- Added Technology for the Aston Martin DB7 Vantage
- Touchtronic automatic gear selection
| NEW YORK, April 19, 2000 - Aston Martin is marking the new Millennium with
the introduction of the added technological sophistication and refinement of finger tip
operated electronic control for the automatic transmission of the 185 mph Aston Martin DB7
Vantage. |
Photos: Jaguar |
Developed in conjunction with transmission manufacturers ZF the new
"Touchtronic" system from Aston Martin permits the driver to select individual
ratios through plus (to change up) and minus (to change down) buttons recessed into the
spokes of the steering wheel. In addition to operating the transmission in fully automatic
mode, gear selection can also be determined through a floor mounted selector lever.
Both the steering wheel buttons, which enable the driver to make sequential changes and
the floor mounted selector lever are linked directly to the engine and transmission's
electronic management systems to prevent misuse.
When the gears are being selected manually the transmission is programmed to
"Sport Mode" for optimum performance.
This new and additional facility for the Aston Martin DB7 Vantage together with the new
design Visteon instrument display and Alpine stereo radio and CD player is being unveiled
at the North American International Auto Show - the first major international show of the
new Millennium.
"The addition of the 420 horsepower 6.0 litre V12 Vantage and Vantage Volante
models to the DB7 range has enabled us to build on the impressive records of success
already established with the supercharged 6.0 cylinder models" said Mr Robert Dover
Chairman and Chief Executive of Aston Martin Lagonda.
"The Aston Martin DB7 is undoubtedly the most successful Aston Martin model of all
time" he continued. "Such has been the response to the new Vantage model that we
have reprogrammed our production schedules for the coming year so that more than 95% of
all DB7 production will be devoted to the Vantage derivative and we have confirmed orders
until July, 2000. This week total DB7 production will have reached the 3000 mark."
In the USA the addition of "Touchtronic" to the specification of a DB7
Vantage will add $5,500 to the purchase price of $140,000 for the Coupe and the same
amount to the price of $150,000 for the DB7 Vantage Volante.
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