Aston Martin to develop new AMR branded products with the first two already signed off.

• New AMR brand strengthens the connection between road and race cars
• AMR derivatives planned for every core model in the Aston Martin range
• AMR Pro models to have increased power, sharper dynamics and unique exterior and interior treatment
• Rapide AMR and Vantage AMR Pro concepts confirmed for production

Aston Martin has chosen the 2017 Geneva Motor Show to launch AMR - an exciting new brand that brings 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.

The AMR brand follows in the wheeltracks of successive iconic Aston Martin road cars which boasted top-level racing pedigree. In the mid-1930s the success of Aston Martin’s Team Cars in the Ulster TT road race led the marque to build further examples of the lightweight two-seater for sale to the public. 

In 1951, Sir David Brown introduced uprated and highly desirable ‘Vantage’ specification models, and steered the marque to an historic outright win at Le Mans with the iconic DBR1 in 1959.

Since the formation of Aston Martin Racing (AMR) in 2004 Aston Martin has enjoyed success in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), winning the 2016 FIA WEC GT Drivers Championship, while also securing three class victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans over this period. Similarly, Aston Martin Racing’s GT3 and GT4 racers have secured countless victories and championship titles around the world.

Two AMR concepts have been unveiled in Geneva: The Rapide AMR and Vantage AMR Pro. The Rapide 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. The Vantage AMR Pro - heavily influenced by Aston Martin Racing’s WEC winning V8 Vantage GTE - is the pinnacle; an uncompromising demonstration of AMR’s ‘Track to Tarmac’ philosophy whereby race technology is transferred to road cars.

While future development of the core AMR models will be part of Aston Martin’s central vehicle engineering teams, development of all AMR Pro models will be led by Q by Aston Martin Advanced Operations. This highly-skilled department - managed by Aston Martin’s VP and Chief Special Operations Officer, David King - already has extensive experience of creating extreme Aston Martins, with recent projects including the Vantage GT12, Vantage GT8 and Aston Martin Vulcan.

Underlining Aston Martin’s commitment to its new high-performance brand, AMR’s European development and brand centre will be based at Aston Martin’s state-of-the-art Nürburgring Test Centre, which is situated within sight of the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife race track.  

Marek Reichman, Aston Martin EVP and Chief Creative Officer, says that the AMR brand was a logical next step after the ’sold-out’ success of limited edition sporting versions like the Vantage GT8 and Vantage GT12: “Each time we have pushed the boundaries and done something extreme, the customers have loved the cars. AMR enables us to take Aston Martin into a new dimension. One where we can turn-up the sporting DNA present in all of our models and make a true statement. An AMR model will have an instantly recognisable design language. One that accentuates and amplifies, together with the latest GT race car technology for the road. They will be special and rare cars that are credible, thrilling to drive and hugely desirable to own.”

Rapide AMR

A striking presence on the Aston Martin stand, the Rapide AMR provides a dynamic and visual blueprint for future AMR models. Featuring a 600PS version of Aston Martin’s celebrated 6.0-litre naturally aspirated V12 breathing through a new quad exhaust system, it is the world’s fastest and most thrilling four-door, capable of 210MPH. Resplendent in AMR’s signature Stirling Green with vibrant lime green accents, riding on new 21in alloy wheels and featuring a dramatic new full height signature grille, front splitter, side sills, rear diffuser and aero flip on the rear decklid, the Rapide AMR makes a striking statement.

Extensive use of carbon fibre detailing on the exterior provide the perfect finishing touches. The interior is equally breathtaking. Lightweight carbon fibre front seats, trimmed throughout in Dark Knight Alcantara with Lime Green accents and carbon fibre waterfall, centre console and door casings, ensure the Rapide AMR is a fabulous fusion of race car attitude with a luxurious crafted twist.

Vantage AMR Pro

The Vantage AMR Pro is an extreme, track-only expression of performance and the ultimate iteration of the Vantage. Powered by a 507PS development of Aston Martin Racing’s GT4 race engine, the Vantage AMR Pro is the most powerful V8 Vantage ever. 

Race-spec adjustable suspension, competition engine and transmission mounts and new 19in x 9.5in front and 19in x 11.5in rear centre lock wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Cup 2 tyres, the Vantage AMR Pro promises inspirational handling precision and exceptional levels of grip and traction.

This race car performance is matched by authentic motorsport styling. Once again painted in Stirling Green with lime green accents, the Vantage AMR Pro not only takes its colour scheme from Aston Martin Racing’s V8 Vantage GTE racer, but uses the same bonnet and rear wing as the World Endurance Championship winner.

To compliment these authentic motorsport parts, Aston Martin’s design team has designed a new front bumper that incorporates a new bold full-height front grille, a new front valance and splitter, front fenders, sill appliques and a revised rear diffuser.

The racing theme continues inside, with extensive use of carbon fibre, lavish Dark Knight Alcantara upholstery with lime green accents and a custom roll cage designed by Q by Aston Martin. The result is a Vantage that looks as spectacular as it drives.       

Aston Martin’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Andy Palmer, was quick to confirm that both the Rapide AMR and Vantage AMR Pro concepts are set for production: “As passionate enthusiasts of Aston Martin’s competition pedigree, 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 hardcore, special series models. With the AMR brand we have the perfect platform to deliver both.

As proof of that intent I’m incredibly excited to announce that we will be putting both the Vantage AMR Pro and Rapide AMR into production: the Vantage in an extremely limited series of no more than 7 cars; the Rapide as a run of only 210 cars. 

They are the start of something very exciting - a programme that will eventually see an AMR version of every model in the Aston Martin range”.

Aston to showcase its best ever selection of cars at Goodwood, 2015 is going to be a great Show.

• UK dynamic debut for motorsport-inspired Vantage GT12
• World-first public showing of Lagonda Taraf super saloon in action 
• Other iconic Aston Martin sports cars in action include CC100  

Aston Martin arrives at the 22^nd Goodwood Festival of Speed next week with a superb line-up of exclusive and exciting sports cars and super saloons which, together, represent its biggest presence yet at the world-renowned celebration of motoring and motorsport.

The luxury British sports car maker will treat the Goodwood patrons to a feast of ‘firsts’, including the UK debut of the motorsport-inspired, and now sold-out, Vantage GT12 and the global dynamic debut of the strictly-limited luxurious new Lagonda Taraf super saloon.

Aside from the raw, track-derived appeal of the Vantage GT12, Aston Martin will also be running examples of its V12 Vantage S Roadster and luxurious Rapide S four-door, four-seat sports car. 

There will also be the rare opportunity to see the CC100 – Aston Martin’s centenary celebration concept car from 2013 – in action on the hill.

Meanwhile the sumptuously elegant Lagonda Taraf will make its global public debut in action at the Festival of Speed. Previously unveiled on static display only, Aston Martin has chosen the Goodwood event to reveal the sight, and sound, of its latest V12-engined super saloon in motion. 

Aston Martin Racing will be represented via the presence of the 2015 Le Mans 24-hour Vantage GTE #97 Art Car, which will also be making regular trips up the famous Goodwood Hill over the course of the Festival.

Sharing driving duties for the event will be Aston Martin CEO Dr Andy Palmer along with recently-appointed Chief Engineer Matt Becker – the man charged by Dr Palmer with setting the product attributes of the brand’s next generation of models.

Dr Palmer said: “I’m very much looking forward to seeing the reaction to our 2015 Festival of Speed presence from the knowledgeable and enthusiastic Goodwood crowds.

“I believe we’ve put together a hugely compelling line-up including some surprises that should keep fans of our brand, and of luxury sports cars in general, entertained and engaged throughout the event.”

He added: “Driving the Vantage GT12 up the famous hill climb at Goodwood will be a personal highlight for me.”

Vantage GT12 runs on home soil

The Vantage GT12 was launched to worldwide acclaim in March this year at the Geneva Motorshow, with all 100 examples sold prior to the reveal.

Taking its inspiration directly from Aston Martin Racing’s V12 Vantage GT3, the Vantage GT12 is equipped with a new iteration of the brand’s 6.0-litre V12 engine which is capable of generating up to 600 PS. 

Thus, the Vantage GT12 is not only more powerful but also even lighter than a standard V12 Vantage S. Weighing in at a full 120 kg less, which results in an appreciable boost in the car’s already formidable power-to-weight ratio.

Comprehensively re-engineered, as well as significantly restyled, the GT12 is lower and wider than any of its siblings in the Vantage family. 

The GT12 has been designed and engineered exclusively at Aston Martin’s Gaydon HQ in Warwickshire, England, to be the most overt expression of everything that defines the Vantage: an extreme sports model offering adrenaline-fuelled fun on road, and on track.

Lagonda Taraf - The finest of fast cars in action

Also making a crowd-pleasing global debut at Goodwood this year is the new Lagonda Taraf – the latest in a long line of Aston Martin Lagonda models termed ‘the finest of fast cars’.

Based on the brand’s almost infinitely flexible VH architecture, the new 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 use of carbon fibre body panels.

It is hand-built by the skilled craftsmen and women at Aston Martin’s manufacturing facilities in a dedicated building previously the home of the One-77 hypercar.

The super saloon is being offered for sale by invitation only with precise pricing details remaining confidential. As a consequence, it will remain a rare and distinguished sight on UK roads – making its presence at Goodwood all the more special for festival patrons.

Aside from the high speed dynamic attractions at the 22^nd Festival of Speed, Aston Martin will also have a strong presence at the event’s Moving Motor Show.

Staged every summer since 1993, the Goodwood Festival of Speed is the world’s largest automotive garden party, set against the spectacular backdrop of Goodwood House in West Sussex.

Aston Martin’s Vantage GT12 – will make its world dynamic debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Aston Martin’s most performance-focused, road-going Vantage ever – the Vantage GT12 – will make its world dynamic debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The extreme, lightweight special edition features a 6-litre V12 engine producing 600PS and bridges the gap between road and track driving in spectacular fashion, calling on Aston Martin’s rich heritage in motorsport.

Only 100 of the special editions will be built and all of them have already been snapped up in advance by eager buyers.

Visitors to Goodwood’s Moving Motor Show on Thursday, June 25, will get a sneak preview of the Vantage GT12 as it takes its place as a static display in the Supercar Paddock. 

The car will then tackle the famous 1.16-mile Goodwood Hill Climb course, with Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer at the wheel during the Festival weekend.

Comprehensively re-engineered, the Vantage GT12 is inspired by the marque’s V12 Vantage GT3 race car and is significantly restyled to reflect Aston Martins Motorsport pedigree. 

The car is packed with race-inspired features, from its lower and wider stance and track-focused aerodynamics package to the extensive use of carbon fibre throughout.

Aston Martin will also have several other vehicles at the Moving Motor Show; they will be:

• Vanquish Coupe V12 Vantage S Coupe
• V12 Vantage S Roadster
• Rapide S
• Vanquish Volante

The sixth annual Moving Motor Show is expected to attract record crowds, eclipsing last year’s 34,000 visitors.

Over the years, the show has hosted tens of thousands of people and up to 500 different models of car, which have completed an estimated 6,000 miles of driving on the famous Hillclimb.

Twenty car manufacturers will exhibit at this year’s event on June 25 and visitors to the Moving Motor Show also get an exclusive ‘sneak preview’ to the Festival of Speed.

This includes access to the Formula 1 Paddock presented by Sky Sports F1, Cartier ‘Style et Luxe’ Concours d’Elegance, Michelin Supercar Paddock and all of the automotive show stands.

Michelin to host a trio of UK debuts at this years Goodwood Festival of Speed, Noble, Alpina and Williams.

• The first chance to see three stunning vehicles in the UK
• Noble M600 Speedster, Alpina XD3 and Williams FW25 also confirmed

Michelin has revealed the line-up for its stand at the Goodwood Festival of Speed – and it includes a clutch of UK debuts. For the first time in this country, festival-goers will be able to get up close to the Koenigsegg Regera, the Aston Martin Vantage GT12 and the Zenvo ST1.

The Regera, Koenigsegg’s luxury megacar, will be limited to a production run of 80, while only 100 of Aston Martin’s extreme Vantage GT12 will ever be made. Meanwhile the supercharged, turbocharged 6.8 litre ST1 from Danish maker Zenvo combines pure power with Scandinavian style.

All three models come with cutting-edge Michelin tyres to help push the boundaries of performance, safety and sheer driving pleasure. And all three benefit from Michelin’s track to street ethos, which sees lessons learned from motorsport applied to the tyres fitted to some of the most desirable cars in the world.

Rebeca Nieto, Michelin commercial director for car, van and 4x4 in the UK and Ireland, said: “The Michelin stand has become a real destination at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and we know that’s going to be the case again this year.

“The line-up we have is stunning and it fits perfectly with the theme of Flat Out and Fearless: Racing on the Edge. “Michelin uses motorsport as a laboratory to accelerate innovation and develop technologies that can be incorporated into our production tyres.

“All the cars we have on our stand at Goodwood are fantastic examples of that approach and they show how we work with some of the best car makers in the world to help deliver exceptional performance for their customers.”

All 3 debutants are fitted with MICHELIN Pilot Super Sport tyres, which incorporate technology developed from 17 consecutive victories at Le Mans. The Zenvo ST1 and the Koenigsegg Regera offer the ultra-high-performance, track-focused, road-legal MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 as an option.

Michelin’s Goodwood Festival of Speed stand will feature several other must-see vehicles – including the Noble M600 Speedster, the Alpina XD3 and a historic Williams FW25 Grand Prix racing car from 2003. The Goodwood Festival of Speed takes place between June 25 and June 28, 2015.

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.