Marek has really been putting his stamp on the brand
Discussion
I didn't really notice at first because the One77 was probably the first time they broke out of the Fisker design language but it still felt directly related to that part of things, but ever since the AM RB 001 reveal i've been spending a lot more time looking at the newer projects and there are lots of things that tie back in with Marek Reichman led Astons. The weight and hardness of curves, the way the rear bodywork terminates on the Vulcan and the AM-RB 001 is the same two layer, two material effect. The DB10 and CC100 and One77 share an element of their stance that is pretty removed from the Fisker and earlier cars.
Altogether i think there's quite a seachange happening. It'll be interesting to see how people feel about the brand once the transition is complete.
Altogether i think there's quite a seachange happening. It'll be interesting to see how people feel about the brand once the transition is complete.
Hardest job yet to come. Replacing the Vantage, Probably the most beautiful car design ever! IMHO it can't be improved upon so it has to be quite different. Again, good luck with that. I think Aston Martin (and Marek) are on a serious roll at the moment. Love everything they've done over the last couple of years and if they can even come close to their claims with AMRB001 it will be world crushing. Keep up the good work AML.
V8V Pete said:
Hardest job yet to come. Replacing the Vantage, Probably the most beautiful car design ever! IMHO it can't be improved upon so it has to be quite different. Again, good luck with that. I think Aston Martin (and Marek) are on a serious roll at the moment. Love everything they've done over the last couple of years and if they can even come close to their claims with AMRB001 it will be world crushing. Keep up the good work AML.
I completely agree Pete. To me the Vantage design is about as close to perfection as its possible to get. Any changes will have to be something added, it will look newer, faster and meaner, but it can't be made more beautiful. Its like taking a painting like the Mona Lisa and trying to add something to it to improve it, perhaps paint on a pair of sunglasses or hat? 
It just one of those things that reached perfection from an artists hand and can't be improved upon. When the Vantage concept car was first unveiled in 2003, the beautiful design certainly produced immediate admiration, and also a queue of buyers.
Now, thirteen years later, the Vantage still looks good.
As has been mentioned, designing a worthy replacement will not be easy.
Henrik Fisker is usually credited with designing the Vantage, because he was in post at the time of the launch. However, Ian Callum did a large part of the design work, about 80% it I said. In fact work began on the Vantage before the DB9, but was put on hold so that the DB9 could be introduced first.
Edited by Jon39 on Wednesday 13th July 08:32
I always think a good gauge of how nice a car is, is to try and find a suitable replacement. The Vantage without doubt is the best looking car out there in production today. It doesn't matter how many other brands and models of cars are out there, nothing is close to the beauty of the Vantage. There's been a few tweaks over the years from the original model, but the basic design/blueprint/DNA still exist. I feel really proud of being part of the AM brand now and very excited for the future.
The David Brown era produced arguably the most iconic of the Astons the DB/4/5/6 ,these models defined Aston Martin with the signature grill by which the Aston Martin is recognised by.
The arrival of the DBSV8 in 1969 was quite a radical evolution in design and the 1970/80's produced styling that is a bit marmite.
It was not until 1993 with the Ian Callum designed the DB7 that we saw echoes of the DB era.
The current range of Astons of Vantage/DB9/DBS/Vanquish have been acknowledged as combining the very best in discreet styling with performance.
I have always been a huge fan of the One77 and hope that any new models will take styling details from that model.
Generalising the AM range has been one of evolution rather than revolution,however I acknowledge that the next few years are crucial for Aston Martin and maybe the time is right for a change.
The arrival of the DBSV8 in 1969 was quite a radical evolution in design and the 1970/80's produced styling that is a bit marmite.
It was not until 1993 with the Ian Callum designed the DB7 that we saw echoes of the DB era.
The current range of Astons of Vantage/DB9/DBS/Vanquish have been acknowledged as combining the very best in discreet styling with performance.
I have always been a huge fan of the One77 and hope that any new models will take styling details from that model.
Generalising the AM range has been one of evolution rather than revolution,however I acknowledge that the next few years are crucial for Aston Martin and maybe the time is right for a change.
V8V Pete said:
Why so serious Steven?
Well Pete, design is a subject where I feel I have something positive to contribute as it is been part of my work life for many years.When I choose a car,I must admit, it has more to do with the aesthetic appeal rather than whether it is O.1 seconds faster around the Ring.
With regard to cars of beauty my heart belongs in the 1950/60's, when Aston Martin/Ferrari/ Maserati were at the top of their game.
Edited by avinalarf on Wednesday 13th July 10:56
12pack said:
Well, its the ideal ratio of proportions of the Vantage that make it stand out from other lovely (Aston) designs. Makes it beautiful but still aggressive. I hope the new design will still keep the proportions.
No disrespect but for me the DB9/DBS are more balanced in that respect.Not to say the Vantage is not a great car.
For me the more aggressive stance of the VantageV12 is its most successful incarnation with increased road presence.
avinalarf said:
No disrespect but for me the DB9/DBS are more balanced in that respect.
Not to say the Vantage is not a great car.
For me the more aggressive stance of the VantageV12 is its most successful incarnation with increased road presence.
Yeah but you can lower a V8V and put wider wheels/tyres on it but you can't get the whole of the V12 engine behind the front axle.Not to say the Vantage is not a great car.
For me the more aggressive stance of the VantageV12 is its most successful incarnation with increased road presence.
Lights blue touch paper and stands well back ……...
avinalarf said:
The David Brown era produced arguably the most iconic of the Astons the DB/4/5/6 ,these models defined Aston Martin with the signature grill by which the Aston Martin is recognised by.
The arrival of the DBSV8 in 1969 was quite a radical evolution in design and the 1970/80's produced styling that is a bit marmite.
It was not until 1993 with the Ian Callum designed the DB7 that we saw echoes of the DB era.
The current range of Astons of Vantage/DB9/DBS/Vanquish have been acknowledged as combining the very best in discreet styling with performance.
... design is a subject where I feel I have something positive to contribute as it is been part of my work life for many years.
The arrival of the DBSV8 in 1969 was quite a radical evolution in design and the 1970/80's produced styling that is a bit marmite.
It was not until 1993 with the Ian Callum designed the DB7 that we saw echoes of the DB era.
The current range of Astons of Vantage/DB9/DBS/Vanquish have been acknowledged as combining the very best in discreet styling with performance.
... design is a subject where I feel I have something positive to contribute as it is been part of my work life for many years.
Steven, you might therefore like this photograph, one of many that I took at Burghley. An event which we all so enjoyed, that was so expertly organised by hard working Ed with his trusty umbrella and team.
You have mentioned your work life.
I don't think we know what it is.
Can we look you up in Who's Who, or Linkedin?
Your references to be a provider of services ("Know what I mean? Know what I mean? Nudge, nudge. Wink wink. Say no more"), presumably is just avinalarf.
Anyway, I did enjoy reading your very serious and knowledgable contributions to this topic, about the different eras of Aston Martin cars. I don't know much about the 70's and 80's models. Think I can recall a passing refererence by my History teacher though.
Edited by Jon39 on Wednesday 13th July 13:15
Jon.....fabulous pic of a DB tractor.....shame you were drunk when taking it.
The 70's were definitely when I was arguably at my peak of deliciousness.
I prefer not to extrapolate on my work projects in the field of design but,between you and me,my input into the design of the gimp suit was very well received.
The 70's were definitely when I was arguably at my peak of deliciousness.
I prefer not to extrapolate on my work projects in the field of design but,between you and me,my input into the design of the gimp suit was very well received.
I agree totally Steve, the 1950s/60/ cars of all upmarket producers (Ferrari, Aston Martin etc) were the pinnacle for me. The 458 design leaves me cold compared with a 250
I'm not sure what went wrong in thr 70s. I like the muscle car look of the v8s, but I don't think anyone could describe them as beautiful
Ps sure RichB will be along to point out which model DB had the first "modern" Aston Martin grill
I'm not sure what went wrong in thr 70s. I like the muscle car look of the v8s, but I don't think anyone could describe them as beautiful
Ps sure RichB will be along to point out which model DB had the first "modern" Aston Martin grill
RobDown said:
I agree totally Steve, the 1950s/60/ cars of all upmarket producers (Ferrari, Aston Martin etc) were the pinnacle for me. The 458 design leaves me cold compared with a 250
I'm not sure what went wrong in thr 70s. I like the muscle car look of the v8s, but I don't think anyone could describe them as beautiful
Ps sure RichB will be along to point out which model DB had the first "modern" Aston Martin grill
You are quite correct the DB2/3 do have the grill,I am embarrassed by the omission,and they are very fine cars.I'm not sure what went wrong in thr 70s. I like the muscle car look of the v8s, but I don't think anyone could describe them as beautiful
Ps sure RichB will be along to point out which model DB had the first "modern" Aston Martin grill
I agree that the design features of Ferraris over the past 10 odd years have generally been disappointing.
Edited by avinalarf on Wednesday 13th July 14:33
RobDown said:
Ps sure RichB will be along to point out which model DB had the first "modern" Aston Martin grille
In case RichB is busy at present, perhaps working on his DB2-4 Mk III, here is my thought.
I think the answer must be the 1958 DB4, but that grille shape probably developed from the
1951 Ford Consul/Zephyr, and through the 1953 Aston Martin DB2-4 Mark I.
Surely Aston Martin and Ford would not borrow grille designs from each other.
Edited by Jon39 on Wednesday 13th July 14:46
Jon39 said:
RobDown said:
Ps sure RichB will be along to point out which model DB had the first "modern" Aston Martin grille
In case RichB is busy at present, perhaps working on his DB2-4 Mk III,here is my thought.
I think the answer must be the 1958 DB4, but that grille shape probably developed from the
1951 Ford Consul/Zephyr, and through the 1953 Aston Martin DB2-4 Mark I.
What is equally apposite is the comparison between the current Ford Mondeo grill and general frontal features with the DB9.
I'm ashamed to admit it sometimes catches me out.
avinalarf said:
No disrespect but for me the DB9/DBS are more balanced in that respect.
Not to say the Vantage is not a great car.
For me the more aggressive stance of the VantageV12 is its most successful incarnation with increased road presence.
Agree with you regarding the V12V, but personally I find the DB9/DBS too tall and too long (in proportion) to have a real performance aesthetic. All in the eye of the beholder, I suppose.Not to say the Vantage is not a great car.
For me the more aggressive stance of the VantageV12 is its most successful incarnation with increased road presence.
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