Aston Martin Celebrates 100 Years With Special Logo, Short Film, Big Stunt and 100 Exclusive Centenary Editions.

2013 marks 100 years since the founding of Aston Martin by Robert Bamford and Lionel Martin. By incorporating their new company they began 100 years of Power, Beauty and Soul. To celebrate the anniversary, they have created a new logo, a short film, a spectacular stunt in Dubai and have created 100 special sexy Centenary Editions of their V8 Vantage, DB9, Rapide and Vanquish.

The Aston Martin Centenary Logo



To mark the Centenary year and to ensure consistency of interpretation, Aston Martin has developed a visual expression in the form of the Aston Martin Centenary Logo.

The dynamic shape derived from nature’s nautilus shell, is made up of 99 points with the red 100 marking the celebration year.

The design represents the Centenary of the company in the shape of commemorative points aligned in perfect proportion around the Aston Martin logo. It is a dynamic expression of forward motion - acknowledging the past, yet with a strong and positive path to the future.

The points are symbolic not just of 100 years, but as an expression of what make the marque what it is today: the beautiful and iconic sports cars, the evolution of the brand and of course the many proud and dedicated people who have created it.

The 100 Years of Aston Martin Video
Featuring some of the most iconic cars and most important people in Aston Martin history the film shown below explores 100 years of this globally respected British marque.



The Dubai Centenary Spectacular Stunt
The Dubai Centenary Spectacular at Burj Al Arab was an event created to herald the Anniversary.



The New Vanquish, the culmination of a century of technological and engineering progress was chosen to grace the helipad of the Burj Al Arab hotel, one of the most iconic buildings in the world.



Lifted from the ground at a nearby airstrip the helicopter moved towards the hotel. A breathtaking two minutes saw the helicopter hover over the helipad as a crew scrambled to secure the Vanquish. Suddenly it was done, the helicopter lifted into the sky and we had successfully placed a car on top of the helipad of the Burj Al Arab, which sits over 1,000 ft in the air.



Exclusive Centenary Editions
Aston Martin's Centenary Edition Vanquish has been unveiled, just one of a set of specifically created specifications which will adorn V8 Vantage, DB9, Rapide and Vanquish - with 100 exclusive examples of each being created in celebration of 100 Years of Aston Martin.



Bespoke Exterior Styling


Featuring a unique graduated paint finish, solid sterling silver Aston Martin wings badges with tailored ‘trans flux’ enamel inlay and a special Aston Martin hallmark, the exterior represents an exclusive new celebration of their 100-year history.

A Luxurious Treatment


A Centenary Edition Aston Martin is identified inside by its exclusive and luxurious treatment. Deep Soft black leather – previously featuring only in the One-77 hypercar – with contrasting silver stitching, a special silver thread embroidery of the Aston Martin wings in the head restraints and solid sterling silver sill plaques individually numbered with an Aston Martin hallmark are among the features unique to the car.

Exquisite Craftsmanship


The process of creating the unique Centenary Edition paint finish, for instance, clearly demonstrates the brand’s commitment to bespoke luxury. Adding an average of 18 hours to a paint process that can already take more than 50 hours to complete, the unique graduated finish is meticulously built by adding special ‘tinters’ to create the darker inner colour. This custom-made mixture is then applied to each panel by hand, using a special mini-jet spray gun.



Aston Martin Design Director Marek Reichman explained: “The team has looked closely at the individual contour lines of each of the cars to determine not only the right colours and shades, but also to create a template by which the paint changes from dark to light and where the graduated effect sits.”

Each Centenary Edition model will also be supplied with a unique presentation box containing a number of exclusive gifts to mark the first 100 years of the company. These include two glass keys, two bespoke key pouches made from leather matching the car’s interior trim, solid silver cufflinks featuring the Aston Martin script, solid silver Rollerball pen and high quality Bang & Olufsen headphones.

The gift box will also include a silver polishing cloth to help owners ensure the silver centenary wings badges and sill plaques on their car keep their lustre.

Available to order now, prices for the Centenary Edition models are obtainable on application at Aston Martin’s 146 dealers in 46 countries worldwide.



See more about the history of Aston Martin here.

If I Were A Baby, Here's How I'd Like To Roll. The Aston Martin X Silver Cross Surf Carriage.

Launching in April is one special, and pricey (£2000), baby carriage. The Surf Aston Martin Edition Pram, a collaboration between luxury sports car brand Aston Martin and high-end baby brand Silver Cross, will be issued in a strictly limited edition of 800 and sold exclusively through Harrod's.



For generations, Aston Martin and Silver Cross have represented the finest in British design, engineering, craftsmanship and luxury. Each combines a peerless heritage at the very forefront of their field with a commitment to innovation; a determination to uphold the greatest traditions of British engineering excellence in the contemporary age.






Now the legendary sports car marque and the company that invented the modern baby carriage have come together in a unique and unprecedented collaboration. Issued in a strictly limited edition of just 800 pieces, the Silver Cross Surf – Aston Martin Edition is a modern masterpiece. It marries prowess with luxury to create a truly exceptional environment for baby, perfect for parents who insist on giving them the very best from day one.







Each pram will come with its own certificate of authenticity and an engraved brushed chrome plaque to confirm that it is one of a limited edition.

Details:
• Surf – Aston Martin Edition chassis finished in anodised aluminium and magnesium alloy
• Surf – Aston Martin Edition seat unit finished in luxurious Alcantara® and leather
• Surf – Aston Martin Edition carrycot finished in Alcantara®, performance fabric and leather
• Alcantara® harness and buckle protector pads
• Performance fabric hood and apron
• Winter footmuff with windproof performance fabrics
• Sun shade and rain shield
• Folding detachable shopping basket
• Suitable from birth
• L98cm x W58cm x H92-100cm
• Chassis 7.5kg, Body 3.8kg

Price: £2000

The Surf Aston Martin Edition is exclusively available at Harrods (Regrettably, this product is non-exportable.)

Aston Martin's Limited Edition Luxury Road Bike. The Technologically Advanced One-77 Cycle.

Designed by Factor for Aston Martin, the new limited edition luxury super cycle will only be produced in 77 units. Available in 7 sexy color options, the bicycle is equipped with an electronic touchscreen, Tufo Hi-Composite Carbon Tubular tires and a carbon fiber frame and handlebars. Full specs are at the end of this post.

Enter The Dragon - The Limited Edition Aston Martin Dragon 88.

Aston Martin revealed three special-edition China models under the "Dragon 88" (Dragon 88 - 龙年88限量版) moniker at the 2012 Beijing Auto Show. The Dragon 88 Limited Edition models formed the centerpiece of Aston Martin's Beijing Motor Show display.




Each Aston Martin Dragon 88 Special edition features different, but equally striking color schemes and shares the same exquisite detailing, including intricate Dragon design embroidery and beautiful gold inlay. The Vantage S, Virage and DBS models were built to celebrate the Chinese Year of the Dragon, and only 88 cars will be built.

Car Moulds:

Real gold detailing:

24k gold-plated badges:




Created using around 30,000 stitches, each dragon motif features a combination of four thread colours: Metallic Gold, Cream Truffle, Winter Wheat and Kestrel Tan, which perfectly co-ordinate with the interior leather colours and Sahara Tan stitching throughout the car.





24-Carat gold plated Aston Martin wings badges will be featured on the hood and rear of the car. Exclusive to the Year of the Dragon 88 Limited Edition, the models feature a striking headrest embroidery design, inspired by the “Nice-Dragon Wall” in Behai Park, Beijing. Unique sill plagues will be fitted with laser-etched special edition nomenclature. Additional enhances will include the front grille, meshes, wheels, and brake calipers.







"With the new limited-edition Dragon 88s, our 'Q by Aston Martin' bespoke service and the massive expansion of our sales network, China is on course to become Aston Martin's third biggest market," said Global Sales Director Andy Gawthorpe.

The DBS Volante Dragon 88 edition at the Bejing Auto Show:




Filmed at the Beijing Auto Show 2012, this Dragon 88 limited edition DBS Volante includes striking headrest embroidery, a piano black fascia with intricate gold inlay and laser etched sill plaques.



The Year of the Dragon 88 Limited Edition is designed for those seeking a rare ownership opportunity. In accordance with Chinese cultural significance of the number eight, symbolising prosperity, good fortune, and luck -- only 88 of these unique vehicles will be produced.


Aston Martin

Aston Martin's Cygnet, The Luxed Up Toyota IQ

In my opinion, Aston Martin makes some of the world's sexiest luxury sports cars; The DBS Volante, The DB9, the V12 Vantage and The Rapide. And especially their new Carbon Black special editions. Long, sleek, aerodynamic, elegant cars whose profiles' make one drool with desire. Aesthetically graceful enough for women, strong enough looking for men.


clockwise from upper left: the V12 Vantage, The DBS Volante, The DB9 and the Rapide.
 
So, when I first caught a glimpse of the Cygnet, I was disappointed. It's built on the Toyota iQ (called the Scion IQ in the US) platform. A little quirky european looking commuter car.



It's true, I have a personal bias against cars that look like the need a wind-up key to run. The Mini, the Smart car, the Toyota iQ and even that old Le Car remind me of Barnum and Bailey clown cars. That said, the reason I'm blogging about the Cygnet is the interesting business strategy behind it.

First off, if you didn't know, to purchase one of the Aston Martin Cygnets, you must already own a full-sized Aston Martin. Since many of their customers (Aston Martin says approximately 30%) already own a mini car like a Toyota iQ, they are serving their client’s needs while lowering the fleet’s CO2 emissions. Thus, without damaging their brand, they've basically designed a $45,000+* accessory for their customers who own $285,000 cars.
*The actual MSRP price has not been released.



“Many of our customers have a need for a small car for urban and city use,” says Aston Martin Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez, “The Cygnet Concept brings intelligence, innovation and artistry to the small car market. The Cygnet Concept represents the natural choice for those customers looking for a premium commuter car.”



“Our past, our future and our backbone will always remain sports cars, but the Cygnet Concept will support this by offering our customers a greater degree of freedom in the urban context.”



The Aston Martin Cygnet Concept is a bold step towards a new form of transportation; the luxury commuter car, a form of personal transportation that sees the company's core values engage with a new environment.



The Aston Martin Cygnet Concept is the result of a unique and intelligent collaboration, the coming together of two companies that are leaders in their respective fields. The project has required a close intellectual and engineering partnership, resulting in an inventive solution that unites volume and niche automotive engineering.





The Aston Martin Cygnet Concept is small. At just under three metres long (that's 9.8 feet), the car is a highly refined piece of packaging, designed to make fast progress within dense European cityscapes. With four seats and a highly intelligent interior, the car can be configured in a number of different ways, allowing for a 2+2 seating system, a 2+1 seating system or a 2-seater with large luggage area.



The Aston Martin Cygnet Concept has a 1.3 litre 4-cylinder engine, offering CO2 emissions of 110g/km and combined fuel economy figures of 58.9 mpg, with a power output of 98bhp. The Aston Martin Cygnet Concept has a six-speed manual gearbox, with the MultidriveTM CVT system available as an option. The Aston Martin Cygnet Concept comes with an acclaimed technology package as standard, including a satellite navigation system, iPod integration and a powerful six-speaker radio/CD player.



The Cygnet Concept enhances the marque, pointing to a future of ongoing innovation, design and technology; allowing Aston Martin customers a greater degree of freedom without compromising the levels of design, quality and innovation that embody the brand.



An Aston Martin delivers the pleasure and exhilaration of driving combined with an appreciation of craftsmanship, design and technology. But Aston Martin is also about innovation, forging new links and associations; and bringing the brand's qualities to new sectors of the market.



The Cygnet Concept is a demonstration of Aston Martin's unrivalled skill at creating hand-crafted interiors. The rich blend of hand-stitched leather, Alcantara and aluminium is shared with Aston Martin's sports cars. The company's extensive experience of traditional processes and richly detailed craftsmanship gives each Aston Martin a unique feel, bringing together detailed design work, high technology and exquisitely tactile materials.



As a luxury commuter car that can slip easily and unobtrusively into the city, the Cygnet Concept is a highly intelligent solution to urban mobility. Using tried and tested technology, together with Aston Martin's acclaimed levels of personalisation and customisation, material quality, craft skill and tactile delight, the Cygnet Concept is innovative and forward-thinking, a genuine solution for future mobility and a natural partner for Aston Martin's line-up of acclaimed luxury sports cars.



You can register your interest in the Cygnet to receive the latest news and info here

official images and information of the Aston Martin Cygnet courtesy of Aston Martin and Top Speed.

I told you I love Aston Martin cars, so be sure to check out the world's most expensive and exclusive Aston Martin One-77 here.