Tag Archives: Aston

Motorsport

Aston Martin DB5 Vantage Amalgam Model Costs $21,995, Limited To 199 Units

The Amalgam Collection has unveiled a 1:8 scale model of the renowned Aston Martin DB5 Vantage. This limited-edition model is meticulously detailed, thanks to Amalgam’s close partnership with Aston Martin, which provides them with essential information about the car.

The DB5 Vantage by Amalgam is available in two versions: Bespoke and Limited Edition. Both options come with a high cost, with the limited-edition model priced at $21,995. The bespoke version, tailored to the owner’s specific requirements, is even more expensive at $28,595.


Car review

Aston Martin DB12

Aston Martin chairman Lawrence Stroll’s comment calling the DB11 “slow” seems to have been taken to heart by the engineers. The result is the DB12, a brutally fast car that leans more towards the DBS in terms of speed. The response is almost instantaneous at any speed, and the eight-speed automatic transmission matches the engine perfectly, giving it a super tourer positioning. The gearshifts are crisp and precise, although not as savage as a dual-clutch auto. The engine sounds epic, but not as deafening as Aston’s V12.

We got the chance to drive the DB12 on two fantastic roads in France: the Route Napoléon and the Col de Vence. The former is filled with hairpin turns and second-gear corners, while the latter has faster third-gear turns. The DB12 handles better on the Col de Vence, providing superb body control, stable handling, and plenty of grip. It feels stiffer than the 7% improvement figure suggests, making it an exhilarating sports car in higher-speed corners. You can’t help but crave the next corner as soon as you’ve finished one. However, the DB12 can feel a bit frustrated at lower speeds, with its size becoming apparent and the diff and transmission calibration not quite delivering the same thrills in slower-speed corners. There is definitely room for the more agile Vantage below the DB12, even considering its more sporting positioning.

One of the most transformative aspects of the DB12 is its ride comfort, particularly noticeable around town. Aston wasn’t exaggerating when they said the dampers’ ability had increased. Although you do need to be careful with how you position the car, the low-speed refinement and comfort make you forget you’re driving such a sporty and powerful vehicle. It’s not intimidating at all. While our test route didn’t include many motorway miles, the DB12 seemed impressively comfortable on longer journeys as well.

After a day of driving, however, there were still some control issues that could be improved. Credit to Aston for not relying solely on the touchscreen, but the mix of physical and digital controls gives it a first-generation layout feel. More refinements in usability are planned, with seven more front-engined sports cars, including derivatives, set to follow the DB12 in the next two years. Nevertheless, the perceived quality, technology, and comfort of the DB12 have seen significant improvements, successfully addressing the biggest shortcoming of the DB11.

News

Aston Martin Chairman Lawrence Stroll Believes He Should Be Knighted for Saving the Company

Lawrence Stroll, the executive chairman of Aston Martin’s road car business and owner of the Formula 1 team, believes that he deserves to be knighted for his efforts in saving the company and setting it up for future success.

In a media interview before the firm’s capital markets day, Stroll expressed his belief that he should be recognized for his achievements. He stated, “I should be knighted for what I’ve done. I’ve saved thousands of jobs and built a new Formula 1 factory with hundreds of millions of investment.”

Stroll emphasized the significant investment he has made in Aston Martin, which amounts to around £1.5 billion. He described it as a huge show of his belief in the company and its future success.

Setting Aston Martin up for long-term success has been a challenging task that typically takes between five and 10 years for industrial companies. However, Stroll believes that achieving this feat within just three years demonstrates his determination and commitment.

Despite negative media coverage affecting Aston Martin’s performance, Stroll remains confident in the brand’s future. He believes that external perception still carries a sense of negativity due to the impact of the company’s IPO, but he emphasizes that the current management team has made significant progress over the past three years and is focused on future endeavors.

Stroll draws attention to the evidence of Aston Martin’s success in the form of increased car prices and improved margins. The average sale price of an Aston is expected to rise from £157,000 in 2020 to £223,000 in 2023, with a margin goal of 40% for future cars.

Under Stroll’s leadership, Aston Martin has already introduced the Aston Martin DB12 and has plans for the Vantage and DBS replacements, the Valhalla mid-engined supercar in 2024, and the company’s first EV in 2025. The partnership with Lucid will provide crucial motor and battery cell technology for Aston’s upcoming electric vehicles.

News

Update: Aston Martin partners with Lucid for 2025 electric SUV

Aston Martin has announced a partnership with Lucid to develop their 2025 electric SUV. As part of the agreement, Aston Martin will have access to Lucid’s electric drive units. These units integrate the motor, invertor, and transmission and boast a power density of 9hp per kg. This is more than double Tesla’s power density and eight times that of Hyundai’s motors. Additionally, Lucid is working on motors for racing that have an impressive 17hp per kg.

Aston Martin’s electric cars will utilize four motors, potentially reaching power outputs of up to 1500bhp. Lucid CEO and Chief Technology Officer, Peter Rawlinson, highlighted the difference in their approach: “Aston will use four motors, we’re three. Aston Martin is taking it to the next level.” Aston Martin’s four motor technology will feature a twin-motor front axle that will be unique to their vehicles.

Lucid will also supply battery cells and modules, which Aston Martin will incorporate into a battery pack of their own design. All components will be manufactured at Lucid’s factory in Arizona and then shipped to the UK.

Rawlinson noted that the technology is derived from Lucid’s Air model but with significant software changes. The main differences lie in thermal integration and battery layout. Aston Martin’s technical chief, Roberto Fedeli, aims to have the first electric Aston drivetrain operational on a test bench by the end of the year and a prototype running on the roads by early 2024.

The powertrain will be installed in a “fully flexible BEV platform, modular in height and wheelbase” that is designed to endure until the 2030s, according to Fedeli. This platform will allow Aston Martin to create a sports car that is 2cm lower than their current Aston Martin Vantage, thanks to the compact size and design of Lucid’s cells. Fedeli emphasized the importance of maintaining Aston Martin’s tradition of producing low, sports cars.

However, Aston Martin’s first electric vehicle will not be a sports car but an electric SUV crossover, as hinted in a teaser sketch released alongside the news about the partnership with Lucid. It is expected that an electric GT model will follow by 2030, but for now, the focus is on the SUV crossover.

Motorsport

Aston Martin Partners with Lucid for High-Performance EVs

Aston Martin is teaming up with Lucid to catch up in the electric vehicle (EV) market. The British automaker plans to use Lucid’s expertise and technology on a new dedicated platform for various future models, including sports cars, grand tourers, SUVs, and even a hypercar. The first EV is expected to launch in 2025.

This partnership between Aston Martin and Lucid involves a long-term deal wherein Aston Martin will utilize specific powertrain and battery components for a family of high-performance EVs. This collaboration is part of Aston Martin’s broader sustainability strategy called “Racing. Green.” Over the next five years, Aston Martin will invest over £2 billion ($2.54 billion) to support this strategy. The goal is for all Aston Martin vehicles to offer an electrified powertrain option by 2026, with the core models transitioning to pure EVs by the end of the decade.


Featured

2023 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Review: A Fascinating Combination of Beauty and Power

The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera has been a subject of fascination ever since its photos were first released in 2018. Its perfectly proportioned design, combining sportiness and elegance, continues to captivate car enthusiasts even after five years. Priced at $406,086, it is undeniably a stunning object of obsession that one might sometimes prefer to admire rather than drive.

One of the key attractions of the DBS Superleggera is its powerful 715-horsepower twin-turbocharged engine, which delivers supercar-level performance. Despite its impressive power, this grand tourer remains smooth and refined, making it ideal for long drives. Additionally, its rear axle provides a playful and surprisingly aggressive handling experience, surprising for a car of its size.

However, over the past five years, the interior of the DBS Superleggera has not aged well. While it boasts excellent materials, its outdated technology lags behind its competitors from Ferrari and Bentley. This raises the question of whether the combination of beauty and power is enough to justify its $406,086 price tag.

The exterior styling of the DBS Superleggera is a matter of personal preference, but its proportions are undeniably masterful. With a long hood, rear-biased seating position, and flowing roofline, it exudes an air of luxury and elegance. The carbon-fiber body panels, including the roof, clamshell-style hood, splitter, and rear spoiler, not only reduce weight but also enhance the sporty look of the car.

While its aerodynamic features, such as the air exits behind the front wheels and the double-diffuser at the rear, are subtle, they contribute to the distinctive appearance of the DBS Superleggera.

One of the highlights of the DBS Superleggera is its impressive powertrain. With its twin-turbocharged 5.2-liter V12 engine generating 715 hp and 663 lb-ft of torque, it surpasses competitors like the Ferrari Roma and Bentley Continental GT Speed. It achieves a 0-60 mph time of 3.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 211 mph, thanks to an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission.

However, the DBS Superleggera’s driving experience is not as immediate as its competitors. It behaves more like a muscle car, comfortably cruising at low revs and delivering explosive power in straight-line runs. While it can be less responsive in corners due to turbo lag, it compensates by providing an aggressive and thrilling experience when it wakes up.

The DBS Superleggera’s suspension consists of double wishbones at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear, with adaptive dampers. While its curb weight becomes evident in tight bends, it excels on open highways and city streets, providing a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. The cabin is well-insulated, allowing for effortless cruising, and the plush front seats strike a balance between sportiness and comfort.

Inside the DBS Superleggera, the seating position and visibility are well-designed for a driver of average height. The cabin feels spacious, especially with its two small rear seats. The overall design combines black leather, Alcantara, and carbon fiber, creating a luxurious and sporty ambiance. The ergonomics are well-considered, with easy-to-reach controls and column-mounted shift paddles.

However, the interior tech of the DBS Superleggera is outdated, relying on an older Mercedes-Benz COMAND system. Its low-resolution graphics and lack of smartphone integration are disappointing, especially given the car’s high price. Aston Martin has made improvements in this area with the recent release of the DB12, but it will take time for those updates to reach the DBS Superleggera.

Considering the price, the DBS Superleggera offers a thrilling driving experience and a well-appointed cabin. Priced at $406,086, it includes additional features such as a Bang & Olufsen stereo, titanium sport exhaust, and carbon ceramic brakes. While the outdated interior tech may be a deal-breaker for some, the overall personality and charm of the DBS Superleggera make it an appealing choice.

Despite its flaws, the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera remains a highly desirable car. Its timeless beauty and exhilarating performance make it stand out among its competitors. Priced at $406,086, it is undeniably expensive, but for those seeking a captivating and thrilling driving experience, the DBS Superleggera delivers.

Motorsport

Aston Martin DB12 Arrives in North America at Q New York Location

The Aston Martin DB12 has made its official debut in North America, but unfortunately it is not yet available for purchase. The company will begin deliveries of the new GT car later this year. However, you can view it right now at Aston Martin’s new ultra-exclusive location in New York City called Q New York.

Q New York is not just a dealership but is in fact Aston Martin’s “ultra-luxury flagship location” for those customers who want to create their dream car using the company’s bespoke service called Q by Aston Martin. Its location on Park Avenue in Manhattan places it in the heart of New York’s luxury row, making it a perfect spot for special events, product launches, and even an overnight hotel for Aston Martin’s most distinguished customers.


Motorsport

Aston Martin Needs Mercedes Engine Deal to Stay Afloat

Aston Martin Lagonda’s success has relied heavily on its collaboration with Mercedes. In addition to being a key technical partner, Mercedes also holds a significant share in the company and has expressed interest in increasing its stake to 20% by 2023. According to Roberto Fedeli, the Chief Technical Officer at Gaydon, Aston Martin would be in trouble without Mercedes’ support, particularly when it comes to complying with the stringent Euro 7 emissions regulations.

But working with Mercedes goes beyond just providing engines for Aston Martin. The collaboration also includes using Mercedes’ electrical architecture as the base for integration of new components, such as in the upcoming DB12 model.