Aston Martin introduces AMR performance sub-brand

Aston Martin launched its AMR performance sub-brand at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show. Gaydon says that AMR reflects Aston Martin’s racing pedigree, and takes technology and inspiration from motorsport to amplify the sporting prowess of its cars. Expect enhanced performance, sharper dynamics and more powerful design language from AMR cars.

Since the formation of Aston Martin Racing (AMR) in 2004, the brand has enjoyed success in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), winning the 2016 FIA WEC GT Drivers Championship, while also securing three class victories at Le Mans over this period. AMR’s GT3 and GT4 racers have also secured many victories and titles around the world.

Marek Reichman, Aston Martin EVP and chief creative officer, says that the AMR brand was a logical next step after the sold-out success of limited edition sporting versions like the Vantage GT8 and Vantage GT12.

“Each time we have pushed the boundaries and done something extreme, the customers have loved the cars. AMR enables us to take Aston Martin into a new dimension. One where we can turn-up the sporting DNA present in all of our models and make a true statement.

“An AMR model will have an instantly recognisable design language. One that accentuates and amplifies, together with the latest GT race car technology for the road. They will be special and rare cars that are credible, thrilling to drive and hugely desirable to own,” he said.

Two AMR concepts were unveiled in Geneva, the Rapide AMR and Vantage AMR Pro. The Rapide represents the first tier of AMR, sporting a range of power, chassis and styling upgrades, plus a new interior treatment. The Vantage AMR Pro – influenced by the WEC winning V8 Vantage GTE – is the pinnacle, an “uncompromising demonstration of AMR’s ‘Track to Tarmac’ philosophy.”

The Rapide AMR provides a dynamic and visual blueprint for future AMR models, Aston says. Featuring a 600 PS version of the firm’s 6.0 litre naturally aspirated V12 breathing through a new quad exhaust system, the sleek saloon is capable of a 338 km/h (210 mph) top speed .

Wearing AMR’s signature Stirling Green with lime green accents, it rides on new 21-inch alloys and features a new full height signature grille, front splitter, side sills, rear diffuser and aero flip on the rear decklid. Plenty of visible carbon fibre. Inside, there are CF front seats and carbon on the centre console and door casings.

The Vantage AMR Pro is the ultimate iteration of the Vantage. Powered by a 507 PS development of the GT4 race engine, the Vantage AMR Pro is the most powerful V8 Vantage ever. It also comes with race-spec adjustable suspension, competition engine and transmission mounts and 19-inch centre lock wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Cup 2 tyres.

Looks wise, the Vantage AMR Pro not only takes its colour scheme from the V8 Vantage GTE racer, but uses the same bonnet and rear wing as the WEC winner. To compliment the motorsport parts, Aston Martin’s designed a new front bumper that incorporates a new full-height front grille, a new front valance and splitter, front fenders, sill appliques and a revised rear diffuser.

Both have been confirmed for production – the Vantage in a limited series of no more than seven cars; the Rapide as a run of only 210 units.

While future development of core AMR models will be part of Aston Martin’s central vehicle engineering teams, development of AMR Pro models will be led by Q by Aston Martin Advanced Operations, the team that came up with the Vantage GT12, Vantage GT8 and Vulcan. AMR’s European development and brand centre will be based at the brand’s facility at the Nürburgring.