Aston Martin launches the totally new branded yacht at this years Monaco Yacht Show in Monaco, I want one, or two !

• Aston Martin AM37 powerboat unveiled at the prestigious Monaco Yacht Show
• First powerboat developed by Aston Martin and Quintessence Yachts
• Innovative design marries expertise from the luxury automotive and yachting world
• Performance AM37S version expected to reach speeds of 50 knots

The 37-foot Aston Martin AM37 powerboat made its world debut at the Monaco Yacht Show last week, marking the luxury British brand’s entry into the nautical world. The new day-cruiser is offered in two versions with the AM37S expected to reach speeds of 50 knots.

The AM37 is the result of two years of research and development, challenging the status quo of the nautical world and combining the best in innovative technology and bespoke craftsmanship.

The AM37 was a true team effort, bringing in the most experienced Aston Martin designers to style and create a truly unique product. 

Aston Martin’s master craftsmen who worked on cars such as One-77, Aston Martin Vulcan and the new DB11, provided their automotive experience, which was reinterpreted onto the boat with outstanding results.

Aston Martin’s EVP & Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman and his design team collaborated closely with naval architect Mulder Design to ensure every element of the project was carefully considered. Sharing creative expertise and specialist skills, Quintessence Yachts engineered the Aston Martin design into an innovative powerboat for the yachting world.

Reichman commented: "AM37 is a pure translation of the Aston Martin DNA into an entirely new maritime concept. The powerboat reflects our values in terms of power, beauty and soul. The most important attribute for Aston Martin is the design language and proportion, we have transferred this DNA into AM37. It was important to us when considering this project to make sure that the boat design was as beautiful and timeless as our cars, the AM37 is a striking boat with fantastic proportion and elegance."

The AM37 is a day cruiser that can be transformed into an overnight berth by transforming the table into a comfortable bed. The cabin is well appointed with mood lighting and air-conditioning. With a refrigerator, microwave oven and coffee machine - and a lavatory on board, absolute comfort is guaranteed. Crafted from the finest leathers, elegantly laid out rear seating is available for up to eight people.

The exterior of AM37 features dynamic proportions in a design that is simple, yet immaculately executed. The boat is set apart by the attention to detail in every element of its design. The wraparound windscreen has been created from a single piece of sculpted glass fluidly draped over the AM37’s foredeck. With extreme double curvature it sets a new industry standard. Sliding deck technology allows owners to cover the cockpit of the boat completely at the touch of a button. The three lightweight carbon panels, operated by the AM37 key, fold under the aft deck when the cockpit is uncovered. An electro-hydraulic carbon fibre bimini top is stowed under the engine hatch when not in use and, extending from the aft deck, a swim platform allows for easy access to the water.

At the helm, the AM37’s carbon fibre dashboard echoes styling elements from Aston Martin’s most advanced sports cars. It includes fine leather with functional features, such as the steering wheel, throttle handles and joystick in polished metals.  The boat’s navigation, control monitor and entertainment systems are all integrated, with advanced multimedia functions.

CEO for Quintessence Yachts, Mariella Mengozzi said: "It’s been an exciting journey and we have relished partnering with Aston Martin on such a special project that blends craftsmanship with futuristic technology – the perfect mix for this unique powerboat. We took on the challenge to create a true revolution on the water and an extraordinary powerboat, and I’m delighted to present the AM37, a new way of experiencing life at sea."

The 37-foot model is available in two versions - the AM37 with an estimated top speed of 45 knots and a choice of two 370 hp Mercury diesel or two 430 hp Mercury petrol engines.  And the AM37S version with an estimated 50 knots derived from its twin 520 hp Mercury petrol engines.

Katia Bassi, VP of AML & Managing Director of AM Brands commented, “We are so proud to present the AM37, an exclusive powerboat for the yachting world. With this project Aston Martin, the icon of style and technological innovation, confirms its place as a top luxury brand. The Aston Martin Art of Living is a way of life that captures the very essence of the Aston Martin brand, and AM37 is a fine example of this philosophy."

ASTON MARTIN Works hosts exclusive celebration track day at Silverstone.

• One-77, V12 Zagato and DBRS9 take to Silverstone circuit
• Customers from across Europe travel with their sports cars
• Event continues Works’ year-long diamond jubilee celebrations  

In its 60^th year, Aston Martin Works this week hosted a celebration customer track day at the world-renowned Silverstone Circuit in Northamptonshire.

Works’ clients from across the UK and Continental Europe enjoyed the rare opportunity to put their Aston Martin sports cars to the test on one of the world’s most famous motor racing circuits.

The private event, at which owners savored the chance to test out the true performance potential of their sports cars, saw some of the luxury British brand’s most iconic models put through their paces. 

Among the cars in action were a One-77, a V12 Zagato and an example of the DBRS9 race car. They lined up alongside V8 and V12 Vantages; DB9s, a Virage and a Newport Pagnell-built original Vanquish, among much else.

Commenting on the event Aston Martin Works’ Commercial Director Paul Spires said: “It’s great to see so many of our sports cars being driven so skillfully by such an enthusiastic group of owners.

“When we proposed this idea at the beginning of the year we weren't sure how many people would want to bring along their cars, but the response today has been superb and I believe all involved have had an experience to remember.”

More than 20 Aston Martin sports cars took part, with drivers coached and tutored as required by a group of experienced Aston Martin Performance Driving Instructors.

The Stunningly Beautiful Lagonda Taraf IS now available in Europe, still limited to 200 units.

• New Lagonda Taraf will be offered to customers outside the Middle East
• Series production remains limited to 200 bespoke limousines
• Super saloon will be available in left or right-hand drive

Aston Martin is today announcing that the luxurious new Lagonda super saloon will be made available, in strictly limited numbers, to more customers around the world. Aston Martin will now accept orders for the Lagonda Taraf – the latest in a proud line of saloons revered worldwide as ‘the finest of fast cars’ – from prospective owners in more major markets. 

It is now available to clients in EU legislation-compliant Continental Europe, the United Kingdom and South Africa, with the Lagonda Taraf now re-engineered to be available in either left or right-hand drive.  

CEO, Dr Andy Palmer said: “Opening up the Lagonda Taraf to an increased number of customers around the world was a high priority for me as soon as I joined Aston Martin late last year. I wanted to be able to offer this exceptional saloon to the potential owners from around the globe who have been enquiring about it, and I’m very happy that we have been able to expand the Lagonda proposition.”

Initially available only to buyers in the Middle East, where it was launched in Dubai late last year, the Lagonda Taraf is being built in a strictly limited small series of no more than 200 cars.

The return of Lagonda follows in the wake of other bespoke special projects by   Aston Martin such as the creation of the extreme Aston Martin Vulcan supercar, Vantage GT3 special edition, One-77, V12 Zagato and the CC100 Speedster Concept.

Based on the brand’s almost infinitely flexible VH architecture, the 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, in a dedicated building previously given over to the creation of the One-77 supercar.

The 6.0-litre V12-engined super saloon is being offered to clients through Aston Martin’s VIP sales programme with precise pricing details remaining confidential, and likely to be significantly different in each case due to very high levels of bespoke content. Naturally, each Lagonda customer will have the option of ensuring their car is truly unique by personalising it via the popular Q by Aston Martin bespoke service.

Dr Palmer said: “As a result of today’s announcement we anticipate very quick expressions of interest from customers around the world, many of whom will want to add Lagonda to their luxury and sports car collections.

“Aside from its confident style, many buyers will also recognise this Lagonda Taraf as a piece of automotive history, following in the tracks of its distinguished predecessor the William Towns Lagonda.”

He added: “I’m also particularly pleased that we have been able to engineer Lagonda for right-hand drive markets meaning, of course, that I’m sure we will see the car in use on Aston Martin’s ‘home ground’ of the UK in due course.”

UK RECALL #19 - ASTON MARTIN - Seats may overheat.

Vehicle Details
Reference :	R/2014/163
Manufacturer Ref :	RA-01-0019
Make:	ASTON MARTIN
Model :	DB9 & DBS (Coupe & Volante), One-77, V12 Zagato, V12 Vantage/ V8 Vantage (Coupe and Roadster) & Virage (Coupe and Roadster)
Launch Date :	02/12/2014
Numbers Involved :	8299
Build Start Date :	15/06/2006
Build End Date :	06/11/2014

Recall Details
Concern :	SEAT MAY OVERHEAT
Description :	On affected vehicles, The control module for the front heated seats mail fail and, when the ignition is switched on, allow a permanent feed to the heater element(s). In this condition it may not be possible to switch off the heater element and over a period of time this may cause a seat to overheat and smouldering to occur. Occupants will notice an inability to switch the seat heater off using the designated switch and over longer periods a higher than normal temperature of the seat squab.
Remedial Action :	Fit additional seat heater monitoring modules. Where necessary seat elements may also be replaced.
Vehicle Id :	SCFAA01A36GA06324 to SCFRMFAVXEPX81005 SCFAC02A26GB06245 to SCFFCAFM0FGB16451 SCFBA03B26GC02362 to SCFEKBDL9BPX66238 SCFBC04B27GD04349 to SCFEABBK9FGD19219 SCFEJBDL1BGC15193 to SCFEJBDL8FGC19179 SCFFDECN3CGG13314 to SCFGDEAM3DPX74209 SCFGFXXX0BGS17701 to SCFGFXXX0BGS17777 SCFAA05DX9GE00007 to SCFFDCBD3CGE03373 SCFFCAFN3CPX68207 to SCFFCEDN3CGH14614 SCFEBBCF6AGS00001 to SCFEKBCR1FGS01364 SCFEKBCR2EGS01386 to SCFEJBCR9FGS02040 SCFEBBGF7CGS31111 to SCFEABGF3DGS31319 SCFEKBEL9BGD14520 to SCFEJBELXFGD19279 SCFEJBFR7FGS21830 to SCFEJBFRXFGS22048 SCFFCCCD1CGE03096 to SCFFCCCDXCGE13383 SCFEABFF2CGS21137 to SCFEKBFR9FPX76002

Other Vehicles Affected (Click the vehicle to perform an extended search)

ASTON MARTIN - DB9 ASTON MARTIN - DB9 ASTON MARTIN - VANTAGE ASTON MARTIN - VANTAGE ASTON MARTIN - VANTAGE ASTON MARTIN - VIRAGE ASTON MARTIN - ONE77 ASTON MARTIN - DBS ASTON MARTIN - VIRAGE ASTON MARTIN - VANTAGE ASTON MARTIN - VANTAGE ASTON MARTIN - ZAGATO ASTON MARTIN - VANTAGE ASTON MARTIN - VANTAGE ASTON MARTIN - DBS ASTON MARTIN - VANTAGE

Lagonda returns with super saloon, but only if your in the Middle East, how stupid is that ?

• Exclusive super saloon sees return of evocative Lagonda nameplate
• Innovative special project champions exclusivity
• Strictly limited series production from early 2015  

Aston Martin is today confirming a bespoke product programme for a new super saloon that will see the revival of the historic Lagonda nameplate in a strictly limited series.

As has traditionally been the case, the Lagonda badge will once again sit proudly on a luxurious and exclusive super saloon.

The stunning luxury super saloon revives the Lagonda ethos of ‘the finest of fast cars’ and will be offered exclusively in the Middle East, as a result of specific market demand.

The return of Lagonda follows in the wake of other headline-grabbing projects such as the One-77 hypercar, V12 Zagato and last year’s CC100 Speedster Concept – then seen as the ultimate Q by Aston Martin car – which started out simply as a centenary celebration design concept and, as a result of exceptional demand, later turned into two customer commissions.

Based on the brand’s existing flexible VH architecture, the new car 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 in the body panels.

It will be hand-built by the finest craftsmen and women at Aston Martin’s modern manufacturing facilities in Gaydon, Warwickshire in a dedicated building previously given over to the creation of the One-77 hypercar.

The new super saloon will be offered for sale by invitation only and, while precise pricing details remain confidential, the asking price will be commensurate with the car’s exclusivity, quality and luxurious nature. 

Aston Martin Design Director Marek Reichman said: “The debut of this luxury super saloon in the Middle East market will be an exciting moment not only for Aston Martin, but for discerning customers who are seeking the ultimate in luxury and personalisation.

“The new model, like its exclusive siblings the One-77 and V12 Zagato, has been created as a piece of exceptional automotive art. It has been designed and developed entirely in keeping with the spirit and ethos of previous Lagonda super saloons – notably the William Towns Lagonda – and as a tribute to this car it proudly bears the Lagonda nameplate.”

The Stunning new Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Roadster, I WANT......

• Debut of the luxury brand’s most potent and exhilarating roadster yet
• 6.0-litre V12 engine: 565 bhp and 620 Nm delivers 201 mph top speed
• Supreme agility and intense excitement characterise new model   

Aston Martin is opening up a new world of exhilarating driving excitement with the announcement of the hotly anticipated V12 Vantage S Roadster.

When it arrives in markets around the world later this year the new sports car will become the luxury British marque’s most potent, fastest and fastest-accelerating series production roadster to date and follows in the broad tyre tracks of the V12 Vantage S Coupe that was launched to worldwide acclaim in 2013.

Providing the most visceral yet engaging open-top experience in Aston Martin’s current range, the new V12 Vantage S Roadster delivers characteristic sporting agility underpinned by an enviable sports ‘soundtrack’ generated by its naturally aspirated V12 engine and expertly-tuned sports exhaust.

Equipped with the latest 565 bhp (573 PS) Aston Martin AM28 6.0-litre V12 engine, featuring state-of-the-art Bosch engine management, the car is capable of reaching 201 mph and sprinting from rest to 60 mph in only 3.9 seconds (0-100km/h 4.1 seconds).

Peak and low rev torque is delivered in abundance. With 620 Nm available at 5,750 rpm the V12 Vantage S Roadster is not to be found wanting in this vital department. Crucially, too, low rev torque – measured from just 1,000 rpm – starts at a colossal 510 Nm. Together, these statistics demonstrate the Aston Martin engineers’ ability to create a ‘flatter’, yet ‘fatter’, torque curve which supports exceptional driveability and strong pick-up through the gears. 

Aston Martin Director of Design, Marek Reichman, said: “The V12 Vantage S Roadster is the mechanical embodiment of our company’s exceptional spirit.

“Beautiful, powerful and spirited it is as spectacular to listen to as it is to look at. The new roadster is truly a treat for the senses with, underlying all this, the capacity to deliver one of the most dynamic, exciting and stirring driving experiences in our current range.

“I’m sure the V12 Vantage S Roadster will appeal to luxury sports car enthusiasts worldwide who want to add a truly exceptional new model to their garage.”

Race car technology 

As with its coupe sibling, race car technology runs right through the DNA of the V12 Vantage S Roadster with, for instance, CNC machined combustion chambers and hollow camshafts just two examples of track technology feeding through to the road.

Another clear example is the new car’s Sportshift™III 7-speed transmission. Engineered to exploit the full sporting potential of the V12 engine, the latest generation Sportshift™III hydraulically actuated automated manual transmission provides motorsport-style paddle shift changes for optimum performance delivery. The unit, which replaces the six-speed manual gearbox found in the previous V12 Vantage Roadster, is also appreciably lighter – saving 20 kg versus its forebear.

This race-derived and motorsport-proven technology – used routinely in Aston Martin Racing’s race-winning Vantage GT4, GT3 and GTE competition cars – provides for great driver control with only milliseconds of torque interruption and delivers precise and swift gear changes.

The Sportshift™III transaxle, developed in conjunction with transmission experts Oerlikon Graziano, joins an extensive array of new sport and track-focused developments that ensure the V12 Vantage S Roadster is fully equipped to exploit the huge performance potential of its 6.0-litre naturally aspirated engine.

The use of three-stage adaptive damping, allied to three-stage DSC and two-stage ABS, allows the driver to more precisely tailor the car’s dynamic character. ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Track’ modes provide a broad swathe of dynamic performance that can be tuned to better suit the driver’s requirements. The system also governs the level of power steering assistance offered.

Working alongside the extended chassis capabilities is a ‘Sport’ mode, controlled via a button on the centre console, that alters throttle response, gearshift speed and timing, and exhaust note to, once again, tune the character of the car to the driver’s requirements.

Optimum braking performance is delivered via the specially-created carbon ceramic discs all round, with near-identical brakes appearing on the brand’s ultimate GT, the Vanquish. Meanwhile a whole new lightweight exhaust system – derived from that of Aston Martin’s most expensive and exclusive production model, the One-77 hypercar – is wonderfully sonorous.

The ZF Servotronic power assisted steering offers a quick, slick, 15:1 ratio and,  linked to the adaptive damping button, provides two-mode steering assistance designed to best match the ‘Sport’ or ‘Normal’ settings generated by the Adaptive Damping System.

Pure power, beautifully presented

As Aston Martin’s most overtly sporting convertible, with an even more dynamic character than the luxurious Vanquish Volante ultimate GT or refined DB9 Volante, the V12 Vantage S Roadster has been styled to reflect is position as the flagship convertible in the Vantage family.

In keeping with the V12 Vantage S Coupe, the Roadster replaces the famous aluminium vanes in the Aston Martin grille – with a carbon fibre arrangement that also includes sporty black or titanium silver mesh. Created to maximise airflow to the V12 engine, the new grille is inspired by both the remarkable CC100 Speedster Concept and the Vantage race cars.

Other distinguishing features of the V12 Vantage S Roadster include the option of lightweight forged alloy ten-spoke wheels.

The new Roadster retains the same compact proportions of its predecessor while features such as the pronounced bonnet louvres, optional bold graphics (painted carbon front grille, front grille lipstick and tailgate panel) as well as the exterior carbon pack and flared wheel arches underscore its sporting abilities.

Inside, as out, the new car has been styled to reflect its powerful nature. New-style seat trim and door trims, with Sport and carbon fibre lightweight seat options – present V12 Vantage S Roadster buyers with an exciting array of choices.

The optional Interior Carbon Pack, which adds carbon fibre to the car’s facia and door pulls, plus the availability for the first time in a V12 Vantage S Roadster of black pedals, further enhances personalisation options for those in search of a truly bespoke sports car.

Q by Aston Martin

Meanwhile, For V12 Vantage S Roadster, the company is introducing a Q by Aston Martin Collection which comprises bespoke features that are entirely in keeping with the character of the car.

For V12 Vantage S Roadster this includes a palette of bold exterior and interior colours; body coloured carbon bonnet louvres; a red tint or satin finish to the carbon fibre elements on the exterior and interior of the car; a full carbon fibre centre console, black anodised and machined rotary controls and a steering wheel with a leather on-centre stripe in the chosen interior accent colour.

Marek Reichman added: “The new V12 Vantage S Roadster not only looks the part, but has been engineered and built to showcase the ethos of Aston Martin: power, beauty and soul.

“We believe that it is a truly exceptional sports car, with the capacity to set pulses racing just by its sound alone. The authentic appeal of its style, performance, quality and craftsmanship ensure its stands head and shoulders above others in its sector and delivers that most precious of experiences – fun – in abundance!”

Aston Martin continues its year-long centenary party at the Goodwood Revival

Aston Martin continues its year-long centenary party in the appropriately historic surroundings of The Goodwood Revival this weekend.

The luxury British sports car maker is a main sponsor of this year’s meeting at the famous old English race circuit where examples of some of Aston Martin’s rarest and most 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 include a brace of DBR1s, numerous DB3, DB3S and DB2/4 Mk IIIs, plus the 1961 Aston Martin Project 212.

Aston Martin’s centenary will be a signature theme of the 2013 Revival with the strong association between the brand and the historic racing circuit celebrated fittingly throughout the weekend.

Aside from the numerous iconic Aston Martin racing cars in action on the Goodwood track, in meticulously authentic 1950s-style the Earls Court motor show will play host to a broad selection of Aston Martin models from across the years. Rare and exotic examples on display will include A3, the oldest surviving Aston Martin; the Atom and Bulldog concepts; a selection of Zagato models and a highly-prized One-77 hypercar.

Earls Court will also play host to Aston Martin’s ‘cars of tomorrow’ which, of course, means current sports cars including the timeless DB9 Coupe and luxurious new Rapide S.

Commenting on the brand’s extensive involvement in this year’s Revival, Aston Martin UK Marketing Manager Leighton King said: “The Goodwood Revival is always a great occasion and a real highlight of the UK motoring calendar. It seems entirely fitting, therefore, that Aston Martin plays such a significant part in this year’s Revival in this, our centenary year.”

Goodwood Revival founder the Earl of March says: "I am really delighted that Aston Martin is supporting the Goodwood Revival so enthusiastically, especially in this, its Centenary year.  Some very important moments in Aston Martin's long and glorious history have taken place at Goodwood, including the marque taking the 1959 World Sportscar Championship in a hard-fought race in the DBR1 here.  I am looking forward to seeing so many beautiful road and race Aston Martins here over the 2013 Goodwood Revival weekend."