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Comments
Agreed.
Just wait and see what the new Vanquish looks like by next year. I haven't a clue yet, but there's a chance it might be a little more relaxed. Plus, you have the DBS:
If you take issue with the recently-ended DBS and new V-8 Vantage redesign, then yeah, I get that you have a problem. But to me, those main production cars are still far more reserved then the admittedly and intentionally experimental limited series cars.
I'm pretty suspicious all that's happening here is Aston is done letting firms like Zagato make money on limited edition when they're perfectly capable of doing it themselves.
For many years I've said that that DBS was the last wholly successful design and everything else after merely trying to ape that design or build upon it (really not a fan of side vents connecting to the wheel arch). The DB10 and Valhalla look beautiful from most angles but perhaps not all.
That orange Aston back a page looks very nice to me, but come on, 'Valiant'? That was your grandparent's car.
Valiant is one of the WWII UK bomber names, hence its choice. So was Victor and so was Vulcan, both also Astons.
Yes I like that DBS; the recent Superleggera one not so much.
I think it's a shame they didn't go a bit more down the DB10 design route.
Just playing Devil's Advocate, but limited runs do often end up being a gauge of wider public opinion, so could be where is Aston is heading for its design identity. Maybe reigned in a bit, but still in that direction. Not that it bothers me, I quite like it. Nowhere near as flabby as the 2002 Vanquish, not as bland (in context...) as the 2020 Vantage, not as cynical as the Cygnet!
I get it. I went to school for marketing and work in auto journalism so I'm prodding for good reason, just very curious about different viewpoints and what works and why etc.
The Valiant was totally done by Aston's internal Q custom shop and Fernando Alonso allegedly, hence a new 3D rear subframe, carbon wheel covers, full carbon body, and an integrated massive rear wing. Those will never fall to standard production cars simply because it wouldn't be smart when you can upcharge for it on special cars (and build them faster without it).
You will see more 3D printed and metal-extruded components that look alien etc. bc of modern computer modeling and crash test composure, it will get very interesting very fast on cars like Astons and Ferraris. But the surface stuff will still be lightweight alloys mixed with carbon details or panels, only the extreme models should have gaping mouths and flared edges and wings.
Marek Reichman, the guy responsible for the DBS, (updated) Vanquish, and DB10 all being hailed as subtle, is still in charge. But as I mentioned before, the brand push is to only sell Hyper GT vehicles, comfortable but powerful, so there will be a certain need for cooling (big nose) and downforce (rear wing). We'll see but I'm very excited about it.
I do think the nose design of the Valiant is ridiculous on first impression, agreed, but when I learn it's to keep the weight over the front axle as minimal as possible, it makes sense that it's just a giant hole. I do think they could have done something more interesting with graphics or a different 3D effect, but I see what they're going for with the current design, and people really did not like the early DB10-inspired Vantage design that also had a gaping open hole for a grille. So they didn't go that exact route again for good reason.
I would almost promise that the lack of identity in the Valiant is almost a resetting of the slate - minimize the Aston to its most recognizable identity while offering the most performance - and the scale both sliders back from there to get to a fresh identity. Stay tuned.
Not WW2, Cold War, beeing the V-bombers. If you'd had those in 1944 the war would've lasted a lot shorter. ;-)
Anyway, interesting discussion between all of you. The 'thug-gentlemanscar', a bit shout-out agressive with style, vs the elegance and hidden power. Indeed, both are very much Aston Martin throughout it's history, and you can say the same of Bond (books). The Bentley he has isn't a real one, but take a Bentley from the 1920's and you'll see a do-or-die race monster. Then he get's a DB4, a far more stylish and elegant car, with enough oomph to play with the best of them.
Personally I love especially the DB9 (2016 facelift) Virage (2013, basically the DB9 of 2016) and the Vanquish 2. These are the embodyment of the elegant car line. But I can't help just loving the eighties' V8 as well. The nineties to my mind went too far, too 'Japanese' if you will. I wasn't much of a fan of the huge grill design at all, but yesterday a DB12 drove by and I must admit it looks astonishing. It oozes power and exclusivety.
The only thing I regret is that the more exclusive line (the V-bombers) don't look like you can use then on b-roads at all. And I think GT's, shoud always be able to do that as well. Roads with lesser surfaces a bit off the highway. I don't think these 'hyper GT's' can do that, they seem to be made for the track.
Cold War, WWII.5, tomato tomato. haha
Good thought about ride height and I asked the very same at the reveal. The Valiant at least rides at a very "normal" height with minimal protrusions to scrape. I noted it and talked to the team about it, it's very much an every day car (in that regard) and they didn't want to do a "heavy" nose-lift system nor a heavy adjustable air suspension like some exotics do. It would be lower if Alonso wasn't planning on showing it to the public. It's the same V-12 Aston they've been selling with lighter frame and body components and better aero, but the same or very similar ride height I'd imagine. It's a track car you can drive home. They were not interested in managing a system like the Ferrari FXXK programs (where owners don't even really own the track-only car, it sits in a track garage).
I don't think they're likely to go far down the Victor/Valour route as it's ultimately a retro-inspired design, not really a path for the future.
Far? No. Inspired by? I still think its possible. The current line-up is still easily traceable to Callum's DB7, which itself was the rebirth of a DB line that had been dead for 22 years, so another retro-infused branch of non-limited edition cars doesn't feel too outlandish to me, especially if they want to differentiate the delayed EV range from the current ICE cars.
Yes I agree about Porsche. They don't tend to restyle their cars much so that's probably why they come off better. Of course, the 911 is the yuppiemobile so I wouldn't want to be seen in that either.
I have the feeling that at least here in Germany, the 911 has replaced the Mercedes SL as the go-to car for white-haired retired chief physicians, lawyers etc., the car they always wanted to have but never had time to buy before retirement. It's been a long time that I've seen someone actually young at the wheel of a 911. That being said, I find their consistency of design amazing and commendable. You can still see the vibes of the original 911 (originally called the 901 when it came out in '63) and even the 356 in today's 911s.
Commercial probably