Aston Martin and Red Bull Racing team up for new Hypercar

Aston Martin and F1 team Red Bull Racing have announced a partnership to develop a new Aston Martin hypercar.

Codenamed Project ‘AM-RB 001’, Red Bull Racing’s Chief Technical Officer Adrian Newey is key to the agreement following years of speculation as to when the widely regarded most successful Formula One designer of all time may help design a road car.

The new hypercar is described as ‘ground-breaking’ and will represent the ‘ultimate blend of cutting edge F1 technology with Aston Martin’s sports car design’. The new partnership unites some of the world’s best ‘aerodynamicists, composite experts and manufacturing masters’.

Aston Martin CEO Dr Andy Palmer said: “Formula One offers the ultimate global stage to build wider awareness of the Aston Martin brand. However, this partnership will deliver even more than that when the hypercar that Aston Martin and Adrian Newey are in the process of developing hits the road. These are exciting times for Aston Martin and arriving hot on the heels of our DB11 launch earlier this month, this new partnership underlines that our brand really is racing again.”

Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner said of the new partnership: “This is a very exciting project for everyone at Red Bull Racing. Through this Innovation Partnership the iconic Aston Martin logo will return to Grand Prix racing for the first time since 1960, and Red Bull Advanced Technologies, led by Adrian, will be harnessing our Formula One DNA to produce the ultimate of all road cars. It’s an incredible project which also realises a dream and vision long held by Adrian to design a road car. We are very much looking forward to what I’m certain will be a successful partnership.”

Aston Martin’s Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman said: “We are in the process of developing a hypercar that combines the latest in aerodynamics from F1 and the stunning design language of an Aston Martin sports car. The opportunity to collaborate with Adrian and Red Bull Advanced Technologies will be a fascinating experience for everyone involved. Unconstrained by F1 regulations, we have a unique chance to create a car in its most efficient form that will represent the ultimate fusion of art and technology.”

Having an illustrious Formula One career spanning nearly 30 years, and as the designer of ten World Championship winning Formula One cars, the partnership represents a new challenge for Red Bull Racing’s Adrian Newey.

“From the age of six I have had two goals in life – to be involved in the design of racing cars, and to be involved in the design of a super car.” Newey commented. “Whilst the former ambition went on to form my career to date, the latter has always bubbled away, resulting in countless sketches and doodles over the years. The opportunity to now develop and realise those ideas whilst working with Marek and his colleagues from Aston Martin is tremendously exciting. It allows us to translate the technology we have developed in F1 into a new arena.”

To celebrate the partnership, the RB12s F1 race cars will carry the Aston Martin wings logo throughout the 2016 season, making their debut at this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park in Melbourne.

Aston Martin reveals new DB11

Aston Martin pulled the covers off its new DB11. 

Revealed at the 86th International Geneva Motor Show, the DB11 showcases a new design language as well as ‘pioneering aerodynamics’ making it the ‘most efficient and most dynamically gifted DB model in Aston Martin’s history’. Powered by a new in-house designed 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine mated to an 8-speed automatic ZF transmission, the DB11 is built upon a new lighter, stronger, and more space efficient bonded aluminium structure. The V12 unit pumps out 600BHP for a 0-62mph time of 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 200mph. Meanwhile, ‘intelligent bank activation’ and stop-start technology helps the new Aston offer improved efficiency.

Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer, Dr Andy Palmer said: “We aspire to make the most beautiful cars in the world. DB11 is the absolute embodiment of what an Aston Martin should be and we have worked tirelessly to ensure that DB11 combines both exceptional design with the latest technology throughout. A brand new bonded aluminium platform, clever aerodynamics, a new characterful twin-turbo V12 and class-leading infotainment systems are just a few aspects which make this the sports car that will proudly spearhead Aston Martin’s second century plan.”

A front-hinging clamshell bonnet, distinctive LED headlights and accentuated lines are matched by a ‘dramatic’ roof strakes that flows uninterrupted from A-pillar to C-pillar. The clean lines continue at the rear, with a sloping decklid that smoothly blends into boldly sculpted tail-lights which are joined by an ‘AeroBlade’ virtual spoiler.

The new Aston Martin DB11 will go on sale later this year, priced from £154,900 OTR.

James Bond’s Aston Martin sells for £2.4million

An incredibly rare Aston Martin DB10 made for the latest James Bond film Spectre, sold under the hammer for an amazing £2,434,500.

The auction at Christie’s will provide funds to the Medecins Sans Frontieres charity. The bidding was described as ‘tense and exciting’ before a final bid of an whopping £2,434,500.

The buyer now owns a true piece of automotive history; the only Aston Martin DB10 to be made available for public sale. Celebrating the British brand’s half century with Bond, which started with the iconic DB5, the DB10 gives a glimpse of the future design direction for the next generation of Aston Martins. Production of the DB10 was strictly limited to 10 models of the bespoke sports car which was developed and hand-built by the designers, engineers and artisan craftspeople at Aston Martin’s Gaydon headquarters in the UK for the latest Bond film, Spectre.

Eight of the DB10’s were modified for filming, but two of those produced were kept back as show cars for display purposes only and the DB10 auctioned is one of them.

The money raised by the auction will benefit Medecins Sans Frontieres. MSF - or ‘Doctors without Borders’ – is a global humanitarian aid organisation that provides medical care and support to victims of armed conflict, epidemics and other disasters.

Aston Martin CEO Dr Andy Palmer said: “The DB10 is one of the rarest cars ever created. Only 10 will ever be made and this is the only one that will be made available for sale. It’s great to see this DB10 raising vital funds for Medecins Sans Frontieres, it is a fantastic charity that we are delighted to support”.

‘James Bond Spectre – The Live Auction’, was a unique collection of 10 lots which raised a total of £2,785,500 on the night. A further 14 lots are available in the online sale, which continues until 23 February, celebrating the release of the 24th Bond film on Digital HD, Blu-ray and DVD.

James Bond’s Aston Martin DB10 up for auction

A unique Aston Martin DB10, made for James Bond in 'Spectre' is to be auctioned for charity.

The Aston Martin DB10 – the first bespoke car created for James Bond by Aston Martin – is to go under the auctioneer’s gavel at Christie’s in London, with proceeds donated to Medecins Sans Frontieres. The only car to date in the rarest DB lineage to be made available for private ownership, the auction offers a very rare opportunity to own a piece of automotive history with bids almost certainly to go over the £1-million mark.

The auction of the only DB10 to date to be made available for private ownership celebrates the release of the 24th Bond film ‘Spectre’ on Digital HD, Blu-ray and DVD with 24 special auction lots going under the hammer for charity, led by the DB10.

Celebrating the British brand’s half century of working with Bond, which started with the DB5, the DB10 gives a glimpse of the future design direction for the next generation of Aston Martins. Production of the DB10 was strictly limited to ten examples of the bespoke sports car which was developed and hand-built by the designers, engineers and ‘artisan craftspeople’ at Aston Martin’s Gaydon headquarters in the UK for the latest Bond film.

The DB10 features a 4.7-litre V8 petrol engine and six-speed manual gearbox, with Aston Martin saying it ‘has an estimated top speed of around 190 mph’. The car features an all carbon fibre exterior, while the interior has been handmade using fine luxury leathers, carbon fibre and aluminium.

Most of the DB10s were modified for use in the filming of Spectre, but the DB10 offered at Christie’s is one of only two “show” cars, which were left unmodified and used for display purposes. This DB10 took pride of place at the world premiere of Spectre at the Royal Albert Hall in London and has been signed by James Bond himself, Daniel Craig.

The auction will take place on 18th February at Christie’s King Street auction house in London.

James Bond posters to go under the hammer

Auctioneers Coys are selling a collection of rare James Bond film posters and memorabilia at their "True Greats" auction on December 1.

The sale will feature posters from iconic productions such as Thunderball, Her Majesty's Secret Service, The World is Not Enough, Octopussy, You Only Live Twice, Dr No, Goldfinger and SPECTRE. The release of the latest Bond film last month has spiked interest, proving the 007 franchise is as popular as ever.

Perhaps the most anticipated item to go on sale is the rare 1965 Thunderball poster, which is estimated from £8,000 to £10,000. "Originally designed in four panel format, intended to be cut into two or four for the cinema to use around the advertising area, this particular version was never cut into sections and is one of the finest examples available." said, Adrian Cowdry, vintage poster specialist at Coys.

A limited edition SPECTRE poster that was designed for the cast and crew of the film will also feature and is estimated to fetch between £700 to £800.

There will also be a number of first edition Bond novels on sale, including Man with the Golden Gun, Octopussy and On Her Majesty's Secret Service, estimated at £150 to £500. 

Also on sale is a 1928 Supercharged Bentley Blower. Long before Ian Fleming placed James Bond at the wheel of an Aston Martin, he had 007 thundering around in a Bentley in the early novels.

Coys' "True Greats" auction takes place on Tuesday 1 December 2015 at 3pm at the Royal Horticultural Society, Lindley Hall, Vincent Square, Westminster, London, SW1P 2PE.

Viewing is available on Monday 30 November and on the day of the sale from 10am.

Aston Martin Vulcan meets Avro Vulcan

Aston Martin Vulcan meets Avro Vulcan

Aston Martin Vulcan meets Avro Vulcan

Aston Martin Vulcan meets Avro Vulcan

Aston Martin Vulcan meets Avro Vulcan

Aston Martin Vulcan meets Avro Vulcan

Aston Martin Vulcan meets Avro Vulcan

Aston Martin Vulcan meets Avro Vulcan

Aston Martin Vulcan meets Avro Vulcan

Aston Martin Vulcan meets Avro Vulcan

As the last remaining airworthy Avro Vulcan prepares for its final flight, the iconic 50s bomber meet its modern namesake, the Aston Martin Vulcan.

The Avro Vulcan XH558 is currently the only flying example in the world yet is retiring from 'active service' later this month as the age of the plane's airframe and engines mean the support companies which keep the bomber aloft have decided they have to end their support in October.

Aston Martin's Vulcan is the a new track-only supercar. Described as the British luxury car maker's 'most intense and exhilarating creation to date', the supercar is born out of 'extensive motorsport experience' as the 800-plus bhp, all-carbon fibre Aston Martin Vulcan delivers truly extreme performance. Limited to just 24 examples worldwide - owners have the opportunity to precisely tailor their track day experience through a graduating scale of detailed power and dynamic performance adjustments.

CEO Dr Andy Palmer said: "Clearly the Avro Vulcan provided the inspiration for the naming of our most extreme sports car, and I'm delighted that we have been able to unite the 'two Vulcans' and deliver our own tribute to this world-renowned aeronautical phenomenon."

Vulcan XH558 is flown by Martin Withers DFC, Chief Pilot and Operations Director. He said: "Being at the controls for this unique fly-past was a memorable occasion. Personally, it is great to know that the Vulcan name will live on not only in the history books, and at the new educational centre in Yorkshire, but via Aston Martin's incredible new sports car."

Following retirement the plane will form the centrepiece of the educational Vulcan Aviation Academy and Heritage Centre at her home base, Robin Hood Airport near Doncaster.

First deliveries of the track-only Aston Martin Vulcan to customers worldwide will take place before the end of 2015.

007's Aston Martin DB10 set for Regent Street Motor Show

007's Aston Martin DB10 set for Regent Street Motor Show

007's Aston Martin DB10 set for Regent Street Motor Show

007's Aston Martin DB10 set for Regent Street Motor Show

Following the premiere of the new Bond film Spectre, 007's latest car - the bespoke Aston Martin DB10 - will be one of the star attractions of the annual free-to-view Regent Street Motor Show in London.

Created specially for the movie, the hand-built DB10 is the latest in a long line of Aston Martins to have been driven by UK's favourite secret agent. Bond's first Aston was the famous DB5 from Goldfinger in 1964. As well as the DB10, Aston Martin will also be displaying a number of cars from its current model range including the latest DB9 GT, limited edition Vantage GT12 and a four-door Rapide S.

Enticing as many as 350,000 visitors last year, London's premier shopping street is closed to traffic for the day to allow cars from the past, present and future to be displayed. The Show's centrepiece will be a display of more than 100 veteran cars all taking part in the EFG International Concours d'Elegance. Many owners and their passengers will be in period costume, preparing themselves for the famous Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, which sets off from nearby Hyde Park early the following morning (Sunday, 1 November).

The veterans will be rubbing shoulders with classic cars, bikes, new cars and futuristic 'low or no' emission electric and hybrid vehicles. The latter display is backed by two organisations helping to shape our motoring future - Go Ultra Low and Transport for London (TfL).

The Regent Street Motor Show takes place from 10:30 until 16:00 on Saturday 31 October and is just one element in the Royal Automobile Club's London Motor Week, seven days when the capital honours cars.

Classic Cars assemble at Alexandra Palace

Classic Cars assemble at Alexandra Palace

Classic Cars assemble at Alexandra Palace

Classic Cars assemble at Alexandra Palace

Classic Cars assemble at Alexandra Palace

Classic Cars assemble at Alexandra Palace

Classic Cars assemble at Alexandra Palace

Classic Cars assemble at Alexandra Palace

Classic Cars assemble at Alexandra Palace

With just weeks to go until the doors open on Classic & Sports Car - The London Show, the organisers have assembled six iconic cars in front of the show's historic venue - Alexandra Palace.

Previewing the main event, which will take place from 30 October to 1 November, an Aston Martin DB4GT, Ferrari 250GT California Spider, Jaguar E-type Roadster, Mercedes-Benz 300SL 'Gullwing', 1973 Pontiac Trans Am and Porsche 993 Carrera RS appeared in all their glory outside Alexandra Palace, which first opened in 1873. 

These classic cars are a small selection of the 300 or so which will be on display, with stands featuring historic machines from world-famous collectors and world-renowned classic car retailers - all under one roof. 

Classic & Sports Car - The London Show will also feature a number of high-profile themes in its first year, as well as some exciting exhibits.

Key attractions include a 'Best of British' theme, the Aston Martin celebration, a display of Sir Stirling Moss single-seaters and the Live Interview stage.

James Elliott, Classic & Sports Car magazine group editor, said: "The six cars that gathered recently in the sunshine in front of Alexandra Palace really captured the spirit of what we think the inaugural Classic & Sports Car - The London Show is all about... I'm hugely excited by the prospect of the show's special attractions and demonstrations and look forward to welcoming like-minded enthusiasts to be part of such a convivial atmosphere." 

To book tickets, visit www.classicandsportscarshow.com or call 0844 581 1275.

Aston Martin DB9 GT at Pebble Beach

Aston Martin DB9 GT at Pebble Beach

Aston Martin DB9 GT at Pebble Beach

Aston Martin DB9 GT at Pebble Beach

Aston Martin DB9 GT at Pebble Beach

Aston Martin DB9 GT at Pebble Beach

Aston Martin DB9 GT at Pebble Beach

Aston Martin DB9 GT at Pebble Beach

Aston Martin DB9 GT at Pebble Beach

Aston Martin's new 2016 DB9 GT will make its global debut as part of the marque's presence at the Pebble Beach
Automotive Week.

Aston Martin will also offer a glimpse of its 'Second Century' with the DBX concept, Lagonda Taraf and Vulcan supercar all set to make appearances.

The GT claims the title of the most potent DB9 yet devised, by virtue of its uprated 6.0-litre V12 engine which now pumps out 540bhp - accompanied by a raft of engineering, equipment and styling developments.

Aston Martin's 'Second Century' plan was announced by Dr. Andy Palmer after completion of his first 150 days as CEO of Aston Martin. A strategy for the ongoing development of the 102-year old sports car maker laid out the principle mid-term actions that will drive the growth of the company.

The DBX concept, now confirmed for production, signals expansion into the luxury GT crossover market as part of a wider strategy to develop the strongest and most diverse product portfolio in the company's history.

Having made a surprise global debut at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year, Aston Martin says the DBX has generated interest beyond expectations. 

The 800+bhp Aston Martin Vulcan makes its second bow in North America following a New York debut in April and will also be on display alongside the DBX. Styled entirely in-house by the design team led by Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman, the Vulcan is powered by the most potent iteration yet of Aston Martin's naturally-aspirated, 7.0-litre V12 petrol engine, developed in conjunction with Aston Martin Racing.

Marking a first appearance in the North American market, the new Lagonda Taraf super 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 at Aston Martin's state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Gaydon in a dedicated building previously given over to the creation of the One-77 supercar. 

The Lagonda Taraf will be exclusively available for viewings to customers and invited guests as well as leading the marque's presence at Quail: A Motorsports Gathering on 14 August.

Guests will again be hosted at the exclusive Aston Martin Estate, a private venue, situated high above Carmel with panoramic views across the Monterey Bay, which will also serve as the location for a number of exclusive events including private viewings of new Aston Martins and test drives of the current line-up.

Rare Aston DB6 Volante up for auction

Rare Aston DB6 Volante up for auction

Rare Aston DB6 Volante up for auction

Rare Aston DB6 Volante up for auction

An exceptionally rare 1969 Aston Martin DB6 Mk 1 Volante Vantage is to go under the hammer at Barons at Sandown Park on 28 July.

One of just 29 ever made, it is believed to be the final such Volante Vantage built. 

Chassis number DBVC-3738R has been in the same ownership since 1981, and is in extremely original condition - even the power hood is thought to be original. Now used only rarely - and only in the dry - it carries an estimate of £500,000-£750,000.

This model rarely comes to market and the auctioneers claim they have been receiving enquiries and many early bidding registrations from potential buyers worldwide.

Barons' director Tony Cavell said, "We are very excited to have the remarkable Aston Martin consigned to the sale, and the reaction has already been outstanding, with a significant amount of interest shown in the car."