TheAston Martin Virageis anautomobileproduced by British luxury automobile manufacturerAston Martinas a replacement for itsV8models. Introduced at theBirmingham Motor Showin 1988,[1]it was joined by the high-performance Vantage in 1993, after which the name of the base model was changed toV8 Coupein 1996.

Aston Martin Virage
1991 Aston Martin Virage
Overview
ManufacturerAston Martin Lagonda Limited
Production
  • 1989–2000
  • 2011–2012
Body and chassis
ClassGrand Tourer(S)
Chronology
PredecessorAston Martin V8 Vantage (1977)
Successor

The V8-powered model was intended as the company's flagship model, with the 6-cylinderDB7,introduced in 1994, positioned below it as an entry-level model. Although the DB7 became available with aV12 engineand claimed a performance advantage, the Virage remained the exclusive, expensive and hand-built flagship of the Aston Martin range. It was replaced in 2000 with theVanquish.By the end of the 2000 model year, 1,050 cars in total had been produced. The V8 Vantage name reappeared ona new entry-level modelin 2005.

A new Virage model was introduced at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, to fit into the middle of Aston Martin's then current lineup but was discontinued in 2012 due to many similarities between the brand's other models.

Virage (1989–2000)

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Virage/V8 Coupe and Works Service models

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Virage
Overview
Production
  • 1989–1996 (Virage Coupe)
  • 411 produced[2]
  • 1996–2000 (V8 Coupe)
  • 101 produced
AssemblyUnited Kingdom:Newport Pagnell,Buckinghamshire
DesignerJohn Heffernan,[3]Ken Greenley[3]
Body and chassis
Body style2-door 2+2coupé
LayoutFront-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,610 mm (102.8 in)
Length4,735 mm (186.4 in)
Width1,855 mm (73.0 in)
Kerb weight1,790 kg (3,946 lb)

When compared to the precedingV8,the design was fresh and more modern. The Virage was more similar in design language to theLagondathan 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 adouble wishboneunit at the front.[4]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 theAudi 200and theVolkswagen Sciroccorespectively, whileGeneral Motors,Jaguar,CitroënandFordprovided 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 494 N⋅m (364 lb⋅ft)torqueelevated its performance to near sports car levels. "Acceleration just never seems to run out", claimedSports Car Internationalduring a first test. They also praised the "eager and quicker revving" nature of the 330 hp (246 kW; 335 PS) engine with itsCallaway-designed heads andWeber-Marellifuel injection."Nothing sounds quite like an Aston V8," they concluded. The 1,790 kg (3,946 lb) car could attain a top-speed of 254 km/h (158 mph). The automatic variant could accelerate to 97 km/h (60 mph) from a standing start in a claimed 6.5 seconds (7.4 seconds for the manual version).[1][2]ThecatalyzedEuropean-spec engine produces a claimed 310 PS (228 kW) at 5300 rpm, and period tests claimed 8 seconds to reach 100 km/h (62 mph) for the automatic version.[5]An engine power upgrade to 350 hp (261 kW; 355 PS) was announced at the1996 Geneva Motor Show.[6]English actorRowan Atkinsonowned Virage Coupé chassis 50010 which featured on the front cover ofCarMay 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 seriesThe Driven Man.[7]Other celebrity owners includedLennox Lewis,Elton JohnandChris Eubank.

The five-speedZF Friedrichshafenmanual was fitted to about forty per cent of the cars produced. The more popular automatic option was the Chrysler three-speedTorqueflitetransmission. For the 1993 model year, the three-speed unit was replaced by a four-speed automatic unit.[6]The six-speed manual from the Vantage also became optional at the end of the Virage's production run.[8]Aston Martin had prepared for an annual production rate of 275 examples.[5]In the end, the totals averaged about a third of that during the model's seven-year lifespan (including the Volante).

Works Service

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In January 1992, Aston Martin introduced a conversion service, upgrading the car into aVirage 6.3.As the name implies, the centerpiece of the conversion was a bored and stroked 6.3 L (6,347 cc) V8 derived from theAMR1racing car. This engine has a power output of between 456 and 500 hp (340 and 373 kW; 462 and 507 PS) at 6,000 rpm and 480 lb⋅ft (651 N⋅m) of torque at 5,800 rpm, allowing the car to attain a top speed of 175 mph (282 km/h).

Other changes included 14-inch (356 mm) ventilateddisc brakes,the largest used in a passenger car until theBentley Continental GT,and 18 inch wheels. Visually, the 6.3 had wide flared bumpers, low sills and air dams, and side air vents.

Virage Shooting Brake

Ashooting brake(estate) version of the Virage was offered in limited numbers. It debuted at the March 1992Geneva 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£165,000.The cars are believed to have retained Virage chassis numbers, except two that received chassis numbers of the type "DP/2099".[9]

Lagonda Virage Saloon

TheLagondaSaloonis 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 12 in (305 mm) chassis extension, although two were ordered with an 18 in (457 mm) extension. The name refers to the four-doorAston Martin Lagonda.The Lagonda Virage cost about£250,000and only eight or nine are believed to have been produced, with some being conversions of regular Virages. Six of these cars were ordered by theroyal family of Brunei.[10]

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 406.4 mm (16 in) extension to the chassis of a standard Virage.[11]

V8 Coupe

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A less extreme (compared to the Vantage)V8 Coupereplaced 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 350 hp (261 kW; 355 PS)[12]and 369 lb·ft (500 N·m) of torque.[13][14]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.[15]

Virage Volante/V8 Volante

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Virage/V8 Volante
Overview
Production
  • 1992–1996 (Virage Volante)
  • 224 or 233 produced
  • 1997–2000 (V8 Volante)
  • 63 produced
AssemblyUnited Kingdom:Newport Pagnell,Buckinghamshire
DesignerJohn Heffernan, Ken Greenley
Body and chassis
Body style
LayoutFront-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Powertrain
Engine5.3 LV8
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase
  • 2,610 mm (102.8 in)
  • 2,810 mm (110.6 in) (LWB)
1993 Aston Martin Virage Volante Widebody, rear view
Aston Martin V8 Volante Long Wheelbase

The convertible version of the Virage, called theVirage Volantedebuted at the 1990Birmingham Motor Showas a strict two-seater, but a 2+2 version was shown at the1991 Geneva Motor Show.[1]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 359 PS (264 kW; 354 hp), 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.[16]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, thePrince of Waleschose to equip his 1994 Volante with the standard bodywork coupled with the 456 hp (340 kW; 462 PS) 6.3-litre engine and a manual transmission.[17]

A newV8 Volante Long Wheelbase,with updated styling of the V8 Coupe was produced from 1997 to 2000 on a chassis lengthened by 200 mm (7.9 in). Only 63 units were built by the time production came to a halt.

Following on their V8 Volantejunior 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 newMercedes-Benz 190E.[18]Ten examples were built in total.


Vantage

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Vantage/Le Mans
Aston Martin Vantage V550
Overview
Production
  • 1993–2000
  • Vantage:(280 produced)
  • Volante:(8 SWB, 1 LWB)
AssemblyUnited Kingdom:Newport Pagnell,Buckinghamshire
DesignerJohn Heffernan
Body and chassis
Body style
LayoutFront-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Powertrain
Engine5.3 Ltwin-superchargedV8
Transmission6-speedZFmanual

As with many other Aston Martin models, a high-performanceVantagemodel of the Virage would later be introduced. First shown atBirminghamin 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 theJaguar 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.[8]

The biggest change to the Vantage was inside the engine compartment. The 5.3 L (5,341 cc)V8 enginenow used twinsuperchargers.Power output was now 550 hp (410 kW; 558 PS), and the torque was equally high at 555 lb⋅ft (752 N⋅m) at 4,000 rpm. Top speed was 300 km/h (186 mph), with acceleration to 97 km/h (60 mph) taking 4.6 seconds.[8]Customers cars could be returned to Works Service starting in 1998 to be converted to V600 specifications, where the engine was upgraded to 600 hp (447 kW; 608 PS) at 6,200 rpm and 600 lb⋅ft (813 N⋅m) of torque at 4,400 rpm.[19]

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]

V8 Vantage Le Mans

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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". HonoringAston Martin's 1959 victoryat the24 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 612 PS (450 kW; 604 hp) and 820 N⋅m (605 lbf⋅ft) 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.[20]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 320 km/h (199 mph) 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.[21]

US availability

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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.[22]

Virage (2011–2012)

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Aston Martin Virage
Overview
Production
  • March 2011 – September 2012
  • >1,000 units
AssemblyUnited Kingdom:Gaydon, Warwickshire
DesignerMarek Reichman
Body and chassis
Body style2-doorcoupe
2-doorconvertible
LayoutFront mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Platform
DoorsSwan
Related
Powertrain
Engine5.9 LAM11V12
Transmission6-speedZF 6HP 26(Touchtronic II) automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,741 mm (107.9 in)[23]
Length4,719 mm (185.8 in)
Width1,905 mm (75.0 in) (without mirrors)
Height1,280 mm (50.4 in)
Kerb weight1,740–1,890 kg (3,836–4,167 lb)

Background and release

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The Virage debuted in March 2011 at theGeneva Motor Show,[24]resurrecting the name first used on the model produced between 1989 and 2000.[25]The officialseries manufactureof the Viragecoupebegan in the same month[26]at theGaydonfacility inWarwickshire,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.[27]

Design and powertrain

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A 2012 model, rear 3/4 view

Designed by Aston Martin's design directorMarek Reichman,[28]the Virage is based upon the "vertical/horizontal"platform,which employs extensive use of robust bondedaluminium.[29]The body structure comprises aluminium,magnesiumand composite materials,[30]and itskerb weightranges from 1,740 to 1,785 kg (3,836 to 3,935 lb).[31][32]The Virage also incorporatesanti-roll bars[30]anddouble wishbone suspensionpositioned at both the front and rear.[33][23]The car's dynamics were refined through a newadaptive dampersystem that can switch through ten stiffness settings in the "Normal" and "Sport" modes.[24]The Virage'srear-wheel drivesystem with afront-mid engine layoutimproves weight distribution and performance.[34][35]The Virage uses a5.9-litre V12 engine,[33]shared with the DB9.[36]It generated 365 kW (490 hp) at 6,500 rpm and 569 N⋅m (420 lb⋅ft) at 5,750 rpm.[37][35]The Virage can accelerate from 0 to 97 km/h (60 mph) in 4.6 seconds and has a top speed of 299 km/h (186 mph).[24][29]

The Virage is considered both agrand tourer[38][39][40]and asports car.[35][41]The Virage was designed to occupy the narrow space between theDB9and the more powerful and aggressiveDBS.[42][43]It incorporates a two-doorcoupebody style,[32]and was available in both a two-seater or a2+2design.[24]

The Virage features a six-speedpaddle shiftautomatic transmissiondeveloped by the technology companyZF Friedrichshafencalled the "Touchtronic II", which is mounted in a reartransaxle.[44]The Virage launched with 510 mm (20 in) wheels, with the front ones measuring 215 mm (8.5 in) in width and the rear ones at 280 mm (11 in).[23]Featuring P245/35R20 tyres in the front with P295/30R20 in the rear,[23]the Virage includes carbon ceramicbrakeswith six-piston frontcallipersdeveloped byBrembo.[45]

Variants

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Virage Volante

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The Virage Volante is theconvertibleversion of the Virage coupe model. The car'sbootcapacity is 172 L (6 cu ft), a 6.5percent decrease from the coupe.[46]The Volante version is 105 kg (231 lb) heavier, elevating itskerb weightto 1,890 kg (4,170 lb).[47]

2014 Aston Martin Virage Shooting Brake Zagato Centennial

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In September 2014,Zagatorevealed a one-off shooting brake at theChantillyArts & 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 theAston Martin DBS Coupe Zagato CentennialandAston Martin DB9 Spyder Zagato Centennial.[48]

References

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  1. ^abcBüschi, Hans-Ulrich, ed. (March 1991).Automobil Revue 1991(in German and French). Vol. 86. Berne, Switzerland: Hallwag AG. p. 163.ISBN3-444-00514-8.
  2. ^abMcCourt, Mark J. (November 2016)."1991–1992 Aston Martin Virage".Hemmings.Retrieved9 February2019.
  3. ^ab"Virage".Aston Martin.Retrieved9 February2019.
  4. ^"Virage".Autocar & Motor:29. 15 August 1990.
  5. ^abSöderlind, Alrik (2 May 1991). "Brustna illusioner" [Broken illusions].Teknikens Värld(in Swedish). Vol. 43, no. 9. Stockholm, Sweden: Specialtidningsförlaget AB. pp.8–9.
  6. ^abBüschi, Hans-Ulrich, ed. (6 March 1997).Automobil Revue 1997(in German and French). Vol. 92. Berne, Switzerland: Hallwag AG. p. 151.ISBN3-444-10479-0.
  7. ^"1990 Aston Martin Virage in" The Driven Man, 1991 "".IMCDb.Retrieved9 January2023.
  8. ^abcAutomobil Revue 1997,p. 153
  9. ^"Virage Shooting Brake in Aston Martins.com".AstonMartins.com.Retrieved21 March2015.
  10. ^"Virage Lagonda 4 Door Saloon (1994)".astonmartins.com.Retrieved15 July2020.
  11. ^"Virage Lagonda 5-door Shooting Brake".Retrieved9 February2019.
  12. ^"V8 Coupe LWB Volante".www.astonmartin.com.Retrieved20 June2023.
  13. ^"1996 Aston Martin V8 Coupe".Bonhams.19 May 2019.Retrieved15 July2020.
  14. ^Ramey, Jay (16 May 2019)."Rare Aston Martin V8 Coupe heads to auction".Autoweek.Retrieved15 July2020.
  15. ^Perez, Jeff (27 April 2017)."Rare 1996 Aston Martin V8 Estate Is Better Than Any SUV".Motor 1.Retrieved15 July2020.
  16. ^"1993 Aston Martin Virage Volante 'Wide Body'".Monterey, CA: RM Sotheby's. 15–17 August 2019. Lot 118. Archived fromthe originalon 8 August 2019.
  17. ^Wakefield, Steve (10 May 2012)."Driven: Aston Martin Virage Volante 6.3-Litre".Classic Driver.Archived fromthe originalon 26 August 2014.
  18. ^Johansson, Claes; Fröberg, Jonas (16 May 1991). "Salongsberusning" [Salon drunk].Teknikens Värld(in Swedish). Vol. 43, no. 10. Stockholm, Sweden: Specialtidningsförlaget AB. p. 15.
  19. ^Orlove, Raphael (7 November 2014)."When Aston Martin Built The Most Powerful (And Stupid) Car In The World".Jalopnik.Gizmodo Media Group.Retrieved11 July2020.
  20. ^"2000 Aston Martin Vantage Le Mans 'V600' Coupé".RM Sotheby's.25 May 2019.Retrieved11 July2020.
  21. ^Easthope, Alex (27 October 2017)."The Aston Martin Le Mans V600 is a Jurassic monster with a bone-breaking punch".Classic Driver.Retrieved11 July2020.
  22. ^Mateja, Jim (22 June 1997)."DB7 is a shout from long-hushed Aston Martin".Chicago Tribune.
  23. ^abcd"2012 Aston Martin Virage 2dr coupe features and specs",Car and Driver
  24. ^abcd"Aston Martin set to unveil new Virage",The Daily Telegraph,London, England, 26 February 2011, p. 137 – viaNewspapers.com
  25. ^English, Andrew (14 March 2011),"Aston Martin Virage review",The Daily Telegraph
  26. ^DeLorenzo, Matt (2 March 2011),"2012 Aston Martin Virage - 2011 Geneva Auto Show",Road and Track
  27. ^"New Aston Martin Virage news and pictures",Evo,23 February 2011
  28. ^English, Andrew (19 March 2011),"Supreme confidence",The Daily Telegraph,London, England, p. 161 – viaNewspapers.com
  29. ^abBooth, David (18 March 2011),"V12 supercar sings a siren song of power",National Post,Toronto, Ontario, p. 26 – viaNewspapers.com
  30. ^abMaric, Paul (30 August 2011),"Aston Martin Virage review",Drive,Fairfax Media
  31. ^"SLS AMG vs Aston Martin Virage - specifications",Auto Express,28 May 2011
  32. ^ab"Supercar's power sears the highway",Times Colonist,Victoria, British Colombia, 25 March 2011, p. 62 – viaNewspapers.com
  33. ^abPrior, Matt (26 April 2012),"Aston Martin Virage 2011-2012 review",Autocar
  34. ^Lamm, John (7 March 2011),"2012 Aston Martin Virage",Road and Track
  35. ^abc"New Aston Martin Virage",Motor Trend,23 February 2011
  36. ^Stoklosa, Alexander (5 September 2012),"Aston Martin dropping Virage from lineup, repositioning DB9 in its wake",Car and Driver
  37. ^"Aston Martin's sports cars: power, beauty and soul",The Philadelphia Inquirer,Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 29 January 2012, p. S09,retrieved9 May2024– viaNewspapers.com
  38. ^"2012 Virage and Virage Volante",The Toronto Star,Toronto, Ontario, 19 March 2011, p. 120,retrieved9 May2024– viaNewspapers.com
  39. ^King, Philip (4 June 2011), "Virage is a fairytale come true",The Australian,p. 10
  40. ^Sutcliffe, Steve(11 March 2011),"Aston Martin Virage",Autocar,Although there may be a whiff of familiarity about the Virage, this is, without question, a very fine GT car
  41. ^"Aston Martin Virage puts elegance first",The Gazette,Montreal, 20 June 2011, p. 53,retrieved9 May2024– viaNewspapers.com
  42. ^Berkowitz, Justin (23 February 2011),"2012 Aston Martin Virage and Virage Volante",Car and Driver
  43. ^Tomalin, Peter (2 March 2012),"Aston Martin Virage Volante review",Evo
  44. ^"Virage coupe a solid performer",Edmonton Journal,Edmonton, Alberta, 18 March 2011, p. 69,retrieved9 May2024– viaNewspapers.com
  45. ^Booth, David (10 March 2011),"New Aston Martin Virage no mirage",The London Free Press
  46. ^"Aston Martin Virage Volante (2011-2012) review",Auto Express,6 May 2012
  47. ^Rix, Jack (16 May 2011),"Aston Martin Virage Volante",Auto Express
  48. ^"Zagato becomes latest coachbuilder to 'Brake' an Aston Martin".www.classicdriver.com.Retrieved11 January2021.
1.Kevin Blick (September 1990). "Anglophyle Style".Sports Car International.6(9):22–27.
2. Covello, Mike, updated by,Standard Catalog of Imported Cars: 1946–2002,Krause Publications, Iola, WI, U.S.A., 2002.
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