well, it turns out the DB9′s insides are pretty good, but in the end, just being pretty is really all that matters. Under those sexy lines resides Aston Martin’s VH platform, a strong aluminum architecture that manages to keep weight reasonably in check. This in turn allows for greater agility and less taxed acceleration from the 6.0-liter V12, which nevertheless gets a power boost for 2009.

Horsepower is up by 20 to 470, and torque is now 443 pound-feet (from 420). Also revised is the optional automatic transmission, which now features smoother low-speed gearchanges, quicker high-speed changes and rev-matching downshifts. Even so, the DB9 isn’t the ultimate automotive thrill machine — other exotics best it in terms of numbers and outright performance. The DB9 is more of a GT car, one that possesses sharp handling yet is still capable of driving from Miami to Los Angeles without giving the driver chronic back pain. Inside, the DB9 has always been a masterly collection of beautiful leathers, rich woods and other lovely materials. Previously, the center stack controls were a little fiddly and their satin silver finish didn’t live up to the rest of the cabin. They’ve been given the boot for 2009, with the DB9 adopting the same, more ergonomic stereo, climate and navigation controls as the DBS.

Another DBS feature that trickles down to the DB9 is the “emotion control unit,” or rather the $1,000 key fob made of stainless steel, piano black trim and sapphire crystal that glows red when neatly plugged into the dash. Among exotics, its fellow Brits the Bentley Continental GT and GT Speed are the closest competitors to the DB9 in terms of power and character, but even that comparison is a stretch. To a further degree, cars like the Mercedes-Benz CL- and SL-Classes, Maserati GranTurismo, Ferrari California, Lamborghini Gallardo or even Audi R8 would appeal to the same sort of high-priced demographic, but all offer vastly different styles and various degrees of handling acumen. But in the end, we suspect many potential buyers will not worry too much that Exotic A is quicker than Exotic B, or that Exotic G has 6 additional yards of Connolly leather. They’re more likely to care about the style and image each exotic exudes with the knowledge that it’s going to drive brilliantly anyway.

The Aston Martin V12 Vanquish is a supercar manufactured by Aston Martin since 2001. It rose to fame after being featured as the official James Bond car in Die Another Day, the twentieth James Bond film. In the film, the Vanquish has the usual Bond film embellishments, including active camouflage which rendered the vehicle virtually invisible.

The Vanquish is powered by a 5.9 L (5935 cc) 48-valve 60° V12 engine, which produces 343 kW (460 hp) and 542 N·m (400 ft·lbf) of torque. It is controlled by a fly-by-wire throttle and a 6 speed ‘paddle shift’ or semi-automatic transmission.

A special V12 Vanquish S debuted at the 2004 Paris Auto Show with the power upped to 388 kW (520 hp) and 577 N·m (426 ft·lbf).

According to Car magazine, the Vantage will get some engineering tweaks and its engine capacity will grow by almost half a liter, to 4733-cc. A year ago Aston merely fiddled with the ECU on the N400 and found 20 extra horses.

The cabin is also expected to receive a polish, with things like the Ford key. A face-lifted range of DB9s is also expected. All of these changes leads us to our one request for Aston, please be careful with what is already perfection.

Aston Martin launched V8 in 2005, we had a lot of good things to say about it at that time. The look, power, handling, and solidness of Aston’s everyday supercar - also liked the idea of the British firm giving us a car that could take on Porsche 911 as a direct competitor. Now, three years later, Aston has updated the car with even more of what we loved.

Inside the V8 Vantage, another complaint has been addressed – that of complicated, untactful switchgear that we found difficult to use while focusing on the road. That’s been revised in the new car with a completely restyled center stack – constructed from die-cast zinc alloy and finished in graphite silver — containing new controls designed to be easier to operate than their predecessors. A new electronic key fob, dubbed ECU, mimics that of the DBS’s glass, stainless steel, and polycarbonate unit, and replaces the old car’s traditional key. A new Hard Disk Drive Navigation System allows for faster route processing, improved graphics, and additional features.