Motoring: Aston Martin Vanquish S Red Arrows; JLR F-Pace & Range Rover Velar
Aston Martin has marked a new partnership with the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund by announcing a special edition of its Vanquish S model.
The car, which is being limited to a production run of just 10 models, is being tuned by the Gaydon-manufacturer’s Q operation after being commissioned by Aston Martin Cambridge. Prices have not been revealed.
The car will be known as the Vanquish S Red Arrows edition, in honour of the RAF’s world-famous aerobatics display team.
Each car will feature special design touches including hand-crafted interiors and graphic elements that draw on the visual language of aviation, as well as the skill and agility of the display team’s pilots.
The Q by Aston Martin Vanquish S Red Arrows edition is finished in striking Eclat Red, mirroring the instantly familiar livery of the team’s Hawk aircraft and referencing the word ‘Eclat,’ in the Red Arrows’ motto.
A host of subtle details enhance the bodywork and interior, from white and blue carbon livery detailing to the white ‘smoke trail’ feature on the side strake. An exposed carbon fibre roof panel includes an inlaid ‘charge’ pattern mimicking the canopy design of a fast jet, while Union Jack enamel wing badges and a titanium exhaust complete the exterior package.
Inside, Red Arrows and RAF inspired details are used throughout, such as the Pinewood green inserts that evoke the design of the classic flight suit and Martin Baker Ejection Seat fabric, together with the green webbing seatbelts.
The signature Red Arrows emblem of nine aircraft in classic ‘diamond’ formation is embroidered on the seat backs, along with unique sill and engine inspection plaques. The latter will be signed, 1 through 10, by the equivalent number ‘Red’ pilot in the squadron. The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team logo is embroidered on the transmission tunnel, and the rear of the cabin is finished in the 2+0 configuration, allowing for rear-mounted stowage of twin racing helmets, both finished in the Red Arrows livery.
Each Q by Aston Martin Vanquish S Red Arrows owner will receive truly bespoke accessories that could include racing helmets, racing suits, bespoke embroidered bomber jackets and a Vanquish S bespoke luggage set, together with a highly-detailed die-cast 1:18 model of their car and the Hawk aircraft. A specially designed car cover and Build Book will also be issued.
Fittingly, nine Vanquish S models mirrors the nine-aircraft formation made famous by the Red Arrows. The tenth car is being gifted to the RAF Benevolent Fund, the charity established to provide support to former servicemen and women and their families.
Andy Palmer, President and CEO of Aston Martin, said: “We are extremely proud to be working closely with our partners the RAF Benevolent Fund in helping to support members of the RAF and their families.”
The limited edition is the third Q by Aston Martin – commission from Aston Martin Cambridge, following on from the success of last year’s V12 Vantage S Spitfire 80 Edition, marking 80 years of the Supermarine Spitfire’s first flight, and the earlier Vantage S Blades Edition, developed in collaboration with the Blades Aerobatic Display Team.
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Elsewhere, it’s been a good week for Jaguar Land Rover.
Following on from record global sales figures, the Jaguar F-PACE has been officially crowned the best and most beautiful car in the world after double success at the 2017 World Car Awards, where it scooped both the prestigious World Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year titles.
The performance SUV is the fastest selling model Jaguar has produced and is only the second vehicle to claim the historic double in the 13-year history of the World Car Awards.
To win the pair of trophies, the F-PACE saw off the competition in a vote of 75 influential motoring journalists from 24 countries.
Dr Ralf Speth, Jaguar Land Rover CEO, said: “The F-PACE was designed and engineered as a performance SUV with exceptional dynamics, everyday usability and bold design. Winning this award endorses the talent and great work of our teams that have delivered the world’s most practical sports car and Jaguar’s fastest-selling vehicle.”
Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar added: “The F-PACE is our first ever SUV but it is clearly recognisable as a Jaguar and for it to win the 2017 World Car of the Year trophy vindicates our decision to bring our unique design principles and dynamic qualities to a new sector of the market.”
Meanwhile, fresh from its appearance at the launch of the new Range Rover Story exhibition at Solihull’s Lode Lane plant, the latest member of the Range Rover brand, the Velar, has made its debut in the US – with the help of a little celebrity endorsement.
The unveiling of the vehicle was accompanied by an exclusive live online performance from Ellie Goulding.
Her performance of ‘Love Me Like You Do’ opened the reveal event and was shown live on her Facebook page.
The singer said: “I have always been a big Range Rover fan and it was a pleasure to be a part of its launch here in the US.”
Ellie Goulding and the Range Rover Velar at its US debut
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