Aston Martin Archives

Aston Martin V12 Speedster – inspired by the F/A-18 jet fighter

Conceived a little over 12 months ago, the Aston Martin V12 Speedster has undergone an intensive development programme, going from drawing board to production reality within that short period. Demonstrating the skills and meticulous planning of ‘Q by Aston Martin’ and Aston Martin Design, the V12 Speedster is a living showcar, using engineering ingenuity and advanced materials.

Denied of a global debut at the Geneva International Motor Show which was cancelled at the last minute, Aston Martin nevertheless went ahead with an announcement of the car’s debut at its UK headquarters.

“It makes me enormously proud to reveal Aston Martin’s latest, most exciting special model. The V12 Speedster is an incredible demonstration of the breadth of capability and determination from the ‘Q by Aston Martin’ team, who have worked tirelessly to create this stunning, two-seat sports car aimed at our most demanding and enthusiastic customers,” said Aston Martin Lagonda President & Group CEO, Dr. Andy Palmer.

Inspiration from a jet fighter
The V12 Speedster draws inspiration from both the brand’s rich racing history and aeronautical design. The debut model, for example, has a conceptual F/A-18 Super Hornet jet fighter livery which will be available to customers. Born from an exciting new collaboration with Boeing and created by the brand’s bespoke customisation service, this striking car is finished in Skyfall Silver, with contrasting satin black on the exhaust tips, vent grilles and vanes.

*The F/A-18 Super Hornet which inspired the designers of the V12 Speedster*

Utilising Aston Martin’s latest bonded aluminium architecture, the V12 Speedster incorporates elements from both the DBS Superleggera and Vantage model lines to create its own unique platform. With independent double wishbone front, and multi-link rear suspension with coil springs and adaptive damping offering Sport, Sport+ and Track modes, the V12 Speedster also benefits from standard 21-inch forged centre lock alloy wheels. Carbon Ceramic Brakes of 410 mm diameter on the front axle and 360 mm at the rear are also standard equipment.

Over the V12 Speedster’s unique chassis is a bespoke body constructed almost entirely from carbonfibre. No roof or screen, a big engine, low, with broad shoulders and exaggerated and emotional styling with twin humps and the spine separating the driver and passenger. The light, low, rear end contrasts with the bold, enlarged grille, unique headlights and bonnet nostril at the front.

2-seat interior with purposeful look
The dark theme is carried through to the interior, with satin dark chrome, machined aluminium, black leather, black technical textile, black carpets and vivid red Aston Martin scripted door pulls, creating a purposeful look.

The interior specification pushes new boundaries, using a mix of traditional and modern materials. Structural satin carbonfibre contrasts with traditional hand-crafted Saddle Leather, chrome, aluminium and even 3D-printed rubber.

Aston Martin V12 Speedster — *The seats do not eject (at least Aston Martin didn’t say so) but you probably need a helmet when going at 300 km/h with no roof on the car!*

Visually and physically, the interior reduces mass, for a leaner, efficient style but one that retains all the emotion and craftsmanship Aston Martins are renowned for. In front of the passenger is a removable leather bag in place of a traditional glovebox, while there’s additional storage space under the rear bumps for luggage.

3.5 seconds to get to 100 km/h
Powering the V12 Speedster is Aston Martin’s 5.2-litre, Twin-Turbo V12 engine with peak output of 700 bhp/753 Nm. Front mid-mounted, the all-alloy, quad-cam 48-valve engine is mated to a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission with a limited-slip differential driving the rear wheels. Aston Martin says the V12 Speedster can accelerate to 100 km/h from standstill in 3.5 seconds. After that, it can continue to a top speed of over 300 km/h but is electronically limited to that maximum speed, which is about the speed at which the F/A-18 starts to leave the ground.

Orders are now being taken for the 88 units that will be built, with prices starting at £765,000 (about RM4.15 million). The first customers are expected to have the V12 Speedster in their driveway during the first quarter of 2021.

DBX – the first-ever Aston Martin SUV is unveiled today, priced from RM798,000 (w/VIDEO)

Max Verstappen and Alex Albon test-drive the Aston Martin Valkyrie hypercar

Aston Martin has unleashed the power of three of its Valkyrie models, with Max Verstappen and Alex Albon – the Aston Martin Red Bull Racing drivers – getting their first taste of the revolutionary hypercar.

While each Formula 1 driver drove the first verification prototype (VP) that made its public debut at last year’s British Grand Prix (Aston Martin Valkyrie VP1), both VP2 and VP3 were taken round by the company’s high-performance test driver Chris Goodwin and Aston Martin Racing WEC drivers Darren Turner and Alex Lynn.

Each verification prototype, of which there will be 8 built in total, is subjected to a variety of intense testing programmes designed to develop and validate specific attributes that contribute to achieving the performance of the world’s fastest ever road-going hypercar. These programmes are focussed on supporting first customer deliveries starting in the second half of this year.

“This event has been an incredibly important step in Aston Martin Valkyrie’s story. To have three cars now running will see the rate of physical development for this exceptional hypercar increase exponentially. Both Max and Alex were really positive of the direction that we’re currently taking and could see that the ingredients for an exceptionally high-performing car are already there ready to be untapped. To have that second opinion and validation doesn’t mean the hard work is done already, but this is a great step on our journey,” said Goodwin.

8-time Grand Prix winner Verstappen came away elated by his first laps in the Valkyrie. He said: “I was here at Silverstone to watch the first runs of the Aston Martin Valkyrie at the British Grand Prix last year but of course it’s always better to be behind the wheel yourself! To be one of the first guys to drive an insane car like this was really exciting… it was amazing to get a first taste of it.”

“Of course, it’s still in the development phase but you can already feel the pace, which compared to a normal car is… pretty different! The Aston Martin Valkyrie and its levels of downforce are incredible, and it looks super aggressive. It was a lot of fun out there,” he added.

Albon was equally pleased with his drive. “It was incredibly exciting to have this opportunity to drive the Aston Martin Valkyrie and the first thing that struck me was the visual aspect – it looks awesome! It also really feels like a racing car,” said the Thai driver.

“Obviously there’s still some development to do, but already it feels very good, especially the balance between the corners. It’s light; it feels sharp. Sure, compared to an F1 car, you’re missing the outright downforce, but you still feel the g-forces in the corners and it definitely reacts closer to an F1 car than a normal roadcar. It’s pretty special. I just need to get my hands on one!” he said.

Aston Martin Valkyrie will compete in Le Mans 2021

Roadster to join Aston Martin Vantage line in second half of 2020

A new Aston Martin Vantage Roadster joins the Vantage Coupe, which was launched in 2018, bringing a compelling blend of potent performance, outstanding dynamics and everyday usability to those who want limitless headroom and the wind in their hair. Like the Vantage Coupe, the Vantage Roadster has Aston Martin’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo 510 ps/685 Nm V8 engine mated to an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission.

While the Vantage Roadster mirrors the Coupe in dynamic performance, the design of the body is very much its own, especially where the roof is concerned. The tautly tailored fabric hood employs a compact powered Z-fold mechanism for rapid operation (lowered in 6.7 or raised in 6.8 seconds at speeds of up to 50 km/h). In fact, the roof of Vantage Roadster is claimed to have the fastest full operating cycle of any automatic automotive convertible system.

An impressively low stack height pays the double dividend of allowing the design team the latitude to create a seamless rear profile with minimal impact on the Roadster’s luggage space. Indeed, with a boot capacity of 200 litres, it is possible to stow a full-sized golf bag and accessories.

Only 60 kgs more than the Coupe
Without a roof as a stiffener, the structure of the car needs to be intelligently engineered and the weight increase is 60 kgs, compared with the Coupe. Careful development of structural shear panels and chassis components ensures the Vantage Roadster retains the strong dynamic ability and sporting character achieved in the Coupe with no compromise to feel or refinement.

Sharing the same Adaptive Damping, Dynamic Stability Control, Dynamic Torque Vectoring and Electronic Rear Differential, the Roadster benefits from specific dynamic refinements. These include a bespoke tune for the rear dampers, Adaptive Damping System software and ESP calibration.

As you’d expect from a dedicated sportscar, a choice of Sport, Sport+ and Track chassis modes – also tuned specifically for the Roadster – give the driver control of its dynamic character and behaviour. Working in harmony with Sport, Sport+ and Track powertrain modes retained from the Coupe offers the ability to progressively increase the car’s overall responsiveness and excitement, meaning the Roadster will feels equally at home on road or racetrack.

Vantage nameplate celebrates 70th anniversary
To celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Vantage nameplate, Aston Martin is introducing the company’s iconic ‘vane’ grille as an option. It is available on both Coupe and Roadster as an alternative to the track-inspired ‘hunter’ grille featured on the Coupe from its launch in 2018. There is also a new range of optional alloy wheel designs in a choice of finishes.

Enthusiasts will also welcome the manual 7-speed transmission being offered as an option on the Coupe, having initially only been available in the limited-edition Vantage AMR.

“Open-top Aston Martins are always firm favourites with our customers, so it’s very exciting to introduce the Vantage Roadster. For many, driving with the roof down is the true definition of the sportscar experience as it truly brings your senses to life,” said Aston Martin President & CEO, Dr. Andy Palmer. “Vantage has always delivered the purest of thrills, but in Roadster form that adrenaline rush is set to go to the next level.”

The Vantage range starts at £114,850 (equivalent to RM617,200), with the Roadster starting from £126,950 (RM682,400) in the UK. First deliveries of the Vantage Roadster are scheduled to begin during the second quarter of 2020.

DBX – the first-ever Aston Martin SUV is unveiled today, priced from RM798,000 (w/VIDEO)

Aston Martin confirms limited production of V12 Speedster

Aston Martin today confirmed production of a strictly limited number of the new V12 Speedster. The car will make its global debut later this year, with potential customers around the world offered the opportunity to acquire this exclusive British sportscar by booking one now. Only 88 will become owners and as each handbuilt unit is completed, it will be delivered, starting from the first quarter of 2021.

The V12 Speedster, created by in-house bespoke service Q by Aston Martin working with the brand’s talented team of designers and engineers, combines an authentic, driver-oriented sportscar with the use of cutting-edge motorsport and aviation technology to deliver a stunning, two-seat, enthusiast driving machine.

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 700ps/700 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.

The new car’s design, while modern and dynamic, brings to mind both Aston Martin’s legendary 1959 Le Mans 24 hours- and 1000 km of Nurburgring race-winning DBR1 and the marque’s Centenary CC100 Speedster Concept shown in 2013. Its forward-looking features are shaped from the same advanced materials and expert engineering used throughout Aston Martin’s contemporary sportscar range.

Aston Martin DBR1 — *The Le Mans-winning DBR1 in 1959.*

The Le Mans-winning DBR1, which in part inspired the V12 Speedster, delivered Aston Martin’s most high-profile motorsport triumph to date, needs no introduction. One of only three cars in the 1950s to win both the World Sports Car Championship and Le Mans 24 Hours in the same year, the DBR1 defined not only motorsport excellence but also exquisite design elegance – an enduring Aston Martin trademark.

The brand’s CC100 Speedster Concept, meanwhile, was produced in 2013 to celebrate Aston Martin’s centenary. It too helped to inspire the creation of the new V12 Speedster which is the product of more than 12 months of meticulous design and planning work by the teams from both Q by Aston Martin, and Aston Martin Design.

Aston martin CC100 Speedster Concept — *CC100 Speedster Concept*

Aston Martin Valkyrie will compete in Le Mans 2021

Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Concorde Edition unveiled

The Aston Martin Wings Series have produced some of the world’s most beautiful limited-edition models and its latest member is no exception. Inspired by the world’s first and only supersonic passenger jet, this is the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Concorde Edition. How special? Only 10 units are available. (more…)

Aston Martin Wings Series is a world of beauties

Some manufacturers around the world have close ties with the world of aviation and the latest Aston Martin Wings Series is a complete catalogue of the brand’s many endeavours in the world of aviation, especially with UK’s Royal Air Force (RAF). Their celebration involves the unveiling of a new logo and plans for more special limited-edition models in the future. Yeah! (more…)

AMB 001 – Aston Martin’s first motorcycle, priced from almost RM500,000!

At the end of last month, we tipped you off on a new partnership between Aston Martin and Brough Superior, a motorcycle brand with a history going back to 1913. The two companies would collaborate on creating ‘a piece of automotive art for the motorbike connoisseur’. The first product has now been unveiled at EICMA, the Milan Motorcycle Show which is on this week.

First deliveries will begin during the fourth quarter of 2020 with each unit built and hand-assembled in the Brough Superior factory in France. Prices start from 108,000 euros (equivalent to RM494,000).

As the first chapter of the new partnership, the motorcycle known as the AMB 001 will be strictly limited to just 100 units and will be for track use only. The AMB 001 is a unique, modern, lightweight and powerful sports bike concept, boasting exclusive technical features, including a chassis configuration with a double wishbone front fork and structural carbonfibre body.

Taking their inspiration from the new series of mid-engined Aston Martin cars, the Aston Martin Design team worked on clear principles of form and function, where design and engineering had to work together, resulting in a motorcycle that is a high performance work of art.

In keeping with its track-inspired pedigree, the AMB 001 is presented with ultra-lightweight Aston Martin wings, which sit under the lacquer of the bodywork on the nose and the tank. These are the same 9-micron stainless steel wings that adorn the Aston Martin Valkyrie.

Presented in the traditional Aston Martin Racing colours of Stirling Green and Lime Essence with Matte Black wheels, forks and brake assemblies, the AMB 001 features a sublime combination of paint and bare carbon fibre that accentuates the lines of this collectors’ item. As befits the Aston Martin and Brough Superior brands, all of the components have been specially designed using the best processes and materials, including carbon fibre, titanium and billet aluminium.

The machine boasts a strong, sculptural body form, beautifully accented by a carbonfibre fin – the design of which is derived from the side strake on Aston Martin cars – that runs along the full length of the Stirling Green tank, passing under the saddle and out onto the rear, creating a flowing form along the top of the bike. As the fin passes under the saddle, it can be seen through breaks in the Oxford Tan leather pads of the hand-stitched saddle, which combines old techniques and modern technology in one swooping area that is a perfect fit for the human form.

The AMB 001 has been designed to display a level of elegance that isn’t normally found on racing bikes. Beauty and power are the order of the day for this track-only racer. Aerodynamic wings attached to the cowl on the front of the bike take their direction from the S-Curve on the front of an Aston Martin, providing aerodynamic downforce.

The turbocharged V-twin is an 8-valver with water and oil cooling. Its output is 108 bhp with huge torque (not specified) generated over a wide rpm range. Timing is driven by a short Morse chain and a geartrain, a compact conception for precision and reliability. The engine covers are machined from plain by aeronautical suppliers. The transmission includes an extractible 6-speed gearbox with APTC Clutch, and final drive is by chain. The exhaust manifold is made from Inconel, a superalloy chosen for its thermal and mechanical properties.

“This is what we believe a cutting-edge motorcycle should be and we are very proud to see the Aston Martin wings on a motorcycle for the first time. In addition to applying the skills we have developed for cars such as the ground-breaking Aston Martin Valkyrie, we have also been able to bring our special expertise in the traditional craft techniques to this project. The finished product is a truly beautiful motorcycle; a design and engineering work of art,” said Aston Martin Executive Vice-President and Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman.

An Aston Martin motorcycle will be unveiled next week

Since its original founding in 1913, Aston Martin has produced only 4-wheeled machines So it’s Big News that the iconic Aston Martin wings appearing on a motorcycle for the first time ever. The motorcycle will be the product of a collaboration between Aston Martin Lagonda and Brough Superior which will be unveiled at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, Italy next week.

Brough Superior, like Aston Martin, is a luxury brand with great heritage. It was even regarded as the ‘Rolls-Royce of motorcycles’ by a British motorcycle publication. Brough Superior, founded in 1919, offered the fastest, best-looking, most expensive motorcycles that drew thrill-seeking record-breakers and gentleman riders of the Roaring Twenties. Its most famous fan was T.E Lawrence of ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ who owned seven motorcycles of the brand.

*George Brough (right) founded his company in 1919 and produced what were regarded as the finest motorcycles of the 1920s.*

TE Lawrence — *T.E Lawrence of ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ owned seven motorcycles of the brand.*

The brand was relaunched in 2013 by Thierry Henriette, a highly-respected motorcycle designer who has worked for major manufacturers throughout the world. He started by relaunching the most famous of George Brough’s motorcycles, the one favoured by Lawrence of Arabia, the SS100. The new era Brough Superior bikes have kept the DNA of the classics such as the art deco design and improved it beyond the modern standards with exclusive technologies and the finest materials.

Today Brough Superior produces a range of three luxury modern classic motorcycles, recognised for their superior quality, high performance and precise handling that provide a joy riding experience. These distinctive motorcycles are handcrafted in limited numbers in a fully integrated process including the specific engine built in France and shipped worldwide.

Both companies take pride in craftsmanship and use the finest materials to breathe life into their designs. As independent companies, they also revel in their ability to offer bespoke design and engineering solutions so a collaboration between the two brands is virtually guaranteed to produce something very special.

*The limited edition Aston Martin – Brough Superior motorcycle will be unveiled at EICMA, a motorcycle trade show in Italy with a 100-year history.*

The first new motorcycle, to be produced as a limited edition, is the combined vision of Aston Martin Executive Vice-President and Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman and Henriette, both motorcycle enthusiasts.

“This is a fascinating and very popular project for myself and my team. The opportunity to collaborate with Brough Superior has given us the chance to bring our own unique views on how beauty and engineering can combine to create a highly emotive piece of vehicle design. We’re excited about the end result and can’t wait to see the reaction the motorcycle receives when it is revealed,” Reichman said.

(more…)

Final testing for first Aston Martin SUV before December launch

Aston Martin has confirmed that its first SUV – the DBX – will be launched in December this year. That’s just a little over 3 months away and the engineers are busy completing what is described as the most comprehensive test regime of any Aston Martin. Extensive everyday real-world driving and high-performance track evaluation has been taking place at locations worldwide to confirm the capabilities and durability of the most versatile product in the brand’s history.

The locations include two key engineering centres – at Silverstone in the UK and the Nurburgring in Germany. While conducting durability testing at the demanding Nurburgring, the DBX has delivered cornering speeds on par with the Vantage, while achieving braking figures greater than the Super GT, DBS Superleggera. This has already seen Aston Martin’s engineering team regularly achieve sub 8-minute lap times during their regular testing of the SUV.

550 ps V8, top speed over 290 km/h
The new DBX will be powered by a 4-litre twin-turbo V8 similar to the one in the existing Vantage and DB11. However, for DBX application, the engine surpasses the performance credentials of these models, delivering 550 ps/700 Nm. High speed testing has already proven that the DBX can consistently exceed 290 km/h.

With a focus on creating a broader, more solid acoustic note, the SUV’s exhaust system has been tuned to reflect a deep bass with increasing mid-tones, creating true auditory exhilaration, particularly in more sporting drive modes.

Commenting on the test programme, Matt Becker, Aston Martin’s Chief Engineer, said: “We have concentrated our work to ensure that the calibration and tune of this 4-litre twin-turbo V8 delivers both the everyday usability and refinement expected by SUV owners. However, we have also focused heavily on matching that with the engaging driving dynamics that are commanded by our brand and inherent in every Aston Martin and early indications of the car’s overall performance have been incredibly promising.”

Aston Martin Valkyrie makes first public run at Silverstone

“Aston Martin Valkyrie continues to redefine what you and I recognise as a hypercar, possessing unrivalled levels of performance in a package that is technologically beyond anything else. “

Andy Palmer, Aston Martin Lagonda President & Group CEO

The Aston Martin Valkyrie has broken cover after making its dynamic public debut in front of an enthusiastic crowd ahead of the 2019 British Grand Prix. Piloted by Aston Martin High Performance Test Driver Chris Goodwin, the 740 Nm/1,160 bhp (at 10,500 rpm) machine, took to Silverstone’s world-famous Grand Prix circuit for its first public demonstration run. With the focus not on outright lap time, today’s showcase offered a glimpse of what is to come from this extraordinary hypercar.

Following months of digital modelling and simulation work alongside both Aston Martin and Red Bull Advanced Technologies’ engineers, today’s drive is one of the first times that Aston Martin Valkyrie has been driven in the physical world – a testimony to the technological capability of the team’s cutting-edge development techniques.

World’s most extreme road car and platform
The Valkyrie is described as ‘the world’s most extreme road car and platform for a future FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) challenger’. Aston Martin will enter at least two works Valkyrie racing cars in the 2020/21 FIA World Endurance Championship. In line with the WEC’s confirmed ‘hypercar’ regulations designed to allow race-prepared derivatives of the world’s fastest road cars to fight at the forefront of world sportscar racing, the Valkyrie will draw on all the radical pillars of the road car and its track-only AMR Pro variant.

The car will feature a race-prepared version of its bespoke high-revving normally-aspirated 6.5-litre V12 engine. Placed within a lightweight carbonfibre structure, and featuring F1-inspired aerodynamic technology, it forms a fully competitive platform capable of challenging for outright race wins. It was created as a result of a technical and strategic collaboration between Aston Martin, Red Bull Advanced Technologies and project partner AF Racing.

“I’ve driven this car around Silverstone for countless hours on the simulator at Aston Martin Red Bull Racing’s HQ and in many other sportscars throughout my career, but to drive Aston Martin Valkyrie here today feels exceptionally special. Of course, we still have a lot of development work to go but we can now begin to really push the physical testing process and realise the capabilities of what we have developed over the past months. Putting that aside, today has brought a real smile to my face and I hope that the crowds watching from the stands enjoyed it as much as I did,” Chris Goodwin said on completing the lap.

The 150 road-going Valkyries are sold out, with first deliveries commencing in before the end of 2019.

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Aston Martin

Aston Martin V12 Speedster – inspired by the F/A-18 jet fighter

Max Verstappen and Alex Albon test-drive the Aston Martin Valkyrie hypercar

Roadster to join Aston Martin Vantage line in second half of 2020

Aston Martin confirms limited production of V12 Speedster

Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Concorde Edition unveiled

Aston Martin Wings Series is a world of beauties

AMB 001 – Aston Martin’s first motorcycle, priced from almost RM500,000!

An Aston Martin motorcycle will be unveiled next week

Final testing for first Aston Martin SUV before December launch

Aston Martin Valkyrie makes first public run at Silverstone

“Aston Martin Valkyrie continues to redefine what you and I recognise as a hypercar, possessing unrivalled levels of performance in a package that is technologically beyond anything else. “

Andy Palmer, Aston Martin Lagonda President & Group CEO

Aston Martin V12 Speedster – inspired by the F/A-18 jet fighter

Max Verstappen and Alex Albon test-drive the Aston Martin Valkyrie hypercar

Roadster to join Aston Martin Vantage line in second half of 2020

Aston Martin confirms limited production of V12 Speedster

Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Concorde Edition unveiled

Aston Martin Wings Series is a world of beauties

AMB 001 – Aston Martin’s first motorcycle, priced from almost RM500,000!

An Aston Martin motorcycle will be unveiled next week

Final testing for first Aston Martin SUV before December launch

Aston Martin Valkyrie makes first public run at Silverstone

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