Aston Martin Rapide film【Video】

Aston Martin has just launched a new marketing stunt for its four door Rapide. the new four-door Rapide is not likely to get a decent role in an upcoming Bond film. So Aston rolled up sleeves and got busy making their own film!

Shot in Lisbon, Portugal, the films follow a group of agents as they attempt to deliver a precious object, time, to a mystery figure. The ethos of the film is said to be based on one of life’s quandaries: the more success you had, the less time you had to share it with the people who mattered.

The film – Aston Martin’s attempt to bring the Rapide into the modern world of social media – aims to highlight one of life’s conundrums: the more success you have, the less time you have to share it with the people who matter.

The film series is still an advertisement for the 2011 Rapide, doing its best to show off the model's unique ‘swan wing' doors. The Rapide comes with a 6.0-liter V12 engine producing 470 bhp (477 PS / 350 kW) and 600 Nm (443 lb-ft) of torque coupled to a six-speed Touchtronic 2 gearbox. It does the 0-60 mph sprint in 5.1 seconds (0-100 km/h in 5.3 seconds) and top speed is 188 mph (303 km/h).





Press Release

True Power Should be Shared: Aston Martin Rapide

• Series of innovative films to showcase the marque's elegant four door sports car; Rapide into 2011

• Positions Aston Martin on a global level with first digitally-focused campaign

• Film to be launched at www.astonmartin.com/rapide in January, 2011

Gaydon, 12 January, 2011 - Aston Martin is to launch of a series of innovative new films designed to showcase the marque's four-door Rapide. The newly released films see the Warwickshire-based sports car manufacturer take a bold step into a digitally advanced platform for Rapide in 2011.

Aston Martin's first foray into the digital campaign medium, extends from utilising an all ready established social media presence on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, to reach the company's fan and customer base which now spans some 39 countries.

Shot in Lisbon, Portugal, the films follow a group of agents as they attempt to deliver a precious object, time, to a mystery figure. The ethos of the film is said to be based on one of life's quandaries: the more success you had, the less time you had to share it with the people who mattered.

Film Director, Donnie Masters from Serious Pictures said; "We wanted to deliver a subtle but clever piece of branded entertainment. Something that mirrors the thrill of the drive. Intelligent, dramatic yet very exciting. It's an action-packed Aston Martin story in three parts, designed to entertain our audience. We're not hard selling, we're showcasing. After all it is the thinking man's (and woman's) performance car."

This exciting online campaign features a number of Aston Martin's carefully chosen preferred partners, who all share the marque's dedication to luxury, quality and exclusivity.

As the marque's first production four-door sports car, Rapide encapsulates core values of Power, Beauty and Soul; four ‘swan wing' doors provide access to cosseting sports seats both front and rear bestowing occupants with ample accommodation. A 317 litre luggage compartment affords generous space for belongings for all four passengers, creating an Aston Martin which can be enjoyed on any occasion, anytime, anywhere.

The first instalment of ‘True Power' officially launches on the 12th January, at www.astonmartin.com/rapide

2011 Aston Martin launches Cygnet special editions

Aston Martin has confirmed the full spec of its Cygnet and announced a pair of launch edition models to commemorate the start of production of the Toyota iQ-based city car at its Gaydon HQ.

Cygnet Launch Edition White, to give its full name is finished in ‘Snow White’ paint with a mix of silver mesh, chrome trim and alloy wheels. The cabin features satin chrome and Pearl white leather seats with alcantara inserts.

The Black model has ‘Magic Black’ metallic paint with a deep sea green effect, matt black bonnet vents and chrome trim. The seats are trimmed in black leather with a diamond pattern and other trim pieces are in dark chrome.

The exterior is reworked, with a distinctive Aston-style grille and lights; along with redesigned body panels - there's certainly no mistaking this car for a Toyota.

Inside, both the cars are equipped with Garmin Nuvi satnav systems; integrated stereo with 3.5mm jack input and steering-wheel mounted stereo controls. The Cygnet's not for everyone, but it's certainly the most luxurious compact car we've ever seen.

The two editions will be offered with either standard manual or optional CVT automated transmission and each will be produced for a strictly limited time. For the interior they will get a choice of unique materials and colors. Also both of them will be offered with a bespoke Bill Amberg five-piece luggage set that includes glove box bag, removable door pocket bag, holdall, garment bag and a collapsible tote bag.




Press Release

Aston Martin Cygnet Launch Editions; White and Black

• Aston Martin confirms launch details for new Cygnet city car
• Two special launch editions to commence production of city car at company's Gaydon headquarters in the UK
• An Aston Martin Tailor-Fit solution for the city offering luxury and individuality

Gaydon, 20 January 2011: Aston Martin announces the arrival of the ultimate city car, a Tailor-Fit solution for urban driving in the contemporary metropolis, with two strictly limited Cygnet launch editions.

To celebrate the commencement of production, the new Aston Martin Cygnet will be available in two special launch edition models, each exemplifying the highly bespoke nature of this unique car. The two Cygnet Launch Edition models; White and Black, are available with either standard manual or optional CVT automated transmission and each will be produced for a strictly limited time.

Cygnet is a bespoke luxury commuter car, designed to take you into the heart of the city, with ultra-compact packaging and low-emission engine technology. These efficiencies are paired with the manufacturing and craft skill that is closely associated with Aston Martin.

Craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail characterise each Cygnet, and the extremely high levels of interior finish are exemplified by the choice of materials and colours on these two unique models.

Cygnet Launch Edition White brings together a serene exterior; finished in Snow White paint with a mix of silver mesh, chrome brightwork and White Diamond turned alloy wheels. The interior of the White edition features seats hand trimmed in Pearl white leather with perforated Alcantara inserts, complemented by satin chrome. On the exterior, Aston Martin's attention to detail is exemplified with the iconic wings badge appearing in matching white.

In contrast, Cygnet Launch Edition Black features Magic Black metallic paint with a specially developed deep sea green effect, offset by matt black louvers and chrome brightwork. Inside, the seats and dash are finished in pure black full grain leather, perforated in a specially-developed diamond pattern. Dark chrome accents adorn the cabin, while the wings badges are rendered in black throughout.

Both Cygnet Launch Editions also come with a bespoke Bill Amberg five-piece luggage set, especially designed for and tailored to Cygnet. Available in a contemporary combination of black leather with technical fabric, the set comprises glove box bag, removable door pocket bag, holdall, garment bag and a collapsible tote bag.

Cygnet Background

Cygnet has generated a huge level of interest amongst both existing Aston Martin owners and customers new to the brand. High tech, compact and built to the same exacting standards and levels as Aston Martin's acclaimed range of sports cars, Cygnet has already become the perfect addition to a V8 Vantage, DB9, Rapide, DBS or the forthcoming One-77 as the ultimate means of metropolitan transport.

Cygnet benefits from highly sophisticated active and passive safety technology to protect driver, passengers and pedestrians, with a range of breakthrough features rarely seen in small cars. Cygnet delivers everything the city driver needs, from essential equipment like ABS, nine airbags, stability control, electronic brake assist and retractable door mirrors to a luxurious interior specification, including keyless entry and start, heated seats, and satellite navigation, all packed into a car that is just three metres long.

Despite its compact but neatly-proportioned form, Cygnet is clearly recognisable as an
Aston Martin. The marque's characteristic design language, including signature details such as the metal grille, elongated side strake and inverted rear lights, establish a distinguished, solid form with strong road presence.

Cygnet is the eighth major production car Aston Martin has introduced at its state-of-the art Gaydon facility since 2004, and is assembled in a new dedicated facility by the same skilled local workforce of technicians and craftspeople that create Aston Martin's award-winning range of sports cars. Cygnet demonstrates Aston Martin's ongoing commitment to British manufacturing, supported by a strong local supplier network providing the finest materials and components. As a result, Cygnet's build quality matches its discrete styling, the richly detailed interior and exterior forming a visual and tactile delight.

The Aston Martin Cygnet is a car without compromise, as dedicated to urban functionalism as its sporting siblings are to driver involvement, dynamics and long-distance comfort. With space for up to four adults, Cygnet is light, compact, safe, efficient and highly manoeuvrable.

Launch Edition White and Launch Edition Black epitomise Cygnet's qualities; craft and skill in a luxurious but compact package, with heart, soul and personality Tailor-Fit for the modern city.

Cygnet production commences in April 2011 and is initially on sale now through
Aston Martin's European dealership network, with the company actively working on expanding market availability by 2012. Prices start from £30,995

2011 Aston Martin AMR-One

Aston Martin Racing has announced its plans for the new season including the unveiling of a new ground-up developed LMP1 race car, the AMR-One, as well as confirming the driver line-up and planned race programme.

The AMR-One is powered by a turbocharged and direct-injected inline-six gas engine resting in a carbon fiber monocoque open-top chassis. The Aston’s tiny 2.0-liter mill was developed with LeMans Cup’s new efficiency regulations in mind.

The six-cylinder engine setup is an interesting one as we just reported last week that Aston Martin was looking at reintroducing a new six-cylinder engine, also with direct injection and turbocharging technology but with a displacement of 2.5-liters in its production cars. So perhaps some variation of this racing engine will eventually turn up in one of Aston Martin’s bespoke road cars.

The suspension is double wishbones all round with pushrod Koni dampers, the carbon brakes are by Brembo (six-pot calipers all round, with 380mm front and 355mm rear discs), and the 18in Michelin tyres wrap forged magnesium wheels. All in, the AMR-One tips the scales at the ACO-mandated minimum of 900kg.

The driver lineup which will take on this year's 24 Hours of LeMans includes Darren Turner (GB) and Stefan Mücke (D) in car 007 and Adrian Fernandez (MX), Andy Meyrick (GB) and Harold Primat (CH) in charge of 009.




Press Release

Aston Martin Racing launches new AMR-One Race Car

• New Aston Martin LMP1 race-car developed from ground up named AMR-One
• Bespoke, in-line six cylinder, direct injection, intercooled, turbocharged petrol engine
• Carbon fibre monocoque open top chassis
• Driver line up:
• 007 Darren Turner (GB), Stefan Mücke (D) , TBC
• 009 Adrian Fernandez (MX), Andy Meyrick (GB) and Harold Primat (CH)

Aston Martin Racing announces today its plans for the new season including the unveiling of a new ground-up developed LMP1 race car, the AMR-One, as well as confirming the driver line-up and planned race programme.

The Gulf Oil International sponsored and liveried Aston Martin AMR-One is a new open-top LMP1 race car featuring a 2.0 litre turbocharged six cylinder direct injection petrol engine which has been developed for a new bespoke carbon fibre chassis designed and manufactured by Aston Martin Racing.

Based on the new regulations for 2011 instigated by the Le Mans governing body; the ACO, Aston Martin Racing has chosen to change tack this year in designing an open cockpit car. In line with the new 2011 rules, the AMR-One features the new blade-fin and has a significantly down-sized engine in keeping with the championship's efficiency focused regulations. Power is fed to the rear wheels via a six-speed transverse semi automatic pneumatic shift, Xtrac racing gearbox.

A total of six AMR-Ones will be built, with the factory team running one car in the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup (ILMC) which includes the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans and two cars at selected events. The AMR-One is linked to Aston Martin's ultimate design and engineering showcase; the road going One-77; both of which share similar philosophies featuring carbon fibre monocoques. Aston Martin's in-house design team worked closely with the engineers at Aston Martin Racing to find the optimum balance between aesthetics and aerodynamics.

Aston Martin Chief Executive, Dr. Ulrich Bez said: "Aston Martin's heritage is deeply rooted in endurance sports car racing, so in 2011, we take the next step demonstrating that a small team using advanced design and engineering intelligence will be agile and competitive."

The driver line up for 2011 will consist of Darren Turner (GB) Stefan Mücke (D) and another driver yet to be announced, who will join the team piloting the 007 car. Adrian Fernandez (MX), Andy Meyrick (GB) and Harold Primat (CH) will be teaming up to drive the 009 car.

Aston Martin Racing Chairman, David Richards said: "George and the team have been extremely busy over the winter months and they have been working day and night to produce what is not only a stunningly beautiful race car but one which will use the new ACO regulations to best effect.
"Just like the road cars, the AMR-One has been elegantly engineered where simplicity runs throughout to produce what we expect to be a competitive and reliable endurance racer."

Team Principal George Howard-Chappell said: "We have chosen to run with a six cylinder turbocharged engine because we believe this offers the best potential within the petrol engine regulations. With the ACO's commitment to effectively balance the performance of petrol and diesel Le Mans entrants - our hopes are high that we'll see the closest racing yet in the premiere LMP1 category.

It is expected that Aston Martin Racing will contend selected races in the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup with rounds in the United States (Petit Le Mans), Belgium (Spa), France (Le Mans), Italy (Imola), England (Silverstone) and China (TBC) and make its debut at Paul Ricard on the 1-3 April 2011.

The AMR-One is expected to test for the first time in early March.

2011 Aston Martin Vantage GT4

Aston Martin has releases today details on a new Vantage GT4 for 2011. which comes into the 2011 race year with several important updates. The new V-8 engined racing car takes design inspiration from Aston Martin’s V12 Vantage road car, giving it enhanced aerodynamics and increased downforce. It also has a remapped 4.7-liter engine offering increased levels of power and torque.

The 2011 Aston Martin Vantage GT4 continues to be based on the V8 Vantage road car, including its aluminum chassis, base engine and suspension design. In addition, the 2011 Aston Martin Vantage GT4 comes with race-developed Bosch ABS and traction control system.

The 2011 Aston Martin Vantage GT4 will be eligible to compete in the European GT4 Cup and all other series with a GT4 class, and as far as pricing, no details have been specified yet. 




Press Release

Gaydon, 25 November 2010. Aston Martin Racing has launched a new Vantage GT4 for 2011. The new V8 engined racing car takes design inspiration from Aston Martin’s V12 Vantage road car, giving it enhancedaerodynamics and increased downforce. It also has a remapped 4.7 litre engine offering increased levels of power and torque.

As with the current 4.7 litre Vantage GT4, which made its race debut in 2009, the 2011 car is closely based on the V8 Vantage road car with key attributes being carried over including the aluminium chassis, base engine and suspension design. In addition to the engine and aero upgrades, competitors can, for the first time, choose a race-developed Bosch ABS and traction control system. This system has been specifically optimised by Bosch Motorsport for the Vantage GT4 to provide race-enhanced performance in both wet and dry conditions.

The Vantage GT4’s new splitter increases downforce at the front of the car, as well as channelling cooling air to the brakes and radiator. At the rear, the car gains the V12’s larger boot ‘flip’. This works together with a new carbon fibre diffuser and rear underfloor, which create an area of low pressure under the rear of the car, to increase downforce. The redesigned underfloor also channels more air through a new rear-mounted high capacity transmission oil cooler.

Aston Martin Racing has built and sold more than 80 Vantage GT4s to customers around the world in the last two years and it has become the most successful car in its class. In 2010, it won the European GT4 Cup as well as the GT4 class at the Dubai 24 Hours, the Nürburgring 24 Hoursand the Spa 24 hours. The car also has its own one-make series, the Aston Martin GT4 Challenge of Great Britain, which was won in its inaugural year by Chris and Ant Scragg. The new Vantage GT4 will be eligible for this Challenge, as well as the European GT4 Cup and all other series with a GT4 class.

Aston Martin Cygnet confirmed for production

Aston Martin confirms that the Cygnet luxury city car -- originally shown as a concept car in March - is to go into production in 2011 at the company's Gaydon headquarters in Warwickshire. the Cygnet is based on the Toyota iQ city car but is given signature styling cues such as the gaping front grille, and alloy wheels, plus a high-luxury interior with details that match the automaker’s supercar range. The luxury city car is scheduled for production with sales to start in 2011, pricing and specification will be announced later this year, but it is likely that the Cygnet will only be sold to existing Aston customers.

The Aston Martin Cygnet will be powered by a 1.3 liter engine delivering a total of 97-hp with a top speed of 105 mph. An electric-only version with a 60-mile range will arrive in 2013.




Press Release

Aston Martin Cygnet Confirmed for ProductionInnovation, Luxury and Individuality

• Aston Martin Cygnet to become a production reality in 2011
• Designed and built at Aston Martin's Gaydon headquarters
• An Aston Martin tailor fit solution for the city offering luxury and individuality

Gaydon, 11 October 2010 - Aston Martin is pleased to confirm that the Cygnet luxury city car - originally shown as a concept car in March - is to go into production in 2011 at the company's Gaydon headquarters in Warwickshire.

The Aston Martin Cygnet is a city car that sets a new benchmark for compact luxury, building upon nearly a century of experience building high performance sports cars, luxurious long-range grand tourers, and extremely competitive racing machines.

Cygnet demonstrates Aston Martin's commitment to innovation and integrity.
"It is time to think differently. Aston Martin is honest and we don't make compromises" says Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez.

"Whatever we do, we do right. If we do performance, we do performance; we don't downsize or compromise our sports cars. The Cygnet needs to satisfy the demands of emissions and space. It is a car without compromise, just like every other Aston Martin.

"Our customers need a small car for urban and city use, and they want the right tools for the right job, to downsize creatively without compromising intelligence, artistry and personality."

Cygnet expresses a simple but fundamental idea: in the modern city, scale equates to speed and freedom. At just three metres long, the Cygnet gives the driver a new dimension of freedom, able to slot into gaps in traffic, exploit the smallest parking spaces, consume the least fuel and emit the lowest emissions, all while delivering exceptional levels of quality and comfort.

"Cygnet is small but luxurious, an Aston Martin tailor fit for the city," says Marek Reichman, Aston Martin's Director of Design. With an almost unlimited palette of materials, colours and textures, each hand-finished Cygnet will be truly unique, a personalised space within the city. "Luxury is not constrained by scale."

Cygnet is a product of Aston Martin's unrivalled experience in craft, technology and design. The future city will present a very different luxury brand landscape, as social change and legislation increases the division between urban and anti-urban product categories. With the Cygnet, Aston Martin will be at the forefront of these changes, ensuring the company's enduring brand image will continue to prosper in new market conditions.

Dr Ulrich Bez continues: "The Cygnet is designed to support our sports cars by providing a greater degree of freedom in the urban context; it is a very special car, a premium but compact package with heart, soul and personality."

The Cygnet, a tailor fit solution for the city, will help drive Aston Martin into the future. "This car is reality; Cygnet is the natural choice for those who want a premium, bespoke commuter car."

Further details on the Aston Martin Cygnet including pricing and specification will be announced later this year. The Cygnet will be the eighth major production car Aston Martin has introduced at its state-of-the art factory since 2004, offering further evidence of the company's ongoing commitment to British manufacturing, backed-up by a dedicated local workforce and supplier network.

Preview: 2011 Aston Martin DB9

Aston Martin is set to start deliveries of its new DB9 model next month after the highly desirable car received its most significant upgrade since its world debut in 2003.

The exterior styling changes of the 2011 Aston Martin DB9
include a new front bumper, bright finish radiator grille and a reshaped lower intake. The can also comes with new headlight bezels and clear rear light lenses, new sills, silver brake calipers, 20-spoke alloy wheels.

There’s a new front bumper and the grill gets a bit of sparkle. The lower intake gets a re-shape and a bit of bright hexagonal mesh and there’s new headlight bexels. The sills get a re-shape, there’s new alloys, silver brake callipers and clear light lenses. And that’s it. As we said – new makeup, not a stretched and manic looking Florida facelift.

The Aston Martin DB9 is available as either Coupe or Volante (convertible) with rear mid-mounted six-speed manual gearbox as standard or optional ‘Touchtronic 2’ six-speed automatic transmission. Production of the revised DB9 is already underway, with deliveries commencing in July. Prices start from £122,445 for the DB9 Coupe and £131,445 for the DB9 Volante.




Press Release

In the most significant programme of upgrades since its world debut in 2003, Aston Martin DB9 range has received a complete package of styling, engineering and equipment enhancements.

As the most successful Aston Martin of all-time (an honour it shares with the V8 Vantage) the DB9 has established itself as the definitive grand tourer, thanks to an enduring combination of understated elegance, sporting character and genuine luxury.

For Dr Ulrich Bez, Aston Martin's Chief Executive, the Aston Martin DB9 remains a very special car: "The DB9 is the quintessential sporting grand tourer and offers an unrivalled combination of driver involvement, character, luxury and refinement. This car combines our unique Aston Martin character with an uncompromised design philosophy, craftsmanship and trademark Aston Martin performance ability."

This new package of improvements compliments these core qualities perfectly. Subtle styling changes freshen the Aston Martin DB9's appearance, with a new front bumper, bright finish radiator grille and a re-shaped lower intake featuring bright hexagonal mesh. New headlight bezels, re-styled sills, silver brake calipers, 20-spoke diamond turned alloy wheels and clear rear light lenses complete the external revisions.

Under the skin the Aston Martin DB9's passive damping system has been replaced by a new Adaptive Damping System (ADS), which offers enhanced ride comfort together with sharper handling when switched to Sport mode. The ADS system is offered as standard equipment across the Aston Martin DB9 range, encompassing both Coupe and Volante (convertible). A new tyre pressure monitoring system, a revised Bluetooth microphone system and the addition of a new Double Apex alloy finish trim and Bang & Olufsen hi-fi options broaden the Aston Martin DB9's specification.

Aston Martin's Product Development Director, Ian Minards, explains that it is all part of an ongoing commitment to continual improvement: "The Aston Martin DB9 was the first car built at Gaydon adopting the VH architecture. It has evolved every year since, with significant changes including a power upgrade and successive reductions in CO2 emissions. The latest package of improvements goes further than ever, highlighting the Aston Martin DB9's qualities as a true sporting GT and underlining its role as the backbone car of our range."

The Aston Martin DB9 is available as either Coupe or Volante (convertible) with rear mid-mounted six-speed manual gearbox as standard or optional 'Touchtronic 2' six-speed automatic transmission. Production of the revised Aston Martin DB9 is already underway, with deliveries commencing in July. Prices start from £122,445 for the Aston Martin DB9 Coupe and £131,445 for the Aston Martin DB9 Volante.

Background

The introduction of the DB9 marked the beginning of Aston Martin's 21st Century renaissance. The first new model to be built at Aston Martin's headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire, and the first to be built around Aston Martin's rigid, lightweight, bonded aluminium VH architecture; the Aston Martin DB9 was an immediate and unparalleled success, setting a new tone for Aston Martins of the future.

Since its launch in 2003 some 12,500 DB9s have been produced and delivered to customers in 34 countries. This establishes it as the most successful Aston Martin model of all-time (jointly with the V8 Vantage), surpassing total sales of the DB7. Current Aston Martin DB9 production volume is around 1,500 cars per year.

Engineering

Since the DB9's introduction Aston Martin has demonstrated the versatility of the VH architecture by developing the Vantage, DBS and Rapide model ranges. In the process Aston Martin's engineers have gained an increasingly detailed understanding of the VH platform, which in turn has led to the constant improvement and evolution of existing established models.

In this latest package of improvements for Aston Martin DB9, hardware changes focus on the chassis, featuring a standard Adaptive Damping System (ADS) which offers a system constantly evaluating the optimum damper condition, similar to that seen on the DBS and Rapide models. Controlled by a button on the centre console, the two-stage adaptive dampers can be switched between their default mode, which is optimised for ride comfort, and a firmer sport mode, which delivers tighter body control and a more responsive feel. Such is the success of the Aston Martin DB9's new damping system that the DB9 Sport Pack upgrade has now been discontinued. However a Sport design alloy wheel is available as an option.

Performance comes courtesy of Aston Martin's celebrated 6.0-litre V12 engine, which develops an unchanged 470bhp and 442lb ft of torque. Mated to a choice of six-speed 'Touchtronic' paddle-shift automatic or six-speed H-pattern manual transmissions, the Aston Martin DB9 offers an intoxicating blend of effortless pace and sporting character. A top speed of 190mph and the ability to hit 60mph in just 4.6sec seal its credentials as the definitive 2+2 Grand Tourer.

Design

Improving upon what many consider to be one of the most beautiful cars in the world is a delicate exercise. According to Aston Martin's Director of Design, Marek Reichman, subtlety and fine attention to detail is the key: "The beauty of an Aston Martin comes from harmonious proportions, a ground-hugging stance, taut surfacing and a complete and thorough attention to detail. The Aston Martin DB9 epitomises these qualities; it is beautiful but subtle - not attention seeking."

At the front a new bumper is the main change, with a re-shaped lower intake featuring hexagonal mesh to compliment the new bright finish radiator grille. New headlamp bezels complete the fresh nose treatment. In profile the Aston Martin DB9's sill has also been changed, with a more prominent 'hockey stick' curve ahead of the rear wheels. Marek Reichman explains: "The DB9 remains one of the world's most beautiful sports cars and is instantly recognisable as an Aston Martin; the changes we have introduced here modernise the Aston Martin DB9 to keep it at the forefront of automotive design."

Other changes include silver brake calipers, 20-spoke diamond turned alloy wheels as standard, together with new design option wheels and a bright finish grille. Clear rear light lenses are also standard. Inside Double Apex alloy finish is now added to the list of options, along with the exceptional BeoSound audio system from Bang & Olufsen.

Motorsport

Mirroring the Aston Martin DB9's road-going success, Aston Martin Racing's DBR9 and DBRS9 endurance racers have proved hugely successful on racetracks around the world. With a total of some 20 DBR9 and 30 DBRS9s built and delivered to customer teams around the world, Aston Martins have consistently scored victories in a host of national and international championships.

Since winning on its race debut, at Sebring in 2005, the DBR9 has been established as a constant and hugely competitive car in the GT1 category, scoring back-to-back class victories at the greatest 24-hour race of them all - Le Mans - in 2007 and 2008.