Aston Martin unveils new brand’s first race-inspired car

Aston Martin has revealed full details of the cars that will become the first series production derivatives of its new race-inspired performance range, AMR.

Launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March, AMR is designed to capitalise on the marque’s racing heritage with a series of very exclusive new models.

The brand takes its inspiration from Aston Martin Racing’s participation in the FIA World Endurance Championship; a series with which the marque tasted world championship success with factory drivers Nicki Thiim and Marco Sørensen just last season.

The Vantage name has been synonymous with Aston’s racing pedigree since the 1950s. Aston Martin said it was therefore entirely appropriate that the Vantage AMR should be the first car developed for the AMR brand.

The AMR brand has two distinct tiers. Series production limited-edition models such as the new Vantage AMR sit at its entry point, while extreme and extensively modified AMR Pro models, created by Q by Aston Martin Advanced Operations, sit at the pinnacle of the range. These include the exclusive Vantage AMR Pro unveiled at this year’s Geneva Motor Show.

A celebration of Aston Martin’s worldwide success across the GT4, GT3 and GTE endurance categories, the Vantage AMRs will be offered both with 430bhp V8 or 595bhp – up from 565bhp – V12 powertrain options.

Both engines are fitted with automated sequential manual paddle-shift transmissions, or for the purist, six and seven-speed manual gearboxes in the V8 and V12 Vantage AMRs respectively.

Vantage AMR is available in four striking AMR exterior schemes: Stratus White with an Orange graphic; Ultramarine Black with Blue graphic; Zaffre Blue with Red graphic; and Scintilla Silver with Grey graphic.

In addition, the AMR ‘Halo Pack’ takes direct inspiration from Aston Martin Racing’s 2016 World Endurance Championship-winning #95 Vantage GTE, working a combination of Stirling Green paint and vivid Lime Green accents to dramatic effect. As a finishing touch, a special Union Jack-enameled AML wings badge, previously featured on last year’s GTE racer, is available as a no-cost option.

Each of the exterior schemes is matched to a different interior scheme that demonstrates Aston Martin’s mastery of materials and hand-craftsmanship to perfection. With a combination of leather and Alcantara for the Vantage AMR Coupes and all-leather for the Vantage AMR Roadsters, each interior scheme has been carefully chosen to compliment the exterior colours. In keeping with its exterior, the Halo Pack features boldly contrasting colours, including Lime Green welts and accents.

Lightweight carbon fibre seats are offered as part of the extensive range of interior and exterior options. These include a suite of other carbon fibre features, including a lightweight front grille, side strakes, lamp infills and mirror caps on the outside, instrument surround, door tops and door grabs on the inside. There is also a choice of three different finishes for the V8 Vantage AMR’s 5-spoke alloy wheels and the V12 Vantage AMR’s lightweight 10-spoke alloy wheels.

For those who wish to add further finishing touches and personalisation, the Vantage AMR can be specified with additional options from the new AMR Accessories range. The most dramatic of these is the AMR Aero Kit. Produced in partnership with Aston Martin Racing, the extensive aerodynamic package for coupe models is constructed from carbon fibre and features front splitter and dive planes, plus side sills and a fixed rear spoiler.

Another highlight is the optional forged aluminium AMR Vantage wheel, which mimics the design of the wheels fitted to the Vantage AMR Pro Concept shown at Geneva. Further weight savings can be made with the AMR titanium exhaust, which saves 14kg over the standard V12 Vantage system, sounds sensational and helps to sharpen engine response.

Andy Palmer, Aston Martin President and CEO, said: “It’s a real thrill to see our first AMR model go into production. The Vantage has been an incredible success for Aston Martin, both in V8 and V12 forms.

“As our most agile and athletic road car, and our long-time representative in the world of GT racing, it is the perfect model with which to introduce the exciting AMR range. Unmistakable in look and feel the Vantage AMR will appeal to our most enthusiastic customers. These are people who love our cars for their motorsport pedigree, and for their unmistakable dynamic and emotional qualities.

“Limited production numbers will undoubtedly make them extremely collectible, but they’re so good to drive I’m confident we’ll see many of them being enjoyed both on the road and at track events around the world.”

Both V8 and V12 Vantage AMR models are available in both Coupe and Roadster body styles in selected markets, with recommended retail prices starting from £97,995. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in Q4 2017.