911 killer still on track?
We investigate
email: avoglezon@mbzlongbeach.com
Get ready to discover that Ford appear to be following Porsche's sales / marketing techniques with the baby Aston - and it's all bad.
Ford has decided that the expected AM305 convertible will probably not be built because it will tread on the new DB9's toes, and at something like £40K more expensive than the baby Aston, that's money they Ford cannot afford to lose.
Also emerging is the news that the entry level Aston will only get stock wheels, part leather/tweed trim and a mildly tweaked version of the Jaguar 3.5-litre V8 motor from the XJ saloons, pumping out 265bhp through a six-speed manual gearbox - but nearly everything except the basic car will be EXTRA.
Although this will make it an "affordable" Aston, diluting the performance will not make this car a Porsche 911 beater as was hoped.
On the plus side, there will be sportier models with massive wheels, grunty engines and better trim spec. The motors will probably be sourced from Jaguar again, this time in the form the 4.2-litre 320bhp V8 and the storming 400bhp supercharged S-Type-R power unit making this a version a Lamborghini eater, with it's low weight aluminium chassis.
Interestingly, a mule is said to be running around Bedfordshire, England with a 4-litre V8 diesel engine in it!
The only real fly in the ointment is the delivery time. Buyers on the waiting list from the recent Saville Row (London) debut are expecting to see their first cars in 2006/2007, with other customers waiting until 2008. Ford is currently looking at plans to reduce that time by 18-months as marketing experts fear that customers may go elsewhere.
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