Geneva 2011: Aston Martin Virage video

The Aston Martin Virage is back, with this new car revealed at the 2011 Geneva motor show. The badge was last seen on an Aston in 1996. It sits in the gap between the DB9 and DBS, which no one had noticed but Aston's found. We're pleased it has though - it looks fantastic. Sharing the bonded aluminium VH platform with the DB9 and DBS, the new Virage stands to benefit from the chassis’s seven years of development, and as such Aston has high hopes for the Virage’s ride and body control. The familiar all-alloy 5.9-litre V12 sits up-front, producing 490bhp and 420lb ft. This rather neatly confirms the Virage’s position between the 470bhp DB9 and 510bhp DBS. Like its stablemates, power is sent to the rear wheels via the six-speed Touchtronic II automatic transmission from the Aston Martin Rapide. Expect 0-62 mph in 4.6sec and a top speed of 186 mph. The Virage boasts a newly developed Adaptive Damping System (ADS), with five different stiffness settings selectable in ‘normal’ mode, and five additional firmer settings in ‘sport’ mode. Hitting the sport button also triggers sharper throttle response and quicker gear changes, with gears held for longer without automatically shifting up at the rev limiter. Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) brakes are equipped as standard, resisting fade as well as saving weight. The reduction in unsprung mass made possible by the lighter brake material should also see benefits in ride and handling. The Virage boasts a perfect 50:50 front/rear weight distribution. The Virage’s styling is well executed mix of Aston Martin elements, with front end grille treatment reminiscent of the One-77 and single bi-xenon headlamps following the contours of the front wings as per the Rapide.  One particularly neat touch is the integration of the side repeaters into the trademark Aston side strake via LED lights.  The Virage and Virage Volante are on sale right now at all Aston Martin dealers.  The hard-top is being displayed now at the Geneva show, where it is on stand alongside the new V8 Vantage S, Cygnet and DBS Carbon Black Volante, pictured right. Aston Martin DBS v Bentley and Ferrari Aston Martin Rapide v all its key rivals All of evo’s 2011 Geneva motor show news