The suits from Gaydon speak their hearts out at the DB11’s launch in Italy on what’s coming next - branched under four pillars.
SPORTS CARS
This will continue to be the heart of Aston Martin’s business underscoring its sporty heritage. After rolling out the DB11 2+2 coupe this year, the all-new replacement for the two-seat Vantage is being lined up for 2017 and is said to look familiar to James Bond’s DB10, as pictured. Expect the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 from a tie-up with Mercedes-Benz AMG’s high-performance car division. To follow are DBS, Vanquish and Virage dervs, as well as open-top Volante silhouettes of all models.
SUVS/CROSSOVERS
Due to exploding trend of high-riding cars with a view to match, Aston isn’t missing out on this particular segment every other luxury maker – bar Ferrari – is eying for action. Gaydon’s most recent effort in communicating such a model was the DBX concept car at last year’s Geneva motor show. The new SUV has been confirmed for production in 2019 at a new Welsh plant, most likely with five doors. Pure electric power is also on the cards, with lessons to be learned from the four-door RapidE prototype.
SPECIAL EDITION MODELS
These type of vehicles have become a new emerging business for Aston, similarly to how Lamborghini enjoy high margins from limited production models appealing to both enthusiasts and investors. Today’s Vantage – now in its run-down mode – churned out the GT8 and GT12 with spicy looks and souped-up performance. More outlandish models with higher levels of bespoke attributes can also be seen recently like the Vanquish Zagato, Vulcan (pictured) and One-77, as such.
LAGONDA
Initially, the Lagonda revival was restricted just to markets in the Middle East. But after global demand for the Taraf saloon came, Aston Martin is contemplating the Lagonda as a new standalone brand rivalling Bentley and Rolls-Royce. Aston’s design boss, Marek Reichmann, says: “[Bentley and Rolls-Royce] will be the Airbus A380 of airplanes; the Lagonda will be the Concorde.” More than one model could be considered, although executives stressed the need to maintain brand exclusivity with low production volumes.
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