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 takes radical DBX Concept to Villa D'Este.

• Entered in renowned Design Award for Concept Car and Prototypes
• DBX Concept signals bold new thinking and exciting design direction
• Brand’s previous winners at Villa d’Este include One-77 and V12 Zagato      

Aston Martin is once again returning to the shores of Lake Como in Italy this weekend as it showcases the stunning new DBX Concept in the esteemed 2015 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.

Entered in the event’s prestigious Concept Cars and Prototypes class, the DBX Concept defies conventional thinking about the high luxury segment and points to a bold new future for GT travel in the 21^st Century.

Unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show, the DBX Concept widens the appeal of the iconic British luxury brand and reaches out to a more diverse global audience than ever before.

Ahead of its appearance this weekend, Aston Martin Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman said: “As we explained when we debuted the car, the DBX Concept is designed to challenge the existing status quo in the high luxury GT segment. 

It promises to make luxury GT travel stylish and more comfortable than ever before, but also more practical, more family-friendly and more environmentally responsible.”

Marek and his team at the brand’s global headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire, created the DBX Concept to showcase cutting edge engineering as well as a major evolution of Aston Martin’s highly-regarded design language.

Capable of accommodating four adults in comfort, the concept also carefully considers day-to-day practicality. It boasts generous luggage capacity, while the exterior metal work emphasises the brand’s approach of using authentic materials and is made of machined billet aluminium with visible milling lines in a piece of exquisite craftsmanship intended to be seen as the car’s jewellery.

The unique paint finish – Black Pearl Chromium – has been specially created to mimic the look of a genuine black pearl, and comprises a micro-fine layer of chrome to deliver a level of reflectivity that cannot be obtained through normal paint finishes.

Inside, the deliberate use of non-automotive standard materials generates a uniquely soft, cocooning ambience.

Marek Reichman explained: “The exceptional craftsmanship displayed on this car – with detailing more typically seen on luxury consumer goods or fine jewellery – really showcases the best of what Aston Martin can be.”

He added: ‘I know the enthusiastic and knowledgeable visitors to this world-renowned Concorso d’Eleganza will appreciate seeing such a radical concept that undoubtedly signals a bright future for Aston Martin.”

The DBX Concept will make its debut at the Villa d’Este Concorso d’Eleganza on Saturday 23 May.

Aston denying the use of any Mercedes platform for the new DBX, instead will modify its own.

Aston Martin may modify its new sports car platform for its DBX crossover rather than use SUV underpinnings from industrial partner Daimler, CEO Andy Palmer said. Media reports have said that the DBX could use the same platform as the GLC SUV from Daimler’s Mercedes-Benz brand.

However, Palmer said that the DBX would be more crossover than SUV so Daimler’s SUV architecture likely would not be not suitable. Mercedes SUVs “clearly sit in a very different space to the one we want to go to. 

They are very much an SUV and we don't want an SUV,” he told Automotive News Europe on the sidelines of a conference here organized by the Financial Times newspaper in London this week.

Palmer said the DBX needs to reflect the brand’s sports heritage rather than be an SUV. He said buyers should feel like they are sitting in the car rather than “on the car,” referring to SUVs’ high front seat position.

Aston Martin is developing a new architecture to replace the current platform that underpins its luxury sports car range. The first car built on the platform is likely to be the successor to the DB9 2+2 coupe. The car is likely to go on sale next year.

The company is investigating whether the platform can be adapted to fit the DBX. “It just depends how high off the ground it could go,” Palmer said. “I don't exclude the possibility of using some [Mercedes’] parts, but I would say very much the primary route is our platform.”

The new architecture will use extruded and cast aluminum to reduce weight, Palmer said.

Aston Martin said on April 30 that it has raised $315 million for the development of a crossover based on the DBX concept unveiled at the Geneva auto show in March, as well as other vehicles that fall outside its traditional lineup of luxury sports cars.

The DBX is expected to go on sale around 2019 and is aimed at attracting more women and younger buyers to the brand, which has traditionally relied on a small, male audience.

Aston Martin showed a Lagonda-badged SUV concept based on the Mercedes GL in 2009.

Daimler has a 5 percent stake in Aston Martin as part of an agreement for Daimler to supply electrical architectures and V-8 engines for the next generation of Aston Martin cars.

SHANGHAI 2015 - Aston Martin showcases the Lagonda Taraf and DBX Concept for the first time in China.

• Asia show debuts for DBX Concept and Lagonda Taraf
• Comprehensive product renewal and expansion ahead
• Aston Martin underlines commitment to the Chinese market

Luxury British car brand Aston Martin Lagonda is confidently looking to the future at the 16th Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition, with CEO Dr Andy Palmer leading the company into an exciting new era reaching far into the next decade. 

For the first time in China the innovative DBX Concept and exclusive Lagonda Taraf were unveiled, spearheading Aston Martin’s display at the show.

The display of handcrafted luxury sports cars in Shanghai defines the way ahead for Aston Martin and its commitment to the market in China, with each model on display representing a distinctive and differentiated story for Chinese customers.

The DBX Concept signals a key change in vision as the brand embarks on a new chapter of change and growth.

“With its unique fusion of high luxury and advanced technology along with its day-to-day practicality, the DBX Concept is a piece of fresh, bold thinking about how the high luxury GT sector may evolve,” said Dr Andy Palmer, CEO of Aston Martin. 

“It is our first all-electric, all-wheel drive car, showcasing the brand’s world-class engineering and design capabilities, and we believe this type of product will be particularly appealing to customers in China.”

Looking to the future: Aston Martin’s Second Century 

Attending his first auto show in China as the new CEO of Aston Martin, Dr Andy Palmer outlined the new vision and direction for the brand.

The “Second Century” plan is a comprehensive strategy for the growth and development of the renowned British brand, and will ensure Aston Martin’s sustainability and success.

Significantly, Aston Martin will focus on delivering a new wave of products that are being developed under the largest investment plan in its 102 year history. By the end of the decade, every model in the current line-up will be replaced and up to three new models lines will be added.

“The Second Century plan not only delivers exciting and highly desirable new luxury sports cars in the traditional sense, but also embraces new powertrain technology.  

I have challenged not only convention but also my team to investigate an electric version of the Rapide, a product which will undoubtedly be attractive for the China market. 

Our relationships with leading Chinese companies such as Hanergy and now with Letv shows the potential to connect British craftsmanship with the very latest in Chinese technology,” added Dr Palmer.

The strategic plan also encompasses the brand’s intention to enter the luxury sedan market in China.  Strictly limited to a global production run of just 200 super-saloons, the Lagonda Taraf follows in the wake of other bespoke special projects by Aston Martin such as the creation of the extreme Aston Martin Vulcan supercar, Vantage GT12, One-77, V12 Zagato and the CC100 Speedster Concept. 

The luxurious new 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.

Bespoke Brilliance

This year, the brand will expand its popular and growing bespoke personalisation service – Q by Aston Martin – and fully integrate it into the company’s Special Products Division. The new business unit is able to deliver anything from unique interiors to creating the DB10 that will feature in the next James Bond film, Spectre.

And it is this team that has created the new Lagonda Taraf. Q by Aston Martin takes bespoke automotive tailoring to the ultimate level, and has enabled the brand to create ultra-personalised luxury sports cars for an increasing number of Chinese customers.

Guests on the show stand were able to take a closer look at the wide array of options available through the Q by Aston Martin service.  The Q by Aston Martin Rapide S on display, with its unique specification of a White Essence exterior and Saddle Leather interior, served to highlight the limitless personalisation possibilities through the service.

Commitment to China

While the DBX Concept highlights the future of luxury GT sports cars for the brand, the new 8-speed models on display at the Aston Martin stand – the Vanquish and Rapide S – are now available to order in China along with the exclusive Lagonda Taraf.

The latest versions of the Vanquish and Rapide S feature the new state-of-the-art ZF Touchtronic III 8-speed automatic transmission, and offer not only considerably enhanced performance and much-improved fuel economy and emissions, but also an even more honed, precise and responsive driving experience.  

Improvements have been achieved in every major area of the cars’ performance and fuel economy, and both models are now capable of top speeds in excess of 320 km/h (200 mph).

Representing the brand’s sports-focused Vantage range on the Shanghai show stand is a V8 Vantage Coupe finished in luxurious Mariana Blue with a motorsport derived graphics pack. The V8 Vantage Coupe is available to order in China from 1.98m RMB alongside its exhilarating stable mate, the V12 Vantage S Coupe from 2.88m RMB.

“The China auto show debuts of the DBX Concept and Lagonda Taraf at Auto Shanghai 2015 are a clear signal that China is an increasingly significant market for Aston Martin,” said Mr. Michael Peng, President of Aston Martin China. “In the second century, we will continue to place a high importance on China and its growing number of discerning luxury sports car enthusiasts.  

We have stable and long-term relationships with our China dealer partners who represent the brand in 15 key cities on the Mainland, and we will work with these partners to continue to deliver first-class services to our valued Chinese customers.”

Aston Martin continues expansion into Asia with its fifth Japanese dealership.

Aston Martin is continuing its programme of expansion in Japan with the imminent opening of its fifth dealership in the country – Aston Martin Fukuoka. The company’s commitment to the Japanese market was reinforced in January with the launch of a new limited company – Aston Martin Japan Limited.

When it opens in a temporary showroom next month, before moving to luxurious permanent premises later this year, the new Fukuoka facility will join existing dealers in Tokyo – which boasts two dealerships – Osaka, and Nagoya.

Welcoming the launch, Aston Martin CEO Dr Andy Palmer – a former long-time resident of Japan – said: “Our recent establishment of the limited company in Japan, along with our investment in people and facilities across the APAC region such as this new showroom in Fukuoka, signals very clearly our determination to make Aston Martin a key player in the high luxury sports car sector in this part of the world.”

The new business, officially announced at a brand launch at the Fukuoka International Congress Center on April 9, will be based initially at Shimokawabata, Hakata-Ku, Fukuoka-Pref, before moving to a new permanent facility at Harada, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka-Pref, in October this year. 

It is being created with established dealer partner Yunsan Motors Co. Ltd, which already operates successful Aston Martin businesses in Taipei and Taichung in Taiwan.

Yunsan Motors Co. Ltd Chairman, Timothy Chang, said: “It is our great honour for Yunsan Motors to be appointed as the Aston Martin dealer in Fukuoka.

“Fukuoka is a dynamic business city, while tourism has placed it at the heart of the Asia region as a ‘must visit’ city for Chinese, Korean and Taiwanese guests to Japan.

“With such vibrancy and dynamism in Fukuoka, we are confident that the launch of this new Aston Martin business will be a success and that fans of this great brand will now be able to enjoy ownership of these superb sports cars via a dealer in their city.

“We will, of course, aspire to deliver to our customers the unparalleled service that the brand rightly demands.”

When complete in October, the latest Aston Martin showroom in Japan will be fully-equipped for new and pre-owned sales with the ability to display up to 7 of the British brand’s sports cars.

Aston Martin servicing and repair facilities will also be available at the Fukuoka site, and owners can rest assured that their sports cars will be cared for appropriately by Aston Martin-certified technicians using the appropriate diagnostic equipment and tools.

Aston Martin is a modern, exclusive sports car company with a unique heritage instantly recognised around the world. In 2013 the marque celebrated its first 100 years in business and today it has 155 dealers in 45 countries worldwide.

As part of its ongoing programme of product development, expansion and renewal, Aston Martin recently launched two exclusive new models in the shape of the Vantage GT12 and the extreme Aston Martin Vulcan track-only super car. 

Meanwhile, at the recent Geneva International motor show, Aston Martin CEO Dr Andy Palmer unveiled the DBX Concept – a new concept car created to defy conventional thinking about the luxury GT segment and widen the appeal of the iconic British luxury brand as it reaches out to a more diverse global audience than ever before.

GENEVA - Aston Martin is confident of a safe and prosperous future, with these cars, it's definate.

• Global debut of innovative DBX Concept – redefining the GT segment
• Reveal of Aston Martin Vulcan and Vantage GT3 special edition
• Comprehensive product renewal and expansion ahead

Aston Martin is confidently looking toward the future at the 85^th Geneva International Motor Show, as CEO Dr Andy Palmer leads the luxury British brand into a bold new era reaching far into the next decade.

The global unveiling of the Aston Martin DBX Concept in Switzerland today signals a key change in the brand’s thinking, as Dr Palmer challenges his team to re-evaluate and expand the high luxury GT sector in the years ahead.

Dr Palmer said: “The Geneva show this year marks the first public signs of a revolution at Aston Martin – a revolution we’re calling ‘Second Century’.

“While the exceptional new Aston Martin Vulcan track-only supercar and Vantage GT3 special edition road car represent a take on our immediate future, the exciting DBX Concept is Aston Martin’s first public statement about how the high luxury GT sector could, and in our view should, evolve in the years to come.”

He added: “The DBX Concept is our view on ‘the art of the possible’ for Aston Martin. DBX may be seen as challenging and perhaps even revolutionary in some quarters – but it is not science fiction. I can confirm today that we will in the future be offering a car in the new DBX space.”

Looking to the future

Having marked his first 150 days as CEO last week, Dr Palmer is using his first major global motor show at the head of the 102-year-old sports car maker to showcase his comprehensive strategy for the ongoing growth and development of the renowned British brand.  The plan will ensure Aston Martin is secure and successful in its second century and Dr Palmer detailed the developmental and organisational actions that will underpin continued success.

Dr Palmer revealed Aston Martin’s regional office structure is also being enhanced this year with a new office for Asia-Pacific opening in Singapore, a new trading company in Japan and the brand’s European presence strengthened at its regional headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany.

The company is continuing to invest in progressive expansion of its geographical coverage. Today, Aston Martin is present in 45 markets worldwide, served by 155 top class dealer partners.

There is also important news in Geneva about the expansion of the recently-unveiled Lagonda Taraf super-saloon to markets outside the Middle East. Dr Palmer confirmed that the luxurious new car will be available in the EU, and EU-regulation compliant markets. He also revealed that buyers in the UK, and other right-hand drive markets, will now be able to order the Lagonda Taraf.

Bespoke brilliance

This year, the brand will expand its popular and growing bespoke personalisation service – Q by Aston Martin – and fully integrate it into the company’s Special Products Division. The new business unit will be able to deliver anything from unique interiors to creating the DB10 that will feature in the next James Bond film.

Many of the sports cars built at Gaydon feature elements of Q by Aston Martin content, and the opportunity to grow that further is clear as the brand focuses even more intently on personalised customer service.

Dr Palmer said: “Often cynics dismiss talk of a ‘new era’ in any business as hype but I know the cars we have on show here today at Geneva, along with the major work that’s ongoing in the UK and around the world to re-tool and re-equip our business for the exciting times ahead, more than merits the use of the phrase.

“Aston Martin has a proud 102-year heritage of luxury sports cars and, with the exciting plans we now have in place that put customers once again at the very heart of our thinking and our operations, I’m confident it will continue to shine as a luxury business in the decades ahead.”