Aston Martin Racing began testing its new V12 Vantage GT3 at Brands Hatch in Kent this week, covering almost 1000 kilometres in just two days. The majority of the mileage was conducted by factory driver Darren Turner.

After two days behind the wheel, Turner said: “The car ran like clockwork throughout and we’ve managed really good mileage already. The feeling of the V12 Vantage GT3 is a massive step forward from the DBRS9. Being based on the smaller Vantage it is more responsive and feels more nimble, giving the driver plenty of confidence to extract all the performance from the V12 engine while also being light on its tyres. It isn’t too physical to drive and I didn’t even break into a sweat during the test!

“With the clean styling and the amazing sounding V12, it’s closer to the core values of Aston Martin’s road cars than any of the racing cars we’ve ever built. I’m certain it’ll become a favourite among motorsport fans in no time at all.”

The design and engineering of the new V12 GT3 endurance racer has been led by Aston Martin Racing’s Chief Engineer for GT, Dan Sayers. The team is now embarking upon a rigorous development and sign off programme, which involves extended testing of the car at competition speeds to ensure the longevity of all critical components.

The V12 Vantage GT3 is a direct replacement for the Aston Martin DBRS9, which first competed in 2006 and went on to score many race and championship wins including the 2007 British GT Championship and the 2009 FIA GT3 Teams’ Championship. Sharing Aston Martin’s renowned bonded aluminium VH body structure and 6.0-litre V12 engine with the road-going V12 Vantage, the new racer is the culmination of six years’ experience competing at the forefront of all major international GT series.

Aston Martin returned to GT racing as a factory team in 2005 with the DBR9 GT1, which went on to record back-to-back victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2007 and 2008, as well as winning this year’s FIA GT1 World Championship.

John Gaw, Aston Martin Racing Managing Director, said: “The testing of the new V12 Vantage GT3 has gone really well. We haven’t had any significant issues with the car, despite having covered close to 1000 kilometres, exceeding all our expectations in the car’s first track test.

“The Vantage GT3 is the ultimate expression of all the experience that Aston Martin Racing has gained in the past six years. The DBRS9 still has a year of FIA homologation remaining, which effectively makes 2012 a development year for the V12 Vantage GT3.”

It uses a significantly revised version of the DBRS9’s 6.0-litre V12 engine. Changes include a lightweight crankshaft, dry sump lubrication and new valve trains for even greater performance and reliability.

“We’re very confident that the Vantage GT3 will be a competitive force in all GT3 series, winning races and eventually titles as well. Given our track record in engineering and building fast and reliable GT cars, we’re very confident that the new Vantage GT3 will build on the DBRS9’s success over years to come,” added Gaw.

The V12 Vantage GT3 will be eligible to run in all FIA GT3 and national GT3 championships; the Blancpain Endurance Series; VLN and the Nurburgring 24 Hour endurance race.

The 600bhp engine – positioned behind the front axle line for optimum weight distribution – powers the rear wheels via a carbon fibre propshaft, an Xtrac six-speed sequential transmission and limited slip differential.

Braking is by six pot calipers at the front and four pot items at the rear, with ventilated discs all round and manually adjustable brake bias. The suspension is double wishbone type with uniball bearings and two-way adjustable dampers front and rear.

Aston Martin Racing will continue with the V12 Vantage GT3’s comprehensive testing programme into the New Year and beyond.

Technical Specifications – V12 Vantage GT3

Engine

Lightweight V12

Dry sump oil system

Power >600bhp

Torque >700Nm

Transmission

Xtrac 6 speed sequential transmission with semi-auto gear change

Limited slip ramp/plate differential

Carbon fibre propshaft

Chassis

Lightweight aluminium chassis

Steel roll cage to FIA safety standards

High speed pneumatic jack system

Suspension

Double wishbone with uniball bearings

2-way adjustable dampers front and rear

Optimised geometry for lower race ride height

Steering

Hydraulic power assisted steering

Fuel system

110-litre fuel cell to FIA safety standards

Twin quick release couplings

Brakes

6 pot front & 4 pot rear calipers with ventilated steel discs

Manually adjustable front/rear brake bias

Adjustable motorsport ABS and traction control

Wheels & Tyres

Front 12.5” x 18”        30/68-18

Rear  13” x 18”            31/71-18

Cockpit

Six-point safety harness

Adjustable seat & pedal box position

Lightweight battery

Carbon fibre dash

Fire extinguisher system

Driver display and shift lights

Body & Aero

Removable carbon-fibre body panels & aluminium roof

Front splitter

Adjustable full width carbon fibre rear wing

Aerodynamically optimised bumpers, side sills and rear fenders

Weight

Dry weight 1250kg

Aston Martin has announced the launch of its luxurious city car; Cygnet, in Hong Kong and Japan.

Initially available in European markets from its launch in mid-2011, Cygnet is the bespoke luxury city car, designed with ultra-compact packaging and low-emission engine technology. Craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail characterise each Cygnet, and high levels of personalisation are exemplified by the recently enhanced choice of materials and colours including six ‘Race Collection’ paint schemes, hexagon perforated leather and quilted Alcantara.

Also offered in two distinctive and limited Launch Editions, Cygnet joins Aston Martin’s established pedigree of cars.  From the breathtaking One-77 supercar and the elegant yet brutal V12 Zagato to the powerful Vantage range and new Virage to the exquisite DB9, DBS and four-door Rapide, every Aston Martin expresses the core values of Power, Beauty and Soul.

Starting from $603,578 HKD and ¥4,750,000 YEN with its compact but neatly-proportioned form, Cygnet is clearly recognisable as an Aston Martin. The marque’s characteristic design language, including signature details such as the metal grille, elongated side strake and inverted rear lights, establish a distinguished, solid form with strong road presence.

Cygnet benefits from highly sophisticated active and passive safety technology to protect driver, passengers and pedestrians, with a range of breakthrough features rarely seen in small cars. Cygnet delivers everything the city driver needs, from essential equipment like ABS, nine airbags, stability control, electronic brake assist and retractable door mirrors to a luxurious interior specification, including keyless entry and start and heated seats, all packed into a car that is just three metres long.

The Aston Martin Cygnet is a car without compromise, as dedicated to urban functionalism as its sporting siblings are to driver involvement, dynamics and long-distance comfort. With space for up to four people, Cygnet is compact, safe, efficient and highly manoeuvrable.

The Cygnet is available to order now in Hong Kong and Japan from the Aston Martin dealership network with deliveries expected in the first quarter of 2012.

Cygnet Launch Editions

Launch Edition Whiteand Launch Edition Black epitomise Cygnet’s qualities; craft and skill in a luxurious but compact package, with heart, soul and personality, Tailor-Fit for the modern city.

Cygnet Launch Edition White brings together a serene exterior; finished in Snow White paint with a mix of silver mesh, chrome brightwork and diamond turned alloy wheels. The interior of the White edition features seats hand trimmed in Pearl white leather with perforated Alcantara inserts, complemented by satin chrome. On the exterior, Aston Martin’s attention to detail is exemplified with the iconic wings badge appearing in matching white.

In contrast, Cygnet Launch Edition Black features Magic Black metallic paint with a specially developed deep sea green effect, offset by matt black louvers and chrome brightwork. Inside, the seats and dash are finished in pure black full grain leather, perforated in a specially-developed diamond pattern. Satin chrome accents adorn the cabin, while the wings badges are rendered in black throughout.

Strictly limited to fifty examples across Hong Hong and Japan, the Cygnet Launch Edition comes with a bespoke Bill Amberg five-piece luggage set, especially designed for and tailored to Cygnet. Available in a contemporary combination of black leather with technical fabric, the set comprises glove box bag, removable door pocket bag, holdall, garment bag and a collapsible tote bag.

Following on from the success of the DBS Carbon Black, introduced in 2009, the 2011 DBS Carbon Edition will be available in two new colours including Flame Orange and Ceramic Grey together with the existing Carbon Black. Each DBS will undergo Aston Martin’s unique paint process receiving seven layers of paint together with a 25 hour hand flat-and-polish finish resulting in a glass veneer normally the reserve of jewellery production. A first for Aston Martin is the option to specify a satin lacquer paint finish, creating a silk-like texture.

The DBS Carbon Edition features 10-spoke gloss black diamond turned wheels with a reversed diamond turned or full gloss black finish as an option. Complementing the wheels, black brake callipers will be delivered as standard with yellow, orange, red or grey as an option.  Harmonising with the exterior finish is a warm black grille, carbon fibre mirror heads, carbon rear lamp in-fills and smoked rear lights creating a DBS specification like never before.

The cosseting and inviting interior of the coupe plays host to the familiar swathes of obsidian black or maranello orange semi-aniline leather. This type of leather is more natural looking and softer to touch. The interior of a DBS Carbon Edition will take in excess of 70 man hours to hand stitch and finish.

On the DBS Carbon Edition coupe, the headlining is quilted in leather providing a luxurious envelope to the cabin. Immediately distinguishing the Carbon Edition from a standard DBS is the carbon fibre facia with a carbon weave that has been positioned exactly to follow the form of the dashboard. Only by hand can the fibres be laid to create a perfectly aligned weave.

The magnesium alloy paddles that control the Touchtronic II automatic gearbox are tipped with carbon fibre bringing the Carbon Edition direct to the fingertips. A unique carbon fibre special edition sill plaque with laser etched metal inlay completes the specification.

The standard DBS has recently been updated to feature the new Aston Martin Garmin satellite navigation system possessing improved graphics and intuition to provide a sleeker user experience. Beam blade windscreen wipers are also a new feature providing reduced wind noise and a cleaner wipe, even at high speeds.

DBS Carbon Edition prices start at £186,582 (€257,912/$287,576) for the coupe and £196,581 (€272,913/$302,576) for the Volante with customer deliveries expected from quarter one 2012.

The new Aston Martin V12 Zagato will be appearing in September at the 64^thIAA International Motor Show at Frankfurt. Along with the largest display of contemporary Aston Martins ever seen at a Motor Show, two V12 Zagatos, both having completed their engineering sign-off at the Nürburgring 24 hour race, will be shown for the first time at a mainstream event.

Hand assembled at the company’s global headquarters in Gaydon, England, the V12 Zagato is based on the highly acclaimed V12 Vantage and features a beautiful ’handcrafted‘ aluminium and carbon fibre body. Combining traditional craftsmanship and high technology, the V12 Zagato also boasts Aston Martin’s most dynamic bonded aluminium platform and the power of the company’s acclaimed 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 510 bhp (380 kW / 517 PS), and 570 Nm (420 lb ft) of torque.

Following extremely positive initial customer reaction, the V12 Zagato is being offered for sale at £330,000 GBP (excluding local taxes) and will go into strictly limited production of up to 150 cars in summer 2012. 50 years on from the introduction of the iconic DB4GT Zagato, Aston Martin and Zagato have collaborated to create this modern interpretation which remains true to the focus of craftsmanship, performance and exclusivity which underpinned the original collaboration.

Launched successfully in late May at the famous Villa D’Este Concours on Lake Como, Italy, the V12 Zagato saw off tough competition to be awarded the coveted Design Award for the concept and prototypes class. Just a week later, the V12 Zagato made its racing debut at the 53^rd ADAC ACAS H&R-Cup VLN race at the historic Nürburgring racetrack in Germany. Following other appearances in the series, both prototypes of the V12 Zagato were entered into the gruelling 39^th ADAC Nürburgring 24 Hour on 25/26 June, successfully amassing a combined 230 laps and over 3,700 miles of intense durability testing – both taking the chequered flag to maintain Aston Martin’s 100% finish record in the race.

The first of the two V12 Zagatos being shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show, finished in its distinctive green livery is the full endurance race car concept specification as campaigned at the Nürburgring. The car, nicknamed ‘Zig’ by the factory team features a full aerodynamic package including front splitter, dive planes, large rear diffuser and spoiler designed to make the most of the Nürburgring’s multitude of corners and lengthy straights.

The second of the cars, nicknamed ‘Zag’, was originally shown at the Villa D’Este before being converted into the same full racing specification as the sister car. Since the 24 hour race, Zag, has been returned to its original show specification which, although showing a racing car interior, has an exterior more representative of the exclusive road car currently offered for order. In addition to this, Aston Martin today releases the first conceptual illustrations of the road car variant that will go into production from mid 2012.

The pair of V12 Zagatos will join the Aston Martin stand at Frankfurt in September alongside the stunning One-77 supercar and the recently launched Virage and Vantage S.

Aston Martin confirms today the specification of the 2012 Vantage GT3 race car. As the natural successor to the enormously successful DBRS9, the new Vantage GT3 will offer customers the latest in race-car technology to ensure the Vantage GT3 has the credentials to compete with the most recent new product offerings from other manufacturers.

The Vantage GT3 features a modified version of Aston Martin’s production 6.0 litre V12 engine found in the marque’s highly acclaimed sports cars. The dry-sumped engine is expected to produce 600 bhp with 700 Nm of torque and its position has been optimised further to improve weight balance. A carbon fibre propshaft mates the engine to a Xtrac 6 speed sequential transmission with semi-automatic paddle shift gear change.

The Vantage GT3 benefits from Aston Martin’s V/H architecture philosophy, the modular chassis uses aerospace bonding techniques to create a light and immensely stiff aluminium and composite structure which not only aids handling on Aston Martin’s road cars but is also an ideal base for competitive race cars.

Most dramatic of all, are the new aerodynamics, contributing to a muscular and purposeful stance while maintaining the overall beauty of the V12 Vantage. The shorter wheel base and lower engine position over its predecessor will contribute to enhanced handling and performance. The new car will also provide enhanced driveability with the latest race-developed ABS and Traction Control systems which are fitted to the V12 Vantage GT3 as standard.

The Vantage GT3 will be eligible for numerous race series around the world including the FIA GT3 Championship, ADAC Masters, Nürburgring VLN, Blancpain Endurance Series, British GT, Belcar and Open GT among others.

Aston Martin remains the only manufacturer to offer a race car for every GT class firmly cementing it as a global forerunner in race car production. The new Vantage GT3 is being developed to replicate and indeed surpass the superb track record of the DBRS9.

Aston Martin has sold 24 DBRS9s and customer teams have accumulated many race podiums and victories over the past six years including 2009 Winner Teams Championship, and Winner Manufacturers Championship for Hexis Racing and as recently as a 2011 GT Open race win at Spa for Villois Racing.

Testing of the new car will commence in October, where the Vantage GT3 will undergo a comprehensive sign-off durability test including a 10,000 km test programme. Deliveries of the first cars will commence in early 2012. Prices start from £298,000.

At the prestigious Royal Automobile Club last night, international motorsport legend, Sir Stirling Moss took delivery of his newly purchased Aston Martin Cygnet; a surprise birthday present for wife, Lady Moss.

One of the closest teams in motorsport for many years, Sir Stirling and Lady Moss planned a private celebratory dinner on the eve of her birthday at the Royal Automobile Club in its clubhouse the century old, ‘palace on Pall Mall’ in London. On arrival they were met with the sight of the new Aston Martin Cygnet on display in the magnificent central rotunda – the culmination of six months planning and ‘secret’ correspondence between Sir Stirling and Aston Martin to plan a surprise birthday present for Lady Moss.       

Sir Stirling Moss said: “My greatest partner in everything that I do, Susie is an amazing person and frankly the best wife a man could have. Since seeing a pre-production Cygnet in January I knew that it was the perfect car for Susie; a proper little piece of British luxury and perfect for our life in town.”

Hand-crafted at Aston Martin’s headquarters in Gaydon, taking 150 hours to complete, the Aston Martin Cygnet shares much in terms of design and craftsmanship with the company’s sports cars. Elegant and distinctive, individual and practical, the Aston Martin Cygnet is the ultimate Tailor-Fit solution for city living. Launched in May 2011 with first customer orders arriving at European dealers now, Cygnet is hand-crafted for the city and like every Aston Martin it can be uniquely personalised to suit individual taste and style, bringing a new level of luxury and bespoke capability to city cars.

Specifications for Lady Moss’s car include Sir Stirling’s choice of Aston Martin Racing Green, harking back to the company’s sports cars that Sir Stirling raced in the 1950s, as the paint colour. This iconic exterior has been complemented by a simple and elegant interior hand crafted in Obsidian Black leather with a contrasting coarse silver stitch, forming a typically understated combination.

Adding to the occasion and its ongoing theme of long standing relationships with the marque, the Cygnet has been supplied through HWM Aston Martin, based in Walton-on- Thames, who were appointed as an official Aston Martin dealer in 1951. The longest serving of the company’s global network of 134 dealers, HWM Aston Martin was started 60 years ago by fellow Aston Martin Works Driver George Abecassis who actually gave Sir Stirling his first Grand Prix drives in 1951/52 in HWM-built cars.

Sir Stirling’s own driving career with Aston Martin saw him drive a number of the company’s racing cars including the famous DB3S and DBR1 models with great success. This culminated in being part of the factory team that in 1959 secured the company the World Sportscar Championship following victories in the DBR1 at such prestigious races as the Le Mans 24-hour.

Aston Martin confirms production of a strictly limited number of the new V12 Zagato following its successful unveilings. After winning the award for Design in the Concepts and Prototypes class at the prestigious Villa D’ Este Concours and then going on to prove its durability with the successful completion of the gruelling 39^thADAC Nürburgring 24 Hour race, Aston Martin confirms that there is overwhelmingly encouraging interest from customers to confirm production of the V12 Zagato.  

Based on the acclaimed V12 Vantage and sporting a beautifully handcrafted aluminium and carbon fibre body, the V12 Zagato will be produced in very limited numbers for discerning customers.  Orders are now being taken on a strictly first come first served basis and production is expected to commence during summer 2012 at Aston Martin’s global headquarters at Gaydon, Warwickshire.

Of the V12 Zagato, Aston Martin’s Chief Executive Dr. Ulrich Bez, said: “Such style, exclusivity and fastidious craftsmanship ensures it will be one of the most highly coveted models in Aston Martin’s 98-year history. A fabulous celebration of the iconic DB4GT Zagato, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, the V12 Zagato is the perfect inspiration for the next 50 years of Aston Martin.”

In honour of the performance and racing heritage of previous collaborations, the first two V12 Zagatos were developed as endurance race cars from the start and went into their track debut just a week after being shown to the public for the first time on the shores of Lake Como, Italy at the Villa D’Este Concours.

Entering the new V12 Zagatos in this year’s Nürburgring 24 Hour on 25^th/26^th June extended the company’s racing philosophy at the famous circuit. For five years Aston Martin has signed-off its new products by entering a car which is as close to the road car as possible and subjecting it to the toughest 24 hour test on what best simulates the extremities of public roads. This year went a step further by testing two cars at their prototype stage; combining forces to successfully cover more than 230 laps and over 3,700 miles in the 24 hour race at what Sir Jackie Stewart famously called ‘The Green Hell’.

Since opening in 2003, 13 new major production car Aston Martins have been developed and successfully brought to production at Gaydon, demonstrating the company’s ability to engineer and bring to reality cars in a shortened period of time. Design work on the V12 Zagato began in mid-2010 with initial engineering following in January 2011.

True to both Aston Martin and Zagato, the V12 Zagato is the pinnacle of a special and exclusive offering which matches its long standing heritage with the technology and craftsmanship of today.

Marek Reichman, Aston Martin’s Director of Design said: “The V12 Zagato is an elegant yet brutal design which reflects the great balance between race performance and pure Aston Martin style.

“The original DB4GT Zagato was a true icon, powerful and graceful; the new design is a true representation of the spirit of DB4GT Zagato. The muscular organic forms define the thoroughbred nature of the car’s racing credentials.”

Featuring a handcrafted aluminium and carbon fibre body, the V12 Zagato delivers a beautiful and muscular design not possible using pre-formed panel techniques. Using the influences and skill of nearly 100 years of heritage in the craft, every aluminium panel was formed using an English wheel and traditionally crafted body bucks. Iconic Zagato design cues include the double bubble roof created in this case from five separate pieces illustrating further the intensity of craftsmanship involved in the construction of the V12 Zagato.

Designed for the focused driver, the V12 Zagato has been honed with pure driving enjoyment in mind. The V12 Zagato combines Aston Martin’s most dynamic bonded aluminium platform with the power of the 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 510 bhp (380 kW / 517 PS), and 570 Nm (420 lb ft) of torque.

The strictly limited Aston Martin V12 Zagato is on sale now, priced at £330,000 GBP (exc. local taxes) with first deliveries expected from the second half of 2012.

This week Aston Martin is putting the final touches to its race preparations in readiness for the toughest 24 hour race of them all – the annual ADAC Nürburgring 24 Hours on 25 and 26 June where a brace of new Aston Martin V12 Zagatos will compete.

This weekend marks the next step of an ambitious project which began when the V12 Zagato was unveiled at the Concorso D’Eleganza at Villa D’Este in May this year, winning the Design award for Concepts and Prototypes. The show car was then transformed into the number 3 race car, nicknamed ‘Zag’ (red) and will be piloted in the 24 hour race by Aston Martin CEO, Dr. Ulrich Bez, the company’s Nürburgring Test Centre Director, Wolfgang Schuhbauer and automotive journalists Horst von Saurma and Matthew Marsh.

In addition, a green V12 Zagato (nicknamed ‘Zig’) – car number 5 for the race – was prepared by the small team based at Aston Martin’s global headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire. Zig will be driven by One-77 Chief Engineer Chris Porritt, experienced sports car driver Oliver Mathai, automotive journalist Richard Meaden and experienced amateur racer Peter Cate.

Joining the Zagatos will be a V8 Vantage GT4 affectionately nicknamed ‘Smurf’ (now orange but formally blue) which will be driven by Aston Martin Racing works driver, Darren Turner, journalist and experienced 24 hour driver, Shinichi Katsura, Australian racer Rob Thomson and seasoned Nürburgring pilot Jurgen Stumpf.

Three further customer team V8 Vantages will be competing over the weekend bringing the Aston Martin presence in the race up to six cars with Mathol Racing (#62), Bratke Motorsport Team – AVIA (#85) and Team Pflanz (#75) driving Vantage GT4s in the SP10 class.

Aston Martin’s Head of Motorsport, David King said: “Our entries this year extend our Nürburgring racing philosophy. For five years now we have signed-off our new products by entering a car which is as close to the road car as possible and subjecting it to the toughest 24 hour test on what best simulates the extremities of public roads. This year we go a step further by testing a car at prototype stage.”

“As ever, the race will present an enormous challenge in a vast and increasingly competitive field which will be fraught with all the unpredictable elements associated with racing at the Nürburgring. However, we are excited by the potential we have seen from the V12 Zagato in the testing we’ve completed and that gives us great hope for the task ahead. We look forward to a safe, successful and enjoyable race for our teams and customers.”

Aston Martin’s presence at the Nürburgring marks the sixth successive time factory engineers complete a product sign-off test in what has been dubbed ‘the toughest 24 hour race’ under public scrutiny. Since 2006, the marque has used the race to prove the reliability and durability of its new models – first for V8 Vantage itself, then the new Sportshift^TM transmission in 2007, the 4.7 litre engine V8 Vantage in 2008, the V12 Vantage in 2009, the four-door Rapide in 2010, and now, rather more ambitiously, for the first major test of a new concept car – the Aston Martin V12 Zagato.

In addition to this year’s race, Aston Martin’s American team has joined forces with Road & Track magazine to run a standard road specification Rapide at Spring Mountain Motor Sports Ranch in the USA for the same 24 hours as the European team at the Nürburgring. The endurance test echoes last year’s Nordschleife attempt where a near standard four-door Rapide with a production six-speed automatic transmission successfully completed the 24 hour race, finishing third in class.

At the Nürburgring the roofs of both V12 Zagatos will be sporting a ‘Heart for Japan’ dedication as part of Aston Martin’s support for the Tsunami victims of Japan. In May, Dr. Bez auctioned his company Rapide raising £100,000. During the build up to this year’s 24 hours Dr. Bez will hand the cheque to Toyota CEO, Akio Toyoda and their Donation Fund for Employees in the Affected Disaster Area charity.

The 39^th ADAC Nürburgring 24 Hour race starts at 4pm CET on Saturday 25 June – live updates are available by following @astonmartin on Twitter and live commentary will be broadcast via Radio Le Mans (www.radiolemans.com)

Aston Martin will unveil the stunning new V12 Zagato endurance racer concept on the shores of Lake Como, Italy at the Villa D’Este Concours tomorrow.

Reviving a collaboration which has produced some of the most beautiful and sought-after cars in the world, the partnership takes inspiration from the past, to create a modern descendent of classics such as the DB4GT Zagato, V8 Vantage Zagato and DB7 Zagato based on Aston Martin’s ultimate performance interpretation of the Vantage range: the V12 Vantage.

Dr Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin said: “The Zagato design language is a perfect complement to our design and engineering expertise. After 50 years of the two companies being associated with each other the partnership has produced some of the world’s most iconic cars.

“Of course, fifty years ago Italian design houses were widely seen as leading the way with new designs but now and supported by our independency, Aston Martin has its own in-house design ability so this new venture with Zagato is more collaborative than it perhaps would have been in the past.

“The task for us has been to create a concept that is a natural successor to those iconic cars that have gone before. Matching the technology of the age with the traditional skills vital to deliver such a bespoke and exclusive sports car will lead to a strictly limited run of road going V12 Zagatos.”

Work began in 2010 with initial meetings between Aston Martin and Zagato where sketches incorporating the design DNA of both companies were discussed and a decision was made to proceed with the project.

Director of Design, Marek Reichman added: “The Design team at Gaydon spent time refining the concept using a mixture of the latest computer based modelling techniques along with crafting traditional clay models to give a real world idea of proportion, stance and detail.”

“The V12 Zagato is an elegant yet brutal design which reflects the great balance between race performance and pure Aston Martin style. The original DB4GT Zagato was a true icon, powerful and graceful; the new design is a true representation of the spirit of DB4GT Zagato. The muscular organic forms define the thoroughbred nature of the car’s racing credentials.”

Working alongside the initial design team was a dedicated group of Aston Martin engineers led by Chris Porritt – previously responsible for the engineering of the One-77. With the skills and knowledge gained from such specialised projects this team has worked to bring the unique design of the V12 Zagato to reality in a very short period of time.

Featuring a new handcrafted aluminium body, the V12 Zagato delivers a beautiful and  muscular design not possible using pre-formed panel techniques. Using the influences and skill of nearly 100 years of heritage in the craft, every aluminium panel was formed using an English wheel and traditionally crafted body bucks.  Each front wing alone comprises seven separate pieces of aluminium, combined and then hand finished to give one flowing form.  Another iconic Zagato design cue is the double bubble roof created in this case from five  separate pieces illustrating further the intensity of craftsmanship involved in the construction of the V12 Zagato.

Designed for the focused driver, the V12 Zagato has been honed with pure driving enjoyment in mind. The V12 Zagato combines Aston Martin’s most dynamic bonded aluminium platform with the power of the 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 510 bhp (380 kW / 517 PS), and 570 Nm (420 lb ft) of torque.

The V12 Vantage which forms the basis of the V12 Zagato has been proven on the race track as early as 2009 with a class win in its debut race at the 24 hour race at Nürburgring in close to production specification. In 2011 the car has gone on to form the basis of the new Aston Martin GT3 race car unveiled last month.

The first DB4GT Zagato shown to the public in late 1960 spent much of its life as a racing car after launch. Later perhaps the two most famous DB4GT Zagatos, registered ‘1 VEV’ and ‘2 VEV’ were raced with success by such names as Jim Clark and Roy Salvadori. The fascinating story of these cars and the nature of high performance and low weight which drove the Zagato projects gave the inspiration for the first two V12 Zagatos to be created as endurance race cars.

The racing debut of the V12 Zagato will be at the 53. ADAC ACAS H&R-Cup VLN round at the Nürburgring on 28^th May with a view to two cars racing at the 24 hour race on 25/26 June.  The cars will be driven by an experienced driver team, led for the sixth year by Chief Executive Dr. Ulrich Bez.

The Aston Martin V12 Zagato will be shown for the first time at the Villa D’Este Concours on Saturday 21^st May 2011.

Aston Martin Chief Executive Dr. Ulrich Bez is to auction his company Rapide at this year’s annual Bonhams auction at Newport Pagnell, with all proceeds to go to charities providing aid to victims of the recent earthquakes and Tsunami in Japan. In support of the initiative, Bonhams has also committed to waiver its commission on this lot.

Dr Ulrich Bez said: ”Nobody could have failed to be moved by the recent events in Japan and we at Aston Martin are no exception. After many years presence in the market and closer ties being forged with the Japanese automotive business in recent projects, we have many friends in the region and we wanted to do something to help.

“The Bonhams Aston Martin Auction seems the perfect platform to encourage the extended Aston Martin family to support this cause, so we have decided to auction my Rapide which I have used in my role as Chief Executive to represent Aston Martin at numerous events in both UK and Europe. I hope this superb car will raise a substantial amount to help make a difference.”

Since it’s unveiling in production form at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2009 the Aston Martin Rapide has been widely acclaimed as the world’s most elegant four-door sports car. Functional yet luxurious it provides space for up to four adults but with the engaging driving experience synonymous with all Aston Martins. Quickly established as a firm favourite with customers and critics alike, the Aston Martin Rapide, recently affirmed its position as one of the most beautiful cars on sale today after being voted 2011 World Car Design of the Year at the New York International Auto Show by a jury of 66 international journalists.

Chassis number ‘F00039’ is a UK specification, right hand drive Aston Martin Rapide built in late 2009 for the exclusive business use of Dr Ulrich Bez, Aston Martin’s Chief Executive Officer since 2000. This luxuriously specified car is finished in Concours Blue Paint, with an Obsidian Black leather interior stitched in Falcon Grey, and black carpets. The fascia is trimmed in walnut veneer. The Rapide also has heated and cooled front and rear seats, an integrated garage door opener and the rear seat entertainment system incorporating a twin-screen DVD system and infrared headphones.

The 2011 Bonhams Aston Martin Auction opens from 9am on Saturday 21^st May at Aston Martin Works Service in Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire.

Aston Martin introduces the new Virage – supremely elegant and powerful, yet juxtaposed as an understated sports car. The marque can now provide customers with a class-leading range, all with different characters, yet with the same unique Aston Martin soul and luxury.

Beautiful, dynamic and prestigious, the Virage combines outright sports car performance with luxury, comfort and refinement. The front mid-mounted V12 engine’s torque delivery provides outstanding performance, coupled with the car’s inherent agility and perfect weight distribution delivering the ideal balance between outright sports car performance and trademark sporting luxury exemplified by modern Aston Martins.

Aston Martin CEO, Dr Ulrich Bez said: “100 years of automotive history has demonstrated that evolution delivers the best solutions in time.

“So it is with Virage; it is the next level of evolution in our VH architecture strategy and it does everything with the perfection that you would expect today. It is the perfect balance of opposites.”

The Virage sits between the enduringly elegant DB9 and overtly sporting DBS, providing customers with a car that remains luxurious and understated but delivers increased performance and crucially performance that is always accessible for effortless driving.

Aston Martin’s revered hand-built 6.0 litre V12 engine produces 490 bhp (365 kW/497 PS) and 570 nM (420 lb. Ft) of torque and through its carbon fibre prop shaft, is mated to a six-speed Touchtronic II automatic transmission mounted on the transaxle contributing to perfect 50:50 weight balance.

The Virage’s dynamics have been tuned to deliver an engaging yet more refined driving experience, where the driver can extract the maximum performance from the car with greater ease. A newly developed Adaptive Damping System (ADS) intelligently ‘reads’ the road to provide optimum road holding, adapting to different conditions. The system now selects up to five different stiffness settings within normal mode, and a further five stiffer settings within sport mode.

Aiding driver control, a ‘Sport’ button on the facia allows the driver to select a sharper throttle response and faster gear changes while also holding the gears without automatically shifting up at the revolution limiter.

Virage will be delivered with Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) brakes as standard – bucking the trend in this market – offering progressive and tremendous stopping power. Powerful, resistant to fade and much lighter than conventional cast-iron discs, the CCM braking system means that not only is the overall vehicle weight reduced, but the weight saving at each wheel means that a better balance between ride comfort and handling can be struck. Lower rotational mass also provides improved acceleration.

Virage capitalises on the technology from the DBS and unites it with the comfort and refinement found in the DB9 and Rapide. Aston Martin’s own bonded aluminium ‘VH’ architecture that forms the backbone of the marque’s sports cars, takes inspiration from the aerospace industry where weight reduction is the ultimate goal. Strong yet light, the inherent properties of modular aluminium lend themselves perfectly to an extremely rigid and versatile platform which allows the production of a Virage coupe and Volante.

The Virage sits low and wide asserting the power which lies beneath; single bi-xenon headlamps follow the lines of the car’s flanks to give a more crisp and modern look from the front. A new aluminium metal front grille, inspired by the One-77, features five horizontal vanes which are chamfered creating an aerofoil profile. The new front bumper is pure and relieves the car of any visual complexities, contributing to the overall simplicity of design. The front wings distinguish the Virage from its stable mates housing a new modern interpretation of the Aston Martin iconic side strake housing six LEDs elegantly forming the side repeater. Virage’s side sills carry the simplicity of the front bumper through to the rear diffuser which houses a body-coloured blade accentuating the width of the car.

As drivers and passengers open the signature swan wing doors, they are greeted by the aroma of seven hides of the finest Bridge of Weir leather expertly hand stitched by craftsmen. Inspiration has been taken from luxury leather goods to produce a pinstripe welt which flows down either side of the facia and along the seat and door, drawing your eye through the car. Each Virage will have 70 man hours of expert craftsmanship lavished on the interior alone to create the famous sophisticated Aston Martin interior. In all, over 200 man hours will be spent handcrafting the Virage at Aston Martin’s global headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire, England as it becomes the tenth major production car to be built there in the space of less than eight years.

Simplicity runs throughout the car with the new fully integrated Satellite Navigation system that has been developed in conjunction with Garmin. The new system simplifies operation through the existing four-way joystick mounted on the facia. A new 6.5 inch high resolution display uses the latest graphics and maps to visually and aurally guide the driver to their destination.

Standard equipment includes heated seats (Sports seats only), cruise control, satellite navigation, Bluetooth telephone preparation and the powerful 700W Aston Martin Premium Audio System with Dolby® Pro Logic II® and full iPod® integration.

The Aston Martin Vantage range comes of age with the new V8 Vantage S characterised by a host of new driver-focussed features all designed to push the honed dynamics of the standard Vantage to a new benchmark level.

Aston Martin’s own 4.7 litre V8 engine has been engineered to deliver peak power of 430 bhp (436 PS / 321 kW) at 7300 rpm and torque of 490 Nm (361 lb.ft) at 5000 rpm and is coupled with a new ground-up developed Sportshift™ II transmission specifically designed for the Vantage S with seven short ratio gears to deliver the most engaging and intense driver involvement.

“The Vantage S epitomises every attribute of the V8 Vantage and pushes the driver experience beyond what we have offered before,” says Dr. Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin, “It combines dynamic exhilaration with all the charming finesse, beauty and practicality already associated with the Vantage range.”

Dynamic revisions are central to the Vantage S, with a quickened steering rack ratio of 15:1 compared to 17:1 on the standard car and a larger diameter front brake disc with new six-piston front brake calipers. New springs and dampers, and wider rear wheels also contribute to chassis revisions. A new dynamic stability control (DSC) system specifically tuned to the Vantage S along with a new brake module providing features such as Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA) which provides assistance in emergency braking situations, and Hill Start Assist (HSA). Bespoke tyres have been developed with Bridgestone to optimise road holding enhancing dynamic feel.

At the core of the Vantage S is the new seven speed Sportshift™ II automated manual transmission, offered as standard and delivers exceedingly rapid gear changes, twenty per cent quicker than Sportshift™. The extra gear permits shorter well-spaced ratios taking advantage of the optimum torque, which combined with a shorter final drive ratio of 4.182:1 delivers quicker acceleration and an enhanced sporting feel. The inherent benefits of a single clutch system reduces complexity and significant weight over a dual clutch solution. Sportshift™ II allows the driver to take an increased level of control, modulating the throttle pedal to achieve the desired type of gear change. In addition, the Vantage S features a ‘Sport’ button which quickens the gear changes and gives the driver a more aggressive throttle response while also opening the exhaust bypass valves across most of the engine speed range perfectly characterising the ‘S’ variant.

As with every Aston Martin, the Vantage S benefits from its own unique sound with a new exhaust muffler and bypass valve map, creating a very distinctive and highly vocal exhaust note.

The Vantage S is instantly recognisable as a true Aston Martin, characterised by its purposeful stance conveying its agility and performance capability. From the front, a new lower front bumper finished in perfectly-aligned carbon fibre houses a larger air intake feeding the engine and front brakes. The splitter combined with the extended deck lid ‘flip’ work in harmony to provide increased down force at speed. New 19 inch ‘V’ spoke wheel styles are available as standard, while an optional 10-spoke lightweight forged wheel option, reduces unsprung mass further. A new rear bumper and side sills optically widen the car.

Bridging the gap between road car and race car, the Vantage S is heavily influenced by the 2011 Vantage GT4 race car. The GT4 takes advantage of the Vantage’s immensely rigid bonded aluminium chassis, providing the ideal platform for a race car. Minor racing safety modifications including an FIA approved roll cage and racing ‘bag’ petrol tank along with weight saving measures are made to the standard road car to convert it into a class winning race car. In 2010, it won its class at the Dubai 24 Hours following this up with further endurance race wins at the Nürburgring 24 Hours, Silverstone 24 Hours and Spa 24 Hours. It also won its first major international championship victory in the European GT4 Cup.

Aston Martin announces the arrival of the ultimate city car, a Tailor-Fit solution for urban driving in the contemporary metropolis, with two strictly limited Cygnet launch editions.

To celebrate the commencement of production, the new Aston Martin Cygnet will be available in two special launch edition models, each exemplifying the highly bespoke nature of this unique car. The two Cygnet Launch Edition models; White and Black, are available with either standard manual or optional CVT automated transmission and each will be produced for a strictly limited time.

Cygnet is a bespoke luxury commuter car, designed to take you into the heart of the city, with ultra-compact packaging and low-emission engine technology. These efficiencies are paired with the manufacturing and craft skill that is closely associated with Aston Martin. Craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail characterise each Cygnet, and the extremely high levels of interior finish are exemplified by the choice of materials and colours on these two unique models.

Cygnet Launch Edition White brings together a serene exterior; finished in Snow White paint with a mix of silver mesh, chrome brightwork and White Diamond turned alloy wheels. The interior of the White edition features seats hand trimmed in Pearl white leather with perforated Alcantara inserts, complemented by satin chrome. On the exterior, Aston Martin’s attention to detail is exemplified with the iconic wings badge appearing in matching white.

In contrast, Cygnet Launch Edition Black features Magic Black metallic paint with a specially developed deep sea green effect, offset by matt black louvers and chrome brightwork. Inside, the seats and dash are finished in pure black full grain leather, perforated in a specially-developed diamond pattern. Dark chrome accents adorn the cabin, while the wings badges are rendered in black throughout.

Both Cygnet Launch Editions also come with a bespoke Bill Amberg five-piece luggage set, especially designed for and tailored to Cygnet. Available in a contemporary combination of black leather with technical fabric, the set comprises glove box bag, removable door pocket bag, holdall, garment bag and a collapsible tote bag.

The Aston Martin GT4 Challenge will return in 2011, with an increased number of races and an expanded grid. The one-make race series which is fundamentally based around the V8 Vantage road car provides the first step on the GT ladder.

Following the success of the inaugural series in 2010, Aston Martin Racing has increased the number of races to nine, including two rounds in mainland Europe at Spa Francorchamps and Dijon, as well as introducing two longer, three hour races.  The grid size is expected to grow to 20 cars, as more teams join the series in its second season.

The 2010 GT4 Challenge was won by the father and son partnership of Chris and Ant Scragg, who won every round of the six-race series.  For 2011, Ant Scragg and fellow GT4 Challenge competitor, James Appleby, will step up to the European GT4 Cup where they will compete in a new 2011 Vantage GT4, running as the Generation AMR team.

The GT4 Challenge is open to Aston Martin Vantage N24 and GT4 cars, including the new enhanced Vantage GT4 for 2011. To ensure competitive racing, there will be mandatory pit stops and teams can have one, two or three drivers.  Interest in the 2011 challenge is strong with six teams already signed-up.

“This year showed what demand there was from Aston Martin owners for their own one-make series and it is because of their positive feedback and their suggestions that we are expanding the series next year and including longer races,” said Aston Martin Chairman, David Richards. “I was fortunate to have competed at the Silverstone round this year and I fully intend to get behind the wheel again in 2011; this time in the new Vantage GT4.”

Despite adding three more races to the calendar, the entry fee for the season remains the same as in 2010 at £12,950 per car. The package also includes: Aston Martin Racing overalls; hospitality; on-event technical support; and a fitness appraisal with Aston Martin Racing Driver Performance.

Provisional 2011 calendar:

Aston Martin Racing has launched a new Vantage GT4 for 2011. The new V8 engined racing car takes design inspiration from Aston Martin’s V12 Vantage road car, giving it enhanced aerodynamics and increased downforce. It also has a remapped 4.7 litre engine offering increased levels of power and torque.

As with the current 4.7 litre Vantage GT4, which made its race debut in 2009, the 2011 car is closely based on the V8 Vantage road car with key attributes being carried over including the aluminium chassis, base engine and suspension design. In addition to the engine and aero upgrades, competitors can, for the first time, choose a race-developed Bosch ABS and traction control system. This system has been specifically optimised by Bosch Motorsport for the Vantage GT4 to provide race-enhanced performance in both wet and dry conditions.

The Vantage GT4’s new splitter increases downforce at the front of the car, as well as channelling cooling air to the brakes and radiator. At the rear, the car gains the V12’s larger boot ‘flip’. This works together with a new carbon fibre diffuser and rear underfloor, which create an area of low pressure under the rear of the car, to increase downforce. The redesigned underfloor also channels more air through a new rear-mounted high capacity transmission oil cooler.

Aston Martin Racing has built and sold more than 80 Vantage GT4s to customers around the world in the last two years and it has become the most successful car in its class. In 2010, it won the European GT4 Cup as well as the GT4 class at the Dubai 24 Hours, the Nürburgring 24 Hours and the Spa 24 hours. The car also has its own one-make series, the Aston Martin GT4 Challenge of Great Britain, which was won in its inaugural year by Chris and Ant Scragg. The new Vantage GT4 will be eligible for this Challenge, as well as the European GT4 Cup and all other series with a GT4 class.

Aston Martin’s new luxury city car; Cygnet – which will go into production in 2011 – is making its global debut at Harrods in Knightsbridge, the world’s most prestigious department store.

Occupying a prominent position in the store’s iconic Brompton Road window display in central London, Cygnet is perfectly placed in the heart of the city, an ideal spot to experience this ultra-compact, high luxury city car in its production-ready form for the very first time.

Aston Martin’s characteristic design language is clearly referenced in Cygnet’s compact two-door body. Signature details like the famous aluminium grille, side strake and inverted rear lights create a distinguished, neatly-proportioned form and a discretely stylish statement. Painted, trimmed and assembled by the same technicians and craftspeople that create Aston Martin’s award-winning range of sports cars, Cygnet is the ultimate way to explore the contemporary city.

Cygnet is highly appropriate for the environment for which it has been designed. With ample performance and manoeuvrability for urban use, it is light, compact and fuel-efficient yet also capable of carrying up to four people, all while providing Aston Martin’s accomplished levels of luxury, comfort and quality. Cygnet, the tailor fit solution for the city, will help drive Aston Martin into an exciting future.

Harrods is a suitably central location for this important debut. Located in the heart of Knightsbridge, the celebrated store has been at the forefront of luxury retail since it was founded in 1849. Offering the finest merchandise from this most prominent of London locations, as well as from satellite sites around the world, Harrods provides unrivalled choice and a bespoke personal service that attracts loyal customers as well as a host of international visitors.

Harrods has over 360 departments, spread over seven floors of its iconic Knightsbridge building. The store’s vast selection of merchandise ranges from international haute couture to cutting edge technology, as well as an unrivalled choice of exquisite food and drink in the world famous Food Halls. Harrods also offers exclusive services including By Appointment Personal Shopping and Beyond to provide a total lifestyle experience. The Harrods ethos of ‘anything is possible’ sets out to surpass the desires and expectations of its customers.

The Aston Martin Cygnet will go into production in 2011 at the company’s global headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire in England. The car will be the eighth major production car Aston Martin has introduced at its state-of-the art facility since 2004, offering further evidence of the company’s ongoing commitment to British manufacturing, backed-up by a dedicated local workforce and supplier network.

Cygnet will be available to view at Harrods until Saturday 11th December with the car on sale now through Aston Martin’s European dealership network.

Aston Martin has been named the UK’s coolest brand, winning this prestigious accolade for a remarkable fourth time in five years.

Since it was established in 2001, the CoolBrands initiative has sought expert opinions from an eclectic panel of creative industry specialists and consumers, defining which brands combine desirable products with a dynamic, innovative public image.

Once again, Aston Martin has topped a poll which includes leading contemporary design-driven brands, including Apple and Bang & Olufsen, as well as other leading automotive brands. The top 20 list presents an eclectic mix of new technology and design and engineering classics, a perfect illustration of how Aston Martin’s global image fuses tradition and modernity. Aston Martin was also voted the top automotive brand surpassing other luxury and specialist manufacturers.

The judging process involves an assessment of some 10,000 brands, which are then further whittled down to 500 ‘CoolBrands’, from where the ultimate top 20 is compiled. According to Stephen Cheliotis, Chief Executive of The Centre for Board Analysis and Chairman of the CoolBrands Council, ‘Aston Martin’s sleek, polished and sexy cars ensure the brand continues to dominate the list of the nation’s coolest brands, as judged by experts and consumers alike. Traditional favourites continue to challenge new, cutting edge brands.’

Aston Martin CEO, Dr Ulrich Bez added, ‘Once you can define precisely why a brand is cool, then it no longer has the magic that earns it that label. There has to be an element of mystique, something that eludes definition. In order for a brand to have that quality, it needs people behind it with a passionate, creative vision who care for and nurture it.’

The past decade has seen Aston Martin transformed from a small-scale manufacturer of specialist sports cars to a major international force in both road and racing cars. 2000 was the beginning of the company’s renaissance – a new era – and the start of unprecedented investment in development and production technology.

The years that followed saw the introduction of three seminal Aston Martin models, the DB9, V8 Vantage and DBS, all constructed at the company’s ultra-modern factory at Gaydon in Warwickshire, where technology, design excellence and timeless craft skills are seamlessly combined. A dedicated Design Studio was added to the production complex in 2007, housing a skilled creative team led by Aston Martin’s Director of Design, Marek Reichman.

In 2009 Aston Martin launched the high-performance V12 Vantage, combining the knowledge and expertise attained on the track with everyday usability and refinement. This was followed in 2010, with the release of the Rapide to worldwide acclaim. As the world’s most elegant four-door sports car, the Rapide is functional yet luxurious and provides space for up to four adults combined with an engaging driving experience synonymous with all Aston Martins.

2011 will see the first deliveries of the Aston Martin One-77, the ultimate expression of what Aston Martin stands for and combines modern technology and design with craftsmanship and ultimate exclusivity to create the world’s most desirable automotive art form. The One-77 will be built to exacting standards in a new dedicated manufacturing space at Gaydon. Just 77 examples of this hand-built carbon fibre and aluminium sports car will be made, powered by a radically reworked 7.3 litre V12 to create the fastest and most evocative Aston Martin ever made.

Aston Martin’s ultimate expression of design, engineering and craftsmanship; the One-77 is being readied for production. The 7.3 litre V12 engine, as part of the development process, has been certified at 750bhp and 750Nm of torque, positioning it as the most powerful naturally aspirated road car engine in the world today.

In the fourth part of the One-77 film series which is released today, Dr. Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin and Marek Reichman, Director of Design discuss the fundamental elements of what makes the One-77 so unique. The film shows the first complete engineering car in motion on the test track.

The One-77, a sports car of unparalleled beauty with subtle aggression and performance to eclipse any previous Aston Martin road car will be built at the marque’s global headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire. Over the past nine months, the One-77 has been undergoing Aston Martin’s rigorous engineering test programme. The car, despite its exclusive volume of only 77 is being subjected to the same engineering development process as the current range of acclaimed sports cars. This includes extreme hot and cold testing plus sign-off at the Nurburgring Nordschleife; the world’s toughest and most unforgiving test track.

In April of this year the One-77 made its on-road debut as part of the Tourist Trophy where it led a parade of supercars taking the Trophy from London’s Pall Mall to the Silverstone circuit where it performed some hot laps.

Dr. Ulrich Bez, Chief Executive of Aston Martin said: “The One-77 is approaching a production reality and of course, there is considerable excitement in the project. Now the next steps are all about details and refinement to complete the composition. I know the final car will demonstrate what the Aston Martin team is capable of.”

Deliveries of the One-77 are expected to commence in early 2011. For access to the fourth part of the One-77 film series please visit the Aston Martin YouTube channel at: www.youtube.com/astonmartin.

The new Gulf Oil liveried car is being designed from the ground up with an Aston Martin open cockpit monocoque chassis and a new purpose-designed race engine.  

Under the new Automobile Club De L’Ouest (ACO) technical regulations for 2011, Aston Martin now believes it has the opportunity to compete for top honours at the 24 Hour race against tough competition including the diesel-engined competitors. As with all Aston Martins, the new LMP1 will be petrol-powered and designed to make the best use of the ACO’s stringent regulations.

Aston Martin Chairman, David Richards said: “Having won the GT category twice at Le Mans in 2007 and 2008 and the Le Mans Series outright in 2009, we still want to achieve our ultimate goal of winning the 24 Hour race overall to bring the title back to Britain.

“In recent years, it has been impossible for petrol cars to compete on equal terms with the diesels.  However, we now have assurances from the ACO that, with the adoption of the 2011 regulations, they will properly balance the performance of these new cars.  Under these circumstances we have been prepared to develop Aston Martin’s first purpose-built racing chassis and engine for more than 50 years. 

“Even with this new car, it will still be a ‘David and Goliath’ fight against the massive resources of our competitors, but we have become accustomed to this and relish the challenge.”

Work on the new chassis and engine has been progressing for several months at Aston Martin Racing’s headquarters in Banbury, UK and the first of a limited number of six cars will run in early 2011. 

Dr. Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin said: “Racing is a fundamental part of Aston Martin’s heritage and Le Mans is the race that every true sports car maker aspires to win.  While every aspect of this new LMP1 car has been built purely for racing, we also remain committed to developing race-winning GT cars based on our road cars. We are the only manufacturer to offer a race car for every category from GT1 to GT4.” 

Aston Martin’s first and only outright victory at Le Mans was in 1959 with the DBR1 of Roy Salvadori and Carroll Shelby. Aston Martin Racing has been at the pinnacle of endurance racing since it was founded in 2004 with multiple factory and customer wins across the globe including two GT1 class victories at Le Mans in 2007 and 2008, and an overall Le Mans series win in 2009.

Aston Martin has unveiled a new motorsport-inspired special edition; the V8 Vantage N420 which brings a new dimension of sporting prowess and dynamic ability to the V8 Vantage range.

Successor to the special edition V8 Vantage N400 of 2007, the Vantage N420 is based upon the standard 4.7-litre, 420bhp, 180mph V8 Vantage and is available as a Coupe or Roadster, and with a six-speed manual or optional Sportshift automated manual transmission.

The Vantage N420 draws inspiration from the company’s experiences at the Nürburgring  24-hour race. In the 2006 running of the annual Nürburgring endurance classic amongst a field of mostly motorsport homologated cars, Aston Martin entered a near-standard, road-registered V8 Vantage. Driven by a team of employees, including Aston Martin’s CEO, Dr Ulrich Bez, the V8 Vantage – named ‘Rose’ by the team – finished 4^th in class and 24^th overall from a field of more than 200 specialised racing cars.

Since then Aston Martin has returned every year to compete in this gruelling endurance race, scoring a string of class victories and podiums with road-registered V8 and V12 Vantages and most recently the new four-door Rapide. Not only has this racing success spawned a burgeoning V8 Vantage GT4 customer programme run by Aston Martin Racing, but lessons learned in racing at the Nürburgring has led to aerodynamic and other performance developments being fed back into Aston Martin’s road cars.

A generous standard specification and some unique options ensure the special edition Vantage N420 is both exclusive and distinctive, while also offering a 27kg weight saving – achieved through the application of carbon fibre – over the standard V8 Vantage.   

On the outside, wider sills combine perfectly with a carbon fibre splitter, side strakes and diffuser, while bold 10-spoke diamond turned alloy wheels complete with gloss black finish, black mesh vents and ‘Graphitic’ tailpipe finishers complete the co-ordinated look.

Inside the Vantage N420 offers an Iridium interior package, with graphite instruments, leather or Alcantara^® steering wheel, special N420 sill plaques and lightweight carbon fibre seats, complete with ‘Race Track’ stitching as in the V12 Vantage. Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control and Park Distance Control are also standard.

Cementing the Vantage N420’s credentials as a special edition V8 Vantage tailored for the most discerning and enthusiastic drivers, it is fitted with the normally optional Sports Pack. This package combines revised springs, dampers and anti-roll bars for even more responsive and dynamic handling, while retaining the V8 Vantage’s renowned poise, balance and long distance ability. Finally, a new sports exhaust system delivers a suitably rousing soundtrack.

A further distinctive feature is the availability of a new range of optional Aston Martin ‘Race Collection’ paint schemes. Pairing bold body colours with contrasting hues for the cant rails and radiator grille surround, they celebrate the marque’s racing heritage. All of the company’s successful N24 Vantage racers are celebrated, with ‘Rose’ yellow, ‘Kermit’ green and ‘Elwood’ blue all featuring in the collection along with traditional Aston Martin Racing green. The white and black car shown in the accompanying images wears the equally striking ‘Asia Cup’ livery.

Production of the V8 Vantage N420 begins this month, with deliveries commencing in August and prices starting from £96,995.

In the most significant programme of upgrades since its world debut in 2003, Aston Martin’s DB9 range has received a complete package of styling, engineering and equipment enhancements. 

As the most successful Aston Martin of all-time (an honour it shares with the V8 Vantage) the DB9 has established itself as the definitive grand tourer, thanks to an enduring combination of understated elegance, sporting character and genuine luxury.

For Dr Ulrich Bez, Aston Martin’s Chief Executive, the DB9 remains a very special car: “The DB9 is the quintessential sporting grand tourer and offers an unrivalled combination of driver involvement, character, luxury and refinement. This car combines our unique Aston Martin character with an uncompromised design philosophy, craftsmanship and trademark Aston Martin performance ability.”

This new package of improvements compliments these core qualities perfectly. Subtle styling changes freshen the DB9’s appearance, with a new front bumper, bright finish radiator grille and a re-shaped lower intake featuring bright hexagonal mesh. New headlight bezels, re-styled sills, silver brake calipers, 20-spoke diamond turned alloy wheels and clear rear light lenses complete the external revisions.

Under the skin the DB9’s passive damping system has been replaced by a new Adaptive Damping System (ADS), which offers enhanced ride comfort together with sharper handling when switched to Sport mode. The ADS system is offered as standard equipment across the DB9 range, encompassing both Coupe and Volante (convertible). A new tyre pressure monitoring system, a revised Bluetooth microphone system and the addition of a new Double Apex alloy finish trim and Bang & Olufsen hi-fi options broaden the DB9’s specification.

Aston Martin’s Product Development Director, Ian Minards, explains that it is all part of an ongoing commitment to continual improvement: “The DB9 was the first car built at Gaydon adopting the VH architecture. It has evolved every year since, with significant changes including a power upgrade and successive reductions in CO₂ emissions. The latest package of improvements goes further than ever, highlighting the DB9’s qualities as a true sporting GT and underlining its role as the backbone car of our range.”

The Aston Martin DB9 is available as either Coupe or Volante (convertible) with rear mid-mounted six-speed manual gearbox as standard or optional ‘Touchtronic 2’ six-speed automatic transmission. Production of the revised DB9 is already underway, with deliveries commencing in July. Prices start from £122,445 for the DB9 Coupe and £131,445 for the DB9 Volante.

A 1954 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk 1 3-litre ‘barn find’, for sale with a story every bit as colourful as its appearance, is to be offered at auction by Historics at Brooklands on June 2.

Previously owned by a farmer who took the car as payment for a bad debt in 1973, the grand tourer has since been cooped up in a chicken shed for 34 years, being driven only once when the farmer and five friends drove to a local barn dance soon after buying it.

Having thoroughly enjoyed themselves, they piled into the Coupé and roared home, but overloaded with passengers and driving somewhat enthusiastically, the farmer scared himself and consigned the car to his shed, never to drive it again.

The current vendor – who purchased the car in 2007 – vowed to retain as much of its rustic ‘barn find’ charm as possible by choosing to keep the paintwork as found.  Under the bonnet however, a £20,000 restoration retains the original sports appeal of a car capable of 118mph when it was launched*.

The engine has been rebuilt with 9.5 to 1 Omega Pistons with new liners, polished crankshaft, new mains and big ends, new chains, gaskets, valve guides and many more new parts besides.  The petrol pumps have been replaced and the petrol tank was removed, cleaned and replaced.

The exterior is presented in black coachwork with magnolia hide, black painted wire wheels, red painted grille and racing roundels, whilst the car – registration MDA 818 – is also supplied with a history file, current road fund license and MoT road test certificate valid until January 2011.

Historics’ Lot 28 represents an excellent investment potential for those looking for originality, and is expected to fetch offers in the region of £65,000 – £85,000.

Aston Martin took its third consecutive podium of 2010 at the 36th running of the Grand Prix of Long Beach crossing the line in second place. Drivers Adrian Fernández (MX) and Harold Primat (CH) drove on the limit throughout the 100 minute dash, in a race that was plagued with yellow flags and a brush with the tyre wall. Aston Martin Racing, normally conditioned to compete in long endurance epics, ran the 007 car with maximum down-force to cope with the incredibly tight bends at the 1.968 mile tree-lined circuit.

Starting from pole position, Primat stormed off the start creating a comfortable lead which was then diminished by two safety car periods. Holding first until just after the second safety car, which allowed the pack to catch up, the number 37 LMP got a good exit of the hairpin and took the lead. Shortly after, another LMP car made contact with Primat sending him into the tyres causing damage to the rear end, positioning him in third. The other car was then held for a stop and go penalty for avoidable contact returning Primat back to second. The single pit stop and driver change was made under yet another yellow flag and Fernández returned to the field behind the safety car which remained out for a further 13 minutes.

Just four minutes before the end of the race, Fernández stormed past the second placed LMP car to take the lead and held it until the final lap, but went slightly wide into turn five conceding the lead and the 007 Aston Martin took the chequered flag in second place overall.

Team Principal, George Howard-Chappell said: “We’re very disappointed to have lost first place so close to the end. It was however, a very exciting race and the team had a lot to deal with throughout. Everyone did a great job, but it is a real shame not to win today.”

Adrian Fernández said: “As I took over the car mid way through the race, there were issues with brake fade, but I managed to climb back up to first position before the end by staying as consistent as possible and keeping clear of traffic. It was a real shame to have lost first place on the final lap.”

Harold Primat said: “I had a great start at the beginning of the race, the car was fine and my lap times were good. However, every time I managed to build up a lead, there was a safety car allowing the rest of the field to catch up. It was a really exciting race and the team did a great job.”

Aston Martin will return to the starting grid of the legendary Nordschleife circuit for the fifth consecutive year at the 38^th ADAC Nürburgring  24-hour race on 15/16 May 2010 with the marque’s new four-door sports car; the Rapide.  

Further underlining the sporting credentials of Aston Martin’s latest model, the Rapide will compete in the demanding 24-hour race – as has been the case with other recent Aston Martin road cars, the V8 Vantage and V12 Vantage. The Rapide will compete in near-standard specification apart from mandatory changes required to compete in this most demanding of endurance races and will be driven by a team of engineers from the company’s Gaydon headquarters in Warwickshire, England. 

Aston Martin Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez who will lead the Rapide driver team, explained: “This race represents the ultimate final engineering durability test for any sports car – it subjects the car to the toughest possible assessment under public scrutiny.

“The Rapide has the capability to carry four people in comfort but first and foremost it is a sports car and we will subject it to the same tests we would our other sports cars. We already have a proven track record at the Nürburgring racing our road cars with limited modification and in recent years we have enjoyed success in winning the SP8 class both in 2008 and 2009.” 

The Rapide race car will be close to production standard with only essential race safety modifications, interior trim removed to reduce weight, re-tuned suspension and will run on slick tyres designed for track use.

The Aston Martin Rapide encapsulates the values of Aston Martin in pure four-door sports car form with an unrivalled combination of performance, comfort, craftsmanship and exceptionally elegant design. Since the Rapide’s original premiere at the                    Frankfurt Motor Show in 2009 the car has gone on to win the widespread approval of customers and media commentators alike, prompting strong global demand for the car. Deliveries of the Rapide commence later this month through Aston Martin’s 125-strong global dealership network.

The Rapide race car will be joined by a V12 Vantage – again modified only slightly for racing – which in 2009 swept to a class win on its competitive race debut. The near production standard V12 Vantage – which finished in 21^st place overall last year – saw off competition from a field of largely specialist race cars in the SP8 class to claim an impressive debut win.

Further details on the V12 Vantage and the full driver line-ups for both Aston Martin entries plus details on a number of customer teams competing in the race will follow in the coming weeks.

The 38^th ADAC Nürburgring 24 hour race will take place on 15/16 May 2010.

The Aston Martin 007 was the fastest petrol car across the line, finishing third overall in the opening round of the American Le Mans Series: the 12 Hours of Sebring.

Drivers Adrian Fernández (MX), Stefan Mücke (DE) and Harold Primat (CH) were consistent throughout as was the production-based Aston Martin V12-powered LMP1 car, which once again proved its reliability and durability.

In a largely uneventful race dominated by the diesel powered cars, Aston Martin finished the race in the same position as it started 12 hours earlier.

The Lowe’s sponsored Aston Martin faultlessly completed 364 laps of the 3.7 mile Sebring International Raceway covering a total of 1,347 miles.

The Aston Martin Racing team achieved the best result possible with an immaculate performance by all involved echoing 2009’s result at the Le Mans 24 hour race.

The legendary Sebring circuit has provided an invaluable test for the car and the team now turn their thoughts to the eight hour Le Mans Series race at Paul Ricard in Franceon11 April 2010. The team will then return to the USAin April for the second round of the American Le Mans Series atLong Beach on17 April 2010.

Team Quotes:

Aston Martin Chairman, David Richards: “Another immaculate performance by George and his team in finishing here as fastest petrol car and a great start to the season.”

Team Principal, George Howard-Chappell: “I’m very pleased; it’s the best we could have expected if all front running cars were reliable – which they were. We wanted to be the fastest petrol car at Sebring and it’s excellent preparation forLe Mans, having a completely clean run with no issues at all. The Michelin tyres were fantastic as usual so happy all round.”

Adrian Fernandez (MX): “It was a fantastic race for the team and a great start for me in my debut with Aston Martin. The team and the other drivers did a superb job in what was a very tough race. It bodes well for the car because if it can handle 12 hours of Sebring, then it will do well in the 24 hours of Le Mans.”

Stefan Mücke (DE): “We had no problems although it was tough racing here during the night. We did the very best that we could and the car was reliable as expected so I’m very happy.”

Harold Primat (CH): “The race has been really good. We obviously had some tough competition; we knew the diesels would be strong so I think we have achieved the best result we could. The team did a brilliant job capitalising on the car’s reliability and I am pleased with the outcome.”

Alcoa Auto Wheels is providing advanced lightweight wheels for the V12 Vantage – billed by Aston Martin as its most exhilarating sports car.

“The forging technology behind these wheels enables significant weight savings directly benefiting handling performance, ride quality, acceleration and braking,” explains David Yates, marketing manager for Alcoa Europe. “Our forging process results in a superior metal structure that also improves strength and durability, allowing finer wheel detailing and lighter weight.”

The exclusive diamond-turned, ten-spoke design is one of the key visual features chosen by Aston Martin to differentiate the V12 Vantage. Wider than the V8 Vantage wheels, at 19”x9” front and 19”x11” rear, they accommodate wider tyres which enable higher cornering forces than any previous Aston Martin – up to 1.3g. Lowering the unsprung mass at each corner results in more responsive steering, braking and suspension behaviour while improving straight line acceleration and fuel efficiency.

Alcoa has been at the forefront of developing, producing and supplying forged aluminium wheels to the global automotive industry for over 60 years, with the V12 Vantage being one of their latest applications. Alcoa also supplies Aston Martin with other high technology aluminium components.

In recognition of the outstanding racing and sales success of the Vantage GT4 race car since its launch as the Vantage N24 three years ago, Aston Martin is announcing a four-pronged programme of enhanced support and incentives for race teams and owners of the cars across Europe for 2010.  

At the heart of this exciting programme is a new six round competition – the Aston Martin British GT4 Challenge – an official one-make series operated by the company’s racing partners Aston Martin Racing. The series comprises five rounds of 90 to 150 minutes on classic British circuits and a visit to the famous Spa Francorchamps circuit in Belgium.

In Germany where the first Vantage race car made its debut in the Nürburgring 24 hour race in 2006, Aston Martin will utilise facilities and expertise at its Nürburgring Test Centre to run the Aston Martin Nürburgring Trophy within the ten race VLN series of four hour races on the legendary Nordschleife circuit.

Thirdly, Vantage N24s and GT4 cars have achieved remarkable results in numerous 24 hour races around the world and demonstrated unprecedented reliability, so the Aston Martin Twenty Four Hour Challenge will further encourage entries in these ultimate endurance tests by recognising GT4 class results in the Dubai, Nürburgring, Spa and Silverstone (Britcar) 24 hour races.

Finally, since taking victory in the inaugural FIA GT4 race at Silverstone in 2007, the Vantage has regularly featured as a winner in the increasingly popular FIA series, so Aston Martin Racing will continue its on-event parts and technical support for Vantage customers. Additionally, the Aston Martin GT4 Cup will be awarded to the best placed Vantage driver within the championship. A range of trophies and prizes will be awarded to drivers and teams with official factory tests offered to winning drivers of all four competitions.

David King, Aston Martin’s Head of Motor Sport commented: “GT4 racing not only demonstrates the capabilities and pedigree of our V8 Vantage road car, but also connects us directly with our customers, so we are delighted to offer them a greater choice of events along with rewards and incentives for choosing to race our cars.”

Car designers round the world voted the Aston Martin Rapide and the Cadillac Converj as their favourite designs for 2009, and their creators received awards during the Geneva Motor Show last week.

The two cars won Best Production and Best Concept categories respectively of the Car Design of the Year Awards. The Awards result from a poll of the readers of Car Design News, the leading global online resource for the professional design community.  They are particularly respected in the design community as accolades from peers, and were chosen from shortlists of the best designs from 2009 as compiled by the senior Editors of Car Design News.

The Awards were presented at the Car Design Night event at La Sip nightclub in Geneva last week, on the first evening of the motor show.

Accepting the award for the beautiful Rapide sedan, Aston Martin Design Director Marek Reichman thanked the designers who voted for the vehicle “on behalf of a team that is very passionate about the brand”.

The Rapide’s elegant, sporting proportions are combined with emotional surfaces and exquisite detailing, and it narrowly edged out the Ferrari 458 Italia to first place in the production category. Of the ten cars on the shortlist, the Porsche Panamera was the least favourite among the designers who voted.

The Cadillac Converj concept was by GM’s Advanced Design Studio in Europe under then Design Director Simon Cox. Accepting the award, Malcolm Ward, Exterior Chief Designer for mid-size cars at GM Europe, emphasised the global nature of today’s design teams by being “very proud to receive this on behalf of the team and I know the team in Detroit are also very proud to receive it”.

The Converj concept introduced a cab-forward stance and softened Cadillac’s now iconic angular design aesthetic, while the interior featured environmentally sustainable and renewable materials.

Voting was again close, and the Converj had a narrow lead over the Infiniti Essence concept.  Least favoured from the 10-car shortlist was the Citroën Revolte.

The first V12 Vantage Carbon Black Edition is displayed on this year’s show stand celebrating the enormous success of the V12 Vantage which has surpassed all sales expectations since launch. The new special edition adds a typically understated flair to this acclaimed model. Featuring bespoke Carbon Black metallic paint especially formulated with a subtle metallic twist to create a deep rich patina; each car will undergo 50 man-hours of hand painting followed by stringent quality checks. The iconic Aston Martin side strake has been fashioned from carbon fibre backed by a black mesh and complimented with gloss black 10 spoke diamond turned alloy wheels. A bright finished grille and front parking sensors (normally an option) complete the exterior detailing. Each Carbon Black is bestowed with a carbon fibre sill plaque etched with V12 Vantage Carbon Black in stainless steel.

Works Service Showcase

Works Service Tailored is a new service offering customers of both new and existing Aston Martins, personal tailored options through Aston Martin’s world famous Works Service facility. Works Service Tailored focuses on fashioning colour and materials with limitless boundaries precisely to customer choice and specification, enabling owners to apply their own personal taste.

Two Works Service Tailored cars are showcased at the Geneva Show (2 – 14 March 2009); a Magma Red Rapide featuring tailored ‘Cryptic Titan’ facia and door finishers and a DB9 with Blue Pearl white paint, gun metal exterior metal work, Blue Gin Leather and an African Walnut wood finish. Both cars serve as a showcase of what Works Service Tailored can offer to customers of both new and existing Aston Martins.

Since the 1920s, Works Service has served as a factory-owned specialist with the experience, passion and culture to care for any post-war Aston Martin or Lagonda with exquisite skill and attention to detail. Customers from all over the world choose to have their Aston Martin serviced and cared for by Works Service who can offer services ranging from ground up restorations, to modifying and creating bespoke solutions to individual tastes.

DBS UB-2010 Limited Edition

Aston Martin commemorates Dr. Ulrich Bez’s 10th year as Chief Executive of the company by unveiling the DBS UB-2010 edition which is a limited run of 40 DBS comprising 20 Coupes and 20 Volantes. Capitalising on the new Works Service Tailored competencies, each DBS UB-2010 has been specified personally by Dr. Bez and features a unique ‘Azurite Black’ paint finish, a metallic bronze leather with woven leather seat inserts and a ‘Cryptic Titan’ facia finish. Each car will bare ‘UB-2010’ sill plaques signed by Dr. Bez together with a final inspection plate after Dr. Bez has signed-off each of the 40 cars personally.

The Aston Martin Cygnet Concept is a bold step towards a new form of transportation; the luxury commuter car, a form of personal transportation that sees the company’s core values engage with a new environment.

The Cygnet Concept enhances the marque, pointing to a future of ongoing innovation, design and technology; allowing Aston Martin customers a greater degree of freedom without compromising the levels of design, quality and innovation that embody the brand.

An Aston Martin delivers the pleasure and exhilaration of driving combined with an appreciation of craftsmanship, design and technology. But Aston Martin is also about innovation, forging new links and associations; and bringing the brand’s qualities to new sectors of the market.

“Many of our customers have a need for a small car for urban and city use,” says Aston Martin Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez, “The Cygnet Concept brings intelligence, innovation and artistry to the small car market. The Cygnet Concept represents the natural choice for those customers looking for a premium commuter car.”

“Our past, our future and our backbone will always remain sports cars, but the Cygnet Concept will support this by offering our customers a greater degree of freedom in the urban context.”

The Cygnet Concept is the result of a unique and intelligent collaboration, the coming together of two companies that are leaders in their respective fields. The project has required a close intellectual and engineering partnership, resulting in an inventive solution that unites volume and niche automotive engineering.

Aston Martin has always understood the importance of an emotional engagement with its products. As the company continues to innovate and diversify its product portfolio, emotional design will remain at the heart of its strategy, be it through the exhilarating sound of a V12 engine, the unmistakeable silhouette of an Aston Martin sports car or the quality, craftsmanship and skill that is evident in an Aston Martin interior. The Cygnet Concept exemplifies this latter attribute, demonstrating the high levels of detail design and craft that are integral to every Aston Martin, presented within a compact and highly advanced technological package.

The Cygnet Concept is a demonstration of Aston Martin’s unrivalled skill at creating hand-crafted interiors. The rich blend of hand-stitched leather, Alcantara and aluminium is shared with Aston Martin’s sports cars. The company’s extensive experience of traditional processes and richly detailed craftsmanship gives each Aston Martin a unique feel, bringing together detailed design work, high technology and exquisitely tactile materials.

As a luxury commuter car that can slip easily and unobtrusively into the city, the Cygnet Concept is a highly intelligent solution to urban mobility. Using tried and tested technology, together with Aston Martin’s acclaimed levels of personalisation and customisation, material quality, craft skill and tactile delight, the Cygnet Concept is innovative and forward-thinking, a genuine solution for future mobility and a natural partner for Aston Martin’s line-up of acclaimed luxury sports cars.