CLUBHOUSE | DRIVING RANGE
A GLIMPSE INTO THE FUTURE BEN OLIVER TAKES A LOOK AT WHAT ASTON MARTIN IS LINING UP FOR 2015 AND BEYOND – STARTING WITH THE DB10, JAMES BOND’S CAR OF CHOICE.
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make no apologies for the fact that this month's motoring column features further, putting custom-built cars or very lowa car that you can't buy. But it deserves your attention for two reasons. First, volume limited editions at the heart of its the new Aston Martin DB10 is the new Bond car, revealed last month along business. Think bespoke British tailoring from with the rest of the cast and the name of the new film: Spectre. So this car London's Savile Row, rather than off-the-peg is already big news to Bond fans, Aston fans and fans of fast cars generally: from Marks and Spencer. With typical British which is pretty much everyone. humour it has called its bespoke division 'Q by The second reason is that Aston Martin isn't big enough to do a very Aston Martin', a reference to the mad inventor complete concept car like this just for the new Bond film. You can bet that from British intelligence who gives James Bond this car's design gives you a pretty clear glimpse into the his gadgets, and his cars. future of this famous old British brand as it embarks on a T he 'Q' facilities have new chapter in its long history, and probably a period of already been responsible for The DB10 is rapid growth. building the One-77 supercar already big news to Under new CEO Andy Palmer, one of the industry's and they're now making the most exciting leaders who was lured away from the sensational new Lagonda Bond fans, Aston number three spot at the global Renault-Nissan alliance, saloon. Aston says it's for the fans and fans of Aston will radically modernise and broaden its range to Middle East only, but if you're fast cars generally: include more saloons, and even SUVs. A lack of four-door a serious customer with an vehicles has held it back in China, where its premium open chequebook, I don't which is pretty rivals have seen huge growth, and a lack of investment think your place of residence much everyone. has held it back generally. Both are about to change. will be an issue. I visited the And even Aston doesn't put the DB10 – or something workshops recently and saw very like it – into production, you can always ask it to build a one-off just for the naked bodywork of the new saloon – it you (and James Bond). Most of its premium rivals offer 'bespoke' divisions able looks incredible – and a full-size model of the to cater to wealthy owner's individual requests. But Aston plans to go rather astonishing DP-100 mid-engined hypercar
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Aston designed for the GranTurismo driving game. Like Bond's DB10, it could also go from concept to reality very quickly. But you don't need to have the resources of a Bond villain to engage Q's services. If one of Aston's good-looking current range appeals, but you just want to put your own stamp on it, Q can help. And to get your creative juices flowing, it's releasing a series of six one-off versions of Aston's mighty Vanquish grand tourer, showcasing the kinds of bespoke external and cabin details it can create. Popout machine guns and ejector seats are, sadly, off the menu.
Clockwise from opposite: the DB10, to be featured in the upcoming James Bond flick Spectre; the limited edition Vanquish grand tourer; the DP-100 designed for the GrandTourismo driving game; the Vanquish’s cabin HKGOLFER.COM
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