Coming up: Aston Martin ON ICE 2013

It’s almost time for the 5th edition of Aston Martin ON ICE! This yearly event takes place in St. Moritz Switzerland and let’s Aston Martin owners enjoy a day of ice driving and drifting with the full range of Aston models. The driving takes place on a large open area that is prepared like a ski-piste. No trees, no walls, just lots of snow (and in some places: ice). The cars are equipped with winter tires (no spikes), to provide some grip but certainly not too much 🙂

The Rapide S is official (and it’s brutal!)

We’ve already seen spy shots of the new Rapide a couple of times, but now it’s official: the new Aston Martin Rapide S. And what a brutal beauty it is: Up until day, the big question was: would the new Rapide be a sportier “Rapide S” to be placed next to the regular Rapide, or would it just be a new “Rapide”, replacing the existing Rapide. Well, it turns out it is a bit of both. It is called the “Rapide S” and it will replace the old Rapide. I did not expect they would go this route, as it is not consistent with the naming of the Vantage and Vantage S models. Or… could this be sign that the regular Vantage (without the “S”) will soon be dropped, keeping just the Vantage S in the product line up. (Personally, I think this would be a good idea. IMO the regular Vantage has become quite obsolete with the arrival of the Vantage S, especially now they’re becoming more and more similar in both looks and performance.) Anyway, I digress… back to the Rapide S! What’s new in this Rapide v2.0?

The Astons at the Interclassics fair

Last weekend the Interclassics-Topmobiel fair was held in Maastricht, the Netherlands and one of its’ two themes was “100 years of Aston Martin”. Sadly I couldn’t attend the fair because I was in London for … Aston Martin’s 100 year anniversary. Oh well… However, two photographer friends of mine (Jim Appelmelk and Willem Verstraten) did go and allowed me to use their photos here.

Centenary Dinner at the Park Lane Hilton

Last Tuesday, on the exact day of Aston Martin’s 100-year anniversary, a Centenary Dinner was organized at the Hilton Park Lanel hotel in London. 800 guests were invited for champagne, food and alas, the obligatory speeches. Having been a good boy during Aston’s first 100 years, I was invited to join the party. Here’s some pictures of the event and, of course, of the Astons that were present.

Aston Martin talking with Daimler AG about engine development?

According to this morning’s Bloomberg post, Aston Martin is talking with Daimler AG “and other manufacturers” about jointly developing high-end engines and other electronic parts. Andrea Bonomi, Investindustrial’s chairman, said that they’re aiming to reach an agreement within 2 months. I’m all for it. More modern V8 and V12 engines are very welcome, if only to make them more fuel-efficient and to reduce CO2 emissions. Let’s hope they will also discuss creating a better automatic, preferably double-clutch gearbox (at the top of my wish list for future Astons).

Teaser video of what exactly?

The Aston Martin page on Facebook is currently teasing their fans with this preview video. It shows a red Vanquish being transported to some kind of harbor location, then put on a platform (to be lifted into the air?). What’s going on here? Should be revealed today (in a few hours).

400 Centenary Edition models

Aston Martin has just announced that to celebrate their 100-year anniversary, they will create 400 special Centenary Edition models, 100 each for the Vanquish, the DB9, the Rapide and the V8 Vantage. Today, the first Centenary Edition has been revealed: a very special Vanquish:

Happy 100-year anniversary!

Happy anniversary to Aston Martin and all Aston fans all over the world! Exactly 100 years ago today, the company was founded by Robert Bamford and Lionel Martin. During the year, there will be many anniversary events, starting today with: Centenary diner at the Hilton Park Lane in London Today, 800 Aston Martin drivers will gather in the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton hotel on Park Lane in London. This black-tie event will start with a champagne reception, following by a diner and speeches. Actor Sir John Standing will perform as Lionel Martin telling the story of his early days and his experiences of making the first Aston Martins in Lionel Martin’s own words. On display at the event will be the classic A3, the new Vanquish and an Edwardian tricycle of the type raced by Lionel Martin. Of course, I will be present at the event. Yes, in full black-tie outfit!