Aston to build new model

ASTON MARTIN is creating a new standalone two-door model line that will debut in little more than a year – in time to celebrate the famed British marque’s 100th birthday.

Although it will be based on Aston Martin’s familiar front-engined VH platform and be powered by the same 5.9-litre V12 fitted to most of its existing models, the new car will apparently not be the expected replacement for either the DBS or the aging DB9.

It is expected to be unveiled later this year, possibly at the Paris motor show in September, ahead of its 2013 introduction.

Aston Martin CEO Ulrich Bez told British magazine Auto Express the new model would be an addition to the existing line-up.

“This will be an entirely new model,” said Dr Bez. “We have to do something remarkable to mark our centenary.

“It won’t be a DB9 with a Centenary Edition badge and it won’t be a limited edition like the One-77 supercar. This will be a mainstream Aston.”

Aston Martin head of design Marek Reichmann is reportedly putting the final touches to the Centenary model, which is expected to feature an aggressive front bumper, a ventilated hood and LED-infused headlights and tail-lights.

Spy shots of the car testing in Europe indicate it will be a slightly sharper-edged variation on the usual Aston Martin theme, as displayed by its other two-door, front-engined models, the Vantage, DB9 and Virage.

Auto Express said Dr Bez dismissed those who have criticised the similarity of recent Astons and called for more radical designs.

“The best cars stand the test of time,” he said. “You need evolution in design, not constant change. Look at the Porsche 911.” Reports out of Europe suggest that the V12 engine – which produces 350kW in the four-door Rapide, 365kW in the Virage and 380kW in the Vantage and DB9 – will be tuned to deliver more than 400kW for the new Centenary model, driving through a six-speed manual gearbox or Aston’s new seven-speed Sportshift II auto.

This could be enough to make the new model the company’s first capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h in four seconds or less. The fastest Aston currently is the Vanateb V12 at 4.2 seconds.

Aston Martin was founded in 1913 by British engineer Lionel Martin and racing enthusiast Robert Bamford, who worked together selling cars manufactured by Singer.

That led to the release in 1915 of the Coal Scuttle, which is officially recognised as the first Aston Martin (Aston being a prominent hillclimb where Bamford raced). The second car was not built until 1920, after World War I.