You heard it here first
Discussion
As you may have gathered Molly & I went to Gaydon today courtesy of Broughtons and were entertained in fine style.
It was a most interesting day and after a factory tour we settled down to an excellent lunch. However, before lunch began Dr Bez made an appearance and gave a speech. After lunch the good doctor mingled with his humble customers. At our table he paused and was waylaid by me and, to my surprise, pulled up a chair and settled down for a chat!
So what did we glean from the main man?
V12 Vantage Convertible to go into production in 2012
DBS replacement on its way - expect 600bhp, £200,000 price tag - existing DBS owners, he said, time to put your name down for preferential treatment
No turbo charged engines for the foreseeable future
Existing engine supply agreement extended for 4 - 5 years
4,800 units built in 2011 of which 80% have been for export. China perceived to be the biggest growth market
Dr Bez is currently writing a book ('My Aston Martin'?) due out in Spring 2012
Moving on after lunch a further talk was given by Ian, the Development Manager, after which we had a chat too. He had sent one of the girls to track us down as it turns out that we (that is YOU fellow Pistonheads) - are being watched!! After Molly's thread about the Gaydon visit they knew we were coming and I was asked if I was Rob GT. So we made our introductions and Ian made a call to Paul Barritt - the Vantage Chief Platform Engineer no less - who seemed keen to meet us too!
It was quite a surprise to learn that the 'wisdom' we share here is being watched by the main men at AM so now you know perhaps you would like to tell them what you really want from the Astons of the future!
The day was rounded off nicely when the One 77 was started up and moved (tho' not by me unfortunately). A great day all round - thanks Aston Martin - and keep watching this space!
It was a most interesting day and after a factory tour we settled down to an excellent lunch. However, before lunch began Dr Bez made an appearance and gave a speech. After lunch the good doctor mingled with his humble customers. At our table he paused and was waylaid by me and, to my surprise, pulled up a chair and settled down for a chat!
So what did we glean from the main man?
V12 Vantage Convertible to go into production in 2012
DBS replacement on its way - expect 600bhp, £200,000 price tag - existing DBS owners, he said, time to put your name down for preferential treatment
No turbo charged engines for the foreseeable future
Existing engine supply agreement extended for 4 - 5 years
4,800 units built in 2011 of which 80% have been for export. China perceived to be the biggest growth market
Dr Bez is currently writing a book ('My Aston Martin'?) due out in Spring 2012
Moving on after lunch a further talk was given by Ian, the Development Manager, after which we had a chat too. He had sent one of the girls to track us down as it turns out that we (that is YOU fellow Pistonheads) - are being watched!! After Molly's thread about the Gaydon visit they knew we were coming and I was asked if I was Rob GT. So we made our introductions and Ian made a call to Paul Barritt - the Vantage Chief Platform Engineer no less - who seemed keen to meet us too!
It was quite a surprise to learn that the 'wisdom' we share here is being watched by the main men at AM so now you know perhaps you would like to tell them what you really want from the Astons of the future!
The day was rounded off nicely when the One 77 was started up and moved (tho' not by me unfortunately). A great day all round - thanks Aston Martin - and keep watching this space!
Sounds like a great day, and good that Aston Martin were sharing some of the development / future models plans.
Great they read us here, and hopefully they realise whilst we like to moan about the future development, we care passionality about the marque.
China growth plans?
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/11/29/uk-astonm...
PS As Aston read Pistonheads - I've never been invited to Gaydon!
Great they read us here, and hopefully they realise whilst we like to moan about the future development, we care passionality about the marque.
China growth plans?
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/11/29/uk-astonm...
PS As Aston read Pistonheads - I've never been invited to Gaydon!
robgt said:
As you may have gathered Molly & I went to Gaydon today courtesy of Broughtons and were entertained in fine style.
.........It was quite a surprise to learn that the 'wisdom' we share here is being watched by the main men at AM so now you know perhaps you would like to tell them what you really want from the Astons of the future!
The day was rounded off nicely when the One 77 was started up and moved (tho' not by me unfortunately). A great day all round - thanks Aston Martin - and keep watching this space!
I hope they took notice of the "if you were CEO...." thread so they know who they should be and should not be getting into bed with in the future .........It was quite a surprise to learn that the 'wisdom' we share here is being watched by the main men at AM so now you know perhaps you would like to tell them what you really want from the Astons of the future!
The day was rounded off nicely when the One 77 was started up and moved (tho' not by me unfortunately). A great day all round - thanks Aston Martin - and keep watching this space!
Sounds very positive Rob about your visit and the plans for the immediate future. Good to know they read all this - but if they took a leaf out of Jockmans book in response to your questions and interest on AM Dr Bez would have started talking about random subjects very quickly did he?
It's a must,if you get the chance then jump on it, it's a great insight into the world of Aston Martin and how the cars are built. Today was a fantastic day my wife and I really enjoyed it, encouraging to hear of future developments too .
Highrisedrifter said:
Great write-up. I look forward to going on one of these days once I get my Vantage.
Dear Aston Martin internet marketing folks.
I've bought two and you never invite me to these things.
Disgruntled of North London.
PS - If you really want to be impressive, work out who I am and put it right. Handy hint - ask Simon Cook at Works Service about the Mako blue V12V that he sorted out after a rear-end impact and then a front-end impact. That's mine.
I've bought two and you never invite me to these things.
Disgruntled of North London.
PS - If you really want to be impressive, work out who I am and put it right. Handy hint - ask Simon Cook at Works Service about the Mako blue V12V that he sorted out after a rear-end impact and then a front-end impact. That's mine.
robgt said:
Another thing Dr Bez stated in no uncertain terms was that he had no intention whatsoever of jumping into bed with any other manufacturer. What he did say though was that Aston Martin needed friends.
That's an interesting quote. Did he quantify that statement at all? I'd love to know what AM have planned for 'friendships' in the not too distant future.
JohnG1 said:
600bhp from DBS 2.
Where will they get the money from to develop that?
Already developed would be my guess. There are spy shots from earlier in the year of the car. Its less that 12% increase on todays power IIRC. Knock sensors, allowing to benefit from higher octane fuel will go a long way towards that 12%.Where will they get the money from to develop that?
Wonder if the V12V R will get that engine / power increase as well? Would make sense, especially with it being made in limited numbers.
Neil1300R said:
JohnG1 said:
600bhp from DBS 2.
Where will they get the money from to develop that?
Already developed would be my guess. There are spy shots from earlier in the year of the car. Its less that 12% increase on todays power IIRC. Knock sensors, allowing to benefit from higher octane fuel will go a long way towards that 12%.Where will they get the money from to develop that?
Wonder if the V12V R will get that engine / power increase as well? Would make sense, especially with it being made in limited numbers.
I hope I am wrong...
Another thing the Doctor stated was that he wished to keep the Aston Martin brand exclusive which is the best news for us owners. There are apparently 3 more dealerships to be opened in China next year with an expected up take of 1000 units to be sold in 2012.
I hope that 90% of Gaydon's output goes for export so as to push up our residuals.
We came away yesterday convinced that Aston Martin's future looked good plus they are in profit this year.
I hope that 90% of Gaydon's output goes for export so as to push up our residuals.
We came away yesterday convinced that Aston Martin's future looked good plus they are in profit this year.
JohnG1 said:
Dear Aston Martin internet marketing folks.
I've bought two and you never invite me to these things.
Disgruntled of North London.
PS - If you really want to be impressive, work out who I am and put it right. Handy hint - ask Simon Cook at Works Service about the Mako blue V12V that he sorted out after a rear-end impact and then a front-end impact. That's mine.
im on my third Aston and they dont even send me a magazine I've bought two and you never invite me to these things.
Disgruntled of North London.
PS - If you really want to be impressive, work out who I am and put it right. Handy hint - ask Simon Cook at Works Service about the Mako blue V12V that he sorted out after a rear-end impact and then a front-end impact. That's mine.
michael gould said:
JohnG1 said:
Dear Aston Martin internet marketing folks.
I've bought two and you never invite me to these things.
Disgruntled of North London.
PS - If you really want to be impressive, work out who I am and put it right. Handy hint - ask Simon Cook at Works Service about the Mako blue V12V that he sorted out after a rear-end impact and then a front-end impact. That's mine.
im on my third Aston and they dont even send me a magazine I've bought two and you never invite me to these things.
Disgruntled of North London.
PS - If you really want to be impressive, work out who I am and put it right. Handy hint - ask Simon Cook at Works Service about the Mako blue V12V that he sorted out after a rear-end impact and then a front-end impact. That's mine.
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