Ducati celebrates the full year with sales climbing over and above 2015 in there 90th year.

• 55,451 Ducati motorcycles delivered to customers
• Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati Motor Holding: “The pattern of constant company growth seen these last seven years continues”
• Andrea Buzzoni, Global Sales and Marketing Director Ducati: “Results on the Italian market were outstanding, with 20% growth”

Ducati Motor Holding enjoyed further growth in 2016, delivering 55,451 motorcycles to customers all over the world: that's an increase of 1.2% compared to 2015 (54,809 bikes).

“Ending the year of our 90th anniversary with yet another record is a source of immense pride and satisfaction”, commented Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati Motor Holding. “2016 was the seventh consecutive growth year for Ducati, clearly confirming the soundness of the Bologna-based group's strategy and skills.”

This highly encouraging result also stemmed from the addition of new motorcycles to the 2016 Ducati  range: for example, sales of bikes in the Multistrada family were up by 16% compared to 2015.

The renewed Hypermotard family enjoyed double-digit growth (+15%), while the new Ducati XDiavel received an equally warm welcome on the market, with sales topping 5,200.

Moreover, during its second year on international markets, the Ducati Scrambler brand extended its worldwide success: over 15,500 bikes were delivered, a result achieved thanks also to the introduction of the new Scrambler Sixty2.

“In addition to a new sales record, 2016 saw consolidation of the considerable increase in volumes achieved in 2015, thanks also to the introduction of the Scrambler brand. This growth demonstrates the strength of both range and brand and, above all, the solid performance of the global sales network”, comments Andrea Buzzoni, Global Sales and Marketing Director of Ducati Motor Holding. “Results on the Italian market have been significant. Thanks to 20% growth in 2016 - and an excellent 84% over the two-year period 2015/2016 - Italy is again the second most important market, after the USA and ahead of Germany.”

The USA retained its position as Ducati's biggest market, with customers receiving a total of 8,787 new bikes. On European markets, Ducati repeated the excellent progress of the previous year, with Italy (+20%) , Spain (+38%) and Germany (+8%) doing especially well.

Beyond Europe, outstanding brand performance was also achieved in China, where Ducati more than doubled its year-on-year sales (+120%). In Brazil, bike deliveries increased by 36%, and in Argentina by a staggering 219%.

And, as 2016 comes to such a satisfying end, the seven new models presented for 2017 allow Ducati to look to the future with even greater confidence and optimism.

With the motto “More than Red – Evolution never stops”, the 2017 range is packed with all-new developments. “Red” for passion, performance and racing. "More" for an ever-expanding product range that includes more accessible, differentiated motorcycles and an unprecedented range of services.

For 2017 the Monster family is being refreshed and extended with the arrival of the 1200 and the all-new 797. What's more, already-presented bikes include the new Multistrada 950, Ducati SuperSport and the exclusive 1299 Superleggera.

Ducati Scrambler has launched two new bikes to extend the range of the new Ducati brand: the Café Racer and the Desert Sled.

At this time, Ducati has 1,594 employees, a network of 783 sales and assistance centres and is present in 90 countries.

iStream® Carbon is being shown for the first time at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show.

iStream® Carbon is being shown for the first time at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show and is the chassis technology used for the Yamaha 'Sports Ride Concept' sports car project.

The 'Sports Ride Concept' is an in house Yamaha concept design based on an iStream® Carbon chassis developed at Gordon Murray Design working with the Yamaha team.

iStream® Carbon is the world's first affordable high volume carbon fibre chassis structure bringing Formula One materials and technology within reach of the everyday motorist.

iStream® Carbon sets new standards in the Automotive industry for chassis light weighting, rigidity and safety.

iStream® Carbon is derived directly from Gordon Murray Design's highly successful iStream® Manufacturing System.

iStream® offers manufacturers:

• A lightweight chassis system without the cost increases associated with all current light weighting technologies.
• A large reduction in capital investment.
• A significant reduction in manufacturing energy.
• New levels of product flexibility from a single platform.
• New levels of chassis rigidity and durability and corrosion resistance.
• New levels of safety.

The new system replaces the glass content in iStream® with carbon fibre which offers even more performance for lightweight and rigidity.  Gordon Murray Design Limited has been developing iStream® Carbon for the last 2 years with partners Toray Industries, Innovate UK and ELG, and the process is now fully industrialised.

Unlike any other carbon fibre chassis technology, iStream® Carbon is a fully mechanised system with a cycle time of just 100 seconds.  iStream® Carbon is true Formula One racing technology utilising two carbon skins sandwiching a honeycomb core, unlike many expensive handmade supercars which employ monolithic  (single skin carbon panels). 

The low cost investment and piece part cost of iStream® Carbon components will enable it to be used in sub premium market segments.

iStream® and iStream® Carbon can cater with annual production volumes between 1,000 and 350,000 units per year at a cycle time of 100 seconds and can reduce capital investment by up to 80% reducing manufacturing energy by up to 60% whilst offering new levels of rigidity, corrosion resistance, safety, durability and low cost light weighting.

iStream® and iStream® Carbon represent a major step change in automotive manufacturing.

Gordon Murray Design Chairman - Professor Gordon Murray said:

"Light weighting is the final frontier in the automotive industry fight to lower emissions. There have been great strides forward in engine design, electrical control systems, tyre design and transmission technology, but we are now experiencing a plateau in the advance of technology where the law of diminishing returns comes into play.  

A step change in vehicle weight to enable downsizing of powertrain and components is all we have left in the armoury.  Light weighting is important for internal combustion engined cars, but even more important for hybrids and electric vehicles.  iStream® and iStream® Carbon is that step change and is the world's first affordable, high volume bonded composite structure which sets new standards of safety, rigidity and durability.  

iStream® delivers performance through lightweight.  iStream® Carbon does not replace our existing iStream® manufacturing process, it sits alongside our standard system to open up more market segments for us.  We are currently working on 7 vehicles using our original iStream® technology”.

AUTOMOTIVE STRUCTURAL COMPOSITES

Gordon Murray Design have a history of innovation in structural composites.

Timeline

1974    The first composite rear wing Brabham BT44.

1976    The first use of carbon brakes on a car - Brabham BT45.

1978    The first use of carbon panels in a racing car - Brabham BT49.

1982    The first composite roll over system - Brabham BT52.

1992    The world's first all carbon road car - McLaren F.1.

1992    The first carbon clutch in a road car - McLaren F.1.

1999    The formation of a concept to use Formula One composites technology in high volume at low cost.

2003    The first productionised carbon manufacturing system in low volume - Mercedes McLaren SLR.

2008    The setting up of Gordon Murray Design Limited to develop the iStream® manufacturing system.

2010    The first iStream® vehicle shown - GMD T.25.

2011    The first iStream® electric vehicle shown - GMD T.27.

2013    The first customer iStream® vehicle shown at the Tokyo Motor Show - Yamaha MOTIV.e.

2015    The announcement of the first production customer to use iStream® - TVR.

2015    The showing of a customer sports car at the Tokyo Motor Show - Yamaha 'Sports Ride Concept'.

2015    The announcement of iStream® Carbon.

Aston Martin looks to the Future at Paris, and what a future they could have.

In a year that has witnessed unprecedented investment in its business, along with the appointment of new CEO Andy Palmer, Aston Martin is now turning its attention to the glamour and excitement of the Paris Motor Show which opens to the public on Saturday, 4 October.

The luxury British sports car company will be, once again, commanding attention with a European show debut for the exceptional new V12 Vantage S Roadster alongside the public unveiling of the highly desirable new Vanquish Coupe Carbon Black special edition.

Palmer began his tenure at the head of the iconic marque on Wednesday 1 October by addressing the workforce at Aston Martin’s global headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire before heading to Paris. He described joining Aston Martin as a decision of both the head and the heart. He said: “Aston Martin is an iconic brand with tremendous global recognition and potential. The company is at a significant point in its development. Building on our contemporary and relevant product line, we will work hard to extend the company’s global presence while preserving its British heritage and craftsmanship.”

Fresh from the global media launch of the new 15MY Vanquish and Rapide S – which have been roundly praised for their combination of breath-taking performance, head-turning style and effortless luxury – Aston Martin arrives in Paris with a show stand that’s sure to be a favourite among the expected 1.2 million-plus visitors to the event who will make it the world’s largest tier one motor show by attendance.

V12 Vantage S Roadster

Available now, the V12 Vantage S Roadster is Aston Martin’s most potent, quickest and fastest-accelerating series production convertible yet.

Delivering the most engaging open-top experience in the current range, the V12 Vantage S Roadster offers sporting agility underpinned by an enviable ‘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).

The car on show in Paris showcases not only these exceptional engineering achievements, but also a number of bespoke styling additions by the brand’s blossoming personalisation programme: Q by Aston Martin.

An expertly tailored Diavolo Red exterior paint colour gives way to an interior that includes a full carbon fibre centre stack, exquisite saddle leather detailing and the now synonymous Q by Aston Martin badges. 

Vanquish Coupe Carbon Black special edition

Offering Aston Martin’s desirable Carbon Black, or Carbon White, special edition treatment to the Vanquish – the brand’s ultimate GT – creates a sports car with a powerful road presence to match its 200 mph-plus performance.

The Carbon Black special edition to be unveiled in Paris perfectly accentuates the Super GT nature of Vanquish through a strong dark theme, underpinned by a unique combination of lightweight carbon fibre as standard.  The contemporary Carbon White special edition, meanwhile, also creates a dramatic visual appeal, contrasting the carbon fibre and dark elements against eye-catching Stratus White paint.

Striking new features available as standard for both Carbon Black and Carbon White editions include black window surrounds and ten-spoke gloss black non diamond turned alloy wheels. Inside, the theme continues with a choice of accent colours and materials that showcase a combination of standard carbon fibre features and black hardware.

Other eye-catching models sharing the limelight in Paris include the sporty V8 Vantage N430 and luxurious Rapide S four-door sports car, the latter also featuring more elegant additions via Q by Aston Martin. 

The arrival of new cars such as the V12 Vantage S Roadster, special edition models and 15MY Vanquish and Rapide S comes as the £500m product investment programme announced earlier in the year – Aston Martin’s largest new car development spend in its 101-year history – gets into its stride.

Welcoming the bold showing in the French capital Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer added: “A busy show stand at Paris typifies the strength and optimism to be found throughout the Aston Martin business worldwide.

“The news of major investment, key technical alliances, new sports cars and the growing desire for more Q by Aston Martin personalisation gives everyone associated with the great British brand both deep pride in the present and real confidence for the future.”

Aston Martin is located in Pavilion 1, stand 520, at the Paris Motor Show, which is open to the public from Saturday 4 October to Sunday 19 October.

Aston Martin reveals Vanquish Carbon special editions.

Hot on the heels of the successful introduction of the sought-after new 15 Model Year Vanquish, Aston Martin is revealing two new special edition versions of its ultimate GT: The Vanquish Carbon Black and Carbon White.

Offering Aston Martin’s desirable Carbon Black, or Carbon White, special edition treatment to the Vanquish Coupe or Volante creates a sports car with a powerful road presence to match its 200 mph-plus performance.

A Carbon Black special edition will be one of the stars of the Aston Martin stand at the forthcoming Paris Motor Show and the car on display perfectly accentuates the Super GT nature of Vanquish through a strong dark theme, underpinned by a unique combination of lightweight carbon fibre as standard. 

The contemporary Carbon White special edition, meanwhile, also creates a dramatic visual appeal, contrasting the carbon fibre and dark elements against eye-catching Stratus White paint.

Striking new features available as standard for both Carbon Black and Carbon White editions include black window surrounds and ten-spoke gloss black alloy wheels. Inside, the theme continues with a choice of accent colours and materials that showcase a combination of standard carbon fibre features and black hardware.

However the key to these monochrome special editions is the ability to add highlights of colour; through an accent brake caliper, or an accent stitch or welt, giving the customer the freedom to decide how much accent colour to use.

Eye-catching features distinguishing the Carbon editions from their standard Vanquish siblings include an exposed carbon fibre roof panel (coupe only), carbon fibre side strakes and carbon fibre mirror caps and arms. Meanwhile a machined carbon fibre ‘wings’ badge is available for the first time as an option on the special edition cars.

Some of the distinguishing features inside the Carbon special editions include machined carbon fibre sill plaques with Carbon Black or Carbon White logos; a herringbone Carbon fibre facia; black anodised centre stack rotaries; Obsidian Black leather with optional contrast stitching in accent colours and black gearshift paddles with accent coloured leather tips.

Aston Martin Design Director Marek Reichman said: “I’m sure the Vanquish Carbon special edition models will generate a huge amount of interest, and desire, among existing and prospective Aston Martin customers.

“The emphasis on predominantly monochrome design, with subtle accent colours, and the relatively extensive use of exposed carbon fibre perfectly showcases the authenticity and purity of Aston Martin design and engineering.”

Vanquish Carbon Black or Carbon White special edition models are available to order now via Aston Martin dealers in most major markets worldwide.

The new Ducati Diavel makes a huge first impression.

Ducati's latest Diavel introduces many new features to the highly awarded sport cruiser, including a new engine and exhaust system and styling refinements that combine the model's muscular and assertive look with an elegance and sophistication now synonymous with the premium Italian brand. The new Diavel now makes a bold statement and strengthens Ducati's Performance Redefined mantra by using latest technologies to produce super-smooth performance with enhanced comfort and usability.

Custom shop beauty, state-of-the-art technology, innovative design and extraordinary riding pleasure remain masterfully blended into the Diavel, a motorcycle that has firmly set a benchmark in the sport cruiser segment, just reward for the innovative designers and engineers that created it.

Built to have a commanding presence, though lightweight and agile like all Ducatis, the Diavel takes the man-motorcycle relationship to another level in absolute comfort. For connoisseurs of technology, the latest generation Testastretta 11° Dual Spark engine combines with full LED illumination, ABS, Ducati Traction Control and Ducati Riding Modes to deliver a confidence-inspiring superiority, while new styling, 162hp and 205kg* (452lb) of pure Ducati drives a comfortable sport lifestyle previously only dreamt of.

Merging the worlds of power and style is now achieved with convincing precision. A specially engineered 240 section rear tyre combined with Ducati chassis technology serves up mind-blowing handling and lean angles which defy the laws of physics, whether carving through curves on your favourite road or simply cruising the boulevards.

With its laid-back street ergonomics, blistering performance and commanding style, the new Diavel now rolls out dressed in stylish Dark Stealth livery, a black trellis frame and black wheels. The Diavel Carbon offers the choice of traditional Ducati Red over Matte Carbon with red frame or the stunning new Star White over Matte Carbon with white frame, both with black, forged wheels by Marchesini, turned and milled to expose the natural aluminium.

*Diavel Carbon version

2015 Diavel new features overview

All Diavel models

• New Testastretta 11° DS engine
• New exhausts system
• Full LED illumination
• New headlamp cover and mounting
• New bar-risers
• New radiator covers
• New seat
• New fuel gauge and side-stand TFT instrumentation icons

Diavel

• Body: Dark Stealth
• Frame: Black
• Wheels: Black
• Silencers: Black

Diavel Carbon

• Colour 1:
  • Body: "red carbon" (gloss red over matte carbon weave)
  • Frame: Ducati red
• Colour 2:
  • Body: Star White (white over matte carbon weave)
  • Frame: Ducati white
• Wheels: Black. Marchesini, forged, turned and milled to expose the natural aluminium
• Silencers: Stainless-steel silver

UK SRP Prices: 

Diavel - £13,995

Diavel Carbon - £16,995

Available early April