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Aston Martin plots more specific models for China, Middle East

Aston Martin is a thoroughly British automaker. Given its independence from any foreign automaker and its production that takes place entirely in the UK – particularly since Rapide assembly was moved back to Gaydon and the Toyota-based iQ was discontinued – you might argue that it's the most British automaker of them all. But like any other, it thrives on exports, and that only stands to increase with its latest announcement. With support from the British government, Aston Martin has revealed that it plans to develop new models specifically for export outside of the UK and continental Europe – especially for developing but wealthy markets in China and the Middle East. It wouldn't be the first time Aston would launch a new model targeted at a specific market, after all. When the company relaunched the Lagonda marque with the new Taraf luxury sedan late last year, it initially planned to make it available only in the Middle East. And by Middle East, we don't mean war-torn Yemen or Syria – we mean the oil-rich emirates of the Persian Gulf, like Bahrain, Qatar, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Popular demand later prompted Aston to switch tracks, however, expanding availability to Europe and other markets. At this point, Aston isn't saying just what it has in mind for these lucrative markets, but the possibilities seem limited only by what local buyers would be interested in ponying up for. We could easily see the company offering a long-wheelbase Taraf limousine for China, a partial convertible sedan (like the Maybach Landaulet) for the Emirates or that long-rumored crossover that would be sure to attract buyers from both markets. ASTON MARTIN SET TO EXPAND MODEL RANGE FOR EXPORT MARKETS UK Government confirms support for new projects 29 March 2015, Gaydon: Aston Martin today confirmed it will widen its product offering for markets outside of Europe. Based on a conditional offer of an exceptional regional growth fund from the UK Government, Aston Martin will commence work this year on new models intended to broaden its customer reach in export markets such as China and the Middle East. The UK Government has committed support of up to the value of GBP6.9 million, conditional on investments in new products from Aston Martin. Commenting on this news, Aston Martin CEO, Dr Andy Palmer said: "Expanding our product range to enable a greater reach into export markets is an essential part of our Second Century business plan.

Aston Martin's extremely British DBS Superleggera special edition: DBS 59

Aston Martin just released a new special-edition model called the DBS 59. The name pays respect to Aston Martin's 1-2 finish in the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans with its DBR1 race cars. This car is based off the 715-horsepower DBS Superleggera, the fastest vehicle in Aston's current lineup. All the changes for the special edition car are visual, but they make for one hell of a stunner. Every DBS 59 will be painted in British racing green and use a plethora of gloss carbon fiber on the exterior. You'll see the carbon on the roof, roof strakes, rear valance, spoiler and hood louvers. To complement the carbon fiber, Aston used bronze accents in some spots like the front grille, badging, brake calipers and wheels. It all comes off as very British, and we're loving the classy looks of it. The interior is actually tri-toned. There are brown and black leather seats, but British racing green trim is found in some areas as an accent. Fabric designed to harken back to the same stuff used on the DBR1 was commissioned for the DBS 59's seat backs and door inserts. You get one of the cooler accessories packages with the car: The rear compartment holds special DBS 59 crash helmets. Period-correct blue race overalls, racing gloves modeled after those worn in the 1959 race, a bespoke two-piece luggage set and a car cover specific to your model number all come with the car. Speaking of model numbers, Aston Martin plans to make 24 of these — you know, because there are 24 hours in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Each car will have a small white painted number next to the side strakes to signify which one you got. All the mechanicals are the exact same as the normal DBS Superleggera. That's totally fine — the Superleggera goes 211 mph. Aston Martin doesn't provide a price, but you can order one now. Our guess is, if you have to ask, you can't afford it. Related video: Featured Gallery Aston Martin DBS 59 Image Credit: Aston Martin Aston Martin Coupe Luxury Performance supercar aston martin dbs superleggera

Kahn tackles Aston Martin with a Vengeance

Though Aston Martin has been known to produce some pretty stunning designs all on its own, it's also no stranger to the efforts of independent coachbuilders. It's had a longstanding relationship with Zagato that has given birth to some of the most stunning automotive collaborations ever to roam the open road, but now it's time for another designer to step up to the plate with the creation previewed here. It's called the Vengeance and it's the latest project from Kahn Design – a British firm perhaps better known for its (often wildly) customized Land Rovers, but with a history of enhancing Astons as well. Adopting a name that fits into traditional Aston nomenclature along nameplates like Vantage, Vanquish and Virage, the Vengeance is being built atop a DB9, but with highly modified coachwork. As you can see from the preview renderings in the slideshow above, the design calls for features a a bulging hood, slotted grille, wide rear fenders, polished steel roof and window frames, and staggered alloys – 20 inches up front, 21 in the back – inspired by roulette wheels with diamond-cut rims and body-colored centers. "The Vengeance underlines Kahn Design's expertise in design and coachbuilding," said Azfal Kahn in the statement below. "With a team of over 25 designers in house we're involved in all aspects of product design from automotive to timepieces, interiors, retail space, clothing and accessories." Only a limited quantity of individually numbered examples will be hand-made in the British Midlands, with pricing and availability yet to be announced but promising what Kahn says will "represent extremely good value for a limited edition coachbuilt car." Kahn Design launches coach built 2 door retro classic coupe named the 'Vengeance' Origins The practice of automotive coachbuilding stretches back to the early 1900s, when discerning customers would employ the services of expert craftsmen to create a custom vehicle body on a pre-manufactured chassis. Following in this tradition, renowned British designer Afzal Kahn has announced the launch of a new coachbuilt car codenamed the Vengeance. Built on a new Aston Martin DB9 chassis, the Vengeance is a wide body two door coupe, with a muscular, aggressive design evoking the silhouette of a sabretooth on the prowl. Design A supercar owner and connoisseur since his late teens, Kahn has always sought to push the boundaries of car design, developing a distinctive, aggressive design language.