The Shanghai Auto Show marks the Chinese debut of luxury British brand Aston Martin’s high-performance brand AMR

• Asia show debut for Rapide AMR
• Aston Martin underlines commitment to the Chinese market
• Launch of Limited V8 Vantage S Great Britain Edition

The Shanghai Auto Show marks the Chinese debut of luxury British brand Aston Martin’s high-performance brand AMR, bringing a new dimension of race inspired dynamism and performance.

Reflecting Aston Martin’s racing pedigree, AMR takes technology and inspiration from motorsport to amplify the sporting prowess present across the model range. With enhanced performance, sharper dynamics and more powerful design language, AMR takes Aston Martin’s road cars to new and exciting extremes.

Making its Asia debut, the Rapide AMR represents the first tier of AMR, enhancing the four-door sports car with a comprehensive suite of power, chassis and styling upgrades, plus a spectacular new interior treatment.

AMR Pro is the pinnacle; an uncompromising demonstration of AMR’s ‘Track to Tarmac’ philosophy whereby race technology is transferred to road cars.

Aston Martin President and CEO, Dr Andy Palmer said: “AMR is something we have wanted to bring to fruition for some time. Cars such as the Vantage GT8 and Vantage GT12 confirmed that our customers love raw, race-bred models, but we also knew there was an opportunity to create cars that offer a sharper performance focus but stop short of those truly hard-core, special series models. With the AMR brand we have the perfect platform to deliver both.

The Rapide AMR unveiled here in Shanghai, and the Vantage AMR Pro shown at the 2017 Geneva show are both confirmed for production: The Rapide as a run of only 210 cars; the Vantage in an extremely limited series of no more than 7 cars. This is the start of something very exciting – a programme that will eventually see an AMR version of every model in the Aston Martin range”.

Q by Aston Martin

Aston Martin arrives in Shanghai with an example of the marque’s enhanced Q by Aston Martin bespoke service. The personalisation service has evolved into a multi-tiered offering, giving customers almost limitless opportunities to create their own unique Aston Martin through enhanced levels of design and customer interaction. 

The Q by Aston Martin – Collection brings an array of distinctive design touches to your Aston Martin. This selection of exclusive trim and enhancements can be added to your Aston Martin at the point of specification and installed and hand-finished at the luxury marque’s Gaydon headquarters.

The second stage of Aston Martin's enhanced offering is ‘Q by Aston Martin – Commission’, a step into the world of the truly bespoke, individual sports car. Designed through ‘Commission’ specifically for the Chinese market, the iconic British marque is announcing a special edition Vantage S sports car. Strictly limited to just five examples, the V8 Vantage S Great Britain Edition is the perfect embodiment of British culture and craftsmanship. Finished in Stratus White, the car boasts blue tinted mirrors and rear diffuser and unique red, white and blue exterior wing badges. The interior is lavishly trimmed in a deep Aurora Blue leather, with bespoke ‘Zagato’ wave quilting, Anodised Blue Rotaries and Union Jack embroidery. 

Marek Reichman, Aston Martin’s EVP and Chief Creative Officer said: “The Q by Aston Martin service has grown substantially since it was first established in 2012. We have the opportunity to work with our customers, taking personalisation to a different level. Our commitment to Chinese customers is absolute, as demonstrated with the announcement that we are creating products designed specifically with the Chinese customer in mind with our Q by Aston Martin Commission – the V8 Vantage S Great Britain Edition.”

The V8 Vantage S Great Britain Edition is priced from RMB 2,088,000.

GENEVA - Aston Martin will have three debuts at this years Geneva Extravaganza.

• Global motor show debut of Vanquish S
• European show debut of AM-RB 001 hypercar
• Q by Aston Martin personalisation service now available for DB11
• Q by Aston Martin now provides multi-tiered offering

Aston Martin marks the 87th Geneva international Motor Show with a significant trio of major debuts.

In addition to being the global motor show debut of the acclaimed new Vanquish S – the most powerful and dynamic iteration of Aston Martin's Super GT – the British luxury brand is  also proud to announce the European show debut of the AM-RB 001. 

This ongoing collaboration between Aston Martin and Red Bull Advanced Technologies, the AM-RB 001 is a thrilling demonstration of technological innovation and design sophistication, resulting in a truly contemporary hypercar.

Finally, Aston Martin will be showcasing the marque’s enhanced Q by Aston Martin bespoke service with the unveiling of ‘Q by Aston Martin – Collection’ at Geneva. Aston Martin is pleased to announce a new era of tailor-made sports cars with the expansion of its personalisation service. 

Q by Aston Martin has evolved into a multi-tiered offering, giving customers almost limitless opportunities to create their own unique Aston Martin through enhanced levels of design and customer interaction.

Q by Aston Martin has grown substantially since it was established in 2012. 'We set strong foundations for the service and we've had continued success,' says Marek Reichman, Aston Martin’s Chief Creative Officer, 'now we have the opportunity to work with our customers and take personalisation to a different level.'

Q by Aston Martin - Collection

The Q by Aston Martin - Collection brings an array of distinctive design touches to your Aston Martin. This selection of exclusive trim and enhancements can be added to your Aston Martin at the point of specification and installed and hand-finished at the luxury marque’s Gaydon headquarters. 

Going above and beyond the standard options list, Collection includes exclusive paint and upholstery colours, material finishes and craft elements. These range from a unique leather quilt upholstery pattern to tinted wheel finishes that incorporate body-coloured blades to the diamond turned spokes, as well as the use of new wood and leather interior elements.

DB11 Q by Aston Martin

The range and breadth of the new Q by Aston Martin - Collection is demonstrated by the exclusive DB11 showcased at the upcoming 2017 Geneva Motor Show. DB11   Q by Aston Martin is finished with exclusive Zaffre Blue paint, paired with gloss, satin twill and forged carbon fibre details including - front splitter, side sills, rear diffuser side strakes, bonnet strakes and door mirrors. 

Inside, the upper and lower cabin environments are cloaked in swathes of Obsidian Black Semi-Aniline leather, with the Q by Aston Martin Logo embossed on the headrest. While carbon fibre wheel centres and engine cover add subtle touches. The colour matched four-piece luggage set is also available through Collection.

Q by Aston Martin - Commission

The second stage of Aston Martin's enhanced offering is ‘Q by Aston Martin – Commission’, a step into the world of the truly bespoke, individual sports car. Commission is exactly that, a process that starts with a conversation and ends with a car, a journey that involves a personal collaboration with Aston Martin's design team. 

'It's a commissioning process,' says Dr Matthew Bennett, General Manager for the Q by Aston Martin service 'the customer is working much more closely with us here at Gaydon. The only limit is your imagination – every new commission starts with a blank sheet of paper.' 

Aston Martin's global dealership network is also working closely with Commission to create ultra-limited run series with features and design elements that are distinct to their regions and customers. 

Q by Aston Martin - Commission can also go further. The ultimate commission is, of course, an entirely unique car. Aston Martin has a long and storied history of building individual cars, working alongside true enthusiasts who wish to see their vision translated into something never seen before. 

Q by Aston Martin is perfectly placed to realise these dreams. 'You're talking about the fundamentals of how a car comes together,' Dr Bennett says, 'there is as much reward in the interaction with Aston Martin as there is in the final car. It is a journey.'

Marek Reichman describes Commission as 'fulfilling a creative need – we're experts providing a consultation, like a Savile Row tailor or a yacht builder.' The collaboration with Q by Aston Martin can begin at the company’s headquarters, your dealership or at Aston Martin's dedicated brand centre, No. 8 Dover Street, where the Q by Aston Martin options will be on display. 'In terms of material choices we now have so much,' says Reichman, 'we now have materials that show patina as customers want that sense of age and history. For us, that's beautiful.'

Examples of previous commissions by Q by Aston Martin include the CC-100 Speedster Concept created for the company’s centenary in 2013 and the Vantage GT12 Roadster, a one-off open-top version of the extreme 600PS race-bred Vantage GT12 Coupe. Only Q by Aston Martin - Commission has the experience, expertise and skill to translate such innovative forms into beautiful reality.

'The Vantage GT12 Roadster was a hugely exciting project,' says Aston Martin's President and CEO Dr Andy Palmer, 'it was a vivid demonstration of Q by Aston Martin’s capabilities. We have a truly formidable creative team, from engineering to design. With Commission our customers have the potential to create some of the most iconic and legendary Aston Martins of the future.'

An Aston Martin should be a reflection of the things you hold closest to your heart. Customisation and innovation come together through Q by Aston Martin, providing the opportunity to create a truly tailor-made automobile.

Aston Martin continues to transform the new site into a bespoke, new, production facility.

• Contract exchanged by Aston Martin and Welsh First Minister
• Construction of ‘Phase I’ of Aston Martin’s new St Athan facility commences
• Aston Martin SUV to start production in Wales in 2019

Phase 1  of Aston Martin’s new manufacturing facility at St Athan in Wales received the green light when Aston Martin President and CEO Dr Andy Palmer met Welsh First Minister, Rt Hon Carwyn Jones AM to finalise the sale of the St Athan site to the British luxury carmaker.

In February 2016, Aston Martin announced that it had chosen St Athan from 20 potential global locations as its second manufacturing facility as part of a £200M investment in new products and facilities. 

A recruitment drive this summer began the search for up to 750 new Aston Martin employees who will work at the new facility, a number of whom have already begun their training, building the new DB11 at its Gaydon Headquarters.

Aston Martin President and CEO Dr Andy Palmer commented: “The exchanging of this contract, giving us first access to the St Athan facility, is a milestone in our 103-year history. Work now starts in earnest to turn our plans into reality.

“Since taking the decision to build our first SUV in Wales we have been impressed with the commitment and approach from both the MOD and the Welsh Government in making this project work. We continue to work with the Welsh Government in areas like recruitment to ensure we are able to meet our project timescales.”

With contracts now exchanged, Aston Martin has now commenced work on ‘Phase I’ of the St Athan site which includes the creation of the customer and staff reception areas, administration and management offices and the employee restaurant. The contract for these works was awarded to local Welsh firm TRJ Contracting beating off competition from a number of larger national companies.

‘Phase II’ will commence in April 2017 when Aston Martin will gain access to the three Ministry of Defence ‘Super Hangars’ that will house the new manufacturing facility.

First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones said: “We are delighted that Aston Martin has chosen to locate its new manufacturing facility here in Wales. The move is fantastic news for the Vale of Glamorgan and surrounding areas, and will provide a real boost to the local economy, resulting in thousands of high quality jobs both within Aston Martin and the wider supply chain.

“We have worked closely with Aston Martin throughout this process and I am proud that our joint hard work and co-operation will result in some 750 of our skilled workers building the Aston Martins of the future.” 

Secretary of State for Wales, Rt Hon Alun Cairns MP, said:“Aston Martin choosing Wales sends a clear message to leading global companies around the world that Wales is open for business.

"We have created the ideal conditions for economic growth, which helped attract this unique and innovative car manufacturer to South Wales. Today's announcement reflects the excellent infrastructure, a world class talent pool and businesses that have the confidence to expand in Wales.”

Aston Martin CEO, Dr Andy Palmer helping to promote the UK as a great place to do business

• Dr Andy Palmer helping to promote the UK as a great place to do business
• Aston Martin CEO joins select team of GREAT British ambassadors

Aston Martin CEO Dr Andy Palmer has been selected to become an ambassador for the UK Government’s GREAT Britain campaign, an initiative that promotes British business, tourism and education around the world, showcasing the very best of what Britain has to offer.

British luxury carmaker Aston Martin is already a partner of GREAT so it is fitting for the company’s CEO to spearhead its involvement.

Speaking about his ambassadorial role with the GREAT campaign, Dr Palmer said: “Aston Martin is proud to be a British company that does business in the global economy. Just a few weeks ago we launched the new DB11 and we have already taken orders for 1,400 cars, which will be sold in both the domestic and export markets.

“Britain is indeed a GREAT place to visit, study and do business so it is very easy for me to support the campaign. Aston Martin is proud to be at the forefront of British industry and we demand design and manufacturing excellence from our personnel every day.”

Palmer joins a specially selected team of 37 ambassadors who come from many different sectors but are united in their roles as leaders and influencers.

GOODWOOD REVIVAL - Aston Martin to exhibit some of its greatest ever cars, including Bond.

Aston Martin returns to the evocative surroundings of the Goodwood Revival this weekend, with a selection of superb sports cars that celebrate the 102-year-old brand’s rich and exciting heritage.

The luxury British sports car maker is once again an automotive partner of this year’s meeting at the famous old English race circuit where examples of some of Aston Martin’s most exclusive and highly-prized sports cars of the revival period – 1948-1966 – will be on show, and in action.

Among the cars set to do battle on the West Sussex track will be a rare and valuable DB4 GT driven by Aston Martin Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman.

Aside from the numerous iconic Aston Martin racing cars in action on the Goodwood track, the 1950s-inspired Earls Court motorshow will play host to a broad selection of Aston Martin models from across the years. 

Seminal examples on display will include the iconic DB5 Coupe, the latest DBS and the first public showing of the recently announced DB9 GT Bond Edition.

Limited to just 150 examples worldwide, the new Aston Martin DB9 GT Bond Edition adds even greater levels of exclusivity to that of the standard DB9 GT by virtue of a host of carefully considered trim, equipment and accessory additions that celebrate the brand’s more than 50-year association with the famous film franchise.

Speaking about Aston Martin’s presence at this year’s Revival, CEO Dr Palmer said: “The Goodwood Revival is always a great occasion and, like the Festival of Speed at the same venue, it has become a genuine highlight of the UK motoring calendar.

“It seems entirely fitting, therefore, that Aston Martin plays its part once again this year and gives the visiting crowds something truly memorable to admire and experience.”

The Goodwood Revival meeting takes place Friday 11 September to Sunday 13 September at the Goodwood Circuit near Chichester, West Sussex.