Late Model Lotuses

Late Model Lotuses theme by Zack Kummer

Download: LateModelLotuses.p3t

Late Model Lotuses Theme
(16 backgrounds)

P3T Unpacker v0.12
Copyright (c) 2007. Anoop Menon

This program unpacks Playstation 3 Theme files (.p3t) so that you can touch-up an existing theme to your likings or use a certain wallpaper from it (as many themes have multiple). But remember, if you use content from another theme and release it, be sure to give credit!

Download for Windows: p3textractor.zip

Instructions:

Download p3textractor.zip from above. Extract the files to a folder with a program such as WinZip or WinRAR. Now there are multiple ways to extract the theme.

The first way is to simply open the p3t file with p3textractor.exe. If you don’t know how to do this, right click the p3t file and select Open With. Alternatively, open the p3t file and it will ask you to select a program to open with. Click Browse and find p3textractor.exe from where you previously extracted it to. It will open CMD and extract the theme to extracted.[filename]. After that, all you need to do for any future p3t files is open them and it will extract.

The second way is very simple. Just drag the p3t file to p3textractor.exe. It will open CMD and extract the theme to extracted.[filename].

For the third way, first put the p3t file you want to extract into the same folder as p3textractor.exe. Open CMD and browse to the folder with p3extractor.exe. Enter the following:
p3textractor filename.p3t [destination path]Replace filename with the name of the p3t file, and replace [destination path] with the name of the folder you want the files to be extracted to. A destination path is not required. By default it will extract to extracted.filename.

Super Prelude

Super Prelude theme by OPTIMUS

Download: SuperPrelude.p3t

Super Prelude Theme
(5 backgrounds)

P3T Unpacker v0.12
Copyright (c) 2007. Anoop Menon

This program unpacks Playstation 3 Theme files (.p3t) so that you can touch-up an existing theme to your likings or use a certain wallpaper from it (as many themes have multiple). But remember, if you use content from another theme and release it, be sure to give credit!

Download for Windows: p3textractor.zip

Instructions:

Download p3textractor.zip from above. Extract the files to a folder with a program such as WinZip or WinRAR. Now there are multiple ways to extract the theme.

The first way is to simply open the p3t file with p3textractor.exe. If you don’t know how to do this, right click the p3t file and select Open With. Alternatively, open the p3t file and it will ask you to select a program to open with. Click Browse and find p3textractor.exe from where you previously extracted it to. It will open CMD and extract the theme to extracted.[filename]. After that, all you need to do for any future p3t files is open them and it will extract.

The second way is very simple. Just drag the p3t file to p3textractor.exe. It will open CMD and extract the theme to extracted.[filename].

For the third way, first put the p3t file you want to extract into the same folder as p3textractor.exe. Open CMD and browse to the folder with p3extractor.exe. Enter the following:
p3textractor filename.p3t [destination path]Replace filename with the name of the p3t file, and replace [destination path] with the name of the folder you want the files to be extracted to. A destination path is not required. By default it will extract to extracted.filename.

Ferrari F430 #3

Ferrari F430 theme by Kaosweaver

Download: FerrariF430_3.p3t

Ferrari F430 Theme 3
(7 backgrounds)

Ferrari F430
Overview
ManufacturerFerrari
Also calledFerrari 430
ProductionAugust 2004–May 2009
Model years2005–2010
AssemblyMaranello, Italy
DesignerFrank Stephenson in collaboration with Pininfarina[1][2]
Body and chassis
ClassSports car (S)
Body style2-door berlinetta
2-door spider
LayoutLongitudinal, Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
RelatedNew Stratos
Powertrain
Engine4.3 L Ferrari F136 E V8
Power output
  • F430 & Spider: 490 PS (360 kW; 483 hp)
  • 430 Scuderia & Scuderia Spider 16M: 510 PS (375 kW; 503 hp)
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,601 mm (102.4 in)
Length4,511 mm (177.6 in)
Width1,923 mm (75.7 in)
Height
  • Coupe: 1,214 mm (47.8 in)
  • Spider: 1,234 mm (48.6 in)
Curb weight1,517 kg (3,344 lb)[3]

1,569 kg (3,460 lb) (Spider)[4]
1,497 kg (3,300 lb) (Scuderia Spider 16M)[5]

1,429 kg (3,150 lb) (Scuderia) [6]
Chronology
PredecessorFerrari 360
SuccessorFerrari 458

The Ferrari F430 (Type F131) is a sports car produced by the Italian automobile manufacturer Ferrari from 2004 until 2009 as a successor to the Ferrari 360. The car is an update to the 360 with exterior and performance changes. It was unveiled at the 2004 Paris Motor Show.[7] The F430 was succeeded by the 458 which was unveiled on 28 July 2009.[8]

Overview[edit]

Design[edit]

F430 rear view
F430 Spider front view in a rare white color
F430 Spider interior
The Tipo F136 E V8 engine

Designed by Pininfarina in collaboration with Frank Stephenson (Director of Ferrari-Maserati Concept Design and Development), the body styling of the F430 was revised from its predecessor, the 360, to improve its aerodynamic efficiency. Although the drag coefficient remained the same, the downforce was greatly enhanced. Despite sharing the same basic Alcoa Aluminium chassis, roofline, doors, and glass, the car looked significantly different from the 360. A great extent of Ferrari heritage was included in the exterior design. At the rear, the Enzo's tail lights and engine cover vents were added. The car's name was etched on the Testarossa-styled driver's side mirror. The large oval openings in the front bumper are reminiscent of Ferrari racing models from the 60s, specifically the 156 "shark nose" Formula One car.

Engine[edit]

The F430 features a 4,308 cc (4.3 L) V8 engine of the "Ferrari-Maserati" F136 family. This new power plant was a significant change for Ferrari, as all previous Ferrari V8's were descendants of the Dino racing program of the 1950s. This fifty-year development cycle came to an end with the entirely new engine used in the F430, the architecture of which replaced the Dino-derived V12 in most other Ferrari cars. The engine's output specifications are: 490 PS (360 kW; 483 hp),[9] at 8,500 rpm and 465 N⋅m (343 lb⋅ft) of torque at 5,250 rpm, 80% of which is available below 3,500 rpm. Despite a 20% increase in displacement, engine weight grew by only 4 kg (8.8 lb) along with a decrease in diameter for easier packaging. The connecting rods, pistons and crankshaft were all entirely new, while the 4-valve cylinder head, valves and intake trumpets were directly retained from Formula 1 engines, for ideal volumetric efficiency. The F430 has a top speed in excess of 315 km/h (196 mph)[2] and can accelerate from 0 to 97 km/h (60 mph) in 3.6 seconds, 0.6 seconds quicker than the old model.[10]

Brakes[edit]

The brakes on the F430 were developed in close cooperation with Brembo and Bosch,[11] resulting in a new cast-iron alloy for the discs. The new alloy includes molybdenum which has a better heat dissipation performance. The F430 was also available with the optional Carbon fibre-reinforced Silicon Carbide (C/SiC) ceramic composite brake package. Ferrari claimed the carbon ceramic brakes will not fade even after 300-360 laps at their test track.

Features[edit]

The F430 featured the E-Diff, a computer-controlled limited slip active differential which can vary the distribution of torque based on inputs such as steering angle and lateral acceleration.[7][12]

Other notable features include the first application of Ferrari's manettino steering wheel-mounted control knob.[7] Drivers can select from five different settings which modify the vehicle's ESC system, "Skyhook" electronic suspension, transmission behavior, throttle response, and E-Diff. The feature is similar to Land Rover's "Terrain Response" system.[citation needed]

The F1 automated manual transmission was built by Graziano Trasmissioni.

The Ferrari F430 was available with exclusive Goodyear Eagle F1 GSD3 EMT tires, which have a V-shaped tread design, run-flat capability, and OneTRED technology.[13]

In the US, the company requested an exemption from the airbag design requirements, which was eventually granted, allowing the car to continue to be sold in the US.[14]

Variants[edit]

F430 Spider[edit]

F430 Spider

The F430 Spider is the convertible version of the F430. It was unveiled at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show, making it Ferrari's 21st road-going convertible. The car was designed by Pininfarina with aerodynamic simulation programs used for Formula 1 cars.[15] The conversion from a closed top to an open-air convertible is a two-stage folding-action; the roof panel automatically folds away inside a space above the engine bay. The interior and performance of the Spider are identical to that of the coupé with an increase in the weight and decrease in the top speed by 5 km/h (3 mph).

430 Scuderia[edit]

430 Scuderia

Serving as the successor to the 360 Challenge Stradale, the 430 Scuderia (scuderia meaning "stable", but also used in the context of motor racing teams, including Ferrari's own) was unveiled by Michael Schumacher at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show. Aimed to compete with cars like the Porsche 911 GT2 and the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera (superleggera meaning super light weight), it is lighter (by 100 kg (220 lb)) and more powerful (510 PS (375 kW; 503 hp) at 8,500 rpm and 471 N⋅m (347 lb⋅ft) of torque at 5,250 rpm) than the standard F430. Increased power comes from a revised intake, exhaust, and an ion-sensing knock-detection system that allows for a higher compression ratio in the engine.[16] Thus the weight-to-power ratio is reduced from 2.96 kg/hp to 2.5 kg/hp. In addition to the weight saving measures, the Scuderia's single-clutch automated manual gained improved "Superfast" software, known as "Superfast2", for faster 60 millisecond shift times. A new traction control system combined the F1-Trac traction from the 599 GTB and stability control with the E-Diff electronic differential. The Ferrari 430 Scuderia accelerates from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.6 seconds,[17] with a top speed of 319 km/h (198 mph).[18]

Scuderia Spider 16M[edit]

Scuderia Spider 16M with the 16M Stripe

To commemorate Ferrari's 16th victory in the Formula 1 Constructor's World Championship in 2008, Ferrari unveiled the Scuderia Spider 16M at World Finals in Mugello. It is a convertible version of the 430 Scuderia.

The engine is rated at 510 PS (375 kW; 503 hp) at 8,500 rpm and 471 N⋅m (347 lb⋅ft) of torque at 5,250 rpm. The car has a dry weight of 1,340 kg (2,954 lb) (80 kg (176 lb) lighter than the F430 Spider) and a kerb weight of 1,440 kg (3,175 lb). The chassis was stiffened to cope with the extra performance available and the car featured many carbon fibre parts and weight saving measures as standard such as lightened front and rear bumpers. Unique 5-spoke forged wheels were specifically produced for the 16M and helped to considerably reduce unsprung weight with larger front brakes and calipers added for extra stopping power (also featured on 430 Scuderia). It accelerates from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.7 seconds, with a top speed of 315 km/h (196 mph).[19]

499 cars were produced beginning early 2009 and all were pre-sold to select clients.[20]

Special editions[edit]

F430 Spider Bio Fuel[edit]

A version of the F430 Spider that runs on ethanol, called the F430 Spider Bio Fuel, was on display at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show.[21] It had the same 4.3 litre V8 engine as the standard car, producing 500 hp (373 kW), with a 4% increase in torque and with 5% less carbon dioxide emissions than the standard F430 Spider.[21]

SP1[edit]

Ferrari SP1

The F430-based Ferrari SP1 (Special Project Number 1), was the first one-off special produced by the Ferrari Portfolio Coachbuilding Programme, also known as the Special Projects Programme (SP). The body was designed by former Pininfarina designer Leonardo Fioravanti, at the behest of Junichiro Hiramatsu, a Japanese businessman who was the former president of the Ferrari Club of Japan and an avid collector; he had admired Fioravanti's 1998 F100 prototype.[22]

Racing[edit]

F430 Challenge[edit]

Ferrari F430 Challenge at the Macau Grand Prix event

The F430 Challenge is the track version of the F430, designed for the Ferrari Challenge. The engine remained untouched but the vehicle's weight was reduced, resulting in a top speed of 325 km/h (202 mph). The production model was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 2005.

F430 GTC[edit]

Risi Competizione's Ferrari F430GT
NAC's F430 GTC at the 2011 Pokka GT Summer Special

Built since 2006 by Ferrari Corse Clienti department in collaboration with Michelotto [it; fr], the F430 GTC is a racing car designed to compete in international GT2 class competition, such as in the American Le Mans Series, Le Mans Series, and FIA GT Championship. F430 GTCs also compete at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The GTC was the fastest and most developed racing version of the F430.

In FIA GT2 championship, in order to render the car performances more uniform, the cars are forced to run with a specific minimum weight and with an engine restrictor that depends on the engine displacement.[23] Hence Ferrari destroked the 4.3 L V8 engine to 4.0 L in order to compete in the 3.8–4.0 L class in GT2 class racing, which is allowed to race with a minimum weight of 1,100 kg (2,425 lb).[23] In this race configuration, the engine produces somewhat less power (445 PS (327 kW; 439 hp)) and by using the 4.0 L engine, the minimum weight of the F430 would increase by 50 kg (110 lb).[23] but this is compensated by the reduced weight of the car, which yields a better power-to-weight ratio.

The F430 GTCs won their class championships in the ALMS and FIA GT, as well as scoring class wins at the 2007,[24] 2009 and 2010 12 Hours of Sebring, at the 2008 and 2009 24 Hours of Le Mans and at the 2008 and 2009 Petit Le Mans.

F430 GT3[edit]

Ferrari F430 GT3

Originally based on the F430 Challenge, the F430 GT3 is a specialised racing car developed in 2006 by JMB Racing for the FIA GT3 European Championship and other national GT championships such as British GT and FFSA GT. It is mechanically similar to the F430 Challenge but has better-developed aerodynamics and more power.

The car uses the same 4.3 L V8 engine, tuned to produce 550 hp (410 kW; 558 PS), making the GT3 more powerful than its GT2 counterpart. However, due to the GT3 regulations stating that the car must have a power-to-weight ratio of around 2.6 kg/hp, the car weighs 1,219 kg (2,687 lb) in race trim (driver and fuel excluded),[25] which is roughly 119 kg (262 lb) more than the GT2 spec car. Despite the higher power, it is significantly slower than the GT2 version; for example, in the 2007 Spa 24 Hours endurance race, in which both models were entered, the GT3 spec vehicles' best qualification time was around 8 seconds slower per lap than that set by the GT2 spec vehicle.

430 GT3 Scuderia[edit]

Developed by Kessel Racing for the 2009 season, the 430 GT3 Scuderia is the successor of the previous F430 GT3.[citation needed]

Recall[edit]

In February 2009, Ferrari recalled about 2,000 (2005–2007) F430 Spiders in the U.S., due to the risk that heat from the engine could cause the convertible top's hydraulic hoses to fracture and leak flammable fluid onto the engine, resulting in a fire.[26]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Frank Stephenson: The Story". frankstephenson.com. Archived from the original on 17 June 2019. Retrieved 10 June 2019.
  2. ^ a b "Ferrari F430". ferrari.com. Retrieved 10 June 2019.
  3. ^ "2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 vs. 2006 Ferrari F430, 2007 Porsche 911 Turbo" (PDF).
  4. ^ "2006 Ferrari F430 Spider F1 vs. Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder" (PDF).
  5. ^ "2009 Ferrari 430 Scuderia Spider 16M Second Drive". 19 June 2009.
  6. ^ "2008 Ferrari 430 Scuderia First Drive Review". December 2007.
  7. ^ a b c "2005 Ferrari F430 Press Release Kit". Ferrari Press Release. Retrieved 2007-04-17.
  8. ^ "2010 Ferrari 458 Italia Press Release Kit". carsuk. 28 July 2009. Retrieved 2009-07-28.
  9. MV Agusta F4 Tamburini

    MV Agusta F4 Tamburini theme by Kaosweaver

    Download: MVAgustaF4Tamburini.p3t

    MV Agusta F4 Tamburini Theme
    (7 backgrounds)

    P3T Unpacker v0.12
    Copyright (c) 2007. Anoop Menon

    This program unpacks Playstation 3 Theme files (.p3t) so that you can touch-up an existing theme to your likings or use a certain wallpaper from it (as many themes have multiple). But remember, if you use content from another theme and release it, be sure to give credit!

    Download for Windows: p3textractor.zip

    Instructions:

    Download p3textractor.zip from above. Extract the files to a folder with a program such as WinZip or WinRAR. Now there are multiple ways to extract the theme.

    The first way is to simply open the p3t file with p3textractor.exe. If you don’t know how to do this, right click the p3t file and select Open With. Alternatively, open the p3t file and it will ask you to select a program to open with. Click Browse and find p3textractor.exe from where you previously extracted it to. It will open CMD and extract the theme to extracted.[filename]. After that, all you need to do for any future p3t files is open them and it will extract.

    The second way is very simple. Just drag the p3t file to p3textractor.exe. It will open CMD and extract the theme to extracted.[filename].

    For the third way, first put the p3t file you want to extract into the same folder as p3textractor.exe. Open CMD and browse to the folder with p3extractor.exe. Enter the following:
    p3textractor filename.p3t [destination path]Replace filename with the name of the p3t file, and replace [destination path] with the name of the folder you want the files to be extracted to. A destination path is not required. By default it will extract to extracted.filename.

Racer BMW

Racer BMW theme by Eric “DarkLigerBlade” Thomas

Download: RacerBMW.p3t

Racer BMW Theme
(3 backgrounds)

P3T Unpacker v0.12
Copyright (c) 2007. Anoop Menon

This program unpacks Playstation 3 Theme files (.p3t) so that you can touch-up an existing theme to your likings or use a certain wallpaper from it (as many themes have multiple). But remember, if you use content from another theme and release it, be sure to give credit!

Download for Windows: p3textractor.zip

Instructions:

Download p3textractor.zip from above. Extract the files to a folder with a program such as WinZip or WinRAR. Now there are multiple ways to extract the theme.

The first way is to simply open the p3t file with p3textractor.exe. If you don’t know how to do this, right click the p3t file and select Open With. Alternatively, open the p3t file and it will ask you to select a program to open with. Click Browse and find p3textractor.exe from where you previously extracted it to. It will open CMD and extract the theme to extracted.[filename]. After that, all you need to do for any future p3t files is open them and it will extract.

The second way is very simple. Just drag the p3t file to p3textractor.exe. It will open CMD and extract the theme to extracted.[filename].

For the third way, first put the p3t file you want to extract into the same folder as p3textractor.exe. Open CMD and browse to the folder with p3extractor.exe. Enter the following:
p3textractor filename.p3t [destination path]Replace filename with the name of the p3t file, and replace [destination path] with the name of the folder you want the files to be extracted to. A destination path is not required. By default it will extract to extracted.filename.

Silver BMW

Silver BMW theme by Eric “DarkLigerBlade” Thomas

Download: SilverBMW.p3t

Silver BMW Theme
(1 background)

P3T Unpacker v0.12
Copyright (c) 2007. Anoop Menon

This program unpacks Playstation 3 Theme files (.p3t) so that you can touch-up an existing theme to your likings or use a certain wallpaper from it (as many themes have multiple). But remember, if you use content from another theme and release it, be sure to give credit!

Download for Windows: p3textractor.zip

Instructions:

Download p3textractor.zip from above. Extract the files to a folder with a program such as WinZip or WinRAR. Now there are multiple ways to extract the theme.

The first way is to simply open the p3t file with p3textractor.exe. If you don’t know how to do this, right click the p3t file and select Open With. Alternatively, open the p3t file and it will ask you to select a program to open with. Click Browse and find p3textractor.exe from where you previously extracted it to. It will open CMD and extract the theme to extracted.[filename]. After that, all you need to do for any future p3t files is open them and it will extract.

The second way is very simple. Just drag the p3t file to p3textractor.exe. It will open CMD and extract the theme to extracted.[filename].

For the third way, first put the p3t file you want to extract into the same folder as p3textractor.exe. Open CMD and browse to the folder with p3extractor.exe. Enter the following:
p3textractor filename.p3t [destination path]Replace filename with the name of the p3t file, and replace [destination path] with the name of the folder you want the files to be extracted to. A destination path is not required. By default it will extract to extracted.filename.

Black BMW

Black BMW theme by Eric “DarkLigerBlade” Thomas

Download: BlackBMW.p3t

Black BMW Theme
(1 background)

P3T Unpacker v0.12
Copyright (c) 2007. Anoop Menon

This program unpacks Playstation 3 Theme files (.p3t) so that you can touch-up an existing theme to your likings or use a certain wallpaper from it (as many themes have multiple). But remember, if you use content from another theme and release it, be sure to give credit!

Download for Windows: p3textractor.zip

Instructions:

Download p3textractor.zip from above. Extract the files to a folder with a program such as WinZip or WinRAR. Now there are multiple ways to extract the theme.

The first way is to simply open the p3t file with p3textractor.exe. If you don’t know how to do this, right click the p3t file and select Open With. Alternatively, open the p3t file and it will ask you to select a program to open with. Click Browse and find p3textractor.exe from where you previously extracted it to. It will open CMD and extract the theme to extracted.[filename]. After that, all you need to do for any future p3t files is open them and it will extract.

The second way is very simple. Just drag the p3t file to p3textractor.exe. It will open CMD and extract the theme to extracted.[filename].

For the third way, first put the p3t file you want to extract into the same folder as p3textractor.exe. Open CMD and browse to the folder with p3extractor.exe. Enter the following:
p3textractor filename.p3t [destination path]Replace filename with the name of the p3t file, and replace [destination path] with the name of the folder you want the files to be extracted to. A destination path is not required. By default it will extract to extracted.filename.

USAF Thunderbirds v1.1

USAF Thunderbirds v1.1 theme by Skillz Entertainment

Download: USAFThunderbirdsv1.1.p3t

USAF Thunderbirds v1.1 Theme
(6 backgrounds)

P3T Unpacker v0.12
Copyright (c) 2007. Anoop Menon

This program unpacks Playstation 3 Theme files (.p3t) so that you can touch-up an existing theme to your likings or use a certain wallpaper from it (as many themes have multiple). But remember, if you use content from another theme and release it, be sure to give credit!

Download for Windows: p3textractor.zip

Instructions:

Download p3textractor.zip from above. Extract the files to a folder with a program such as WinZip or WinRAR. Now there are multiple ways to extract the theme.

The first way is to simply open the p3t file with p3textractor.exe. If you don’t know how to do this, right click the p3t file and select Open With. Alternatively, open the p3t file and it will ask you to select a program to open with. Click Browse and find p3textractor.exe from where you previously extracted it to. It will open CMD and extract the theme to extracted.[filename]. After that, all you need to do for any future p3t files is open them and it will extract.

The second way is very simple. Just drag the p3t file to p3textractor.exe. It will open CMD and extract the theme to extracted.[filename].

For the third way, first put the p3t file you want to extract into the same folder as p3textractor.exe. Open CMD and browse to the folder with p3extractor.exe. Enter the following:
p3textractor filename.p3t [destination path]Replace filename with the name of the p3t file, and replace [destination path] with the name of the folder you want the files to be extracted to. A destination path is not required. By default it will extract to extracted.filename.

Bikes

Bikes theme by Tom

Download: Bikes.p3t

Bikes Theme
(1 background, HD only)

Redirect to:

Aston Martin DBS

Aston Martin DBS theme by Frankie

Download: AstonMartinDBS.p3t

Aston Martin DBS Theme
(12 backgrounds)

Aston Martin DBS
Overview
ManufacturerAston Martin Ltd.
Production1967–1972
787 produced[1]
DesignerWilliam Towns
Body and chassis
ClassGrand tourer
Body style2-door coupe
LayoutFR layout
RelatedAston Martin V8
Powertrain
Engine4.0 L DOHC I6
5.3 L V8 (DBS V8)
TransmissionBorg-Warner automatic
or ZF 5-speed manual
or Chrysler 3-speed automatic transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,610 mm (102.8 in)[2]
Length4,580 mm (180.3 in)
Width1,830 mm (72.0 in)
Height1,330 mm (52.4 in)
Kerb weight1,588 kg (3,501 lb) (DBS)
1,727 kg (3,807 lb) (DBS V8)
Chronology
SuccessorAston Martin Vantage (DBS) / Aston Martin V8 (DBS V8)

The Aston Martin DBS is a grand tourer produced by the British manufacturer Aston Martin Lagonda Limited from 1967 to 1972.

From 2007 to 2012 the DBS name was resurrected for a new model, the Aston Martin DBS V12.

DBS (1967–1972)[edit]

The Tadek Marek-designed inline-six engine of a DBS
Interior

The DBS was intended as the successor to the Aston Martin DB6, although the two ran concurrently for three years. Powered by a straight-six engine, it was produced from 1967 until 1972, eventually being phased out in favour of the Aston Martin V8.

It was a larger coupé than the DB6, with four full sized seats, but was powered by the same 4.0 L engine as the previous car. Claimed engine output was 280 bhp (209 kW; 284 PS),[3][4] but a Vantage engine option used Italian made Weber carburettors, increasing output to an advertised 325 bhp (242 kW; 330 PS).[5]

In 1966, Touring of Milan was commissioned to design the DB6 replacement and produced two prototypes before the design house went out of business. The DB6 was incapable of accommodating the planned V8-engine and had to be replaced.[6] William Towns was then hastily brought in to design the new car.[3] The DBS was intended to have a more "modern" look than the previous series of Aston models (the DB4 through DB6), and it incorporated a fastback style rear end and squared off front grille, atypical of Astons at the time but very much then in vogue in automotive design circles of the late sixties. Trademark Aston design features, such as a bonnet scoop, knock-off wire wheels with 815X15 Crossplys or 205VR15 Pirelli Cinturato CN72 Radial Tyres, and side air vents with stainless steel brightwork were however retained. The DBS was the last Aston Martin to be developed under David Brown's control.[5]

Specifications[edit]

  • Weight: 1,588 kg (3,501 lb)
  • Engine: 3995 cc DOHC straight-6
  • Power: 280 bhp (209 kW; 284 PS) at 4500 rpm
  • Torque: 390.5 N⋅m (288.0 lb⋅ft) at 3850 rpm

[3][4]

DBS V8 (1969 to 1972)[edit]

1970 Aston Martin DBS V8
Aston Martin DBS V8 rear

In September 1969 the DBS was made available with the 5340 cc V8 engine for which it was always intended, this variant being known as the DBS V8.[6][7] At the time, it was the fastest four-seater production car in the world. The new model was fitted with light alloy wheels (as opposed to wire wheels on the DBS) fitted with Pirelli 225/70VR15 Cinturato CN12 and ventilated brake discs.[7] Automatic transmission was offered as an alternative to the ZF 5-speed manual gearbox. The DBS V8 was produced until May 1972, after which it was given a single headlamp front end and was renamed simply the Aston Martin V8.[7]

Specifications[edit]

  • Weight: 1,727 kg (3,807 lb)
  • Engine: 5340cc V8
  • Power: 320 bhp (239 kW; 324 PS) at 5000 rpm
  • Torque: 330 lb⋅ft (450 N⋅m) at 5000 rpm

[3][4]

Lagonda[edit]

In 1969 the Lagonda name was briefly resurrected, appearing on a four-door prototype of the DBS model. The prototype was allocated chassis MP230/1 and was retained by the factory until 1972 and used by Sir David Brown as his personal car, registered JPP 5G. The car originally ran a prototype 5-litre V8 engine but this was quickly replaced by an early 5.3-litre production quad carb version (VS4008EE).

Between 1974 and 1976, seven Lagonda four-door saloons were produced based on the 1969 prototype. The production models adopted a single-headlight treatment with a Lagonda "horseshoe" grille in place of the twin-headlamp treatment of the prototype.

Popular culture[edit]

The DBS was used by George Lazenby's James Bond in the 1969 film On Her Majesty's Secret Service. Unlike Bond's previous car, the Aston Martin DB5, no gadgets were seen in this car, other than a mounting for a telescopic-sight rifle in the glove compartment. In the final scenes of the film, Bond's wife, Tracy, is shot and killed whilst sitting in the car.[5]

A second DBS also appears in a brief single scene in the next Bond film, Diamonds are Forever. It can be seen in the background being fitted with small missiles at Q Branch whilst Bond is talking to Q on the telephone.

Another DBS was later used in the TV series The Persuaders! (1971–1972), in which Roger Moore's character Lord Brett Sinclair drove a distinctive "Bahama Yellow" 6-cylinder DBS (chassis number DBS/5636/R) that, through the use of alloy wheels and different badges, had been made to look like the DBS V8 model. Supplied by Aston Martin to the show's producers, the car used the personalised number plate "BS 1" (except for one scene in the episode "The Gold Napoleon," where the car has its original UK registration number PPP 6H instead), courtesy of the plate's real owner Billy Smart, Jr. After filming ended it was sold by the factory, via HR Owen in London, to its first private owner. It was later restored by the Aston Martin factory, and is currently owned by divorce lawyer and noted art collector Jeremy Levison.[8] Moore and co-star Tony Curtis both signed the underside of the car's boot lid (rear luggage compartment): Moore at Pinewood Studios in May 2003; Curtis at Cheltenham Racecourse in October 2008. In 2013 the Aston Martin DBS was an invited participant at two of Europe's most exclusive motoring concours, the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este at Lake Como, and the Salon Privé Concours in London.

Kenneth Haigh as Joe Lampton drove a DBS in the television series Man at the Top.

The restoration of an original DBS, registration JRA615H was featured in the first episode of series 2 of the Channel 4 series For the Love of Cars, screened in April 2015.[9] The process took over 6,000 man-hours.[9] During restoration, it was upgraded to Vantage specification which included conversion from an automatic to manual gearbox.[9] It sold at auction with Coys of Kensington for £169,800 .[9]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Records of The Aston Martin Owner's Club
  2. ^ "Exhibition Stand 144 Aston Martin". Autocar. 127 (nbr 3740): 27. October 1967.
  3. ^ a b c d "DBS – DBS V8 – Aston Martin". astonmartin.com. Retrieved 31 March 2018.
  4. ^ a b c "MARKS' SITE- Aston Martin DBS (1967-1972)". marks.htmlplanet.com. Retrieved 31 March 2018.
  5. ^ a b c Sass, Rob (June 2010). "Aston Martin DBS, Unloved No More". Sports Car Market. 22 (6): 28.
  6. ^ a b Grayson, Stan (1980). "Volante – a look at the latest Aston Martin". Automobile Quarterly. XVIII (1, first quarter 1980). Princeton, NJ: 47. ISSN 0005-1438.
  7. ^ a b c DBS & DBS V8, www.astonmartin.com. Retrieved 31 March 2013
  8. ^ "Levison • Meltzer • Pigott ~ Jeremy Levison".
  9. ^ a b c d "Aston Martin DBS". For the Love of Cars. Series 2. Episode 1. 20 April 2015. Channel 4. Retrieved 20 April 2015.

External links[edit]