God love the Brits. Sure, they speak the Queen’s . . . er, King’s English, but sometimes they complicate things in a verbose manner. Is it a quest to sound upper-crust? Even the French knew how to keep things simple (“Let them eat cake”). Aston Martin has reminded us of this.
As you’d expect, the 110-year-old automaker will be a presence at Pebble Beach in a few weeks and, boy, this year’s Pebble Beach event promises to be one of the most memorable yet. Don’t believe me? You don’t have to — those words came straight from Aston Martin. In store for you enthusiasts and Anglophiles are a “world-first debut of a new model” and the North American debut of the Valour. If you’re not a city slicker, you could be forgiven in thinking that the interior is full of velveteen, but what’s notable about the Valour is that it’s the only V12 available with a manual transmission — did ya catch that, Ferrari? But, rather than hear it from us, why not hear it from Aston Martin?
Valour represents the ultimate in undiluted and visceral driving experiences. It is the only front-engine V12 sports car available with a manual transmission, much to the delight of automotive purists, and boasts a thrilling end-of-an-era specification. This spectacular new special edition will be displayed at Aston Martin Club 1913 whilst the The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering on Friday, 18 August will play host the yet-to-be-revealed new model and the world’s most powerful SUV, DBX707, before both cars move to the brand’s luxury destination at Pebble Beach for the weekend.
If you fancy yourself as something other than a groundling, then maybe you’ll be able to check out the Aston Martin DBX707. No, it’s not a new take on gender but, rather, the latest Aston Martin SUV. If you live in Carmel, perhaps you’ve seen a DBX parked at an art gallery, but the 707 is the latest take. The number comes from its power output of 707 PS, which roughly translates to 697 horsepower (approximately a 150-horse bump) thanks to new turbochargers and other bits. Zero to 60 performance is a resounding 3.1 seconds, with a 193-mph top speed. But, rather than hear it from us, why not hear it from Aston Martin?
DBX707 is an SUV like no other. One which elevates Aston Martin to the pinnacle of the segment with a unique combination of blistering performance, supreme dynamics, unmistakable style and absolute luxury – an SUV with sports car like feel. Engineered with an abundance of character and compelling capability, DBX707 is the ultimate SUV in every respect.
If you’re not royalty, and utility is not on your agenda besides, perhaps the new DB12 is a better fit. In fact, while you’re off hunting in the countryside, you can give the viscount the impression that its name suggests it’s powered by a V12 and not a Mercedes-Benz-derived twin-turbo V8. But, rather than hear it from us, why not hear it from Aston Martin?
The world’s first super tourer, DB12 is the first of Aston Martin’s next generation of sports cars to be launched. Delivering a quantum shift in sporting character and dynamic capability, this is a new generation of the legendary DB bloodline and defines its own new category. Combining a scintillating driving experience with exceptional refinement, state-of-the-art technology and indulgent luxury, the DB12 demanded a new definition as the world’s first super tourer.
Those who have the status to attend Aston Martin’s Club 1913 (read: you likely weren’t invited) on the 18th fairway of the Pebble Beach Golf Links will be able to experience a virtual reality adventure with the Aston Martin Valhalla, a hybrid supercar that should reach production shortly. The combined output of the twin-turbo Mercedes V8 with electric motors is expected to be 937 horsepower. But, rather than hear it from us, why not hear it from Aston Martin?
Aston Martin Club 1913 guests will also be the first to experience the new Aston Martin Valhalla VR Experience, created to provide an incredible specification environment for owners of the sensational Aston Martin Valhalla, the brand’s first hybrid supercar.
The engineering focus of the pulse-pounding Valhalla has been to create an immersive, uninterrupted connection between the driver and the car. This complete driver-centric experience starts at the specification stage, thanks to the Valhalla VR Experience, developed with Zerolight, powered by CloudXR technology from Nvidia.
Once wearing the fully wireless VR headset, customers can view a highly detailed digital twin of their Valhalla in an immersive 3D world. As the first automotive brand to deploy this CloudXR technology, Aston Martin’s Valhalla customers can choose the exact specification of the interior of their vehicle whilst virtually sitting inside it, then chose the exterior specification as they walk around the car.
Interestingly, the Head of Global Marketing and Communications at Aston Martin has a very Italian name. Here’s what Renato Bisignani has to say: As well as celebrating new entrants to our stunning portfolio, we are also pushing the boundaries of digital technology to provide a glimpse into our future. Through an immersive VR experience we will bring customers virtually inside the cockpit of Valhalla, getting the best understanding yet of this unique, driver-focused, elite performance car.
Sounds like he’s on his way to perfecting the King’s English.
