V12 Speedster’s Thrilling New Optional Bespoke Specification Limited Edition Revealed By Aston Martin

V12 Speedster's Thrilling New Optional Bespoke Specification Limited Edition Revealed By Aston Martin
V12 Speedster's Thrilling New Optional Bespoke Specification Limited Edition Revealed By Aston Martin
V12 Speedster’s Thrilling New Optional Bespoke Specification Limited Edition Revealed By Aston Martin

Aston Martin is revealing today more details of its forthcoming V12 Speedster – the open cockpit celebration of the British luxury sports car brand’s proud past and exciting future.
 
Just 88 examples of the Aston Martin V12 Speedster are available to buyers worldwide and today the brand is unveiling details of a custom specification that is certain to underscore the cars’ instant collector’s item status.
 
The new car aligns gracefully with a heritage that features not only the exceptional DBR1, but also the breathtaking CC100 which was unveiled in 2013 as a stunning celebration of Aston Martin’s century of sports car excellence – reflecting the sporting heritage and exceptional design capability woven throughout well over 100 years of Aston Martin history.

V12 Speedster's Thrilling New Optional Bespoke Specification Limited Edition Revealed By Aston Martin
V12 Speedster’s Thrilling New Optional Bespoke Specification Limited Edition Revealed By Aston Martin


After its debut in 1956, the DBR1 recorded a string of famous victories, including at the Spa Sportscar Race (1957, Tony Brooks); the Goodwood Tourist Trophy (1958, Sir Stirling Moss, Tony Brookes; 1959, Sir Stirling Moss, Carroll Shelby, Jack Fairman); and the 1000 Km at the Nurburgring (1959, Sir Stirling Moss and Jack Fairman) in the same year as that famous Le Man’s triumph which culminated in Aston Martin taking the World Sportscar Championship.

The DBR1 is, to date, the most successful racing machine constructed by Aston Martin, having triumphed in the 1959 staging of both the 24 hours of Le Mans and the 1,000 km of Nürburgring, also winning the latter in 1957 and 1958.

Although a car made for competitive racing, the DBR1 was also a precursor for some of the marque’s most well-known heritage ‘DB’ road cars. It was styled in-house by a highly talented designer, Frank Feeley, and, working alongside Chief Racing Designer Ted Cutting, represents what is unquestionably his ‘finest hour’ – indeed the shape of the DBR1 remains one of the most beautiful and graceful of all time.
 
At the car’s heart from 1958 onwards lay a 2,992 cc straight-six engine mated to a David Brown five-speed gearbox. It was capable of powering this c. 800 kg sports car to an estimated top speed in excess of 150 mph.
 
Produced as a pure racing model – not directly derived from a road car – just five examples of DBR1 were built: four used to such commanding effect by the Aston Martin Works’ team and a single car for private use.
 
With such a rich and important history it’s no surprise, then, that the brand should choose to create a dedicated optional DBR1 specification for its new V12 Speedster.
 
Featuring cleverly integrated custom elements reminiscent of the Le Mans-winning race car, the Aston Martin V12 Speedster DBR1 specification offers highlights such as the iconic Aston
Martin Racing Green paint finish, Clubsport White pinstripe, and roundels, a Satin Silver anodized grille with Clubsport lipstick graphic, Conker saddle leather, and Viridian Green technical textile/Caithness leather. All these features hint at the period attributes that made DBR1 the undisputed icon it remains today.

V12 Speedster's Thrilling New Optional Bespoke Specification Limited Edition Revealed By Aston Martin
V12 Speedster’s Thrilling New Optional Bespoke Specification Limited Edition Revealed By Aston Martin


Satin black diamond turned 21-inch center-lock wheels are a feature of this specialist specification, which each Aston Martin V12 Speedster spending more than 50 hours in the painting process alone at the brand’s advanced paint facility.

Unique Aston Martin Racing Green driver and passenger helmets sit under transparent ‘windows’, while solid silver ‘wings’ badges glint beneath transparent enamel. The finely judged application of gloss carbon fiber, Caithness Green leather, and satin silver brushed aluminum switchgear in the V12 Speedster’s open cabin underlines the tasteful homage to true motoring great.
 
Outlining the rationale behind this V12 Speedster tribute specification, Aston Martin Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman said: “Emotion and exclusivity are at the heart of this car. A rare and exceptional Aston Martin, It has been engineered to offer a visceral driving experience that belies its elegant, artistic shape.
 
“Creating a bespoke specification that nods to the glory of the DBR1 has been a huge privilege for my team and I, and I very much look forward to seeing these cars being driven with the same enthusiasm that we have applied to their design.”
 
At the new car’s heart lies a high-performance variant of Aston Martin’s now iconic, 5.2-litre V12 Twin-Turbo engine, capable of generating an output of around 700 PS and 753 Nm. Offering a compelling breadth of performance, superb response, and thrilling V12 soundtrack, the engine is mated to a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission mounted towards the rear of the car.
 
This translates into a 0-62 mph time in the order of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 198 mph – no mean feat in a car devoid of roof or windscreen.
 
Orders are now being taken for the DBR1 custom V12 Speedsters, each being hand-built at the company’s Gaydon headquarters, with deliveries expected to begin in mid-2021.

courtesy: https://media.astonmartin.com/

Vanquish S Ultimate: Flagship Super Gt Celebrated With Stunning Special Edition

Vanquish S Ultimate: Flagship Super Gt Celebrated With Stunning Special Edition

Vanquish S Ultimate: Flagship Super Gt Celebrated With Stunning Special Edition

Vanquish. One of the world’s great Super GTs and the quintessential Aston Martin. To celebrate this much-loved and highly-acclaimed flagship as it enters the final phase of its production life, Aston Martin has created a very special model to bid a farewell: The Vanquish S Ultimate.

Like the regular Vanquish S, the Ultimate edition is powered by Aston Martin’s legendary naturally-aspirated 6.0-litre V12. With 595bhp and a spectacular soundtrack, scintillating performance is guaranteed. An 8-speed Touchtronic III automatic transmission gives an impressive combination of response and refinement, while 3-stage adaptive damping and carbon ceramic brakes complete a package born to deliver one of the great modern driving experiences.

Vanquish S Ultimate: Flagship Super Gt Celebrated With Stunning Special Edition

Limited to just 175 cars worldwide, the Ultimate edition is available in Coupe or Volante form and is available in a choice of three exterior colour schemes which have been thoughtfully crafted by the Aston Martin design team. In addition to the specially created colour and trim packages there are a suite of details that are also unique to the Vanquish S Ultimate. These include carbon fibre side strakes featuring rose gold ‘Ultimate‘ decals, carbon fibre treadplates and an ‘Ultimate’ sill plaque, a special stitched quilting design on the seats, plus ‘Ultimate’ headrest embroidery.

The first of these Designer Themes is a monochrome design that mates Ultimate Black paintwork – – a nod to the first generation Vanquish S Ultimate Edition, for which this colour was first created – with Copper Bronze graphics around the front air intake, along the side sills and on the rear diffuser. Detailing includes black exhaust tailpipes, brake calipers, window trims and 5-spoke wheels, plus extensive use of carbon fibre for the bonnet louvres, front grille and side strakes. The interior features Obsidian Black leather with Chestnut Tan accents and stitching and carbon fibre twill facia.

The second Designer Theme takes inspiration from the look and materials used in technical sportswear. The striking combination of Xenon Grey paint and contrasting Cobalt Blue graphics combine perfectly with the Ultimate’s carbon fibre and black trim. Yellow brake calipers provide further contrast behind gloss black 5-spoke alloys. The same family of exterior hues continue to the interior, where Electron Yellow accents and Spectral Blue stitching stand out against the Phantom Grey leather upholstery.

Vanquish S Ultimate: Flagship Super Gt Celebrated With Stunning Special Edition

The third of the Designer Themes consists of cool White Gold paintwork and warm Bronze graphics working brilliantly with gloss black and carbon fibre exterior detailing. Chestnut Tan leather with Obsidian Black accents puts a contemporary twist on a traditional colour combination, while the spectacular cuprum carbon fibre facia is a visual delight.

In addition to the Designer Themes, customers can elect to combine any exterior scheme and interior package as a no-cost option.

Marek Reichman, Aston Martin Chief Creative Officer, said: “With the Ultimate Edition we have accentuated the Vanquish S’s unique blend of tradition, technology and craftsmanship with a selection of three bold exterior paint schemes and hugely appealing interior packages that make creative use of exciting materials. Our design team has created three unique themes which unite an exterior and interior package, but we have been careful to ensure each exterior colour and interior theme work well together to offer our customers maximum choice”.

Aston Martin VP & Chief Sales Officer, Christian Marti said of the Vanquish S Ultimate Edition: “Since the Vanquish was first introduced it immediately established itself as the pinnacle of our series production range. It has since evolved into a truly formidable machine. As the much-loved and highly-acclaimed Vanquish S nears the end of production, we wanted to celebrate its success with a limited run of very special cars. The Ultimate edition perfectly captures the spirit of Vanquish and is sure to be sought after by collectors around the world”.

courtesy: media.astonmartin.com

Aston Martin Unveils Special Edition Storck Bicycle

Aston Martin Unveils Special Edition Storck Bicycle

Aston Martin Unveils Special Edition Storck Bicycle

Aston Martin has collaborated with renowned bicycle manufacturer Storck to produce a limited edition run of road bikes. Just 107 examples of the exclusive Fascenario.3 Aston Martin Edition will be produced. The frame and forks are the result of the latest advances in carbon fibre and aerodynamics, while the componentry is of the highest quality, meaning that the Aston Martin Edition sits at the very pinnacle of current road bicycles.

This project came about after Markus Storck, the eponymous founder and innovative leader of the Storck bicycle company, joined forces with Aston Martin on the Vanquish ‘One of Seven’ project. Having owned several Aston Martins, Storck worked with Aston Martin’s bespoke division, Q by Aston Martin, to develop the septet of special sports cars that focused on showcasing carbon fibre.

During that process, he met Aston Martin’s EVP & Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman and they decided to explore the possibility of a joint venture with bicycles. ‘It was clear from the outset how the design, engineering and passion of the two brands could combine’ says Reichman ‘and what we’ve ended up with is a beautiful bicycle that reflects not only many of the key technical aspects of an Aston Martin, but also our ethos of excellence.’

The end result is the Aston Martin Edition – the ultimate evolution of Storck’s Fascenario.3, which has won numerous tests and received multiple awards for its design. The frame weighs just 770g and combined with a host of lightweight items from manufacturers like THM and ZIPP, the whole bike weighs only 5.9kg. However, although it’s light, it’s far from fragile, with Storck greatly exceeding the expected industry testing standards in order to prove the durability of its frames.

The Aston Martin Edition comes equipped with SRAM’s wireless gear shifting technology. Not only does this give the bike a wonderfully uncluttered aesthetic, but the left and right levers operate just like the paddles found behind the steering wheels on Aston Martin’s sports cars – right to go up a ratio and left to go down.

Q by Aston Martin, which usually tailors cars to specific customer requirements, was responsible for mixing the bike’s subtle yet distinctive paint. Named Argentum Nero, it is a twist on the company’s classic racing green. Depending on the light in which the bike is viewed, the paint colour changes subtly, appearing a lustrous grey, green or silver. This colour will also appear on a future car collaboration between Storck and Aston Martin.

Carbon fibre is every bit as important in the modern bicycle industry as it is in sports and super car production. To this end the Fascenario.3 frame has been designed with innovative Nano Carbon Technology. The utilisation of nanoparticles in the resin structures of the carbon fibre improves the breaking and splintering behaviour, increasing the flexibility. This leads to enhanced comfort combined with higher component safety.

Storck has also paid particular attention to the types of carbon fibre used and the way that they are laid up in the transverse-oval tube shapes. The aim of any bicycle frame is to have stiffness where it is needed to aid power transfer, but tempered by the desire for comfort. Perhaps the most visual example of this is the bike’s flat-backed seat post, which has a cross section designed to aid flex and therefore compliance. Many of the other components, such as the THM brakes and ZIPP wheels are also made of carbon fibre.

Just as Aston Martin strives to improve the aerodynamics of its cars, so Storck has striven to produce class-leading aerodynamics in its bikes. Parallels can be drawn between the new DB11 and the Fascenario.3 with both going to great lengths to smooth the airflow around the front wheels. Storck achieves this through its distinctive open and wide design of fork, which leaves noticeably more room around the front wheel than with conventional designs, thereby avoiding aerodynamically unfavourable vortices.

A prototype of the bicycle was originally presented at the exclusive Rouleur Classic cycling event last year. During the subsequent 12 months a few changes have been made to items such as the bottom bracket, which is now stiffer, and the brakes, which are now the second generation of THM’s Fibula callipers. In a nod to the tyres used on some of Aston Martin’s road cars, the Storck Fascenario.3 Aston Martin Edition bicycle also now comes equipped with Pirelli’s recently launched high performance P Zero Velo tyres.

The spectacular final production version of the bicycle is being showcased for the first time at the 2017 Rouleur Classic in Victoria House, London. With just 107 being produced, the Fascenario.3 Aston Martin Edition is likely to be a rare sight on the road but it will no doubt be highly sought after by collectors. The final word goes to Markus Storck, who is quietly confident that this collaboration sets a new benchmark: ‘I would say that this is probably the best bicycle ever built with an automotive name on it.’

courtesy: media.astonmartin.com

DB11 Volante: return of the ultimate convertible sports gt

DB11 Volante: return of the ultimate convertible sports gt

DB11 Volante: return of the ultimate convertible sports gt

The most elegant of convertible Aston Martins begins a new chapter with the introduction of the eagerly-awaited DB11 Volante. Joining the DB11 Coupe, which was launched to wide acclaim last year, the new DB11 Volante sets new standards of performance, innovation, engineering and style to create the definitive open-top Sports GT.

Powered by a new 4.0-litre twin-turbo 510PS V8 engine, the DB11 Volante is built around the all-new bonded aluminium structure first seen in the DB11 Coupe. Lighter and more rigid than the model it replaces, the DB11 Volante has been engineered to deliver a much broader envelope of abilities. Greater levels of performance and handling accentuate the more sporting side of its character, while increased refinement, comfort and interior space ensure it remains a consummate grand tourer.

This depth and breadth of ability is made possible by the Volante’s 3-stage powertrain and chassis modes. Working in perfect harmony with the 8-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission, electric power steering and limited-slip differential with dynamic torque vectoring, the driver is able to configure the car’s responses and tailor its behaviour in a way that best suits the road, weather conditions or their mood. Creature comforts such as a heated steering wheel encourage all-season open-air motoring, and rear seat ISOFIX attachment points – a first for a Volante model – bring added versatility.

Visually the DB11 Volante features the striking single-piece aluminium bonnet and innovative ‘Curlicue’ aerodynamic feature from the DB11 Coupe, combined with new wood or carbon fibre veneer panels on the seat backs, a beautifully tailored fabric hood – available in a choice of bordeaux red, black silver or grey silver – dramatic ultra-slim ‘light blade’ tail lights that create a bold C graphic and a striking new design of forged alloy wheel. The end result is a breathtakingly sleek and athletic form that perfectly expresses the DB11 Volante’s character.

Of course the defining feature of the DB11 Volante is its convertible roof. Combining the timeless appeal of a fabric hood with the very latest acoustic and insulation materials, the all-new 8-layer roof cossets occupants from the extremes of weather and wind noise. Folding to a class-leading stack height, the Volante’s hood takes just 14 seconds to lower and 16 to close and can be operated remotely from the key, or on the move at speeds of up to 31mph with a 31mph headwind. The new hood system has also led to a 20 per cent gain in boot volume compared to the outgoing DB9 Volante.

Aston Martin’s exhaustive testing procedures pushed this all-new roof mechanism to punishing extremes. In the Life Cycle Durability (LCD) test, engineers subjected the roof to more than 100,000 cycles in special weather chambers designed to simulate conditions in the world’s harshest environments, compressing 10-years of use into a one month test. The results of the LCD test were then validated with real world testing of DB11 Volante development prototypes in locations including Death Valley and the Arctic Circle.

Engineered to be the most advanced and complete open-top Aston Martin ever built, styled to put its rivals in the shade and honed to achieve a fine balance of ride, handling, responsiveness and refinement, the DB11 Volante is dedicated to delivering a new dimension of driving pleasure.

Aston Martin President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Andy Palmer, said of the DB11 Volante: “For many of our customers, indeed many generations of Aston Martin customer, the Volante has always offered something very special: a unique combination of elegant style, innate sporting ability and sensory engagement that lifts it above other open-top cars. The new DB11 Volante captures those qualities perfectly and promises the kind of pleasure and enjoyment that can only come from driving an open-top Aston Martin”.

Max Szwaj, Aston Martin Chief Technical Officer, adds: “The challenge of creating a convertible car is retaining structural and dynamic integrity. To protect the former you need strength and rigidity, but to preserve the latter you need to keep weight to a minimum. With the DB11 Volante we have maximised the advantages of the DB11’s all-new bonded structure to underpin our new Volante with a structure that’s 26kg lighter and 5 per cent stiffer than its predecessor. The result is a truly magnificent car. One that combines greater performance and agility with increased comfort, refinement and interior space for occupants and their luggage”.

courtesy: media.astonmartin.com

Aston Martin And Sytner Launches In Nottingham

Aston Martin And Sytner Launches In Nottingham

Aston Martin And Sytner Launches In Nottingham

Aston Martin has opened its latest new dealership in the UK in Nottingham, with the first Aston Martin dealership for partner Sytner.

The purpose-built state-of-the-art facility features a 23-car showroom for new and pre-owned Aston Martin sports cars. The dealership also has a dedicated aftersales team and an eight bay workshop staffed by world-class Gaydon-trained technicians.

Speaking at the VIP customer reception yesterday evening, Aston Martin President and CEO Dr Andy Palmer said: “I am delighted to open this outstanding new facility here in Nottingham. We are confident the passionate and dedicated Aston Martin Nottingham team will provide our valued customers an exceptional service in the Nottingham area. We are excited to be working with new partner Sytner who share our passion for Aston Martin.”

Richard Wynn-Jones, Divisional Managing Director of Sytner Group commented: “It was great to see over 200 Aston Martin owners and enthusiasts this evening. We look forward to welcoming both new and existing Aston Martin owners to our new home. We are delighted to be working alongside Aston Martin, a marque with such a prestigious history.”

Aston Martin And Sytner Launches In Nottingham

Located in a prime position on Thane Road (off the A52), the showroom opening was attended by invited guests and key members of the Aston Martin senior executive team.

On display at the opening event was the stunning DB11. The first product launched under the company’s ‘Second Century’ plan, the DB11 is the bold new figurehead of the illustrious ‘DB’ bloodline and an authentic, dynamic sporting GT in the finest Aston Martin tradition. Also included in the display was the beautiful new Vanquish Zagato, alongside a V12 Vantage Zagato, the ultra-exclusive One-77 and a host of other Aston Martin special project vehicles. In addition to this were examples from the company’s current line-up, and a Red Bull Racing Formula 1 car, fresh from the announcement that the Milton Keynes based team will compete as ‘Aston Martin Red Bull Racing’ from 2018.

courtesy: media.astonmartin.com