Aston Martincelebrates Its 100Th Birthdayat Geneva

Aston Martincelebrates its 100th birthdayat Geneva

• Global debut of Rapide S:most powerful four-door Aston Martin to date
• Globalmotor show debut of Centenary Edition Vanquish
• Global motor show debut of new Q by Aston Martin models

Aston Martin is celebrating a century of automotive achievement at the 83rd Geneva International Motor Show.

The luxury British sports car maker – which is marking its centenary in 2013– takes centre stage in Switzerland with cars both from its illustrious past and its exciting future.

Pride of place is reserved for the latest luxurious addition to the now fully-replaced or refreshed sports car range – the forthcoming Rapide S.

The luxury four-door GT has been sympathetically redesigned and painstakingly re-engineered to reassert its position as the world’s most beautiful, and beautifully balanced, four-seat sports car.

Extensive design and engineering improvements make the new Rapide S even more desirable and refined. It replaces the outgoing Rapide in markets worldwide.

The Rapide S now boasts an even more assertive ‘face’ created by virtue of the striking new full grille.

The new front end design is matched at the back by a new rear deck profile which consists of a more pronounced boot lid ‘flip’. The improved aerodynamic and aesthetic upgrades both reinforce the sporting nature of new Rapide S

Changes under the car’s sinuous skin are comprehensive, with the new AM11 naturally-aspirated 6.0-litre V12 powerplant delivering unprecedented power and improved in-gear acceleration.

Output jumps significantly versus the previous V12: power is up by 17%, or 81 PS,from 477 PS at 6,000 rpm to an unprecedented 558 PS at 6,750 rpm.

Peak torque increases, too, up from 600 Nm to 620 Nm at 5,500 rpm. Meanwhile an even more marked improvement in torque occurs lower down the rev range, as pulling power rises by more than 40 Nm between idle and 4,000 rpm with an additional 50 Nm available at 2,500 rpm.

New Rapide S shaves 0.3 seconds off its 0-62 mph time, which drops from the 5.2 seconds to just 4.9seconds. Top speed climbs to more than 190 mph.

Fully CNC machined combustion chambers; lighter, hollow, cam shafts; dual variable camshaft timing; knock sensing–these important advances all help reinforce the V12 engine’s position as a mainstay of the Aston Martin range.

More efficient, as well as more potent, the new Rapide S cuts its CO2 emissions by seven per cent – from 355 g/km to 332 g/km – while fuel economy now stands at 19.9 mpg on the official EU combined cycle.

A product of the latest generation of Aston Martin’s world-renowned VH engineering philosophy, which debuted in 2003, thecar is based on the new Gen4 VH architecture.

New dynamic stability control (DSC) and the latest Gen4 iteration of Aston Martin’s hi-tech Adaptive Damping System (ADS) sharpen already crisp dynamics. The ADS system now offers three distinct settings: ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Track’, with the character of each being tailored to the nature of Rapide S.

The different damping modes help tosignificantly broaden the character of the Rapide S, adapting its set-up to suit the driver’s precise requirements. Thus it can be a luxurious GT car in Normal mode with the capacity to morph into a more assertive sports car in Sport and Track modes.

Meanwhile, as with the new DB9, the new Rapide S achieves compliance with the latest European pedestrian protection regulationscourtesy of its innovative new front grille design.

Centenary Editions

Elsewhere on the Geneva stand Aston Martin’s ultimate Super GT – the new Vanquish – showcases a painstakingly created Centenary Edition specification that is available worldwide on just 100 examples of each of the car maker’s model lines: Vantage, DB9, Vanquish and Rapide S.

Featuring a unique graduated paint finish, solid sterling silver Aston Martin wings badges with tailored ‘trans flux’ enamel inlay and a special Aston Martin hallmark, the show car’s exterior represents an exclusive celebration of the company’s 100-year history.

Aston Martin CEO, Dr Ulrich Bez, played a key role in the creation of the unique paint treatment, tasking Design Director Marek Reichman and his team with the development of a suitably exclusive and desirable dual tone specification.

Dr Bez explained: “The chance to own and enjoy such a stunning piece of Aston Martin’s heritage is made all the more rare by the fact that we are limiting numbers to just 100 of each model line. Even before a single customer car is built we are seeing supporters and enthusiasts of the brand worldwide quickly securing their chosen model.”

Inside, as out, a Centenary Edition Aston Martin is identified by its exclusive and luxurious treatment. Deep Soft black leather – previously featuring only in the One-77 hypercar – with contrasting silver stitching, a special silver thread embroidery of the Aston Martin wings in the head restraints and solid sterling silver sill plaques individually numbered with an Aston Martin hallmark are among the features unique to the car.

Each Centenary Edition model will also be supplied with a unique presentation box containing a number of exclusive gifts to mark the first 100 years of the company. These include two glass keys, two bespoke key pouches made from leather matching the car’s interior trim, solid silver cufflinks featuring the Aston Martin script, solid silver Rollerball pen and high quality Bang & Olufsen headphones.

The gift box will also include a silver polishing cloth to help owners ensure the silver centenary wings badges and sill plaques on their car keep their lustre.

Some specification details will vary market by market around the world but all cars will, as ever, be painstakingly handcrafted at Aston Martin’s global headquarters and state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at Gaydon, in Warwickshire.

Q by Aston Martin

‘Q by Aston Martin’is a bespoke personalisation service – it can even be seen as a Brand of its own –and goes far beyond even Aston Martin’s extensive options list.

Q by Aston Martin allows customers to enhance and personalise their cars with meticulous attention to detail.

The service can be extended to interior and exterior styling, offering almost endless opportunity for expression. Thanks to Aston Martin's unique VH (Vertical Horizontal) architecture, the philosophy that forms the backbone of its sports cars, the company has evolved a fast, flexible and modular approach to engineering. With Q by Aston Martin, the ability to commission the design and manufacture of a unique car is now within reach.

Several examples of the service are displayed at Geneva with, for instance, a Vanquish presented in striking Morning Frost metallic white with a contrasting Spectral Blue interior and Pearl White welting. Satin finish carbon fibre exterior features, blue tinted diamond-turned alloy wheels, a blue-tinted glass fibre centre console and embossed ‘Q’ logos are just some of the sports car’s highlights.

Beyond cars, Q by Aston Martin can even help to design and procure almost any manner of luxury item. Colour-matching a Brompton bicycle to an Aston Martin, supporting a customer’s architect to design their house, or creating colour themes and materials for the interior specification of a yacht – these bespoke services are all within the gift of this remarkable department.

Century of success

In 2013, 100 years after it was first incorporated, Aston Martin offers customers itsmost modern, attractive and compelling line-up to date.

The luxurious new Rapide S joins sporty V8 and V12 Vantage, in either coupe or roadster form, timeless new DB9 – as coupe or Volante – and ultimate Super GT, the Vanquish coupe, in a centenary sports car portfolio that continues to make Aston Martin one of the most desirable automotive brand’s in the world. The Cygnet ‘tailor-fit’ city car, meanwhile, underscores the brand’s determination to challenge convention, think differently and surprise and delight its customers worldwide.

Ahead of the show in Switzerland Dr Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin, said: “2013 isa celebration of the Aston Martin Brand and its achievement as being seen as ‘best of British’.

“From the triumphs on the track at Le Mans and Nürburgringin 1959 – represented at Geneva by the showing of a precious 1959 DBR1 – to the on-going on-screen ‘love affair’ with James Bond, Aston Martin has a richly-textured history that we can look back on with pride.

“Today, with many exciting new projects in the pipeline and new shareholders helping to drive us forward, we can also look ahead to what I am sure will be a vibrant, dynamic and successful future.”

He added: “Aston Martin is, today, truly a global business. A growing network that now stands at 145 dealers in 41 countries worldwide illustrates how far this still modestly-proportioned British company has come in recent times, and I know our determination to continue reaching into new markets and territories around the world will see Aston Martin’s unique appeal spread further still.”

- Ends -

For additional information:

Further design and engineering information available via or or alternatively via the following attachments:

Attachment 1: Rapide S technical Specification

Brand communications contacts:

Janette Green, Director, Brand Communications

Tel: +44 (0)1926 644 444 Mobile: +44 (0)7766 471555

Sarah Calam, Corporate Communications Manager

Tel: +44 (0) 1926 644198 Mobile: +44 (0) 7795 240989

Scott Fisher, Product Communications Manager

Tel: +44 (0)1926 644854 Mobile: +44 (0)7764 386358

Kevin Watters, Press Officer, Product Communications

Tel: +44 (0)1926 644850 Mobile: +44 (0)7764 386683

Grace Barnie, Press Officer, Corporate and Internal Communications

Tel: +44 (0)1926 644852 Mobile: +44 (0)7880 903490

Continental Europe Media Contact:

Tammy Haines, Brand Communications Executive, Europe

Tel: +49 (0)69 77075 2005 Mobile +49 (0)160 969 59241

The Americas Media Contact:

Matt Clarke, Brand Communications Manager

Tel: +1 (949) 379 3107 Mobile: +1 (949) 870 5942

Viana Mehl-Laituri, Brand Communications Executive

Tel: +1 (949) 379 3112 Mobile: +1 (949) 278 1217

Asia Pacific Media Contact:

ShoichiTerashima, Operations Manager - Asia

Tel: +81 (0)3 4360 9242

Middle East Media Contact:

Neil Slade, AMMENA General Manager

Mobile: +971 (0)529104675

Attachment 1

Aston Martin Rapide S specification

Body

• Four-door sports car with four seats
• Extruded bonded aluminium VH body structure
• Aluminium, magnesium alloy and composite body
• Extruded aluminium door side-impact beams
• Single bi-xenon headlamps with integrated LED side lights and direction indicators
• Clear LED rear lamps

Engine

• All-alloy, quad overhead camshaft, 48 valve, 5,935cc, V12
• Front mid-mounted engine, rear-wheel drive
• Fully catalysed stainless steel exhaust system with active bypass valves

Max power:558 PS(550 bhp) at 6,750 rpm

Max torque:620Nm (457 lb ft) at 5,500 rpm

Acceleration: 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.9seconds

Max speed:predicted 306km/h (190 mph)

Transmission

• Rear mid-mounted ‘Touchtronic 2’ six-speed transmission with electronic shift-by-wire control system
• Alloy torque tube with carbon fibre propeller shaft
• Limited slip differential
• Final drive ratio 3.46:1

Wheels & Tyres

• 20-inch, 20-spoke,silver painted alloy wheels
• Front wheel: 8.5J x 20-inch
• Rear wheel: 11J x 20-inch
• Front tyre: Bridgestone Potenza 245/35 ZR20
• Rear tyre: Bridgestone Potenza 295/30 ZR20
• Tyre repair kit

Dimensions

Steering

• Rack and pinion, servotronic speed-sensitive power-assisted steering, 3.0 turns lock-to-lock
• Column tilt and reach adjustment

Brakes

• Front:dual cast discs, 398 mm diameter with six-piston monobloc calipers
• Rear:dual cast discs, 360 mm diameter with four-piston monobloc calipers
• Grey painted brake calipers
• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with track mode
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
• Traction control (TC)

Suspension

• Three Stage Adaptive Damping System (ADS) with Normal, Sport and Track modes
• Front:independent double wishbones incorporating anti-dive geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube adaptive dampers
• Rear: independent double wishbones with anti-squat and anti-lift geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube adaptive dampers

Specification

• Full-grain leather interior
• Walnut facia trim with graphite centre console finish and iridium silver surround
• Leather sports steering wheel
• Electrically adjustable front seats with side airbags
• Memory front seats & exterior mirrors (three positions)
• Dual-stage driver/front passengerfront airbags
• Front occupant side airbags
• Powerfold exterior heated mirrors
• Heated front and rear seats
• Heated rear screen
• Automatic temperature control
• Organic Electroluminescent (OEL) displays
• Trip computer
• Cruise control
• Bluetooth® telephone preparation1
• Satellite navigation1,2
• Auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror
• Auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror with garage door opener (USA and Canada only)1
• Satellite radio system (USA only)1
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Tyre pressure monitoring system1
• Alarm and immobiliser
• Remote-control central door locking and boot release
• Glass ECU
• Tracking device1,3 (UK only)
• LED map-reading lights
• Boot-mounted umbrella
• 1000-wattBang & Olufsen BeoSound audio system with ICEpower®technology
• Integrated Apple iPod®,4connector
• USB Connector with Waveform Audio Format (WAF), Windows Media Audio (WMA) and MPEG (MP3) audio file compatibility
• 3.5 mm auxiliary input socket

Options

• 20-inchmulti-spoke alloy gloss black painted wheels with diamond turned finish
• 20-inchten-spoke alloy silver painted wheels with diamond-turned finish
• 20-inchten-spoke alloy black painted wheels with diamond-turned finish
• 20-inch20-spoke polished alloy wheels
• Alternative brake caliper finish – black, red, orsilver
• Magnum Silver rear lamp infills
• Delete model badge
• Delete protective tape
• Carbon Exterior Pack
• Optional facia trims - Piano Black, bamboo, tamo ash, mahogany
• Piano Black Pack
• Matching wood door trim
• Personalised sill plaques
• Semi-aniline leather
• Black and red perforated duotone leather
• Colour-keyed steering wheel
• Embroidered Rapide S seat logo
• Carbon Interior Pack
• Twin-screen rear-seat entertainment system with six-disc DVD player, auxiliary input, wireless headphones and remote control
• Auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror with garage door opener 1
• Alarm upgrade (volumetric and tilt sensor)
• Ventilated front and rear seats
• Smoker’s pack (ashtray and cigar lighter)
• Second glass key
• Tracking device (UK category five)1,3
• First-aid kit

1 Not available in all markets

2 Includes Traffic Messaging Channel (TMC) in Continental Europe

3 Complies with UK Thatcham Category 5 requirements. Excludes subscription. Standard in UK

4 iPod is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the US and other countries