Aston Martin Cambridge Archives

Aston Martin snatches Maserati’s Head of Advanced Powertrain

Aston Martin seems to be pretty busy readying thier fleet of new vehicles, which is probably part of the after effect of its agreement with Mercedes-Benz AMG. The German automotive giant has agreed to supply engines to the Gaydon based automaker and has also acquired a 5% stake in the company.

The strategy is especially evident with its recruitment of ex-Maserati man, Joerg Ross as Chief Engineer of powertrains. Ross, is a seasoned veteran in the powertrain business having served as the Head of Advanced Powertrain division at Maserati.

Prior to this, he held senior management positions at IAV, Scuderia Ferrari F1 and Ford. In total, he has spent more than 25 years in the automotive industry and has no doubt seen his share of technological advancements.

He will be responsible for the development of Aston Martin’s engines, transmissions and electrification work. Ross will be based at the company’s HQ at Gaydon, Warwickshire and will be reporting to Vice President and Chief Technical Officer, Max Szwaj.

“We are delighted to welcome Joerg to the Aston Martin team. His considerable experience and knowledge will prove invaluable for the Engineering team as we prepare the business for the next generation of Aston Martin products,” said Max Szwaj.

Born in Remscheid, Germany, Joerg holds a degree and a PHD in Mechanical Engineering from the RWTH Aachen University, Germany. He speaks several languages including German, English and Italian.

Speaking of his appointment, Ross said, “I’m delighted to be joining Aston Martin at what is an exciting time for the brand. The company is at a significant point in its history, with the recent announcement of its first all-electric car the RapidE. I’m excited to play a part in developing Aston Martin’s future vehicle strategy.”

It seems like the UK based supercar maker has big plans for the not so distant future. Though many consider an AMG engine in an Aston Martin as sacrilege, their proven reliability and power delivery should complement the elegantly styled sporty bodywork of Astons of the future.

Aston Martin launch Vanquish S Red Arrows edition

If you fancy owning a bespoke Aston Martin, then you are in luck. The automaker will be building a special edition of the Vanquish S, named The Q by Aston Martin Vanquish S Red Arrows edition.

The purpose, is to pay homage to the men and women of the Royal Air-Force acrobatic team – The Red Arrows. Founded in 1965, the team which comprises of nine pilots, showcase their razor-sharp reactions of their jets at airshows both in the UK and abroad.

Aston Martin adopted the Red Arrows paint scheme for the car and it also has white and blue carbon livery detailing to the white ‘smoke trail’ features on the side streak. An exposed carbon fibre roof panel includes an inlaid ‘charge’ pattern which is said to resemble the canopy of a jet. Union Jack enamel wing badges and titanium exhaust complete the exterior package.

Inside, buyers get Pinewood green inserts and green webbing seatbelts. The signature Red Arrows emblem of nine aircraft in classic ‘diamond’ formation is embroidered on the seat backs, along with unique sill and engine inspection plaques. these plaques will bear the numbers 1 to 10 representing each of the 10 cars that will be produced.

The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team logo is embroidered on the transmission tunnel, and the rear of the cabin is finished in the 2+0 configuration, allowing for rear-mounted stowage of twin racing helmets, both finished in the Red Arrows livery.

In usual Aston Martin fashion owners will also get a number of accessories which include a racing helmet, racing suit, bespoke embroidered bomber jackets, a special luggage set and a 1:18 die-cast of the the car and the Hawk aircraft.

Only nine of these cars will be available for purchase through Aston Martin Cambridge while the 10th, will be gifted to the RAF Benevolent Fund, the charity that has been established to support former service personnel and their families.

The car was introduced at the handover of the former RAF St Athan facility in South Wales, which is soon to become the automaker’s second manufacturing plant in the UK.

Piston.my