In recent years Aston Martin has returned to the track, following the introduction of a family of specially developed racing cars: the DBR9, DBRS9, V8 Vantage GT2 and GT4. In both 2007 and 2008, a DBR9 won the GT1 class at Le Mans, evoking memories of the DBR1’s classic Le Mans victory in 1959. In May 2008, the V8 Vantage GT4 took the top three podium spots in the SP8 class at the famous Nurburgring 24-hour event.

 

Every model, from the 2005 V8 Vantage to the V12-engined DBS – debuted in 2008 – is produced at the brand’s award-winning factory in Gaydon, Warwickshire, by a skilled workforce that combines traditional hand-finishing with high-tech manufacturing techniques. In December 2007, a new purpose-built design studio opened to house the company’s design team, led by Marek Reichman. The facility, the first in the brand’s history, hosts a number of specially commissioned art installations as part of Aston Martin’s commitment to supporting modern art, innovation and creativity.

 

The brand has a strong cinematic tradition that began in 1964 with Sean Connery’s 007 driving a DB5 in Goldfinger. In 2006, a DBS made its debut, 21st century style in Casino Royale, with new Bond star Daniel Craig. Both the car and Craig make a spectacular return in the sequel, Quantum of Solace. Aston Martin dealerships form a central part of the company’s image. An award-winning series of modern pavilions in high profile international locations reflect the design and attention to detail offered by the brand’s bespoke service. Like its products, the approach does not compromise on materials; the overall look and attention to detail more in keeping with a boutique hotel than a car showroom.

 

Since 2000, Chief Executive Dr Ulrich Bez has overseen a period of growth and investment that ended Aston Martin’s 20-year partnership with Ford in June 2007. As an independently owned company its dealership expansion programme has gone from strength-to-strength, with its first two showrooms in China opening in 2008.

Integral to Aston Martin’s brand identity is its distinctive winged logo (believed to denote speed) that has evolved over time. Today every car has a hand-made, discreet metal badge on the bonnet and each showroom, a version of the logo rendered in stainless steel and illuminated by LEDs. Inside the cars, the wings are etched onto the glass and stainless steel ECU (Emotion Control Unit) inserted into the dashboard to initiate the engine start sequence. An ability to successfully embrace change, without compromising its worldwide reputation for understated style and elegance, keeps Aston Martin at the pinnacle of car manufacturing; each design combining form, function and material to produce the aesthetic beauty and sporting prowess the brand has been built on.