Aston Martin Racing Set To Reveal New Race Car This Weekend

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Aston Martin Racing Set To Reveal New Race Car This Weekend

Aston Martin Racing Set To Reveal New Race Car This Weekend

Aston Martin Racing will reveal a very special-edition of the V8 Vantage GTE that won the 2017 24 Hours of Le Mans at this Sunday’s Red Bull Soapbox Race at Alexandra Palace in London. The ’24 Seconds of Le Ally Pally’ will see a crack team of Aston Martin personnel, take on all-comers in a miniature version of the Le Mans winning V8 Vantage GTE.

David King, President of Aston Martin Racing said: “When taking on a challenge as big as this it is important to rally your troops and throw everything you’ve got at it. Aston Martin has enjoyed great on-track success with the V8 Vantage GTE so it was the obvious choice for the design of our soapbox entry. I don’t think we’ll be putting our race drivers in it though as we need them to be in one piece for their next World Endurance Championship race the following week!”

Aston Martin has a successful Innovation Partnership with Red Bull Racing but there will be no favouritism on Sunday. It is a level playing field, so to speak, and the Aston Martin crew is ready for the fight having made meticulous preparations.

Over 104 years ago, early Aston Martin cars were designed for hill-climb racing so all that knowledge can now be turned on its head. It’s not great news for those who love the sound of a V8 or V12 engine as the power source for this event much quieter…gravity! With design and engineering by Aston Martin and the build taking place at Aston Martin Works in Newport Pagnell, the Aston Martin challenger is already a favourite for the event.

Entrants are judged on speed, obviously, and creativity of design. They are also judged on showmanship and this is where Le Mans winners Darren Turner (GB) and Jonny Adam (GB) can help. Well-known for their ability to put on a great show, the two racers will be on hand to support Alex Summers, Aston Martin Prototype Operations Senior Engineer who has (been) volunteered to race the mini-Vantage.

“Having watched the Red Bull Soapbox Race numerous times, it looks the most amazing event so I can’t wait to go and see it for real,” said Turner. “There is no way in the world I would get into one but I’m very happy to wave the brave pilot on his merry way. I hope Alex manages to last for more than 24 seconds and, most importantly, makes it to the bottom in one piece!”

courtesy: www.astonmartin.com

Henley Royal Regatta DB11 – Two Great British Institutions, One Oarsome Car

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HENLEY ROYAL REGATTA DB11 - TWO GREAT BRITISH INSTITUTIONS, ONE OARSOME CAR

HENLEY ROYAL REGATTA DB11 - TWO GREAT BRITISH INSTITUTIONS, ONE OARSOME CAR

To celebrate its Official Automotive Partnership with the Henley Royal Regatta – founded in 1839 and one of the world’s most prestigious and historic sporting fixtures – Aston Martin has created a very special DB11.

The specification of this one-off Henley Regatta DB11 was carefully chosen by the Aston Martin Design Team. It features a raft of recently launched Q by Aston Martin – Collection options and explores the full gamut of exclusive paint and upholstery colours, material finishes and craft features, including some bespoke elements by Q by Aston Martin – Commission. The result is a car that’s distinctive and beautifully understated, mixed with classic colour combinations and superb contemporary finishes.

Starting with the exterior paintwork, the Henley Royal Regatta DB11 is finished in Diavolo Red combined with Satin Scintilla Silver roof and roof strakes available from Q by Aston Martin – Commission. Carbon Fibre features extensively on the exterior, with both the Carbon Fibre Body Pack (front splitter, side sills and rear diffuser) and Carbon Fibre Exterior Pack (Side Strakes, Hood Blades and Mirror Caps) selected from the Q by Aston Martin – Collection range, then treated to a distinctive satin finish.

A set of 20” Gloss Black Directional wheels with diamond turned faces and a smoked finish (again from Q by Aston Martin – Commission) plus Carbon Fibre Exhaust finishers, Smoked Tail Lights, Exterior Black Pack and Carbon Fibre Wings Badge complete the exterior’s dark detailing aesthetic.

Inside, the Aston Martin Design Team elected for a scheme that reverses the exterior colours, with extensive use of Metallic Black leather and a Q by Aston Martin Trim Split that introduces flashes of Chancellor Red leather on the seats and door panels. Chancellor Red contrast stitching unites the two upholstery hues and highlights the meticulous craftsmanship that defines Aston Martin interiors. Swathes of Obsidian Black Alcantara are used on the headlining and cantrails, while a Shadow Chrome Jewellery pack adds another sleek and subtle layer of detailing.

The special Henley Royal Regatta DB11 will form the centrepiece of an Aston Martin display showcasing the 104-year-old marque’s range of acclaimed sports cars. More than 300,000 spectators attend the Regatta each year, which is held over five-days at its traditional venue of Henley-on-Thames. In addition to the static display, a fleet of Aston Martins will provide transport for key Regatta official and VIP guests.

The 2017 Henley Royal Regatta will take place from Wednesday 28 June to Sunday 02 July.

courtesy: www.astonmartin.com

Aston Martin Confirms Production Of First All-electric Model

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ASTON MARTIN CONFIRMS PRODUCTION OF FIRST ALL-ELECTRIC MODEL

ASTON MARTIN CONFIRMS PRODUCTION OF FIRST ALL-ELECTRIC MODEL

Less than two years after being unveiled as a concept, Aston Martin is today confirming that the all-electric RapidE will enter production in 2019.

Set for a limited production run of 155 cars, RapidE is Aston Martin’s first all-electric model. As such it spearheads development of the brand’s low- and zero-emission vehicle strategy laid out by Aston Martin’s President and CEO, Dr Andy Palmer, in the company’s Second Century Plan.

RapidE sees a continuation of the collaboration with Williams Advanced Engineering who worked on the original RapidE Concept. Based in Grove, Oxfordshire, Williams Advanced Engineering will assist Aston Martin with the complex task of engineering integration.

Based upon the forthcoming Rapide AMR concept, RapidE will deliver four-door sports car looks and dynamics of the Rapide S powered by an all-electric powertrain replacing the six-litre V12 engine. More information will be revealed about the RapidE’s all-electric powertrain in due course. Thhe instantaneous delivery characteristics of electric motors means the RapidE will offer a unique driving experience of a kind not experienced before in an Aston Martin.

Aston Martin President and CEO, Dr Andy Palmer, said of the RapidE: “Having unveiled the RapidE Concept back in October 2015 we reach another milestone with the confirmation that we are now putting the first all-electric Aston Martin into production. RapidE represents a sustainable future in which Aston Martin’s values of seductive style and supreme performance don’t merely co-exist alongside a new zero-emission powertrain, but are enhanced by it. The internal combustion engine has been at the heart of Aston Martin for more than a century, and will continue to be for years to come. RapidE will showcase Aston Martin’s vision, desire and capability to successfully embrace radical change, delivering a new breed of car that stays true to our ethos and delights our customers.”

Paul McNamara, Technical Director at Williams Advanced Engineering said: “Williams Advanced Engineering has always endeavoured to work collaboratively with its customers to meet their sustainability challenges and find energy efficient solutions. For today’s car manufacturers, this is particularly important as legislation demands more energy efficient vehicles. This project with Aston Martin will draw on the extensive battery and EV experience we have accumulated and we are extremely pleased to be supporting this prestigious British company with their future electrification strategy.”

courtesy: www.astonmartin.com

Aston Martin Vulcan Amr Pro – Wildest-ever Aston Martin Taken To New Extremes

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Aston Martin Vulcan Amr Pro

Aston Martin Vulcan Amr Pro

Aston Martin’s wildest-ever car – the track-only Aston Martin Vulcan – has been taken to breathtaking new extremes with a performance upgrade package developed by the luxury marque’s new performance brand, AMR. Making its public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Aston Martin Vulcan AMR Pro sports extensive aerodynamic enhancements and shortened gearing to produce increased downforce, greater responsiveness and reduced lap times – improvements that underline its status as one of the world’s most extreme and exclusive track cars.

Built in a strictly limited run of just 24 cars and delivered to customers throughout 2016, the 820BHP Aston Martin Vulcan was conceived and engineered to deliver the excitement and exceed the performance of Aston Martin’s Le Mans-winning race cars. Over the last two years, Aston Martin Vulcan owners have received step-by-step driver training by Aston Martin’s expert team of instructors – among them Aston Martin Racing works driver and three-time Le Mans winner, Darren Turner.

The lucky customers have participated in exclusive driving events held at some of the world’s best Formula One circuits, including Circuit of the Americas in the USA, Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi and, naturally, Aston Martin’s home circuit, Silverstone. By enhancing its already prodigious capabilities the Aston Martin Vulcan AMR Pro offers customers the chance to further develop their driving skills and enjoy an even more intense driving experience.

The Aston Martin Vulcan AMR Pro’s aerodynamic enhancements begin at the front-end with louvred panels added above the front wheel arches to extract high pressure air and reduce aerodynamic lift. A sizeable pair of dive planes have been added to each side of the nose to help pin the front-end to the track and the huge front splitter has turning vanes fitted to its underside to improve steering response. Weight has also been saved with optimisation of the carbon fibre lay-up and core form reducing the weight of the engine cover by 5kg.

Changes to the rear are equally effective and even more dramatic, courtesy of a new rear wing. Now of dual plane design, rather than the original single plane item, the main element of this enormous rear wing features a 20mm ‘Gurney’ flap – a simple but hugely effective upstand on the wing’s trailing edge – which is supplemented by slotted wing endplates that sport additional 15mm Gurneys to maximise the amount of downforce.

The combined effect of these aerodynamic changes is a major increase in downforce, from the standard Aston Martin Vulcan’s 3150Nm to a colossal 4000Nm. This compares to 3104Nm generated by the 2017 Le Mans winning Aston Martin Racing Vantage GTE. The aero changes have also improved the aerodynamic balance of the Aston Martin Vulcan, shifting its Centre of Pressure forwards bringing it closer to the middle of the car (47% compared with 41.5% for the standard Aston Martin Vulcan) to improve traction, steering response and front-end grip.

Aston Martin Racing works driver, Darren Turner, said of the Aston Martin Vulcan AMR Pro: “I’ve been fortunate to drive the Aston Martin Vulcan throughout its development programme and at the numerous customer events held since the cars were delivered. It’s an incredible car in every respect – looks, sound and of course, performance. We worked hard to ensure it’s not a monster to drive, so it was important the AMR Pro upgrade remains true to that objective. By increasing the overall level of downforce front and rear, but also improving the balance of the car we’ve done just that. Together with the shortened gearing, which makes it even more punchy when you accelerate through the gears, the Aston Martin Vulcan AMR Pro feels more agile and responsive to steering inputs. When you get the aero working through a fast corner it really is an unbelievable feeling. I can’t wait to see the customers’ faces when they experience it for themselves!”

Aston Martin Vice President and Chief Special Operations Officer, David King, said of the Aston martin Vulcan AMR Pro: “When we first conceived the Aston Martin Vulcan it was to create something that expressed Aston Martin’s wilder side. The result was an ultimate track car – one free from the regulations and constraints of World Championship competition. A flight of fantasy, if you like. But one we could share with our keenest customers. Like anything with a motorsport mindset, once we’d built and delivered all 24 Vulcans we started thinking about how to make it quicker. And so the Aston Martin Vulcan AMR Pro was born. The shorter gearing makes for truly explosive acceleration between the corners, while the aero package’s increased downforce and improved balance gives our customers the all-important confidence to explore the extraordinary performance on offer.”

The Aston Martin Vulcan AMR Pro upgrade package will be installed by Q by Aston Martin Advanced Operations. Work is already underway on the first upgrades, with the first customer cars expected to be completed in the Autumn. The Aston Martin Vulcan AMR Pro will make its dynamic debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed today.

courtesy: www.astonmartin.com

Vantage Amr – The First Of A Fierce New Breed

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VANTAGE AMR - THE FIRST OF A FIERCE NEW BREED

VANTAGE AMR - THE FIRST OF A FIERCE NEW BREED

The Vantage name has long been synonymous with more extreme performance Aston Martins since the 1950s, so it’s entirely appropriate that the Vantage AMR should be the first series production derivative of Aston Martin’s new race-inspired performance range.

Launched at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year, AMR amplifies and accentuates the sporting prowess of the British marque’s road cars, by taking inspiration or direct influence from Aston Martin Racing’s participation in the FIA World Endurance Championship; a series with which the marque tasted world championship success with factory drivers Nicki Thiim and Marco Sørensen just last season.

The AMR brand has two distinct tiers. Series production limited edition models such as the new Vantage AMR sit at its entry point, while extreme and extensively modified AMR Pro models created by Q by Aston Martin Advanced Operations sit at the pinnacle of the range, including the exclusive Vantage AMR Pro unveiled at this year’s Geneva Motor Show.

As you would expect, the Vantage AMR stays true to Aston Martin’s passion of offering cars with sharpened looks to match their vivid performance and vibrant character. A celebration of Aston Martin’s worldwide success across GT4, GT3 and GTE categories, the Vantage AMRs are offered both with 430bhp V8 or 595bhp1 – up from 565bhp – V12 powertrain options.

Both engines are fitted with automated sequential manual paddle-shift transmissions, or for the purist, six and seven-speed manual gearboxes in the V8 and V12 Vantage AMRs respectively.

Vantage AMR is available in four striking AMR exterior schemes: Stratus White with an Orange graphic; Ultramarine Black with Blue graphic; Zaffre Blue with Red graphic and Scintilla Silver with Grey graphic.

In addition the AMR ‘Halo Pack’ takes direct inspiration from Aston Martin Racing’s 2016 World Endurance Championship-winning #95 Vantage GTE, working a combination of Stirling Green paint and vivid Lime Green accents to dramatic effect. As a finishing touch, a special Union Jack-enameled AML wings badge, previously featured on last year’s GTE racer, is available as a no-cost option.

Each of the exterior schemes is matched to a different interior scheme that demonstrate Aston Martin’s mastery of materials and hand-craftsmanship to perfection. With a combination of leather and Alcantara for the Vantage AMR Coupes and all-leather for the Vantage AMR Roadsters, each interior scheme has been carefully chosen to compliment the exterior colours. In keeping with its exterior the Halo Pack features boldly contrasting colours, including Lime Green welts and accents.

Lightweight carbon fibre seats are offered as part of the extensive range of interior and exterior options. These include a suite of other carbon fibre features, including a lightweight front grille, side strakes, lamp infills and mirror caps on the outside, instrument surround, door tops and door grabs on the inside. There is also a choice of three different finishes for the V8 Vantage AMR’s 5-spoke alloy wheels and the V12 Vantage AMR’s lightweight 10-spoke alloy wheels.

For those who wish to add further finishing touches and personalisation, the Vantage AMR can be specified with additional options from the new AMR Accessories range. The most dramatic of these is the AMR Aero Kit. Produced in partnership with Aston Martin Racing, the extensive aerodynamic package for coupe models is constructed from carbon fibre and features front splitter and dive planes, plus side sills and a fixed rear spoiler. Another highlight is the optional forged aluminium AMR Vantage wheel, which mimics the design of the wheels fitted to the Vantage AMR Pro Concept shown at Geneva. Further weight savings can be made with the AMR titanium exhaust, which saves 14kg over the standard V12 Vantage system, sounds sensational and helps to sharpen engine response.

Aston Martin President and CEO, Dr Andy Palmer, said of the Vantage AMR: “It’s a real thrill to see our first AMR model go into production. The Vantage has been an incredible success for Aston Martin, both in V8 and V12 forms. As our most agile and athletic road car, and our long-time representative in the world of GT racing, it is the perfect model with which to introduce the exciting AMR range. Unmistakable in look and feel the Vantage AMR will appeal to our most enthusiastic customers. These are people who love our cars for their motorsport pedigree, and for their unmistakable dynamic and emotional qualities. Limited production numbers will undoubtedly make them extremely collectible, but they’re so good to drive I’m confident we’ll see many of them being enjoyed both on the road and at track events around the world.”

Both V8 and V12 Vantage AMR models are available in both Coupe and Roadster body styles in selected markets2, with recommended retail prices starting from £97,995 in the UK and €126,995 in Germany. Deliveries are scheduled to commence in Q4 2017.

courtesy: www.astonmartin.com