- New AMR brand strengthens the connection between road and race cars
- AMR derivatives planned for every core model in the Aston Martin range
- AMR Pro models to have increased power, sharper dynamics and unique exterior and interior treatment
- Rapide AMR and Vantage AMR Pro concepts confirmed for production
07 March 2017, Gaydon: Aston Martin has chosen the 2017 Geneva Motor Show to launch AMR – an exciting new brand that brings a new dimension of race inspired dynamism and performance.
Reflecting Aston Martin’s racing pedigree, AMR takes technology and inspiration from motorsport to amplify the sporting prowess present across the model range. With enhanced performance, sharper dynamics and more powerful design language, AMR takes Aston Martin’s road cars to new and exciting extremes.
The AMR brand follows in the wheeltracks of successive iconic Aston Martin road cars which boasted top-level racing pedigree. In the mid-1930s the success of Aston Martin’s Team Cars in the Ulster TT road race led the marque to build further examples of the lightweight two-seater for sale to the public. In 1951, Sir David Brown introduced uprated and highly desirable ‘Vantage’ specification models, and steered the marque to an historic outright win at Le Mans with the iconic DBR1 in 1959.
Since the formation of Aston Martin Racing (AMR) in 2004 Aston Martin 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 the 24 Hours of Le Mans over this period. Similarly, Aston Martin Racing’s GT3 and GT4 racers have secured countless victories and championship titles around the world.
Two AMR concepts have been unveiled in Geneva: The Rapide AMR and Vantage AMR Pro. The Rapide represents the first tier of AMR, enhancing the four-door sports car with a comprehensive suite of power, chassis and styling upgrades, plus a spectacular new interior treatment. The Vantage AMR Pro – heavily influenced by Aston Martin Racing’s WEC winning V8 Vantage GTE – is the pinnacle; an uncompromising demonstration of AMR’s ‘Track to Tarmac’ philosophy whereby race technology is transferred to road cars.
While future development of the core AMR models will be part of Aston Martin’s central vehicle engineering teams, development of all AMR Pro models will be led by Q by Aston Martin Advanced Operations. This highly-skilled department – managed by Aston Martin’s VP and Chief Special Operations Officer, David King – already has extensive experience of creating extreme Aston Martins, with recent projects including the Vantage GT12, Vantage GT8 and Aston Martin Vulcan.
Underlining Aston Martin’s commitment to its new high-performance brand, AMR’s European development and brand centre will be based at Aston Martin’s state-of-the-art Nürburgring Test Centre, which is situated within sight of the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife race track.
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.”
Vantage AMR Pro
The Vantage AMR Pro is an extreme, track-only expression of performance and the ultimate iteration of the Vantage. Powered by a 507PS development of Aston Martin Racing’s GT4 race engine, the Vantage AMR Pro is the most powerful V8 Vantage ever. Race-spec adjustable suspension, competition engine and transmission mounts and new 19in x 9.5in front and 19in x 11.5in rear centre lock wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Cup 2 tyres, the Vantage AMR Pro promises inspirational handling precision and exceptional levels of grip and traction.
This race car performance is matched by authentic motorsport styling. Once again painted in Stirling Green with lime green accents, the Vantage AMR Pro not only takes its colour scheme from Aston Martin Racing’s V8 Vantage GTE racer, but uses the same bonnet and rear wing as the World Endurance Championship winner.
To compliment these authentic motorsport parts, Aston Martin’s design team has designed a new front bumper that incorporates a new bold full-height front grille, a new front valance and splitter, front fenders, sill appliques and a revised rear diffuser.
The racing theme continues inside, with extensive use of carbon fibre, lavish Dark Knight Alcantara upholstery with lime green accents and a custom roll cage designed by Q by Aston Martin. The result is a Vantage that looks as spectacular as it drives.
Aston Martin’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Andy Palmer, was quick to confirm that both the Rapide AMR and Vantage AMR Pro concepts are set for production: “As passionate enthusiasts of Aston Martin’s competition pedigree, AMR is something we have wanted to bring to fruition for some time. Cars such as the Vantage GT8 and Vantage GT12 confirmed that our customers love raw, race-bred models, but we also knew there was an opportunity to create cars that offer a sharper performance focus but stop short of those truly hardcore, special series models. With the AMR brand we have the perfect platform to deliver both.
As proof of that intent I’m incredibly excited to announce that we will be putting both the Vantage AMR Pro and Rapide AMR into production: the Vantage in an extremely limited series of no more than 7 cars; the Rapide as a run of only 210 cars. They are the start of something very exciting – a programme that will eventually see an AMR version of every model in the Aston Martin range”.
A FOUR-DOOR WORTHY OF A RACING TEAM
- Naturally aspirated V12 engine producing 603PS at the heart of the latest AMR
- Retuned suspension and optimised aerodynamics
- Host of firsts for Rapide including carbon ceramic brakes and 21-inch wheels
- Three design schemes – Standard, Silhouette and Signature
13 June 2018, Le Mans: As Aston Martin returns to Le Mans to defend its 2017 victory at the iconic 24-hour race, so the latest car in the exciting new AMR stable has been unveiled. Following hot on the heels of the DB11 AMR, Aston Martin has revealed the limited edition Rapide AMR. This production version of the concept shown at Geneva last year is limited to just 210 cars.
AMR stands for Aston Martin Racing and the brand draws a direct engineering and aesthetic link between the company’s successful race team and its road cars. As such the Rapide AMR is a sports car capable of comfortably transporting a team of race drivers to a circuit on the other side of a continent and then tackling the track when they get there.
Aston Martin President & Chief Executive Officer, Dr Andy Palmer, commented: ‘AMR takes technology and inspiration from our motorsport programme to amplify the sporting prowess in our road cars which is clear to see in the Rapide AMR, Aston Martin’s most extreme, 4-door sports car. With enhanced performance, sharper dynamics and more powerful design language, Aston Martin has taken Rapide to new and exciting extremes.”
The design of the new 205mph Rapide AMR has changed little from the concept that was shown at the Geneva motorshow in 2017, with a large and aggressive front grille that is reminiscent of the extreme track-only Vantage AMR Pro. Meanwhile the circular daytime running lights recall the recent Zagato models.
The Rapide AMR’s aerodynamics have been tuned to reduce lift while retaining a neutral balance and the extra aerodynamic bodywork such as the splitter, sills, rear diffuser and boot lid lip spoiler are all carbon fibre. The new bonnet with large ventilation inserts is also made from carbon fibre to minimise weight.
At the heart of the Rapide AMR is a naturally aspirated drivetrain that draws much of its technology and character from the potent Aston Martin Vantage GT12. Larger inlet manifolds with tuned length dual inlet runners enhance the airflow into the 6.0-litre V12 engine and, combined with new engine and gearbox calibration, this results in an increase in power. The legendary V12 now puts out 603PS and 630NM of torque, while a new quad exhaust ensures a raucous sound befitting of the AMR badge.
To help harness all of this power and to launch from 0-60mph in just 4.2 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.4 seconds), the Rapide AMR has 21-inch wheels – a first for any Aston Martin – paired with ultra-high performance Michelin Super Sport tyres. The large, forged wheels have a multi spoke design that is not only very stiff but also aids brake cooling. To further aid thermal management of the brakes, the Rapide AMR utilises an evolution of the cooling system on the Vanquish S, with modified brake ducts and dust shields.
As standard, the Rapide AMR comes fitted with carbon ceramic brakes. Measuring 400mm at the front with six piston calipers and 360mm at the rear with four piston calipers, this is the first time that a Rapide has been fitted with such stopping power. The carbon ceramic discs are also part of AMR’s ethos to use lightweight components whilst reducing unsprung mass they have a noticeably beneficial effect on the driving experience.
Alongside the new tyres, brakes and aerodynamics, the Rapide’s suspension has also received considerable attention. The new Rapide AMR rides 10mm lower than a Rapide S and although the three stage adaptive dampers remain, they have been thoroughly reengineered to create a car that is more focused, agile and dynamic. Much of this development work has been completed at the newly opened AMR Performance Centre at the Nürburgring.
The Rapide AMR will be available in three different design schemes. The Standard and Silhouette schemes offer four colours – Mariana Blue, Scintilla Silver, Lightning Silver and Onyx Black – with the Standard scheme adding AMR Lime accents to the splitter, sills and rear diffuser. The Silhouette scheme eschews the Lime accents and instead adds a full-length contrasting stripe in China Grey or Clubsport White.
The Signature scheme matches Stirling Green paint with Lime accents and a Lime stripe for the definitive AMR look. This draws the closest visual link to the Aston Martin Racing team and the liveries of its race cars.
The interior of each Rapide AMR reflects the design scheme chosen for the exterior, with either AMR Lime or Galena Silver welting and stitching. There is a full-length carbon fibre centre console and the seats are trimmed in Alcantara – both firsts for a Rapide. Also available for the first time as an option is a One-77 style steering wheel. Every car has discrete AMR logos stitched into the seats in Galena Silver and each car will come with a limited-edition AMR inspection plaque as well as AMR branding on the carbon sill plaques.
In addition to the three design schemes, customers will also be able make use of Q by Aston Martin to further personalise their car.
The Aston Martin Rapide AMR will be available globally with the exception of China and Russia and is available from £194,950 in the UK, $240,000 in the US and €229,950 in Germany, with first customer deliveries in Q4 2018.
Aston Martin Rapide AMR Specification
Body
- Four-door body style with tailgate & four individual seats
- Extruded aluminium bonded VH body structure
- Aluminium & composite body panels
- Extruded aluminium door side-impact beams
- Single bi-xenon headlamps with integrated LED side lights & direction indicators
- Clear LED rear lamps & direction indicators
- Carbon Fibre Splitter, Bonnet, Side Sills, and Diffuser
Engine & Transmission
- Front mid-mounted engine, rear-wheel drive
- All alloy quad overhead cam 48-valve 5935cc V12 with revised inlet manifolds. Dual variable camshaft timing. Fully CNC machined combustion chambers. 11:1 compression ratio
- Stainless steel exhaust system with cross pipes and quad exhaust tailpipes
- Max power 440 kW (595 bhp / 603 PS) at 7000 rpm – UK & EU
- Max power 433 kW (580 bhp / 588 PS) at 7000 rpm – Rest of World
- Max torque 630Nm (465 lb-ft)
- Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 4.2 sec; 0-100 km/h in 4.4 sec
- Max speed: 205mph (330 km/h)
- Rear mid-mounted, ‘Touchtronic III’, eight-speed gearbox
- Alloy torque tube with Carbon Fibre propeller shaft
- Limited-slip differential
- Final-drive ratio 2.73:1
Steering
- Rack & pinion, Servotronic speed-sensitive, power assisted steering
- 3.0 turns lock-to-lock
- Column tilt & reach adjustment
Wheels & Tyres
- 21” Multispoke matte black wheels
- Front Tyre: 245/35 ZR21 (91Y) XL TL Michelin Pilot Super Sport
- Rear Tyre: 295/30 ZR21 (102Y) XL TL Michelin Pilot Super Sport
Suspension
- Front Independent double wishbones incorporating anti-dive geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube adaptive dampers
- Rear Independent double wishbones with anti-squat and anti-lift geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube adaptive dampers
- 3-stage Adaptive Damping System
Brakes
- Front carbon ceramic brake discs, 400 mm diameter with six-piston calipers
- Rear carbon ceramic brake discs, 360 mm diameter with four-piston calipers
- 3-stage Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
- Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
- Traction Control (TC)
- Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
- Positive Torque Control (PTC)
- Electronic Park Brake (EPB)
- Dark Anodised Brake Calipers
Dimensions
- Length: 5019 mm (197.6”)
- Width: 1929 mm (75.9”) excluding mirrors; 2140 mm (84.3”) including mirrors
- Height: 1350 mm (53.1”)
- Wheelbase: 2989 mm (117.7”)
- Fuel tank capacity: 90.5 litres
- Weight: 1990 kg (4387 lb)
- Weight Distribution: 51%/49% (Front/Rear)
In-car entertainment
- AMi III Infotainment System
- 700W Premium Audio System
- Hard Disk Drive (HDD) satellite navigation 1,2
- 6.5” LCD Screen
- DAB radio 1
- AM/FM radio 1
- Apple Carplay
- Android Auto 1
- USB connector with Waveform Audio Format (WAF), Windows Media Player (WMA), MPEG (MP3) audio, and Apple iPod® & iPhone® 4 compatibility
- Bluetooth® audio (A2DP)
- 3.5 mm auxiliary input socket
Standard Specification
Standard Exterior
- Choice of 4 Colour Schemes
- AMR Lime graphics to lower valances
- Lightweight Black Mesh Grille
- Carbon Fibre Front Splitter, Bonnet, Side Sills, and Diffuser
- Front & rear carbon ceramic brakes with Dark Anodised brake calipers
- Gloss Black Side Strakes
- Gloss Black window surround
- Black textured tailpipe finishers
- Black AML Wings Badges
- Front Daytime Running Lights
- Clear Tail Lights
- Powerfold exterior heated mirrors
- Rain Sensing Wipers
- Automatic Headlights
- Heated rear screen
- Front & rear parking sensors
- Rear view camera
Standard Interior
- Caithness leather & Alcantara interior – Black, Dark Knight [Signature scheme only]
- Alcantara headlining
- Contemporary Carpet
- Full carbon fibre waterfall
- Carbon fibre door inserts
- Black Interior Trim Pack
- Headrest embroidery – AMR logo, Galena Silver
- Contrast stitching – AMR Lime
- Obsidian Black leather welting & interior accents
- Black pedals
- Glass switches
- Fixed rear seats
- Rapide AMR Carbon Sill Plaques
- Electrically operated front seats
- Memory front seats & exterior mirrors (three positions)
- Dual-stage driver & front passenger frontal airbags
- Front occupant side airbags
- Head protection airbags for front & rear occupants
- Heated front seats
- Heated rear screen
- Automatic front temperature control
- Organic Electroluminescent (OEL) displays
- LED map lamps & ambient lighting
- Manual-dimming interior view mirror
- Trip computer
- Cruise control
- Tyre-pressure monitoring
- Alarm & immobiliser
- Remote-control central door locking & boot release
Optional Features
Exterior Options
- Signature exterior scheme [only in conjunction with interior scheme]
- Silhouette exterior scheme [only in conjunction with interior scheme]
- AMR Lime centre stripe [not in conjunction with Signature or Silhouette schemes]
- 21” Forged multi-spoke Matte Black diamond turned wheels
- Painted Calipers (Black) [not in conjunction with Signature scheme]
- Carbon Fibre Exterior Pack: Mirror Caps, Side Strakes, Tail light infills
- Carbon Fibre Door Handles
- Carbon Fibre Wings Badges
- Privacy glass 1
Interior Options
- Signature interior scheme [only in conjunction with exterior scheme]
- Silhouette interior scheme [only in conjunction with exterior scheme]
- Full Caithness leather AMR interior: Obsidian Black, Dark Knight [only in conjunction with Signature scheme]
- AMR Lime Interior Accent Package [not in conjunction with Signature or Silhouette schemes]
- One-77 Style steering wheel
- Carbon fibre gear paddleshifters
- Folding rear seats
- Auto-dimming interior view mirror
- Auto-dimming interior view mirror w/Garage door opener
- Second glass key
- Umbrella
- Rear grab handles 1
- 1000-watt Bang & Olufsen BeoSound audio system with ICEpower® technology and B&O black speaker grilles
- 6-CD autochanger
- Cat5 tracker 1,3
- Alarm upgrade (volumetric & tilt sensor)
- First aid kit
- Not available in all markets
- Includes Traffic Messaging Channel (TMC) in Continental Europe
- Complies with UK Thatcham Category 5 requirements. Excludes subscription.
- iPod and iPhone is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the US
Rapide AMR
A striking presence on the Aston Martin stand, the Rapide AMR provides a dynamic and visual blueprint for future AMR models. Featuring a 600PS version of Aston Martin’s celebrated 6.0-litre naturally aspirated V12 breathing through a new quad exhaust system, it is the world’s fastest and most thrilling four-door, capable of 210MPH. Resplendent in AMR’s signature Stirling Green with vibrant lime green accents, riding on new 21in alloy wheels and featuring a dramatic new full height signature grille, front splitter, side sills, rear diffuser and aero flip on the rear decklid, the Rapide AMR makes a striking statement.
Extensive use of carbon fibre detailing on the exterior provide the perfect finishing touches. The interior is equally breathtaking. Lightweight carbon fibre front seats, trimmed throughout in Dark Knight Alcantara with Lime Green accents and carbon fibre waterfall, centre console and door casings, ensure the Rapide AMR is a fabulous fusion of race car attitude with a luxurious crafted twist.
