New ‘Ultimate Drive’ experiences lead impressive collection for 2017 For Aston Martin owners old and new.

• New ‘Ultimate Drive’ experiences lead impressive collection for 2017
• New portfolio includes trips-of-a-lifetime and the return of the ‘On Tour’ series
• Aston Martin Art of Living provides access to the ultimate in luxury lifestyle

Aston Martin today revealed a portfolio of experiences to be offered in 2017 by the British luxury brand’s Art of Living by Aston Martin programme, which takes customers beyond sports cars and provides them with the opportunity to live the brand’s lifestyle.

Ultimate Drives

Headlining the collection of experiences are two new Ultimate Drives. The first will see guests embark on an adventure spanning two continents in three weeks; their journey taking in South Africa, Monaco, Austria, Lake Como and Vienna, including challenging drives and helicopter rides, gourmet dining and undiscovered city sightseeing. 

For thrill seekers an adrenalin-fuelled Ultimate Drive will provide unprecedented access to some of the world’s top motor races: 24 Hours of Le Mans, Goodwood Festival of Speed, and an experience with our Innovation Partners, Red Bull Racing at their home race in Austria. 

Aston Martin Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman commented: “It is exciting to see the Aston Martin’s Art of Living team has curated such an incredible collection of experiences for 2017. 

I’m particularly impressed with the content of the new Ultimate Drives, which truly are once-in-a-lifetime journeys. Anyone attending these experiences will get to indulge in the soul of the brand.

On-Tour

The “On Tour” experiences provides the opportunity to drive an Aston Martin sports car along some of the world’s most breathtaking driving routes. A five-day tour of California will take guests from the Golden Gate Bridge to the beautiful Big Sur before heading onto Santa Barbara, Palm Springs and Joshua Tree. For those who prefer the East coast there will be a tour of New York that takes in the Hamptons along the way. In Europe, you can choose from a journey along the Atlantic Ocean Highway in Norway, which is world renowned for its beauty, or a tour of Bavaria in Germany or a drive from Madrid to Bilbao in Spain, taking in exquisite hotels along the way.

Trips-of-a-Lifetime

Those seeking a holiday with a difference are invited to experience Cuba the Aston Martin way.  The trip-of-a-lifetime to Havana will take in a visit to the Buena Vista Social Club, where guests can meet one of the original group members before being invited to record their own Cuban sounds. A tour of Havana in 1950s cars will provide guests with a great view of the city and the trip will be completed with cigar and mojito making classes. To indulge in a very different culture, the Art of Living by Aston Martin will also offer a Japanese experience. Guests will take in the galleries and gastronomy of Tokyo before travelling on the Bullet Train to Kyoto where they will experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony performed by Geishas.

Ice Driving

For those looking for exhilarating experiences, Aston Martin knows the answer is Ice Driving. In 2017, the programme invites the daring to enjoy the thrill of ice driving in destinations including New Zealand, the U.S.A and Finland. A special experience in Courmayeur, Italy will also combine ice driving with the ultimate ski race.

Motor Sport

This unique collection provides exclusive behind-the-scenes access to some of the world’s most prestigious races including Monaco and Silverstone, and a day with our Innovation Partners, Red Bull Racing, which will give guests a unique insight into preparations made when they take their 2017 challenger to the track for the first time at pre-season testing in Barcelona. The highlight of the summer season will be the Le Mans 24 Hours where guests will enjoy exclusive access to the factory Aston Martin Racing team.

Design Materclasses and dinner series

A new offering for 2017 is the exclusive Design Masterclass, which offers the opportunity to learn about the meticulous processes and high level of attention to detail involved in producing an Aston Martin. Hosted by Aston Martin’s experts, guests will be able to enjoy live sketching, clay modelling, and leather trimming first hand to understand the finesse and craftsmanship of these techniques.

Finally, a series of fine dining evenings, hosted by well-known artists and designers will provide a taste of luxury while a tour of the home of Aston Martin will provide a fascinating insight into one of the world’s most aspirational brands.

Aston Martin opens its first "boutique" to sell its range and that of it's product partners, all in the heart of London.

• First global Aston Martin brand experience centre opens in the heart of London
• Will showcase ‘Art of Living by Aston Martin’ products and experiences

Aston Martin has just opened its first brand experience boutique in the heart of London’s Mayfair district. Located in one of the capital’s most sought-after streets ‘Aston Martin at No. 8 Dover Street’ is an intersection of the company’s products, experiences and brand collaborations. No. 8 Dover Street will also be a destination for design master classes, art exhibitions, dinner series and other exclusive events.

No. 8 Dover Street is an expression of the British marque’s Art of Living by Aston Martin concept, a carefully chosen portfolio of the finest artisan products and truly bespoke experiences that embody the Aston Martin spirit. 

The new boutique – where the exterior sign reads ‘Aston Martin Est 1913’ in celebration of the company’s rich heritage – is the ultimate Aston Martin destination where admirers of the brand and people who enjoy elegance and exclusivity can discover new trends in art and design and be inspired by the products on display.

Products from partners including Hackett London, Marma London, Quintessence Yachts, Emilia Burano, Silver Cross and FPM are available at No. 8 Dover Street.

Aston Martin’s EVP & Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman and his team designed the interior space. He said: “Dover Street mixes art, culture, shopping, luxury and elegance. It’s the perfect place for Aston Martin.  We are surrounded by art, design and beauty and want to feature the ideas that inspire us and share them with a wider audience. No. 8 Dover Street is a place where existing customers, admirers of the brand and people new to the marque can understand our design philosophies and experience the spirit of Aston Martin.”

The warm and inviting environment features modern design and the very best artisan craftsmanship such as a bespoke mosaic floor, handcrafted from European oak.

The unique floor follows a Nautilus shell design, starting in the centre of the showroom with a brass plaque proudly displaying the famous Aston Martin wings and circling out to the edge of the room where it flows seamlessly to tailor-made oak cabinets.

The Nautilus design is mirrored on the ceiling with a “Starry Night’ light installation which highlights the sleek, elegant lines of the Aston Martin sports car on display creating a ‘dream’ light effect. The lights give No. 8 Dover Street a multidimensional character, which can be adapted to suit the art or products on display and the wide range of events that the space will host.

The walls are adorned with pieces from London-based artists Vezzini & Chen whose work is a stylish marriage of hand carved ceramics and blown glass. A stunning Letv 120” 4K Ultra HD, LED-LCD TV screen, one of the largest in Europe, provides the perfect way for guests to explore rich content created by Aston Martin and its partners.

A Q by Aston Martin specification area allows clients to originate a unique Aston Martin sports car or an AM37 speedboat, creating an elegant and exclusively personal result.

Katia Bassi, VP of AML & Managing Director of AM Brands commented, “No. 8 Dover Street provides the perfect environment for us to showcase the beautifully crafted products and experiences offered through ‘Art of Living by Aston Martin’. No. 8 Dover Street is where the world of Aston Martin comes together, the tangible expression of the path we started three years ago to develop Aston Martin into a globally admired luxury brand.”    

Aston Martin at No. 8 Dover Street is open seven days a week from 10 am until 6 pm from Monday to Friday and from 11 am to 5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

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.

Aston Martin has installed three stunning cars, The DB5, DB10 and DB9 GT in Harrods window for all to dream over.

As the Christmas displays disappear, shoppers in London’s Knightsbridge are to be treated to the sight of a very special Aston Martin window display in Harrods, the world’s most famous luxury department store.

Three stunning Aston Martin sports cars will take over the iconic Harrods storefront in a month-long celebration of the British marques’ ‘DB’ nameplate. 

Since their debut in the early 1950s, the ‘DB’ models offered by Aston Martin – named after Sir David Brown who bought Aston Martin in 1947 – have been synonymous with sophisticated grand touring and thrilling sports car performance.

Taking pride of place is the Aston Martin DB10, the car that was built specifically for James Bond. 

Aston Martin has been associated with the James Bond franchise for over 50 years, with the DB10 exclusively designed, engineered and hand crafted for the latest Bond film, Spectre. Bond fans will get another chance to enjoy Spectre with the Blu-ray™ and DVD release on 22 February.

Also on display, the DB9 GT – the luxury British sports car maker’s most compelling production ‘DB’ to date. Designed to offer the best of what DB9 can be, this new model delivers world-class grand touring and hand-built excellence.

Finally, the Aston Martin DB5, arguably the most famous ‘DB’ of them all is also on display. Revealed in 1963, the car set the benchmark for all the DBs that followed, with its iconic design language and substantial improvements in performance.

Aston Martin Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman said: “Harrods is one of the world’s most trusted luxury brands and we are delighted to join forces with them to create this rather unique display in tribute to our most famous nameplate.”

Specialists from Aston Martin headquarters will be available throughout the exhibition, providing visitors with an opportunity to discover more about the Aston Martin product range and the brand’s recently launched AM37 yacht, created in partnership with Quintessence Yachts. Both the window display and exhibition area will remain in place until 28 January.

Aston Martin to show the new DB10 James Bond Spectre Supercar at this months Regent Street Motor Show.

007’s bespoke Aston Martin DB10 to feature at this month’s Regent Street Motor Show

Just a few days after the premiere of Spectre, James Bond’s latest car – the unique Aston Martin DB10 – will be one of the attractions of the annual free-to-view Regent Street Motor Show (Saturday, 31 October).

Created specially for the movie, the hand-built DB10 is the latest in a long line of Aston Martins to have been driven by UK’s favourite secret agent. Bond’s first Aston was the famous DB5 from Goldfinger in 1964.

As well as the DB10, Aston Martin will also be displaying a number of cars from its current model range including the latest DB9 GT, limited edition Vantage GT12 and a four-door Rapide S.

The Regent Street Motor Show is just one element in the Royal Automobile Club’s London Motor Week, seven days when the capital honours cars.

Enticing as many as 350,000 visitors last year, London’s premier shopping street is closed to traffic for the day to allow cars from the past, present and future to be displayed for all to enjoy. The Regent Street Motor Show attracts not just petrol-heads but also tourists and people shopping early for Christmas.

The Show’s centrepiece will be a display of more than 100 veteran cars all taking part in the prestigious EFG International Concours d’Elegance. Many owners and their passengers will be in period costume, preparing themselves for the famous Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, which sets off from nearby Hyde Park early the following morning (Sunday, 1 November).

The veterans will be rubbing shoulders with classic cars, bikes, new cars and futuristic ‘low or no’ emission electric and hybrid vehicles. The latter display is backed by two organisations helping to shape our motoring future – Go Ultra Low and Transport for London (TfL).

Aston Martin looks to its second century with a host of new cars at the Pebble Beach® Automotive Week.

• Market debut of new 2016 DB9 GT; to be showcased at The Aston Martin Estate
• North American debuts for innovative DBX concept and new Lagonda Taraf
• Following starring role at the New York Auto Show, the Aston Martin Vulcan track supercar returns to the US

Aston Martin’s new 2016 DB9 GT will make its global debut as part of the marque’s presence at the Pebble Beach® Automotive Week from 13 August, accompanied by a glimpse of Aston Martin’s Second Century with the DBX concept, Lagonda Taraf and Aston Martin Vulcan supercar all set for appearances.

The DB9 GT is the luxury British sports car maker’s most compelling production ‘DB’ to date, designed to offer world-class grand touring and hand-built excellence. 

Claiming the title of the most potent DB9 yet devised, by virtue of its uprated 6.0-litre V12 engine which now boasts 540bhp – the DB9 GT continues a distinguished tradition of luxury, excitement and style with a raft of engineering, equipment and styling developments calculated to make this the very best of what DB9 can be.

Aston Martin’s ‘Second Century’ plan was announced by Dr. Andy Palmer after completion of his first 150 days as CEO of Aston Martin. 

A comprehensive strategy for the ongoing growth and development of the 102-year old sport car maker, the plan laid out the principle mid-term actions, particularly in the area of new product development that will drive the growth of the company.

The DBX concept – now confirmed for production – underlines Aston Martin’s growth plans by signaling an expansion into the luxury GT crossover market as part of a wider strategy to develop the strongest and most diverse product portfolio in the company’s history.

Offering a challenge to the existing status quo in the high luxury GT segment, the DBX promises stylish, comfortable, practical and environmentally responsible luxury GT travel.  

The DBX, which made a surprise global debut at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year and has generated interest beyond expectations, will make its first appearance in North America at the Aston Martin Estate from Thursday 13 August. 

The 800+bhp Aston Martin Vulcan makes its second bow in North America following a New York debut in April and will also be on display at the Aston Martin Estate alongside DBX. 

Styled entirely in-house by the Aston Martin design team led by Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman and with a design language hinting at the next generation of Aston Martin sports cars, the Aston Martin Vulcan is powered by the most potent iteration yet of the company’s naturally-aspirated, 7.0-litre V12 petrol engine. 

With a powerplant developed in conjunction with Aston Martin Racing, this front mid-engined, rear-wheel drive sports car draws extensively on the brand’s rich GT motorsport experience. 

Marking a first appearance in the North American market, the new Lagonda Taraf super saloon draws inspiration from the highly sought-after William Towns-designed Lagonda of 1976 and features many of the same cutting edge engineering techniques seen in modern Aston Martin sports cars, such as the extensive use of carbon fibre body panels.

The car is hand-built by the finest craftsmen and women at Aston Martin’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Gaydon, Warwickshire, UK in a dedicated building previously given over to the creation of the One-77 supercar. 

The Lagonda Taraf will be exclusively available for viewings to customers and invited guests at the Aston Martin Estate (13 & 15 August) as well as leading the marque’s presence at  Quail: A Motorsports Gathering (14 August). 

The British marque will again host guests at the exclusive Aston Martin Estate. This exquisite private venue, situated high above Carmel with panoramic views across the Monterey Bay, provides the ideal backdrop for showcasing Aston Martin’s latest sports car range to customers and friends of the brand.

This grand estate will also serve as the location for a myriad of exclusive events including private viewings of new Aston Martins and test drives of the marque’s current line-up of handcrafted high performance sports cars. 

Supported by Belvedere, Conrad Sanchez, Ghurka, Gulfstream, LMC Home Entertainment Systems, Louis Roederer, Sea Ray, Sotheby’s, The Trunk Club featuring Eton and VIZIO, more than 1,000 customers are expected to visit during the week. 

Aston Martin launches its best range of cars for 2016, with new tech, interiors, colour and much much more.

• New GT model showcases the very best of DB9
• Most powerful DB9 to date with 547 PS from 6.0-litre V12 engine
• Colour, trim and equipment additions for Vantage and Rapide S models   

Aston Martin is today revealing the DB9 GT – the luxury British sports car maker’s most compelling production ‘DB’ to date. Designed to offer the best of what DB9 can be, the new car delivers world-class grand touring and hand-built excellence.

Claiming the title of the most potent DB9 yet devised, by virtue of its uprated 6.0-litre V12 engine which now boasts 547 PS – the DB9 GT makes its public debut as part of Aston Martin’s impressive presence at this week’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The new sports car appears as Aston Martin also unveils a raft of colour, trim and equipment enhancements across its sporty Vantage and luxurious Rapide S model lines.

Aston Martin CEO Dr Andy Palmer said: “The arrival of 16 Model Year (16MY) cars, as well as the addition of the sophisticated DB9 GT, gives us our most compelling sports car line-up to date as we continue to build our strongest ever global offering.”

DB9 GT – timeless style redefined

Since their debut in the early 1950s, the ‘DB’ models offered by Aston Martin have been synonymous with sophisticated grand touring and thrilling sports car performance.

In the tyre tracks of DB4, DB5, DB6 and DB7, today’s DB9 GT continues that distinguished tradition of luxury, excitement and style with a raft of engineering, equipment and styling developments calculated to make this the very best of what DB9 can be.

Fundamental to the new model’s unique appeal is its uprated 6.0-litre V12 petrol engine, which is capable of generating 547 PS at 6750 rpm, and 620 Nm of torque at 5500 rpm.

The all-alloy, quad overhead cam, 48-valve 5,935 cc front mid-mounted V12 is mated to the proven rear mid-mounted Touchtronic II six-speed transmission with electronic shift-by-wire control system. It carries the British luxury sports car maker’s core GT offering from rest to 62 mph in 4.5 seconds, and on to a top speed of 183 mph.

The independent double wishbone suspension all round continues to deliver secure handling while the three-stage Adaptive Damping System (ADS) offers distinct  Normal, Sport and Track modes for the broadest possible breadth of dynamic characteristics.

However power is only part of the story, as the new Aston Martin also includes important and far-reaching equipment changes which underline its position as the best DB9 to date.

Most notable among the interior equipment updates is the arrival of the AMi II touch-sensitive Aston Martin infotainment system. While AMi debuted on the range-topping Vanquish at its launch, AMi II offers a revised menu structure which makes using the system even more user-friendly.

Building on the system launched in the Vanquish, the DB9 GT’s AMi II infotainment package sees key improvements made in a number of areas including text message integration, vehicle status information and extended background themes for greater personalisation.

Offering AM, FM, DAB and SDAR reception (US only), USB ports, Bluetooth audio streaming the system delivers superb connectivity and entertainment simply and easily.

Ian Minards, Product Development Director at Aston Martin, explained: “Refining the DB9’s already impressive attributes into what we have today in the DB9 GT has been a careful and delicate process.

“Maintaining the effortlessly refined nature of our core GT sports car, while boosting power and introducing state-of-the-art infotainment systems, has required fine judgements and painstaking engineering.

“I’m confident the result, in the shape of the DB9 GT, represents the very best of what DB9 can be, and sets the standard for luxury grand tourers in this class.”

Bespoke luxury as standard

Instantly recognised the world over as a timelessly stylish Aston Martin, the core visual characteristics of the DB9 are of course retained in the DB9 GT. Refined styling enhancements inside and out, however, signal that this new car once again leads its class.

Aside from the subtle GT badges, this new DB9 is identified by black painted splitter and diffuser, revised headlight and tail light treatments and new ten-spoke 20-inch alloy wheels. Black anodised brake calipers and a GT engraving on the aluminium fuel filler cap further distinguish the new model.

Options, for those who wish to further personalise their car, include carbon fibre tail lamp inserts, side strakes, front splitter and rear diffuser; graphite, diamond-turned ten-spoke alloy wheels and alternative brake caliper colours.

Inside, the 2+2 seating configuration remains, however the seats now boast ‘GT’ embroidery on the unique fluted leather. An iridium trim pack and Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel (Coupe only) further distinguish the new car.

A broad array of options inside the DB9 GT include various centre console finishes such as Ice Mocha and Copper Cuprum, while other interior options include Duotone leather seats, door inserts and head linings; and a One-77-inspired steering wheel design.

Aston Martin Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman, said: “The purity of form and proportion, together with a lithe powerful, stance, remain at the core of what the DB9 is to look at. With these changes, we have made the DB9 GT yet more stylish, while retaining its unmistakable and globally renowned identity.”

The DB9 GT is now available to order in markets around the world, priced from £140,000 RRP (UK), €187,000 RRP (Germany), $199,950 RRP (USA).         

Vantage and Rapide S revised

Not content simply with launching the DB9 GT, Aston Martin is also taking the arrival of 16MY cars to update, upgrade and enhance more of its core sports cars.

The sporting Vantage line-up and luxurious Rapide S four-door four-seat sports cars all benefit from a raft of colour, trim and equipment enhancements for 16MY, with the Vantage Coupe and Roadster models gaining a new touch-sensitive centre console fascia.

The AMi II infotainment system also makes its debut in Vantage and Rapide S, with the debut of corresponding new features such as visual vehicle status power and torque meters, offering real-time read-outs of engine bhp and torque.

New interior trim packs deliver the option of even greater personalisation for customers, with the addition of Vivid Red, Royal Mint, Black Damson and Bronze Metallic to 16MY leather palettes across the Vantage car lines.

Meanwhile, the striking Californian Poppy interior accent is now available for Vantage N430 and US-only Vantage GT buyers. Royal Mint, Spicy Red, Copper and Deep Purple stitching colours are new, too, along with revised alloy wheel designs.

New exterior colours Cinnabar Orange and Ultramarine Black debut on Vantage, too.

Aston Martin CEO, Dr Andy Palmer, said: “Our process of constant improvement, development and refinement of our core sports cars never stops and the arrival of the remarkable DB9 GT, along with these important 16 Model Year updates and enhancements for the Vantage and Rapide S, all clearly demonstrate that.

“Expanding the global appeal of Aston Martin is, in part, about offering our customers the widest possible choice and with the changes we’re announcing today – alongside the ongoing development of our luxury bespoke personalisation service, Q by Aston Martin – I know we are better placed than ever to respond to our buyers’ needs.”   

The global market introduction of 16MY sports cars begins in quarter three of 2015, with more details on market-specific pricing and options available in due course.