During the
late 1990's AML had begun to develop two totally new Aston Martins, a
2+2 GT to replace the DB7 (AM803), and a smaller 2 seater (AM305) to
compete head-on with the Porsche 911 and Ferrari 360. Initially at
least, the smaller car
was intended to be mid-engined - almost a first for AM (with the obvious
exception of the Bulldog). Indeed, the then director of design, Ian
Callum had made significant progress with the styling. The potential
problems with this new 2 car strategy were not apparent until the new
AML CEO, Dr Ulrich Bez joined the company in July 2000. On the second
day as CEO, Dr. Bez axed the mid-engined 2 seater, despite it already
having apparently been approved by Ford Top Brass. Dr Bez was very much
against mid-engined Astons and cost-cutting parts sharing with marques
within the Ford empire.
As a result, by the end of 2000, the master plan for Aston Martin was re-written;
AML would use Ford resources to develop a totally new and unique bonded
and riveted aluminium platform which could easily be be made in
differing lengths for different cars in the range. Thus AM305 could have
a shorter wheelbase than the larger AM803 GT and yet share very many key
components with each other but no other cars in the Ford portfolio. This
platform, now known as VH architecture, previewed on the AMV8 Vantage
show car is now being used on the DB9, DBS, V8 Vantage, Rapide and AMR race
cars.
VH stands for Vertical/Horizontal and is nothing to do with the
orientation of the components. 'Vertical' represents the vertical
integration of the platforms components both up and down the AM range.
'Horizontal' represents the horizontal spread of platform concept across
to the other Ford marques, although with AM now independent, this can no
longer happen. The really clever thing is that it the outer
body panels are not structural which allows for inexpensive restyles; expect
more special bodied exclusive variants like the DB7 Zagato in the
future.
The DB9 was undoubtedly the star of the 2003 Frankfurt Motor show where
it was unveiled to the public for the very first time. The sleek
superformed aluminium body was initially designed by Ian Callum but had
also been significantly influenced by the next director of AM design,
Hendrik Fisker. The DB9 is powered by a third generation version of the
now familiar 6.0 litre V12 and has a top speed of 186mph. Production of
the coupe started at the new Gaydon factory very early in 2004, with the
Volante coming on stream early in 2005.
The Geneva Salon 2005 was the venue for the unveiling of the fabulous V8
Vantage, the first in what will become a very exciting line of two
seater sports cars. Production of the 175mph machine begin in the Autumn
of 2005 to satisfy the desire of many anxious new owners. A Roadster
version was unveiled in November 2006 for production began mid way through
2007.
And a potential third model line was first seen at the Detroit Motor
Show in January 2006. Unveiled as a running concept, the Rapide is not a
Lagonda, but a 4 door hatchback Aston Martin now guaranteed for
production for late 2009. Another addition to the quickly
growing range is the DBS, a derivative of the DB9, V12 powered and first
seen as transport for James Bond in his 21st film, 'Casino Royale'. The
production car was introduced at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in
August 2007 with a convertible Volante breaking cover 18 months later.
For the time being, the AMOC is referring to the VH architecture (and
Vanquish) cars as 'New Era' . This is of course fine for the time being
but eventually will stop when something new comes along in perhaps
another 6-8 years time. What is without doubt is that from the
introduction of the Vanquish, AM truly began a transition that will, in
time, represent the most significant event in AM history |
