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Aston Martin crafts one-off equestrian-themed DB9 Volante

Ask most people what kind of cars Aston Martin makes and they'll probably tell you it makes sports cars. But it doesn't. No, Aston Martin actually makes luxury GTs that focus at least as much on fine craftsmanship as they do on outright performance. In other words, any Aston Martin – from the 'entry level' V8 Vantage to the flagship Vanquish – packs an unrivaled attention to detail. But for those looking for that extra measure of exclusivity and intricacy, there's Q by Aston Martin. And this is its latest project. Similar to the Ferrari Tailor Made program, Lamborghini Ad Personam, Porsche Exclusive or Rolls-Royce Bespoke, Q by Aston Martin is dedicated to meeting the specific needs of individual customers who want their luxury GT crafted just so. We've seen several specially crafted and eye-catching Q projects at auto shows around the world, created to showcase what the division can do. This one was commissioned by a dealership in Los Gatos, CA. Starting with a DB9 Volante, the Q division gave it an equestrian theme with saddle tan leather with diamond-quilted ivory Alcantara trim, light burlwood veneer, specially-embroidered horse-head logos and saddle-style luggage fitted to the rear console. The exterior is finished in Ashen Blonde metallic with ten-spoke diamond-turned wheels in satin champagne and Howlite stone-inlaid logos. This one-off DB9 will be auctioned off at the Menlo Charity Horse Show, held August 5-10 at the Menlo Circus Club in Atherton, CA, with proceeds to benefit the Vista Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired.

Aston Martin brings a Lagonda SUV concept to Geneva

The progress is quick: Just a year after Aston Martin brought Lagonda back to life at the Geneva Motor Show, the reborn brand will display an SUV at the same venue. The electric Lagonda All-Terrain Concept precedes and previews the first production Lagonda of the new era, according to Aston Martin. Earlier reports have suggested the SUV will be built starting in 2021 and the sedan in 2023. The All-Terrain Concept is styled in the same fashion as the swoopy Lagonda concept from 2018 (shown in the gallery below). And while the teaser photo only really shows the SUV's outline head-on, we can see wide hips and tall tires. In May, these renderings were released, and it's likely that the Geneva show car will have similar shapes and a hatchback. Even though there's no need to accommodate internal combustion engine technology, and more space can be dedicated to the passenger compartment, the renders look less cab-forward than for example the Jaguar I-Pace; in Geneva, we'll see how the concept shape has been developed further. Aston Martin's Andy Palmer says: "The Lagonda All-Terrain Concept offers explicit clues regarding what will be the first Lagonda model to enter production, and further demonstrates how Lagonda's zero emission powertrain enables us to create spectacular cars that will radically redefine their sectors of the market." Aston is also bringing customized sports cars to the show, showing a Vantage and a DBS Superleggera done by the bespoke Q by Aston Martin service. The Vantage is finished in Cosmos Orange with plenty of carbon fiber, and the DBS Superleggera features a dark, "Gothic" theme suitable for Bruce Wayne. There will also be a DB11 AMR on show. View 14 Photos Related Video:

Dog sent packing after eating owner's $130,000 Aston Martin

When is Man's Best Friend not really Man's Best Friend? As a Somerset, England man found out, it's when she's taking a few bites out of your $130,000 Aston Martin. Royston Grimstead left his home one morning, only to return to find the wheel arch of his British convertible chewed to bits, courtesy of one of his dogs. Luce, the four-year-old Border Collie/Spaniel mix guilty of the damage, may have had motive, according to Grimstead. According to the 42-year-old man, he was already trying to find a new home for the adorable dog, claiming it didn't get along with his other canines. "She must have overheard me because she's normally friendly and never really chewed on anything before," Grimstead said. Luce has found a new home, and according to the Bridgwater Mercury, Grimstead's insurance will cover the damage. Hopefully, Grimstead has now learned a valuable lesson from all of this: Always take the Aston Martin to work. News Source: Bridgwater MercuryImage Credit: Bridgwater Mercury Auto News Aston Martin Luxury Performance