Apart from its greater involvement in Formula 1 this year with a team bearing its name, Aston Martin will also be no less active in international GT racing season. In fact, 2021 marks a new chapter in the history of Aston Martin Racing (AMR) as it engages the full weight of its world championship-winning experience and pedigree on its Vantage GT customer programmes.
Aston Martin aims to build on the 26 titles the car delivered in 2020, with an extensive and wide-ranging race programme that spans the full spectrum of the GT racing ecosystem. An ever-expanding number of partner Vantage GT3 and GT4 teams are poised to contest more than 20 major international series globally this season, and they do so with access to an unprecedented level of support from the factory.
A significant number of engineers and technicians responsible for winning the 2019/20 GT FIA World Endurance Manufacturers’ and Drivers’ championship titles have been deployed to assist key partners, including those participating in the Asian Le Mans Series in Dubai.
Strategic and engineering support hub
Moreover, in a time when the Covid-19 pandemic has necessarily restricted international travel, AMR has moved to minimise this disruption for its teams by creating a strategic and engineering support hub, operated in real-time out ofAston Martin Racing’s headquarters in England.
“We are still able to fully support our customers, wherever they are racing in the world,” said AMR Head of Performance, Gustavo Beteli, “as was the case in Daytona recently. In many of these cases, we are using the remote-support hub, where we are able to collect live data from the cars, timing and keep a direct link with the teams to be able to provide the best service and guidance possible.”
Works drivers available for teams
Partner teams will also be able to call on the use of an extensive and decorated list of works drivers to support their line-ups in 2021, if required. While the US endurance racing season may have already begun with the Rolex 24, the 2-round, 4-race Asian Le Mans Series provides another starting gun for the international calendar.
The opening double-header, at the Dubai Autodrome this weekend, features no less than 5 examples of the Aston Martin Vantage GT3 – a car which shares the same design principals and philosophy as the world championship-winning GTE and is in contention for its first Asian LMS title, thanks to several strong team and driver line-ups.
Aston Martin Racing has a long background of winning races and can offer its world championship-winning experience and pedigree to its Vantage GT customers.
David King, President of Aston Martin Racing, said: “The exceptionally strong Asian Le Mans Series entry is a clear message of intent from Aston Martin Racing and defines our objectives for 2021. This year is about our partners and their continued success, and through them we intend to demonstrate why Vantage is an excellent platform to build an international GT campaign on. From WEC and IMSA, through the full spectrum of international and domestic GT3 and GT4 series, we expect to see Aston Martins racing and winning. Our clear aim is to build on the excellent tally of 26 championships titles in 2020.”
To the younger generation, Aston Martin may seem like a newcomer to Formula 1, the brand was in the sport 60 years ago, entering the DBR4 and DBR5 in the 1959 and 1960 championship seasons. As it was not very successful, it focussed instead on sportscar racing which it was more successful in, with multiple class victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
This year will see Aston Martin back in Formula 1 Grand Prix racing as its team will make its race debut on March 21 at the opening round in Melbourne, Australia. The racing cars will be revealed in February, but it is already known that the drivers will be 4-time Formula 1 World Champion, Sebastian Vettel and multiple Grand Prix podium finisher, Lance Stroll.
“Formula 1 is a hugely powerful platform that will play a key part in the overall Aston Martin strategy as we seek to take the company forward. It is a truly global sport with a huge audience that we believe can help reignite the brand and further increase its desirability all over the world. This is a brand that has already had huge success in top-level international motorsport such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans – and now we have an opportunity to write a new page in the history books. That’s a hugely exciting prospect for anyone who is a lover of the Aston Martin brand, for fans of Formula 1 and the sport itself,” said Lawrence Stroll, Aston Martin Lagonda Executive Chairman and also the father of Lance.
Brand awareness
Aston Martin understands the power of Formula 1 when it comes to brand awareness. Much work has already been done and achieved via the company’s title sponsorship of Red Bull Racing in previous seasons, Now the brand will go up a notch as it joins the F1 elite as a manufacturer.
Though it has been 60 years since Aston Martin raced in F1, its Wings have been on Red Bull Racing’s cars in recent years as title sponsor.
Otmar Szafnauer, who is the CEO & Team Principal, said: “We’ve had almost a year of preparation to reach this point and we’re really looking forward to seeing the reaction when we finally unveil our new identity as the Aston Martin Formula One Team.”
“Representing such an iconic brand is a huge privilege for every member of the team. We’ve earned a well-deserved reputation for punching above our weight, so we’re confident we can do the Aston Martin name proud right from the get-go. It’s the start of a new journey and I can sense an extra energy in the team, with a determination to push performance further than ever before. Combined with some of the most creative minds in the business, a true racers’ mentality and the can-do spirit that has served us so well through the years, we have every reason to be excited about the future,” he said.
11 years separate the ages of the two drivers for the team – Sebastian Vettel (33) and Lance Stroll (22).
A team with a 29-year history
The Aston Martin Formula 1 Team may be a new name on the starting grid of the 2021 F1 World Championship but the team itself has a history that goes back to the days of the Jordan Racing team in 1991. The team went through various owners until the end of 2007, when Indian businessman Vijay Mallya bought it over. It was then renamed Force India, a name it would use in the championship for 10 years that followed, until 2018. However, during 2018, Mallya had financial problems which led to him having to let go of the team and it was acquired by Racing Point UK. This was a consortium led by Canadian businessman Lawrence Stroll and its ownership of the racing team gave it entry to F1.
In earlier years, before it was the Racing Point Team, it was known as Force India.The Aston Martin F1 Team is the new name for the BWT Racing Point Team which raced in the 2020 season, finishing fourth overall.
The team at first had SportPesa as a title sponsor in 2019 but then the East African company pulled out and in the following season, BWT (an Austrian company making water treatment systems) took over as title sponsor.
Stroll became Executive Chairman of Aston Martin Lagonda last year after leading a strong investment consortium to take a shareholding in the company. The consortium made a £182 million investment and gained a 16.7% stake. Stroll is a Canadian billionaire, is well known in the fashion industry, with shares in Tommy Hilfiger and Michael Kors. He is a car-lover with a collection of vintage Ferraris and has been involved in F1 via brand sponsorships for many years.
Aston Martin’s F1 racing years
The 1950s were an exciting time for Aston Martin. Company owner Sir David Brown, who had acquired the business in 1947 before adding the Lagonda brand later that same year, was steadily creating finely styled British sportscars of growing appeal.
Sir David recognised the importance of motorsport to the brand’s commercial success and, in 1955, made plans to develop and enter cars that would take on the best competition in both the World Sportscar Championship and the still relatively new Formula 1 World Championship.
The history books focus on the famous achievements of the Le Mans-winning DBR1, and the DB3S that preceded it, but the initial venture into single seaters, DP155, could be seen as a valuable learning exercise for the brand. As a precursor to the later 1950s Grand Prix cars and alongside this project, Sir David initiated work on a new engine, and a new road car design that would become the DB4.
From this was born the DBR4 and although testing began as early as 1957, it was not until 1959 that the car made its competition debut at the BRDC International Trophy event, run to Formula 1 rules, at Silverstone in May of that year.
Two cars competed and car No. 1, driven by 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Roy Salvadori, came in a creditable second behind Jack Brabham in a Cooper-Climax T51. Powered by a 2493cc, dry sump, 6-cylinder RB250 engine, from the same basic design as the DBR1 sportscar engine, the DBR4/250 was a 256 bhp spaceframe single-seater which weighed 575 kgs.
Despite being driven by some of the star names of the era, Salvadori and Carroll Shelby among them, the front-engined DBR4 was out of step with the new mid-engined competition and failed to mirror in Formula 1 what its DBR1 cousin famously achieved in the sportscar arena. After a disappointing debut for its successor, the DBR5, Aston Martin withdrew from single seater motorsport in 1960 and gave its full attention to sportscar racing.
R-Reforged, the 2-year old Swiss company, has created two models to celebrate Zagato’s centenary. They are referred to as the Aston Martin V12 Zagato Heritage TWINS by R-Reforged. Making their debut are the first pair of TWINS, which are prototypes specified by Andrea and Marella Zagato and reserved for the private Zagato collection.
Exclusively available as a pair in Coupe and Speedster form – each pair costing £1.75 million (about RM9.6 million) – just 19 customer sets will be built for sale. Each pair will be hand-assembled in the company’s factory in the UK. Each car takes a team of 12 craftspeople 16 weeks to assemble and will receive over 500 new components.
2011 Aston Martin Vantage Zagato Coupe
Styled at Zagato’s Milan headquarters, the iconic Italian design house has evolved the 2011 Aston Martin Vantage V12 Zagato Coupe form into a new, pure Speedster twin. Sharper, cleaner and highly collectible – thanks to their limited run and significance in Zagato’s history – both are now fully clothed in carbonfibre.
The design changes run from the nose, which incorporates a new splitter and front wings, through to the sleeker tail, now with active aero that transforms the cars’ balance but retains the defined Zagato lines.
The TWINS can be specified as matching or individual designs, and owners will be able to discuss with the car’s designers and engineers to personalise virtually every element.
“The essence of this project was to create a perfect ‘garage’, comprising two desirable and collectable cars; Coupe and Roadster,” said Andrea Zagato. “Limited to just 19 pairs, a significant number, recalling the year Zagato was formed, the Aston Martin V12 Zagato Heritage TWINS by R-Reforged mark a remarkable milestone for the Milanese atelier.”
“Despite having created over 450 models since our formation, we chose Aston Martin, which has surely been our most prestigious partner over the last 50 years, to mark this celebration. The cooperation with R-Reforged ensured that we could create an instant classic,” he added.
The partnership between Zagato and Aston Martin started in 1960 with the DB4 GT Zagato.
The 19 owners of this rare and special series, licenced by Aston Martin, will also experience the significant transformation to vehicle performance delivered through a series of meaningful engine and dynamic improvements.
The potent 5.9-litre V12 has been uprated to produce close to 600 bhp, which is 80 bhp more than standard. This is, in part, due to a performance aluminium air intake and titanium exhaust. The lean stance of the cars is enhanced by the 10 mm ride height reduction and 20 mm stretched track.
R-Reforged can also offer a full body ‘visual carbon’ finish as a further option. The 400-hour process requires extensive and careful preparation so as not to disturb the carbon weave. Then begins the application of a bespoke lacquer providing UV stability prior to tuning both the colour and density of the tint to any shade requested.
The superior quality of materials and attention to detail are evident in every facet of the car’s build with R-Reforged’s team ensuring that the cars truly worthy of marking Zagato’s centenary. Inside are sensory-rich materials with an almost infinite range of colours, bespoke patterns and textures.
A close look inside will reveal colour matching the horn button on the steering wheel, the first time in the Vantage’s history that has been done. Other examples include a sleeker, longer windscreen for the Speedster and retooling the entire carpet boot moulding, which required a significant investment, purely because the original material and form did not meet R-Reforged’s stringent standards.
Underlining that ownership is about more than just buying the cars: owners will also receive a series of special tailored gifts that starts with a TWINS carbonfibre presentation case, cataloguing specification details using scale models and samples. They will then continue to receive a stream of themed gifts, invitations and experiences throughout their ownership.
Aston Martin’s DBX, the first SUV from the British marque, has established a presence in many markets around the world, including Malaysia. While owning an Aston Martin is already something exclusive as the numbers sold are small, there may be some customers who want their Aston Martin to be more exclusive.
For those who require this extra degree of exclusvity, Aston Martin KL offers the Intrepid Aura. This adds a sportier flavour to the SUV with a highly liquid, reflective Yellow Tang body finish, or if your prefer, Ceramic Blue, Stratus White or Lime Essence.
The side window surround is finished in Gloss Black, the dark theme complemented by mirror caps in the same colour with smoked rear lights and black 22-inch sport satin alloy wheels. The Aston Martin Wings and wordmark also have a black chrome finish.
Handcrafted interior with Dark Satin Chrome
The luxurious yet functional cabin comes with a Dark Satin Chrome interior jewellery pack and Metallic Black Caithness Leather upholstery with embroidered Aston Martin Wings logos. The colour of the seat stitching is coordinated with the exterior colour – Electron Yellow, Blue, Chancellor Red or Lime Green.
Overhead is Black Alcantara headlining while Piano Black wood veneers are installed around the cabin, with the Obsidian Black Carpet in the footwells.
Abundance of technology
There is an abundance of technology for driver assistance as well as entertainment. A 10.25-inch TFT screen sits flush in the centre console while a huge 12.3-inch TFT screen provides a wealth of information to the driver while on the move. Apple CarPlay comes as standard, as does a 360-degree camera system and ambient lighting that offers 64 different colours in two zones.
Muscular powertrain
Power for the DBX comes from a muscular 4-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 engine, the same unit found in the DB11 and Vantage. This muscular engine delivers its 550 ps/700 Nm through a 9-speed automatic transmission. It is claimed to be able to reach a top speed of up to 291 km/h after sprinting past 100 km/h in a claimed 4.5 seconds.
As would be expected, the drivetrain is an all-wheel drive system, and it is not just for off-road use but also enhances performance on the road. It has active differentials at the centre and rear, the latter being an electronically limited slip differential. This allows the torque to be sent in the precise amount need fore and aft of the vehicle and also across the rear axle.
The SUV comes with adaptive triple volume air suspension, combined with the latest 48V electric anti-roll control system and electronic adaptive dampers. At the touch of a button, the ride height can go up by 45 mm or down by 50 mm, so the DBX can be adapted to a wide range of terrain. The system can be further programmed to aid with ingress, egress and loading requirements on a practical level.
The base price of an officially imported DBX is RM818,000.00 (excluding duties), while the Intrepid Aura version is available from RM958,000.00.
Today, just about every car manufacturer has at least one SUV in its range – right up to Rolls-Royce – but not all have come out with their models in a rush. The engineers have had to make sure that the new models have the same qualities as the other models, even if they are taller. In the case of the DBX, Aston Martin’s first SUV, much effort was put into ensuring that it would have the same dynamic qualities as the other sportscars.
With all the work completed over some 5 years, the model is now being introduced in various markets around the world, with the Malaysian launch taking place today. Priced from RM818,000 (excluding duties), the DBX marks a new era in Aston Martin’s history book.
The big story is aerodynamics
The DBX’s exterior combines the elegance of Aston Martin’s sportscars with the functional style of SUVs. However, the big story is about the aerodynamics which were an important consideration within the design process.
At the car’s front, the daytime running lights (DRLs) have an integrated aerodynamic duct, which channels air through the front wheel arches and along the side, helping to reduce both drag and lift while also cooling the brakes. Air flows cleanly over the roof, through the rear wing, over the rear window and on to the rear flip.
This unique approach and design detail allows the rear screen to self-clear on the move. Aerodynamic design has also played a key part in passenger comfort because as one of only a few companies using computational aeroacoustics technology, Aston Martin’s engineers have been able to keep cabin noise to a minimum at speed.
Light and stiff bodyshell
Utilizing Aston Martin’s engineering expertise, the DBX has bonded aluminium, a construction method the company has refined through the development of its sportscars. This allows the body structure to be both very light and yet very stiff, with an overall kerb weight of 2,245 kgs. The exceptional stiffness, along with an entirely new platform, has contributed to the superlative dynamics of the DBX.
The new SUV also comes with adaptive triple volume air suspension, combined with the latest 48V electric anti- roll control system (eARC) and electronic adaptive dampers. With its capacity to raise the ride height by 45 mm or lower it by 50 mm, the air suspension makes possible travel over a wide range of terrain. The system can be further programmed to aid with ingress, egress and loading requirements on a practical level.
Powering the DBX is the 4-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 engine that is also used for the DB11 and Vantage. This powerplant, mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission, delivers up to 550 ps/700 Nm to take the SUV up to 291 km/h after sprinting past 100 km/h in a claimed 4.5 seconds. For owners who also have concerns about fuel consumption, cylinder deactivation helps reduce it.
The all-wheel drive system has active differentials at the centre and rear, the latter being an electronically limited slip differential (eDiff). This allows the torque to be moved precisely both fore and aft in the vehicle and also across the rear axle.
First 5-seater
The DBX is also Aston Martin’s first ever full-size 5-seat model, providing comfortable accommodation for the world’s 99th percentile male and 5th percentile female. The seating layout is variable with 40:20:40 split folding rear seats. More people or more cargo can be carried, and there’s 632 litres of boot space to start with.
The standard specification of the DBX is quite high, and there are also many optional accessory packages offered. These packages will tailor the car even further to customers’ needs. For example, the Pet package will include, amongst other things, a portable washer to help attend to the needs of a muddy dog after a walk.
Handcrafted interior
It goes without saying that the DBX has a luxuriously handcrafted interior, with a full-length glass panoramic roof overhead and frameless door glass. The use of sportscar seat packaging in the front not only provides the driver with exceptional support and long-distance driving comfort but also provides knee and footwell clearance for those sitting behind.
Small touches throughout, such as separate central armrests, the glovebox design and the ergonomic positioning of the car’s key control systems, have been guided carefully by the input of the brand’s Female Advisory Board, dealership feedback and a variety of private focus groups held worldwide.
The seats are covered with full grain leather upholstery while both the headlining and electric roof blind are available in Alcantara, an industry first. Throughout the cabin, DBX maintains an authenticity of materials, with judicious use of metal, glass and wood.
There is an abundance of technology for driver assistance as well as entertainment. A 10.25-inch TFT screen sits flush in the centre console while a huge 12.3-inch TFT screen provides a wealth of information to the driver while on the move. Apple CarPlay comes as standard, as does a 360-degree camera system and ambient lighting that offers 64 different colours in two zones.
Aston Martin is well known for its fine and exclusive cars and even offers personalisation services to make them more exclusive. For those who also want the same design excellence for their homes – or just the garage to house their cars – the British carmaker also offers design services.
Service from Q by Aston Martin
The new design service was introduced a year ago and is an additional business of Q by Aston Martin, the division which does personalisation services for the cars. Known as Aston Martin Automotive Galleries and Lairs, it offers the opportunity for clients to work with the Aston Martin Design Team to create a home that has the car as the centrepiece (if desired).
Ultimate space for automotive displays
Understanding that, to the car enthusiast, the garage would be an important area of the house, a special auto gallery can be designed that either focuses on showing off the car or is part of a larger, integrated entertainment space. It would be the ultimate space to showcase automotive works of art.
One design concept shown as an example for an automotive space houses works of art including the Aston Martin Valhalla and the iconic DB5 in a subterranean circular space. The chosen car sits at the centre of this extravagant design that focuses attention on the car, whilst providing entertainment and leisure areas, along with living space for guests.
Automotive Galleries & Lairs can also come up with a design to fit the era if a customer has a heritage car. The spaces can be for a single car as a piece of automotive art or a full collection of cars in a private museum. These spaces provide an opportunity for people to create their own unique world where they can share their passion for cars with their guests.
The team has already produced interior design work for the 66-storey Aston Martin Residences in Miami, Florida, as well as collaborated on the design of Aston Martin’s global brand centre in Tokyo. The interiors of numerous Aston Martin dealership centres have seen involvement by the design team.
The first private residential estate designed by the Aston Martin service is Sylvan Rock (shown above), in collaboration with S3 Architecture. Located on 22.3 hectares of land in Rhinebeck, 90 minutes from Manhattan in the US state of New York, Sylvan Rock firmly embraces the natural landscape. It is described as ‘a truly visionary example of elegant, post-pandemic design thinking’.
Simulator racing has been growing over the years, both in terms of technological advances that increase realism as well as popularity globally. Companies making the hardware and software for simulators are pushing the envelope further and further, and with the AMR-C01 Racing Simulator, those who want to compete in the virtual or the real world can have the ultimate luxury home simulator.
Designed by Aston Martin and engineered by Curv, the AMR-C01 has a lightweight carbonfibre monocoque structure and utilises the latest technology to provide a fully immersive driving experience for the home user. The seating position mirrors that of the Aston Martin Valkyrie, adding a futuristic hypercar feel to the simulator.
Carbonfibre bodywork
Hand-assembled by Curv Racing Simulators, using the highest quality components and latest Assetto Corsa software, the AMR-C01 has a unique look, thanks to the work of the Aston Martin Design team. Crafted in carbonfibre, the front of bodywork is shaped to invoke the signature Aston Martin Racing grille.
The all-carbonfibre monocoque provides a rigid structure, the design of which also adds to the sporting look of the simulator. As what customers would expect of any Aston Martin car, there is a high level of refinement and surface quality as well as finish.
“This was a challenge for the design team as, although the simulator isn’t a car, it is inspired by our racing cars. It needed to exude the same elegance, boasting the same dynamic lines and balance of proportions as any Aston Martin with a racing lineage. I can picture the AMR-C01 in the most beautiful of residences as a sculptural work of art in its own right,” said Aston Martin’s Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman.
For the love of racing
Curv Racing Simulators is led by Aston Martin works driver, Darren Turner, who is a simulator specialist with over 20 years’ experience in cutting edge Formula 1 simulation. “The AMR-C01 is all about the love of racing. We’ve created a home simulator with incredible immersion that offers users the opportunity to have a great time racing in the virtual world, from the comfort of their own home,” said Turner.
Aston Martin Valkyrie hypercar
Hypercar experience
“We modelled the driving position on the Aston Martin Valkyrie so users of AMR-C01 can get the full hypercar experience. I’m very proud of what we’ve been able to achieve, with design and engineering creating what I believe to be the most beautiful home simulator available,” he added.
Only 150 of these state-of-the-art simulators will be available, each priced from £57,500 (about RM304,000) in the UK. The first units can be delivered during the fourth quarter of this year.
Although production of the Rapide ceased two years ago, the model continues in the Aston Martin range as the Rapide AMR. First revealed in 2018 as a concept, the production version was displayed at last year’s Geneva Auto Show where the company announced that it will make 210 cars.
Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur has brought in two of those units, priced from RM1.1 million, excluding duties and taxes. These are the last two units still available in Southeast Asia.
Link to racing team
AMR stands for Aston Martin Racing, the official motorsport operation for the British brand. ‘AMR’ is used for special editions, drawing a direct engineering and aesthetic link between the company’s successful racing team and its roadgoing cars.
At the heart of the Rapide AMR is a naturally aspirated drivetrain that draws much of its technology and character from the potent Vantage GT12. Larger inlet manifolds with tuned length dual inlet runners enhance the airflow into the 6-litre V12 engine.
Combined with new engine and gearbox calibration, increases in output take maximum power to 603 ps and 630 Nm. Claimed acceleration is 4.4 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h and a maximum speed as high as 330 km/h.
Standard carbon ceramic brakes
As standard, the Rapide AMR comes fitted with carbon ceramic brakes. Measuring 400 mm at the front with 6-piston calipers and 360 mm at the rear with 4-piston calipers, this is the first time that a Rapide has been fitted with such strong stopping power.
The carbon ceramic discs are also part of AMR’s ethos to use lightweight components whilst reducing unsprung mass they have a noticeably beneficial effect on the driving experience. Much of this development work has been completed at the newly opened AMR Performance Centre at the Nurburgring.
Alongside the new tyres, brakes and aerodynamics, the Rapide’s suspension has also received considerable attention. The new Rapide AMR rides 10 mm lower than a Rapide S and although the three stage adaptive dampers remain, they have been thoroughly reengineered to create a car that is more focused, agile and dynamic.
The 4-seat Rapide AMR is available in Standard and Signature schemes. Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur has one of each scheme. The car with the Signature scheme is finished in Stirling Green paint with Lime accents and a Lime stripe for the definitive AMR look. The Standard scheme is Onyx Black, with adding AMR Lime accents to the splitter, sills and rear diffuser.
More information is available at www.astonmartinkualalumpur.com and to get a quotation, you can write to astonmartinkl.enquiries@wearnes.com.
Aston Martin’s DB5 is well known as the ‘James Bond car’, having appeared as a gadget-packed sportscar in the movie ‘Goldfinger’ (as well as ‘Skyfall’). Only 1,059 units were produced and sold between 1963 and 1965, so it is a rare model. As part of its Continuation program, the company is currently making 25 units of the ‘Goldfinger’ car, complete with the array of gadgets, priced at the equivalent of RM17.7 million.
While the original DB5 is not readily available and only 25 people will get to own the Goldfinger cars, there is now the DB5 Junior, a two-thirds scale replica that runs on electric power. It is the result of a collaboration between Aston Martin and The Little Car Company and based on Aston Martin’s reference 3D scan of an original DB5 to ensure complete accuracy and authenticity.
Developed over the last 15 months as a collaboration between the two companies, the junior car is priced at £35,000 (about RM195,000). Like all Aston Martin models, customisation of the DB5 Junior is possible in almost the same manner. Only 1,059 units will be available – the same production volume as the original DB5 – on a first-come, first served basis with a refundable deposit required.
The DB5 Junior is around 3 metres long, and 1.1 metres wide. It is designed to easily accommodate an adult and a child side by side. The aluminium honeycomb chassis and composite body provide a very rigid platform whilst keeping the total weight down to around 270 kgs.
Absolute authenticity was key throughout the development of the car. For example, the DB5 Junior sports the same iconic Aston Martin ‘wings’, ‘shield’ and DB5 badges as the original 1963 model. Like its big brother, the dashboard is filled with functional Smiths instruments, which have been cleverly updated for the modern era.
The fuel gauge has been converted into a battery meter, while the oil temperature now monitors the temperature of the electric motor. Finally, the same Smiths clock as seen in the original 1960s car sits proudly in front of the passenger seat.
The perfect two-thirds scale steering wheel has a racing-style quick release to make entry and exit easier for the driver. Power is regulated by billet aluminium accelerator and brake pedals and, as would be expected, there are working headlights, brake lights, indicators and a horn. However, there are no 007 gadgets which is a pity.
In true DB5 style, the car comes in the famous Silver Birch colour as standard, with a full black leather interior and carpet set. There is even a boot at the rear for storage.
Like the real car, the DB5 Junior sits on double wishbone suspension at the front and even the roll centre and camber gain match the original geometry. At the rear, there is a live axle that is of the 1960s period, with authentic upper and lower trailing arm suspension and Panhard rod.
Behind each of the 10-inch wire wheels are ventilated disc brakes. Like modern hybrid and all-electric cars, there is regenerative braking which contributes to recharging of the battery pack.
Powered by a torquey electric powertrain delivering 5 kW (6.7 bhp) to the rear wheels, the DB5 Junior can zip to a maximum speed of almost 50 km/h. The removable battery pack under the bonnet is said to provide 16 to 32 kms driving range, depending on how the car is driven. A second battery can be added for extra range and replacement of each pack is easily done in seconds.
For safety, there are three modes to suit the skill of the driver, with the power output reduced to 1 kW (1.3 bhp) for less experienced drivers. Besides a maximum speed of around 20 km/h, this mode has a remote kill switch which will disable the car if it is further than 30 metres. The Expert mode generates maximum output available and for the ultimate driving experience, a rally-style hydraulic handbrake is included.
DB5 Vantage Junior
There is also the DB5 Vantage Junior available in the UK for £45,000 (around RM250,000) which has a powerful 10 kW (13.4 bhp) electric motor. This output is delivered to the wheels through a Limited-Slip Differential. Performance is further enhanced by the lightweight carbonfibre body and a second battery pack, doubling the range to between 32 and 64 kms.
With the DB5 Goldfinger Continuation cars, of which there are only 25 units will be available, Aston Martin offers an authentic version of the most memorable car used by Agent 007. It comes with gadgets like machineguns in the headlights, tyre-shredders, revolving numberplate and battering rams. And it’s not a toy model – it’s a full-sized fully engineered car that can be driven around.
If you missed the opportunity to own one of those cars, here’s another chance to own am Aston Martin associated with the movie franchise. Aston Martin is celebrating the release of the 25th James Bond film – No Time to Die – with two exclusive 007 special editions of the Vantage and DBS Superleggera.
Four iconic Aston Martin models will appear in the movie, to be released around the world in November 2020. Besides the iconic DB5, there will be the classic V8, DBS Superleggera and the Valhalla – the company’s forthcoming mid-engined hypercar.
The two special editions being offered in limited numbers to buyers around the world have been carefully designed and crafted by Aston Martin’s bespoke division known as Q by Aston Martin. ‘Q’ is the character in James Bond movies who has headed the R&D department of the British Secret Service and developed all those fancy gadgets, weapons and cars.
So it seems appropriate that Aston Martin has created its own department with that designation to offer bespoke personalisation services to customers. Besides the personalisation expertise, Q by Aston Martin also produces special editions such the latest 007 editions of the Vantage and DBS Superleggera.
Vantage 007 Edition £161,000/RM882,700
The first of the two models is the Vantage 007 Edition, inspired by the original V8 which made its 007 debut in The Living Daylights in 1987 and also appears in No Time to Die. As in Skyfall, James Bond retrieves the the car from his personal storage lock-up in London.
Building on the formidable sporting style and aggressive performance of the regular Vantage, the new car features unique exterior styling treatments led by a bespoke mesh grille with chrome bezel that references the look of the brand’s classic V8. Further styling details include a dashed yellow diffuser inspired by the hazard stripes on the film car’s rockets.
The Vantage 007 Edition can even be delivered with a set of The Living Daylights inspired limited edition skis and ski rack – referencing the ‘winterised’ V8 saloon from the film. 007 branding applied on the centre console of cars equipped with a manual gearbox.
The sun visors of all the cars will carry another subtle film reference in the shape of an embroidered radio station frequency – 96.60 (FM) – which 007 buffs will know was the Russian police frequency Bond used to aid his escape in The Living Daylights.
The seats themselves feature unique heritage fluting reminiscent of that seen in the V8, along with carbonfibre seat backs and, in a particularly detailed nod to the 1980s film, the outline of cello ‘f holes’ inspired by the memorable cello chase scene.
Additional association with the movies is in the form of a laser-etched gadget plaque that references the various weapons and devices seen on the original film car. These included a rocket motor, missiles, lasers, a targeting display and ski outriggers. Crosshairs etched onto the car’s paddle shift gear levers allude to the missile guidance system seen in the film, too. Available as a manual or automatic, the Vantage 007 Edition also boasts a side strake Vantage badge and is limited to 100 units globally.
DBS Superleggera 007 Edition £279,025/RM1.53 million
The range-topping DBS Superleggera that is the basis of the other 007 Edition will be available in just 25 units. Each car will have the same specification as the muscular DBS Superleggera featured in the upcoming film, including the 715 bhp/900 Nm 5.2-litre V12 twin-turbocharged engine.
The 007 edition will come with special Ceramic Grey exterior paint with the roof, mirror caps, splitter, diffuser and rear Aeroblade IITM in black tinted carbonfibre. Also unique to the 007 Edition are visually striking Gloss Black diamond-turned Y-Spoke 21-inch wheels. This special edition also features a 007 fender badge, finished in chrome with a black enamel infill and Stainless Steel Silver 007 foil applied to the rear spoiler blade.
Inside, the cockpit is a dark, brooding, leather-clad environment with flashes of red detailing the outline of the seats. Subtle 007 branding can be found on the door cards, armrest buckle badge and on the rear sub-woofer cover. The car is finished with a sill plaque that identifies it as one of the exclusive 007 Editions.
