Aston Martin Virage#Virage Volante/V8 Volante

{{Infobox automobile

| image = Aston Martin Virage - Flickr - mick - Lumix.jpg

|name=Virage

|production={{Unbulleted list

| 1989–1996 (Virage Coupe)

| 411 produced{{cite web |url=https://www.hemmings.com/magazine/hmn/2016/11/1991-1992-Aston-Martin-Virage/3750277.html |title=1991–1992 Aston Martin Virage |date=November 2016 |first=Mark J. |last=McCourt |publisher=Hemmings |access-date=9 February 2019}}

| 1996–2000 (V8 Coupe)

| 101 produced

}}

|assembly = United Kingdom: Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire

|body_style=2-door 2+2 coupé

| layout = Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive

|engine={{unbulleted list

| 5.3 L Aston Martin V8

| 6.3 L Aston Martin V8

}}

|transmission = {{unbulleted list

| 5-/6-speed ZF manual

| 3-/4-speed TorqueFlite automatic

}}

|wheelbase= {{convert|2610|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}

|length= {{convert|4735|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}

|width = {{convert|1855|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}

|weight = {{cvt|1790|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}

|designer = John Heffernan,{{cite web|url=https://www2.astonmartin.com/en/heritage/past-models/virage|title=Virage|publisher=Aston Martin|access-date=9 February 2019}} Ken Greenley

| sp=uk

}}

When compared to the preceding V8, the design was fresh and more modern. The Virage was more similar in design language to the Lagonda than the V8 it replaced. Indeed, the chassis was an evolution of the Lagonda's, with a de Dion tube rear suspension, located by triangulated radius rods and a Watts linkage, and a double wishbone unit at the front.{{cite journal |title=Virage |journal=Autocar & Motor |date=15 August 1990 |page=29}} To cut costs, many of the less-important pieces came from other companies, as had been the case for Aston Martin automobiles of the past. The sleek headlights and taillights were sourced from the Audi 200 and the Volkswagen Scirocco respectively, while General Motors, Jaguar, Citroën and Ford provided the steering column, climate control panel, wing mirrors and dash switches. In fact, Ford had purchased Aston Martin and Jaguar shortly before the Virage debuted and it became the first model to be introduced under the new ownership.

The Virage was a large, heavy car in spite of its all-aluminium body, but the 32-valve 5.3 L (5,340 cc) V8 engine's {{convert|494|Nm|lb.ft|0|abbr=on}} torque elevated its performance to near sports car levels. "Acceleration just never seems to run out", claimed Sports Car International during a first test. They also praised the "eager and quicker revving" nature of the {{convert|330|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} engine with its Callaway-designed heads and Weber-Marelli fuel injection. "Nothing sounds quite like an Aston V8," they concluded. The 1,790 kg (3,946 lb) car could attain a top-speed of {{cvt|254|kph|mph|0|abbr=on}}. The automatic variant could accelerate to {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on|order=flip}} from a standing start in a claimed 6.5 seconds (7.4 seconds for the manual version). The catalyzed European-spec engine produces a claimed {{cvt|310|PS|kW|0}} at 5300 rpm, and period tests claimed 8 seconds to reach {{cvt|100|km/h|mph|0}} for the automatic version.{{cite magazine | ref = AS91 | title = Brustna illusioner | trans-title = Broken illusions | language = sv | magazine = Teknikens Värld | publisher = Specialtidningsförlaget AB | location = Stockholm, Sweden | pages = 8–9 | date = 1991-05-02 | issue = 9 | volume = 43 | first = Alrik | last = Söderlind }} An engine power upgrade to {{cvt|350|hp|kW PS|0}} was announced at the 1996 Geneva Motor Show.{{cite book |title=Automobil Revue 1997 |editor-last=Büschi |editor-first=Hans-Ulrich |publisher=Hallwag AG |location=Berne, Switzerland |language=de, fr |page=151 |volume=92 |date=6 March 1997 |isbn=3-444-10479-0}} English actor Rowan Atkinson owned Virage Coupé chassis 50010 which featured on the front cover of Car May 1990. In the article he commented how the modern climate control system provided heating efficiency beyond the veteran Aston Martin driver's dreams and could not believe warm air would emanate from the footwell within 90 seconds of start up. This car also appeared in the beginning of his 1991 TV series The Driven Man.{{cite web |url=https://www.imcdb.org/v001465867.html |title=1990 Aston Martin Virage in "The Driven Man, 1991" |website=IMCDb |access-date=2023-01-09}} Other celebrity owners included Lennox Lewis, Elton John and Chris Eubank.

The five-speed ZF Friedrichshafen manual was fitted to about forty per cent of the cars produced. The more popular automatic option was the Chrysler three-speed Torqueflite transmission. For the 1993 model year, the three-speed unit was replaced by a four-speed automatic unit. The six-speed manual from the Vantage also became optional at the end of the Virage's production run.Automobil Revue 1997, p. 153 Aston Martin had prepared for an annual production rate of 275 examples. In the end, the totals averaged about a third of that during the model's seven-year lifespan (including the Volante).

File:V8 Virage..jpg|Aston Martin Virage engine bay

File:Aston Martin Virage dash.jpg|Interior

File:Aston-Martin Virage in Morges 2012 - Rear 2.jpg|Rear 3/4 view

===={{anchor|6.3|Works Service}}Works Service====

File:1991 Aston Martin Virage 6.3 Widebody in Cannock Black, front right.jpg|Aston Martin Virage 6.3 Widebody (Works Service)

In January 1992, Aston Martin introduced a conversion service, upgrading the car into a Virage 6.3. As the name implies, the centerpiece of the conversion was a bored and stroked {{convert|6347|cc|L|1|abbr=on|order=flip}} V8 derived from the AMR1 racing car. This engine has a power output of between {{cvt|456|and|500|hp|kW PS|0}} at 6,000 rpm and {{cvt|480|lbft|Nm|0}} of torque at 5,800 rpm, allowing the car to attain a top speed of {{cvt|175|mph|km/h|0}}.

Other changes included {{convert|14|in|mm|0|adj=on}} ventilated disc brakes, the largest used in a passenger car until the Bentley Continental GT, and 18 inch wheels. Visually, the 6.3 had wide flared bumpers, low sills and air dams, and side air vents.

{{anchor|Shooting brake}}

;Virage Shooting Brake

A shooting brake (estate) version of the Virage was offered in limited numbers. It debuted at the March 1992 Geneva Motor Show. Unlike prior Aston Martin Shooting Brake models, however, the Virage was produced in-house by the company's Works Service, with six believed to be constructed in total. The cars were priced at {{GBP|165,000}}. The cars are believed to have retained Virage chassis numbers, except two that received chassis numbers of the type "DP/2099".{{cite web |url=http://www.astonmartins.com/car/virage-shooting-brake/ |title=Virage Shooting Brake in Aston Martins.com |work=AstonMartins.com |access-date=21 March 2015}}

{{anchor|Lagonda}}

;Lagonda Virage Saloon

File:Virage-Lagonda-1.jpg|A sketch showing the side profile of the Lagonda Virage saloon

The Lagonda Saloon is a long-wheelbase four-door Virage model that was built in very limited numbers to customer orders, reviving Aston Martin's long-dormant second marque. Introduced in 1994, it was manufactured by Aston Martin Works Service with a {{convert|12|inch|mm|0|abbr=on}} chassis extension, although two were ordered with an {{convert|18|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} extension. The name refers to the four-door Aston Martin Lagonda. The Lagonda Virage cost about {{GBP|250,000}} and only eight or nine are believed to have been produced, with some being conversions of regular Virages. Six of these cars were ordered by the royal family of Brunei.{{cite web|url=https://astonmartins.com/car/lagonda-virage-4-door-saloon/|title=Virage Lagonda 4 Door Saloon (1994)|website=astonmartins.com|access-date=15 July 2020}}

;Lagonda Virage Shooting Brake

The five-door Lagonda Virage Shooting Brake debuted at the same time as the Lagonda Virage. It was made by Aston Martin Works Service in only one or two examples, and has been spotted bearing "Vacances" badging at the rear. A further six cars were made for a royal family from the ground up, adding a {{convert|16|in|mm|1|abbr=on|order=flip}} extension to the chassis of a standard Virage.{{cite web|url=https://astonmartins.com/car/lagonda-virage-5-door-shooting-brake/|title=Virage Lagonda 5-door Shooting Brake|access-date=9 February 2019}}

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A less extreme (compared to the Vantage) V8 Coupe replaced the standard Virage from 1996 onwards having the updated styling inherited from the more powerful Vantage. Lacking the superchargers and the more aggressive body style of its sibling, the engine in the V8 Coupe has a power output of {{convert|350|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}}{{Cite web |title=V8 Coupe LWB Volante |url=https://www.astonmartin.com/en-gb/models/past-models/v8-coupe-lwb-volante |access-date=2023-06-20 |website=www.astonmartin.com |language=en-GB}} and 369 lb·ft (500 N·m) of torque.{{cite web|url=https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/25452/lot/223/|title=1996 Aston Martin V8 Coupe|date=19 May 2019|work=Bonhams|access-date=15 July 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.autoweek.com/car-life/events/a2136106/rare-aston-martin-v8-coupe-heads-auction/|title=Rare Aston Martin V8 Coupe heads to auction|date=16 May 2019|first=Jay|last=Ramey|publisher=Autoweek|access-date=15 July 2020}} In total, 101 examples of the V8 Coupe were built from 1996 through 2000.

;V8 Sportsman Estate

The V8 was also subject to coachbuilt conversion by Aston Martin's Works Service department. Dubbed the Sportsman estate, only three were made using existing V8 Coupes as a base. No mechanical modifications were made and the Estate retained the V8 Coupe's engine and mechanicals.{{cite web|url=https://www.motor1.com/news/143858/aston-martin-v8-wagon-auction/|title=Rare 1996 Aston Martin V8 Estate Is Better Than Any SUV|date=27 April 2017|first=Jeff|last=Perez|publisher=Motor 1|access-date=15 July 2020}}

File:Aston Martin V8 1997.jpg|Aston Martin V8 Coupe

File:Aston Martin V8 Coupé.jpg|rear 3/4 view

{{Clear}}

{{Infobox automobile

|image=Aston Martin Virage Volante cabriolet registered May 1995 5340cc.jpg

|name=Virage/V8 Volante

|production={{Unbulleted list

| 1992–1996 (Virage Volante)

| 224 or 233 produced

| 1997–2000 (V8 Volante)

| 63 produced

}}

|assembly = United Kingdom: Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire

| layout = Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive

|body_style={{unbulleted list

| 2-door convertible

| 2-door 2+2 convertible

}}

|engine=5.3 L V8

|transmission= {{unbulleted list

| 6-speed ZF manual

| 4-speed Torqueflite automatic

}}

|wheelbase= {{unbulleted list

| {{convert|2610|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}

| {{convert|2810|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} (LWB)

}}

|designer = John Heffernan, Ken Greenley

}}

File:1993 Aston Martin Virage Volante Widebody, rear right (Greenwich 2019).jpg

File:Aston Martin Vantage Volante LWB.jpg

The convertible version of the Virage, called the Virage Volante debuted at the 1990 Birmingham Motor Show as a strict two-seater, but a 2+2 version was shown at the 1991 Geneva Motor Show. Production examples, first appearing in 1992, were all to feature 2+2 seating. Sources state that either 224 or 233 examples had been produced when production ended in 1996. The last 11 examples already had the naturally aspirated 1995 version of the engine found in the later V8 and V8 LWB Volante models with the improved four-speed and overdrive Torqueflite automatic and a power output of {{Convert|359|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}}, which may be part of why there is some disagreement to the production numbers.

1992 was also when Aston Martin introduced its 6.3-litre "Works Service" package, which included wider fenders to accommodate the larger OZ wheels and 14-inch disc brakes, additional vents, deeper sills, and other appearance modifications. This was immediately available on the Coupé as well as the Volante.{{cite web | url = https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo19/monterey/lots/r0066-1993-aston-martin-virage-volante-wide-body/780001 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190808005449/https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo19/monterey/lots/r0066-1993-aston-martin-virage-volante-wide-body/780001 | archive-date = 8 August 2019 | title = 1993 Aston Martin Virage Volante 'Wide Body' | date = 15–17 August 2019 | id = Lot 118 | location = Monterey, CA | publisher = RM Sotheby's }} Aston Martin soon introduced a strictly cosmetic version called the Wide Body featuring the regular 5.3-litre engine; this was mainly intended for the United States market as the 6.3 was not certified for sale there. 13 of these were built for the United States, whereas only seven regular Virage Volantes were delivered there. In contrast to the Wide Body Volante, the Prince of Wales chose to equip his 1994 Volante with the standard bodywork coupled with the {{convert|456|hp|kW PS|abbr=on|adj=on}} 6.3-litre engine and a manual transmission.{{cite web | url = https://www.classicdriver.com/en/article/cars/driven-aston-martin-virage-volante-63-litre | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140826020929/https://www.classicdriver.com/en/article/cars/driven-aston-martin-virage-volante-63-litre | archive-date = 26 August 2014 | title = Driven: Aston Martin Virage Volante 6.3-Litre | date = 10 May 2012 | work = Classic Driver | last = Wakefield | first = Steve }}

A new V8 Volante Long Wheelbase, with updated styling of the V8 Coupe was produced from 1997 to 2000 on a chassis lengthened by {{convert|200|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}. Only 63 units were built by the time production came to a halt.

Following on their V8 Volante junior car, Aston Martin built a half-scale junior car version of the Virage Volante as well. It received a handmade aluminium body, leather interior, and a 160-cc Honda engine; this children's car cost as much as a brand new Mercedes-Benz 190E.{{cite magazine | ref = CJ91 | title = Salongsberusning | trans-title = Salon drunk | language = sv | magazine = Teknikens Värld | publisher = Specialtidningsförlaget AB | location = Stockholm, Sweden | page = 15 | date = 1991-05-16 | issue = 10 | volume = 43 | first1 = Claes | last1 = Johansson | first2 = Jonas | last2 = Fröberg }} Ten examples were built in total.

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{{Infobox automobile

|name=Vantage/Le Mans

|image=1994 Aston Martin Vantage V550 in Pentland Green, front right.jpg

|caption=Aston Martin Vantage V550

|production={{unbulleted list

| 1993–2000

| Vantage: (280 produced)

| Volante: (8 SWB, 1 LWB)

}}

|assembly = United Kingdom: Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire

| layout = Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive

|body_style={{unbulleted list

| 2-door 2+2 coupé

| 2-door 2+2 convertible

}}

|engine=5.3 L twin-supercharged V8

|transmission=6-speed ZF manual

|designer = John Heffernan

}}

As with many other Aston Martin models, a high-performance Vantage model of the Virage would later be introduced. First shown at Birmingham in September 1992, the Vantage was produced from 1993 through 2000 and, like many other Aston Vantage models would soon become the only variant available. The Virage name lasted just a few years, with its final descendants inheriting the simple and familiar V8 name.

The Vantage had new styling with only the roof, doors and wing mirrors shared with the Virage. The wing mirrors were later replaced in favour of the ones from the Jaguar XK8/XKR. The Vantage is wider, lower, used four round tail lights (later adopted for the base V8 Coupe), and featured new rear suspension and interior electronics. Like the 6.3, the Vantage used record-sized 362 mm (14 in) brake discs and 18 inch wheels.

The biggest change to the Vantage was inside the engine compartment. The {{cvt|5341|cc|L|1|abbr=on|order=flip}} V8 engine now used twin superchargers. Power output was now {{cvt|550|hp|kW PS|0}}, and the torque was equally high at {{cvt|555|lbft|Nm|0}} at 4,000 rpm. Top speed was {{convert|300|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}, with acceleration to 97 km/h (60 mph) taking 4.6 seconds. Customers cars could be returned to Works Service starting in 1998 to be converted to V600 specifications, where the engine was upgraded to {{cvt|600|hp|kW PS|0}} at 6,200 rpm and {{cvt|600|lbft|Nm|0}} of torque at 4,400 rpm.{{cite web|url=https://jalopnik.com/when-aston-martin-built-the-most-powerful-and-stupid-1652378434|title=When Aston Martin Built The Most Powerful (And Stupid) Car In The World|date=7 November 2014|first=Raphael|last=Orlove|publisher=Gizmodo Media Group | work = Jalopnik |access-date=11 July 2020}}

In 2000, Aston Martin's Works Service unit also built nine bespoke Vantage Volante models (convertibles), one of which was built to long wheelbase specifications.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}

File:1999 Aston Martin Vantage V600, front right (London).jpg|Vantage V600

File:1999 Aston Martin Vantage V600, rear right (London).jpg|Rear 3/4 view of Vantage V600

File:Aston Martin Virage Vantage engine.jpg|Engine compartment

File:AM Vantage LeMans.jpg|Vantage Le Mans

The new European emission and safety regulations made Aston Martin decide to end production of the V8-Vantage line and the final model was called "V8 Vantage Le Mans". Honoring Aston Martin's 1959 victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the prototype of a limited run of 40 was presented in Geneva in 1999 on the 40th anniversary of the win.

All Le Mans Vantages were sent back after delivery to have the engine modifications to deliver {{Convert|612|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} and {{Convert|820|Nm|0|abbr=on}} of torque, and were supported by a suspension reinforced with special Koni shock-absorbers and stiffer anti-roll bars. The bodywork featured a blanked-out front grille and modified side vents – replicating the side vents of the Le Mans winning DBR-1 – as well as a bigger front spoiler and rear skirt.{{cite web|url=https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/ve19/villa-erba/lots/r0044-2000-aston-martin-vantage-le-mans-v600-coup%C3%A9/773729|title=2000 Aston Martin Vantage Le Mans 'V600' Coupé|date=25 May 2019|work=RM Sotheby's|access-date=11 July 2020}} The interior was reworked with a large rev-counter, a special Titanium finish on some parts, and features such as heated windshield, parking radars, traction control, heated electric seats, and full Connolly leather upholstery with matching Wilton wool carpets. Wheels were the same Dymag magnesium units as seen on most V600s. Performance included a claimed top speed of {{cvt|320|kph|mph|0|abbr=on}} and 0 to 100 km/h acceleration being achieved in 3.9 seconds. The keyholder was in sterling silver and a map from Newport-Pagnell to the legendary Le Mans track was provided in the delivery documents. Each car was made upon special commission and fitted with a number plate indicating also the name of the first owner.{{cite web|url=https://www.classicdriver.com/en/article/cars/aston-martin-le-mans-v600-a-jurassic-monster-a-bone-breaking-punch|title=The Aston Martin Le Mans V600 is a Jurassic monster with a bone-breaking punch|date=27 October 2017|first=Alex|last=Easthope|publisher=Classic Driver|access-date=11 July 2020}}

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The Virage would not become available in the United States until the summer of 1990 and the Virage Volante convertible became available later in 1992. The later V8 Coupe version and the Virage Vantage were not officially offered for sale in the US. Availability was ended after the 1993 model year, due to the lack of passenger airbags and inability to meet emissions regulations.{{cite journal |journal=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1997/06/22/db7-is-a-shout-from-long-hushed-aston-martin/ |date=22 June 1997 |title=DB7 is a shout from long-hushed Aston Martin |last=Mateja |first=Jim}}

{{Infobox automobile

| image = 2012 Aston Martin Virage coupé.jpg

| name = Aston Martin Virage

| alt = A front three quarters photo of a silver Virage coupe. It is a US-specification version, as depicted by its prominent orange front and rear reflectors. A convertible version of the same colour is displayed next to it.

| production = {{unbulleted list

| March 2011 – September 2012

| >1,000 units

}}

| manufacturer =

| designer = Marek Reichman

| assembly = United Kingdom: Gaydon, Warwickshire

| body_style = 2-door coupe
2-door convertible

| platform = {{unbulleted list | VH Generation III}}

| layout = Front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive

| engine = 5.9 L AM11 V12

| transmission = 6-speed ZF 6HP 26 (Touchtronic II) automatic

| related = {{unbulleted list

| Aston Martin DB9

| Aston Martin DBS

| Aston Martin Rapide

}}

| wheelbase = {{cvt|107.9|in|mm|0|abbr=on|order=flip}}

| length = {{cvt|185.8|in|mm|0|abbr=on|order=flip}}

| width = {{cvt|75.0|in|mm|0|abbr=on|order=flip}} (without mirrors)

| height = {{cvt|50.4|in|mm|0|abbr=on|order=flip}}

| weight = {{cvt|1740|-|1890|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}

| doors = Swan

| sp=uk

}}

The Virage debuted in March 2011 at the Geneva Motor Show,{{cite newspaper|url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-daily-telegraph/146831205/|title=Aston Martin set to unveil new Virage|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=26 February 2011|location=London, England|via=Newspapers.com|page=137|mode=cs2}} {{Free access}} resurrecting the name first used on the model produced between 1989 and 2000.{{cite newspaper|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/car-manufacturers/aston-martin/8380940/Aston-Martin-Virage-review.html|title=Aston Martin Virage review|first=Andrew|last=English|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|mode=cs2|url-access=subscription|date=14 March 2011}} The official series manufacture of the Virage coupe began in the same month{{cite magazine|url=https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-shows/geneva-auto-show/news/a16962/2012-aston-martin-virage/|title=2012 Aston Martin Virage - 2011 Geneva Auto Show|first=Matt|last=DeLorenzo|magazine=Road and Track|date=2 March 2011|mode=cs2}} at the Gaydon facility in Warwickshire, England. Aston Martin stated that two hundred hours were spent on each unit at the Gaydon facility, seventy hours of which were on the interior.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.evo.co.uk/aston-martin/db9/11588/new-aston-martin-virage-news-and-pictures|title=New Aston Martin Virage news and pictures|date=23 February 2011|mode=cs2|magazine=Evo}}

File:2012 Aston Martin Virage coupé, onyx blk.jpg

Designed by Aston Martin's design director Marek Reichman,{{cite newspaper|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-telegraph/146832718/|title=Supreme confidence|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|first=Andrew|last=English|location=London, England|date=19 March 2011|via=Newspapers.com|mode=cs2|page=161}} {{Free access}} the Virage is based upon the "vertical/horizontal" platform, which employs extensive use of robust bonded aluminium.{{cite newspaper|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/national-post/146832507/|title=V12 supercar sings a siren song of power|newspaper=National Post|location=Toronto, Ontario|date=18 March 2011|via=Newspapers.com|mode=cs2|page=26|first=David|last=Booth}} {{Free access}} The body structure comprises aluminium, magnesium and composite materials,{{cite web|url=https://www.drive.com.au/reviews/aston-martin-virage-review-2/|title=Aston Martin Virage review|first=Paul|last=Maric|website=Drive|publisher=Fairfax Media|date=30 August 2011|mode=cs2}} and its kerb weight ranges from {{cvt|1740 to 1785|kg}}.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/mercedes/sls-amg/40813/sls-amg-vs-aston-martin-virage-specifications|title=SLS AMG vs Aston Martin Virage - specifications|date=28 May 2011|magazine=Auto Express|mode=cs2}}{{cite newspaper|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-colonist/146833504/|title=Supercar's power sears the highway|newspaper=Times Colonist|location=Victoria, British Colombia|date=25 March 2011|via=Newspapers.com|mode=cs2|page=62}} {{Free access}} The Virage also incorporates anti-roll bars and double wishbone suspension positioned at both the front and rear.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/aston-martin/virage-2011-2012|title=Aston Martin Virage 2011-2012 review|mode=cs2|magazine=Autocar|date=26 April 2012|first=Matt|last=Prior}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.caranddriver.com/aston-martin/virage/specs|title=2012 Aston Martin Virage 2dr coupe features and specs|magazine=Car and Driver|mode=cs2}} The car's dynamics were refined through a new adaptive damper system that can switch through ten stiffness settings in the "Normal" and "Sport" modes. The Virage's rear-wheel drive system with a front-mid engine layout improves weight distribution and performance.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/first-drives/reviews/a17103/2012-aston-martin-virage-1/|title=2012 Aston Martin Virage|first=John|last=Lamm|magazine=Road and Track|date=7 March 2011|mode=cs2}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.motortrend.com/news/eurp-1102-new-aston-martin-virage/|title=New Aston Martin Virage|date=23 February 2011|mode=cs2|magazine=Motor Trend}} The Virage uses a 5.9-litre V12 engine, shared with the DB9.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a18733154/aston-martin-dropping-virage-from-lineup-repositioning-db9-in-its-wake/|title=Aston Martin dropping Virage from lineup, repositioning DB9 in its wake|magazine=Car and Driver|date=5 September 2012|mode=cs2|first=Alexander|last=Stoklosa}} It generated {{cvt|490|hp|kW|0|order=flip}} at 6,500 rpm and {{cvt|420|lbft|0|order=flip}} at 5,750 rpm.{{cite newspaper|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-philadelphia-inquirer/146890762/|title=Aston Martin's sports cars: power, beauty and soul|newspaper=The Philadelphia Inquirer|via=Newspapers.com|date=29 January 2012|access-date=9 May 2024|page=S09|location=Philadelphia, Pennsylvania|mode=cs2}} {{Free access}} The Virage can accelerate from 0 to {{cvt|60|mph|kph|0|abbr=on|order=flip}} in 4.6 seconds and has a top speed of {{cvt|186|mph|kph|0|abbr=on|order=flip}}.

The Virage is considered both a grand tourer{{cite newspaper|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-toronto-star/146890835/|title=2012 Virage and Virage Volante|newspaper=The Toronto Star|via=Newspapers.com|date=19 March 2011|access-date=9 May 2024|page=120|location=Toronto, Ontario|mode=cs2}} {{Free access}}{{cite newspaper|title=Virage is a fairytale come true|newspaper=The Australian|date=4 June 2011|first=Philip|last=King|page=10|mode=cs2}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/aston-martin/virage/first-drives/aston-martin-virage|title=Aston Martin Virage|magazine=Autocar|date=11 March 2011|first=Steve|last=Sutcliffe|author-link=Steve Sutcliffe|mode=cs2|quote=Although there may be a whiff of familiarity about the Virage, this is, without question, a very fine GT car}} and a sports car.{{cite newspaper|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-gazette/146890944/|title=Aston Martin Virage puts elegance first|newspaper=The Gazette|via=Newspapers.com|date=20 June 2011|access-date=9 May 2024|page=53|location=Montreal|mode=cs2}} {{Free access}} The Virage was designed to occupy the narrow space between the DB9 and the more powerful and aggressive DBS.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a15123350/2012-aston-martin-virage-and-virage-volante-revealed-news/|title=2012 Aston Martin Virage and Virage Volante|first=Justin|last=Berkowitz|date=23 February 2011|mode=cs2|magazine=Car and Driver}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.evo.co.uk/reviews/7119/aston-martin-virage-volante-review|title=Aston Martin Virage Volante review|first=Peter|last=Tomalin|magazine=Evo|date=2 March 2012|mode=cs2}} It incorporates a two-door coupe body style, and was available in both a two-seater or a 2+2 design.

The Virage features a six-speed paddle shift automatic transmission developed by the technology company ZF Friedrichshafen called the "Touchtronic II", which is mounted in a rear transaxle.{{cite newspaper|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal/146891838/|title=Virage coupe a solid performer|newspaper=Edmonton Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=18 March 2011|access-date=9 May 2024|page=69|location=Edmonton, Alberta|mode=cs2}} {{Free access}} The Virage launched with {{cvt|20|in|mm|order=flip|round=5}} wheels, with the front ones measuring {{cvt|8.5|in|mm|order=flip|round=5}} in width and the rear ones at {{cvt|11|in|mm|order=flip|round=5}}. Featuring

P245/35R20 tyres in the front with P295/30R20 in the rear, the Virage includes carbon ceramic brakes with six-piston front callipers developed by Brembo.{{cite newspaper|url=https://lfpress.com/column/motor-mouth/new-aston-martin-virage-no-mirage|title=New Aston Martin Virage no mirage|newspaper=The London Free Press|date=10 March 2011|first=David|last=Booth|mode=cs2}}

The Virage Volante is the convertible version of the Virage coupe model. The car's boot capacity is {{cvt|172|litre|cuft|0|abbr=on}}, a 6.5{{nbsp}}percent decrease from the coupe.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/aston-martin/virage/20693/2011-2012-convertible|title=Aston Martin Virage Volante (2011-2012) review|date=6 May 2012|mode=cs2|magazine=Auto Express}} The Volante version is {{cvt|105|kg}} heavier, elevating its kerb weight to {{cvt|1890|kg}}.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/aston-martin/virage/18283/aston-martin-virage-volante|title=Aston Martin Virage Volante|first=Jack|last=Rix|date=16 May 2011|mode=cs2|magazine=Auto Express}}

File:2012 Aston Virage Volante front.jpg|alt=Front three-quarters view of a silver Virage Volante convertible|Aston Martin Virage Volante (2012)

File:2012 AM Virage Volante rear.jpg|alt=Rear three-quarters view of a white Virage Volante convertible|Aston Martin Virage Volante (2012)

In September 2014, Zagato revealed a one-off shooting brake at the Chantilly Arts & Elegance Concours d’Elegance. The car is based on the Aston Martin Virage. It was commissioned by a European client. It follows the same design cues as the Aston Martin DBS Coupe Zagato Centennial and Aston Martin DB9 Spyder Zagato Centennial.{{Cite web|title=Zagato becomes latest coachbuilder to 'Brake' an Aston Martin|url=https://www.classicdriver.com/en/article/cars/zagato-becomes-latest-coachbuilder-brake-aston-martin|access-date=2021-01-11|website=www.classicdriver.com|language=en-US}}

File:2014 Aston Martin Virage Shooting Brake Zagato Centennial-2.jpg|Virage Shooting Brake Zagato

File:2014 Aston Martin Virage Shooting Brake Zagato Centennial.jpg|Front detail

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{{Reflist}}

:1. {{cite journal|title=Anglophyle Style|author=Kevin Blick|journal=Sports Car International|volume=6|date=September 1990|issue=9|pages=22–27}}

:2. Covello, Mike, updated by, Standard Catalog of Imported Cars: 1946–2002, Krause Publications, Iola, WI, U.S.A., 2002.

• {{Official website | http://www.astonmartin.com }}

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Virage

Category:Cars introduced in 1989

Category:1990s cars

Category:Coupés

Category:Grand tourers

Category:Cars introduced in 2011

Category:Cars discontinued in 2012